Two <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsf-arrests-pak-infiltrator-in-bikaner-35900" target="_blank">suspects were arrested in separate actions </a>taken by police and the Border Security Force (BSF) in Rajasthan&#39;s Jaisalmer and Bikaner district, officials said.

A team of police intelligence arrested Shahid Hussain Jilani (54) Wednesday night from Pokaran of Jaisalmer district, Pokaran Deputy Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh said.

He said that Jilani was arrested after he could not give a satisfactory answer in preliminary interrogation. He will be interrogated by joint investigation agencies.

In another action, a Pakistani national was arrested by a team of BSF in Bikaner district on Thursday.

The BSF team has arrested Manjur Ahmed (50) from Bandli check post in Khajuwala town, Bikaner Superintendent of Police Swai Singh Godara said.

He said that the accused in preliminary interrogation revealed that he was a resident of Bahawalpur of Pakistan. He was later handed over to Khajuwala police.

The accused will now be interrogated by joint interrogation agencies, the police said.&nbsp;

Two suspects were arrested in separate actions taken by police and the Border Security Force (BSF) in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer and Bikaner district, officials said

Two suspects were arrested in separate actions taken by police and the Border Security Force (BSF) in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer and Bikaner district, officials said. A team of police intelligence arrested Shahid Hussain Jilani (54) Wednesday night from Pokaran of Jaisalmer district, Pokaran Deputy Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh said. He said that Jilani was arrested after he could not give a satisfactory answer in preliminary interrogation. He will be interrogated by joint investigation agencies. In another action, a Pakistani national was arrested by a team of BSF in Bikaner district on Thursday. The BSF team has arrested Manjur Ahmed (50) from Bandli check post in Khajuwala town, Bikaner Superintendent of Police Swai Singh Godara said. He said that the accused in preliminary interrogation revealed that he was a resident of Bahawalpur of Pakistan. He was later handed over to Khajuwala police. The accused will now be interrogated by joint interrogation agencies, the police said.

2 suspects arrested in Rajasthan

Pakistan on Monday summoned India&#39;s Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh to Islamabad to condemn the alleged "unprovoked firing" by Indian troops across the Line of Control which resulted in the death of two people.

Director General (South Asia and SAARC) Mohammad Faisal summoned Singh and "condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations" by Indian forces, the Foreign Office said.

In a statement, it said that firing on February 4 in Nezapir, Nikial and Karela sectors killed two civilians, including 18-year-old Rafaqat Ali and 25-year-old Tasleem Begum, and injured seven others including two children.

Faisal claimed that the Indian forces along the LoC and the Working boundary are continuously targeting the civilian populated areas with heavy mortars and automatic weapons.

In 2018, the Indian forces have carried out more than 190 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary, resulting in the deaths of 13 civilians, it said.

"This unprecedented escalation in ceasefire violations by India is continuing from the year 2017 when the Indian forces committed 1970 ceasefire violations," he claimed.

Faisal said the deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is indeed deplorable and against the human dignity, international human rights and humanitarian laws.

The repeated ceasefire violations by India "are a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation," he asserted.

Faisal urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement and investigate the repeated incidents of ceasefire violations, the statement said.

He also urged the Indian side to allow the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the UN Security Council resolutions.

India maintains that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control.

In January, the Foreign Office summoned India&#39;s deputy high commissioner on January 15, 18, 19, 20 and 21.

Director General (South Asia and SAARC) Mohammad Faisal summoned Singh and "condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations" by Indian forces, the Foreign Office said

Pakistan on Monday summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh to Islamabad to condemn the alleged "unprovoked firing" by Indian troops across the Line of Control which resulted in the death of two people. Director General (South Asia and SAARC) Mohammad Faisal summoned Singh and "condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations" by Indian forces, the Foreign Office said. In a statement, it said that firing on February 4 in Nezapir, Nikial and Karela sectors killed two civilians, including 18-year-old Rafaqat Ali and 25-year-old Tasleem Begum, and injured seven others including two children. Faisal claimed that the Indian forces along the LoC and the Working boundary are continuously targeting the civilian populated areas with heavy mortars and automatic weapons. In 2018, the Indian forces have carried out more than 190 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary, resulting in the deaths of 13 civilians, it said. "This unprecedented escalation in ceasefire violations by India is continuing from the year 2017 when the Indian forces committed 1970 ceasefire violations," he claimed. Faisal said the deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is indeed deplorable and against the human dignity, international human rights and humanitarian laws. The repeated ceasefire violations by India "are a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation," he asserted. Faisal urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement and investigate the repeated incidents of ceasefire violations, the statement said. He also urged the Indian side to allow the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the UN Security Council resolutions. India maintains that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control. In January, the Foreign Office summoned India's deputy high commissioner on January 15, 18, 19, 20 and 21.

Pakistan summons Indian diplomat over 'unprovoked firing'

While Indians are getting less and less happy with every passing year, their Pakistani counterparts have gained in the happiness index as per the latest United Nations ranking of the world&#39;s happiest countries.

India, which dropped four places in the 2017 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/this-the-worlds-happiest-country-the-un-says-35842">World Happiness Report</a>, fell a further 11 places as per 2018 report. It now ranks a low 133 on the list of 156 countries monitored by the United Nations&#39; Sustainable Development Solutions Network for its annual &#39;joy&#39; report.

By comparison, terror-hit, politically unstable Pakistan, which was already &#39;happier&#39; than India in the 2017 rankings, is shown as being even happier in the 2018 rankings. It&#39;s on number 75, up five spots from last year.

Not just Pakistan, all of India&#39;s neighbours are more joyful than Indians, despite many of them not being nearly as well-off economically or even socially. Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are all ahead of India in the Happiness rankings. Even state-controled China is happier than India.

Finland is the world&#39;s happiest country, according to an annual survey issued on Wednesday that put Burundi at the bottom of the happiness index and found Americans were getting less happy even as their country became richer.

The U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network&#39;s (SDSN) 2018 World Happiness Report ranked 156 countries according to their scores for things such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, social freedom, generosity and absence of corruption. 
&nbsp;

Terror-hit, politically unstable Pakistan, which was already 'happier' than India in the UN's 2017 rankings, is shown as being even happier in the 2018 rankings

While Indians are getting less and less happy with every passing year, their Pakistani counterparts have gained in the happiness index as per the latest United Nations ranking of the world's happiest countries. India, which dropped four places in the 2017 World Happiness Report, fell a further 11 places as per 2018 report. It now ranks a low 133 on the list of 156 countries monitored by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Solutions Network for its annual 'joy' report. By comparison, terror-hit, politically unstable Pakistan, which was already 'happier' than India in the 2017 rankings, is shown as being even happier in the 2018 rankings. It's on number 75, up five spots from last year. Not just Pakistan, all of India's neighbours are more joyful than Indians, despite many of them not being nearly as well-off economically or even socially. Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are all ahead of India in the Happiness rankings. Even state-controled China is happier than India. Finland is the world's happiest country, according to an annual survey issued on Wednesday that put Burundi at the bottom of the happiness index and found Americans were getting less happy even as their country became richer. The U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network's (SDSN) 2018 World Happiness Report ranked 156 countries according to their scores for things such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, social freedom, generosity and absence of corruption.

Pakistanis are more joyful than Indians: UN

Nadeem Nusrat, the spokesperson for the &#39;Free Karachi&#39; campaign has said that the Pakistan Army was carrying out &quot;ethnic cleansing&quot; on the minority groups in Pakistan, adding that they were in grave danger.

He extended full support on behalf of the Mohajirs to the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement and has urged all ethnic and religious minorities in Pakistan to form a greater alliance against Pakistan&#39;s inhuman policies in Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Federally-Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Gilgit Baltistan.

Nusrat strongly condemned the false cases registered against Manzoor Pashteen and the Pashtun leadership on raising voice against discriminatory policies of Pakistan Army and termed this act as a violation of fundamental rights.

He added that the policies of the current US administration have given a new zeal to freedom loving religious and ethnic communities in Pakistan and stated that the Mohajirs were committed to seeing a stable South Asia and that they will continue to play their important role in achieving the goal.

Nusrat reiterated, &quot;The Free Karachi campaign stands firmly with their Pashtun, Baloch, Gilgiti and Hazara brothers and sisters. Along with the Mohajirs, they have faced 70 years of oppression at the hands of Pakistan Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The Punjabi-dominated elite of Pakistan Army has carried out systematic ethnic cleansing of every minority group in Pakistan and the intensity of this savagery continues to grow with every passing day.&quot;

&quot;Just like Naqeebullah Mehsud, thousands of young Pashtuns, Balochs, Mohajirs, Gilgiti and Hazaras have been extrajudicially killed. Thousands have disappeared after being picked up by the Pakistani security forces and their families are living in a state of an unending fear and helplessness with no knowledge of the whereabouts of their kins,&quot; he said.

&quot;The Pakistani military establishment in connivance with the racist Pakistan People&#39;s Party (PPP) leadership has also manipulated the census figures in urban Sindh for decades to show the population of Karachi and other urban areas of Sindh less than half of the actual numbers,&quot; he added.

Continuing his tirade against the Pakistan Army, Nusrat stated that the &quot;racist military establishment&quot; and the &quot;Punjabi ruling elite&quot; had purposely diverted Karachi&#39;s resources to areas of their choice in order to create huge economic, social, educational and constitutional disparity in the minority communities.

He also alleged that religious minorities were also being systematically targeted in Pakistan, which led to the drastic reduction of Hindu and Christian populations in Pakistan.

The Mohajir Americans have led the &#39;Free Karachi&#39; campaign in Washington DC and are tirelessly working to highlight the gross human rights abuses against minorities in Pakistan by its army and intelligence agencies.

Nadeem Nusrat has urged all ethnic and religious minorities in Pakistan to form a greater alliance against Pakistan's inhuman policies

Nadeem Nusrat, the spokesperson for the 'Free Karachi' campaign has said that the Pakistan Army was carrying out "ethnic cleansing" on the minority groups in Pakistan, adding that they were in grave danger. He extended full support on behalf of the Mohajirs to the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement and has urged all ethnic and religious minorities in Pakistan to form a greater alliance against Pakistan's inhuman policies in Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Federally-Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Gilgit Baltistan. Nusrat strongly condemned the false cases registered against Manzoor Pashteen and the Pashtun leadership on raising voice against discriminatory policies of Pakistan Army and termed this act as a violation of fundamental rights. He added that the policies of the current US administration have given a new zeal to freedom loving religious and ethnic communities in Pakistan and stated that the Mohajirs were committed to seeing a stable South Asia and that they will continue to play their important role in achieving the goal. Nusrat reiterated, "The Free Karachi campaign stands firmly with their Pashtun, Baloch, Gilgiti and Hazara brothers and sisters. Along with the Mohajirs, they have faced 70 years of oppression at the hands of Pakistan Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The Punjabi-dominated elite of Pakistan Army has carried out systematic ethnic cleansing of every minority group in Pakistan and the intensity of this savagery continues to grow with every passing day." "Just like Naqeebullah Mehsud, thousands of young Pashtuns, Balochs, Mohajirs, Gilgiti and Hazaras have been extrajudicially killed. Thousands have disappeared after being picked up by the Pakistani security forces and their families are living in a state of an unending fear and helplessness with no knowledge of the whereabouts of their kins," he said. "The Pakistani military establishment in connivance with the racist Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leadership has also manipulated the census figures in urban Sindh for decades to show the population of Karachi and other urban areas of Sindh less than half of the actual numbers," he added. Continuing his tirade against the Pakistan Army, Nusrat stated that the "racist military establishment" and the "Punjabi ruling elite" had purposely diverted Karachi's resources to areas of their choice in order to create huge economic, social, educational and constitutional disparity in the minority communities. He also alleged that religious minorities were also being systematically targeted in Pakistan, which led to the drastic reduction of Hindu and Christian populations in Pakistan. The Mohajir Americans have led the 'Free Karachi' campaign in Washington DC and are tirelessly working to highlight the gross human rights abuses against minorities in Pakistan by its army and intelligence agencies.

Pakistan Army carrying out ethnic cleansing of minority groups: Nadeem Nusrat

An alleged Pakistani infiltrator was arrested by the Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday from the International Border (IB) in Rajasthan&#39;s Bikaner.&nbsp;

The man was arrested from Bandli post and was later handed over to the Khajuwala Police.&nbsp;

The arrested accused revealed his name as Manjoor Khan and claimed to be a resident of Pakistan&#39;s Bahawalpur city.&nbsp;

He is further being interrogated by the Police and Intelligence agencies.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajasthan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajasthan</a>: A Pakistani national and suspected spy has been arrested in Pokhran <a href="https://t.co/JanLc9sm2N">pic.twitter.com/JanLc9sm2N</a>
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The accused, Manjoor Khan claimed to be a resident of Pakistan`s Bahawalpur city

An alleged Pakistani infiltrator was arrested by the Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday from the International Border (IB) in Rajasthan's Bikaner. The man was arrested from Bandli post and was later handed over to the Khajuwala Police. The arrested accused revealed his name as Manjoor Khan and claimed to be a resident of Pakistan's Bahawalpur city. He is further being interrogated by the Police and Intelligence agencies. #Rajasthan: A Pakistani national and suspected spy has been arrested in Pokhran pic.twitter.com/JanLc9sm2N — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2018 ×

BSF arrests Pak 'infiltrator' in Rajasthan's Bikaner

A group of policymakers on Tuesday recommended Pakistan to establish a specific China-Pakistan Economic Corridor&quot; China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) unit within the framework of Council of Common Interests (CCI), in order to achieve &quot;transparency and efficiency&quot; in the project.

On the launch of 10th Annual Report titled &#39;The State of the Economy: CPEC Review and Analysis&#39;, Shahid Javed Burki of the Institute of Public Policy opined that the Chinese-funded project had not yet been fully &quot;defined and developed&quot;.

&quot;To realise its full potential, the CPEC program must have the support of all the citizens,&quot; he said.

The CCI is a constitutional body in Pakistan, which resolves the disputes of power-sharing between the country and its provinces. The body is chaired by the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

According to the report, it stated that proper planning of the four proposed functional zones was essentially imperative for harnessing the comparative and competitive advantage of each zone based on agro and other value chains, The Express Tribune reported.

Burki claimed that the CPEC project was expected to add 2 percent growth to Pakistan&#39;s gross domestic product (GDP) and greater integration of the country&#39;s backward areas with the developed areas.

Stressing on the benefit of the economic corridor, Burki added, &quot;CPEC will also link Pakistan with the global economic system from which it has remained relatively detached.&quot;

Former State Bank of Pakistan governor Ishrat Husain who also attended the event, touted the CPEC project to help in boosting technology and human development in Pakistan.

The building of the USD 62 billion economic corridor gives China access to waterways which is about 40 percent of the world&#39;s oil passes. When built, it will link Gwadar to Xinjiang region in China.

In response to it, a certain section of people, especially the Baloch people have harboured fears of Pakistan being colonised by the Chinese.

India against the CPEC project since it passes through the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region.&nbsp;

Shahid Javed Burki of the Institute of Public Policy opined that the Chinese-funded project had not yet been fully 'defined and developed'

A group of policymakers on Tuesday recommended Pakistan to establish a specific China-Pakistan Economic Corridor" China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) unit within the framework of Council of Common Interests (CCI), in order to achieve "transparency and efficiency" in the project. On the launch of 10th Annual Report titled 'The State of the Economy: CPEC Review and Analysis', Shahid Javed Burki of the Institute of Public Policy opined that the Chinese-funded project had not yet been fully "defined and developed". "To realise its full potential, the CPEC program must have the support of all the citizens," he said. The CCI is a constitutional body in Pakistan, which resolves the disputes of power-sharing between the country and its provinces. The body is chaired by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. According to the report, it stated that proper planning of the four proposed functional zones was essentially imperative for harnessing the comparative and competitive advantage of each zone based on agro and other value chains, The Express Tribune reported. Burki claimed that the CPEC project was expected to add 2 percent growth to Pakistan's gross domestic product (GDP) and greater integration of the country's backward areas with the developed areas. Stressing on the benefit of the economic corridor, Burki added, "CPEC will also link Pakistan with the global economic system from which it has remained relatively detached." Former State Bank of Pakistan governor Ishrat Husain who also attended the event, touted the CPEC project to help in boosting technology and human development in Pakistan. The building of the USD 62 billion economic corridor gives China access to waterways which is about 40 percent of the world's oil passes. When built, it will link Gwadar to Xinjiang region in China. In response to it, a certain section of people, especially the Baloch people have harboured fears of Pakistan being colonised by the Chinese. India against the CPEC project since it passes through the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region.

Pakistan policymakers recommend better management of CPEC

A powerful blast tonight near the residence of Pakistan&#39;s ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif here killed at least seven persons, including three policemen.

The blast took place close to a police check post, a few kilometres from the palatial residence of the Sharif family and close to the congregation of the Tableeghi Jamaat.

&quot;Seven persons have been killed in the blast. Some seven policemen among the 20 or so suffered injuries. The condition of four policemen is stated to be critical,&quot; Rescue 1122 spokesman Jam Sajjad said.

He said the Rescue ambulances are shifting the injured to the Sharif medical complex and other nearby hospitals.

Deputy Inspector General Police Lahore Dr Haider Ashraf told reporters that three policemen were among the dead.

&quot;The condition of some policemen is critical,&quot; he said.

&quot;It is not confirmed yet whether it was a suicide blast or planted device,&quot; he said, adding &quot;police personnel&quot; were the target of the blast.

It was such a powerful blast that its sound was heard several kilometres from the site. A fireball was seen after the blast at the Nisar Police Check Post.

No militant group has claimed the responsibility of the blast so far.

Pakistan Rangers quick response force has reached the spot and cordoned off the area.

The blast took place close to a police check post, a few kilometres from the palatial residence of the Sharif family and close to the congregation of the Tableeghi Jamaat

A powerful blast tonight near the residence of Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif here killed at least seven persons, including three policemen. The blast took place close to a police check post, a few kilometres from the palatial residence of the Sharif family and close to the congregation of the Tableeghi Jamaat. "Seven persons have been killed in the blast. Some seven policemen among the 20 or so suffered injuries. The condition of four policemen is stated to be critical," Rescue 1122 spokesman Jam Sajjad said. He said the Rescue ambulances are shifting the injured to the Sharif medical complex and other nearby hospitals. Deputy Inspector General Police Lahore Dr Haider Ashraf told reporters that three policemen were among the dead. "The condition of some policemen is critical," he said. "It is not confirmed yet whether it was a suicide blast or planted device," he said, adding "police personnel" were the target of the blast. It was such a powerful blast that its sound was heard several kilometres from the site. A fireball was seen after the blast at the Nisar Police Check Post. No militant group has claimed the responsibility of the blast so far. Pakistan Rangers quick response force has reached the spot and cordoned off the area.

7 killed in blast near Nawaz Sharif's residence in Pakistan

Punjab Province Chief Minister and former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s brother Shehbaz Sharif has been elected as the new chairperson of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) by the party`s general council.

Shehbaz had contested for the party seat unopposed. The general council meeting was scheduled to be held last week. However, it had to be postponed after he was unwell, The Express Tribune reported.

After this, the decision of Shehbaz`s election would be sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for listing him as the new PML-N president.&nbsp;

The PML-N on February 27 appointed Shehbaz as its acting president while Nawaz Sharif was named the party`s &quot;Quaid (leader) for life.&quot;&nbsp;

According to Geo News, Shehbaz, who is said to be a consensus choice for the top party position, will become the permanent president after intra-party elections are held within 45 days.&nbsp;

The development comes after Pakistan`s Supreme Court disqualified Nawaz Sharif from the post of PML-N party chief last month, saying all decisions made by him &quot;now stand null and void.&quot;&nbsp;

Shehbaz had contested for the party seat unopposed

Punjab Province Chief Minister and former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s brother Shehbaz Sharif has been elected as the new chairperson of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) by the party`s general council. Shehbaz had contested for the party seat unopposed. The general council meeting was scheduled to be held last week. However, it had to be postponed after he was unwell, The Express Tribune reported. After this, the decision of Shehbaz`s election would be sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for listing him as the new PML-N president. The PML-N on February 27 appointed Shehbaz as its acting president while Nawaz Sharif was named the party`s "Quaid (leader) for life." According to Geo News, Shehbaz, who is said to be a consensus choice for the top party position, will become the permanent president after intra-party elections are held within 45 days. The development comes after Pakistan`s Supreme Court disqualified Nawaz Sharif from the post of PML-N party chief last month, saying all decisions made by him "now stand null and void."

Shehbaz Sharif elected new PML-N chairperson

In yet another protest against Pakistan, activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) staged a protest against the human rights violation in Pakistan.

The protest was staged outside United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland.

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Activists from PoK hold protest outside United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland against human rights violations by Pakistan. <a href="https://t.co/CDIZD4D0yK">pic.twitter.com/CDIZD4D0yK</a>
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The locals of Pok have been staging such protests against Pakistan for a long time.

Strongly opposing the construction of dams and hydroelectricity&nbsp;projects in the region they have been holding protests against the Pakistan government&#39;s &quot;plundering of resources&quot; from their region.

They claim that the resources of the region are being plundered and they do not benefit from CPEC&nbsp;project.

A similar protest was held outside&nbsp;various offices of the United States in Geneva,&nbsp;Switzerland against human rights violation in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/baloch-parties-hold-anti-pak-protest-in-london-23593" target="_blank">Pakistan&#39;s Balochistan province</a>&nbsp;on March 11.

Wearing shirts with &quot;Free Balochistan&quot; written over it the protesters&nbsp;demanded sovereign Baloch state.

&nbsp;Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/taxis-with-free-balochistan-slogans-now-in-new-york-27425" target="_blank">Now, taxis with &#39;Free Balochistan&#39; slogan in New York</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/free-balochistan-movement-protest-in-london-against-cpec-human-rights-violations-by-pakistan-31035" target="_blank">Free Balochistan Movement protest in London against CPEC, human rights violations by Pakistan</a>

A day before Pakistan Journalist, after attending the UN Human Rights Council Session, had said in Geneva that some of the minorities were facing killings and abductions in Pakistan and these were not reported in Pak media.

He said &quot;Some of the minorities are facing persecution, killings and abductions in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhawah and PoK. Human rights violations are not reported in mainstream media and this is very alarming&quot;.

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National security itself (in Pakistan) is defined by military. Self-censorship is worst form of censorship. Some narratives are missing from mainstream media, especially how to protect minorities:Arif Tauqeer, Pak journalist after attending UN Human Rights Council Session <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Geneva?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Geneva</a> <a href="https://t.co/UJ5uDgHVOP">pic.twitter.com/UJ5uDgHVOP</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/973254445218914307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Some of the minorities are facing persecution, killings &amp; abductions in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhawah and PoK. Human rights violations are not reported in mainstream media and this is very alarming: Arif Tauqeer, Pakistani journalist <a href="https://t.co/s7ek9l13LS">pic.twitter.com/s7ek9l13LS</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/973254448758886400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Pakistan journalist said 'Some of the minorities are facing persecution, killings, and abductions in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhawah, and PoK. Human rights violations are not reported in mainstream media'

In yet another protest against Pakistan, activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) staged a protest against the human rights violation in Pakistan. The protest was staged outside United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland. Activists from PoK hold protest outside United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland against human rights violations by Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/CDIZD4D0yK — ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2018 × The locals of Pok have been staging such protests against Pakistan for a long time. Strongly opposing the construction of dams and hydroelectricity projects in the region they have been holding protests against the Pakistan government's "plundering of resources" from their region. They claim that the resources of the region are being plundered and they do not benefit from CPEC project. A similar protest was held outside various offices of the United States in Geneva, Switzerland against human rights violation in Pakistan's Balochistan province on March 11. Wearing shirts with "Free Balochistan" written over it the protesters demanded sovereign Baloch state. Also read: Now, taxis with 'Free Balochistan' slogan in New York Also read: Free Balochistan Movement protest in London against CPEC, human rights violations by Pakistan A day before Pakistan Journalist, after attending the UN Human Rights Council Session, had said in Geneva that some of the minorities were facing killings and abductions in Pakistan and these were not reported in Pak media. He said "Some of the minorities are facing persecution, killings and abductions in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhawah and PoK. Human rights violations are not reported in mainstream media and this is very alarming". National security itself (in Pakistan) is defined by military. Self-censorship is worst form of censorship. Some narratives are missing from mainstream media, especially how to protect minorities:Arif Tauqeer, Pak journalist after attending UN Human Rights Council Session #Geneva pic.twitter.com/UJ5uDgHVOP — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018 × Some of the minorities are facing persecution, killings & abductions in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhawah and PoK. Human rights violations are not reported in mainstream media and this is very alarming: Arif Tauqeer, Pakistani journalist pic.twitter.com/s7ek9l13LS — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018 ×

'Persecution of minorities in Pakistan not reported'

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Monday announced to increase his country&#39;s trade with Pakistan to US$5 billion by 2021.&nbsp;

The current trade volume is around US$1.16 billion between the two neighbours. He made the announcement during his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Other issues related to economic progress, peace, security in the region and bilateral relations were also discussed during the meeting.&nbsp;

The Iranian foreign minister, leading a 30-member delegation, arrived in Pakistan late Sunday on a three-day official visit for talks on regional issues and literal matters.

Zarif also expressed his appreciation towards Pakistan&#39;s continuous and unperturbed efforts to minimise illegal cross-border activities by strengthening border management across the border shared with Iran as well as lauded the growing relationship between the two countries.&nbsp;

Abbasi talked about Pakistan&#39;s aim to enhance mutually beneficial economic cooperation with Iran including bilateral trade, investments and commercial interaction, according to the statement.

He also focused on the need to deepen connectivity to harness benefits from regional economic integration.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister also expressed his commitment to work to resolve the issues in the implementation of Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project, including the financing of pipeline infrastructure and the scope of snap back clause.

He made the announcement during his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in Pakistan

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Monday announced to increase his country's trade with Pakistan to US$5 billion by 2021. The current trade volume is around US$1.16 billion between the two neighbours. He made the announcement during his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in Pakistan. Other issues related to economic progress, peace, security in the region and bilateral relations were also discussed during the meeting. The Iranian foreign minister, leading a 30-member delegation, arrived in Pakistan late Sunday on a three-day official visit for talks on regional issues and literal matters. Zarif also expressed his appreciation towards Pakistan's continuous and unperturbed efforts to minimise illegal cross-border activities by strengthening border management across the border shared with Iran as well as lauded the growing relationship between the two countries. Abbasi talked about Pakistan's aim to enhance mutually beneficial economic cooperation with Iran including bilateral trade, investments and commercial interaction, according to the statement. He also focused on the need to deepen connectivity to harness benefits from regional economic integration. The Prime Minister also expressed his commitment to work to resolve the issues in the implementation of Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project, including the financing of pipeline infrastructure and the scope of snap back clause.

Iran to increase trade with Pakistan to US$5 billion

Chinese observer <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/obor-project-should-not-be-seen-as-geo-strategic-tool-china-34691">Hu Zhiyong speaking to state-run</a> newspaper Global Times said that India wants to maintain relations with its partners in South Asia, &quot;but those countries may not listen to India.&quot;

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maldives-president-abdulla-yameen-backs-chinas-obor-signs-mou-26163">right-leaning Chinese daily quoting</a> several Indian reports said PM Modi will be engaging with its South Asian neighbours this year in a major foreign policy initiative amid China&#39;s relentless push to make inroads into Himalayan states and &quot;attempts to implement projects in Bangladesh under China&#39;s Belt and Road(OBOR) initiative.

&quot;India will focus on diplomacy with its neighbours this year, including Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal,&quot; the newspaper said, asserting that the strategy is likely to fail.

The newspaper quoted the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang saying that the Communist state is ready to develop Sino-Indian relations to boost mutual trust.

Hu Zhiyong, research fellow at the Institute of International Relations of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences told Global Times despite India&#39;s renewed push to further ties with its neighbours &quot;will not work&quot;, adding,&quot;Nepal&#39;s election with pro-China KP Sharma Oli taking office as prime minister for the second time this February was a heavy blow to India.&quot;

&quot;South Asian countries including Sri Lanka and the Maldives have been actively participating in China&#39;s Belt and Road initiative,&quot; Hu said.

Hu told the daily that India can reverse its &quot;passive situation&quot; in the region by &quot;sincerely joining the OBOR project&quot;.

&quot;India&#39;s partners in South Asia will diminish if it continues its pro-West policy,&quot; Hu warned.

 
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The newspaper quoted the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang saying that the Communist state is ready to develop Sino-Indian relations to boost mutual trust.

Chinese observer Hu Zhiyong speaking to state-run newspaper Global Times said that India wants to maintain relations with its partners in South Asia, "but those countries may not listen to India." The right-leaning Chinese daily quoting several Indian reports said PM Modi will be engaging with its South Asian neighbours this year in a major foreign policy initiative amid China's relentless push to make inroads into Himalayan states and "attempts to implement projects in Bangladesh under China's Belt and Road(OBOR) initiative. "India will focus on diplomacy with its neighbours this year, including Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal," the newspaper said, asserting that the strategy is likely to fail. The newspaper quoted the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang saying that the Communist state is ready to develop Sino-Indian relations to boost mutual trust. Hu Zhiyong, research fellow at the Institute of International Relations of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences told Global Times despite India's renewed push to further ties with its neighbours "will not work", adding,"Nepal's election with pro-China KP Sharma Oli taking office as prime minister for the second time this February was a heavy blow to India." "South Asian countries including Sri Lanka and the Maldives have been actively participating in China's Belt and Road initiative," Hu said. Hu told the daily that India can reverse its "passive situation" in the region by "sincerely joining the OBOR project". "India's partners in South Asia will diminish if it continues its pro-West policy," Hu warned.

South Asian neighbours may not listen to India: Chinese analyst to Global Times

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif&#39;s daughter Maryam Nawaz on Monday said that the recent shoe hurling incident on her father would make him even &quot;more popular&quot;.

In a veiled jibe to the attackers in the incident, Maryam called them &quot;cowards&quot; and asked those responsible for it to come to the public.

&quot;Don&#39;t attack under the veil. Nawaz Sharif will not get afraid of such a cowardly act. Lions do not fear jackals. Those who get defeats use such tactics. People will avenge those who are behind this act by voting in favour of Nawaz Sharif in the general election,&quot; she asserted.

While addressing a rally in Rawalpindi, Sharif&#39;s daughter removed the bullet-proof screen from the stage and challenged the crowd to &quot;attack her if they have courage&quot;.

She then lambasted at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan, alleging that he had been promoting a culture of intolerance in the society and use of foul language in politics, The Dawn reported.

&quot;Do you think, just one message of condemnation (of the shoe-hurling incident) is enough? You (Imran Khan) promoted the culture of abusive language over the last five years in sit-ins and public meetings. Haven&#39;t you talked about dragging opponents by their neck from Prime Minister House?&quot; she asked.

Maryam also criticised the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on the handling of the Panama Papers case and said that it found &quot;nothing despite spending millions of Pakistani rupees&quot;.

&quot;The JIT head gave millions of rupees to his (Imran&#39;s) relatives in the name of investigations,&quot; she alleged.

A miscreant hurled a shoe at Sharif when he was about to address a gathering at the Jamia Naeemia mosque in Lahore on Sunday.

Sharif went to the mosque marking the death anniversary of a cleric Mufti Mohammad Hussain Naeemi.

This incident has added to the series of such attacks targeting various leaders across Pakistan in the recent days.

However, Sharif went ahead with his address, although reportedly shortening his speech, only to thank the organisers and saying words of prayer for the deceased cleric. The accused was caught and later thrashed by the audience before handing him to the security agencies present at the venue.

Earlier on Saturday, a miscreant smeared ink on the face of Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif at a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) convention.

Prior to that on February 24, Interior and Minister for Planning, Development, and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal was also attacked by a shoe while delivering a public address.&nbsp;

While addressing a rally in Rawalpindi, Sharif's daughter removed the bullet-proof screen from the stage and challenged the crowd to "attack her if they have courage"

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz on Monday said that the recent shoe hurling incident on her father would make him even "more popular". In a veiled jibe to the attackers in the incident, Maryam called them "cowards" and asked those responsible for it to come to the public. "Don't attack under the veil. Nawaz Sharif will not get afraid of such a cowardly act. Lions do not fear jackals. Those who get defeats use such tactics. People will avenge those who are behind this act by voting in favour of Nawaz Sharif in the general election," she asserted. While addressing a rally in Rawalpindi, Sharif's daughter removed the bullet-proof screen from the stage and challenged the crowd to "attack her if they have courage". She then lambasted at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan, alleging that he had been promoting a culture of intolerance in the society and use of foul language in politics, The Dawn reported. "Do you think, just one message of condemnation (of the shoe-hurling incident) is enough? You (Imran Khan) promoted the culture of abusive language over the last five years in sit-ins and public meetings. Haven't you talked about dragging opponents by their neck from Prime Minister House?" she asked. Maryam also criticised the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on the handling of the Panama Papers case and said that it found "nothing despite spending millions of Pakistani rupees". "The JIT head gave millions of rupees to his (Imran's) relatives in the name of investigations," she alleged. A miscreant hurled a shoe at Sharif when he was about to address a gathering at the Jamia Naeemia mosque in Lahore on Sunday. Sharif went to the mosque marking the death anniversary of a cleric Mufti Mohammad Hussain Naeemi. This incident has added to the series of such attacks targeting various leaders across Pakistan in the recent days. However, Sharif went ahead with his address, although reportedly shortening his speech, only to thank the organisers and saying words of prayer for the deceased cleric. The accused was caught and later thrashed by the audience before handing him to the security agencies present at the venue. Earlier on Saturday, a miscreant smeared ink on the face of Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif at a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) convention. Prior to that on February 24, Interior and Minister for Planning, Development, and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal was also attacked by a shoe while delivering a public address.

Shoe-incident will make my father more popular, says Maryam Nawaz

Nearly 74 per cent of blasphemy-related cases have been reported in the Punjab Province in Pakistan, according to a report by the country&#39;s Center for Social Justice (CSJ) on Monday.

The report revealed that there has been an &quot;extraordinary increase&quot; in the number of blasphemy cases in the Punjab Province for the last three decades, especially in Lahore district.

It also stated that over 11 per cent of all blasphemy cases in Pakistan originated from Lahore district. Around 173 cases have been verified in the district, The Express Tribune reported.

Out of the 75 people killed in relation to alleged blasphemy until January this year, 14 murders took place in Lahore, including the murder of retired Pakistani judge Arif Iqbal Bhatti. In relation to blasphemy cases, at least four murders took place during police custody or in prison, the report added.

&quot;The stories of men and women of different faiths present shocking accounts of brutality and enormous suffering of helpless victims. Hundreds of people have been tortured, jailed, and imprisoned. Property worth billions of rupees were destroyed by an angry mob on the Lahore Mall Road in 2006 and at Joseph Colony in 2013. But the economic loss is only the tip of the iceberg compared to the social, political and cultural consequences in Lahore&quot;, the CSJ said in a statement.

&quot;Recent studies by Amnesty International have documented that the blasphemy law is widely abused to perpetrate hate crimes based on religion, regulate personal vendettas and perpetuate economic injustice,&quot; it added.

The report also highlighted that Lahore district was home to many groups promoting religious intolerance and it was due to this that the district has become an &quot;epicentre&quot; of the abuse of blasphemy laws.

The report also stated that over 11 per cent of all blasphemy cases in Pakistan originated from Lahore district

Nearly 74 per cent of blasphemy-related cases have been reported in the Punjab Province in Pakistan, according to a report by the country's Center for Social Justice (CSJ) on Monday. The report revealed that there has been an "extraordinary increase" in the number of blasphemy cases in the Punjab Province for the last three decades, especially in Lahore district. It also stated that over 11 per cent of all blasphemy cases in Pakistan originated from Lahore district. Around 173 cases have been verified in the district, The Express Tribune reported. Out of the 75 people killed in relation to alleged blasphemy until January this year, 14 murders took place in Lahore, including the murder of retired Pakistani judge Arif Iqbal Bhatti. In relation to blasphemy cases, at least four murders took place during police custody or in prison, the report added. "The stories of men and women of different faiths present shocking accounts of brutality and enormous suffering of helpless victims. Hundreds of people have been tortured, jailed, and imprisoned. Property worth billions of rupees were destroyed by an angry mob on the Lahore Mall Road in 2006 and at Joseph Colony in 2013. But the economic loss is only the tip of the iceberg compared to the social, political and cultural consequences in Lahore", the CSJ said in a statement. "Recent studies by Amnesty International have documented that the blasphemy law is widely abused to perpetrate hate crimes based on religion, regulate personal vendettas and perpetuate economic injustice," it added. The report also highlighted that Lahore district was home to many groups promoting religious intolerance and it was due to this that the district has become an "epicentre" of the abuse of blasphemy laws.

74 per cent blasphemy cases reported from Punjab Province in Pak: report

Two flight steward of cash-strapped Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have been detained by the French authorities after one of them was allegedly caught with drugs in Paris, according to a media report.

Four packets of drugs were recovered from hidden pockets of Tanveer Gulzar&#39;s coat during his body search, French officials were quoted as saying by the Dawn News.

However, they have not disclosed whether it was heroin, cocaine or hashish.

The rest of the crew members of the Islamabad-Paris flight PK-749 returned to Pakistan yesterday.

&quot;Though drugs have been recovered from the possession of the cabin crew member, the PIA management has not been informed about the kind and quantity of drugs,&quot; PIA spokesman Mashood Tajwar said.

&quot;Tanveer Gulzar, the PIA steward who was caught with drugs by the French customs while going to a hotel for rest, has been suspended by the management and will be terminated from service in the light of the outcome of the investigation conducted by the French authorities,&quot; he said.

It is uncertain whether the flight steward will be punished in France or will be deported, he added.

Tajwar said another steward of the same flight, Amir Moeen, had been detained by the French authorities though he had not been charged so far. He has been detained for interrogation in the light of Tanveer&#39;s statement, the report said.

&quot;Amir Moeen will also be suspended and will be sacked if his involvement in drug smuggling is proven by the French authorities,&quot; the spokesman said.

Such an incident is not a novelty for PIA, which is already plagued by financial woes.

PIA has been suffering huge losses and administration is trying to improve the situation but the airline is frequently facing embarrassment.

In May 2017, a PIA plane flying to Heathrow Airport was thoroughly searched and its 14 member crew detained by British authorities after landing in London over information that there were narcotics on board the flight.

The 14 crew members were kept in detention for five hours and, according to UK Border Agency (UKBA) sources.

According to the information, there was a suspicion that the crew might be involved and the narcotics were hidden in different panels and areas of the plane, the report said.

It is uncertain whether the flight steward will be punished in France or will be deported, he added

Two flight steward of cash-strapped Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have been detained by the French authorities after one of them was allegedly caught with drugs in Paris, according to a media report. Four packets of drugs were recovered from hidden pockets of Tanveer Gulzar's coat during his body search, French officials were quoted as saying by the Dawn News. However, they have not disclosed whether it was heroin, cocaine or hashish. The rest of the crew members of the Islamabad-Paris flight PK-749 returned to Pakistan yesterday. "Though drugs have been recovered from the possession of the cabin crew member, the PIA management has not been informed about the kind and quantity of drugs," PIA spokesman Mashood Tajwar said. "Tanveer Gulzar, the PIA steward who was caught with drugs by the French customs while going to a hotel for rest, has been suspended by the management and will be terminated from service in the light of the outcome of the investigation conducted by the French authorities," he said. It is uncertain whether the flight steward will be punished in France or will be deported, he added. Tajwar said another steward of the same flight, Amir Moeen, had been detained by the French authorities though he had not been charged so far. He has been detained for interrogation in the light of Tanveer's statement, the report said. "Amir Moeen will also be suspended and will be sacked if his involvement in drug smuggling is proven by the French authorities," the spokesman said. Such an incident is not a novelty for PIA, which is already plagued by financial woes. PIA has been suffering huge losses and administration is trying to improve the situation but the airline is frequently facing embarrassment. In May 2017, a PIA plane flying to Heathrow Airport was thoroughly searched and its 14 member crew detained by British authorities after landing in London over information that there were narcotics on board the flight. The 14 crew members were kept in detention for five hours and, according to UK Border Agency (UKBA) sources. According to the information, there was a suspicion that the crew might be involved and the narcotics were hidden in different panels and areas of the plane, the report said.

Pak stewards detained in Paris airport over drug possession

The Pakistan High Commission here has lodged complaints of harassment with the external affairs ministry, which has assured them of an investigation, official sources said on Sunday and alleged that several Indian mission staffers in Islamabad have been severely &quot;harassed and intimidated&quot;.

&quot;Harassment is the new normal for Indian High Commission personnel in Islamabad. The High Commissioner&#39;s car was recently stopped by Pakistani agencies in the middle of a busy road to prevent him from attending an event,&quot; a source said.

Noting that the Pakistan high commission has brought to the MEA&quot;s notice some incidents of alleged harassment over the last few days, sources said there will no doubt be investigated.

&quot;India makes all efforts to provide a safe, secure and hospitable environment for diplomats to work in. Unfortunately, this cannot be said of Islamabad. The Indian High Commission in Pakistan has been facing tremendous harassment for long, particularly in the last year,&quot; the source said.

&quot;Aggressive surveillance, violation of physical space and tailing of officers in close and dangerous proximity is a perennial issue. Agency personnel keep shooting videos of the officers thrusting phones on their faces.&quot;

&quot;Obscene phone calls and messages are constantly received on phones. In view of such an atmosphere of intimidation, most families have returned to India and children have been withdrawn from schools,&quot; the source said.

In more trouble, over the last few months, several Indian High Commission staffers have been severely harassed and intimidated, the source said, adding that in one case an officer&#39;s home was broken into and a laptop stolen.

However, Indian diplomats chose to tackle this matter with quiet and persistent diplomacy rather than by airing issues in the media, the source said.

The strong reaction came after Pakistani newspaper Dawn quoted Pakistani officials of accusing India of harassing its diplomats and their families in the country and threatened to pull out the families if the intimidation did not stop.

A demarche was made to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and the external affairs ministry in Delhi, a diplomatic source was quoted as saying by the Dawn.

However, sources here said India has repeatedly requested Pakistan to mutually ensure that High Commissions are allowed to do their job in an atmosphere free of harassment and intimidation, that staff be allowed to work and that construction projects get completed on time.

&quot;We would like to continue the fine tradition of allowing diplomats to do their jobs,&quot; the source said.

Sources also said that on February 16, the Indian High Commissioner met the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan to lodge a strong protest against multiple acts of hooliganism against Indian properties and personnel.

&quot;India&#39;s residential complex in Islamabad was raided by Pakistan agencies who expelled all Pakistani service providers and later disconnected power and water supply.

&quot;Despite the Foreign Secretary&#39;s assurance, the power supply was not restored for over two weeks. The Pakistan High Commission faces no such disruptions,&quot; the source said.

Sources said that several Indian mission staffers in Islamabad have been severely "harassed and intimidated"

The Pakistan High Commission here has lodged complaints of harassment with the external affairs ministry, which has assured them of an investigation, official sources said on Sunday and alleged that several Indian mission staffers in Islamabad have been severely "harassed and intimidated". "Harassment is the new normal for Indian High Commission personnel in Islamabad. The High Commissioner's car was recently stopped by Pakistani agencies in the middle of a busy road to prevent him from attending an event," a source said. Noting that the Pakistan high commission has brought to the MEA"s notice some incidents of alleged harassment over the last few days, sources said there will no doubt be investigated. "India makes all efforts to provide a safe, secure and hospitable environment for diplomats to work in. Unfortunately, this cannot be said of Islamabad. The Indian High Commission in Pakistan has been facing tremendous harassment for long, particularly in the last year," the source said. "Aggressive surveillance, violation of physical space and tailing of officers in close and dangerous proximity is a perennial issue. Agency personnel keep shooting videos of the officers thrusting phones on their faces." "Obscene phone calls and messages are constantly received on phones. In view of such an atmosphere of intimidation, most families have returned to India and children have been withdrawn from schools," the source said. In more trouble, over the last few months, several Indian High Commission staffers have been severely harassed and intimidated, the source said, adding that in one case an officer's home was broken into and a laptop stolen. However, Indian diplomats chose to tackle this matter with quiet and persistent diplomacy rather than by airing issues in the media, the source said. The strong reaction came after Pakistani newspaper Dawn quoted Pakistani officials of accusing India of harassing its diplomats and their families in the country and threatened to pull out the families if the intimidation did not stop. A demarche was made to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and the external affairs ministry in Delhi, a diplomatic source was quoted as saying by the Dawn. However, sources here said India has repeatedly requested Pakistan to mutually ensure that High Commissions are allowed to do their job in an atmosphere free of harassment and intimidation, that staff be allowed to work and that construction projects get completed on time. "We would like to continue the fine tradition of allowing diplomats to do their jobs," the source said. Sources also said that on February 16, the Indian High Commissioner met the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan to lodge a strong protest against multiple acts of hooliganism against Indian properties and personnel. "India's residential complex in Islamabad was raided by Pakistan agencies who expelled all Pakistani service providers and later disconnected power and water supply. "Despite the Foreign Secretary's assurance, the power supply was not restored for over two weeks. The Pakistan High Commission faces no such disruptions," the source said.

India, Pakistan trade allegations over harassment of High Commission personnel

An unidentified man on Saturday blackened the face of Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif during a PML-N workers&#39; convention in Punjab&#39;s Sialkot.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: A man throws ink on Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif while he was attending an event in Sialkot, Pakistan last night. <a href="https://t.co/1Rcm6JTP2U">pic.twitter.com/1Rcm6JTP2U</a>
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The veteran politician was addressing his party workers when an unidentified man doused him with black ink from behind.

Following the incident, furious party workers roughed up the ink-thrower before handing him over to the police.

Asif, however, pardoned the attacker and called for his release, saying, he has no enmity with him. &nbsp;

&quot;Someone gave him some money and sent him to throw ink at me but release him because I don&#39;t have any enmity with him,&quot; Asif said as per media reports said.&nbsp;

&ldquo;This incident will not affect my politics because there are still thousands of people praying for me and love me,&rdquo; the foreign minister added.&nbsp;

Last month, a man hurled a shoe at Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal while he was addressing a workers&#39; convention in Narowal.

The veteran politician was addressing his party workers

An unidentified man on Saturday blackened the face of Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif during a PML-N workers' convention in Punjab's Sialkot. #WATCH: A man throws ink on Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif while he was attending an event in Sialkot, Pakistan last night. pic.twitter.com/1Rcm6JTP2U — ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2018 × The veteran politician was addressing his party workers when an unidentified man doused him with black ink from behind. Following the incident, furious party workers roughed up the ink-thrower before handing him over to the police. Asif, however, pardoned the attacker and called for his release, saying, he has no enmity with him. "Someone gave him some money and sent him to throw ink at me but release him because I don't have any enmity with him," Asif said as per media reports said. “This incident will not affect my politics because there are still thousands of people praying for me and love me,” the foreign minister added. Last month, a man hurled a shoe at Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal while he was addressing a workers' convention in Narowal.

Ink thrown at Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif in Sialkot

&nbsp;A senior European researcher has accused Pakistan of making moves to sell the disputed region of Gilgit-Baltistan to China in return for stacks of Renminbi (Chinese currency) and Yuan (basic unit of Chinese currency).

Participating in the 37th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Senior Research Analyst at the European Foundation for South-Asian Studies Du&scaron;an Vejinovic said Friday, &quot;While Pakistan manifests itself as a self-styled advocate of the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the factual situation is, that it remains an illegal occupier of Jammu and Kashmir, which has deprived the people of their political and civil liberties.&quot;

&quot;Contrary to the country&#39;s diplomatic rhetoric, it is Pakistan which has denied the people of Jammu and Kashmir their fundamental human rights. Moreover, it is now aspiring to become a broker of Jammu and Kashmir, by negotiating the sale of Gilgit-Baltistan to Beijing, in return for stacks of Chinese Yuan,&quot; he added.

Demanding that the United Nations take appropriate action against Pakistan, Vejinovic said, &quot;Why is Pakistan allowed to infringe international law and make a mockery of this august institution? The United Nations is obliged to act, not only to ensure peace in South Asia, but more importantly, to maintain its own credibility and reinforce its authority.&quot;

Reminding the UNHRC that the UN&nbsp;resolutions of 1948 and 1949 had directed Pakistan to withdraw its troops from the state of Jammu and Kashmir by August 13, 1948, a perplexed Vejinovic asked what is preventing Islamabad from complying with a legally binding instruction issued more than 70 years ago.

Jammu and Kashmir has been an area of contention for both India and Pakistan ever since the nations were formed in 1947 with three battles having been fought between the two neighbours over it.

A senior European researcher has accused Pakistan of making moves to sell the disputed region of Gilgit-Baltistan to China in return for stacks of Renminbi (Chinese currency) and Yuan (basic unit of Chinese currency)

A senior European researcher has accused Pakistan of making moves to sell the disputed region of Gilgit-Baltistan to China in return for stacks of Renminbi (Chinese currency) and Yuan (basic unit of Chinese currency). Participating in the 37th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Senior Research Analyst at the European Foundation for South-Asian Studies Dušan Vejinovic said Friday, "While Pakistan manifests itself as a self-styled advocate of the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the factual situation is, that it remains an illegal occupier of Jammu and Kashmir, which has deprived the people of their political and civil liberties." "Contrary to the country's diplomatic rhetoric, it is Pakistan which has denied the people of Jammu and Kashmir their fundamental human rights. Moreover, it is now aspiring to become a broker of Jammu and Kashmir, by negotiating the sale of Gilgit-Baltistan to Beijing, in return for stacks of Chinese Yuan," he added. Demanding that the United Nations take appropriate action against Pakistan, Vejinovic said, "Why is Pakistan allowed to infringe international law and make a mockery of this august institution? The United Nations is obliged to act, not only to ensure peace in South Asia, but more importantly, to maintain its own credibility and reinforce its authority." Reminding the UNHRC that the UN resolutions of 1948 and 1949 had directed Pakistan to withdraw its troops from the state of Jammu and Kashmir by August 13, 1948, a perplexed Vejinovic asked what is preventing Islamabad from complying with a legally binding instruction issued more than 70 years ago. Jammu and Kashmir has been an area of contention for both India and Pakistan ever since the nations were formed in 1947 with three battles having been fought between the two neighbours over it.

'Broker' Pakistan now aspiring to sell Gilgit-Baltistan to China: European Union expert

Pakistani troops resorted to heavy shelling from across the border, targeting forward posts and villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday morning, the police said.

Heavy shelling from across the border in Mankote sector started around 7.40 am, prompting strong retaliation from the Indian Army.&nbsp;

According to the police officer, the shelling from both the sides was going on when last reports were received, however, there was no immediate report of any casualty in Pakistani shelling.

There has been a spurt in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC and the International Border this year, resulting in the death of 21 people&nbsp;including 12 security personnel.

Pakistan troops also indiscriminate firing in Poonch sector on Friday. &ldquo;The troops at 09:30 am&nbsp;resorted to firing of small arms, automatics and mortars,&rdquo; Public Relation Officer, Jammu had said. The Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively.

Heavy shelling from across the border in Mankote sector started around 7.40 am, prompting strong retaliation from the Indian Army, a police official said

Pakistani troops resorted to heavy shelling from across the border, targeting forward posts and villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday morning, the police said. Heavy shelling from across the border in Mankote sector started around 7.40 am, prompting strong retaliation from the Indian Army. According to the police officer, the shelling from both the sides was going on when last reports were received, however, there was no immediate report of any casualty in Pakistani shelling. There has been a spurt in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC and the International Border this year, resulting in the death of 21 people including 12 security personnel. Pakistan troops also indiscriminate firing in Poonch sector on Friday. “The troops at 09:30 am resorted to firing of small arms, automatics and mortars,” Public Relation Officer, Jammu had said. The Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively.

Pakistan troops shell forward posts, villages in J&K 's Poonch, India retaliates

India has played a responsible role in the economic development of Afghanistan, the Trump administration said today noting that the trilateral India-Afghan-US cooperation is not aimed at Pakistan.

&quot;India, we&#39;ve seen over the last several years, play a responsible role in the economic development and reconstruction of Afghanistan. And that role has been appreciated by the government of Afghanistan,&quot; senior US diplomat for South and Central Asia, Alice Wells, told a Washington audience.

Early this month, Wells was in Kabul to attend the Kabul process meeting. On the sidelines of it, she participated in the India-US-Afghanistan trilateral, which again raised eyebrows in Pakistan.

The trilateral meeting, she said, was to review how the three countries can better work together on development trade and investment priorities.

&quot;But that does not imply that we would support or think that there&#39;s any manipulation of Afghanistan so that it can be used against Pakistan,&quot; Wells said in response to a question at the US Institute of Peace, a US-Congress supported top American think-tank.

Pakistan, she said, has an important role to play in a peace process, and in stabilising Afghanistan.

&quot;We believe that Pakistan can help change and shape the calculus of the Taliban. We are engaged with Pakistan on how we can work together as well as address Pakistan&#39;s legitimate concerns through a negotiated process,&quot; she said.

"India, we've seen over the last several years, play a responsible role in the economic development and reconstruction of Afghanistan,'' senior US diplomat for South and Central Asia, Alice Wells, told a Washington audience.

India has played a responsible role in the economic development of Afghanistan, the Trump administration said today noting that the trilateral India-Afghan-US cooperation is not aimed at Pakistan. "India, we've seen over the last several years, play a responsible role in the economic development and reconstruction of Afghanistan. And that role has been appreciated by the government of Afghanistan," senior US diplomat for South and Central Asia, Alice Wells, told a Washington audience. Early this month, Wells was in Kabul to attend the Kabul process meeting. On the sidelines of it, she participated in the India-US-Afghanistan trilateral, which again raised eyebrows in Pakistan. The trilateral meeting, she said, was to review how the three countries can better work together on development trade and investment priorities. "But that does not imply that we would support or think that there's any manipulation of Afghanistan so that it can be used against Pakistan," Wells said in response to a question at the US Institute of Peace, a US-Congress supported top American think-tank. Pakistan, she said, has an important role to play in a peace process, and in stabilising Afghanistan. "We believe that Pakistan can help change and shape the calculus of the Taliban. We are engaged with Pakistan on how we can work together as well as address Pakistan's legitimate concerns through a negotiated process," she said.

India has played responsible role in Afghan economic development: US

The spokesperson of &#39;Free Karachi&#39; campaign and former convener of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Nadeem Nusrat said that Mohajirs have welcomed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-harbous-un-designate-terrorists-india-slams-pakistan-at-unhrc-35320" target="_blank">India&#39;s statement on their atrocities committed by Pakistan</a> at the United Nations Human Rights session.

Highlighting the atrocities committed in Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Nusrat said that the inclusion of Sindh in India&#39;s statement on human rights violations is an important and encouraging development for nearly 70 million Mohajirs.

&quot;The people of Karachi and Urban Sindh are grateful to the Indian Government for raising the voice on the plight of Mohajirs in Pakistan,&quot; he said.

Nusrat further said that Sindh, especially in Karachi and urban centres of Sindh province, had been neglected previously by the world community while highlighting the persecution of ethnic groups in Pakistan.

More than 25,000 Mohajirs have been brutally killed by the Pakistan Army and paramilitary operations in Karachi since 1992. Enforced disappearances, abductions and extrajudicial killings are on the rise in Karachi since the latest phase of operation in 2013.

The term &#39;Mohajir&#39; is used to describe the Urdu-speaking immigrants, who left India in 1947 and came to Pakistan. A large chunk of them settled in the Sindh province of Pakistan.

Highlighting the issue of terrorism, Nusrat said that religious extremism, fanaticism and terrorism is being nourished by Pakistan which has put peace and security of the region at stake.

&quot;The Pakistani soil has been used to plan and launch major terror attacks in the region. The providers and facilitators of terror sanctuaries in Pakistan must be held accountable by the UN and all peace-loving nations,&quot; he asserted.

He further added that the &#39;Free Karachi&#39; campaign has been drawing world&#39;s attention towards the state atrocities of Pakistan on Mohajirs, Balochs, Pashtuns and other religious minorities.

Nusrat stressed that the &#39;Free Karachi&#39; team is approaching international community, lawmakers, decision-making bodies, human rights groups and is getting tremendous support from all quarters.

He urged all the major regional powers of South Asia and international powers to put pressure on Pakistan to end crimes against humanity in Karachi and urban centers of Sindh along with Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

The &#39;Free Karachi&#39; campaign was launched on January 15 on the eve of Martin Luther King Day to raise global awareness on human rights violations in Karachi and Urban Sindh.

Also, digital ads of &#39;Free Karachi&#39; are running on the website of the leading US newspaper in the latest phase of the campaign.&nbsp;

The term 'Mohajir' is used to describe the Urdu-speaking immigrants, who left India in 1947 and came to Pakistan. A large chunk of them settled in the Sindh province of Pakistan

The spokesperson of 'Free Karachi' campaign and former convener of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Nadeem Nusrat said that Mohajirs have welcomed India's statement on their atrocities committed by Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights session. Highlighting the atrocities committed in Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Nusrat said that the inclusion of Sindh in India's statement on human rights violations is an important and encouraging development for nearly 70 million Mohajirs. "The people of Karachi and Urban Sindh are grateful to the Indian Government for raising the voice on the plight of Mohajirs in Pakistan," he said. Nusrat further said that Sindh, especially in Karachi and urban centres of Sindh province, had been neglected previously by the world community while highlighting the persecution of ethnic groups in Pakistan. More than 25,000 Mohajirs have been brutally killed by the Pakistan Army and paramilitary operations in Karachi since 1992. Enforced disappearances, abductions and extrajudicial killings are on the rise in Karachi since the latest phase of operation in 2013. The term 'Mohajir' is used to describe the Urdu-speaking immigrants, who left India in 1947 and came to Pakistan. A large chunk of them settled in the Sindh province of Pakistan. Highlighting the issue of terrorism, Nusrat said that religious extremism, fanaticism and terrorism is being nourished by Pakistan which has put peace and security of the region at stake. "The Pakistani soil has been used to plan and launch major terror attacks in the region. The providers and facilitators of terror sanctuaries in Pakistan must be held accountable by the UN and all peace-loving nations," he asserted. He further added that the 'Free Karachi' campaign has been drawing world's attention towards the state atrocities of Pakistan on Mohajirs, Balochs, Pashtuns and other religious minorities. Nusrat stressed that the 'Free Karachi' team is approaching international community, lawmakers, decision-making bodies, human rights groups and is getting tremendous support from all quarters. He urged all the major regional powers of South Asia and international powers to put pressure on Pakistan to end crimes against humanity in Karachi and urban centers of Sindh along with Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The 'Free Karachi' campaign was launched on January 15 on the eve of Martin Luther King Day to raise global awareness on human rights violations in Karachi and Urban Sindh. Also, digital ads of 'Free Karachi' are running on the website of the leading US newspaper in the latest phase of the campaign.

'Mohajirs welcome India's statement against Pak in UN human rights session'

Speaking at the 37th session of UN human rights council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland, Mini Devi Kumam, Second Secretary, India&#39;s Permanent Mission has lashed at Pakistan for sheltering UN-designated terrorists.

Calling Pakistan a failed state, Kumam said, &quot;In gross violation of UN Security Council resolution 1267, the UN designated terrorists like Hafiz Mohammed Saeed are freely operating with State support, and the UN designated entities are being politically mainstreamed in Pakistan.&quot;

She also highlighted&nbsp;the depressing state of minorities in the country, enforced disappearances and unlawful killing of political dissidents by Pakistan security forces.&nbsp;

She said &quot;We urge the Council to call on Pakistan to stop targeting political dissidents and legitimate criticism in Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and to stop torture, enforced disappearances and unlawful killing, including that of journalists and activists by its security agencies. Pakistan should also prosecute all perpetrators of such crimes&quot;.

She also took on Pakistan for its continued support to cross-border terrorism in India.

&quot;We await credible action by the Government of Pakistan to bring all those involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2016 Pathankot and Uri attacks to justice,&quot; she said.

Thrashing Pakistan for its lecture to India about the protection of human rights, she said, &quot;Even as terrorists thrive in Pakistan and roam its streets with impunity, we have heard it lecture about the protection of human rights in India.

The World does not need lessons on democracy and human rights from a country whose own situation is charitably described as a failed state&quot;.

(With inputs from ANI)

Calling Pakistan a failed state India's Permanent Mission said, 'In gross violation of UN Security Council resolution 1267, the UN designated terrorists like Hafiz Mohammed Saeed are freely operating with State support, and the UN designated entities are being politically mainstreamed in Pak'

Speaking at the 37th session of UN human rights council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland, Mini Devi Kumam, Second Secretary, India's Permanent Mission has lashed at Pakistan for sheltering UN-designated terrorists. Calling Pakistan a failed state, Kumam said, "In gross violation of UN Security Council resolution 1267, the UN designated terrorists like Hafiz Mohammed Saeed are freely operating with State support, and the UN designated entities are being politically mainstreamed in Pakistan." She also highlighted the depressing state of minorities in the country, enforced disappearances and unlawful killing of political dissidents by Pakistan security forces. She said "We urge the Council to call on Pakistan to stop targeting political dissidents and legitimate criticism in Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and to stop torture, enforced disappearances and unlawful killing, including that of journalists and activists by its security agencies. Pakistan should also prosecute all perpetrators of such crimes". She also took on Pakistan for its continued support to cross-border terrorism in India. "We await credible action by the Government of Pakistan to bring all those involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2016 Pathankot and Uri attacks to justice," she said. Thrashing Pakistan for its lecture to India about the protection of human rights, she said, "Even as terrorists thrive in Pakistan and roam its streets with impunity, we have heard it lecture about the protection of human rights in India. The World does not need lessons on democracy and human rights from a country whose own situation is charitably described as a failed state". (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan harbours UN designate terrorists: India slams Pakistan at UNHRC

India&rsquo;s relationship with China has never been an easy one with frequent border incursions along the 3500-kilometre border between the two Asian neighbours and tensions on the Doklam plateau. But, there&rsquo;s something interesting happening. Beijing has just reached out across the fence to New Delhi to ask for a dance. But like the proverbial crocodile and monkey in the Indian collection of children&#39;s stories, the Panchatantra, will India be the crocodile or the monkey? Will it glide into a waltz with the other big Asian superpower? Or will it first wait for its favourite song to play?&nbsp; 
Senior Foreign Editor Padma Rao examines the question.

Whether it is the tense standoff between the two Asian superpowers on the Doklam highland or the frequent forays by the People&#39;s Liberation Army (PLA) into Indian territory, China has always employed a tone that resembles a patronizing, scolding, relative towards a poor country cousin &ndash; in this case, India.&nbsp;

Perhaps for the first time in the history of India-China relations, China&#39;s foreign minister Wang Yi struck an astounding note on the subject of India. 2017 had been a particularly tense year between the two neighbors. At his annual press conference, the Chinese foreign minister was asked what he thought of China&#39;s relations with India.&nbsp;

Here&rsquo;s what he said:

&quot;Despite some tests and difficulties, the China-India relationship continues to grow. Chinese and Indian leaders have developed a strategic vision for the future of our relations.&rdquo;

Come again? That was the reaction Mr Yi&rsquo;s remarks evoked across the border, even as India was waking up to a new day of &mdash; possibly &mdash; fresh tensions with China over some border or land issue or another. But there were more surprises in store. While acknowledging that there were contentious issues, Mr Yi said, &lsquo;&rsquo;China is upholding its rights and legitimate interests and taking care to preserve the relationship with India.&rdquo;

Then gushed forth what could have been written off as stream-of-consciousness-babble, were it not for the fact that this was the foreign minister of the mighty People&rsquo;s Republic of China speaking in public, to the media. In essence, here&rsquo;s what he said:&nbsp;

-- Chinese and Indian leaders have a strategic vision for the future of their relations.

-- China and India must do everything to support each other and avoid mutual suspicion. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
-- With political trust, not even the Himalayas can stop our friendly exchanges.

-- Our common interests far outweigh our frictions.

-- If China and India are united, one plus one will become eleven instead of two. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
-- Dragon and elephant must not fight, but dance with each other.

Babble or brotherhood?&nbsp;Such ardent declarations of eternal friendship from China? &nbsp;By now, either most readers have moist eyes or&nbsp;are rolling them at what expansionist China could possibly have meant by &#39;&#39;united&#39;&#39; India and China and the startling mathematics behind &quot;one plus one will become eleven&quot;. &nbsp;But look at it with a cool head and consider what it could possibly mean.&nbsp;

No matter what the foreign minister also said about China&rsquo;s Belt-and-Road-Initiative, China&#39;s brand of debt-trap diplomacy that has ensnared nearly 100 countries is under sharp criticism. Europe has refused to be part of the Silk Road. India, the United States, Japan and - possibly Australia have come together in a strategic grouping known as the &#39;Quad&#39; to counter China&#39;s aggressive land-grabbing &ndash; both in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. And now, &nbsp;China&rsquo;s closest trade partner, the United States, has issued dire warnings.

Trump speaking

The Trump administration is preparing to throttle Chinese investments in the United States and slam tariffs on imports from China. &nbsp;It is going to act firmly against intellectual property theft by China. And most of all, President Trump plans to cut the 620 billion dollar annual trade deficit between the two countries in half and create 2 million jobs for Americans in America.&nbsp;

China is finding itself increasingly isolated in the international arena. India&rsquo;s 1.2 billion-strong market beckons as an attractive alternative, despite India&#39;s stern measures against dumping by Chinese companies. And India is fast emerging as a close strategic ally to the United States than China, especially in matters Pakistan and Afghanistan. What better time for an invitation to the dance floor to New Delhi than now? However, and in the corridors of South Block, Indian diplomats are nobody&rsquo;s fools. They will have long read the fine-print and will tango only if it&rsquo;s a dance between equal partners.

China has always employed a tone that resembles an older, patronising relative towards a poor country cousin — in this case, India

India’s relationship with China has never been an easy one with frequent border incursions along the 3500-kilometre border between the two Asian neighbours and tensions on the Doklam plateau. But, there’s something interesting happening. Beijing has just reached out across the fence to New Delhi to ask for a dance. But like the proverbial crocodile and monkey in the Indian collection of children's stories, the Panchatantra, will India be the crocodile or the monkey? Will it glide into a waltz with the other big Asian superpower? Or will it first wait for its favourite song to play? Senior Foreign Editor Padma Rao examines the question. Whether it is the tense standoff between the two Asian superpowers on the Doklam highland or the frequent forays by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) into Indian territory, China has always employed a tone that resembles a patronizing, scolding, relative towards a poor country cousin – in this case, India. Perhaps for the first time in the history of India-China relations, China's foreign minister Wang Yi struck an astounding note on the subject of India. 2017 had been a particularly tense year between the two neighbors. At his annual press conference, the Chinese foreign minister was asked what he thought of China's relations with India. Here’s what he said: "Despite some tests and difficulties, the China-India relationship continues to grow. Chinese and Indian leaders have developed a strategic vision for the future of our relations.” Come again? That was the reaction Mr Yi’s remarks evoked across the border, even as India was waking up to a new day of — possibly — fresh tensions with China over some border or land issue or another. But there were more surprises in store. While acknowledging that there were contentious issues, Mr Yi said, ‘’China is upholding its rights and legitimate interests and taking care to preserve the relationship with India.” Then gushed forth what could have been written off as stream-of-consciousness-babble, were it not for the fact that this was the foreign minister of the mighty People’s Republic of China speaking in public, to the media. In essence, here’s what he said: -- Chinese and Indian leaders have a strategic vision for the future of their relations. -- China and India must do everything to support each other and avoid mutual suspicion. -- With political trust, not even the Himalayas can stop our friendly exchanges. -- Our common interests far outweigh our frictions. -- If China and India are united, one plus one will become eleven instead of two. -- Dragon and elephant must not fight, but dance with each other. Babble or brotherhood? Such ardent declarations of eternal friendship from China? By now, either most readers have moist eyes or are rolling them at what expansionist China could possibly have meant by ''united'' India and China and the startling mathematics behind "one plus one will become eleven". But look at it with a cool head and consider what it could possibly mean. No matter what the foreign minister also said about China’s Belt-and-Road-Initiative, China's brand of debt-trap diplomacy that has ensnared nearly 100 countries is under sharp criticism. Europe has refused to be part of the Silk Road. India, the United States, Japan and - possibly Australia have come together in a strategic grouping known as the 'Quad' to counter China's aggressive land-grabbing – both in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. And now, China’s closest trade partner, the United States, has issued dire warnings. Trump speaking The Trump administration is preparing to throttle Chinese investments in the United States and slam tariffs on imports from China. It is going to act firmly against intellectual property theft by China. And most of all, President Trump plans to cut the 620 billion dollar annual trade deficit between the two countries in half and create 2 million jobs for Americans in America. China is finding itself increasingly isolated in the international arena. India’s 1.2 billion-strong market beckons as an attractive alternative, despite India's stern measures against dumping by Chinese companies. And India is fast emerging as a close strategic ally to the United States than China, especially in matters Pakistan and Afghanistan. What better time for an invitation to the dance floor to New Delhi than now? However, and in the corridors of South Block, Indian diplomats are nobody’s fools. They will have long read the fine-print and will tango only if it’s a dance between equal partners.

Brotherhood or babble? Analysing the Chinese foreign minister's speak on India

India on Thursday highlighted human rights violations by Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

India&#39;s response came after Pakistan raised the issue of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mini Devi Kumam, Second Secretary, India&#39;s Permanent Mission at UNHRC, said it had become a habit of Pakistan to misuse the UNHRC platform to make misleading references about internal matters pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir.

&quot;This Council should be mindful that the dubious concern for human rights is coming from a country, which has systematically abused and violated the human rights of the people in Baluchistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well as Pakistan Occupied Kashmir,&quot; Kumam said at the 37th Session of UNHRC.

She added that &quot;Pakistan has long been attempting to mask its territorial ambitions and use of terrorism as a state policy under the guise of concern for human rights&quot;.

The Indian representative also told the UNHRC that Pakistan was committing grossest violation of human rights by exporting terrorism to Jammu and Kashmir.

&quot;Terrorism is the grossest violation of human rights. The real problem in the State of Jammu and Kashmir is terrorism, which has constantly received sustenance from Pakistan and territories under its control,&quot; Kumam asserted.

India also urged the UNHRC to call on Pakistan to end cross-border infiltration, to dismantle special terrorist zones, safe havens and sanctuaries, and to take verifiable actions, including on terror financing.

The Indian representative also told the UNHRC that Pakistan should provide freedom to the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir by ending its illegal and forcible occupation.

While highlighting the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan, India said Islamabad should end harassment of minorities; place procedural and institutional safeguards to prevent its misuse.

Kumam also demanded that Pakistan should end forced conversions and marriages of minorities; including Hindu, Sikh and Christian women, and prosecute all such cases.

India also highlighted enforced disappearances and unlawful killing of political dissidents by the Pakistani security forces.

&quot;We urge the Council to call on Pakistan to stop targeting political dissidents and legitimate criticism in Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and to stop torture, enforced disappearances and unlawful killing, including that of journalists and activists by its security agencies. Pakistan should also prosecute all perpetrators of such crimes,&quot; Kumam said.

India also demanded end of sectarian violence, systemic persecution and attacks on Muslim minorities, such as Shia, Ahmadiyas , Ismailia and Hazaras in Pakistan.&nbsp;

India also highlighted enforced disappearances and unlawful killing of political dissidents by the Pakistani security forces

India on Thursday highlighted human rights violations by Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). India's response came after Pakistan raised the issue of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. Mini Devi Kumam, Second Secretary, India's Permanent Mission at UNHRC, said it had become a habit of Pakistan to misuse the UNHRC platform to make misleading references about internal matters pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir. "This Council should be mindful that the dubious concern for human rights is coming from a country, which has systematically abused and violated the human rights of the people in Baluchistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well as Pakistan Occupied Kashmir," Kumam said at the 37th Session of UNHRC. She added that "Pakistan has long been attempting to mask its territorial ambitions and use of terrorism as a state policy under the guise of concern for human rights". The Indian representative also told the UNHRC that Pakistan was committing grossest violation of human rights by exporting terrorism to Jammu and Kashmir. "Terrorism is the grossest violation of human rights. The real problem in the State of Jammu and Kashmir is terrorism, which has constantly received sustenance from Pakistan and territories under its control," Kumam asserted. India also urged the UNHRC to call on Pakistan to end cross-border infiltration, to dismantle special terrorist zones, safe havens and sanctuaries, and to take verifiable actions, including on terror financing. The Indian representative also told the UNHRC that Pakistan should provide freedom to the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir by ending its illegal and forcible occupation. While highlighting the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan, India said Islamabad should end harassment of minorities; place procedural and institutional safeguards to prevent its misuse. Kumam also demanded that Pakistan should end forced conversions and marriages of minorities; including Hindu, Sikh and Christian women, and prosecute all such cases. India also highlighted enforced disappearances and unlawful killing of political dissidents by the Pakistani security forces. "We urge the Council to call on Pakistan to stop targeting political dissidents and legitimate criticism in Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and to stop torture, enforced disappearances and unlawful killing, including that of journalists and activists by its security agencies. Pakistan should also prosecute all perpetrators of such crimes," Kumam said. India also demanded end of sectarian violence, systemic persecution and attacks on Muslim minorities, such as Shia, Ahmadiyas , Ismailia and Hazaras in Pakistan.

India to UN: Call on Pakistan to dismantle 'special terrorist zones'

A Pakistani court ruled on Friday that all citizens must declare their religion when applying for identity documents, a move human rights advocates say is another blow for the country&#39;s persecuted minority communities.

The ruling will pile further pressure on the Ahmadi community, who are not allowed to call themselves Muslim or use Islamic symbols in their religious practices, a crime punishable under Pakistan&#39;s blasphemy laws.

The Islamabad High Court ruled that citizens who disguised their religious affiliation were guilty of betraying the state and ordered that anyone applying for government jobs should declare their faith.

&quot;The Government of Pakistan shall take special measure ensuring availability of correct particulars of all the citizens,&quot; Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui said in the judgement.

&quot;It should not be possible for any citizen to hide his/her real identity and recognition.&quot;

If no appeal is launched, the court&#39;s directives will have to be followed.

The vast majority of Pakistan&#39;s 208 million people are Muslims, with minorities accounting for about 3 per cent of the population, according to a 1998 census.

The Ahmadi community has been a target of mob violence and attacks since legislation categorised the sect as non-Muslim in 1974 and have been vilified as blasphemers by leaders of new ultra-religious political party Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan.

The judge &quot;is not only attacking everybody&#39;s religious freedom in Pakistan but he is also focusing on one particular sect, which is the Ahmadis,&quot; said Human Rights Watch representative Saroop Ijaz.

&quot;A judgement like this would enable and incite violence.&quot;

The order was issued as a result of a petition brought forward by Tehreek-e-Labaik in connection with a change in wording to an electoral law. The amendment sought to replace a religious oath with a simple declaration, which Tehreek-e-Labaik said was blasphemy.

The government blamed the change on a clerical error and swiftly restored the original format.

Last year, Tehreek-e-Labaik shut down the nation&#39;s capital for nearly three weeks with protests against the change.

Seven people were killed and nearly 200 wounded in a failed police bid to disperse protesters, leading the government to give way to their demand that a minister accused of blasphemy resign.

Insulting the Prophet Mohammad is punishable by death in Pakistan and even a rumour of blasphemy can spark mob violence.

&quot;All his (the judge&#39;s) specific instructions are about ensuring and finding out who is an Ahmadi,&quot; human rights lawyer Jibran Nasir told Reuters, adding that the order would automatically provide the government with specific lists about who belongs to which minority group.

&quot;Every day they are being institutionally reminded that they are a minority,&quot; he added. &quot;It is a bigoted order.&quot;

Pakistan&#39;s minority Shi&#39;ite Muslims regularly come under attack by Islamist groups. Members of its small Hindu and Christian communities have also sometimes been accused of blasphemy.

The ruling will pile further pressure on the Ahmadi community, who are not allowed to call themselves Muslim or use Islamic symbols in their religious practices, a crime punishable under Pakistan's blasphemy laws

A Pakistani court ruled on Friday that all citizens must declare their religion when applying for identity documents, a move human rights advocates say is another blow for the country's persecuted minority communities. The ruling will pile further pressure on the Ahmadi community, who are not allowed to call themselves Muslim or use Islamic symbols in their religious practices, a crime punishable under Pakistan's blasphemy laws. The Islamabad High Court ruled that citizens who disguised their religious affiliation were guilty of betraying the state and ordered that anyone applying for government jobs should declare their faith. "The Government of Pakistan shall take special measure ensuring availability of correct particulars of all the citizens," Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui said in the judgement. "It should not be possible for any citizen to hide his/her real identity and recognition." If no appeal is launched, the court's directives will have to be followed. The vast majority of Pakistan's 208 million people are Muslims, with minorities accounting for about 3 per cent of the population, according to a 1998 census. The Ahmadi community has been a target of mob violence and attacks since legislation categorised the sect as non-Muslim in 1974 and have been vilified as blasphemers by leaders of new ultra-religious political party Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan. The judge "is not only attacking everybody's religious freedom in Pakistan but he is also focusing on one particular sect, which is the Ahmadis," said Human Rights Watch representative Saroop Ijaz. "A judgement like this would enable and incite violence." The order was issued as a result of a petition brought forward by Tehreek-e-Labaik in connection with a change in wording to an electoral law. The amendment sought to replace a religious oath with a simple declaration, which Tehreek-e-Labaik said was blasphemy. The government blamed the change on a clerical error and swiftly restored the original format. Last year, Tehreek-e-Labaik shut down the nation's capital for nearly three weeks with protests against the change. Seven people were killed and nearly 200 wounded in a failed police bid to disperse protesters, leading the government to give way to their demand that a minister accused of blasphemy resign. Insulting the Prophet Mohammad is punishable by death in Pakistan and even a rumour of blasphemy can spark mob violence. "All his (the judge's) specific instructions are about ensuring and finding out who is an Ahmadi," human rights lawyer Jibran Nasir told Reuters, adding that the order would automatically provide the government with specific lists about who belongs to which minority group. "Every day they are being institutionally reminded that they are a minority," he added. "It is a bigoted order." Pakistan's minority Shi'ite Muslims regularly come under attack by Islamist groups. Members of its small Hindu and Christian communities have also sometimes been accused of blasphemy.

In blow to minorities, Pakistani court orders citizens to declare religion

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