<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/clashes-after-karnataka-gives-separate-religion-status-to-lingayats-36434" target="_blank">Clashes after Karnataka gives separate religion status to Lingayats</a>

Clashes between the members of Karnataka&#39;s Lingayat and Veerashaiva communities broke out on Monday in the state&#39;s Kalaburagi district hours after the Karnataka government approved&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-government-gives-nod-to-separate-religion-for-lingayats-36379">separate religion minority status</a>&nbsp;for the Lingayat and the Veerashaiva Lingayat community.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vk-sasikalas-husband-natarajan-maruthappa-passes-away-at-75-36422" target="_blank">VK Sasikala&#39;s husband Natarajan Maruthappa dead at 75</a>

VK Sasikala&#39;s husband Natarajan Maruthappa&nbsp;passed away due to multiple organ failures at Gleneagles Global Health City in Chennai.Maruthappa&nbsp;was admitted to the hospital on March 16 due to a severe chest infection.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britain-eu-agree-brexit-transition-deal-36429" target="_blank">Britain, EU agree Brexit transition deal</a>

Britain and the European Union on Monday reached a landmark deal on a transition phase that will see London follow the bloc&#39;s rules for nearly two years after the Brexit divorce.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/progressive-people-of-pakistan-eager-to-have-friendly-ties-with-india-muttahida-qaumi-movement-mqm-founder-36425" target="_blank">Progressive people of Pakistan eager to have friendly ties with India: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder</a>

The founder leader of Pakistan&#39;s political party Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Altaf Hussain, has claimed that he has never been against the country and only wants to eliminate the repressive and exploitative feudal system from there.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-under-pressure-as-us-eu-urge-probes-of-data-practices-36433" target="_blank">Facebook under pressure as US, EU urge probes of data practices</a>

British privacy regulators are seeking a warrant to search the offices of the political consultancy Cambridge Analytica late Monday following reports that the company may have&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-suspends-trump-campaign-data-firm-cambridge-analytica-36332" target="_blank">improperly gained access</a>&nbsp;to data on 50 million Facebook users, according to a Channel 4 television report.

Clashes after Karnataka gives separate religion status to Lingayats Clashes between the members of Karnataka's Lingayat and Veerashaiva communities broke out on Monday in the state's Kalaburagi district hours after the Karnataka government approved separate religion minority status for the Lingayat and the Veerashaiva Lingayat community. VK Sasikala's husband Natarajan Maruthappa dead at 75 VK Sasikala's husband Natarajan Maruthappa passed away due to multiple organ failures at Gleneagles Global Health City in Chennai.Maruthappa was admitted to the hospital on March 16 due to a severe chest infection. Britain, EU agree Brexit transition deal Britain and the European Union on Monday reached a landmark deal on a transition phase that will see London follow the bloc's rules for nearly two years after the Brexit divorce. Progressive people of Pakistan eager to have friendly ties with India: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder The founder leader of Pakistan's political party Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Altaf Hussain, has claimed that he has never been against the country and only wants to eliminate the repressive and exploitative feudal system from there. Facebook under pressure as US, EU urge probes of data practices British privacy regulators are seeking a warrant to search the offices of the political consultancy Cambridge Analytica late Monday following reports that the company may have improperly gained access to data on 50 million Facebook users, according to a Channel 4 television report.

WION Morning News Brief, March 20, 2018

Former Defence Minister of Pakistan Asif Yasin Malik has suggested that a &#39;high-powered special envoy&#39;, working directly under the country&#39;s prime minister to hold talks with Afghanistan to remove &quot;misconceptions and frictions&quot;, thereby ensuring friendly relations between the two countries.

&quot;However, it should also be ensured that Pakistani soil would not be used against Afghanistan for any illegal activities. Both countries should make joint strategies to address the issues. They should understand that the United States never cared about the local people while it was in Vietnam, Iraq or Libya. How will it care about the people of Afghanistan?&quot; Malik said while speaking at an international conference on &#39;Afghanistan Crisis: What Lies Ahead?&#39; here on Monday.

The Pakistani leader claimed that the US had been putting all the blame on the Haqqani network and alleging that it was operating in Pakistan.

The Dawn quoted him as saying, &quot;The fact is that almost 60 percent area of Afghanistan is beyond the control of the Afghan government. On the other hand, Afghanistan does not have a foreign policy and currently all the decisions are being taken under the influence of the US and India. Corruption has been continuously increasing in the public sector and the country is leading to civil war. Dialogue should be started among all ethnic entities.&quot;

Malik added that Pakistan was facing problems because of &quot;poor priorities in its foreign policy&quot;. Also, he stated that various developmental projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had been stalled and delayed because of &#39;hindrances&#39;.

&quot;The US should stop interfering in Afghanistan and the decision to involve India is also creating problems. During the past one decade, the US has spent USD 1 trillion in Afghanistan. Had it invested one-fourth of it on development, there would have been no problem in that country,&quot; he asserted.

Malik also suggested that the border control should be strengthened in Pakistan and Afghanistan and that both countries should take extra steps for ensuring good bilateral trade relations respectively.

This comes after Pakistan National Security Advisor Nasser Khan Janjua visited Kabul on a day-long visit on Saturday, in what was seen as an effort by Kabul to normalise its icy relations with Islamabad.

Relations between the two countries have remained frosty due to the terrorist activities of the Taliban and Haqqani Network carried out in Pakistan. Afghanistan contests that the two groups are supported by Pakistan and it does very little to stop them.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has urged Afghanistan to stop the blame game and asked for its co-operation in combating terrorism.&nbsp;

The Pakistani leader claimed that the US had been putting all the blame on the Haqqani network and alleging that it was operating in Pakistan

Former Defence Minister of Pakistan Asif Yasin Malik has suggested that a 'high-powered special envoy', working directly under the country's prime minister to hold talks with Afghanistan to remove "misconceptions and frictions", thereby ensuring friendly relations between the two countries. "However, it should also be ensured that Pakistani soil would not be used against Afghanistan for any illegal activities. Both countries should make joint strategies to address the issues. They should understand that the United States never cared about the local people while it was in Vietnam, Iraq or Libya. How will it care about the people of Afghanistan?" Malik said while speaking at an international conference on 'Afghanistan Crisis: What Lies Ahead?' here on Monday. The Pakistani leader claimed that the US had been putting all the blame on the Haqqani network and alleging that it was operating in Pakistan. The Dawn quoted him as saying, "The fact is that almost 60 percent area of Afghanistan is beyond the control of the Afghan government. On the other hand, Afghanistan does not have a foreign policy and currently all the decisions are being taken under the influence of the US and India. Corruption has been continuously increasing in the public sector and the country is leading to civil war. Dialogue should be started among all ethnic entities." Malik added that Pakistan was facing problems because of "poor priorities in its foreign policy". Also, he stated that various developmental projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had been stalled and delayed because of 'hindrances'. "The US should stop interfering in Afghanistan and the decision to involve India is also creating problems. During the past one decade, the US has spent USD 1 trillion in Afghanistan. Had it invested one-fourth of it on development, there would have been no problem in that country," he asserted. Malik also suggested that the border control should be strengthened in Pakistan and Afghanistan and that both countries should take extra steps for ensuring good bilateral trade relations respectively. This comes after Pakistan National Security Advisor Nasser Khan Janjua visited Kabul on a day-long visit on Saturday, in what was seen as an effort by Kabul to normalise its icy relations with Islamabad. Relations between the two countries have remained frosty due to the terrorist activities of the Taliban and Haqqani Network carried out in Pakistan. Afghanistan contests that the two groups are supported by Pakistan and it does very little to stop them. Meanwhile, Pakistan has urged Afghanistan to stop the blame game and asked for its co-operation in combating terrorism.

Ex-Pak defence minister calls for special envoy for Afghanistan

Authorities in Pakistan&#39;s southern port of Karachi have launched an effort to retrieve 21 containers knocked overboard after a ship moving into its berth brushed against a stationary vessel, officials said on Tuesday (March 20).

No one was injured in Monday&#39;s&nbsp;incident at South Asia Pakistan Terminals (SAPT), a subsidiary of Hutchison Port Holdings of Hong Kong commissioned last year, and port operations were not suspended, the terminal operator said.

The container vessel Tolten scraped against the stationary Hamburg Bay as it was berthing, dislodging the containers stowed on its left side and sending them into the water.

A survey of damage to the Tolten is expected to be completed by Wednesay, SAPT added, and the Hamburg Bay is expected to set sail soon.

A survey of damage to the Tolten is expected to be completed by Wednesday

Authorities in Pakistan's southern port of Karachi have launched an effort to retrieve 21 containers knocked overboard after a ship moving into its berth brushed against a stationary vessel, officials said on Tuesday (March 20). No one was injured in Monday's incident at South Asia Pakistan Terminals (SAPT), a subsidiary of Hutchison Port Holdings of Hong Kong commissioned last year, and port operations were not suspended, the terminal operator said. The container vessel Tolten scraped against the stationary Hamburg Bay as it was berthing, dislodging the containers stowed on its left side and sending them into the water. A survey of damage to the Tolten is expected to be completed by Wednesay, SAPT added, and the Hamburg Bay is expected to set sail soon.

Watch: 2 container ships collide at Karachi port, no casualties

Harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan used to be common in the past. Indian diplomats posted in Pakistan would return home after completion of their tour of duty with tales of horrific and obnoxious acts of harassment of their families and children. Certain categories were special targets. Things were presumably quiet in recent times. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-high-commissioner-to-india-summoned-by-pak-government-to-report-on-harassment-row-35911" target="_blank">The recent upsurge</a> is a measure of deteriorating bilateral relations. Pakistan has, as expected, alleged harassment of their mission&#39;s staff.

Pakistani reaction may have something to do with India but also something more to do with the internal domestic scene and the forthcoming elections. The Deep State would like the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) relegated and substituted by a party of choice. The PML (N) under Mian Nawaz Sharif has been far too defiant despite all the pressure, the judiciary included, that the Deep State has put on him. A politician even thinking he can be independent of the Army is bad news for the Army and definitely not good for the politician.

The plan at this stage could be to have a less-than-clever man, who is gullible with an outsized ego at the helm. Imran Khan of the Pakistan TehrikInsaf party is assumed to be more suitable. His problem would be to make a dent in the Punjab province and break the hold of the Sharif Bothers. Imran Khan would need props for the Punjab theatre. Mainstreaming Hafiz Saeed of the JUD is presumably to serve multiple purposes. Legitimisation by itself is a virtue for a terrorist organisation, which can now openly collect funds and take part in political activity, Hafiz Saeed can campaign for himself and his associates. This is, however, not a new phenomenon. In 2013, ahead of the general elections, the PML(N) had come to an understanding with the rabidly anti-Shia AhleSunnatWalJamaat for seat-to-seat adjustments. The chief of the rabidly anti-Shia DeobandhiSipah-e-Sahaba, Azam Tariq was three times member of Pakistan&#39;s national parliament. He contested his last elections in 2002 while in police custody, provided the crucial one-seat majority to the prime minister, Zafarullah Khan Jamali, under the Musharraf government. Tariq was assassinated in 2003. Pakistani courts have recently allowed registration of Hafiz Saeed&#39;s new party Pakistan Milli Muslim League and would be the unknown factor in the elections.

Perhaps the biggest recent revelation about the role of Islamists was the Faizabad Interchange by the Barelvireligious group Tehreek-e-LabaikYaRasool Allah (TLYR) Rizvi faction demanding the sacking of interior minister on a religious issue was ultimately sorted out by the Army and protesters were paid cash for leaving. The civilians had abdicated and the Army was the arbiter. This standoff was in November 2017. Increasingly, the one-time peaceful Islamic priests and sometimes even the oddities among them have witnessed how profitable it has been to be a radical cross-border mujahideen and now demand similar treatment. The state cannot call off the jihad it has nurtured because there will thousands of unemployed jihadis on the streets of Lahore and Islamabad.

Thus, we have not only the Army backing their favourite jihadis but also the politicians helping them become mainstream including those groups like the LeT, (JuD&#39;s armed wing) that had carried out plotted the Mumbai carnage in 2008. For this to be topically effective, persons like Hafiz Saeed need ammunition to be able to raise the anti-Indian temperature, draw crowds of believers and votes election time. Ratcheting of this tension has begun. We should expect more violence in Kashmir, heightened crossfire at the LOC or the issue of Jadav to resurface. Deteriorated relations with India will also convince the Americans that inclusion of India in solving Afghanistan or even presence there of Indians in Afghanistan is bad news for the US.

There is very little content in India-Pakistan relations. There was never much of it anyway. It is much less now. There is barely any trade and no tourism. Pakistan will not implement the Afghan Transit Treaty; has dragged its feet on granting MFN with 1209 items on the negative list. Exports to India are terror and more terror. That being so, there is little point in maintaining such large missions there, and if our policy is to ignore Pakistan until they learn to behave like a responsible neighbour (as this writer has been recommending on the past) we should have downgraded our embassy representation a long time ago.

The recent withdrawal of their High Commissioner either indicates a further deterioration in the bilateral relations or is a confirmation that there is no substance in this relationship. Merely issuing visas for medical treatment in India are good humane gestures but these by themselves do not add substance to this relationship. Those who can afford to go the US or Europe are also those who control the levers in Pakistan. They go there for medical treatment, education, vacations or seeking shelter from state harassment. Looking at it realistically, noble acts do no enhance bilateral relations; only furtherance or preservations of national interests helps. This plus a little bit of cognitive empathy for the other side that tries to understand without emotion their point of view. This might help us understand why they behave in a particular manner and not be carried away by sentiment.

We always forget in our naivete that the Pakistan establishment does not seek a better relationship with India. It never has. Now that it is swinging further to the right, it will never seek such a relationship. It would be good to factor this into our calculations.&nbsp;

Harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan used to be common in the past. The recent upsurge is a measure of deteriorating bilateral relations

Harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan used to be common in the past. Indian diplomats posted in Pakistan would return home after completion of their tour of duty with tales of horrific and obnoxious acts of harassment of their families and children. Certain categories were special targets. Things were presumably quiet in recent times. The recent upsurge is a measure of deteriorating bilateral relations. Pakistan has, as expected, alleged harassment of their mission's staff. Pakistani reaction may have something to do with India but also something more to do with the internal domestic scene and the forthcoming elections. The Deep State would like the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) relegated and substituted by a party of choice. The PML (N) under Mian Nawaz Sharif has been far too defiant despite all the pressure, the judiciary included, that the Deep State has put on him. A politician even thinking he can be independent of the Army is bad news for the Army and definitely not good for the politician. The plan at this stage could be to have a less-than-clever man, who is gullible with an outsized ego at the helm. Imran Khan of the Pakistan TehrikInsaf party is assumed to be more suitable. His problem would be to make a dent in the Punjab province and break the hold of the Sharif Bothers. Imran Khan would need props for the Punjab theatre. Mainstreaming Hafiz Saeed of the JUD is presumably to serve multiple purposes. Legitimisation by itself is a virtue for a terrorist organisation, which can now openly collect funds and take part in political activity, Hafiz Saeed can campaign for himself and his associates. This is, however, not a new phenomenon. In 2013, ahead of the general elections, the PML(N) had come to an understanding with the rabidly anti-Shia AhleSunnatWalJamaat for seat-to-seat adjustments. The chief of the rabidly anti-Shia DeobandhiSipah-e-Sahaba, Azam Tariq was three times member of Pakistan's national parliament. He contested his last elections in 2002 while in police custody, provided the crucial one-seat majority to the prime minister, Zafarullah Khan Jamali, under the Musharraf government. Tariq was assassinated in 2003. Pakistani courts have recently allowed registration of Hafiz Saeed's new party Pakistan Milli Muslim League and would be the unknown factor in the elections. Perhaps the biggest recent revelation about the role of Islamists was the Faizabad Interchange by the Barelvireligious group Tehreek-e-LabaikYaRasool Allah (TLYR) Rizvi faction demanding the sacking of interior minister on a religious issue was ultimately sorted out by the Army and protesters were paid cash for leaving. The civilians had abdicated and the Army was the arbiter. This standoff was in November 2017. Increasingly, the one-time peaceful Islamic priests and sometimes even the oddities among them have witnessed how profitable it has been to be a radical cross-border mujahideen and now demand similar treatment. The state cannot call off the jihad it has nurtured because there will thousands of unemployed jihadis on the streets of Lahore and Islamabad. Thus, we have not only the Army backing their favourite jihadis but also the politicians helping them become mainstream including those groups like the LeT, (JuD's armed wing) that had carried out plotted the Mumbai carnage in 2008. For this to be topically effective, persons like Hafiz Saeed need ammunition to be able to raise the anti-Indian temperature, draw crowds of believers and votes election time. Ratcheting of this tension has begun. We should expect more violence in Kashmir, heightened crossfire at the LOC or the issue of Jadav to resurface. Deteriorated relations with India will also convince the Americans that inclusion of India in solving Afghanistan or even presence there of Indians in Afghanistan is bad news for the US. There is very little content in India-Pakistan relations. There was never much of it anyway. It is much less now. There is barely any trade and no tourism. Pakistan will not implement the Afghan Transit Treaty; has dragged its feet on granting MFN with 1209 items on the negative list. Exports to India are terror and more terror. That being so, there is little point in maintaining such large missions there, and if our policy is to ignore Pakistan until they learn to behave like a responsible neighbour (as this writer has been recommending on the past) we should have downgraded our embassy representation a long time ago. The recent withdrawal of their High Commissioner either indicates a further deterioration in the bilateral relations or is a confirmation that there is no substance in this relationship. Merely issuing visas for medical treatment in India are good humane gestures but these by themselves do not add substance to this relationship. Those who can afford to go the US or Europe are also those who control the levers in Pakistan. They go there for medical treatment, education, vacations or seeking shelter from state harassment. Looking at it realistically, noble acts do no enhance bilateral relations; only furtherance or preservations of national interests helps. This plus a little bit of cognitive empathy for the other side that tries to understand without emotion their point of view. This might help us understand why they behave in a particular manner and not be carried away by sentiment. We always forget in our naivete that the Pakistan establishment does not seek a better relationship with India. It never has. Now that it is swinging further to the right, it will never seek such a relationship. It would be good to factor this into our calculations.

Pakistan's internal politics guides harassment of Indian diplomats

India is the most vulnerable country to climate change, followed by Pakistan, the Philippines and Bangladesh, a ranking by HSBC showed on Monday.

The bank assessed 67 developed, emerging and frontier markets on vulnerability to the physical impacts of climate change, sensitivity to extreme weather events, exposure to energy transition risks and ability to respond to climate change.

The 67 nations represent almost a third of the world&rsquo;s nation-states, 80 percent of the global population and 94 percent of the global gross domestic product.

Final scores were averaged in each area for the countries in order to reach the overall ranking. Some countries were highly vulnerable in some areas but less so in others.

Of the four nations assessed to be most vulnerable, India has said climate change could cut agricultural incomes, particularly unirrigated areas that would be hit hardest by rising temperatures and declines in rainfall.

Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines are susceptible to extreme weather events, such as storms and flooding.

Pakistan was ranked among nations least well-equipped to respond to climate risks.&nbsp;

South and Southeast Asian countries accounted for half of the 10 most vulnerable countries. Oman, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Mexico, Kenya and South Africa are also in this group.

The five countries least vulnerable to climate change risk are Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia and New Zealand. In its last ranking in 2016, HSBC only assessed G20 countries for vulnerability to climate risk.

Pakistan was ranked among nations least well-equipped to respond to climate risks

India is the most vulnerable country to climate change, followed by Pakistan, the Philippines and Bangladesh, a ranking by HSBC showed on Monday. The bank assessed 67 developed, emerging and frontier markets on vulnerability to the physical impacts of climate change, sensitivity to extreme weather events, exposure to energy transition risks and ability to respond to climate change. The 67 nations represent almost a third of the world’s nation-states, 80 percent of the global population and 94 percent of the global gross domestic product. Final scores were averaged in each area for the countries in order to reach the overall ranking. Some countries were highly vulnerable in some areas but less so in others. Of the four nations assessed to be most vulnerable, India has said climate change could cut agricultural incomes, particularly unirrigated areas that would be hit hardest by rising temperatures and declines in rainfall. Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines are susceptible to extreme weather events, such as storms and flooding. Pakistan was ranked among nations least well-equipped to respond to climate risks. South and Southeast Asian countries accounted for half of the 10 most vulnerable countries. Oman, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Mexico, Kenya and South Africa are also in this group. The five countries least vulnerable to climate change risk are Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia and New Zealand. In its last ranking in 2016, HSBC only assessed G20 countries for vulnerability to climate risk.

India most vulnerable country to climate change: Report

Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan, Syed Haider Shah was summoned today after five Indian civilians were killed and two children got injured in an &quot;unprovoked firing&quot;&nbsp;by Pakistani forces yesterday.&nbsp;

The summon came after strong protests condemned yesterday&#39;s ceasefire violations by Pakistan in Bhimber Gali Sector across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu &amp; Kashmir.&nbsp;

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Dy High Commissioner of Pakistan, Syed Haider Shah was summoned today &amp; strong protest was lodged at loss of lives of 5 innocent Indian civilians &amp; grievous injuries to 2 other children in unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan forces on 18 March in Bhimber Gali Sector: MEA
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975722415434141698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Shah was also told that such heinous acts are against established humanitarian norms and professional military conduct, the External Affairs Ministry said.&nbsp;

&ldquo;It was conveyed that the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians, who are located two kilometres away from the forward line of defences, by Pakistan forces using high calibre weapons, is highly deplorable and is condemned in the strongest terms,&rdquo; the ministry said.

(With inputs from PTI)

 
&nbsp;

Shah was also told that such heinous acts are against established humanitarian norms and professional military conduct

Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan, Syed Haider Shah was summoned today after five Indian civilians were killed and two children got injured in an "unprovoked firing" by Pakistani forces yesterday. The summon came after strong protests condemned yesterday's ceasefire violations by Pakistan in Bhimber Gali Sector across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir. Dy High Commissioner of Pakistan, Syed Haider Shah was summoned today & strong protest was lodged at loss of lives of 5 innocent Indian civilians & grievous injuries to 2 other children in unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan forces on 18 March in Bhimber Gali Sector: MEA — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × Shah was also told that such heinous acts are against established humanitarian norms and professional military conduct, the External Affairs Ministry said. “It was conveyed that the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians, who are located two kilometres away from the forward line of defences, by Pakistan forces using high calibre weapons, is highly deplorable and is condemned in the strongest terms,” the ministry said. (With inputs from PTI)

India summons Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner over 'unprovoked firing' at LoC

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-files-chargesheet-against-ex-canara-bank-cmd-rk-dubey-36382">CBI files </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-files-chargesheet-against-ex-canara-bank-cmd-rk-dubey-36382">chargesheet</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-files-chargesheet-against-ex-canara-bank-cmd-rk-dubey-36382"> against ex-Canara Bank CMD RK Dubey in 68 crore loan default case</a>

The&nbsp;Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) has chargesheeted&nbsp;Canara Bank ex-CMD R K Dubey who was the executive director&nbsp;in Rs 68 crore alleged loan default by the&nbsp;company.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nidahas-trophy-heres-why-rohit-sharma-did-not-watch-dinesh-karthiks-last-ball-six-36381">Nidahas Trophy: Here&#39;s why Rohit Sharma did not watch Dinesh Karthik&#39;s last-ball six</a>

Dinesh Karthik clinched an almost next to impossible win for India after he smashed a last-ball six to seal the Nidahas Trophy title on Sunday. The wicketkeeper-batsman played a thrilling knock of 29 runs of just 8 balls, with the last ball becoming a lifetime memory for Karthik and the rest of the world.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/madhuri-dixit-steps-into-sridevis-role-in-abhishek-vermans-next-36376">Madhuri Dixit steps into Sridevi&#39;s role in Abhishek Verman&#39;s next</a>

Janhvi Kapoor, Sridevi&#39;s daughter has confirmed that Madhuri Dixit will play the role initially offered to her mother by Dharma Productions.&nbsp; Reports suggest Sridevi was initially offered to work opposite Sanjay Dutt. Janhvi said, &quot;Abhishek Varman&#39;s next film was very close to my mom&#39;s heart. Dad, Khushi and I are thankful to Madhuriji for now being part of the beautiful film.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-be-industrial-hub-of-south-asia-after-cpec-project-ahsan-iqbal-36377">Pakistan to be &#39;industrial hub&#39; of South Asia after CPEC project: Ahsan Iqbal</a>

Pakistan Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan would be the &#39;industrial hub&#39; of the entire South Asian region soon, after the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is built.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-will-remain-difficult-partner-after-putin-re-election-germany-36364">Russia will remain &#39;difficult partner&#39; after Putin re-election: Germany</a>

Russia will remain a &quot;difficult partner&quot; after President Vladimir Putin&#39;s re-election but will be needed to help resolve international tensions, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Monday, questioning the vote&#39;s fairness.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

CBI files chargesheet against ex-Canara Bank CMD RK Dubey in 68 crore loan default case The Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) has chargesheeted Canara Bank ex-CMD R K Dubey who was the executive director in Rs 68 crore alleged loan default by the company. Nidahas Trophy: Here's why Rohit Sharma did not watch Dinesh Karthik's last-ball six Dinesh Karthik clinched an almost next to impossible win for India after he smashed a last-ball six to seal the Nidahas Trophy title on Sunday. The wicketkeeper-batsman played a thrilling knock of 29 runs of just 8 balls, with the last ball becoming a lifetime memory for Karthik and the rest of the world. Madhuri Dixit steps into Sridevi's role in Abhishek Verman's next Janhvi Kapoor, Sridevi's daughter has confirmed that Madhuri Dixit will play the role initially offered to her mother by Dharma Productions. Reports suggest Sridevi was initially offered to work opposite Sanjay Dutt. Janhvi said, "Abhishek Varman's next film was very close to my mom's heart. Dad, Khushi and I are thankful to Madhuriji for now being part of the beautiful film." Pakistan to be 'industrial hub' of South Asia after CPEC project: Ahsan Iqbal Pakistan Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan would be the 'industrial hub' of the entire South Asian region soon, after the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is built. Russia will remain 'difficult partner' after Putin re-election: Germany Russia will remain a "difficult partner" after President Vladimir Putin's re-election but will be needed to help resolve international tensions, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Monday, questioning the vote's fairness.

WION Evening News Brief, March 19, 2018

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf&#39;s (PTI) leader Imran Khan on Saturday claimed that he is ready to take on &quot;Sharif Mafia&quot;.

While addressing his party&#39;s social media team here Khan said, &quot;I am impatiently waiting for the &#39;big match&#39;, the general election 2018&quot;, as told by the Dawn.

He asked his social media team to expand and bring a change by introducing new ideas to develop public opinion against &quot;Sharif Mafia&quot; while alleging that ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had looted the national wealth and stashed it abroad.

He further said, &quot;The PTI volunteers and their passion must defeat the paid (social media) mafia of the Sharifs&#39; PML-N,&quot; he said adding the next general election would decide the fate of youth in Pakistan.

Khan claimed that people will be given the party tickets on the basis of merit and popularity in their respective constituencies. In case of multiple candidates from the same constituencies, a survey shall be conducted.

He also accused the ruling PML-N government of looting money on the name of projects.

On Saturday former Muttahida Qaumi Movement lawmaker Aamir Liaquat Hussain also decided to join the PTI.

Earlier on March 12, Imran Khan had promised to transform Pakistan into a nation, Pakistan leaders Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Muhammad Iqbal had envisaged.

He had also announced to contest the next general elections from the Karachi constituency.&nbsp;

Khan had also announced to contest the next general elections from the Karachi constituency

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's (PTI) leader Imran Khan on Saturday claimed that he is ready to take on "Sharif Mafia". While addressing his party's social media team here Khan said, "I am impatiently waiting for the 'big match', the general election 2018", as told by the Dawn. He asked his social media team to expand and bring a change by introducing new ideas to develop public opinion against "Sharif Mafia" while alleging that ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had looted the national wealth and stashed it abroad. He further said, "The PTI volunteers and their passion must defeat the paid (social media) mafia of the Sharifs' PML-N," he said adding the next general election would decide the fate of youth in Pakistan. Khan claimed that people will be given the party tickets on the basis of merit and popularity in their respective constituencies. In case of multiple candidates from the same constituencies, a survey shall be conducted. He also accused the ruling PML-N government of looting money on the name of projects. On Saturday former Muttahida Qaumi Movement lawmaker Aamir Liaquat Hussain also decided to join the PTI. Earlier on March 12, Imran Khan had promised to transform Pakistan into a nation, Pakistan leaders Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Muhammad Iqbal had envisaged. He had also announced to contest the next general elections from the Karachi constituency.

Ready to take on 'Sharif Mafia', says Imran Khan

Four officials of the Indian High Commission were &quot;aggressively followed&quot; while they were travelling to Aabpara market in Pakistan. The officers were travelling by an official vehicle and were followed by two unknown persons on motorbikes in an intimidating manner, reports said.&nbsp;

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On 18 March, Second Secretary at the Indian High Commission in Pakistan was aggressively followed by unidentified people in a car in close proximity in an intimidating manner while he was going to Chhaye Khana restaurant. Videos were made using mobile phone: Sources
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&quot;On 18 March, Second Secretary at the Indian High Commission in Pakistan was aggressively followed by unidentified people in a car in close proximity in an intimidating manner while he was going to Chhaye Khana restaurant. Videos were made using a mobile phone,&quot; ANI reported. &nbsp;

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Today, four High Commission of India officials in Pakistan travelling in an official vehicle were aggressively followed while going to Aabpara market by two unknown persons on motorbikes in an intimidating manner: Sources
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The official website of the Indian High Commission is reported to be intermittently blocked causing inconvenience and &quot;affecting the normal functioning of the Mission&quot;.&nbsp;

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Website of Indian HC continues to be intermittently blocked causing inconvenience &amp; affecting the normal functioning of the Mission. We&#39;ve asked Pakistan govt to investigate these incidents&amp;ensure such incidents don&#39;t recur &amp; share result of investigation with us: Sources
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India has asked Pakistan to look into the&nbsp;incidents and ensure that the same are not repeated in the future. India has also demanded the result of the investigation from Pakistan.&nbsp;

India has asked Pakistan to look into the incidents and ensure that the same are not repeated in the future

Four officials of the Indian High Commission were "aggressively followed" while they were travelling to Aabpara market in Pakistan. The officers were travelling by an official vehicle and were followed by two unknown persons on motorbikes in an intimidating manner, reports said. On 18 March, Second Secretary at the Indian High Commission in Pakistan was aggressively followed by unidentified people in a car in close proximity in an intimidating manner while he was going to Chhaye Khana restaurant. Videos were made using mobile phone: Sources — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × "On 18 March, Second Secretary at the Indian High Commission in Pakistan was aggressively followed by unidentified people in a car in close proximity in an intimidating manner while he was going to Chhaye Khana restaurant. Videos were made using a mobile phone," ANI reported. Today, four High Commission of India officials in Pakistan travelling in an official vehicle were aggressively followed while going to Aabpara market by two unknown persons on motorbikes in an intimidating manner: Sources — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × The official website of the Indian High Commission is reported to be intermittently blocked causing inconvenience and "affecting the normal functioning of the Mission". Website of Indian HC continues to be intermittently blocked causing inconvenience & affecting the normal functioning of the Mission. We've asked Pakistan govt to investigate these incidents&ensure such incidents don't recur & share result of investigation with us: Sources — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × India has asked Pakistan to look into the incidents and ensure that the same are not repeated in the future. India has also demanded the result of the investigation from Pakistan.

Indian High Commission officials 'aggressively followed' by bikers in Pakistan: Sources

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-presidential-election-2018-voting-underway-as-vladimir-putin-set-to-win-fourth-term-36193" target="_blank">Russian presidential election 2018: Voting underway as Vladimir Putin set to win </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-presidential-election-2018-voting-underway-as-vladimir-putin-set-to-win-fourth-term-36193" target="_blank">fourth</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-presidential-election-2018-voting-underway-as-vladimir-putin-set-to-win-fourth-term-36193" target="_blank"> term</a>

Russians began voting Sunday in a presidential election widely expected to cement President Vladimir Putin&#39;s power for another six years.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-vice-president-mike-pence-urges-pakistan-to-do-more-against-taliban-36190" target="_blank">US Vice President Mike Pence urges Pakistan to &#39;do more&#39; against Taliban</a>

US Vice President Mike Pence told Pakistan&#39;s Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi that his country &quot;must do more&quot; against the Taliban and other militants, the White House said on Saturday.

<a href="http://India makes written complaint to Pakistan on harassment of its diplomatic staff" target="_blank">India makes written </a><a href="http://India makes written complaint to Pakistan on harassment of its diplomatic staff" target="_blank">complaint</a><a href="http://India makes written complaint to Pakistan on harassment of its diplomatic staff" target="_blank"> to Pakistan on harassment of its diplomatic staff</a>

Officials of the Indian high commission in Pakistan, who had gone for shopping in Islamabad&#39;s Blue Area, were on Saturday harassed with two persons aggressively following them and hurling abuses.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/drone-strike-kills-6-is-terrorists-in-afghanistan-36200" target="_blank">Drone strike kills 6 IS terrorists in Afghanistan</a>

At least six terrorists belonging to the Islamic State (IS) group have been killed in the latest drone strike in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mauritius-president-resigns-over-credit-card-scandal-36173" target="_blank">Mauritius president resigns over credit card scandal</a>

Mauritius President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim resigned on Saturday after being embroiled in a scandal over her use of a credit card to buy luxury personal items, in an abrupt change of heart after vowing she would not stand down.

Russian presidential election 2018: Voting underway as Vladimir Putin set to win fourth term Russians began voting Sunday in a presidential election widely expected to cement President Vladimir Putin's power for another six years. US Vice President Mike Pence urges Pakistan to 'do more' against Taliban US Vice President Mike Pence told Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi that his country "must do more" against the Taliban and other militants, the White House said on Saturday. India makes written complaint to Pakistan on harassment of its diplomatic staff Officials of the Indian high commission in Pakistan, who had gone for shopping in Islamabad's Blue Area, were on Saturday harassed with two persons aggressively following them and hurling abuses. Drone strike kills 6 IS terrorists in Afghanistan At least six terrorists belonging to the Islamic State (IS) group have been killed in the latest drone strike in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan. Mauritius president resigns over credit card scandal Mauritius President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim resigned on Saturday after being embroiled in a scandal over her use of a credit card to buy luxury personal items, in an abrupt change of heart after vowing she would not stand down.

WION Morning News brief, March 18, 2018

The Free Balochistan Movement on Saturday announced to organise a worldwide protest to highlight the illegal occupation of Balochistan by Pakistan on March 27, 1948.

In a statement to media, the Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) said that &quot;since the occupation of the sovereign state of Balochistan on March 27, 1948, the Baloch have been observing the March 27 as a Black day in their history. On this day in 1948, the state of Pakistan attacked and forcibly annexed the Baloch country to their newly forged colonial theocratic state of Pakistan.&quot;

&quot;The Baloch nation has never yielded to any form of illegal occupation of their country. From the very day that Pakistan occupied Balochistan, the Baloch resistance to regain their independence began under the leadership of Agha Abdul Kareem Khan,&quot; the statement added.

The FBM further said the Baloch liberation movement has spread to all parts of Balochistan, to the old and young, men and women and all social groups.

&quot;Ever since the Baloch liberation movement has been transformed from a potential movement into a nationwide actual movement. It has spread to all parts of Balochistan, to the old and young, men and women and all social groups. Today, the illegal occupiers of Balochistan are totally aware of this fact. The decisive break is imminent,&quot; the statement further read.

The FBM highlighted that the colonial theocratic states are not here to stay forever.

&quot;The fact that they have never had a day free of instability, violence, corruption, religious fundamentalism, militarism, misery and extreme poverty during their entire existence is a case in point. Their entire existence has been marred by one crisis after another,&quot; the FBM said.

They further said the Pakistani rule has created killing fields in Balochistan, which shows that they are going through the last stage of their colonial rule in the province.

&quot;More than 6000 abducted Baloch have been killed under-custody by Pakistan forces. The victims include university professors, students, lawyers, poets, singers and human rights, doctors, farmers, workers, social activists and other highly educated members of Baloch society,&quot; the FBM said in a statement.

Later, the FBM confirmed that it will hold protest demonstrations in London, Germany, Canada, USA, the Netherlands, Sweden and Afghanistan on March 27, 2018, to mark the illegal occupation day of Balochistan by the artificial state of Pakistan.

The Free Balochistan Movement has also invited all Baloch and other human rights activists to join our protests around the world and express your legitimate democratic right to be free from any form of colonialism and illegal occupation of Balochistan.&nbsp;

The Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) said that 'since the occupation of the sovereign state of Balochistan on March 27, 1948, the Baloch have been observing the March 27 as a Black day in their history'.

The Free Balochistan Movement on Saturday announced to organise a worldwide protest to highlight the illegal occupation of Balochistan by Pakistan on March 27, 1948. In a statement to media, the Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) said that "since the occupation of the sovereign state of Balochistan on March 27, 1948, the Baloch have been observing the March 27 as a Black day in their history. On this day in 1948, the state of Pakistan attacked and forcibly annexed the Baloch country to their newly forged colonial theocratic state of Pakistan." "The Baloch nation has never yielded to any form of illegal occupation of their country. From the very day that Pakistan occupied Balochistan, the Baloch resistance to regain their independence began under the leadership of Agha Abdul Kareem Khan," the statement added. The FBM further said the Baloch liberation movement has spread to all parts of Balochistan, to the old and young, men and women and all social groups. "Ever since the Baloch liberation movement has been transformed from a potential movement into a nationwide actual movement. It has spread to all parts of Balochistan, to the old and young, men and women and all social groups. Today, the illegal occupiers of Balochistan are totally aware of this fact. The decisive break is imminent," the statement further read. The FBM highlighted that the colonial theocratic states are not here to stay forever. "The fact that they have never had a day free of instability, violence, corruption, religious fundamentalism, militarism, misery and extreme poverty during their entire existence is a case in point. Their entire existence has been marred by one crisis after another," the FBM said. They further said the Pakistani rule has created killing fields in Balochistan, which shows that they are going through the last stage of their colonial rule in the province. "More than 6000 abducted Baloch have been killed under-custody by Pakistan forces. The victims include university professors, students, lawyers, poets, singers and human rights, doctors, farmers, workers, social activists and other highly educated members of Baloch society," the FBM said in a statement. Later, the FBM confirmed that it will hold protest demonstrations in London, Germany, Canada, USA, the Netherlands, Sweden and Afghanistan on March 27, 2018, to mark the illegal occupation day of Balochistan by the artificial state of Pakistan. The Free Balochistan Movement has also invited all Baloch and other human rights activists to join our protests around the world and express your legitimate democratic right to be free from any form of colonialism and illegal occupation of Balochistan.

Free Balochistan Movement announces worldwide protest on Balochistan Occupation Day

US Vice President Mike Pence told Pakistan&#39;s Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi that his country &quot;must do more&quot; against the Taliban and other militants, the White House said on Saturday.

&quot;Vice President Pence reiterated President (Donald) Trump`s request that the Government of Pakistan must do more to address the continued presence of the Taliban, Haqqani Network, and other terrorist groups operating in their country,&quot; the White House said in a statement on the Friday call.

&quot;Pakistan could and should work closely with the United States,&quot; Pence said.

According to Washington, there is little sign that Islamabad has made a decision to end its support for the Taliban, which the country&#39;s powerful security services see as safeguarding its interests and as a bulwark against Indian influence in Kabul.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani last month proposed peace talks with the Taliban, which could eventually be recognized as a political party if it observes a ceasefire and officially recognizes the Afghan government and constitution.

The Taliban has stopped short of rejecting the proposal, but its response has been muted.

According to Washington, there is little sign that Islamabad has made a decision to end its support for the Taliban

US Vice President Mike Pence told Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi that his country "must do more" against the Taliban and other militants, the White House said on Saturday. "Vice President Pence reiterated President (Donald) Trump`s request that the Government of Pakistan must do more to address the continued presence of the Taliban, Haqqani Network, and other terrorist groups operating in their country," the White House said in a statement on the Friday call. "Pakistan could and should work closely with the United States," Pence said. According to Washington, there is little sign that Islamabad has made a decision to end its support for the Taliban, which the country's powerful security services see as safeguarding its interests and as a bulwark against Indian influence in Kabul. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani last month proposed peace talks with the Taliban, which could eventually be recognized as a political party if it observes a ceasefire and officially recognizes the Afghan government and constitution. The Taliban has stopped short of rejecting the proposal, but its response has been muted.

US Vice President Mike Pence urges Pakistan to 'do more' against Taliban

Union Home Minister on Saturday claimed that the Indian security forces can cross the Line of Control (LoC) in order to protect the country.&nbsp;

Singh accused Pakistan of giving &quot;political legitimacy&quot;&nbsp;to JuD chief and terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed. He reiterated the importance of peace restoration in Kashmir and stated that the Modi government is committed to the cause of retaining peace in the valley.&nbsp;

The Home Minister noted that India seeks &quot;friendly relations&quot; with Pakistan but the country instead gave &quot;political legitimacy&quot; to LeT founder and UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed.

He also noted that Kashmir will never be separated from India.&nbsp;

Singh also noted that Kashmir will never be separated from India

Union Home Minister on Saturday claimed that the Indian security forces can cross the Line of Control (LoC) in order to protect the country. Singh accused Pakistan of giving "political legitimacy" to JuD chief and terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed. He reiterated the importance of peace restoration in Kashmir and stated that the Modi government is committed to the cause of retaining peace in the valley. The Home Minister noted that India seeks "friendly relations" with Pakistan but the country instead gave "political legitimacy" to LeT founder and UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed. He also noted that Kashmir will never be separated from India.

We will cross border to ensure security: Rajnath Singh

Pakistan has decided to stay away from the World Trade Organisation meet in New Delhi next week in protest against alleged harassment of its diplomats in India.

India last month invited Pakistan Commerce Minister Pervez Malik to participate in the informal WTO ministerial meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on March 19-20 and Islamabad had initially accepted the invitation.

Sources in the foreign ministry here said the situation has changed after &quot;repeated harassment of families of diplomats&quot; and it was decided to skip the invitation.

&quot;We cannot send our commerce minister to India in the current situation and India has been informed about it,&quot; according to a source.

He said India should also stop the alleged violations of the ceasefire on the Line of Control that led to death of civilians and also stop &quot;atrocities&quot; in Kashmir.

Trade ministers of over 50 nations including the US, China and Pakistan were invited by India to discuss issues related to agriculture and services.

The decision to stay away from WTO meeting in India coincided with the recalling of Pakistan&#39;s High Commissioner to India Sohail Mehmood.

Mahmood arrived here last evening for consultations after Pakistan alleged repeated harassment of its diplomats in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is weighing options to deal with the situation in the wake of calling back of its High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood from New Delhi due to alleged harassment of diplomats in India.

Mahmood arrived here a day after the Foreign Office spokesman said that he was being summoned for consultation &quot;due to non-stop harassment of families of the diplomats&quot;.

Official sources in the foreign ministry said Mahmood will brief top officials about the situation.

&quot;A decision to how to address the situation will be made after the consultations,&quot; sources said.

They said that options were on the table including declaring New Delhi as a non-family station and not sending back Mahmood for an indefinite period.

Officials rejected allegations that Indian diplomatic staff were also facing hurdles and harassment in Pakistan.

&quot;Our high commissioner will not return to India anytime soon,&quot; the Express Tribune quoted a senior foreign office official as saying.

It reported that initially it was thought he would return to New Delhi after consultations with authorities.

However, the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the high commissioner would stay back for an indefinite period or &quot;until Indian agencies stop intimidating the staff and families of their diplomatic mission&quot; in New Delhi.

&quot;In other words, Pakistan recalled its envoy to New Delhi as a protest till the situation improves,&quot; it reported.

The official justified the move, insisting that under current circumstances it was not possible for the high commissioner to operate out of New Delhi.

&quot;Children have never been harassed even when two countries have had the worst of relationship,&quot; he said.

When asked whether Pakistan was contemplating withdrawing the families of its diplomatic staff, the official said it might have to if the current slide in the relationship was not arrested.&nbsp;

India last month invited Pakistan Commerce Minister Pervez Malik to participate in the informal WTO ministerial meeting

Pakistan has decided to stay away from the World Trade Organisation meet in New Delhi next week in protest against alleged harassment of its diplomats in India. India last month invited Pakistan Commerce Minister Pervez Malik to participate in the informal WTO ministerial meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on March 19-20 and Islamabad had initially accepted the invitation. Sources in the foreign ministry here said the situation has changed after "repeated harassment of families of diplomats" and it was decided to skip the invitation. "We cannot send our commerce minister to India in the current situation and India has been informed about it," according to a source. He said India should also stop the alleged violations of the ceasefire on the Line of Control that led to death of civilians and also stop "atrocities" in Kashmir. Trade ministers of over 50 nations including the US, China and Pakistan were invited by India to discuss issues related to agriculture and services. The decision to stay away from WTO meeting in India coincided with the recalling of Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Sohail Mehmood. Mahmood arrived here last evening for consultations after Pakistan alleged repeated harassment of its diplomats in New Delhi. Meanwhile, Pakistan is weighing options to deal with the situation in the wake of calling back of its High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood from New Delhi due to alleged harassment of diplomats in India. Mahmood arrived here a day after the Foreign Office spokesman said that he was being summoned for consultation "due to non-stop harassment of families of the diplomats". Official sources in the foreign ministry said Mahmood will brief top officials about the situation. "A decision to how to address the situation will be made after the consultations," sources said. They said that options were on the table including declaring New Delhi as a non-family station and not sending back Mahmood for an indefinite period. Officials rejected allegations that Indian diplomatic staff were also facing hurdles and harassment in Pakistan. "Our high commissioner will not return to India anytime soon," the Express Tribune quoted a senior foreign office official as saying. It reported that initially it was thought he would return to New Delhi after consultations with authorities. However, the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the high commissioner would stay back for an indefinite period or "until Indian agencies stop intimidating the staff and families of their diplomatic mission" in New Delhi. "In other words, Pakistan recalled its envoy to New Delhi as a protest till the situation improves," it reported. The official justified the move, insisting that under current circumstances it was not possible for the high commissioner to operate out of New Delhi. "Children have never been harassed even when two countries have had the worst of relationship," he said. When asked whether Pakistan was contemplating withdrawing the families of its diplomatic staff, the official said it might have to if the current slide in the relationship was not arrested.

Pakistan to skip WTO meet in New Delhi

Pakistan&#39;s High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood will not be returning to New Delhi anytime soon, an official from the Pakistan Foreign Office was quoted saying on Friday.&nbsp;

Officials from the Foreign Office said that Islamabad has decided not to send High Commissioner Mahmood back to New Delhi until the overall situation regarding treatment of diplomatic staff and their families is resolved.

&quot;Our high commissioner will not return to India anytime soon,&quot; the senior Foreign Office official was quoted by the Express Tribune, as saying just hours after Mahmood returned from New Delhi on Friday.

The official told the daily that the high commissioner would stay back for an indefinite period.&nbsp;

Initially, it was thought that he would return to New Delhi after consultations with relevant authorities on the continued harassment and bullying of Pakistani diplomatic staff and their families, including children by Indian secret agencies.

Pakistan called back its High Commissioner in Delhi for a meeting after alleging that its diplomats and their families were &quot;harassed and intimidated&quot; in the capital. Islamabad said in a statement that it had called envoy Sohail Mahmood for &quot;consultations&quot; after &quot;no positive action had been taken by India&quot;.

Pakistan had lodged a strong protest with both the Indian high commission in Islamabad as well as External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi.

The Indian government downplayed the move, calling it &quot;routine&quot;. &quot;He has been called back for consultation.&nbsp;

It may be recalled that in 2002, high commissioners of Pakistan and India were recalled to their respective countries following the December 13, 2001 terror attack on the Indian parliament.

Tensions between both countries are already running high because of frequent cease-fire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working International Boundary.

The official told the daily that the high commissioner would stay back for an indefinite period

Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood will not be returning to New Delhi anytime soon, an official from the Pakistan Foreign Office was quoted saying on Friday. Officials from the Foreign Office said that Islamabad has decided not to send High Commissioner Mahmood back to New Delhi until the overall situation regarding treatment of diplomatic staff and their families is resolved. "Our high commissioner will not return to India anytime soon," the senior Foreign Office official was quoted by the Express Tribune, as saying just hours after Mahmood returned from New Delhi on Friday. The official told the daily that the high commissioner would stay back for an indefinite period. Initially, it was thought that he would return to New Delhi after consultations with relevant authorities on the continued harassment and bullying of Pakistani diplomatic staff and their families, including children by Indian secret agencies. Pakistan called back its High Commissioner in Delhi for a meeting after alleging that its diplomats and their families were "harassed and intimidated" in the capital. Islamabad said in a statement that it had called envoy Sohail Mahmood for "consultations" after "no positive action had been taken by India". Pakistan had lodged a strong protest with both the Indian high commission in Islamabad as well as External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi. The Indian government downplayed the move, calling it "routine". "He has been called back for consultation. It may be recalled that in 2002, high commissioners of Pakistan and India were recalled to their respective countries following the December 13, 2001 terror attack on the Indian parliament. Tensions between both countries are already running high because of frequent cease-fire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working International Boundary.

Pakistan refuses to send envoy back to India

More than 6000 abducted Baloch have been killed under-custody by Pakistan forces.

Experts and a Member of European Parliament (MEP) have shown concern over the growing extremism and terrorism in Pakistan, which are hurting not only the country but also the Western nations.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 37th Session of Human Rights Council in Geneva, Fulvio Martusciello, an Italian politician and member of European Parliament said, &quot;Europeans are not ready to fight against terrorists. And, we are soft with Pakistan&quot;.

He also raised concern over the oppression of Baloch, Pashtun and minority communities.

&quot;Pakistan is not really a democracy. So, Europe has to look at the money it gives to this country and understand what is happening in this country (Pakistan),&quot; Fulvio added.

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Europeans aren&#39;t ready to fight against terrorists. We are soft with Pakistan. Pakistan is not really a democracy. So, Europe have to look at the money it give to this country and understand about what is happening there: European MP Fulvio Martusciello at UNHRC session <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Geneva?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Geneva</a> <a href="https://t.co/V2qFxwZvrK">pic.twitter.com/V2qFxwZvrK</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974793466499747841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Recently, the Financial Action Taken Force (FATF) put Pakistan on its greylist.

Islamabad has entered into a phase, where it has to not only submit an action plan against controlling terror fund at the body&#39;s next plenary in Paris end-June but also give a political undertaking that it would implement the steps.

However, experts believe tough sanctions are required to break Islamic hardliners and military alliance in Pakistan.

Tarek Fatah, a Pakistan-born Canadian writer, said, &quot;There is hardly any pressure at all (on Pakistan). This is only on paper. Pakistanis know, they can lobby themselves out of any place. They have former American ambassadors, who are the lobbyist for Pakistan. So, this is not how it works. If the West or European Union want to put pressure on Pakistan, they should come out openly and support the independence of Balochistan and then only Pakistan will act&quot;.

He added, &quot;As far as Pakistan continues to exist, it will be a nightmare for the rest of the world. Pakistan&#39;s existence has to be worked out in such a way that it disintegrates and that should be a long-term strategic goal. It&#39;s not a country, its an acronym&quot;.

Tarek, who speaks often against Pakistan&#39;s oppressive rule and state-sponsored terrorism, said, &quot;Chief justices of Pakistan&#39;s Supreme Court are acting if they are the police constables. It&#39;s a wicked society, governed by very devious and corrupt people, which is called the Mullah-military alliance. If you have to break that alliance, break that country.&quot;

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There is hardly any pressure(on Pakistan). This is only on paper. They know they can lobby themselves out of any place. Former American ambassadors are lobbyist for Pak. Till Pak continues to exist, it will be nightmare for rest of world: Tarek Fatah,Pakistan-born Canadian writer <a href="https://t.co/LyGzlCofHZ">pic.twitter.com/LyGzlCofHZ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974793470308159488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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European experts have also shown concern over Pakistan&#39;s double standard in dealing with the issue of terrorism.

Henri Malosse, an Honorary member at Brussels based European Academy of the Regions, said, &quot;I think more and more experts are visiting Pakistan to check the situation, it&#39;s not improving despite all the speeches, maybe the laws are not implemented properly. So, there is a growing concern about the situation in Pakistan. Of course, we are cautious because of the geopolitical situation.&quot;

He added, &quot;Pakistan has been in the past one of the closest ally and friend of the U.S. So, it has always an image of the pro-Western country despite the entire situation we know. If you compare with a country like Iran, where you cannot find any Iranian terrorist for the last 40 years, but you can find a lot of Pakistanis, but look at different consideration as of how Western world look at Iran and how they look at Pakistan.&quot;

Malosse further said that the situation has changed a little bit but that is not enough.&nbsp;

Speaking on the sidelines of the 37th Session of Human Rights Council in Geneva, Fulvio Martusciello, an Italian politician and member of European Parliament said, 'Europeans are not ready to fight against terrorists. And, we are soft with Pakistan'

Experts and a Member of European Parliament (MEP) have shown concern over the growing extremism and terrorism in Pakistan, which are hurting not only the country but also the Western nations. Speaking on the sidelines of the 37th Session of Human Rights Council in Geneva, Fulvio Martusciello, an Italian politician and member of European Parliament said, "Europeans are not ready to fight against terrorists. And, we are soft with Pakistan". He also raised concern over the oppression of Baloch, Pashtun and minority communities. "Pakistan is not really a democracy. So, Europe has to look at the money it gives to this country and understand what is happening in this country (Pakistan)," Fulvio added. Europeans aren't ready to fight against terrorists. We are soft with Pakistan. Pakistan is not really a democracy. So, Europe have to look at the money it give to this country and understand about what is happening there: European MP Fulvio Martusciello at UNHRC session #Geneva pic.twitter.com/V2qFxwZvrK — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × Recently, the Financial Action Taken Force (FATF) put Pakistan on its greylist. Islamabad has entered into a phase, where it has to not only submit an action plan against controlling terror fund at the body's next plenary in Paris end-June but also give a political undertaking that it would implement the steps. However, experts believe tough sanctions are required to break Islamic hardliners and military alliance in Pakistan. Tarek Fatah, a Pakistan-born Canadian writer, said, "There is hardly any pressure at all (on Pakistan). This is only on paper. Pakistanis know, they can lobby themselves out of any place. They have former American ambassadors, who are the lobbyist for Pakistan. So, this is not how it works. If the West or European Union want to put pressure on Pakistan, they should come out openly and support the independence of Balochistan and then only Pakistan will act". He added, "As far as Pakistan continues to exist, it will be a nightmare for the rest of the world. Pakistan's existence has to be worked out in such a way that it disintegrates and that should be a long-term strategic goal. It's not a country, its an acronym". Tarek, who speaks often against Pakistan's oppressive rule and state-sponsored terrorism, said, "Chief justices of Pakistan's Supreme Court are acting if they are the police constables. It's a wicked society, governed by very devious and corrupt people, which is called the Mullah-military alliance. If you have to break that alliance, break that country." There is hardly any pressure(on Pakistan). This is only on paper. They know they can lobby themselves out of any place. Former American ambassadors are lobbyist for Pak. Till Pak continues to exist, it will be nightmare for rest of world: Tarek Fatah,Pakistan-born Canadian writer pic.twitter.com/LyGzlCofHZ — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × European experts have also shown concern over Pakistan's double standard in dealing with the issue of terrorism. Henri Malosse, an Honorary member at Brussels based European Academy of the Regions, said, "I think more and more experts are visiting Pakistan to check the situation, it's not improving despite all the speeches, maybe the laws are not implemented properly. So, there is a growing concern about the situation in Pakistan. Of course, we are cautious because of the geopolitical situation." He added, "Pakistan has been in the past one of the closest ally and friend of the U.S. So, it has always an image of the pro-Western country despite the entire situation we know. If you compare with a country like Iran, where you cannot find any Iranian terrorist for the last 40 years, but you can find a lot of Pakistanis, but look at different consideration as of how Western world look at Iran and how they look at Pakistan." Malosse further said that the situation has changed a little bit but that is not enough.

European parliamentarian, experts lambast Pakistan for sheltering terrorists

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-to-skip-wto-meet-in-new-delhi-36145">Pakistan to skip WTO meet in New Delhi</a>

India last month invited Pakistan Commerce Minister Pervez Malik to participate in the informal WTO ministerial meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on March 19-20 and Islamabad had initially accepted the invitation.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonias-strong-attack-on-modi-government-36152">Sonia accuses Modi government of &#39;tinkering with constitutional propriety&#39;</a>

Sonia said that despite the onslaught, Congress is not going to back down. Sonia said that present dispensation tinkering with constitutional propriety and not following the Parliamentary traditions

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ditch-evms-and-go-back-to-paper-ballots-congress-urges-ec-36159">Ditch EVMs and go back to paper ballots: Congress urges EC</a>

The Congress today urged the Election Commission (EC) to go back to the traditional practice of paper ballots for future elections. The party said that going back to paper ballots is necessary in the wake of &quot;misgivings on misuse&quot; of EVMs. The statement came earlier today during its 84th plenary session.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-expels-23-british-diplomats-as-crisis-over-nerve-toxin-attack-deepens-36156    ">Russia expels 23 British diplomats as </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-expels-23-british-diplomats-as-crisis-over-nerve-toxin-attack-deepens-36156    ">crisis</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-expels-23-british-diplomats-as-crisis-over-nerve-toxin-attack-deepens-36156    "> over nerve toxin attack deepens&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</a>

Russia expelled 23 British diplomats on Saturday in a carefully calibrated retaliatory move against London, which has accused the Kremlin of orchestrating a nerve toxin attack on a former Russian double agent and his daughter in southern England.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-story-could-end-with-mass-unemployment-nobel-winner-paul-krugman-36154">India story could end with mass unemployment: Nobel-winner Paul Krugman</a>

&ldquo;India&rsquo;s lack in the manufacturing sector could work against it, as it doesn&#39;t have the jobs essential to sustain the projected growth in demography. You have to find jobs for people,&rdquo; he said

Pakistan to skip WTO meet in New Delhi India last month invited Pakistan Commerce Minister Pervez Malik to participate in the informal WTO ministerial meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on March 19-20 and Islamabad had initially accepted the invitation. Sonia accuses Modi government of 'tinkering with constitutional propriety' Sonia said that despite the onslaught, Congress is not going to back down. Sonia said that present dispensation tinkering with constitutional propriety and not following the Parliamentary traditions Ditch EVMs and go back to paper ballots: Congress urges EC The Congress today urged the Election Commission (EC) to go back to the traditional practice of paper ballots for future elections. The party said that going back to paper ballots is necessary in the wake of "misgivings on misuse" of EVMs. The statement came earlier today during its 84th plenary session. Russia expels 23 British diplomats as crisis over nerve toxin attack deepens Russia expelled 23 British diplomats on Saturday in a carefully calibrated retaliatory move against London, which has accused the Kremlin of orchestrating a nerve toxin attack on a former Russian double agent and his daughter in southern England. India story could end with mass unemployment: Nobel-winner Paul Krugman “India’s lack in the manufacturing sector could work against it, as it doesn't have the jobs essential to sustain the projected growth in demography. You have to find jobs for people,” he said

WION Evening News Brief, March 17, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-security-forces-open-fire-on-terrorists-in-pulwama-after-weapon-snatching-incident-35978" target="_blank">J&amp;K: Security forces open fire on terrorists in Pulwama after weapon snatching incident, 2 killed</a>

At least two terrorists have been killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s&nbsp;Pulwama district.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pedestrian-bridge-collapses-in-florida-4-dead-35967" target="_blank">Pedestrian bridge collapses in Florida, 4 dead</a>

Four people were killed and at least 10 injured after a bridge collapsed in Miami. The newly erected 950-ton bridge pedestrian bridge spanned several lanes of traffic&nbsp;at Florida International University.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/there-were-disappearingsindhisin-pakistan-35968" target="_blank">Pakistan creating fear among Sindhis due to CPEC: Pak activist to UNHRC</a>

In yet another revelation of suppression of minorities in Pakistan, Dr H Bhutto while addressing the United Nations Human Rights Commission said that Sindhis are &quot;disappearing&quot;&nbsp;in Pakistan.&nbsp;He added that attempts were being made to create&nbsp;fear among Sindhis.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/2-killed-7-injured-in-house-explosion-in-pakistans-balochistan-province-35982" target="_blank">2 killed, 7 injured in house explosion in Pakistan&#39;s Balochistan province</a>

At least two persons were killed and seven others injured in an explosion in a house in Kila Saifullah district of Pakistan&#39;s restive Balochistan province, police said Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/queen-gives-formal-consent-for-grandson-harry-to-marry-meghan-markle-35963" target="_blank">Queen gives formal consent for grandson Harry to marry Meghan Markle</a>

Britain&#39;s Queen Elizabeth has formally given her permission for her &quot;dearly beloved&quot; grandson Prince Harry to marry his US fiancee&nbsp;Meghan&nbsp;Markle.

J&K: Security forces open fire on terrorists in Pulwama after weapon snatching incident, 2 killed At least two terrorists have been killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Pedestrian bridge collapses in Florida, 4 dead Four people were killed and at least 10 injured after a bridge collapsed in Miami. The newly erected 950-ton bridge pedestrian bridge spanned several lanes of traffic at Florida International University. Pakistan creating fear among Sindhis due to CPEC: Pak activist to UNHRC In yet another revelation of suppression of minorities in Pakistan, Dr H Bhutto while addressing the United Nations Human Rights Commission said that Sindhis are "disappearing" in Pakistan. He added that attempts were being made to create fear among Sindhis. 2 killed, 7 injured in house explosion in Pakistan's Balochistan province At least two persons were killed and seven others injured in an explosion in a house in Kila Saifullah district of Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, police said Friday. Queen gives formal consent for grandson Harry to marry Meghan Markle Britain's Queen Elizabeth has formally given her permission for her "dearly beloved" grandson Prince Harry to marry his US fiancee Meghan Markle.

WION Morning News brief, March 16, 2018

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned a suicide attack on a police check-post near the residence of Pakistan&#39;s ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif in Lahore.

Guterres extended his condolences to the families of the victims of the March 14 attack, a statement from a UN spokesman said adding that the Secretary-General calls for the perpetrators of the attack to be brought to justice.

The statement said the UN supports the efforts of the government of Pakistan to fight terrorism with full respect for international human rights norms and obligations.

A teenaged suicide bomber blew himself up near the residence of Sharif, killing nine people, including five policemen, the police said.

The blast took place close to a check post, a few kilometres from the palatial residence of the Sharif family.&nbsp;

Around 25 people were also injured in the attack.&nbsp;

UN Secretary-General Antonio condemned a suicide attack on a police check-post near the residence of Pakistan's PM Nawaz Sharif in Lahore

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned a suicide attack on a police check-post near the residence of Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif in Lahore. Guterres extended his condolences to the families of the victims of the March 14 attack, a statement from a UN spokesman said adding that the Secretary-General calls for the perpetrators of the attack to be brought to justice. The statement said the UN supports the efforts of the government of Pakistan to fight terrorism with full respect for international human rights norms and obligations. A teenaged suicide bomber blew himself up near the residence of Sharif, killing nine people, including five policemen, the police said. The blast took place close to a check post, a few kilometres from the palatial residence of the Sharif family. Around 25 people were also injured in the attack.

UN chief condemns attack near Sharif's residence in Lahore

At least two persons were killed and seven others injured in an explosion in a house in Kila Saifullah district of Pakistan&#39;s restive Balochistan province, police said Friday.

Many others are trapped under the debris and efforts are on to rescue them, they said.

The incident took place last night in which the roof and walls of the house collapsed.

&quot;We don&#39;t know what caused the blast but it was powerful and damaged the house,&quot; Deputy Commissioner Killa Saifullah Shafqat Anwar Shahwani said.

The injured, including women and children, belonged to the same family and were shifted to hospital for treatment.

Baluchistan province has been hit hard by terror attacks in the last few years with militants and separatists frequently targeting security personnel and installations.&nbsp;

Baluchistan province has been hit hard by terror attacks in the last few years with militants and separatists frequently targeting security personnel and installations

At least two persons were killed and seven others injured in an explosion in a house in Kila Saifullah district of Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, police said Friday. Many others are trapped under the debris and efforts are on to rescue them, they said. The incident took place last night in which the roof and walls of the house collapsed. "We don't know what caused the blast but it was powerful and damaged the house," Deputy Commissioner Killa Saifullah Shafqat Anwar Shahwani said. The injured, including women and children, belonged to the same family and were shifted to hospital for treatment. Baluchistan province has been hit hard by terror attacks in the last few years with militants and separatists frequently targeting security personnel and installations.

2 killed, 7 injured in house explosion in Pakistan's Balochistan province

Despite the United States pressuring Pakistan, the Islamabad Government is still supporting the Taliban terrorist group in the border region with Afghanistan, revealed United State Army General Joseph L. Votel.

According to a media report, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday, when asked about the continued Pakistani support to Taliban, Gen. Votel noted, &quot;I cannot tell you that we have seen decisive changes in the areas in which we&#39;re working, but I remain very well-engaged with my partner to ensure that we are moving forward on this.&quot;

On recent increase in Taliban attacks in Afghanistan, Votel said, &quot;Having sanctuary in Pakistan or having support from other actors in the region certainly is an aspect of the Taliban&#39;s success here.&quot;

The report further quoted an intelligence source close to the Afghan border region as saying that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan is continuing its covert support for the Taliban in the border region.

&quot;ISI is providing both protection and material support to the Taliban in areas between Quetta and the Afghan border,&quot; the source said.

The insider revealed that the ISI is working along with the Pakistani Army in Taliban in Pashtun ethnic areas of Balochistan province in the northwestern part of the country.

&quot;In Pashtun areas which are close to Quetta, religious groups are operating madrasas&quot; - Islamic schools, the source said. &quot;Among these groups, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam is most active. Under Sami ul Haq&#39;s leadership, madrasas are creating new soldiers for Taliban in Balochistan&#39;s Pashtun belt.&quot; Maulana Sami ul Haq is a Pakistani cleric regarded as &quot;the father of the Taliban.&quot;

&quot;We believe top Taliban leadership are operating from Pashtunabad, Gulistan and surrounding areas,&quot; the source added.

The report highlighted that Taliban is working with the ISI in another small border district called Killa Abdullah, about 44 miles from Quetta, capital of Balochistan.

In that area, Taliban fighters have been spotted along &quot;with automatic weapons either in motorbikes, or [in] four-by-four vehicles along with two to five companions,&quot; the source said.

The source further revealed that the local police is not allowed to stop the Taliban fighters from traveling from Afghanistan to Pakistan.

&quot;These people freely travel in Quetta, Chaman and all surrounding areas,&quot; the source said. &quot;Civilian [police] forces cannot intervene because they work under ISI and military apparatus. The police are also powerless and are afraid for their own security.&quot;

A report quoted an intelligence source close to the Afghan border region as saying that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan is continuing its covert support for the Taliban in the border region

Despite the United States pressuring Pakistan, the Islamabad Government is still supporting the Taliban terrorist group in the border region with Afghanistan, revealed United State Army General Joseph L. Votel. According to a media report, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday, when asked about the continued Pakistani support to Taliban, Gen. Votel noted, "I cannot tell you that we have seen decisive changes in the areas in which we're working, but I remain very well-engaged with my partner to ensure that we are moving forward on this." On recent increase in Taliban attacks in Afghanistan, Votel said, "Having sanctuary in Pakistan or having support from other actors in the region certainly is an aspect of the Taliban's success here." The report further quoted an intelligence source close to the Afghan border region as saying that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan is continuing its covert support for the Taliban in the border region. "ISI is providing both protection and material support to the Taliban in areas between Quetta and the Afghan border," the source said. The insider revealed that the ISI is working along with the Pakistani Army in Taliban in Pashtun ethnic areas of Balochistan province in the northwestern part of the country. "In Pashtun areas which are close to Quetta, religious groups are operating madrasas" - Islamic schools, the source said. "Among these groups, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam is most active. Under Sami ul Haq's leadership, madrasas are creating new soldiers for Taliban in Balochistan's Pashtun belt." Maulana Sami ul Haq is a Pakistani cleric regarded as "the father of the Taliban." "We believe top Taliban leadership are operating from Pashtunabad, Gulistan and surrounding areas," the source added. The report highlighted that Taliban is working with the ISI in another small border district called Killa Abdullah, about 44 miles from Quetta, capital of Balochistan. In that area, Taliban fighters have been spotted along "with automatic weapons either in motorbikes, or [in] four-by-four vehicles along with two to five companions," the source said. The source further revealed that the local police is not allowed to stop the Taliban fighters from traveling from Afghanistan to Pakistan. "These people freely travel in Quetta, Chaman and all surrounding areas," the source said. "Civilian [police] forces cannot intervene because they work under ISI and military apparatus. The police are also powerless and are afraid for their own security."

Pakistan providing covert support to Taliban: US Army General

The Lahore High Court today gave a deadline of 15 days to the Pakistan government to explain why Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed&#39;s outfit JuD and its charity wing had been banned and their accounts frozen.

The court order came during a petition filed by Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Saeed yesterday, challenging a notification of the interior ministry of Pakistan to ban his social welfare activities.

Saeed filed the petition through his counsel Advocate A K Dogar.

He submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC) that the interior ministry on February 10 had issued the notification related to freezing bank accounts and taking over assets associated with the JuD and Falah-i-Insaaniyat Foundation (FIF) under the Anti-Terrorism (amendment) Ordinance 2018.

The LHC today ordered the federal government to submit its reply in court by March 29 on why the organisation and its charity wing had been banned and their accounts frozen, Dawn News reported.

The petitioner alleged that the government of Pakistan had acted under the pressure of foreign powers, including the US and India, the report said.

He contended that Pakistan is a sovereign independent state and makes its own laws to govern its citizens.

He added that if there was a conflict between the laws of the land and any provision of the United Nations Security Council Act, 1948, the law of the land shall prevail, it added.

The FIF owns 369 ambulances, helped 72,000 persons to charity hospitals and treated 600,000 patients only in 2017, Saeed said.

He pleaded the court to declare the impugned notification of the interior ministry null and void with regard to taking over the assets of the organisations.

Separately, Saeed, last week challenged the presidential ordinance under which his group has been banned for being on the watch-list of the United Nations in the Islamabad High Court.

President Mamnoon Hussain last month promulgated an ordinance amending the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 with regards to the proscription of terrorist individuals and organisations to include entities listed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) - in a move to declare Hafiz Saeed-linked JuD and FIF as proscribed groups.

Saeed, who in November last year was set free from a 300-day-long house arrest, has been repeatedly accused by the US and India of masterminding the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people.

Saeed was declared a global terrorist by the US and UN over his alleged role in the Mumbai attacks.

JuD is considered by the US and India to be a front for LeT, the militant group blamed for the attacks.

Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's outfit JuD and its charity wing have been banned and their accounts frozen

The Lahore High Court today gave a deadline of 15 days to the Pakistan government to explain why Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's outfit JuD and its charity wing had been banned and their accounts frozen. The court order came during a petition filed by Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Saeed yesterday, challenging a notification of the interior ministry of Pakistan to ban his social welfare activities. Saeed filed the petition through his counsel Advocate A K Dogar. He submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC) that the interior ministry on February 10 had issued the notification related to freezing bank accounts and taking over assets associated with the JuD and Falah-i-Insaaniyat Foundation (FIF) under the Anti-Terrorism (amendment) Ordinance 2018. The LHC today ordered the federal government to submit its reply in court by March 29 on why the organisation and its charity wing had been banned and their accounts frozen, Dawn News reported. The petitioner alleged that the government of Pakistan had acted under the pressure of foreign powers, including the US and India, the report said. He contended that Pakistan is a sovereign independent state and makes its own laws to govern its citizens. He added that if there was a conflict between the laws of the land and any provision of the United Nations Security Council Act, 1948, the law of the land shall prevail, it added. The FIF owns 369 ambulances, helped 72,000 persons to charity hospitals and treated 600,000 patients only in 2017, Saeed said. He pleaded the court to declare the impugned notification of the interior ministry null and void with regard to taking over the assets of the organisations. Separately, Saeed, last week challenged the presidential ordinance under which his group has been banned for being on the watch-list of the United Nations in the Islamabad High Court. President Mamnoon Hussain last month promulgated an ordinance amending the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 with regards to the proscription of terrorist individuals and organisations to include entities listed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) - in a move to declare Hafiz Saeed-linked JuD and FIF as proscribed groups. Saeed, who in November last year was set free from a 300-day-long house arrest, has been repeatedly accused by the US and India of masterminding the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people. Saeed was declared a global terrorist by the US and UN over his alleged role in the Mumbai attacks. JuD is considered by the US and India to be a front for LeT, the militant group blamed for the attacks.

Court orders Pakistan government to explain JuD, charity ban

In yet another revelation of suppression of minorities in Pakistan, Dr H Bhutto while addressing the United Nations Human Rights Commission said that Sindhis are &quot;disappearing&quot;&nbsp;in Pakistan.&nbsp;

He added that attempts were being made to create&nbsp;fear among Sindhis.&nbsp;

He also said that Hindus were being forcefully&nbsp;converted&nbsp;in Pakistan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-carrying-out-ethnic-cleansing-of-minority-groups-nadeem-nusrat-35921" target="_blank">Pakistan Army carrying out ethnic cleansing of minority groups: Nadeem Nusrat</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/persecution-of-minorities-in-pakistan-is-not-reported-pakistan-journalist-35567" target="_blank">&#39;Persecution of minorities in Pakistan not reported&#39;</a>

Bhutto said: &quot;Sindh is the lifeline of Pakistan and that&rsquo;s why they are creating a fear of atmosphere because they are trying to develop CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) project. Because of that, a huge operation is going on against Sindhis.&quot;

&quot;Sindhis&nbsp;are disappearing, they are trying to act against Hindus as well, converting Hindu girls because they want them to leave Sindh. Day before yesterday they were trying to kidnap a Sindhi nationalist leader and he was not in the&nbsp;house, so they kidnapped his&nbsp;wife and son.&quot;

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They are disappearing Sindhis, trying to act against Hindus as well, converting Hindu girls because they want them to leave Sindh. Day before y&#39;day they were trying to kidnap a Sindhi nationalist leader and he was not in house, so they kidnapped their wife &amp; son: Dr H Bhutto <a href="https://t.co/6iQkt7IGDm">pic.twitter.com/6iQkt7IGDm</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974405464288096259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, spokesperson of &#39;Free Karachi&#39; campaign and former convener of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Nadeem Nusrat also agreed with India&#39;s statement at the United Nations Human Rights Session on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mohajirs-welcome-indias-statement-against-pak-in-un-human-rights-session-nadeem-nusrat-35323" target="_blank">atrocities committed by Pakistan</a>.

While addressing at United Nations Human Rights Commission, Dr Bhutto said that attempts were being made to create a fear of atmosphere on Sindhs

In yet another revelation of suppression of minorities in Pakistan, Dr H Bhutto while addressing the United Nations Human Rights Commission said that Sindhis are "disappearing" in Pakistan. He added that attempts were being made to create fear among Sindhis. He also said that Hindus were being forcefully converted in Pakistan. Also read: Pakistan Army carrying out ethnic cleansing of minority groups: Nadeem Nusrat Also read: 'Persecution of minorities in Pakistan not reported' Bhutto said: "Sindh is the lifeline of Pakistan and that’s why they are creating a fear of atmosphere because they are trying to develop CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) project. Because of that, a huge operation is going on against Sindhis." "Sindhis are disappearing, they are trying to act against Hindus as well, converting Hindu girls because they want them to leave Sindh. Day before yesterday they were trying to kidnap a Sindhi nationalist leader and he was not in the house, so they kidnapped his wife and son." They are disappearing Sindhis, trying to act against Hindus as well, converting Hindu girls because they want them to leave Sindh. Day before y'day they were trying to kidnap a Sindhi nationalist leader and he was not in house, so they kidnapped their wife & son: Dr H Bhutto pic.twitter.com/6iQkt7IGDm — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2018 × Earlier, spokesperson of 'Free Karachi' campaign and former convener of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Nadeem Nusrat also agreed with India's statement at the United Nations Human Rights Session on atrocities committed by Pakistan.

Pakistan creating fear among Sindhis due to CPEC: Pak activist to UNHRC

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WION Morning News brief, March 16, 2018

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Pakistan creating fear among Sindhis due to CPEC: Pak activist to UNHRC