The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday issued an arrest warrant against the former ambassador of Pakistan to the US, Husain Haqqani, over 2011 Memogate scandal, Pakistan media reported.&nbsp;

Reacting to the arrested warrant, Haqqani said it was said that the highest court of Pakistan persists with such antics for local TV news coverage.&nbsp;

&#39;&#39;Sad that highest court of Pakistan persists with such antics for local TV news coverage. Such political &lsquo;warrants&rsquo; have not been honoured abroad in the past, won&rsquo;t work now,&#39;&#39; Haqqani said.&nbsp;

According to Geo News, the warrants for former Pakistan People&#39;s Party leader were issued for violating his oath in which he had pledged to come back to face the trial, reported The News International.&nbsp;

During the hearing, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General Bashir Memon told the court that a letter has been written to the Interpol in order to get a red warrant issued against Haqqani.

The Supreme Court had formed a three-member bench to hear the case which made headlines during the last stint of the PPP.

Haqqani was accused of seeking US &nbsp; action against Pakistan&#39;s military through the so-called memo months after the US raid in Abbottabad in 2011 on Osama Bin Laden compound amid increasing rift between civilian and military leadership.

Haqqani was accused of seeking US action against Pakistan's military

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday issued an arrest warrant against the former ambassador of Pakistan to the US, Husain Haqqani, over 2011 Memogate scandal, Pakistan media reported. Reacting to the arrested warrant, Haqqani said it was said that the highest court of Pakistan persists with such antics for local TV news coverage. ''Sad that highest court of Pakistan persists with such antics for local TV news coverage. Such political ‘warrants’ have not been honoured abroad in the past, won’t work now,'' Haqqani said. According to Geo News, the warrants for former Pakistan People's Party leader were issued for violating his oath in which he had pledged to come back to face the trial, reported The News International. During the hearing, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General Bashir Memon told the court that a letter has been written to the Interpol in order to get a red warrant issued against Haqqani. The Supreme Court had formed a three-member bench to hear the case which made headlines during the last stint of the PPP. Haqqani was accused of seeking US action against Pakistan's military through the so-called memo months after the US raid in Abbottabad in 2011 on Osama Bin Laden compound amid increasing rift between civilian and military leadership.

Pakistan SC issues arrest warrant against former ambassador to US

Pakistan on Thursday said that it was fully prepared to defend itself in case of any &quot;aggression&quot; by India and asked New Delhi to stop blaming it without any concrete evidence.

Foreign Office spokesman Dr <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Mohammad-Faisal" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-fully-prepared-for-indias-aggression-mohammad-faisal/articleshow/62935623.cms~Mohammad Faisal-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Mohammad-Faisal">Mohammad Faisal</a> made the comment while addressing a media briefing. 
 
&quot;If India is bent upon aggression, Pakistan is fully capable of defending itself. The Pakistani nation should not be taken for granted by anyone. If India wants peace then it should refrain from aggressive rhetoric with the sole objective of securing electoral wins,&quot; he said. 
 
He said India has a &quot;kneejerk&quot; tendency to assign unilateral blame without evidence and it also blamed Pakistan for &quot;spy pigeons and worse&quot; but Pakistan strongly rejects the allegations. 
 
He said a similar tendency was shown after Sunjwan camp attack and certain Indian police and defence officials, and media insinuated against Pakistan.

A group of heavily armed <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Jaish-e-Muhammad" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-fully-prepared-for-indias-aggression-mohammad-faisal/articleshow/62935623.cms~Jaish-e-Muhammad-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Jaish-e-Muhammad">Jaish-e-Muhammad</a> terrorists struck the sprawling camp of the 36 brigade of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry in the early hours on February 10, triggering a gun battle. Seven people were killed in the attack. 
 
He also rejected the comments of Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman by saying that &quot;the familiar tendency of apportioning blame on Pakistan, without concrete evidence, is regrettable&quot;.

Sitharaman had blamed Pakistan for the terror attack at the <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Sunjuwan-Military-Camp" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-fully-prepared-for-indias-aggression-mohammad-faisal/articleshow/62935623.cms~Sunjuwan Military Camp-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Sunjuwan-Military-Camp">Sunjuwan Military Camp</a> and made it clear that it will pay the price for the &quot;misadventure&quot;. 
 
&quot;We have repeatedly seen India arrogating to itself the role of judge, jury and executioner. The reflex assignment of blame and smear campaigns, based on unfounded allegations, carry no credibility,&quot; Faisal said.

To a question, he defended the regular summoning of Indian deputy high commissioner over LoC violations which he said was part of &quot;responsibility of Pakistan is to effectively and emphatically defend its borders, be they physical, diplomatic, political or intellectual.&quot;

He also said Pakistan does not support any move by foreign states to interfere in the internal affairs of the Maldives and influence its upcoming elections. 
 
&quot;We believe that the internal affairs of Maldives should be solved internally in consultation with all the stakeholders. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Maldives should be respected by all,&quot; he said.

Foreign Office spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal made the comment while addressing a media briefing

Pakistan on Thursday said that it was fully prepared to defend itself in case of any "aggression" by India and asked New Delhi to stop blaming it without any concrete evidence. Foreign Office spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal made the comment while addressing a media briefing. "If India is bent upon aggression, Pakistan is fully capable of defending itself. The Pakistani nation should not be taken for granted by anyone. If India wants peace then it should refrain from aggressive rhetoric with the sole objective of securing electoral wins," he said. He said India has a "kneejerk" tendency to assign unilateral blame without evidence and it also blamed Pakistan for "spy pigeons and worse" but Pakistan strongly rejects the allegations. He said a similar tendency was shown after Sunjwan camp attack and certain Indian police and defence officials, and media insinuated against Pakistan. A group of heavily armed Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorists struck the sprawling camp of the 36 brigade of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry in the early hours on February 10, triggering a gun battle. Seven people were killed in the attack. He also rejected the comments of Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman by saying that "the familiar tendency of apportioning blame on Pakistan, without concrete evidence, is regrettable". Sitharaman had blamed Pakistan for the terror attack at the Sunjuwan Military Camp and made it clear that it will pay the price for the "misadventure". "We have repeatedly seen India arrogating to itself the role of judge, jury and executioner. The reflex assignment of blame and smear campaigns, based on unfounded allegations, carry no credibility," Faisal said. To a question, he defended the regular summoning of Indian deputy high commissioner over LoC violations which he said was part of "responsibility of Pakistan is to effectively and emphatically defend its borders, be they physical, diplomatic, political or intellectual." He also said Pakistan does not support any move by foreign states to interfere in the internal affairs of the Maldives and influence its upcoming elections. "We believe that the internal affairs of Maldives should be solved internally in consultation with all the stakeholders. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Maldives should be respected by all," he said.

Pakistan fully prepared for India's aggression: Foreign Office

Taliban militants today killed four paramilitary soldiers in an ambush in Pakistan&#39;s restive southwestern Balochistan province, police said.

The Frontier Corps (FC) personnel were targeted when they were on a routine patrol on Sariab road in Quetta.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Quetta Razzaq Cheema said that the attackers fired at the vehicle carrying the FC officials and fled after the incident.

&quot;It was a coordinated attack and the purpose was to target the FC personnel in the vehicle,&quot; Cheema said.

&quot;Four security personnel were killed in the attack,&quot; he told the media.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed the responsibility for the attack.

This was the latest attack in a series of terror strikes carried out against security personnel in Quetta and other parts of the troubled province this year.

Last month, at least seven persons were killed on Zarghoon Road in Quetta when a suicide bomber rammed his motorbike into a police truck.

Balochistan Governor Mohammad Achakzai condemned that the latest attack and urged the law enforcement agencies to arrest the culprits at the earliest.&nbsp;

The Frontier Corps (FC) personnel were targeted when they were on a routine patrol on Sariab road in Quetta

Taliban militants today killed four paramilitary soldiers in an ambush in Pakistan's restive southwestern Balochistan province, police said. The Frontier Corps (FC) personnel were targeted when they were on a routine patrol on Sariab road in Quetta. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Quetta Razzaq Cheema said that the attackers fired at the vehicle carrying the FC officials and fled after the incident. "It was a coordinated attack and the purpose was to target the FC personnel in the vehicle," Cheema said. "Four security personnel were killed in the attack," he told the media. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed the responsibility for the attack. This was the latest attack in a series of terror strikes carried out against security personnel in Quetta and other parts of the troubled province this year. Last month, at least seven persons were killed on Zarghoon Road in Quetta when a suicide bomber rammed his motorbike into a police truck. Balochistan Governor Mohammad Achakzai condemned that the latest attack and urged the law enforcement agencies to arrest the culprits at the earliest.

Taliban kill 4 paramilitary soldiers in Pak's Balochistan

Pakistan has once again banned Valentine Day&#39;s celebrations and its media coverage after the Islamabad High Court ruled the holiday as &quot;un-Islamic&quot;.

The Voice of America reported that in order to comply with the court ruling, Pakistan`s Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) imposed guidelines to its TV and radio licenses to remind them of the ban.

&quot;Respondents are directed to ensure that nothing about the celebrations of Valentine`s Day and its promotion is spread on the Electronic and Print media. No event shall be held on an official level and at any public place. PEMRA is directed to ensure that all the TV channels shall stop the promotion of Valentine`s Day forthwith,&quot; the PEMRA said in a statement.

The judgment also prohibited any advertising or the sale of merchandise associated with Valentine`s Day.The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday issued a judgment on a petition claiming that Valentine`s Day was spreading &quot;immorality, nudity and indecency&quot; in the society.

The court also prohibited its celebrations in public places and government offices in Islamabad.

It further instructed PEMRA to &quot;ensure that nothing about the celebration of Valentine&#39;s Day and its promotion is spread&quot;.

The ruling has also affected many businesses across the country.

In a similar ban last year, flower vendors and shops selling Valentine`s Day-related items reported a huge drop in sales.In recent years, Pakistan has been observing Valentine`s Day on February 14th every year.

Most youths use the symbolic day to exchange cards, chocolates and gifts with their loved ones.However, owing to the conservative society, public displays of love and affection are not allowed, since it is considered &quot;a violation of Islam and Pakistani culture.

&quot;Many religious groups and political parties such as Jamaat-e-Islami have openly supported the ban of Valentine`s Day celebrations in the country.In 2016, Valentine`s Day celebrations were prohibited by local authorities in Kohat, a city in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Also, Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain had warned citizens to refrain from celebrating Valentine`s Day as it was &quot;not a part of Muslim tradition, but of the West.

However, some Twitter users expressed displeasure with the court ruling by posting on the micro-blogging site using the hashtag #ValentinesAndIslam.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
My question: 
Can Muslims celebrate Valentine&#39;s Day? 
I&#39;m not asking if it is shirk ,as in, Is it shirk for a Muslim to celebrate Valentine&#39;s Day?. Instead, I am asking if it is permissible to celebrate Valentine&#39;s Day.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ValentinesAndIslam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ValentinesAndIslam</a>
&mdash; Arsim CH (@ArsimTariq) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArsimTariq/status/963457497569914880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ValentinesAndIslam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ValentinesAndIslam</a> 
 
Love is not haram .....what u do with that love is haram....
&mdash; Abdullah Ali (@Abdulla58741293) <a href="https://twitter.com/Abdulla58741293/status/963458061489852419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

However, some supported the court ruling.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
It is not permissible for a Muslim to get caught up in the valentine&rsquo;s un-Islamic environment and mood.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ValentinesAndIslam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ValentinesAndIslam</a>
&mdash; Hania Tariq (@haniachoudhry) <a href="https://twitter.com/haniachoudhry/status/963461304206921728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Islam clearly forbids people to stop &#39;Behayai&#39; &amp; the modern trend of Valentines means Behayi. Stop Behayi you dont need to follow western cultures to Love someone! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ValentinesAndIslam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ValentinesAndIslam</a>
&mdash; Mehmood Hassan (@iMehmoodHassan) <a href="https://twitter.com/iMehmoodHassan/status/963458666086260738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
It is not permissible for a Muslim to get caught up in the valentine&rsquo;s un-Islamic environment and mood.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ValentinesAndIslam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ValentinesAndIslam</a>
&mdash; احسن لاکھا (@AhsanLakha178) <a href="https://twitter.com/AhsanLakha178/status/963485451226091521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Voice of America reported that in order to comply with the court ruling, Pakistan`s Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) imposed guidelines to its TV and radio licenses to remind them of the ban

Pakistan has once again banned Valentine Day's celebrations and its media coverage after the Islamabad High Court ruled the holiday as "un-Islamic". The Voice of America reported that in order to comply with the court ruling, Pakistan`s Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) imposed guidelines to its TV and radio licenses to remind them of the ban. "Respondents are directed to ensure that nothing about the celebrations of Valentine`s Day and its promotion is spread on the Electronic and Print media. No event shall be held on an official level and at any public place. PEMRA is directed to ensure that all the TV channels shall stop the promotion of Valentine`s Day forthwith," the PEMRA said in a statement. The judgment also prohibited any advertising or the sale of merchandise associated with Valentine`s Day.The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday issued a judgment on a petition claiming that Valentine`s Day was spreading "immorality, nudity and indecency" in the society. The court also prohibited its celebrations in public places and government offices in Islamabad. It further instructed PEMRA to "ensure that nothing about the celebration of Valentine's Day and its promotion is spread". The ruling has also affected many businesses across the country. In a similar ban last year, flower vendors and shops selling Valentine`s Day-related items reported a huge drop in sales.In recent years, Pakistan has been observing Valentine`s Day on February 14th every year. Most youths use the symbolic day to exchange cards, chocolates and gifts with their loved ones.However, owing to the conservative society, public displays of love and affection are not allowed, since it is considered "a violation of Islam and Pakistani culture. "Many religious groups and political parties such as Jamaat-e-Islami have openly supported the ban of Valentine`s Day celebrations in the country.In 2016, Valentine`s Day celebrations were prohibited by local authorities in Kohat, a city in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Also, Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain had warned citizens to refrain from celebrating Valentine`s Day as it was "not a part of Muslim tradition, but of the West. However, some Twitter users expressed displeasure with the court ruling by posting on the micro-blogging site using the hashtag #ValentinesAndIslam. My question: Can Muslims celebrate Valentine's Day? I'm not asking if it is shirk ,as in, Is it shirk for a Muslim to celebrate Valentine's Day?. Instead, I am asking if it is permissible to celebrate Valentine's Day.#ValentinesAndIslam — Arsim CH (@ArsimTariq) February 13, 2018 × #ValentinesAndIslam Love is not haram .....what u do with that love is haram.... — Abdullah Ali (@Abdulla58741293) February 13, 2018 × However, some supported the court ruling. It is not permissible for a Muslim to get caught up in the valentine’s un-Islamic environment and mood.#ValentinesAndIslam — Hania Tariq (@haniachoudhry) February 13, 2018 × Islam clearly forbids people to stop 'Behayai' & the modern trend of Valentines means Behayi. Stop Behayi you dont need to follow western cultures to Love someone! #ValentinesAndIslam — Mehmood Hassan (@iMehmoodHassan) February 13, 2018 × It is not permissible for a Muslim to get caught up in the valentine’s un-Islamic environment and mood.#ValentinesAndIslam — احسن لاکھا (@AhsanLakha178) February 13, 2018 ×

Pakistan bans Valentine Day's celebrations after High Court ruling

America&rsquo;s intelligence chief today warned that Pakistan-supported terrorist groups would continue to carry out attacks inside India, thus risking escalation of tension between the two neighbours.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats&#39; remarks came days after a group of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists struck the Sunjuwan Military Camp in Jammu on Saturday, killing seven people including six soldiers.

Pakistan, in fact, will continue to threaten US interests by deploying new nuclear weapons capabilities, maintaining its ties to militants, restricting counter- terrorism cooperation, and drawing closer to China, Coats said in his testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

&quot;Militant groups supported by Islamabad will continue to take advantage of their safe haven in Pakistan to plan and conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan, including against US interests,&quot; Coats said during the hearing on &#39;Worldwide Threat Assessment&#39; of the US intelligence community.

He said Pakistan&rsquo;s perception of its eroding position relative to India, reinforced by endemic economic weakness and domestic security issues, almost certainly will exacerbate long-held fears of isolation and drive Islamabad&rsquo;s pursuit of actions that run counter to US goals for the region.

Without specifically referring to any terrorist incident by Pakistan-based groups, Coats told the lawmakers that he expects tension between the two Asian neighbours.

&quot;Relations between India and Pakistan are likely to remain tense, with continued violence on the Line of Control and the risk of escalation if there is another high-profile terrorist attack in India or an uptick in violence on the Line of Control,&quot; Coats said.

He said Pakistan&#39;s support to terrorist groups have complicated the situation in Afghanistan.

&quot;Complicating the Afghanistan situation is our assessment that Pakistan-based militant groups continue to take advantage of their safe haven to conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan, including US interests therein,&quot; Coats said.

Pakistani military leaders &quot;continue to walk a delicate line,&quot; he said.

&quot;Ongoing Pakistani military operations against the Taliban and associated groups probably reflect the desire to appear more proactive and responsive to our request for more actions against these groups. However, the actions taken thus far do not reflect a significant escalation of pressure against these groups and are unlikely to have a lasting effect,&quot; Coats said.

In the last month, the administration has designated eight militants affiliated with the Taliban, Haqqani Network and other Pakistani militant groups.

&quot;And we assess that Pakistan will maintain ties to these militants while restricting counter-terrorism cooperation with the United States,&quot; Coats added.&nbsp;

The attacks would escalate tensions between the two neighbours

America’s intelligence chief today warned that Pakistan-supported terrorist groups would continue to carry out attacks inside India, thus risking escalation of tension between the two neighbours. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats' remarks came days after a group of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists struck the Sunjuwan Military Camp in Jammu on Saturday, killing seven people including six soldiers. Pakistan, in fact, will continue to threaten US interests by deploying new nuclear weapons capabilities, maintaining its ties to militants, restricting counter- terrorism cooperation, and drawing closer to China, Coats said in his testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. "Militant groups supported by Islamabad will continue to take advantage of their safe haven in Pakistan to plan and conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan, including against US interests," Coats said during the hearing on 'Worldwide Threat Assessment' of the US intelligence community. He said Pakistan’s perception of its eroding position relative to India, reinforced by endemic economic weakness and domestic security issues, almost certainly will exacerbate long-held fears of isolation and drive Islamabad’s pursuit of actions that run counter to US goals for the region. Without specifically referring to any terrorist incident by Pakistan-based groups, Coats told the lawmakers that he expects tension between the two Asian neighbours. "Relations between India and Pakistan are likely to remain tense, with continued violence on the Line of Control and the risk of escalation if there is another high-profile terrorist attack in India or an uptick in violence on the Line of Control," Coats said. He said Pakistan's support to terrorist groups have complicated the situation in Afghanistan. "Complicating the Afghanistan situation is our assessment that Pakistan-based militant groups continue to take advantage of their safe haven to conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan, including US interests therein," Coats said. Pakistani military leaders "continue to walk a delicate line," he said. "Ongoing Pakistani military operations against the Taliban and associated groups probably reflect the desire to appear more proactive and responsive to our request for more actions against these groups. However, the actions taken thus far do not reflect a significant escalation of pressure against these groups and are unlikely to have a lasting effect," Coats said. In the last month, the administration has designated eight militants affiliated with the Taliban, Haqqani Network and other Pakistani militant groups. "And we assess that Pakistan will maintain ties to these militants while restricting counter-terrorism cooperation with the United States," Coats added.

Pakistan backed militants continue to attack India: US national intelligence chief

Pakistan has banned two charities linked to Islamist leader Hafiz Saeed, an official said on Wednesday, in a move against the U.N.-designated &quot;terrorist&quot; who the United States says was behind an attack on Mumbai in 2008 that killed 166 people.

Authorities had begun seizing control of offices and financial assets of the charities, another official said.

The action comes days before a meeting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global money laundering watchdog, which will consider a U.S.-sponsored motion to place Pakistan on a list of countries failing to prevent terrorism financing.

The operations in Pakistan of Saeed&#39;s extensive network - which includes 300 seminaries and schools, hospitals, a publishing house and ambulance services - has been a particular concern of the United States.

Punjab province&#39;s law minister, Rana Sanaullah, said the central Ministry of Interior had issued a notification against the two charities, the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), this week.

&quot;We have received the interior ministry directions, and according to that, Hafiz Saeed and his charities, like JuD and FIF, have been banned to operate in Pakistan,&quot; Sanaullah told Reuters.

The United States has labelled JuD and FIF &quot;terrorist fronts&quot; for Lashkar-e-Taiba (&quot;Army of the Pure&quot; or LeT), a group Saeed founded in 1987 that the United States and India blame for the bloody attacks on the Indian city of Mumbai.

Saeed has repeatedly denied involvement in the attacks. A Pakistani court freed him from house arrest last year after ruling there was insufficient evidence to convict him.

Pakistan drew up plans late last year to take over Saeed&#39;s charities in a secret order first reported by Reuters.

In the city of Rawalpindi, in Punjab province, district officers had begun taking over the charities&#39; offices, a city official said.

&quot;We&#39;ve taken over all the JuD and FIF assets. We&#39;ve completed the takeover,&quot; Rawalpindi commissioner Nadeem Aslam told Reuters.

List

Aslam said he did not have an exact number of offices and seminaries involved in the asset seizure but data was being compiled in all four districts of Rawalpindi division and he expected full details of the assets.

A spokesmen for JuD declined to make an immediate comment but said a statement would be issued. Officials at FIF could not be reached for comment, nor could Hafiz Saeed himself, who rarely speaks to the media.

Pakistan has banned the LeT but its charity wings, the JUD and FIF have been operating.

The United States has offered $10 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Saeed, who heads JuD, which Washington says is a front for the LeT.

Pakistani officials involved in the seizures of assets said failure to act against the charities could lead to Pakistan&#39;s inclusion on the FATF watchlist.

That would make it harder for foreigners to do business in the nuclear-armed South Asian nation.

Pakistan&#39;s de facto finance minister, Miftah Ismail, told Reuters the FATF would consider a motion to place Pakistan on the list but the government was &quot;hopeful&quot; it could make its case to avoid it.

Pakistan was on the FATF watchlist from 2012 to 2015.

The United States has labelled the JuD and FIF 'terrorist fronts' for the Lashkar-e-Taiba

Pakistan has banned two charities linked to Islamist leader Hafiz Saeed, an official said on Wednesday, in a move against the U.N.-designated "terrorist" who the United States says was behind an attack on Mumbai in 2008 that killed 166 people. Authorities had begun seizing control of offices and financial assets of the charities, another official said. The action comes days before a meeting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global money laundering watchdog, which will consider a U.S.-sponsored motion to place Pakistan on a list of countries failing to prevent terrorism financing. The operations in Pakistan of Saeed's extensive network - which includes 300 seminaries and schools, hospitals, a publishing house and ambulance services - has been a particular concern of the United States. Punjab province's law minister, Rana Sanaullah, said the central Ministry of Interior had issued a notification against the two charities, the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), this week. "We have received the interior ministry directions, and according to that, Hafiz Saeed and his charities, like JuD and FIF, have been banned to operate in Pakistan," Sanaullah told Reuters. The United States has labelled JuD and FIF "terrorist fronts" for Lashkar-e-Taiba ("Army of the Pure" or LeT), a group Saeed founded in 1987 that the United States and India blame for the bloody attacks on the Indian city of Mumbai. Saeed has repeatedly denied involvement in the attacks. A Pakistani court freed him from house arrest last year after ruling there was insufficient evidence to convict him. Pakistan drew up plans late last year to take over Saeed's charities in a secret order first reported by Reuters. In the city of Rawalpindi, in Punjab province, district officers had begun taking over the charities' offices, a city official said. "We've taken over all the JuD and FIF assets. We've completed the takeover," Rawalpindi commissioner Nadeem Aslam told Reuters. List Aslam said he did not have an exact number of offices and seminaries involved in the asset seizure but data was being compiled in all four districts of Rawalpindi division and he expected full details of the assets. A spokesmen for JuD declined to make an immediate comment but said a statement would be issued. Officials at FIF could not be reached for comment, nor could Hafiz Saeed himself, who rarely speaks to the media. Pakistan has banned the LeT but its charity wings, the JUD and FIF have been operating. The United States has offered $10 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Saeed, who heads JuD, which Washington says is a front for the LeT. Pakistani officials involved in the seizures of assets said failure to act against the charities could lead to Pakistan's inclusion on the FATF watchlist. That would make it harder for foreigners to do business in the nuclear-armed South Asian nation. Pakistan's de facto finance minister, Miftah Ismail, told Reuters the FATF would consider a motion to place Pakistan on the list but the government was "hopeful" it could make its case to avoid it. Pakistan was on the FATF watchlist from 2012 to 2015.

Pakistan bans Hafiz Saeed's JuD, FIF

The Taliban said on Wednesday they want to end Afghanistan&#39;s war through dialogue but warned that their willingness to find peace did not mean they were exhausted and that their armed campaign would be sustained no matter how powerful the US&nbsp;opposition.

A more aggressive US&nbsp;strategy in Afghanistan including a surge in air strikes introduced by President Donald Trump in August has pushed the Taliban back from several district centres and two provincial capitals.

But the militants control large parts of the countryside and have responded to the more aggressive US&nbsp;strategy with two attacks in Kabul in the past few weeks, killing nearly 150 people.

The attacks have toughened both the US&nbsp;and Afghan government stand on trying to initiate talks to end nearly 17 years of war that neither side seems capable of winning.

The Taliban offer of dialogue came in a statement addressed to the American people.&nbsp;

&quot;Our preference is to solve the Afghan issue through peaceful dialogue,&quot; the Taliban said.

In their statement, the Taliban did not mention a January 27 raid on a top Kabul hotel, in which more than 30 people were killed, nor a bomb attack on a crowded street a week later that killed more than 100. They claimed both attacks.

The Taliban, fighting to oust foreign forces and defeat the US-backed government, said the United States must end its &quot;occupation&quot; and accept the Taliban right to form a government &quot;consistent with the beliefs of our people&quot;.

The militants only mentioned the Afghan government to deride it on various grounds.&nbsp;

A government spokesman declined to comment on the statement and a spokesman for Afghanistan&#39;s NATO-led military mission was not immediately available for comment.

It was not too late for the American people to realise the Taliban can solve problems with every side &quot;through healthy politics and dialogue&quot;, the militants said, adding the chances for dialogue were &quot;not exhausted&quot;.

Preliminary talks on ending the war that kills thousands of people each year have stalled.

But low-level contacts between the government, international groups including the United Nations and groups close to the Taliban have continued even as the insurgency has escalated.

Progress has been blocked by the deep mistrust between the government and the Taliban, as well as uncertainty about the position of neighbours including Pakistan, which Afghanistan has long accused of aiding the insurgents.

Pakistan rejects accusations that it sponsors the Taliban.

The Taliban said their willingness to play a &quot;constructive role in finding a peaceful solution&quot; should not be taken as a sign of weakness.

&quot;This can never mean that we are exhausted or our will has been sapped,&quot; they said.

They said they had no intention to damage any other country or let anyone use Afghan territory against anyone else.

The Taliban warned though that their willingness to find peace did not mean they were exhausted and that their armed campaign would be sustained no matter how powerful the US opposition

The Taliban said on Wednesday they want to end Afghanistan's war through dialogue but warned that their willingness to find peace did not mean they were exhausted and that their armed campaign would be sustained no matter how powerful the US opposition. A more aggressive US strategy in Afghanistan including a surge in air strikes introduced by President Donald Trump in August has pushed the Taliban back from several district centres and two provincial capitals. But the militants control large parts of the countryside and have responded to the more aggressive US strategy with two attacks in Kabul in the past few weeks, killing nearly 150 people. The attacks have toughened both the US and Afghan government stand on trying to initiate talks to end nearly 17 years of war that neither side seems capable of winning. The Taliban offer of dialogue came in a statement addressed to the American people. "Our preference is to solve the Afghan issue through peaceful dialogue," the Taliban said. In their statement, the Taliban did not mention a January 27 raid on a top Kabul hotel, in which more than 30 people were killed, nor a bomb attack on a crowded street a week later that killed more than 100. They claimed both attacks. The Taliban, fighting to oust foreign forces and defeat the US-backed government, said the United States must end its "occupation" and accept the Taliban right to form a government "consistent with the beliefs of our people". The militants only mentioned the Afghan government to deride it on various grounds. A government spokesman declined to comment on the statement and a spokesman for Afghanistan's NATO-led military mission was not immediately available for comment. It was not too late for the American people to realise the Taliban can solve problems with every side "through healthy politics and dialogue", the militants said, adding the chances for dialogue were "not exhausted". Preliminary talks on ending the war that kills thousands of people each year have stalled. But low-level contacts between the government, international groups including the United Nations and groups close to the Taliban have continued even as the insurgency has escalated. Progress has been blocked by the deep mistrust between the government and the Taliban, as well as uncertainty about the position of neighbours including Pakistan, which Afghanistan has long accused of aiding the insurgents. Pakistan rejects accusations that it sponsors the Taliban. The Taliban said their willingness to play a "constructive role in finding a peaceful solution" should not be taken as a sign of weakness. "This can never mean that we are exhausted or our will has been sapped," they said. They said they had no intention to damage any other country or let anyone use Afghan territory against anyone else.

Taliban say they want to end Afghanistan war through dialogue

The United States has reportedly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-raise-use-of-anti-tank-guided-missiles-by-pakistan-with-us-32424">put forward a motion to place</a> Pakistan on a global terrorist financing watchlist at the Financial Action Task Force &nbsp;(FATF) meeting due to take place in Paris next week, newswire Reuters reported.

FATF <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-moves-bill-to-end-non-defence-aid-to-pakistan-32055">is an international inter-governmental body</a> tasked with countering money laundering and terrorist financing.

The US move was&nbsp;confirmed by senior Pakistani officials, Reuters said.

Pakistan was on the FATF watchlist from 2012 to 2015. Experts feel inclusion of Pakistan on the list would hit hits economy as investors would pull away from the country and it would make it tough for Islamabad to borrow money which is likely to put additional pressure on the government.

FATF had earlier warned Pakistan it would put it back on the watchlist even as several US officials including President Trump openly declared the country wasn&#39;t doing enough to stop terrorist activity on its soil.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said: &quot;the US has consistently expressed our long-standing concern about ongoing deficiencies in Pakistan&rsquo;s implementation of its anti-money laundering/counterterrorism finance regime.&quot;

&quot;In addition to broader systemic concerns, this also includes Pakistan&rsquo;s non-compliance with its commitments under UN Security Council Resolution 1267,&quot; &nbsp;Nauert added.

Reuters quoted a spokesperson at the US embassy in Islamabad saying that the United States was &quot;absolutely not&quot; acting on behalf of India.

Meanwhile, US Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said Pakistan&#39;s military is holding back counter-terrorism cooperation with the United States while continuing to go easy on militant groups inside its territory.

&quot;Pakistan-based militant groups continue to take advantage of their safe haven to conduct attacks in India, in Afghanistan, and including US interests therein,&quot; Coats said.

Coats added that the US had announced terror designations in recent weeks on eight members of the Taliban, the Haqqani Network and other groups, aiming to boost pressure on the militants&#39; abilities to operate.

&nbsp;

 
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ubuo9N9rYAI" width="560"></iframe> 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

FATF is an international inter-governmental body tasked with countering money laundering and terrorist financing.

The United States has reportedly put forward a motion to place Pakistan on a global terrorist financing watchlist at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting due to take place in Paris next week, newswire Reuters reported. FATF is an international inter-governmental body tasked with countering money laundering and terrorist financing. The US move was confirmed by senior Pakistani officials, Reuters said. Pakistan was on the FATF watchlist from 2012 to 2015. Experts feel inclusion of Pakistan on the list would hit hits economy as investors would pull away from the country and it would make it tough for Islamabad to borrow money which is likely to put additional pressure on the government. FATF had earlier warned Pakistan it would put it back on the watchlist even as several US officials including President Trump openly declared the country wasn't doing enough to stop terrorist activity on its soil. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said: "the US has consistently expressed our long-standing concern about ongoing deficiencies in Pakistan’s implementation of its anti-money laundering/counterterrorism finance regime." "In addition to broader systemic concerns, this also includes Pakistan’s non-compliance with its commitments under UN Security Council Resolution 1267," Nauert added. Reuters quoted a spokesperson at the US embassy in Islamabad saying that the United States was "absolutely not" acting on behalf of India. Meanwhile, US Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said Pakistan's military is holding back counter-terrorism cooperation with the United States while continuing to go easy on militant groups inside its territory. "Pakistan-based militant groups continue to take advantage of their safe haven to conduct attacks in India, in Afghanistan, and including US interests therein," Coats said. Coats added that the US had announced terror designations in recent weeks on eight members of the Taliban, the Haqqani Network and other groups, aiming to boost pressure on the militants' abilities to operate.

US moves motion to place Pakistan on global terror financing watchlist at FATF: Report

Construction of civilian houses adjacent to the boundary wall of Army camps is a problem across the country, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-live-defence-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-says-pakistan-will-pay-for-misadventure-32636" target="_blank">Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman</a> said on Monday.&nbsp;

The minister was in Jammu to visit the people injured in Saturday&#39;s terror attack on the Army camp in Sunjuwan.

&quot;Civil constructions are taking place near the boundary walls (of army camps across the country) and it is getting difficult to remove these constructions because these are taking place with permission.

&quot;I am studying the scenario in the entire country and will definitely come out with a solution,&quot; she told reporters here.

Asked about her stand on the state government&#39;s amnesty for stone pelters, Sitharaman said, &quot;I think first-time offenders were given amnesty and I am aware of that&quot;.

On the filing of an FIR against an Army major over the killing of three civilians in Shopian last month, she said the case is &quot;sub-judice&quot; and today the Supreme Court in response to the father of the officer has given a stay of 15 days on the FIR.

&quot;We have to see how it goes and we stand by our proud soldiers. In the call of duty if they have performed something, (it) still has to be contextualised and that is something on which I understand. I am not sure yet, but subject to verification, the defence ministry will respond to the Supreme Court,&quot; she said.

Sitharaman assured full support to the Army and said, &quot;The ministry of defence, me as the defence minister, and the Government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s leadership will not let anybody down.&quot;

&quot;The Army is working under severe duress and we are conscious about it,&quot; she said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

'Civil constructions are taking place near the boundary walls (of army camps across the country) and it is getting difficult to remove these constructions because these are taking place with permission' Sitharaman said

Construction of civilian houses adjacent to the boundary wall of Army camps is a problem across the country, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday. The minister was in Jammu to visit the people injured in Saturday's terror attack on the Army camp in Sunjuwan. "Civil constructions are taking place near the boundary walls (of army camps across the country) and it is getting difficult to remove these constructions because these are taking place with permission. "I am studying the scenario in the entire country and will definitely come out with a solution," she told reporters here. Asked about her stand on the state government's amnesty for stone pelters, Sitharaman said, "I think first-time offenders were given amnesty and I am aware of that". On the filing of an FIR against an Army major over the killing of three civilians in Shopian last month, she said the case is "sub-judice" and today the Supreme Court in response to the father of the officer has given a stay of 15 days on the FIR. "We have to see how it goes and we stand by our proud soldiers. In the call of duty if they have performed something, (it) still has to be contextualised and that is something on which I understand. I am not sure yet, but subject to verification, the defence ministry will respond to the Supreme Court," she said. Sitharaman assured full support to the Army and said, "The ministry of defence, me as the defence minister, and the Government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership will not let anybody down." "The Army is working under severe duress and we are conscious about it," she said.

Civilian houses adjacent to Army camps' boundary wall a problem: Sitharaman

Since the NDA government came to power in the centre, we have noticed two major things related to terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The first is an all-out integrated approach to target terrorists and neutralise them under &quot;Operation All Out&rdquo; and second is the reaction of the terrorist outfits in the form of increased frequency of attacks on the camps of the security forces.&nbsp;

Under &quot;Operation All Out&rdquo; all the stakeholders, including Special Forces, Army, Rashtriya Rifles, Paramilitary forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police are acting as a joint team not only to neutralise the terrorists, they had also been successfully handling stone pelters in the valley. The joint operation yielded very good results and, in 2017 alone, more than 213 terrorists were killed by the security forces which gave a big blow to the aspirations of people across the border.

This was a matter of serious concern for Pakistan ISI as well as the terrorist organisations like Lashkar-E- Taiyaba, Jaish-e- Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen. &ldquo;Operation All Out&rdquo; not only gave a major blow to the Pak sponsored terrorism but also lowered the morale of the terror outfits. There was a time when no one was ready to take over the top position in the terror group as many of the newly joined recruits from Kashmir were killed by the security forces.

Pak Army was also worried over the Indian Army and the BSF&#39;s response to retaliatory firing at border posts and growing casualties of its men. They were finding it difficult to carry out the old strategy of BAT and sniper attacks on Indian personnel as forces were giving befitting responses. More than 138 Pakistani soldiers were killed when Indian forces strongly retaliated at the ceasefire violation caused by them. ISI too had a serious concern and that&rsquo;s why the Pakistani authorities called for a meeting of the ISI and leaders of various terror outfits at Rawalpindi in the last week of December 2017. Members of the ISI, Pak Army, Hafiz Sayeed, Massoud Azhar and other representatives of Hizbul Mujahideen participated in the same.&nbsp;

Their prime worry was low morale of their cadres and difficulties in recruitment of fresh terrorists from Kashmir. During the meeting, they worked out a two-pronged strategy. Firstly, to infiltrate militants under heavy cover of LoC firing to support Kashmiri militants and, secondly, to weaken the morale and operation capacity of SF by attacking their convoys and camps.&nbsp;

Indian agencies which had the knowledge of the meeting have begun their counter preparations to tackle fresh designs of attacks from the ISI in the coming months. Indian intelligence agencies confirmed the news of this meeting and the same was further confirmed on 5th January 2018 when IGP of CRPF, Ravideep Singh Sahi revealed that in near future terrorists are going to resort to a new kind of tactics which will include standoff attacks on security forces, hit and run as well as grenade lobbying.

This new tactic was aimed to address some of the concern of the Pakistan Army and the ISI.&nbsp;

&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp; The very first aspect was to compel security forces to adopt a defensive strategy in separation from the existing offensive one, thus, saving their cadres from being killed mercilessly.

&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp; Secondly, because these attacks will be carried on in areas full of sympathisers, it would have helped in ushering the morale of their cadres.

&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp; They thought that this hit and run tactics will save their cadres from getting killed easily and there will be more chances of damage to the security forces.

&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp; Putting IEDs on the routes frequented by security forces will slow their movements and they will now be more cautious. This will affect the speed and agility of the forces by which they were attacking the terrorists by now.

&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp; Praising and popularising such attacks through Islamic radicals and their recruiters in the valley to facilitate new recruitments.

&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp; Attacking military installations will affect the morale of the security forces too.&nbsp;

The terror outfits soon started to perform as per the new tactics of their masters as is evident from the number of attacks carried out in 2018 itself. There has been a total of 22 attacks in just 44 days which means one attack every alternate day. Most of the attacks are hit and run type and were targeted to lower the speed of the security forces. The suicide (Fidayeen) attack on the camps were majorly targeted to lower the morale and cause a panic in the families of the soldiers.

Since the taking over of NDA Government in the centre we have seen two major things related to terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The first is an all-out integrated approach to target terrorists and neutralise them under :Operation All Out&rdquo; and second is the reaction of the terrorist outfits in the form of increased frequency of attacks on the camps of the security forces. The first one is known very well as to how all the stakeholders including Special Forces, Army, Rashtriya Rifles, Paramilitary forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police are acting as a joint team to not only neutralise the terrorists but also successfully handling stone pelters in the valley. The joint operation yielded very good results and in 2017 alone, more than 213 terrorists were killed by the security forces which gave a big blow to the aspirations of people across the border.

This was a matter of serious concern for Pakistan ISI as well as the terrorist organisations like Lashkar-E- Taiyaba, Jaish-e- Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen. &ldquo;Operation All Out&rdquo; not only gave a major blow to the Pak sponsored terrorism but also lowered the morale of the terror outfits. There was a time when no one was ready to take over the top position in the terror group as many of the newly joined recruits from Kashmir were killed by the security forces in a brutal manner.

Pak Army was also worried over the Indian Army and the BSF&#39;s response during retaliatory firing at border posts and growing casualties of its men. They were finding it difficult to carry out old strategy of BAT and sniper attacks on Indian personnel as forces were giving befitting responses. More than 138 Pakistani Soldiers were killed when Indian forces strongly retaliated the cease fire violation caused by them. ISI too had a serious concern and that&rsquo;s why the Pakistani authorities called for a meeting of ISI, Leaders of various terror outfits at Rawalpindi in the last week of Dec 2017. ISI, Pak Army, Hafiz Sayeed, Massoud Azhar and representatives of Hizbul Mujahideen participated in the same.

Their prime worry was low morale of their cadres and difficulties in recruitment of fresh terrorists from Kashmir. During the meeting, they worked out a two-pronged strategy. Firstly, to infiltrate militants under heavy cover of LoC firing to support Kashmiri militants and secondly to weaken the morale and operation capacity of SF by attacking their convoys and camps.

Indian agencies which were in the know of the meeting have begun their counter preparations to tackle fresh designs that the ISI will use to unleash in coming months. Indian intelligence agencies confirmed this news of this meeting and the same was further confirmed on 05th Jan 2018 when IGP of CRPF, Ravideep Singh Sahi revealed that in near future terrorists are going to resort to a new kind of tactics which will have standoff attacks on Security forces, Hit and Run or Grenade lobbying.

This new tactic was aimed to address some of the concern of Pakistan Army and ISI.

<ul>
	<li>The very first aspect was to compel security forces to adopt a defensive strategy from the existing offensive one thus, saving their cadres from being killed mercilessly.</li>
	<li>Secondly, due to these attacks in areas full of sympathisers would have helped in ushering the morale of their cadres.</li>
	<li>They thought that this Hit and run tactics will save their cadres from getting killed easily and there will be more chances of damage to the security forces.</li>
	<li>Putting IEDs on the routes frequented by Security forces will slow their movements and they will now be more cautious. This will affect the speed and agility of the forces by which they were attacking the terrorists by now.</li>
	<li>Praising and popularising such attacks through Islamic radicals and their recruiters in the valley to facilitate new recruitments.</li>
	<li>Attacking military installations will affect the morale of the security forces too.</li>
</ul>

The terror outfits soon started to perform as per the new tactics of their masters and the timelines of year 2018 speaks out the same. There has been a total of 22 attacks in just 44 days which means one attack every alternate day. Most of the attacks are hit and run type and were targeted to lower the speed of the security forces. The Suicide (Fidayeen) attack on the camps were majorly targeted to lower the morale and cause a panic in the families of the soldiers.

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 614px;" width="460">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			Date
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Type of Attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Location
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			Casualties
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			01 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Suicide Attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Letpora, Pampore
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			05 policemen Martyred
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			02 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Firing at police station
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Pulwama
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			06 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			IED Blast
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Sopore, Baramula
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			04 Policeman Martyred
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			08 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Fire at Police Patrol
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Tahab, Pulwama
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			10 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			IED Blast
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Kamalkote, Uri
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			01 Soldier injured
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			12 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Attack on Police post
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Keegam, Shopian
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			13 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Recovery of IED
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Srinagar City
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			15 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Infiltration Bid Foiled
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Uri, Baramula
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			05 JeM Terrorists killed
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			18 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Recovery of IED
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Pounda, Doda
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			19 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Grenade attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Police Station- Pulwama
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			08 Policemen injured
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			22 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Grenade attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Azad Jung- Baramula
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			One Policemen injured
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			22 Jan 2019
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Grenade attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Khrew Chowk, Pampore
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			One Policeman Injured
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			24 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Recovery of IED
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Tangpora, Pampore
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			26 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Grenade Attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Police Station- Pulwama
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			27 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Grenade Attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Warpora, Sopore
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			02 Policemen injured
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			01Feb 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Firing at Police Station
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Banura, Pulwama
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			03 Feb 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Grenade Attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Tral, Pulwama
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			05 Policemen injured
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			05 Feb 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Grenade Attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			RR Camp, Kakarpora
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			06 Feb 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Terrorist attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			SMHS Hospital, Srinagar
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			02 Policemen Martyred
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			10 Feb 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Suicide Attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Sunjuwan, Jammu
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			06 Soldiers Martyred
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			12 Feb 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Terrorist attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			CRPF HQ, Srinagar
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			02 Policemen Martyred
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			13 Feb 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Terrorist attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Damana, Jammu
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

&nbsp;

So, with the changing strategy of the terror outfits, the security forces have also changed their tactics and started acting accordingly. The recent attacks on CRPF Headquarters in Srinagar and Damana in Jammu were successfully thwarted.

As far as the attack on Sunjuwan camp is concerned, my personal take is the security forces did a wonderful job. I had seen several suicide (Fidayeen) attacks in the past and know about their planning and intensity. The way this attack was immediately detected and repulsed with minimal casualties, the security forces deserve an applause. While we salute our martyrs, who laid down their lives in this attack, the overall operation will definitely be called a success. We must keep the fact in mind that the terrorists were supported by locals and were holed up in a built-up area full of the families of soldiers and all of them were unarmed.

With all these sequence of events, one thing is absolutely clear that the morale of terrorists as well as their masters sitting across is breaking down. They are looking for ways and means to keep this movement going but finding it difficult. The cracking down on separatists, their financial network as well as over ground workers (OGWs) is making the task furthermore complicated.

The need of the day is now a final blow to the terror camps across the Line of Control. India must break the so-called sanctity of the Line of Control because the area across LoC belongs to us and we have full rights to thwart any unlawful activity from that area. &nbsp;This is the right time and right momentum and just need a strong political will. A perfectly planned and executed action now will certainly give lot of tactical and strategic mileage to the Indian security forces.

So, with the changing strategy of the terror outfits, the security forces have also changed their tactics and started acting accordingly. The recent attacks on CRPF Headquarters in Srinagar and Damana in Jammu were successfully thwarted.&nbsp;

As far as the attack on Sunjuwan camp is concerned, my personal take is the security forces did a wonderful job. I had seen number of suicide (Fidayeen) attacks in the past and know about their planning and intensity. The way this attack was immediately detected and repulsed with minimal casualties, the security forces deserve an applause. While we salute our martyrs, who laid down their lives in this attack, the overall operation will definitely be called a success. We must keep the fact in mind that the terrorists were supported by locals and were holed up in a built-up area full of the families of soldiers and all of them were unarmed.&nbsp;

With all these sequences of events, one thing is absolutely clear that the morale of terrorists as well as their masters sitting across the border is breaking down. They are looking for ways and means to keep this movement going but finding it difficult. The cracking down on separatists, their financial network, as well as overground workers (OGWs), is making the task more complicated.&nbsp;

The need of the day is now to deal a final blow to the terror camps across the Line of Control. This is the right time and right momentum and just need a strong political will. A perfectly planned and executed action now will certainly give a lot of tactical and strategic mileage to the Indian security forces.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The suicide attacks on the camps were majorly targeted to lower the morale and cause a panic in the families of the soldiers.

Since the NDA government came to power in the centre, we have noticed two major things related to terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The first is an all-out integrated approach to target terrorists and neutralise them under "Operation All Out” and second is the reaction of the terrorist outfits in the form of increased frequency of attacks on the camps of the security forces. Under "Operation All Out” all the stakeholders, including Special Forces, Army, Rashtriya Rifles, Paramilitary forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police are acting as a joint team not only to neutralise the terrorists, they had also been successfully handling stone pelters in the valley. The joint operation yielded very good results and, in 2017 alone, more than 213 terrorists were killed by the security forces which gave a big blow to the aspirations of people across the border. This was a matter of serious concern for Pakistan ISI as well as the terrorist organisations like Lashkar-E- Taiyaba, Jaish-e- Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen. “Operation All Out” not only gave a major blow to the Pak sponsored terrorism but also lowered the morale of the terror outfits. There was a time when no one was ready to take over the top position in the terror group as many of the newly joined recruits from Kashmir were killed by the security forces. Pak Army was also worried over the Indian Army and the BSF's response to retaliatory firing at border posts and growing casualties of its men. They were finding it difficult to carry out the old strategy of BAT and sniper attacks on Indian personnel as forces were giving befitting responses. More than 138 Pakistani soldiers were killed when Indian forces strongly retaliated at the ceasefire violation caused by them. ISI too had a serious concern and that’s why the Pakistani authorities called for a meeting of the ISI and leaders of various terror outfits at Rawalpindi in the last week of December 2017. Members of the ISI, Pak Army, Hafiz Sayeed, Massoud Azhar and other representatives of Hizbul Mujahideen participated in the same. Their prime worry was low morale of their cadres and difficulties in recruitment of fresh terrorists from Kashmir. During the meeting, they worked out a two-pronged strategy. Firstly, to infiltrate militants under heavy cover of LoC firing to support Kashmiri militants and, secondly, to weaken the morale and operation capacity of SF by attacking their convoys and camps. Indian agencies which had the knowledge of the meeting have begun their counter preparations to tackle fresh designs of attacks from the ISI in the coming months. Indian intelligence agencies confirmed the news of this meeting and the same was further confirmed on 5th January 2018 when IGP of CRPF, Ravideep Singh Sahi revealed that in near future terrorists are going to resort to a new kind of tactics which will include standoff attacks on security forces, hit and run as well as grenade lobbying. This new tactic was aimed to address some of the concern of the Pakistan Army and the ISI. • The very first aspect was to compel security forces to adopt a defensive strategy in separation from the existing offensive one, thus, saving their cadres from being killed mercilessly. • Secondly, because these attacks will be carried on in areas full of sympathisers, it would have helped in ushering the morale of their cadres. • They thought that this hit and run tactics will save their cadres from getting killed easily and there will be more chances of damage to the security forces. • Putting IEDs on the routes frequented by security forces will slow their movements and they will now be more cautious. This will affect the speed and agility of the forces by which they were attacking the terrorists by now. • Praising and popularising such attacks through Islamic radicals and their recruiters in the valley to facilitate new recruitments. • Attacking military installations will affect the morale of the security forces too. The terror outfits soon started to perform as per the new tactics of their masters as is evident from the number of attacks carried out in 2018 itself. There has been a total of 22 attacks in just 44 days which means one attack every alternate day. Most of the attacks are hit and run type and were targeted to lower the speed of the security forces. The suicide (Fidayeen) attack on the camps were majorly targeted to lower the morale and cause a panic in the families of the soldiers. Since the taking over of NDA Government in the centre we have seen two major things related to terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The first is an all-out integrated approach to target terrorists and neutralise them under :Operation All Out” and second is the reaction of the terrorist outfits in the form of increased frequency of attacks on the camps of the security forces. The first one is known very well as to how all the stakeholders including Special Forces, Army, Rashtriya Rifles, Paramilitary forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police are acting as a joint team to not only neutralise the terrorists but also successfully handling stone pelters in the valley. The joint operation yielded very good results and in 2017 alone, more than 213 terrorists were killed by the security forces which gave a big blow to the aspirations of people across the border. This was a matter of serious concern for Pakistan ISI as well as the terrorist organisations like Lashkar-E- Taiyaba, Jaish-e- Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen. “Operation All Out” not only gave a major blow to the Pak sponsored terrorism but also lowered the morale of the terror outfits. There was a time when no one was ready to take over the top position in the terror group as many of the newly joined recruits from Kashmir were killed by the security forces in a brutal manner. Pak Army was also worried over the Indian Army and the BSF's response during retaliatory firing at border posts and growing casualties of its men. They were finding it difficult to carry out old strategy of BAT and sniper attacks on Indian personnel as forces were giving befitting responses. More than 138 Pakistani Soldiers were killed when Indian forces strongly retaliated the cease fire violation caused by them. ISI too had a serious concern and that’s why the Pakistani authorities called for a meeting of ISI, Leaders of various terror outfits at Rawalpindi in the last week of Dec 2017. ISI, Pak Army, Hafiz Sayeed, Massoud Azhar and representatives of Hizbul Mujahideen participated in the same. Their prime worry was low morale of their cadres and difficulties in recruitment of fresh terrorists from Kashmir. During the meeting, they worked out a two-pronged strategy. Firstly, to infiltrate militants under heavy cover of LoC firing to support Kashmiri militants and secondly to weaken the morale and operation capacity of SF by attacking their convoys and camps. Indian agencies which were in the know of the meeting have begun their counter preparations to tackle fresh designs that the ISI will use to unleash in coming months. Indian intelligence agencies confirmed this news of this meeting and the same was further confirmed on 05th Jan 2018 when IGP of CRPF, Ravideep Singh Sahi revealed that in near future terrorists are going to resort to a new kind of tactics which will have standoff attacks on Security forces, Hit and Run or Grenade lobbying. This new tactic was aimed to address some of the concern of Pakistan Army and ISI. The very first aspect was to compel security forces to adopt a defensive strategy from the existing offensive one thus, saving their cadres from being killed mercilessly. Secondly, due to these attacks in areas full of sympathisers would have helped in ushering the morale of their cadres. They thought that this Hit and run tactics will save their cadres from getting killed easily and there will be more chances of damage to the security forces. Putting IEDs on the routes frequented by Security forces will slow their movements and they will now be more cautious. This will affect the speed and agility of the forces by which they were attacking the terrorists by now. Praising and popularising such attacks through Islamic radicals and their recruiters in the valley to facilitate new recruitments. Attacking military installations will affect the morale of the security forces too. The terror outfits soon started to perform as per the new tactics of their masters and the timelines of year 2018 speaks out the same. There has been a total of 22 attacks in just 44 days which means one attack every alternate day. Most of the attacks are hit and run type and were targeted to lower the speed of the security forces. The Suicide (Fidayeen) attack on the camps were majorly targeted to lower the morale and cause a panic in the families of the soldiers. Date Type of Attack Location Casualties 01 Jan 2018 Suicide Attack Letpora, Pampore 05 policemen Martyred 02 Jan 2018 Firing at police station Pulwama NIL 06 Jan 2018 IED Blast Sopore, Baramula 04 Policeman Martyred 08 Jan 2018 Fire at Police Patrol Tahab, Pulwama NIL 10 Jan 2018 IED Blast Kamalkote, Uri 01 Soldier injured 12 Jan 2018 Attack on Police post Keegam, Shopian NIL 13 Jan 2018 Recovery of IED Srinagar City NIL 15 Jan 2018 Infiltration Bid Foiled Uri, Baramula 05 JeM Terrorists killed 18 Jan 2018 Recovery of IED Pounda, Doda NIL 19 Jan 2018 Grenade attack Police Station- Pulwama 08 Policemen injured 22 Jan 2018 Grenade attack Azad Jung- Baramula One Policemen injured 22 Jan 2019 Grenade attack Khrew Chowk, Pampore One Policeman Injured 24 Jan 2018 Recovery of IED Tangpora, Pampore NIL 26 Jan 2018 Grenade Attack Police Station- Pulwama NIL 27 Jan 2018 Grenade Attack Warpora, Sopore 02 Policemen injured 01Feb 2018 Firing at Police Station Banura, Pulwama NIL 03 Feb 2018 Grenade Attack Tral, Pulwama 05 Policemen injured 05 Feb 2018 Grenade Attack RR Camp, Kakarpora NIL 06 Feb 2018 Terrorist attack SMHS Hospital, Srinagar 02 Policemen Martyred 10 Feb 2018 Suicide Attack Sunjuwan, Jammu 06 Soldiers Martyred 12 Feb 2018 Terrorist attack CRPF HQ, Srinagar 02 Policemen Martyred 13 Feb 2018 Terrorist attack Damana, Jammu NIL So, with the changing strategy of the terror outfits, the security forces have also changed their tactics and started acting accordingly. The recent attacks on CRPF Headquarters in Srinagar and Damana in Jammu were successfully thwarted. As far as the attack on Sunjuwan camp is concerned, my personal take is the security forces did a wonderful job. I had seen several suicide (Fidayeen) attacks in the past and know about their planning and intensity. The way this attack was immediately detected and repulsed with minimal casualties, the security forces deserve an applause. While we salute our martyrs, who laid down their lives in this attack, the overall operation will definitely be called a success. We must keep the fact in mind that the terrorists were supported by locals and were holed up in a built-up area full of the families of soldiers and all of them were unarmed. With all these sequence of events, one thing is absolutely clear that the morale of terrorists as well as their masters sitting across is breaking down. They are looking for ways and means to keep this movement going but finding it difficult. The cracking down on separatists, their financial network as well as over ground workers (OGWs) is making the task furthermore complicated. The need of the day is now a final blow to the terror camps across the Line of Control. India must break the so-called sanctity of the Line of Control because the area across LoC belongs to us and we have full rights to thwart any unlawful activity from that area. This is the right time and right momentum and just need a strong political will. A perfectly planned and executed action now will certainly give lot of tactical and strategic mileage to the Indian security forces. So, with the changing strategy of the terror outfits, the security forces have also changed their tactics and started acting accordingly. The recent attacks on CRPF Headquarters in Srinagar and Damana in Jammu were successfully thwarted. As far as the attack on Sunjuwan camp is concerned, my personal take is the security forces did a wonderful job. I had seen number of suicide (Fidayeen) attacks in the past and know about their planning and intensity. The way this attack was immediately detected and repulsed with minimal casualties, the security forces deserve an applause. While we salute our martyrs, who laid down their lives in this attack, the overall operation will definitely be called a success. We must keep the fact in mind that the terrorists were supported by locals and were holed up in a built-up area full of the families of soldiers and all of them were unarmed. With all these sequences of events, one thing is absolutely clear that the morale of terrorists as well as their masters sitting across the border is breaking down. They are looking for ways and means to keep this movement going but finding it difficult. The cracking down on separatists, their financial network, as well as overground workers (OGWs), is making the task more complicated. The need of the day is now to deal a final blow to the terror camps across the Line of Control. This is the right time and right momentum and just need a strong political will. A perfectly planned and executed action now will certainly give a lot of tactical and strategic mileage to the Indian security forces. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why terrorists specifically attack Indian army camps

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Monday that Pakistan would &quot;pay&quot;&nbsp;for the attack on the Sunjuwan army camp in Jammu which led to the deaths of five soldiers and one civilian.

Pakistan &quot;will pay for the misadventure&quot;, said Sitharaman.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-warns-against-any-indian-cross-border-raid-after-sunjuwan-attack-32596" target="_blank">Pakistan &#39;warns&#39; India against cross-border strike after Jammu army camp attack</a>

Sitharaman said the attack had been carried out by the Jaish-e-Mohammed. (The Lashkar-e-Taiba however has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lashkar-e-taiba-claims-responsibility-for-sunjwan-camp-karan-nagar-attacks-32595" target="_blank">claimed responsibility for the attack</a>.)

Sitharman added that the attackers&nbsp;had &quot;enjoyed some local support&quot;.&nbsp;

Ten civilians had been injured in the attack.&nbsp;

Sitharaman said the counter-terror operation in Sunjuwan was called off today at 10.30 am but that sanitisation operations continue.

Sitharaman said three terrorists had been killed. And that there had been reports of four terrorists but that &quot;the fourth terrorist must have been a guide and may not have entered the camp.&quot;

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All the evidences collected have been compiled. Definitely they will be given to Pakistan. Even after giving dossiers after dossiers Pakistan has not taken any action: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SunjwanArmyCamp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SunjwanArmyCamp</a> <a href="https://t.co/hy6BXC8WKh">pic.twitter.com/hy6BXC8WKh</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/963049926082080768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Giving the evidences to Pak will be a continuous process. It will have to be proved over and over again that they are responsible. Pakistan will have to pay for this misadventure: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman <a href="https://t.co/P4vYdVUGPv">pic.twitter.com/P4vYdVUGPv</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/963050401888194561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Intelligence inputs show that terrorists were controlled by their handlers from across border. Evidence being scrutinised by NIA,&quot; said Sitharaman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;Pakistan expanding the arch of terror to areas south of Pir Panjal and resorting to ceasefire violations to assist infiltration,&quot; she added.&nbsp;

Sitharaman said the attack on the Sunjuwan army camp in Jammu was carried out by Pakistan-backed Jaish terrorists with 'local support'

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Monday that Pakistan would "pay" for the attack on the Sunjuwan army camp in Jammu which led to the deaths of five soldiers and one civilian. Pakistan "will pay for the misadventure", said Sitharaman. Also read: Pakistan 'warns' India against cross-border strike after Jammu army camp attack Sitharaman said the attack had been carried out by the Jaish-e-Mohammed. (The Lashkar-e-Taiba however has claimed responsibility for the attack.) Sitharman added that the attackers had "enjoyed some local support". Ten civilians had been injured in the attack. Sitharaman said the counter-terror operation in Sunjuwan was called off today at 10.30 am but that sanitisation operations continue. Sitharaman said three terrorists had been killed. And that there had been reports of four terrorists but that "the fourth terrorist must have been a guide and may not have entered the camp." All the evidences collected have been compiled. Definitely they will be given to Pakistan. Even after giving dossiers after dossiers Pakistan has not taken any action: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman #SunjwanArmyCamp pic.twitter.com/hy6BXC8WKh — ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2018 × Giving the evidences to Pak will be a continuous process. It will have to be proved over and over again that they are responsible. Pakistan will have to pay for this misadventure: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman pic.twitter.com/P4vYdVUGPv — ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2018 × "Intelligence inputs show that terrorists were controlled by their handlers from across border. Evidence being scrutinised by NIA," said Sitharaman. "Pakistan expanding the arch of terror to areas south of Pir Panjal and resorting to ceasefire violations to assist infiltration," she added.

Sunjuwan attack: Pakistan will 'pay for misadventure', says Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

The continued pressure from United Nations and the US has finally forced <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-extends-ban-on-terror-groups-listed-by-un-32676" target="_blank">Pakistan to declare&nbsp;Hafiz Saeed as a terrorist</a>.

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Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain signed an ordinance on Monday declaring Saeed&#39;s organisation&nbsp;Lashkar-e-Taiba and several other&nbsp;organisations in Pakistan as terrorist&nbsp;outfit.

The ordinance aimed at cracking down terror groups by amending a section of the Anti-Terrorism Act.&nbsp;

The sanctions have been put on al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation and Lashkar-e-Taiba including others.&nbsp;

The amendment enables the authorities to take action against the declared terror outfits.&nbsp;

The United Nations Security Council had prohibited terrorists and individual outfits by sealing their offices and freezing their bank accounts.

The Pakistan authority is bound to take legal action against the terrorist organisation under the obligation of the&nbsp;international force, Financial Action Task Force-(FATF). 
 
The declaration has come at a time when&nbsp;Hafiz Saeed is looking forward to contesting the 2018 Pakistan general elections. He has also formed a party by the name of Milli Muslim League(MML).

The move taken by the Pakistan government was not highlighted much in the media.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain signed an ordinance on Monday declaring Saeed's organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba and several other organisations in Pakistan as terrorist outfit

The continued pressure from United Nations and the US has finally forced Pakistan to declare Hafiz Saeed as a terrorist. × Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain signed an ordinance on Monday declaring Saeed's organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba and several other organisations in Pakistan as terrorist outfit. The ordinance aimed at cracking down terror groups by amending a section of the Anti-Terrorism Act. The sanctions have been put on al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation and Lashkar-e-Taiba including others. The amendment enables the authorities to take action against the declared terror outfits. The United Nations Security Council had prohibited terrorists and individual outfits by sealing their offices and freezing their bank accounts. The Pakistan authority is bound to take legal action against the terrorist organisation under the obligation of the international force, Financial Action Task Force-(FATF). The declaration has come at a time when Hafiz Saeed is looking forward to contesting the 2018 Pakistan general elections. He has also formed a party by the name of Milli Muslim League(MML). The move taken by the Pakistan government was not highlighted much in the media. (With inputs from PTI)

After UN list, Pakistan declares Hafiz Saeed as terrorist

After UN released a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/let-terrorists-escape-from-srinagar-hospital-sets-alarm-bells-ringing-32132">list of banned terrorist organisations</a>, Pakistan authorities decided to extend the ban in the country.

Pakistan&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saeed-dares-pakistan-government-to-arrest-him-31903">President Mamnoon Hussain amended</a> the constitution to include organizations banned by the United Nations as a terrorist organization in the country.

Pakistan&#39;s law ministry issued the ordinance which added the article in the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 as an ordinance since the parliament wasn&#39;t in session.&nbsp;

A UN team had visited Pakistan last month to assess progress made by Pakistan on the effect of sanctions on terror organizations which included Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and&nbsp;Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT), Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF),&nbsp;Harkat-ul Mujahideen among others.

The UN list includes a list 27 terror organizations.&nbsp;

Additionally, Pakistan&#39;s Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) issued a notification saying that companies should not donate cash to the entities and individuals listed under the UNSC list.&#39;

The list of banned organizations also includes Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, al-Qaida and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

The UN list includes a list 27 terror organizations.

After UN released a list of banned terrorist organisations, Pakistan authorities decided to extend the ban in the country. Pakistan's President Mamnoon Hussain amended the constitution to include organizations banned by the United Nations as a terrorist organization in the country. Pakistan's law ministry issued the ordinance which added the article in the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 as an ordinance since the parliament wasn't in session. A UN team had visited Pakistan last month to assess progress made by Pakistan on the effect of sanctions on terror organizations which included Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT), Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF), Harkat-ul Mujahideen among others. The UN list includes a list 27 terror organizations. Additionally, Pakistan's Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) issued a notification saying that companies should not donate cash to the entities and individuals listed under the UNSC list.' The list of banned organizations also includes Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, al-Qaida and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

Pakistan extends ban on terror groups listed by UN

A class XIIth student on Monday gunned down his school principal over alleged blasphemy in Pakistan&#39;s restive Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, police said.

The incident occurred within the premises of privately-run Islamia College in Charsadda district.

Sareer Khan was killed by Fahim Ashraf who was later arrested with a gun, district police chief Zahoor Afridi said.

&quot;The student was raising slogans at the time of his arrest that he killed a blasphemer but so far no evidence of blasphemy has been found against the victim,&quot; Afridi said.

Sources in the college contradicted blasphemy claims, saying that the principal had Masters of Arts (MA) degree in Islamic Studies and was also a Hafiz-e-Quran, meaning he had memorised the entire Holy Quran.

Ashraf was angry at the principal who marked him absent when he missed classes for three consecutive days in November last year to attend a protest by religious groups, they said.

He also had an argument with the principal over the issue some days back.

Afridi said that an investigation was being carried out and facts would be made public.

Meanwhile, college students and relatives of the accused blocked a road and disrupted traffic but the district administration pacified them.

Blasphemy is a highly sensitive issue in Pakistan and people have been killed in the past on mere suspicion.

Mashal Khan, a university student, was lynched last year by a mob of fellow students in Charsadda over alleged blasphemy, which was never proved by the police.

Blasphemy is a highly sensitive issue in Pakistan and people have been killed in the past on mere suspicion

A class XIIth student on Monday gunned down his school principal over alleged blasphemy in Pakistan's restive Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, police said. The incident occurred within the premises of privately-run Islamia College in Charsadda district. Sareer Khan was killed by Fahim Ashraf who was later arrested with a gun, district police chief Zahoor Afridi said. "The student was raising slogans at the time of his arrest that he killed a blasphemer but so far no evidence of blasphemy has been found against the victim," Afridi said. Sources in the college contradicted blasphemy claims, saying that the principal had Masters of Arts (MA) degree in Islamic Studies and was also a Hafiz-e-Quran, meaning he had memorised the entire Holy Quran. Ashraf was angry at the principal who marked him absent when he missed classes for three consecutive days in November last year to attend a protest by religious groups, they said. He also had an argument with the principal over the issue some days back. Afridi said that an investigation was being carried out and facts would be made public. Meanwhile, college students and relatives of the accused blocked a road and disrupted traffic but the district administration pacified them. Blasphemy is a highly sensitive issue in Pakistan and people have been killed in the past on mere suspicion. Mashal Khan, a university student, was lynched last year by a mob of fellow students in Charsadda over alleged blasphemy, which was never proved by the police.

12th grader kills principal in Pakistan over alleged blasphemy

The BSF and Pakistan Rangers today held a flag meeting along the International Border (IB) here during which India registered its strong protest on the recent spate of firing from Pakistan, asserting that such &quot;provocative&quot; acts would &quot;not be tolerated&quot;.&nbsp;

The Border Security Force said the sector commander-level meeting took place in Suchetgarh area of the border &quot;on the request&quot; of the Pakistani side.&nbsp;

A similar request by the Indian side was &quot;not responded to&quot; by the Rangers a few days back, official sources had said.&nbsp;

Thirteen persons -- seven civilians and six security personnel -- were killed and 65 others injured in Pakistani shelling along IB and LoC in Jammu region in the last 10 days.&nbsp;

The meeting was the first between the two sides since &quot;heavy shelling and firing was experienced on the IB during the last week&quot;, the border guarding force said in a statement.&nbsp;

&quot;During the meeting, the BSF strongly objected to (Pakistan&#39;s) dastardly acts of sniping at its two soldiers on January 3 and 17 and further unprovoked firing and shelling targeting a number of Indian villages, innocent civilians and their properties.&nbsp;

&quot;The BSF conveyed strong protest with message that such provocative acts are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,&quot; the statement said.&nbsp;

The 30-minute meeting held at noon saw a five-member BSF team led by BSF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) P S Dhiman sitting across a 10-member Pak Rangers team that was headed by Brigadier Amjad Hussain of Pak Rangers, sector commander of the Chenab (Sialkot) sector.&nbsp;

During the last week, the statement said, the BSF &quot;successfully foiled a number of infiltration attempts from the Pakistani soil, including neutralisation of one intruder who tried to infiltrate on January 4 in the Arnia Sector.&quot;&nbsp;

The BSF had fired over 9,000 rounds of mortar shells across the Jammu IB in the last few days as part of &quot;pinpointed&quot; retaliatory action against this &quot;unprovoked&quot; firing from across the border.&nbsp;

It said it had destroyed firing positions and fuel dumps of the Pakistan Rangers at multiple places.&nbsp;

Senior officials of the force and in the Union home ministry in Delhi had said that the situation along the 190-km IB here was &quot;very tense&quot; as Pakistan had &quot;opened&quot; heavy fire in the entire stretch since last evening.&nbsp;

The BSF Director General (DG), who recently toured the area, had said that the situation along the IB here was &quot;very tense&quot; and his men were on a high alert.&nbsp;

The last such meeting of sector commanders of the two sides was held on September 29 last year.&nbsp;

The BSF and Pakistan Rangers today held a flag meeting along the International Border (IB) here during which India registered its strong protest on the recent spate of firing from Pakistan, asserting that such 'provocative' acts would 'not be tolerated'

The BSF and Pakistan Rangers today held a flag meeting along the International Border (IB) here during which India registered its strong protest on the recent spate of firing from Pakistan, asserting that such "provocative" acts would "not be tolerated". The Border Security Force said the sector commander-level meeting took place in Suchetgarh area of the border "on the request" of the Pakistani side. A similar request by the Indian side was "not responded to" by the Rangers a few days back, official sources had said. Thirteen persons -- seven civilians and six security personnel -- were killed and 65 others injured in Pakistani shelling along IB and LoC in Jammu region in the last 10 days. The meeting was the first between the two sides since "heavy shelling and firing was experienced on the IB during the last week", the border guarding force said in a statement. "During the meeting, the BSF strongly objected to (Pakistan's) dastardly acts of sniping at its two soldiers on January 3 and 17 and further unprovoked firing and shelling targeting a number of Indian villages, innocent civilians and their properties. "The BSF conveyed strong protest with message that such provocative acts are unacceptable and will not be tolerated," the statement said. The 30-minute meeting held at noon saw a five-member BSF team led by BSF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) P S Dhiman sitting across a 10-member Pak Rangers team that was headed by Brigadier Amjad Hussain of Pak Rangers, sector commander of the Chenab (Sialkot) sector. During the last week, the statement said, the BSF "successfully foiled a number of infiltration attempts from the Pakistani soil, including neutralisation of one intruder who tried to infiltrate on January 4 in the Arnia Sector." The BSF had fired over 9,000 rounds of mortar shells across the Jammu IB in the last few days as part of "pinpointed" retaliatory action against this "unprovoked" firing from across the border. It said it had destroyed firing positions and fuel dumps of the Pakistan Rangers at multiple places. Senior officials of the force and in the Union home ministry in Delhi had said that the situation along the 190-km IB here was "very tense" as Pakistan had "opened" heavy fire in the entire stretch since last evening. The BSF Director General (DG), who recently toured the area, had said that the situation along the IB here was "very tense" and his men were on a high alert. The last such meeting of sector commanders of the two sides was held on September 29 last year.

IB shelling: BSF, Rangers meet, India says will not tolerate such incidents

The Pentagon today denied Pakistani claim that the US carried out a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-drone-strike-kills-haqqani-network-commander-2-others-in-pakistan-30623" target="_blank">drone strike inside its territory</a> targeting a terrorist hideout.

&quot;In response to Pakistan government claims that the US military conducted air strikes in Pakistan on January 24, I can confirm that there were not any Department of Defence air strikes outside of Afghanistan,&quot; defence spokesman Lt Col Mike Andrews said.

Drone strikes, if any, are normally conducted by either CIA or the military.

The CIA did not immediately respond to a question on the drone strike inside Pakistan.

Pakistan, in a statement, condemned the US drone strike in Kurram Agency, saying the &quot;unilateral actions are detrimental to the spirit of cooperation between the two countries in the fight against terrorism&quot;.

According to news reports, Haqqani network commander Ehsan alias Khawari and two of his companions were allegedly killed during the drone strike in the Kurram Agency area of Pakistan.&nbsp;

'I can confirm that there were not any Department of Defence air strikes outside of Afghanistan,' defence spokesman Lt Col Mike Andrews said

The Pentagon today denied Pakistani claim that the US carried out a drone strike inside its territory targeting a terrorist hideout. "In response to Pakistan government claims that the US military conducted air strikes in Pakistan on January 24, I can confirm that there were not any Department of Defence air strikes outside of Afghanistan," defence spokesman Lt Col Mike Andrews said. Drone strikes, if any, are normally conducted by either CIA or the military. The CIA did not immediately respond to a question on the drone strike inside Pakistan. Pakistan, in a statement, condemned the US drone strike in Kurram Agency, saying the "unilateral actions are detrimental to the spirit of cooperation between the two countries in the fight against terrorism". According to news reports, Haqqani network commander Ehsan alias Khawari and two of his companions were allegedly killed during the drone strike in the Kurram Agency area of Pakistan.

Pentagon denies Pakistani claim of drone strike in its territory

The International Court of Justice has fixed time limits for the filing of written pleadings by India and Pakistan&nbsp;in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pro-pakistan-statements-by-kulbhushan-jadhav-due-to-force-and-torture-baloch-activist-30152" target="_blank">Kulbhushan Jadhav</a> case.&nbsp;

India has time until&nbsp;April 17, 2018, whereas Pakistan will have to submit their pleadings before July 17, 2018.&nbsp;

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International Court of Justice fixed 17 April 2018 and 17 July 2018 respectively for India &amp; Pakistan as the respective time-limits for filing of written pleadings in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbhushanJadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbhushanJadhav</a> case. <a href="https://t.co/mJtZImeYnf">pic.twitter.com/mJtZImeYnf</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955813888037015552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A media report expressed doubts over the hearing of the case this year.&nbsp;

Stating that the ICJ judges will get two-month summer vacations in the month of August and after the vacation, the court will hear cases that have already been fixed before it.&nbsp;

Pakistan has time and again rejected Indis&#39;s request for granting<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-says-it-awaits-consular-access-to-kulbhushan-jadhav-28279" target="_blank"> consular access to Jadhav</a>.&nbsp;

Recently Pakistan allowed Jadhav&#39;s mother and wife to visit Pakistan and meet him.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India has time until April 17, 2018, whereas Pakistan will have to submit their pleadings before July 17, 2018

The International Court of Justice has fixed time limits for the filing of written pleadings by India and Pakistan in Kulbhushan Jadhav case. India has time until April 17, 2018, whereas Pakistan will have to submit their pleadings before July 17, 2018. International Court of Justice fixed 17 April 2018 and 17 July 2018 respectively for India & Pakistan as the respective time-limits for filing of written pleadings in #KulbhushanJadhav case. pic.twitter.com/mJtZImeYnf — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018 × A media report expressed doubts over the hearing of the case this year. Stating that the ICJ judges will get two-month summer vacations in the month of August and after the vacation, the court will hear cases that have already been fixed before it. Pakistan has time and again rejected Indis's request for granting consular access to Jadhav. Recently Pakistan allowed Jadhav's mother and wife to visit Pakistan and meet him.

Kulbhushan Jadhav case: ICJ fixes time limit for India and Pakistan for submitting pleadings

At least five senior members of Al-Qaeda have been killed in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan in an operation of the security forces on Thursday.&nbsp;

The operation was carried out by the special forces of the Afghan intelligence directorate on Thursday in night Toato locality.&nbsp;

The five senior leaders including one from Afghanistan, one from Pakistan, and three from Chechnya, had been assigned to prepare militants for suicide and other terrorist attacks in the country.

According to an official statement by the provincial government said, &quot;Five senior&nbsp;Al-Qaeda&nbsp;network leaders, hailing from&nbsp;Afghanistan,&nbsp;Pakistan, and Chechnya, were actively involved in planning and coordinating suicide attacks in the country&quot;.

As per reports, the Afghan member has been identified as&nbsp;Mulla Sondai, known as Seraj, who was in-charge of the propaganda campaign.

The Afghan security forces found four Ak-47 rifles, a PKM machine gun, a pistol and some ammunition after the operations.

No casualties were reported so far.

The Taliban and Al-Qaeda affiliates have not yet given an official statement regarding the development.

The operation was carried out by the special forces of the Afghan intelligence directorate on Thursday night at the Toato locality in Nangarhar province

At least five senior members of Al-Qaeda have been killed in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan in an operation of the security forces on Thursday. The operation was carried out by the special forces of the Afghan intelligence directorate on Thursday in night Toato locality. The five senior leaders including one from Afghanistan, one from Pakistan, and three from Chechnya, had been assigned to prepare militants for suicide and other terrorist attacks in the country. According to an official statement by the provincial government said, "Five senior Al-Qaeda network leaders, hailing from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Chechnya, were actively involved in planning and coordinating suicide attacks in the country". As per reports, the Afghan member has been identified as Mulla Sondai, known as Seraj, who was in-charge of the propaganda campaign. The Afghan security forces found four Ak-47 rifles, a PKM machine gun, a pistol and some ammunition after the operations. No casualties were reported so far. The Taliban and Al-Qaeda affiliates have not yet given an official statement regarding the development.

At least 5 Al-Qaeda members killed in Afghanistan

A UN Security Council team has arrived in Pakistan for an assessment of Islamabad&#39;s compliance with the world body&#39;s sanctions regime, amid mounting global pressure on the country to act against Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and entities linked to him.

Though there was no official word about the arrival of the UN Security Council&#39;s sanctions monitoring team, Geo News reported that it arrived late yesterday.

The visit of the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee is taking place amid increasing pressure on Pakistan from the US and India with respect to the inadequate implementation of the sanctions on Saeed and entities linked to him.

However, Pakistani officials insist that the trip is a routine one.

A media report had said that Pakistan will not allow the committee any direct access to Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD) chief Saeed or his entities.

Yesterday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lahore-high-court-restrains-pakistan-govt-from-taking-action-against-saeed-30637">a Pakistani court restrained the government from arresting Saeed</a> till March 17.

The JuD chief, who was listed under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008, had moved the court seeking protection from arrest or action against JuD and Falah-i- Insaniat Foundation (FIF) ahead of the visit of the UN team.&nbsp;

However, Pakistani officials insist that the trip is a routine one

A UN Security Council team has arrived in Pakistan for an assessment of Islamabad's compliance with the world body's sanctions regime, amid mounting global pressure on the country to act against Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and entities linked to him. Though there was no official word about the arrival of the UN Security Council's sanctions monitoring team, Geo News reported that it arrived late yesterday. The visit of the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee is taking place amid increasing pressure on Pakistan from the US and India with respect to the inadequate implementation of the sanctions on Saeed and entities linked to him. However, Pakistani officials insist that the trip is a routine one. A media report had said that Pakistan will not allow the committee any direct access to Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD) chief Saeed or his entities. Yesterday, a Pakistani court restrained the government from arresting Saeed till March 17. The JuD chief, who was listed under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008, had moved the court seeking protection from arrest or action against JuD and Falah-i- Insaniat Foundation (FIF) ahead of the visit of the UN team.

UNSC team monitoring sanctions arrives in Pakistan: Report

New Zealand inflicted a rare 5-0 one-day international series whitewash over Pakistan on Friday with a 15-run win at Wellington&#39;s Basin Reserve.

A century to Martin Guptill helped the Black Caps set a 272 total that proved too much for Pakistan after Matt Henry tore through their top order.

Pakistan was all out for 256 with one over remaining.

It is only the third time Pakistan has been on the wrong end of a 5-0 ODI clean sweep after they succumbed by the same margin to Australia in 2010 and the West Indies in 1988.

New Zealand has won by a 5-0 margin only once before when they hosted the West Indies in 2000.&nbsp;

The result extends New Zealand&#39;s winning streak in all forms of the game to 12 matches, a record for the team, and means they are undefeated at home since March last year.

Pakistan captain said his side, particularly the batsmen, had failed to take their chances.

&quot;The main thing is the batting has not clicked throughout the whole series, that&#39;s why we lost,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;The bowling unit was very good sometimes. We had opportunities but we didn&#39;t grab them.&quot;

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New Zealand wrapped up a whitewash in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvPAK</a> ODI series, but were made to work for it thanks to some lower order hitting. 
 
5th ODI RECAP: <a href="https://t.co/4iuQdtYfda">https://t.co/4iuQdtYfda</a> <a href="https://t.co/CYijGLrqc2">pic.twitter.com/CYijGLrqc2</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/954503993467682816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The target should have been achievable, given the short boundaries at the Basin Reserve, but speedster Matt Henry ensured Pakistan made a disastrous start.&nbsp;

Called up to give Trent Boult a break, Henry made the most of his opportunity to take three wickets in three overs and skittle the tourists&#39; top order.&nbsp;

He ended with figures of four for 53, while spinner Mitchell Santner took three for 40.&nbsp;

Pakistan slumped to 57 for five before Haris Sohail and Shadab Khan combined for a 105-run partnership that steadied the innings.&nbsp;

It ended when Sohail tried to loft the ball over the fence but misread Santner&#39;s slower delivery and instead offered Henry a straightforward catch.&nbsp;

His departure on 63, with Shadab following soon after on 54, seemingly ended Pakistan&#39;s faint hopes of victory.&nbsp;

But the tail wagged as Faheem Ashraf (23), Aamer Yamin (32) and Mohammad Nawaz (23) all made late cameos that left the tourists on nine for 249 and needing 23 off the final two overs.

The lack of wickets ultimately proved costly when Rumman Raees was dismissed with six balls remaining.

Earlier, Guptill scored his 13th ODI century, combining with Colin Munro to give the hosts a flying start before Rumman Raees helped spark a mini-collapse, taking three for 67.

Munro racked up 34 from 24 balls before edging Rumman to Mohammad Nawaz.

While Munro&#39;s departure slowed the run rate, Guptill was content to steadily accumulate.

He lost a life on 72 when he slipped over mid-wicket and Faheem Ashraf missed the stumps as the batsman scrambled back to the crease on his hands and knees.

It gave his innings greater urgency and he brought up his century off 125 balls, including 10 fours and a six.

After a frustrating morning, Pakistan&#39;s attack enjoyed some late success when they took four wickets for 12 runs.

Guptill was dismissed soon after he reached triple figures and Faheem clean-bowled Ross Taylor to end a threatening knock on 59.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-trounce-pakistan-in-1st-odi-28700" target="_blank">New Zealand vs Pakistan 1st ODI</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-vs-pakistan-2nd-odi-kiwis-won-by-8-wickets-28983">New Zealand vs Pakistan 2nd ODI</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/trent-boults-five-wicket-haul-steals-3rd-odi-series-from-pakistan-29393">New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd ODI</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-vs-pakistan-4th-odi-grandhomme-shines-29760">New Zealand vs Pakistan 4th ODI</a>

&nbsp;

Martin Guptill slammed a century, scored 100 runs and awarded man of the match

New Zealand inflicted a rare 5-0 one-day international series whitewash over Pakistan on Friday with a 15-run win at Wellington's Basin Reserve. A century to Martin Guptill helped the Black Caps set a 272 total that proved too much for Pakistan after Matt Henry tore through their top order. Pakistan was all out for 256 with one over remaining. It is only the third time Pakistan has been on the wrong end of a 5-0 ODI clean sweep after they succumbed by the same margin to Australia in 2010 and the West Indies in 1988. New Zealand has won by a 5-0 margin only once before when they hosted the West Indies in 2000. The result extends New Zealand's winning streak in all forms of the game to 12 matches, a record for the team, and means they are undefeated at home since March last year. Pakistan captain said his side, particularly the batsmen, had failed to take their chances. "The main thing is the batting has not clicked throughout the whole series, that's why we lost," he said. "The bowling unit was very good sometimes. We had opportunities but we didn't grab them." New Zealand wrapped up a whitewash in the #NZvPAK ODI series, but were made to work for it thanks to some lower order hitting. 5th ODI RECAP: https://t.co/4iuQdtYfda pic.twitter.com/CYijGLrqc2 — ICC (@ICC) January 20, 2018 × The target should have been achievable, given the short boundaries at the Basin Reserve, but speedster Matt Henry ensured Pakistan made a disastrous start. Called up to give Trent Boult a break, Henry made the most of his opportunity to take three wickets in three overs and skittle the tourists' top order. He ended with figures of four for 53, while spinner Mitchell Santner took three for 40. Pakistan slumped to 57 for five before Haris Sohail and Shadab Khan combined for a 105-run partnership that steadied the innings. It ended when Sohail tried to loft the ball over the fence but misread Santner's slower delivery and instead offered Henry a straightforward catch. His departure on 63, with Shadab following soon after on 54, seemingly ended Pakistan's faint hopes of victory. But the tail wagged as Faheem Ashraf (23), Aamer Yamin (32) and Mohammad Nawaz (23) all made late cameos that left the tourists on nine for 249 and needing 23 off the final two overs. The lack of wickets ultimately proved costly when Rumman Raees was dismissed with six balls remaining. Earlier, Guptill scored his 13th ODI century, combining with Colin Munro to give the hosts a flying start before Rumman Raees helped spark a mini-collapse, taking three for 67. Munro racked up 34 from 24 balls before edging Rumman to Mohammad Nawaz. While Munro's departure slowed the run rate, Guptill was content to steadily accumulate. He lost a life on 72 when he slipped over mid-wicket and Faheem Ashraf missed the stumps as the batsman scrambled back to the crease on his hands and knees. It gave his innings greater urgency and he brought up his century off 125 balls, including 10 fours and a six. After a frustrating morning, Pakistan's attack enjoyed some late success when they took four wickets for 12 runs. Guptill was dismissed soon after he reached triple figures and Faheem clean-bowled Ross Taylor to end a threatening knock on 59. New Zealand vs Pakistan 1st ODI New Zealand vs Pakistan 2nd ODI New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd ODI New Zealand vs Pakistan 4th ODI

New Zealand complete series whitewash over Pakistan

The Chinese military on Thursday criticised Army Chief General Bipin Rawat&#39;s recent remarks that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/status-quo-not-altered-at-doklam-india-29981" target="_blank">Doklam is a disputed territory</a>, asserting that it is very much part of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-military-asks-india-to-control-its-border-troops-27978" target="_blank">China</a>, and India should draw lessons from the 73-day standoff to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Reacting for the first time to General Rawat&#39;s comments, Colonel Wu Qian, spokesman of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-silent-over-gen-rawats-remarks-on-pla-troop-reduction-in-dokalam-29018" target="_blank">Chinese Ministry of Defence</a>, told a media briefing that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-china-justifies-building-infrastructure-in-doklam-india-says-keeping-a-close-vigil-30065" target="_blank">Doklam is part of China</a>.

General&nbsp;Rawat earlier this month said that India needs to shift focus from its border with Pakistan to that of China and spoke of pressure being exerted by Beijing along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

&quot;The People&#39;s Liberation Army (PLA) of China has occupied the area in the west of Torsa nullah called northern Doklam. At the actual spot the two sides have disengaged. The tents remain. The observation posts remain. This is a territory disputed between Bhutan and China,&quot; the army chief had said on January 12 on the eve of the Army Day.

Wu said: &quot;the remarks of the Indian side also shows that the illegal crossing of the Indian border troops is clear in fact and nature&quot;.

&quot;Donglong (Doklam) is part of China,&quot; Wu said, while responding to the recent remarks of Gen Rawat that the Doklam is a disputed territory between China and Bhutan.

Wu said the Indian side should draw lessons from the incident to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam since June 16 after the Indian side stopped construction of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off had ended on August 28.

Referring to General Rawat&#39;s remarks that India should take the neighbouring countries along with it, Wu said: &quot;I want to emphasise that the country should be treated equally regardless of its size. 
&quot;The concept sphere of influence is demonstration of Cold War mentality. The Chinese side (is) always opposed to it,&quot; he said.

Rawat had said that countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have to be kept on board as part of a broader strategy to deal with China, and India must make &quot;wholehearted&quot; efforts to continue extending support to them.

Wu also denied reports that China plans to establish a military base or counter-terrorism base in Afghanistan.

&quot;The report on China building a military base in Afghanistan is totally groundless,&quot; he added.

General Rawat earlier this month said that India needs to shift focus from its border with Pakistan to that of China and spoke of pressure being exerted by Beijing along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)

The Chinese military on Thursday criticised Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's recent remarks that Doklam is a disputed territory, asserting that it is very much part of China, and India should draw lessons from the 73-day standoff to avoid similar incidents in the future. Reacting for the first time to General Rawat's comments, Colonel Wu Qian, spokesman of the Chinese Ministry of Defence, told a media briefing that Doklam is part of China. General Rawat earlier this month said that India needs to shift focus from its border with Pakistan to that of China and spoke of pressure being exerted by Beijing along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). "The People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China has occupied the area in the west of Torsa nullah called northern Doklam. At the actual spot the two sides have disengaged. The tents remain. The observation posts remain. This is a territory disputed between Bhutan and China," the army chief had said on January 12 on the eve of the Army Day. Wu said: "the remarks of the Indian side also shows that the illegal crossing of the Indian border troops is clear in fact and nature". "Donglong (Doklam) is part of China," Wu said, while responding to the recent remarks of Gen Rawat that the Doklam is a disputed territory between China and Bhutan. Wu said the Indian side should draw lessons from the incident to avoid similar incidents in the future. Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam since June 16 after the Indian side stopped construction of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off had ended on August 28. Referring to General Rawat's remarks that India should take the neighbouring countries along with it, Wu said: "I want to emphasise that the country should be treated equally regardless of its size. "The concept sphere of influence is demonstration of Cold War mentality. The Chinese side (is) always opposed to it," he said. Rawat had said that countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have to be kept on board as part of a broader strategy to deal with China, and India must make "wholehearted" efforts to continue extending support to them. Wu also denied reports that China plans to establish a military base or counter-terrorism base in Afghanistan. "The report on China building a military base in Afghanistan is totally groundless," he added.

Draw lessons to avoid another Doklam: Chinese military to India

The Border Security Force on Friday broke away with the traditional and customary exchange of sweets on the occasion of Republic Day with the Pakistan Rangers.

The split from the customary practice took place after Pakistan&nbsp;conducted continuous ceasefire violation in India.

Speaking on the matter DG BSF KK Sharma said &quot;Atmosphere was such that no exchange of sweets took place with Pakistan Rangers. I think in the coming time old tradition of exchanging sweets will be revived soon said DG BSF KK Sharma&quot;.

He also said &quot; Ceasefire violations was the main issue of discussion during flag meeting with Pakistan. Both sides&nbsp;agreed that ceasefire violations should be reduced. BSF never initiates ceasefire violations.&nbsp;

A 30 minutes flag meeting was held between BSF and Pakistan Rangers along the International border where India recorded its strong disapproval for the series of ceasefire violations administered by Pakistan in India.&nbsp;India firmly said in the meeting &quot; such provocative acts will not be tolerated&quot;.&nbsp;

The meeting was held between five member BSF team with a group of 10 Pakistan Rangers.&nbsp;

During the last 10 days, the ceasefire violations claimed the lives of seven civilians and six security personnel.&nbsp;

The last such meeting was conducted in September.&nbsp;

The forces of the two countries did not exchange sweets on the occasion of Independence day also.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The split from the customary practice took place after Pakistan conducted continuous ceasefire violation in India

The Border Security Force on Friday broke away with the traditional and customary exchange of sweets on the occasion of Republic Day with the Pakistan Rangers. The split from the customary practice took place after Pakistan conducted continuous ceasefire violation in India. Speaking on the matter DG BSF KK Sharma said "Atmosphere was such that no exchange of sweets took place with Pakistan Rangers. I think in the coming time old tradition of exchanging sweets will be revived soon said DG BSF KK Sharma". He also said " Ceasefire violations was the main issue of discussion during flag meeting with Pakistan. Both sides agreed that ceasefire violations should be reduced. BSF never initiates ceasefire violations. A 30 minutes flag meeting was held between BSF and Pakistan Rangers along the International border where India recorded its strong disapproval for the series of ceasefire violations administered by Pakistan in India. India firmly said in the meeting " such provocative acts will not be tolerated". The meeting was held between five member BSF team with a group of 10 Pakistan Rangers. During the last 10 days, the ceasefire violations claimed the lives of seven civilians and six security personnel. The last such meeting was conducted in September. The forces of the two countries did not exchange sweets on the occasion of Independence day also.

BSF refuses to exchange sweets with Pakistan Rangers on Republic Day

Defending champions India will aim to retain Blind Cricket World Cup trophy when they take on arch-rival Pakistan in the summit clash here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Earlier, the &#39;other men in blue&#39;&nbsp;defeated Bangladesh by 10 wickets at&nbsp;MCC Ground Ajman in the group stages.

In the match against Bangladesh, both Indian&nbsp;openers&nbsp;slammed a century and led the team to a huge victory with more than 20 overs to spare.

Blind Indian cricket team registered their third consecutive victory against Nepal at the Eden Garden Cricket Ground in Ajman, UAE.

With this victory, dominant India had reached the semi-final. Indian bowlers played exceptionally well, they took early wickets and restricted the opponents at a&nbsp; lower total of 156b runs.

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India have won the toss and in this high pressure game they have asked Pakistan to bat first.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlindCricketWorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlindCricketWorldCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheOtherMenInBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheOtherMenInBlue</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thecupisours?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thecupisours</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/nxcviqGPRo">pic.twitter.com/nxcviqGPRo</a>
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In the semi-finals, India had beaten&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;by 7 wickets to reach finals.

Pakistan, on the other hand, had qualified for the finals after thrashing Sri Lanka by 156 runs in the semi-finals of the tournament on Wednesday.

Going into the finals, India has an upper-hand as they had already beaten their arch-rivals Pakistan by seven wickets in the group stages.

India, who are considered as the favourites to retain their title, have remained unbeaten throughout this tournament.

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India to play against Pakistan in the finals of World Cup, Indian team had already beaten their rivals Pakistan by seven wickets in the group stages

Defending champions India will aim to retain Blind Cricket World Cup trophy when they take on arch-rival Pakistan in the summit clash here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Earlier, the 'other men in blue' defeated Bangladesh by 10 wickets at MCC Ground Ajman in the group stages. In the match against Bangladesh, both Indian openers slammed a century and led the team to a huge victory with more than 20 overs to spare. Blind Indian cricket team registered their third consecutive victory against Nepal at the Eden Garden Cricket Ground in Ajman, UAE. With this victory, dominant India had reached the semi-final. Indian bowlers played exceptionally well, they took early wickets and restricted the opponents at a lower total of 156b runs. India have won the toss and in this high pressure game they have asked Pakistan to bat first.#BlindCricketWorldCup #TheOtherMenInBlue #thecupisours #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/nxcviqGPRo — Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) (@blind_cricket) January 20, 2018 × In the semi-finals, India had beaten Bangladesh by 7 wickets to reach finals. Pakistan, on the other hand, had qualified for the finals after thrashing Sri Lanka by 156 runs in the semi-finals of the tournament on Wednesday. Going into the finals, India has an upper-hand as they had already beaten their arch-rivals Pakistan by seven wickets in the group stages. India, who are considered as the favourites to retain their title, have remained unbeaten throughout this tournament.

Blind Cricket World Cup: India eyes the trophy

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi inaugurated the much-awaited Lyari Expressway Project on Sunday.&nbsp;

The event marked the culmination of the project of the dedicated speedy vehicular carriageway, whose completion had been delayed for more than 15 years.

The expressway is 38 kilometres long and costed Rs 10 billion for its construction - including four interchanges, one at Sorab Goth, Manghopir, Sir Shah Suleman and Maripur. Besides, 20 major bridges are also part of the project.

The project had taken over 10 years to complete due to &quot;technical difficulties and encroachments,&quot; the Pakistani Prime Minister said while addressing the inauguration ceremony.

Although parts of the Lyari Expressway were open to traffic, a section of it remained incomplete for a number of years, rendering a vast portion inoperational.&nbsp;

Abbasi, who is also expected to inaugurate the Northbound Carriageway in Karachi, will leave for Gwadar on Monday where he will chair an important meeting related to development projects in the province.

The event marked the culmination of the project of the dedicated speedy vehicular carriageway, whose completion had been delayed for more than 15 years

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi inaugurated the much-awaited Lyari Expressway Project on Sunday. The event marked the culmination of the project of the dedicated speedy vehicular carriageway, whose completion had been delayed for more than 15 years. The expressway is 38 kilometres long and costed Rs 10 billion for its construction - including four interchanges, one at Sorab Goth, Manghopir, Sir Shah Suleman and Maripur. Besides, 20 major bridges are also part of the project. The project had taken over 10 years to complete due to "technical difficulties and encroachments," the Pakistani Prime Minister said while addressing the inauguration ceremony. Although parts of the Lyari Expressway were open to traffic, a section of it remained incomplete for a number of years, rendering a vast portion inoperational. Abbasi, who is also expected to inaugurate the Northbound Carriageway in Karachi, will leave for Gwadar on Monday where he will chair an important meeting related to development projects in the province.

Karachi expressway operational after 15 years

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