Traders from Pakistan have demanded an Afghan border point to be reopened. The route was closed last week following a deadly clash between both the sides.

According to reports, Pakistani traders have suffered setbacks in their business ever since the border point was closed after last Sunday's clash at the Laka Tega border post.

Workers and labourers have been sitting idle, watching their wares and produce spoil owing to the shutdown.&nbsp

The clash killed five Pakistani paramilitary soldiers. According to Pakistan's foreign ministry, the incident was addressed through "diplomatic and military channels."&nbsp

&nbsp

Workers and labourers have been sitting idle, watching their wares and produce spoil owing to the shutdown

Traders from Pakistan have demanded an Afghan border point to be reopened. The route was closed last week following a deadly clash between both the sides. According to reports, Pakistani traders have suffered setbacks in their business ever since the border point was closed after last Sunday's clash at the Laka Tega border post. Workers and labourers have been sitting idle, watching their wares and produce spoil owing to the shutdown. The clash killed five Pakistani paramilitary soldiers. According to Pakistan's foreign ministry, the incident was addressed through "diplomatic and military channels."

Pakistani traders want Afghan border point to reopen 

In an unprecedented move, authorities in Pakistan have called back more than 13,600 police personnel deployed for the security of the non-entitled persons, including many politicians like prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

The step was taken in compliance with the order of Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar who on April 19 ordered police chiefs of all provinces to withdraw within 24 hours the security protocol provided to influential individuals not entitled to it.

Dawn reported that the move taken by the federal and provincial governments will affect many politicians, including Sharif, former interior minister Aftab Sherpao, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazal chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Awami National Party (ANP) chief Asfandyar Wali Khan, as well as police officials, journalists, bureaucrats, foreigners and judges.&nbsp;

The chief justice during his visit to the Peshawar registry had taken notice of the deployment of a large number of police personnel at the residences and offices of the unauthorised persons.

He also directed the Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Islamabad police chiefs to "submit affidavits to the effect duly attested by oath commissioner on next date of hearing April 23 in Islamabad."

Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of Nawaz Sharif, said that the chief justice would be responsible if any harm was caused to her father.

"My Lord, snatch the security of the (former) prime minister who had targeted terrorists by looking directly into their eyes but if, God forbid, anything happened to him, only you (CJP) will be responsible for it," she tweeted.&nbsp;

The step was taken in compliance with the order of Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar who on April 19

In an unprecedented move, authorities in Pakistan have called back more than 13,600 police personnel deployed for the security of the non-entitled persons, including many politicians like prime minister Nawaz Sharif. The step was taken in compliance with the order of Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar who on April 19 ordered police chiefs of all provinces to withdraw within 24 hours the security protocol provided to influential individuals not entitled to it. Dawn reported that the move taken by the federal and provincial governments will affect many politicians, including Sharif, former interior minister Aftab Sherpao, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazal chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Awami National Party (ANP) chief Asfandyar Wali Khan, as well as police officials, journalists, bureaucrats, foreigners and judges. The chief justice during his visit to the Peshawar registry had taken notice of the deployment of a large number of police personnel at the residences and offices of the unauthorised persons. He also directed the Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Islamabad police chiefs to "submit affidavits to the effect duly attested by oath commissioner on next date of hearing April 23 in Islamabad." Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of Nawaz Sharif, said that the chief justice would be responsible if any harm was caused to her father. "My Lord, snatch the security of the (former) prime minister who had targeted terrorists by looking directly into their eyes but if, God forbid, anything happened to him, only you (CJP) will be responsible for it," she tweeted.

Pakistan authorities withdraw security of non-entitled persons

Pakistani cricketer&nbsp;Hasan Ali performed his signature wicket-taking&nbsp;gesture during the flag-lowering ceremony at Wagah border. His&nbsp;involvement in the ceremony has caused a stir.

A video had gone viral on social forums in which the Pakistani pacer Ali, was patting his thighs and raising his arms in front of soldiers from Pakistan Rangers. The move was exactly the same, how he does on cricket field after taking a wicket.&nbsp;

Ali gatecrashed the ceremony and did his trademark celebration facing the Indian crowd and BSF.

Watch the video here:

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Hasan Ali being Hasan Ali during the flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah border <a href="https://t.co/sQuiwthVLb">pic.twitter.com/sQuiwthVLb</a>
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNcricinfo/status/987701265651126276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistani cricket team visited Wagah border for the flag-lowering ceremony and now one the member of the team,&nbsp;Hasan Ali is in news for a different reason.

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Pakistan Test team visit Wagah border for the flag lowering ceremony <a href="https://t.co/Nj7WqHLNAE">pic.twitter.com/Nj7WqHLNAE</a>
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/987695047993905158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistani fans and spectators are praising&nbsp;Ali but he also faced criticism for the act.

Also, Border Security Force (BSF) of India has now decided to lodge an official protest with Pakistan Rangers over the breach of a protocol, i.e. Ali's involvement in the ceremony.

According to the protocol of the flag-lowering parade, only the BSF on the Indian side and Rangers on the Pakistan side can take part and exchange the flags, no civilians can breach the ceremony.

See how Twitter reacted to Hasan Ali's move:

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Hasan Ali being Hasan Ali during the flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah border <a href="https://t.co/sQuiwthVLb">pic.twitter.com/sQuiwthVLb</a>
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNcricinfo/status/987701265651126276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Hasan Ali being Hasan Ali during the flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah border <a href="https://t.co/sQuiwthVLb">pic.twitter.com/sQuiwthVLb</a>
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNcricinfo/status/987701265651126276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Nope... Not impressed by Hasan Ali's tamasha at Wagah! Would rather love to see him keep performing it on the field.
— Adeel Azhar (@adeel_azhar) <a href="https://twitter.com/adeel_azhar/status/987696225444036609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Hasan ali whatever u want to do you do but we indians will not allow you pakistani's beggars to play in our IPL.
— manish Verma (@manish_823) <a href="https://twitter.com/manish_823/status/987719888369168385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

According to the protocol of the flag-lowering parade, only the BSF on the Indian side and Rangers on the Pakistan side can take part in the ceremony and exchange the flags

Pakistani cricketer Hasan Ali performed his signature wicket-taking gesture during the flag-lowering ceremony at Wagah border. His involvement in the ceremony has caused a stir. A video had gone viral on social forums in which the Pakistani pacer Ali, was patting his thighs and raising his arms in front of soldiers from Pakistan Rangers. The move was exactly the same, how he does on cricket field after taking a wicket. Ali gatecrashed the ceremony and did his trademark celebration facing the Indian crowd and BSF. Watch the video here: Hasan Ali being Hasan Ali during the flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah border pic.twitter.com/sQuiwthVLb — ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 21, 2018 × Pakistani cricket team visited Wagah border for the flag-lowering ceremony and now one the member of the team, Hasan Ali is in news for a different reason. Pakistan Test team visit Wagah border for the flag lowering ceremony pic.twitter.com/Nj7WqHLNAE — PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) April 21, 2018 × Pakistani fans and spectators are praising Ali but he also faced criticism for the act. Also, Border Security Force (BSF) of India has now decided to lodge an official protest with Pakistan Rangers over the breach of a protocol, i.e. Ali's involvement in the ceremony. According to the protocol of the flag-lowering parade, only the BSF on the Indian side and Rangers on the Pakistan side can take part and exchange the flags, no civilians can breach the ceremony. See how Twitter reacted to Hasan Ali's move: Hasan Ali being Hasan Ali during the flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah border pic.twitter.com/sQuiwthVLb — ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 21, 2018 × Hasan Ali being Hasan Ali during the flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah border pic.twitter.com/sQuiwthVLb — ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 21, 2018 × Nope... Not impressed by Hasan Ali's tamasha at Wagah! Would rather love to see him keep performing it on the field. — Adeel Azhar (@adeel_azhar) April 21, 2018 × Hasan ali whatever u want to do you do but we indians will not allow you pakistani's beggars to play in our IPL. — manish Verma (@manish_823) April 21, 2018 ×

Hasan Ali gatecrashes Wagah ceremony, faces flak from twitterati; BSF to lodge protest

A 24-year-old man from a village near Amritsar went missing&nbsp;from Panja Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan, reports said on Saturday.&nbsp;

According to reports, Amarjit, a Sikh pilgrimage, went to Pakistan along with other pilgrims for Baisakhi celebration at Nankana Sahib Gurdwara.

This comes on the same day when Indian High Commission officials were prevented from meeting the pilgrims. As per reports, around 1,800 Sikh pilgrims who were visiting Pakistan under a bilateral agreement facilitating visits to religious shrines were stopped from meeting Indian diplomats.&nbsp;

Representatives of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) have confirmed that Amarjit’s passport – along with that of other Sikh pilgrims – was in the board’s custody but he did not return to receive it upon departure.

The Pakistan foreign ministry is conducting an investigating into the matter.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Amarjit, a Sikh pilgrim, went to Pakistan along with other pilgrims for Baisakhi celebration at Nankana Sahib Gurdwara

A 24-year-old man from a village near Amritsar went missing from Panja Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan, reports said on Saturday. According to reports, Amarjit, a Sikh pilgrimage, went to Pakistan along with other pilgrims for Baisakhi celebration at Nankana Sahib Gurdwara. This comes on the same day when Indian High Commission officials were prevented from meeting the pilgrims. As per reports, around 1,800 Sikh pilgrims who were visiting Pakistan under a bilateral agreement facilitating visits to religious shrines were stopped from meeting Indian diplomats. Representatives of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) have confirmed that Amarjit’s passport – along with that of other Sikh pilgrims – was in the board’s custody but he did not return to receive it upon departure. The Pakistan foreign ministry is conducting an investigating into the matter.

24-year-old Indian on a pilgrimage to Pakistan goes missing

China's recent decision to provide Pakistan with the military version of Beidou, its hi-tech ballistic missile tracking and monitoring system, has once again certified a well known strategic view that Beijing uses Islamabad as the first choice exporting nation for testing its weaponry under supervision.

According to an opinion piece published on a website called Strategypage, China and Pakistan have little in common historically or culturally and Beijing sees Islamabad more as a "client state.dependent enough on Chinese goodwill to provide the latter with security."

The opinion piece on the website says, "Pakistan needs China and never the other way around. After all, democratic Pakistan is run by its military and intelligence services, which use Islamic terrorists to attack its neighbours.

China has employed such tactics in the past, but has since moved on to more sophisticated methods."It further goes on to say that China is okay Pakistan's military backing its homegrown and dangerous Islamic terror groups so long as Beijing's huge investments and Chinese personnel in Pakistan are not affected by their brand of coercive violence."

The military lets their pet Islamic terrorists understand that this risk (of Islamic terrorism) is well understood by the generals and that any "protected" Islamic terror group that decides to forget that will be eliminated and the survivors constantly hunted," says the article".

China (has) told the Pakistanis that any Islamic terrorist violence against these projects or the Chinese personnel in Pakistan to ensure everything was built on time and according to spec would result in Pakistan losing the support of China.

Pakistan could not afford that. China was not only the major supplier of weapons to Pakistan but also the only major power ally Pakistan had.

In short, Pakistan needed China more than the other way around,&nbsp;it adds. The testing of the Chinese GPS (Beidou) in Pakistan is not the first instance of the two countries collaborating at the defence level.

Pakistan was the first foreign customer for Chinese stealth aircraft. Pakistan is often the first customer approached by China for testing and purchase of new types of warships.

"If there are any problems with these ships, and that is normal, China will quietly fix things and the Pakistanis will ensure their media does not make an issue of the problem," the article reads.

Pakistan is willing to do all this because (of) the patronage China gives Pakistan without looking to establish control politically over the latter.

The article says, "There is little danger of China seeking to take control of Pakistan because that is not how China operates. China does not like trying to rule and absorb large alien populations. It has enough problems with less than ten million Turkic Uighurs and would not want to deal with over 160,000 more Moslems..".

China, however, possesses the "economic clout to demand certain things from Pakistan and Pakistan find providing that level of security to Chinese investments and personnel (is) a useful exercise in counter-terrorism. This also makes Pakistan one of the few South Asian nations that take comfort in rising Chinese military and economic power in the region," the opinion piece concludes.

The opinion piece on the website says, 'Pakistan needs China and never the other way around'

China's recent decision to provide Pakistan with the military version of Beidou, its hi-tech ballistic missile tracking and monitoring system, has once again certified a well known strategic view that Beijing uses Islamabad as the first choice exporting nation for testing its weaponry under supervision. According to an opinion piece published on a website called Strategypage, China and Pakistan have little in common historically or culturally and Beijing sees Islamabad more as a "client state.dependent enough on Chinese goodwill to provide the latter with security." The opinion piece on the website says, "Pakistan needs China and never the other way around. After all, democratic Pakistan is run by its military and intelligence services, which use Islamic terrorists to attack its neighbours. China has employed such tactics in the past, but has since moved on to more sophisticated methods."It further goes on to say that China is okay Pakistan's military backing its homegrown and dangerous Islamic terror groups so long as Beijing's huge investments and Chinese personnel in Pakistan are not affected by their brand of coercive violence." The military lets their pet Islamic terrorists understand that this risk (of Islamic terrorism) is well understood by the generals and that any "protected" Islamic terror group that decides to forget that will be eliminated and the survivors constantly hunted," says the article". China (has) told the Pakistanis that any Islamic terrorist violence against these projects or the Chinese personnel in Pakistan to ensure everything was built on time and according to spec would result in Pakistan losing the support of China. Pakistan could not afford that. China was not only the major supplier of weapons to Pakistan but also the only major power ally Pakistan had. In short, Pakistan needed China more than the other way around, it adds. The testing of the Chinese GPS (Beidou) in Pakistan is not the first instance of the two countries collaborating at the defence level. Pakistan was the first foreign customer for Chinese stealth aircraft. Pakistan is often the first customer approached by China for testing and purchase of new types of warships. "If there are any problems with these ships, and that is normal, China will quietly fix things and the Pakistanis will ensure their media does not make an issue of the problem," the article reads. Pakistan is willing to do all this because (of) the patronage China gives Pakistan without looking to establish control politically over the latter. The article says, "There is little danger of China seeking to take control of Pakistan because that is not how China operates. China does not like trying to rule and absorb large alien populations. It has enough problems with less than ten million Turkic Uighurs and would not want to deal with over 160,000 more Moslems..". China, however, possesses the "economic clout to demand certain things from Pakistan and Pakistan find providing that level of security to Chinese investments and personnel (is) a useful exercise in counter-terrorism. This also makes Pakistan one of the few South Asian nations that take comfort in rising Chinese military and economic power in the region," the opinion piece concludes.

Pakistan is China's 'client state': US report

The annual budget of Balochistan for 2018-19 will be presented on May 9, approved the Balochistan cabinet on Friday.

The cabinet meeting was presided over by Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, reported Dawn.

The cabinet decided that the budget would be people-friendly. Bizenjo underscored that his government was endeavouring to provide to the people maximum relief and facilities.

According to the report, the Cabinet also decided to cease relapsing development funds for the current fiscal year by April 27 and ordered all departments to send proposals for development schemes and projects for the next year to the Planning and Development Department by May 1, the report said.&nbsp

The cabinet decided that the budget would be people-friendly.

The annual budget of Balochistan for 2018-19 will be presented on May 9, approved the Balochistan cabinet on Friday. The cabinet meeting was presided over by Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, reported Dawn. The cabinet decided that the budget would be people-friendly. Bizenjo underscored that his government was endeavouring to provide to the people maximum relief and facilities. According to the report, the Cabinet also decided to cease relapsing development funds for the current fiscal year by April 27 and ordered all departments to send proposals for development schemes and projects for the next year to the Planning and Development Department by May 1, the report said.

Pakistan: Balochistan budget to be presented on May 9

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday attacked Pakistan&nbsp;for its consistent terror&nbsp;attacks on India.

Referring to Pakistan he said, "one of India's neighbours does not listen to India".&nbsp;&nbsp;

He said that the neighbouring country was always conspiring to break India with the help of terrorism.

He also maintained that&nbsp;someday Pakistan will have to give up to the global pressure.

He said " We always want to maintain good relations with our neighbouring countries. We consider all our neighbours our relatives. However, one of them doesn't listen. But they will have to listen some day.&nbsp; All international forces are putting pressure on them."

He also commended the Indian forces for keeping the terrorists out of the Indian territory.&nbsp;

Rajnath Singh was addressing at the Dadar Nagar Haveli where he had gone to inaugurate a number of development projects.

Singh also assured that his government was planning to bring in fugitive economic offenders bill before the Parliament to seize the properties of the offenders.

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Opposition levels allegations that some Nirav & Choksi fled abroad. We will present a fugitive economic offenders bill before Parliament. Earlier offenders used to flee abroad&their properties weren't seized. Now their properties will be seized under the bill:Rajnath Singh in Diu <a href="https://t.co/JcCd9V7kLC">pic.twitter.com/JcCd9V7kLC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/987572867259944961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Singh also assured that his government was planning to bring in fugitive economic offenders bill before the Parliament to seize the properties of the offenders

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday attacked Pakistan for its consistent terror attacks on India. Referring to Pakistan he said, "one of India's neighbours does not listen to India". He said that the neighbouring country was always conspiring to break India with the help of terrorism. He also maintained that someday Pakistan will have to give up to the global pressure. He said " We always want to maintain good relations with our neighbouring countries. We consider all our neighbours our relatives. However, one of them doesn't listen. But they will have to listen some day. All international forces are putting pressure on them." He also commended the Indian forces for keeping the terrorists out of the Indian territory. Rajnath Singh was addressing at the Dadar Nagar Haveli where he had gone to inaugurate a number of development projects. Singh also assured that his government was planning to bring in fugitive economic offenders bill before the Parliament to seize the properties of the offenders. Opposition levels allegations that some Nirav & Choksi fled abroad. We will present a fugitive economic offenders bill before Parliament. Earlier offenders used to flee abroad&their properties weren't seized. Now their properties will be seized under the bill:Rajnath Singh in Diu pic.twitter.com/JcCd9V7kLC — ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2018 ×

Pakistan will have to give up someday due to international pressure: Rajnath Singh

A Sikh woman pilgrim from Hoshiarpur district has reportedly converted to Islam and married a Lahore-based Pakistan national, reports reaching her family in Punjab have indicated.

Her old father-in-law, Tarsem Singh, alleged that his daughter-in-law could have fallen into the hands of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and may have been forced to convert and remarry there.

Hoshiarpur-based Bala's father-in-law Tarsem Singh sought the Centre's interference fearing that she might have fallen into the hands of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and forced to convert to Islam and remarry there.

The woman had gone to Pakistan to attend the Baisakhi festival there as part of an SGPC Sikh 'jatha' (delegation).

"I had dropped Kiran Bala, who is my daughter-in-law, at Amritsar on April 10 for accompanying the Sikh jatha which was going to Pakistan to celebrate Baisakhi there. She was very happy at that time," said Tarsem.

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Kiran Bala ...she went to Pakistan to celebrate Vaisakhi..got married there..now dnt want to come back <a href="https://t.co/oWrdheeFbK">pic.twitter.com/oWrdheeFbK</a>
— Arshdeep (@arsh_kaur7) <a href="https://twitter.com/arsh_kaur7/status/986944589268439040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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My daughter-in-law called & said that she has converted to Islam & got re-married in Pakistan. I want to request the Prime Minister, CM of Punjab to take her out of this situation. I suspect she might have fallen into the hands of ISI: Tarsem Singh, Father-in-Law of the woman. <a href="https://t.co/e2MhzQr5pV">pic.twitter.com/e2MhzQr5pV</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/987065685145767936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), apex religious body of the Sikhs, had sent a Sikh 'jatha' to Pakistan to celebrate Baisakhi festival there.

A senior SGPC official said that the Committee has sought a report under what circumstances the woman was separated from the 'jatha.'

Kiran Bala's husband Narinder Kumar had died in a road accident in 2013.

She has three children -- a 12-year-old daughter and two sons, respectively eight and six years old.

Tarsem said she had been leading a happy life here with her children and she loved them very much.

Bala has sought an extension of her visa after marrying a man in Lahore and embracing Islam, media reports said today in Pakistan.

Kiran Bala reportedly wrote to the Pakistan Foreign Office that her visa should be extended as she has married one Mohammad Azam, resident of Lahore, during a ceremony held at Jamia Naeemia seminary in Lahore on April 16.

She also changed her name to Amna Bibi which she used to sign the letter addressed to the foreign ministry, the reports said.

She arrived in Pakistan on April 12 with other Sikh pilgrims to attend the festival in Gurdwara Panja Sahib located in Hasan Abdal near Islamabad. Her visa will expire on April 21.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The woman had gone to Pakistan to attend the Baisakhi festival there as part of an SGPC Sikh 'jatha' (delegation).

A Sikh woman pilgrim from Hoshiarpur district has reportedly converted to Islam and married a Lahore-based Pakistan national, reports reaching her family in Punjab have indicated. Her old father-in-law, Tarsem Singh, alleged that his daughter-in-law could have fallen into the hands of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and may have been forced to convert and remarry there. Hoshiarpur-based Bala's father-in-law Tarsem Singh sought the Centre's interference fearing that she might have fallen into the hands of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and forced to convert to Islam and remarry there. The woman had gone to Pakistan to attend the Baisakhi festival there as part of an SGPC Sikh 'jatha' (delegation). "I had dropped Kiran Bala, who is my daughter-in-law, at Amritsar on April 10 for accompanying the Sikh jatha which was going to Pakistan to celebrate Baisakhi there. She was very happy at that time," said Tarsem. Kiran Bala ...she went to Pakistan to celebrate Vaisakhi..got married there..now dnt want to come back pic.twitter.com/oWrdheeFbK — Arshdeep (@arsh_kaur7) April 19, 2018 × My daughter-in-law called & said that she has converted to Islam & got re-married in Pakistan. I want to request the Prime Minister, CM of Punjab to take her out of this situation. I suspect she might have fallen into the hands of ISI: Tarsem Singh, Father-in-Law of the woman. pic.twitter.com/e2MhzQr5pV — ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2018 × The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), apex religious body of the Sikhs, had sent a Sikh 'jatha' to Pakistan to celebrate Baisakhi festival there. A senior SGPC official said that the Committee has sought a report under what circumstances the woman was separated from the 'jatha.' Kiran Bala's husband Narinder Kumar had died in a road accident in 2013. She has three children -- a 12-year-old daughter and two sons, respectively eight and six years old. Tarsem said she had been leading a happy life here with her children and she loved them very much. Bala has sought an extension of her visa after marrying a man in Lahore and embracing Islam, media reports said today in Pakistan. Kiran Bala reportedly wrote to the Pakistan Foreign Office that her visa should be extended as she has married one Mohammad Azam, resident of Lahore, during a ceremony held at Jamia Naeemia seminary in Lahore on April 16. She also changed her name to Amna Bibi which she used to sign the letter addressed to the foreign ministry, the reports said. She arrived in Pakistan on April 12 with other Sikh pilgrims to attend the festival in Gurdwara Panja Sahib located in Hasan Abdal near Islamabad. Her visa will expire on April 21. (With inputs from Agencies)

Watch: Indian Sikh woman pilgrim converts to Islam, remarries in Pakistan

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Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday accused the Congress party of trivialising the power of impeachment and using it as a political tool.

In a scathing Facebook post, the senior BJP leader said the 114-page judgement in the Judge Loya death case authored by Justice D Y Chandrachud on behalf of the three Judge Bench of the Supreme Court "exposes every fact of the conspiracy" to generate falsehood as propaganda in the public and political space.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/will-not-be-accepted-after-trumps-tweet-on-oil-prices-dip-131685">'Will not be accepted': After Trump's tweet on oil, prices dip</a>

As oil prices touched a new high today, US President tweeted saying it was "very high" and "will not be accepted", after the president's tweet, Brent and WTI crude prices turned "negative".

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/entertainment-natalie-portman-withdraws-her-attendance-from-an-israeli-award-ceremony-131659">Watch: Natalie Portman withdraws attendance from Israeli award ceremony</a>

Hollywood actress Natalie Portman has refused to attend a ceremony in Israel to accept a million-dollar prize because of "recent events" in the country, the organisers said, announcing the prizegiving had been cancelled.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/south-asia/entertainment-after-meesha-shafi-more-women-accuse-ali-zafar-of-sexual-harassment-131673">MeToo# in Pak: After Meesha Shafi, more women accuse Ali Zafar of sexual harassment</a>

Meesha Shafi is not the only woman to have gone through harassment by singer Ali Zafar it seems as more women have broken their silence and spoken about Zafar's misconduct.&nbsp;

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/arsene-wenger-to-step-down-as-arsenal-manager-131646">Arsene Wenger to step down as Arsenal manager</a>

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is to stand down at the end of the season after a reign of almost 22 years that made him the most successful boss in the Premier League club's history.

&nbsp;

Congress using CJI Deepak Misra's impeachment as a 'political tool': Arun Jaitley Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday accused the Congress party of trivialising the power of impeachment and using it as a political tool. In a scathing Facebook post, the senior BJP leader said the 114-page judgement in the Judge Loya death case authored by Justice D Y Chandrachud on behalf of the three Judge Bench of the Supreme Court "exposes every fact of the conspiracy" to generate falsehood as propaganda in the public and political space. 'Will not be accepted': After Trump's tweet on oil, prices dip As oil prices touched a new high today, US President tweeted saying it was "very high" and "will not be accepted", after the president's tweet, Brent and WTI crude prices turned "negative". Watch: Natalie Portman withdraws attendance from Israeli award ceremony Hollywood actress Natalie Portman has refused to attend a ceremony in Israel to accept a million-dollar prize because of "recent events" in the country, the organisers said, announcing the prizegiving had been cancelled. MeToo# in Pak: After Meesha Shafi, more women accuse Ali Zafar of sexual harassment Meesha Shafi is not the only woman to have gone through harassment by singer Ali Zafar it seems as more women have broken their silence and spoken about Zafar's misconduct. Arsene Wenger to step down as Arsenal manager Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is to stand down at the end of the season after a reign of almost 22 years that made him the most successful boss in the Premier League club's history.

News brief: Big stories of the day

China today backed its all-weather ally Pakistan and called on the international community to support its counter-terrorism efforts after Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the neighbouring country as a "terror export factory".

"Terrorism is the enemy faced by all. The international community should work together to fight against it," foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said during a media briefing here when asked about China's response to Modi terming Pakistan as a "terror export factory" during a speech in London.

"We hope the international community could support the efforts made by Pakistan in counter-terrorism and forge effective cooperation with it in that regard," Hua said putting up a strong defence for China's all-weather ally.

While speaking at the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' programme at the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London on Wednesday, warning Pakistan, Modi had said India will not tolerate those who export terror and will respond to them in the language they understand, referring to the 2016 surgical strikes conducted across the LoC.

"When someone has put a terror export factory in place and makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language," he had said.

Hua's comment also came ahead of the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) here, to be held early next week.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is arriving here tomorrow to take part in the meeting to be held on April 24. She is due to meet her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday.

Separately Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman too will attend the SCO Defence Ministers meeting on the same day.

These are the first meetings of the SCO after India and Pakistan were admitted into the eight-member group in which China and Russia plays an influential role.

Both events are to be attended by the respective Ministers from Pakistan. SCO consists China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Modi is also due to attend this year's SCO summit to be held in the Chinese city of Qingdao in June.

Hua said issues related to terrorism will be discussed at the meeting of SCO Foreign Ministers.

"We believe it is a purpose of the SCO to promote relevant cooperation in that field. Security has been a priority of the SCO since its inception," she said.

"So the upcoming SCO Foreign Ministers meeting will see participants exchanging views on the relevant issues, major international and regional issues and all the participants will uphold the Shanghai sprit to consolidate more consensus and to move forward the development of the SCO," she said.

China today backed its all-weather ally Pakistan and called on the international community to support its counter-terrorism efforts

China today backed its all-weather ally Pakistan and called on the international community to support its counter-terrorism efforts after Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the neighbouring country as a "terror export factory". "Terrorism is the enemy faced by all. The international community should work together to fight against it," foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said during a media briefing here when asked about China's response to Modi terming Pakistan as a "terror export factory" during a speech in London. "We hope the international community could support the efforts made by Pakistan in counter-terrorism and forge effective cooperation with it in that regard," Hua said putting up a strong defence for China's all-weather ally. While speaking at the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' programme at the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London on Wednesday, warning Pakistan, Modi had said India will not tolerate those who export terror and will respond to them in the language they understand, referring to the 2016 surgical strikes conducted across the LoC. "When someone has put a terror export factory in place and makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language," he had said. Hua's comment also came ahead of the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) here, to be held early next week. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is arriving here tomorrow to take part in the meeting to be held on April 24. She is due to meet her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday. Separately Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman too will attend the SCO Defence Ministers meeting on the same day. These are the first meetings of the SCO after India and Pakistan were admitted into the eight-member group in which China and Russia plays an influential role. Both events are to be attended by the respective Ministers from Pakistan. SCO consists China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Modi is also due to attend this year's SCO summit to be held in the Chinese city of Qingdao in June. Hua said issues related to terrorism will be discussed at the meeting of SCO Foreign Ministers. "We believe it is a purpose of the SCO to promote relevant cooperation in that field. Security has been a priority of the SCO since its inception," she said. "So the upcoming SCO Foreign Ministers meeting will see participants exchanging views on the relevant issues, major international and regional issues and all the participants will uphold the Shanghai sprit to consolidate more consensus and to move forward the development of the SCO," she said.

International community should support Pakistan on counter-terrorism efforts: China

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-coming-to-power-in-karnataka-will-prove-to-be-stepping-stone-for-rest-of-country-siddaramaiah-to-wion-131388">Lingayat religious issue not created by us: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to WION</a>

With the Karnataka elections just around the corner, chief minister Siddaramaiah is locked in a tight triangular contest with the BJP and the JD-S. Siddaramaiah says the Congress will come to power in Karnataka, paving the way for his party’s revival in the rest of the country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/repeating-a-lie-doesnt-turn-it-into-the-truth-says-pak-on-pm-modis-surgical-strike-statement-131390">'Repeating a lie doesn't turn it into the truth,' says Pak on PM Modi's surgical strike statement</a>

After PM Modi said the surgical strikes against Pakistan in September 2016 were a 100 per cent success, the Pakistan foreign office said today that "by continuously repeating a lie, it doesn't turn into the truth."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/3-belgian-companies-face-heat-over-chemical-exports-to-syria-131430">3 Belgian companies face heat over chemical exports to Syria</a>

According to reports, three Belgian countries have been accused of exporting chemicals to Syria. The trial date has already been set by a Belgian court. Chemicals exported include isopropanol which is also known to be used for producing nerve gas.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/air-force-carried-out-strikes-on-islamic-state-targets-inside-syria-iraq-pm-131409">Air Force carried out strikes on Islamic State targets inside Syria: Iraq PM</a>

PM Haider al-Abadi's said Iraqi Air Force carried out air strikes on Islamic State(IS) installations inside Syria. The prime minister's office said the "deadly air strikes" were launched from the Iraqi side of the border.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-bangladesh-model-mosques-will-be-open-for-women--131408">Bangladesh's billion-dollar 'model' mosques will be open for women</a>

Touted as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's flagship project, the plan aims to set up model mosques across the country to check radical ideologies and counter Islamist extremist. The preliminary work for the project has already been started. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Lingayat religious issue not created by us: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to WION With the Karnataka elections just around the corner, chief minister Siddaramaiah is locked in a tight triangular contest with the BJP and the JD-S. Siddaramaiah says the Congress will come to power in Karnataka, paving the way for his party’s revival in the rest of the country. 'Repeating a lie doesn't turn it into the truth,' says Pak on PM Modi's surgical strike statement After PM Modi said the surgical strikes against Pakistan in September 2016 were a 100 per cent success, the Pakistan foreign office said today that "by continuously repeating a lie, it doesn't turn into the truth." 3 Belgian companies face heat over chemical exports to Syria According to reports, three Belgian countries have been accused of exporting chemicals to Syria. The trial date has already been set by a Belgian court. Chemicals exported include isopropanol which is also known to be used for producing nerve gas. Air Force carried out strikes on Islamic State targets inside Syria: Iraq PM PM Haider al-Abadi's said Iraqi Air Force carried out air strikes on Islamic State(IS) installations inside Syria. The prime minister's office said the "deadly air strikes" were launched from the Iraqi side of the border. Bangladesh's billion-dollar 'model' mosques will be open for women Touted as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's flagship project, the plan aims to set up model mosques across the country to check radical ideologies and counter Islamist extremist. The preliminary work for the project has already been started.

After PM Modi said the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-armys-surgical-strike-across-the-line-of-control-10-key-points-6938"> surgical strikes against Pakistan</a> in September 2016 were a 100 per cent success, the Pakistan foreign office said today that "by continuously repeating a lie, it doesn't turn into the truth."

Speaking at Westminster Central Hall on Wednesday evening PM Modi had said that India waited to inform Pakistan about the operation before disclosing it to the media and the people.

"I said before India gets to know, we should call Pakistan and tell them. We were calling them since 11am but they were scared to come on phone, at 12 we spoke to them and then told the Indian media," Modi had said.

Pakistan foreign office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said India's claims about&nbsp;"surgical strikes were false and baseless".

"Repeating a lie doesn't turn it into the truth," the spokesperson was quoted as saying by Pakistan's Dawn newspaper.

"These statements are nothing but a figment of imagination," the foreign office spokesman added.

Faisal,&nbsp;in fact, hit back at India saying that it was quite the other way around, &nbsp;accusing India of backing terrorists in Pakistan.&nbsp;

"Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav is proof of Indian state-sponsored terrorism," he said.

Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism last year however India moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the verdict.&nbsp;

In response, the ICJ halted his execution on India's appeal pending the final verdict.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3JyOsICc1YY" width="560"></iframe>

PM Modi had said that India waited to inform Pakistan about the surgical strikes before disclosing it to the media and the people.

After PM Modi said the surgical strikes against Pakistan in September 2016 were a 100 per cent success, the Pakistan foreign office said today that "by continuously repeating a lie, it doesn't turn into the truth." Speaking at Westminster Central Hall on Wednesday evening PM Modi had said that India waited to inform Pakistan about the operation before disclosing it to the media and the people. "I said before India gets to know, we should call Pakistan and tell them. We were calling them since 11am but they were scared to come on phone, at 12 we spoke to them and then told the Indian media," Modi had said. Pakistan foreign office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said India's claims about "surgical strikes were false and baseless". "Repeating a lie doesn't turn it into the truth," the spokesperson was quoted as saying by Pakistan's Dawn newspaper. "These statements are nothing but a figment of imagination," the foreign office spokesman added. Faisal, in fact, hit back at India saying that it was quite the other way around, accusing India of backing terrorists in Pakistan. "Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav is proof of Indian state-sponsored terrorism," he said. Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism last year however India moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the verdict. In response, the ICJ halted his execution on India's appeal pending the final verdict.

'Repeating a lie doesn't turn it into the truth,' says Pak on PM Modi's surgical strike statement

Pakistan's leading opposition leader Imran Khan today said he would take action against 20 provincial lawmakers of his party for allegedly selling their votes in elections to the upper house of parliament.

The elections to the Senate early last month were marred by allegations levelled by various political leaders that several lawmakers from different parties took money to vote against several policies.

Cricketer-turned-politician Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party (PTI) rules the northwestern province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa where allegedly many lawmakers were involved in the vote-for-money scandal.

In a press conference here, Khan who is campaigning for a corruption-free Pakistan, identified 20 party members and lawmakers of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assembly and accused each of them of selling their vote for Rs 40 million.

"We have issued them show cause notices to explain their position to the party. We will ask National Accountability Bureau to take action against them if they fail to satisfy the party," said Khan.

The Senate is 104-member upper chamber of parliament and the members are elected by the lawmakers of provincial and national assemblies on the basis of proportional representation. This makes selling and buying of votes easier.

Khan said money had been used in all elections to the Senate but it was for the first time that any party had initiated action against those who sold their votes.

Khan identified 20 party members and lawmakers of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assembly and accused each of them of selling their vote for Rs 40 million

Pakistan's leading opposition leader Imran Khan today said he would take action against 20 provincial lawmakers of his party for allegedly selling their votes in elections to the upper house of parliament. The elections to the Senate early last month were marred by allegations levelled by various political leaders that several lawmakers from different parties took money to vote against several policies. Cricketer-turned-politician Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party (PTI) rules the northwestern province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa where allegedly many lawmakers were involved in the vote-for-money scandal. In a press conference here, Khan who is campaigning for a corruption-free Pakistan, identified 20 party members and lawmakers of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assembly and accused each of them of selling their vote for Rs 40 million. "We have issued them show cause notices to explain their position to the party. We will ask National Accountability Bureau to take action against them if they fail to satisfy the party," said Khan. The Senate is 104-member upper chamber of parliament and the members are elected by the lawmakers of provincial and national assemblies on the basis of proportional representation. This makes selling and buying of votes easier. Khan said money had been used in all elections to the Senate but it was for the first time that any party had initiated action against those who sold their votes.

Pakistan: Imran Khan to act against party lawmakers in vote-for-money scandal

The US will place "reciprocal restrictions" on the movement of Pakistani diplomats in the country from May 1, forcing them to stay within 40 kms of the city they are posted in, according to media reports.

The US' move came after Pakistan imposed restrictions on American diplomats in the country and barred them from visiting the tribal belt and Karachi.

Pakistani officials, however, had argued that those were not restrictions but security measures intended to protect American diplomats.

The US is doing so as Islamabad has already imposed similar restrictions on US diplomats in Pakistan, the DawnNews reported quoting a senior State Department official.

In an interview with the Voice of America's Uzbek service, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon said, "Typically, these kinds of restrictions are reciprocal in nature, so I'll just leave it at that."&nbsp

He was asked if the US government was going to restrict the movement of Pakistani diplomats in the country.

Asked if the Trump administration had notified the Pakistani government, the senior US official said: "Our diplomats are under travel restrictions. They can travel further, but they have to notify the government of Pakistan."

Shannon tried to downplay the impact of the US decision by adding that such practices were "very common in diplomacy", and instead of focusing on this the need was to look at the continued engagement between the two countries, the Dawn reported.

According to earlier media reports, the Trump administration had notified Pakistan recently that from May 1, diplomats at their embassy in Washington and at consulates in other cities would not be able to travel beyond 40 km of their offices without permission.

According to this notification, diplomats would need to apply for permission at least five days ahead of an intended travel outside the imposed 40km radius.

Officials from both the countries, the US and Pakistan, however, have made it clear that the notice had nothing to do with the case of an American military attache at the US embassy in Islamabad, who is charged with causing the death of a Pakistani national and injuring another in a road accident.

Islamabad has already imposed similar restrictions on US diplomats in Pakistan

The US will place "reciprocal restrictions" on the movement of Pakistani diplomats in the country from May 1, forcing them to stay within 40 kms of the city they are posted in, according to media reports. The US' move came after Pakistan imposed restrictions on American diplomats in the country and barred them from visiting the tribal belt and Karachi. Pakistani officials, however, had argued that those were not restrictions but security measures intended to protect American diplomats. The US is doing so as Islamabad has already imposed similar restrictions on US diplomats in Pakistan, the DawnNews reported quoting a senior State Department official. In an interview with the Voice of America's Uzbek service, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon said, "Typically, these kinds of restrictions are reciprocal in nature, so I'll just leave it at that." He was asked if the US government was going to restrict the movement of Pakistani diplomats in the country. Asked if the Trump administration had notified the Pakistani government, the senior US official said: "Our diplomats are under travel restrictions. They can travel further, but they have to notify the government of Pakistan." Shannon tried to downplay the impact of the US decision by adding that such practices were "very common in diplomacy", and instead of focusing on this the need was to look at the continued engagement between the two countries, the Dawn reported. According to earlier media reports, the Trump administration had notified Pakistan recently that from May 1, diplomats at their embassy in Washington and at consulates in other cities would not be able to travel beyond 40 km of their offices without permission. According to this notification, diplomats would need to apply for permission at least five days ahead of an intended travel outside the imposed 40km radius. Officials from both the countries, the US and Pakistan, however, have made it clear that the notice had nothing to do with the case of an American military attache at the US embassy in Islamabad, who is charged with causing the death of a Pakistani national and injuring another in a road accident.

US to restrict movement of Pakistani diplomats from May 1

Pakistan's deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif today left for London along with his daughter to see his cancer-stricken wife amid speculation that he might not return because of a likely conviction in three corruption cases against him.

As Sharif's family spokesman did not reveal his return schedule, analysts here believe that it is likely that Sharif will skip his appearance before a combined investigation team of the National Accountability Bureau in Lahore on April 21.&nbsp;

NAB has summoned Sharif for allegedly misusing his authority for illegal construction of a road leading to his Jati Umra, Raiwind residence.

Sharif who was disqualified by the Supreme Court is due to appear in the accountability court on April 23 in a corruption case. But it is likely that he may skip it.

"Begum Kulsoom Nawaz has been under treatment in a hospital in London as her condition is serious," the family spokesperson said, adding that because of her serious condition Sharif and his daughter have to be with her. 
Maryam also tweeted about her mother.

"My mother is hospitalised again. Remember her in your special prayers. I know prayers can do wonders. Allah answers prayers," Maryam tweeted.

Kulsoom, last year, had undergone a surgery for lymphoma (throat cancer). Her condition recently deteriorated and she was hospitalised.&nbsp;

Last week, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khakan Abbasi had shown reluctance to place the names of Nawaz Sharif and his family on the Exit Control List (ECL).

The NAB had asked to include on the ECL the names of Sharif's children - Maryam, Hassan and Hussain - his son-in-law retired Captain Safdar Awan.&nbsp;

All of them are being tried in accountability courts regarding the Panama Leaks cases. His both sons are already in London. They have been declared proclaimed offenders by the accountability court in the corruption cases against them.

Opposition parties especially the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has criticised the government for not placing the Sharif family on ECL.&nbsp;

"Nawaz Sharif and Maryam left the country at the time when a decision against them by the accountability court is about to come," Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf senior leader Babar Awan said and claimed that Sharif would not return the country.&nbsp;

"Nawaz Sharif has left the country on the pretext of his wife's ailment," he said.

Kulsoom, last year, had undergone a surgery for lymphoma (throat cancer). Her condition recently deteriorated and she was hospitalised

Pakistan's deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif today left for London along with his daughter to see his cancer-stricken wife amid speculation that he might not return because of a likely conviction in three corruption cases against him. As Sharif's family spokesman did not reveal his return schedule, analysts here believe that it is likely that Sharif will skip his appearance before a combined investigation team of the National Accountability Bureau in Lahore on April 21. NAB has summoned Sharif for allegedly misusing his authority for illegal construction of a road leading to his Jati Umra, Raiwind residence. Sharif who was disqualified by the Supreme Court is due to appear in the accountability court on April 23 in a corruption case. But it is likely that he may skip it. "Begum Kulsoom Nawaz has been under treatment in a hospital in London as her condition is serious," the family spokesperson said, adding that because of her serious condition Sharif and his daughter have to be with her. Maryam also tweeted about her mother. "My mother is hospitalised again. Remember her in your special prayers. I know prayers can do wonders. Allah answers prayers," Maryam tweeted. Kulsoom, last year, had undergone a surgery for lymphoma (throat cancer). Her condition recently deteriorated and she was hospitalised. Last week, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khakan Abbasi had shown reluctance to place the names of Nawaz Sharif and his family on the Exit Control List (ECL). The NAB had asked to include on the ECL the names of Sharif's children - Maryam, Hassan and Hussain - his son-in-law retired Captain Safdar Awan. All of them are being tried in accountability courts regarding the Panama Leaks cases. His both sons are already in London. They have been declared proclaimed offenders by the accountability court in the corruption cases against them. Opposition parties especially the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has criticised the government for not placing the Sharif family on ECL. "Nawaz Sharif and Maryam left the country at the time when a decision against them by the accountability court is about to come," Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf senior leader Babar Awan said and claimed that Sharif would not return the country. "Nawaz Sharif has left the country on the pretext of his wife's ailment," he said.

Nawaz Sharif leaves for London to see ailing wife

Anti-Pakistan banners stating "Pakistan must answer for crimes against humanity"&nbsp;and "must question Pakistan for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/free-balochistan-movement-announces-worldwide-protest-on-balochistan-occupation-day-36199">enforced disappearances in Balochistan</a>" were seen in London ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Protest over liberating Balochistan have been on the rise in Pakistan as well as in other&nbsp;parts of the world. There have been frequent protests over alleged&nbsp;human rights violations in Balochistan with several banners&nbsp;frequently seen in London, New York and&nbsp;Geneva in the past one year.&nbsp;

Last year, taxis in London and New York carried "Free Balochistan" banners as the protests spread rapidly to other parts of the world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/taxis-with-free-balochistan-slogans-now-in-new-york-27425" target="_blank">Now, taxis with 'Free Balochistan' slogan in New York</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/free-balochistan-movement-protest-in-london-against-cpec-human-rights-violations-by-pakistan-31035" target="_blank">Free Balochistan Movement protest in London against CPEC, human rights violations by Pakistan</a>

According to Free Baloch Movement, Pakistan forces have abducted and killed over thousands of Baloch since 1948.

A Free Balochistan Movement was&nbsp;organised on March 17 in London to highlight a worldwide protest against the "illegal occupation" of Balochistan by Pakistan.

Balochistan was taken over by Pakistan on March 27, 1948.

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Anti-Pakistan banners reading 'Pakistan must answer for crimes against humanity' & 'must question Pakistan for enforced disappearances in Balochistan' seen in London. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedKingdom?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedKingdom</a> <a href="https://t.co/IlkTqIe1NG">pic.twitter.com/IlkTqIe1NG</a>
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Anti-Pakistan banners stating 'Pakistan must answer for crimes against humanity' and 'must question Pakistan for enforced disappearances in Balochistan' were seen in London ahead of the Commonwealth meeting of the Heads of the Government

Anti-Pakistan banners stating "Pakistan must answer for crimes against humanity" and "must question Pakistan for enforced disappearances in Balochistan" were seen in London ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Protest over liberating Balochistan have been on the rise in Pakistan as well as in other parts of the world. There have been frequent protests over alleged human rights violations in Balochistan with several banners frequently seen in London, New York and Geneva in the past one year. Last year, taxis in London and New York carried "Free Balochistan" banners as the protests spread rapidly to other parts of the world. Also read: Now, taxis with 'Free Balochistan' slogan in New York Also read: Free Balochistan Movement protest in London against CPEC, human rights violations by Pakistan According to Free Baloch Movement, Pakistan forces have abducted and killed over thousands of Baloch since 1948. A Free Balochistan Movement was organised on March 17 in London to highlight a worldwide protest against the "illegal occupation" of Balochistan by Pakistan. Balochistan was taken over by Pakistan on March 27, 1948. Anti-Pakistan banners reading 'Pakistan must answer for crimes against humanity' & 'must question Pakistan for enforced disappearances in Balochistan' seen in London. #UnitedKingdom pic.twitter.com/IlkTqIe1NG — ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2018 ×

Anti-Pakistan banners in London ahead of CHOGM

Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in cross-border fire from Afghanistan while working on a fence intended to cover nearly all of the disputed 2,500km border separating the countries, the Pakistani military said on Sunday.

Though security has improved in Pakistan's remote areas bordering Afghanistan, sectarian militant attacks, primarily targeting Shi'ite Muslims, still occur.&nbsp;

"Pakistani troops are exercising maximum restraint so as to avoid any Afghan civilian casualties," the Pakistan Army's public relations department said, adding that five soldiers were wounded in the attack.&nbsp;

Afghan officials said that Pakistani troops crossed on to Afghan soil, prompting a response by border forces and the local tribal force.&nbsp;

"Two tribesmen were killed and the exchange of fire is ongoing," said Mohmud Zazai, a senior army commander in the area.&nbsp;

Pakistan has blamed Pakistani Taliban militants it says are based on Afghan soil for attacks that have taken place in the region over the past two years, urging Kabul to eradicate "sanctuaries" for militants.

Afghanistan, in turn, accuses Islamabad of sheltering the leadership of the Afghan Taliban militants who are battling the Western-backed government in Kabul.

A local political official, who asked not to be identified, said that Pakistani security forces had responded on Sunday by opening fire along the border.&nbsp;

Mosques in Pakistan's Kurram Agency region, where the attack took place, made announcements urging locals to assist the armed forces, prompting throngs of armed civilians to arrive at the border after the attack.&nbsp;

Kurram has been plagued by militancy over the past decade and was the location of many US&nbsp;drone strikes targeting commanders from al Qaeda and other militant groups.

Twin blasts in Kurram's most populous town, Parachinar, killed more than 75 people in June.&nbsp;

In a separate incident on Sunday in Pakistan's North Waziristan district, which also borders Afghanistan, a security forces vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device 15km from district capital Miranshah, a military official said.&nbsp;

A curfew has been imposed in the area, with security officials carrying out a search operation.&nbsp;

North Waziristan was a Taliban stronghold until 2014, when Pakistan's military launched a major offensive against the group and pushed many of its fighters across the border into Afghanistan. 
&nbsp;

A curfew has been imposed in the area, with security officials carrying out a search operation

Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in cross-border fire from Afghanistan while working on a fence intended to cover nearly all of the disputed 2,500km border separating the countries, the Pakistani military said on Sunday. Though security has improved in Pakistan's remote areas bordering Afghanistan, sectarian militant attacks, primarily targeting Shi'ite Muslims, still occur. "Pakistani troops are exercising maximum restraint so as to avoid any Afghan civilian casualties," the Pakistan Army's public relations department said, adding that five soldiers were wounded in the attack. Afghan officials said that Pakistani troops crossed on to Afghan soil, prompting a response by border forces and the local tribal force. "Two tribesmen were killed and the exchange of fire is ongoing," said Mohmud Zazai, a senior army commander in the area. Pakistan has blamed Pakistani Taliban militants it says are based on Afghan soil for attacks that have taken place in the region over the past two years, urging Kabul to eradicate "sanctuaries" for militants. Afghanistan, in turn, accuses Islamabad of sheltering the leadership of the Afghan Taliban militants who are battling the Western-backed government in Kabul. A local political official, who asked not to be identified, said that Pakistani security forces had responded on Sunday by opening fire along the border. Mosques in Pakistan's Kurram Agency region, where the attack took place, made announcements urging locals to assist the armed forces, prompting throngs of armed civilians to arrive at the border after the attack. Kurram has been plagued by militancy over the past decade and was the location of many US drone strikes targeting commanders from al Qaeda and other militant groups. Twin blasts in Kurram's most populous town, Parachinar, killed more than 75 people in June. In a separate incident on Sunday in Pakistan's North Waziristan district, which also borders Afghanistan, a security forces vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device 15km from district capital Miranshah, a military official said. A curfew has been imposed in the area, with security officials carrying out a search operation. North Waziristan was a Taliban stronghold until 2014, when Pakistan's military launched a major offensive against the group and pushed many of its fighters across the border into Afghanistan.

2 Pakistani soldiers killed in cross-border fire from Afghanistan: Pak military

The Russian envoy to India, Nikolay Kudashev, said on Monday that Pakistan has taken "serious measures" to curb terror financing and shown the desire to be a part of global and regional efforts to fight the menace.

His remarks come as ties between Russia and Pakistan appear to grow.

In September last year, the two countries held a two-week long military exercise - DRUZBA 2017 - focusing on counter-terrorism operations to boost bilateral defence ties.

Kudashev, however, said it would not be correct to say that Russia was getting closer to Pakistan as Moscow's relations with New Delhi "are unique and second to no one".

The Russian envoy to India, Nikolay Kudashev, said today that Pakistan has taken "serious measures" to curb terror financing and shown the desire to be a part of global and regional efforts to fight the menace

The Russian envoy to India, Nikolay Kudashev, said on Monday that Pakistan has taken "serious measures" to curb terror financing and shown the desire to be a part of global and regional efforts to fight the menace. His remarks come as ties between Russia and Pakistan appear to grow. In September last year, the two countries held a two-week long military exercise - DRUZBA 2017 - focusing on counter-terrorism operations to boost bilateral defence ties. Kudashev, however, said it would not be correct to say that Russia was getting closer to Pakistan as Moscow's relations with New Delhi "are unique and second to no one".

Pakistan has taken 'serious measures' to curb terror funding: Russian envoy to India

China`s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes of Silk Road, has hit a roadblock in seven countries, according to a recent report. The Gwadar Port in Pakistan`s Balochistan province is the venue of the USD 63 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

China is developing Pakistan`s power plants, airports, highways and other infrastructure under the project. Also, Beijing aims to link its landlocked western region to Gwadar. Despite this, some analysts have expressed concerns such as rising trade deficit of Pakistan with China.

There are also doubts on how Islamabad will repay off its debt to Beijing if the former is unable to do so. Also, there are worries that the price of such investment can be a huge debt burden, according to the report by Nikkei Asian Review. "The China-Pakistan corridor will no doubt be a game changer for Pakistan, but we need to be careful.

Ten years` tax concessions, 90-year leases for Chinese companies and cheap imports will impact the competitiveness of existing domestic industries," Nikkei Asian Review quoted Ehsan Malik, the CEO of Pakistan Business Council, a business policy advocacy forum, as saying. Nikkei Asian Review and The Banker magazine have published a detailed report on the status of the BRI projects in seven countries - Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Poland, Laos and Pakistan.

The report also deduces the concerns of these countries ranging from a lack of participation by local workers and banks to unmanageable debts.In Indonesia, the BRI project has been experiencing serious delays. Construction on a USD 6 billion railway line is running behind schedule, coupled with rising costs.

This has been the same scenario in Kazakhstan and Bangladesh.In terms of deficits, concerns have been raised about owing unmanageable debts to China in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Laos, along with Pakistan.As per the report, Beijing`s massive economic project is also plagued with sovereignty concerns.

In Sri Lanka, China`s takeover of the Hambantota Port has raised eyebrows over the "loss of sovereignty. "In 2008, former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa had ordered the construction of the USD 1.5 billion Hambantota Port.Colombo has granted a 99-year lease on the port to China Merchants Port Holdings in a bid to eliminate its debts.

The first phase of the project, which ended in 2010, costs USD 361 million. The Export-Import Bank of China financed 85 percent of the work during the first phase. The Sri Lankan Government found itself unable to repay its debts as the port`s losses started piling up. The country had an external debt of USD 48.3 billion in 2017-end, and its annual external financing needs are USD 11 billion.

Colombo owes a debt of USD 8 billion to Beijing and is said to carry an interest rate of 6 per cent, according to the report.In 2009, Rajapaksa flagged off the construction of Sri Lanka`s second international airport in Mattala, situated 20km from the port. Of the USD 209 million construction cost, the Exim Bank of China put up USD 190 million with a concessionary loan.

The Mattala airport is now known as "the world`s emptiest international airport" since it has only four regular flights arriving and departing per week. The Sri Lankan government has plans to sell off the airport as it is mounting losses. China is also constructing a USD 15 billion project to build "Port City Colombo" on reclaimed land in the Sri Lankan capital.

The first phase of the project, costing around USD 1.4 billion is being undertaken by a subsidiary of China Communications and Construction Co, which is also bearing the total cost of reclaiming 269 hectares of land.In Indonesia`s Bandung city, a 142 km-railway line connecting the city with the capital Jakarta, which was supposed to open next year, has experienced delays, the report notes.

According to local officials, in February, only 10 per cent of the work has been completed so far. Also, a funding crunch is also starting to raise concerns over the financial health of Indonesian companies involved in the construction of the railway line.Adding to the problems are paperwork and permit issues, which halted the project in its first several months.

Land acquisition has been painfully slow, as half of the total land has been taken so far. Rising land prices during delays have also led to the further hampering of the progress of the railway line. The country`s second BRI project is the Morowali Industrial Park on Sulawesi island, which already hosts Chinese nickel smelters and a stainless steel factory.

According to the report, an agreement totalling USD 1.6 billion was signed in Beijing last year that includes the construction of a carbon steel factory and a power plant. Furthermore, Indonesia`s Investment Coordinating Board has designated three provinces for investment purposes - North Sulawesi, North Kalimantan and North Sumatra respectively. Other future plans include - development of new industrial parks, ports, airports and tourism industry.

In Bangladesh, the CSIS Reconnecting Asia Project has identified three key BRI projects - the Dhaka-Jessore rail line, the Payra power plant and the Karnaphuli Tunnel, which is the country`s first-ever underwater tunnel. Construction has already begun for the USD 1.65 billion coal-fired power plant by the port of Payra.

The plant is a joint venture involving Chinese power company, CMC and Bangladesh`s state-owned North-West Power Generation Co. The financing of the plant is fully provided by Beijing and is scheduled to be operational by December 2019.The USD 4.4 billion Dhaka-Jessore rail line is currently under preparatory phase.

Announced in 2016, the line is expected to be operational by 2022. State-owned China Railway Construction is the project`s contractor. For the construction of Karnaphuli Tunnel, China Communications Construction Co. signed a USD 705 million contract with the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) in 2015. However, Bangladeshi newspaper The Financial Express reported last year that construction work on the tunnel had not started because the BBA was waiting for the Exim Bank of China to release funds for the project.In Laos, a brand new railway line, spanning 414 km, connecting its capital, Vientiane to the China-Laos border is scheduled to be completed in December 2021, as per the report. Talks of a rail project in the country began long ago.

After numerous delays, a groundbreaking ceremony was held in December 2016 at Luang Prabang, Laos` ancient royal capital, marking the official start of the construction of the railway line. However, there are complaints among Laotians that the labour on the construction of the railway line is dominated by the Chinese.

Development banks have also expressed concerns that the USD 6 billion rail project will further worsen Laos` already precarious debt levels, which reached 68 per cent of GDP in 2016, increasing the debt distress level from "moderate" to "high" in the recent World Bank/IMF Debt Sustainability Analysis, according to the report.

Both China and Laos have set up a 70-30 joint venture to finance the railway project. Each side needs to contribute 40 per cent of their investment commitment in cash. This means that Laos, with 30 per cent of the joint venture, needs to contribute USD 715 million for the construction of the railway line.

China is developing Pakistan`s power plants, airports, highways and other infrastructure under the project. Also, Beijing aims to link its landlocked western region to Gwadar. Despite this, some analysts have expressed concerns such as rising trade deficit of Pakistan with China

China`s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes of Silk Road, has hit a roadblock in seven countries, according to a recent report. The Gwadar Port in Pakistan`s Balochistan province is the venue of the USD 63 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). China is developing Pakistan`s power plants, airports, highways and other infrastructure under the project. Also, Beijing aims to link its landlocked western region to Gwadar. Despite this, some analysts have expressed concerns such as rising trade deficit of Pakistan with China. There are also doubts on how Islamabad will repay off its debt to Beijing if the former is unable to do so. Also, there are worries that the price of such investment can be a huge debt burden, according to the report by Nikkei Asian Review. "The China-Pakistan corridor will no doubt be a game changer for Pakistan, but we need to be careful. Ten years` tax concessions, 90-year leases for Chinese companies and cheap imports will impact the competitiveness of existing domestic industries," Nikkei Asian Review quoted Ehsan Malik, the CEO of Pakistan Business Council, a business policy advocacy forum, as saying. Nikkei Asian Review and The Banker magazine have published a detailed report on the status of the BRI projects in seven countries - Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Poland, Laos and Pakistan. The report also deduces the concerns of these countries ranging from a lack of participation by local workers and banks to unmanageable debts.In Indonesia, the BRI project has been experiencing serious delays. Construction on a USD 6 billion railway line is running behind schedule, coupled with rising costs. This has been the same scenario in Kazakhstan and Bangladesh.In terms of deficits, concerns have been raised about owing unmanageable debts to China in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Laos, along with Pakistan.As per the report, Beijing`s massive economic project is also plagued with sovereignty concerns. In Sri Lanka, China`s takeover of the Hambantota Port has raised eyebrows over the "loss of sovereignty. "In 2008, former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa had ordered the construction of the USD 1.5 billion Hambantota Port.Colombo has granted a 99-year lease on the port to China Merchants Port Holdings in a bid to eliminate its debts. The first phase of the project, which ended in 2010, costs USD 361 million. The Export-Import Bank of China financed 85 percent of the work during the first phase. The Sri Lankan Government found itself unable to repay its debts as the port`s losses started piling up. The country had an external debt of USD 48.3 billion in 2017-end, and its annual external financing needs are USD 11 billion. Colombo owes a debt of USD 8 billion to Beijing and is said to carry an interest rate of 6 per cent, according to the report.In 2009, Rajapaksa flagged off the construction of Sri Lanka`s second international airport in Mattala, situated 20km from the port. Of the USD 209 million construction cost, the Exim Bank of China put up USD 190 million with a concessionary loan. The Mattala airport is now known as "the world`s emptiest international airport" since it has only four regular flights arriving and departing per week. The Sri Lankan government has plans to sell off the airport as it is mounting losses. China is also constructing a USD 15 billion project to build "Port City Colombo" on reclaimed land in the Sri Lankan capital. The first phase of the project, costing around USD 1.4 billion is being undertaken by a subsidiary of China Communications and Construction Co, which is also bearing the total cost of reclaiming 269 hectares of land.In Indonesia`s Bandung city, a 142 km-railway line connecting the city with the capital Jakarta, which was supposed to open next year, has experienced delays, the report notes. According to local officials, in February, only 10 per cent of the work has been completed so far. Also, a funding crunch is also starting to raise concerns over the financial health of Indonesian companies involved in the construction of the railway line.Adding to the problems are paperwork and permit issues, which halted the project in its first several months. Land acquisition has been painfully slow, as half of the total land has been taken so far. Rising land prices during delays have also led to the further hampering of the progress of the railway line. The country`s second BRI project is the Morowali Industrial Park on Sulawesi island, which already hosts Chinese nickel smelters and a stainless steel factory. According to the report, an agreement totalling USD 1.6 billion was signed in Beijing last year that includes the construction of a carbon steel factory and a power plant. Furthermore, Indonesia`s Investment Coordinating Board has designated three provinces for investment purposes - North Sulawesi, North Kalimantan and North Sumatra respectively. Other future plans include - development of new industrial parks, ports, airports and tourism industry. In Bangladesh, the CSIS Reconnecting Asia Project has identified three key BRI projects - the Dhaka-Jessore rail line, the Payra power plant and the Karnaphuli Tunnel, which is the country`s first-ever underwater tunnel. Construction has already begun for the USD 1.65 billion coal-fired power plant by the port of Payra. The plant is a joint venture involving Chinese power company, CMC and Bangladesh`s state-owned North-West Power Generation Co. The financing of the plant is fully provided by Beijing and is scheduled to be operational by December 2019.The USD 4.4 billion Dhaka-Jessore rail line is currently under preparatory phase. Announced in 2016, the line is expected to be operational by 2022. State-owned China Railway Construction is the project`s contractor. For the construction of Karnaphuli Tunnel, China Communications Construction Co. signed a USD 705 million contract with the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) in 2015. However, Bangladeshi newspaper The Financial Express reported last year that construction work on the tunnel had not started because the BBA was waiting for the Exim Bank of China to release funds for the project.In Laos, a brand new railway line, spanning 414 km, connecting its capital, Vientiane to the China-Laos border is scheduled to be completed in December 2021, as per the report. Talks of a rail project in the country began long ago. After numerous delays, a groundbreaking ceremony was held in December 2016 at Luang Prabang, Laos` ancient royal capital, marking the official start of the construction of the railway line. However, there are complaints among Laotians that the labour on the construction of the railway line is dominated by the Chinese. Development banks have also expressed concerns that the USD 6 billion rail project will further worsen Laos` already precarious debt levels, which reached 68 per cent of GDP in 2016, increasing the debt distress level from "moderate" to "high" in the recent World Bank/IMF Debt Sustainability Analysis, according to the report. Both China and Laos have set up a 70-30 joint venture to finance the railway project. Each side needs to contribute 40 per cent of their investment commitment in cash. This means that Laos, with 30 per cent of the joint venture, needs to contribute USD 715 million for the construction of the railway line.

China's BRI initiative hits roadblock in 7 nations

Two members of Pakistan's beleaguered Christian community were killed on Sunday in the country's southwest when unknown gunmen opened fire on a small group that had just left a local church, police officials said.

The churchgoers were on their way home in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan's Baluchistan province, when two men on a motorcycle began shooting at them, local police official Ataullah Shah told Reuters.

Eight wounded were taken to hospital and two people were pronounced dead.

Television pictures showed members of Quetta's Christian community burning car and bicycle tyres while protesting the shooting.

At the hospital, people screamed and cried as the two bodies were brought in on a stretcher covered with white sheets.

Baluchistan, a region bordering Iran as well as Afghanistan, is plagued by violence by Sunni Islamist sectarian groups linked to the Taliban, al Qaeda and Islamic State. It also has an indigenous ethnic Baloch insurgency fighting the central government.

Islamic State has created a branch in Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent years mostly by recruiting among established militants. Its followers have claimed some of Pakistan's most deadly recent attacks.

This month four members of a Christian family were gunned down in Quetta a day after Easter, in what police officials called a "targeted attack".

In December two suicide bombers stormed a packed church in southwestern Pakistan, killing at least 10 people and wounding up to 56. Islamic State claimed both attacks.

Rome's ancient Colosseum was lit in red for an evening in February in solidarity with persecuted Christians, particularly Asia Bibi, a Catholic woman who has been living on death row in Pakistan since 2010, when she was condemned for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Islam.

The attack took place in Quetta. The Christians had just walked out of a local church

Two members of Pakistan's beleaguered Christian community were killed on Sunday in the country's southwest when unknown gunmen opened fire on a small group that had just left a local church, police officials said. The churchgoers were on their way home in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan's Baluchistan province, when two men on a motorcycle began shooting at them, local police official Ataullah Shah told Reuters. Eight wounded were taken to hospital and two people were pronounced dead. Television pictures showed members of Quetta's Christian community burning car and bicycle tyres while protesting the shooting. At the hospital, people screamed and cried as the two bodies were brought in on a stretcher covered with white sheets. Baluchistan, a region bordering Iran as well as Afghanistan, is plagued by violence by Sunni Islamist sectarian groups linked to the Taliban, al Qaeda and Islamic State. It also has an indigenous ethnic Baloch insurgency fighting the central government. Islamic State has created a branch in Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent years mostly by recruiting among established militants. Its followers have claimed some of Pakistan's most deadly recent attacks. This month four members of a Christian family were gunned down in Quetta a day after Easter, in what police officials called a "targeted attack". In December two suicide bombers stormed a packed church in southwestern Pakistan, killing at least 10 people and wounding up to 56. Islamic State claimed both attacks. Rome's ancient Colosseum was lit in red for an evening in February in solidarity with persecuted Christians, particularly Asia Bibi, a Catholic woman who has been living on death row in Pakistan since 2010, when she was condemned for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Islam.

Gunmen in Pakistan kill two Christians, wound 6 in drive-by shooting

Religious minorities in Pakistan like Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmedis and Hazara continue to face violent attacks, a damning report by an independent watchdog Monday said and criticised the state for failing to tackle the issue of their persecution.

The Human Rights Commission at the launch of its annual report, State of Human Rights in 2017 dedicated to the late activist Asma Jahangir says people continue to disappear in Pakistan, sometimes because they criticise the country's powerful military or because they advocate better relations with neighbouring India.

Jahangir, who was fierce advocate of human rights died in February.

The commission also underscored the rising incidence of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and the extension of the jurisdiction of military courts.&nbsp

"False accusations of blasphemy and the ensuing violence, the number of children engaged in labour under hazardous conditions and unabated violence against women remain grim markers of the last year," the commission said.

"Deaths linked to terrorism may have decreased, but the soft targets' of religious minorities and law enforcement agencies continue to bear the brunt of violence," it said.&nbsp

Journalists and bloggers continue to sustain threats, attacks and abductions, and the blasphemy law serves to coerce people into silence. The people's right to socio-cultural activities is curtailed by intolerance and extremism, and authorities are lenient for fear of a political backlash, it said.

The 296-page report said, "In a year when freedom of thought, conscience and religion continued to be stifled, incitement to hatred and bigotry increased, and tolerance receded even further, the state remained ineffective in tackling the issue of persecution of minorities and fell far short of its obligations.&nbsp

There was no abatement in violence against religious minorities, with Christians, Ahmedis, Hazaras, Hindus and Sikhs all coming under attack, it said.

"Little wonder that the numbers of religious minorities are shrinking. At the time of Independence, Pakistan's religious minority constituted over 20 per cent of the population. The 1998 census reported that the numbers had declined to a little over three per cent, it said. 
The report said the migration of Hindus to India "may soon turn into an exodus if the discrimination against them continues".&nbsp

While the recent census data has not yet been made public, it is expected that the numbers of religious minorities will show a further decline, the report said.

"Faith-based violence in the name of religion continues unabated and the government has failed miserably to protect minority members against attacks and discrimination. Extremist forces bent on creating an exclusive Islamic identity for Pakistan appear to have been given a free hand," the report said.&nbsp

"A few hundred fanatics held the capital and the garrison cities hostage for 23 days in Faizabad, Islamabad in November this year until their demands were accepted. In ceding to the demands of the violent demonstrators, the state has virtually given blanket licence to fundamentalism and militancy in the name of religion, it said.

With a population of around seven million, Hindus form the largest religious minority in Pakistan.&nbsp

"Concentrated mainly in Sindh, Hindus continue to live an uneasy existence. Their perceived association with India has made life for them tougher than other religious minorities in Pakistan. According to their representatives, the greatest issue of concern to the community is that of forced conversions, the majority of these involving young women, the report said.&nbsp

"In most cases the girls, many of whom are minors, are abducted, forcibly converted to Islam and then married to Muslim men, the report said.

Pakistan ranked fourth on the Christian support group Open Doors World Watch List 2017 of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, it said.

"Violent persecution of Christians is a common occurrence in Pakistan. Christians are targets for murder, bombings, abduction of women, rape, forced conversions, and eviction from home and country. Fake cases under blasphemy laws are regularly used to terrorise Christians," it said.

Sikhs are a small religious minority in Pakistan. According to the last census, there are around 7,000 registered Sikhs living in Pakistan, mainly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, including the semi-autonomous tribal region that shares a border with Afghanistan.&nbsp

"The Sikh leadership complains that rough and usually inaccurate estimates are made about their exact number. The Sikh community has also been subjected to continued discrimination and violence from extremists over the years because of their religious affiliation, but they are generally better treated by government agencies as compared to other religious minorities.&nbsp

Persecution of religious minorities and targeted sects within Islam force people like the Hazaras to seek asylum in European countries. A signicantly large number of Ahmadis has migrated to Europe and lives in exile, it said.

The Human Rights Commission at the launch of its annual report, State of Human Rights in 2017 dedicated to the late activist Asma Jahangir says people continue to disappear in Pakistan, sometimes because they criticise the country's powerful military or because they advocate better relations with neighbouring India

Religious minorities in Pakistan like Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmedis and Hazara continue to face violent attacks, a damning report by an independent watchdog Monday said and criticised the state for failing to tackle the issue of their persecution. The Human Rights Commission at the launch of its annual report, State of Human Rights in 2017 dedicated to the late activist Asma Jahangir says people continue to disappear in Pakistan, sometimes because they criticise the country's powerful military or because they advocate better relations with neighbouring India. Jahangir, who was fierce advocate of human rights died in February. The commission also underscored the rising incidence of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and the extension of the jurisdiction of military courts. "False accusations of blasphemy and the ensuing violence, the number of children engaged in labour under hazardous conditions and unabated violence against women remain grim markers of the last year," the commission said. "Deaths linked to terrorism may have decreased, but the soft targets' of religious minorities and law enforcement agencies continue to bear the brunt of violence," it said. Journalists and bloggers continue to sustain threats, attacks and abductions, and the blasphemy law serves to coerce people into silence. The people's right to socio-cultural activities is curtailed by intolerance and extremism, and authorities are lenient for fear of a political backlash, it said. The 296-page report said, "In a year when freedom of thought, conscience and religion continued to be stifled, incitement to hatred and bigotry increased, and tolerance receded even further, the state remained ineffective in tackling the issue of persecution of minorities and fell far short of its obligations. There was no abatement in violence against religious minorities, with Christians, Ahmedis, Hazaras, Hindus and Sikhs all coming under attack, it said. "Little wonder that the numbers of religious minorities are shrinking. At the time of Independence, Pakistan's religious minority constituted over 20 per cent of the population. The 1998 census reported that the numbers had declined to a little over three per cent, it said. The report said the migration of Hindus to India "may soon turn into an exodus if the discrimination against them continues". While the recent census data has not yet been made public, it is expected that the numbers of religious minorities will show a further decline, the report said. "Faith-based violence in the name of religion continues unabated and the government has failed miserably to protect minority members against attacks and discrimination. Extremist forces bent on creating an exclusive Islamic identity for Pakistan appear to have been given a free hand," the report said. "A few hundred fanatics held the capital and the garrison cities hostage for 23 days in Faizabad, Islamabad in November this year until their demands were accepted. In ceding to the demands of the violent demonstrators, the state has virtually given blanket licence to fundamentalism and militancy in the name of religion, it said. With a population of around seven million, Hindus form the largest religious minority in Pakistan. "Concentrated mainly in Sindh, Hindus continue to live an uneasy existence. Their perceived association with India has made life for them tougher than other religious minorities in Pakistan. According to their representatives, the greatest issue of concern to the community is that of forced conversions, the majority of these involving young women, the report said. "In most cases the girls, many of whom are minors, are abducted, forcibly converted to Islam and then married to Muslim men, the report said. Pakistan ranked fourth on the Christian support group Open Doors World Watch List 2017 of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, it said. "Violent persecution of Christians is a common occurrence in Pakistan. Christians are targets for murder, bombings, abduction of women, rape, forced conversions, and eviction from home and country. Fake cases under blasphemy laws are regularly used to terrorise Christians," it said. Sikhs are a small religious minority in Pakistan. According to the last census, there are around 7,000 registered Sikhs living in Pakistan, mainly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, including the semi-autonomous tribal region that shares a border with Afghanistan. "The Sikh leadership complains that rough and usually inaccurate estimates are made about their exact number. The Sikh community has also been subjected to continued discrimination and violence from extremists over the years because of their religious affiliation, but they are generally better treated by government agencies as compared to other religious minorities. Persecution of religious minorities and targeted sects within Islam force people like the Hazaras to seek asylum in European countries. A signicantly large number of Ahmadis has migrated to Europe and lives in exile, it said.

Religious minorities continue to face violent attacks in Pakistan: Watchdog

An army porter was killed Monday in a ceasefire violation Jammu and Kashmir's Uri.&nbsp;

The news agency ANI said Pakistan had been responsible for the ceasefire violation.&nbsp;

Last week, two Indian soldiers were killed in firing by Pakistani troops in Jammu and Kashmir's Sunderbani sector along the Line of Control (LOC).

Cross-border clashes between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan in Kashmir have reached the highest levels in 15 years, figures from both sides show, with hundreds killed or wounded and no solution in sight.

The LoC remains extremely volatile, with ceasefire violations already jumping to over 400 in the first two months of this year.

The LoC remains extremely volatile, with ceasefire violations already jumping to over 400 in the first two months of this year

An army porter was killed Monday in a ceasefire violation Jammu and Kashmir's Uri. The news agency ANI said Pakistan had been responsible for the ceasefire violation. Last week, two Indian soldiers were killed in firing by Pakistani troops in Jammu and Kashmir's Sunderbani sector along the Line of Control (LOC). Cross-border clashes between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan in Kashmir have reached the highest levels in 15 years, figures from both sides show, with hundreds killed or wounded and no solution in sight. The LoC remains extremely volatile, with ceasefire violations already jumping to over 400 in the first two months of this year.

Army porter killed in ceasefire violation in J&K's Uri

Several Afghan soldiers including a policeman and a local tribesman were killed in the ongoing clashes with Pakistan's paramilitary Frontier Corps near the disputed border Durand Line on Saturday.

A regional Afghan police chief said that the clashes broke out along the Zazi Maidan border district in the southeastern province of Khost adjacent to Kurram as Pakistan initiated firing to force people outside the claimed Pakistan border, reported by Anadolu Agency.

Pakistani officials told Reuters that two Pakistani soldiers were killed.

Abdul Hanan, the acting provincial police chief in Khost said that clashes broke out in three locations along the border in the early hours of April 15 after Pakistani paramilitary troops ignored repeated warnings from locals and Afghan border police officers and crossed the border.

Though security has improved in Pakistan’s remote areas bordering Afghanistan, sectarian militant attacks, primarily targeting Shi’ite Muslims, still occur.

“Pakistani troops are exercising maximum restraint so as to avoid any Afghan civilian casualties,” the Pakistan Army’s public relations department said, adding that five soldiers were wounded in the attack.

Afghan officials said that Pakistani troops crossed on to Afghan soil, prompting a response by border forces and the local tribal force.

“Two tribesmen were killed and the exchange of fire is ongoing,” said Mohmud Zazai, a senior army commander in the area.

Pakistan has blamed Pakistani Taliban militants it says are based on Afghan soil for attacks that have taken place in the region over the past two years, urging Kabul to eradicate “sanctuaries” for militants.

Afghanistan, in turn, accuses Islamabad of sheltering the leadership of the Afghan Taliban militants who are battling the Western-backed government in Kabul.

Pakistan and Afghanistan share a nearly 2,600-kilometer largely porous border. The Pakistani military has recently started constructing a robust fence on the border in its bid to prevent illegal crossings in either direction.

A regional Afghan police chief said that the clashes broke out along the Zazi Maidan border district in the southeastern province of Khost adjacent to Kurram as Pakistan initiated firing to force people outside the claimed Pakistan border

Several Afghan soldiers including a policeman and a local tribesman were killed in the ongoing clashes with Pakistan's paramilitary Frontier Corps near the disputed border Durand Line on Saturday. A regional Afghan police chief said that the clashes broke out along the Zazi Maidan border district in the southeastern province of Khost adjacent to Kurram as Pakistan initiated firing to force people outside the claimed Pakistan border, reported by Anadolu Agency. Pakistani officials told Reuters that two Pakistani soldiers were killed. Abdul Hanan, the acting provincial police chief in Khost said that clashes broke out in three locations along the border in the early hours of April 15 after Pakistani paramilitary troops ignored repeated warnings from locals and Afghan border police officers and crossed the border. Though security has improved in Pakistan’s remote areas bordering Afghanistan, sectarian militant attacks, primarily targeting Shi’ite Muslims, still occur. “Pakistani troops are exercising maximum restraint so as to avoid any Afghan civilian casualties,” the Pakistan Army’s public relations department said, adding that five soldiers were wounded in the attack. Afghan officials said that Pakistani troops crossed on to Afghan soil, prompting a response by border forces and the local tribal force. “Two tribesmen were killed and the exchange of fire is ongoing,” said Mohmud Zazai, a senior army commander in the area. Pakistan has blamed Pakistani Taliban militants it says are based on Afghan soil for attacks that have taken place in the region over the past two years, urging Kabul to eradicate “sanctuaries” for militants. Afghanistan, in turn, accuses Islamabad of sheltering the leadership of the Afghan Taliban militants who are battling the Western-backed government in Kabul. Pakistan and Afghanistan share a nearly 2,600-kilometer largely porous border. The Pakistani military has recently started constructing a robust fence on the border in its bid to prevent illegal crossings in either direction.

Several Afghan soldiers killed in border clashes with Pakistan

Pakistan should become a "trading nation'' rather than a ''warrior nation" while ensuring it does not turn into China's pawn, Islamabad's former envoy to the US, Husain Haqqani, has said.

In an interview to PTI, Haqqani said Pakistan also needs to take a call on what is more important? supporting terror suspect Hafiz Saeed or gaining international credibility and respect.

Amid the consolidation of the already-robust Sino-Pak ties, Haqqani, who served as ambassador to the US from 2008 to 2011, stressed Pakistan should not go from being dependent on the US to rely on China and must refrain from becoming a "Chinese pawn".

Pakistan needs to build a self-sustaining economy, he said, warning Islamabad of the pitfalls of aligning with a major power.

Haqqani, who was in India last week for the launch of his new book 'Reimagining Pakistan: Transforming a Dysfunctional Nuclear State', said the country needs to "re-think its overall direction", including in the economic sector.

Pakistan&nbspshould become a "trading nation rather than a warrior nation" and start thinking about geo-economics rather than geostrategy, said the 61-year-old former diplomat and author of 'Pakistan Between Mosque and Military' and 'India v Pakistan: Why Can't We Just Be Friends', among other books.

"Trying to take advantage of its strategic location by allowing itself to be used by one major power or another has brought Pakistan to the present situation and if we continue to play the same game, the result is not going to be very different in the future, he said.

While Islamabad should seek good relations with Beijing, "there is no reason why Pakistan should become a Chinese pawn in the mistaken belief" that this would somehow make it a power in its own right, he said when asked if Pakistan's dependence on China could prove counterproductive.

His remarks assume significance as in January, the US had suspended more than $1.15 billion security assistance to Pakistan, accusing it of harbouring terror groups such as the Afghan Taliban and Afghan guerilla group Haqqani Network.

After US President Donald Trump had lashed out at Pakistan earlier this year for providing "safe havens" to terrorists, China had defended Islamabad, saying the world community should acknowledge its all-weather ally's "outstanding contribution" to counter terrorism.

Asked if America's tougher stance against terror would push Islamabad into a robust military alliance with Beijing, Haqqani said the more America and India came close, the more Pakistan would try to strengthen its ties with China.

"But, for Pakistan's own sake, it would be useful to have relationships with multiple partners. Dependence on the US did not prove useful for Pakistan in the 50s and 60s dependence on China will not necessarily be the key to Pakistan's progress in the 21st century," said Haqqani,

who lives in the US, where he is Senior Fellow and Director for South and Central Asia at the Washington-based Hudson Institute.

Haqqani was removed as Pakistan's envoy to the US for his alleged role in what is known as the Memogate controversy, which revolved around a memorandum seeking help from the Obama administration after the killing of Osama bin Laden to avert a military takeover of the civilian government in his country.

Asked if the suspension of American aid had brought about a change in Pakistan's attitude, Haqqani said the establishment had not changed its world view and was still hoping that logistical and other considerations would make the Trump administration soften its stance.

On the possibility of power blocs being formed in the region, he said a "new Cold War" in which Pakistan aligns with China and India with the United States was not going to be positive for South Asia.

"I think that aligning with one major power against another is not the recipe for economic growth and success for a country like Pakistan," said Haqqani, who also served as the Pakistani envoy to Sri Lanka from 1992 to 1993.

The former diplomat, who is often critical of the Pakistani military, rued that the power structure in the country had not changed fundamentally and national security and foreign policy remained in the hands of the Army.

Pakistan has made distinctions between terror groups that have acted against it and those that have acted outside the country, and that distinction had not worked to its advantage, he said.

Islamabad's insistence on "mainstreaming terrorists" rather than marginalising them was going to be counter-productive for the country, he held.

Haqqani also said the Kashmir issue could be put on the back burner to build normal Indo-Pak relations.

"It is also a reality that the problem of Kashmir has not been solved in 70 years. And if Pakistan insists on solving the Kashmir problem before moving forward on normal relations with India, then it may have to wait for another 70 years," he said.

Haqqani said Pakistan also needs to take a call on what is more important? supporting terror suspect Hafiz Saeed or gaining international credibility and respect

Pakistan should become a "trading nation'' rather than a ''warrior nation" while ensuring it does not turn into China's pawn, Islamabad's former envoy to the US, Husain Haqqani, has said. In an interview to PTI, Haqqani said Pakistan also needs to take a call on what is more important? supporting terror suspect Hafiz Saeed or gaining international credibility and respect. Amid the consolidation of the already-robust Sino-Pak ties, Haqqani, who served as ambassador to the US from 2008 to 2011, stressed Pakistan should not go from being dependent on the US to rely on China and must refrain from becoming a "Chinese pawn". Pakistan needs to build a self-sustaining economy, he said, warning Islamabad of the pitfalls of aligning with a major power. Haqqani, who was in India last week for the launch of his new book 'Reimagining Pakistan: Transforming a Dysfunctional Nuclear State', said the country needs to "re-think its overall direction", including in the economic sector. Pakistan&nbspshould become a "trading nation rather than a warrior nation" and start thinking about geo-economics rather than geostrategy, said the 61-year-old former diplomat and author of 'Pakistan Between Mosque and Military' and 'India v Pakistan: Why Can't We Just Be Friends', among other books. "Trying to take advantage of its strategic location by allowing itself to be used by one major power or another has brought Pakistan to the present situation and if we continue to play the same game, the result is not going to be very different in the future, he said. While Islamabad should seek good relations with Beijing, "there is no reason why Pakistan should become a Chinese pawn in the mistaken belief" that this would somehow make it a power in its own right, he said when asked if Pakistan's dependence on China could prove counterproductive. His remarks assume significance as in January, the US had suspended more than $1.15 billion security assistance to Pakistan, accusing it of harbouring terror groups such as the Afghan Taliban and Afghan guerilla group Haqqani Network. After US President Donald Trump had lashed out at Pakistan earlier this year for providing "safe havens" to terrorists, China had defended Islamabad, saying the world community should acknowledge its all-weather ally's "outstanding contribution" to counter terrorism. Asked if America's tougher stance against terror would push Islamabad into a robust military alliance with Beijing, Haqqani said the more America and India came close, the more Pakistan would try to strengthen its ties with China. "But, for Pakistan's own sake, it would be useful to have relationships with multiple partners. Dependence on the US did not prove useful for Pakistan in the 50s and 60s dependence on China will not necessarily be the key to Pakistan's progress in the 21st century," said Haqqani, who lives in the US, where he is Senior Fellow and Director for South and Central Asia at the Washington-based Hudson Institute. Haqqani was removed as Pakistan's envoy to the US for his alleged role in what is known as the Memogate controversy, which revolved around a memorandum seeking help from the Obama administration after the killing of Osama bin Laden to avert a military takeover of the civilian government in his country. Asked if the suspension of American aid had brought about a change in Pakistan's attitude, Haqqani said the establishment had not changed its world view and was still hoping that logistical and other considerations would make the Trump administration soften its stance. On the possibility of power blocs being formed in the region, he said a "new Cold War" in which Pakistan aligns with China and India with the United States was not going to be positive for South Asia. "I think that aligning with one major power against another is not the recipe for economic growth and success for a country like Pakistan," said Haqqani, who also served as the Pakistani envoy to Sri Lanka from 1992 to 1993. The former diplomat, who is often critical of the Pakistani military, rued that the power structure in the country had not changed fundamentally and national security and foreign policy remained in the hands of the Army. Pakistan has made distinctions between terror groups that have acted against it and those that have acted outside the country, and that distinction had not worked to its advantage, he said. Islamabad's insistence on "mainstreaming terrorists" rather than marginalising them was going to be counter-productive for the country, he held. Haqqani also said the Kashmir issue could be put on the back burner to build normal Indo-Pak relations. "It is also a reality that the problem of Kashmir has not been solved in 70 years. And if Pakistan insists on solving the Kashmir problem before moving forward on normal relations with India, then it may have to wait for another 70 years," he said.

Don't be warrior nation or China pawn: ex-envoy Haqqani to Pakistan

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