Pakistan&#39;s former cricketer and politician&nbsp;Imran Khan celebrates his pre-arrest bail approved by an Anti-Terrorism Court Tuesday.&nbsp;

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan took to Twitter to announce Pakistan&#39;s Supreme Court&#39;s decision.&nbsp;

In a Bollywood style, Imran Khan used Shah Rukh Khan&#39;s dialogue from the movie &quot;My Name is Khan&quot; that released in 2010 and said, &quot;My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist&quot; and also added, &quot;SC has pronounced me Sadiq and Ameen and I am coming after them crooks!&quot;

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My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist. Moreover, the SC has pronounced me Sadiq and Ameen and I am coming after them crooks!
&mdash; Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/948142557829230592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The&nbsp;Anti-Terrorism Court approved on Tuesday, Imran Khan&#39;s pre-arrest bail pleas regarding four cases pertaining to violence during the 2014 sit-in.

Khan has been accused in four cases, including that of the&nbsp;attack on the state television building, Parliament and the then Islamabad SSP Operations Asmatullah Junejo.

Khan took to Twitter to announce Supreme Court's approval of his pre-arrest bail

Pakistan's former cricketer and politician Imran Khan celebrates his pre-arrest bail approved by an Anti-Terrorism Court Tuesday. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan took to Twitter to announce Pakistan's Supreme Court's decision. In a Bollywood style, Imran Khan used Shah Rukh Khan's dialogue from the movie "My Name is Khan" that released in 2010 and said, "My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist" and also added, "SC has pronounced me Sadiq and Ameen and I am coming after them crooks!" My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist. Moreover, the SC has pronounced me Sadiq and Ameen and I am coming after them crooks! — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 2, 2018 × The Anti-Terrorism Court approved on Tuesday, Imran Khan's pre-arrest bail pleas regarding four cases pertaining to violence during the 2014 sit-in. Khan has been accused in four cases, including that of the attack on the state television building, Parliament and the then Islamabad SSP Operations Asmatullah Junejo.

Pakistan's Imran Khan channels SRK, says 'My Name is Khan and I Am Not A Terrorist'

As <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-blocks-usd-255-million-military-aid-to-pakistan-28291">the US suspended $255 million military</a> aid to Pakistan, the country witnessed large-scale protests over Trump&#39;s tweet accusing the PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi-led government of &quot;lies and deceit&quot;.

The &nbsp;Difa-e-Pakistan Council, a political-religious group held a protest rally in Karachi as Pakistan continued to attack President Trump&#39;s New Year tweet in which he said that the United States has &quot;foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars&quot;&nbsp;in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but &quot;lies &amp; deceit&quot;.

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Difa-e-Pakistan Council which also includes Hafiz Saeed&#39;s Jamaat-ud Dawa protests against US president Donald Trump in Pakistan&#39;s Karachi <a href="https://t.co/BDCFyNWgIA">pic.twitter.com/BDCFyNWgIA</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948124425336922112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan waded into the Trump debate searing the country saying that Pakistan had encountered a loss of $100,000 billion due to the US war on terror.

&quot;I was against fighting America&#39;s war for dollars and had spoken out against it,&quot; chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf said.

&quot;We lost 70,000 lives in America&#39;s war, Trump&#39;s recent statement should serve as an example for all of us. Regardless of whatever aid a country offers, we should not go to war for it,&quot; he told reporters.

On Monday night, Pakistan summoned US Ambassador David Hale to lodge a protest against Trump&#39;s statement on Pakistan, reports said.

Pakistan&#39;s foreign minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif had said earlier that his country would shortly respond to President Trump&#39;s tweet.

 
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Pakistan summoned US Ambassador David Hale to lodge a protest against Trump's statement on Pakistan, reports said.

As the US suspended $255 million military aid to Pakistan, the country witnessed large-scale protests over Trump's tweet accusing the PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi-led government of "lies and deceit". The Difa-e-Pakistan Council, a political-religious group held a protest rally in Karachi as Pakistan continued to attack President Trump's New Year tweet in which he said that the United States has "foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars" in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but "lies & deceit". Difa-e-Pakistan Council which also includes Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat-ud Dawa protests against US president Donald Trump in Pakistan's Karachi pic.twitter.com/BDCFyNWgIA — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2018 × Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan waded into the Trump debate searing the country saying that Pakistan had encountered a loss of $100,000 billion due to the US war on terror. "I was against fighting America's war for dollars and had spoken out against it," chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf said. "We lost 70,000 lives in America's war, Trump's recent statement should serve as an example for all of us. Regardless of whatever aid a country offers, we should not go to war for it," he told reporters. On Monday night, Pakistan summoned US Ambassador David Hale to lodge a protest against Trump's statement on Pakistan, reports said. Pakistan's foreign minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif had said earlier that his country would shortly respond to President Trump's tweet.

Pakistan lost 70,000 lives in America's war on terror: Imran Khan

The international terrorist Hafiz Saeed has been repeatedly thumbing his nose at the Pakistani establishment as well as at the United States, but Islamabad remains obdurate in not taking any action against him and several other terrorists. On several occasions, the US expressed its displeasure and concern, and nudged Pakistan to arrest and charge Saeed for his crimes. But Pakistan has always looked the other way around. What is that which is preventing Pakistan from booking Saeed at the expense of its fragile ties with the US?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There can be only two plausible reasons. Either Pakistan is impotent and afraid of the might of Saeed or it is a well-thought-out plan of action to get even with its now estranged ally. Saeed, who carries a $10 million American bounty on his head for terror activities, is a U.N. and United States designated terrorist. Moreover, India has blamed Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief for the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Pakistan has been at the receiving end ever since the Donald Trump administration took over in January last year. President Trump has been particularly hard on Pakistan since he was on his campaign trail. There is no doubt that there has been a tectonic shift in American policy of late as the US desperation grows because of Pakistan&rsquo;s failure to rein in militants ensconced in its backyard.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The ties between Pakistan and the US had started straining during the Barack Obama administration.&nbsp; It all began with the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden by US special forces in May 2011 on Pakistani soil in an operation kept secret from the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif government. The US, which had launched a massive manhunt for Laden, mastermind of the deadly September 11 attacks, was shocked that he was being provided a safe sanctuary by Pakistan whom it considered a strategic ally in its fight against terrorism. Even though, the US chose to maintain a fa&ccedil;ade of relationship with Pakistan because of its interests in Afghanistan.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;But all that seems to be over now! &quot;We will defeat radical Islamic terrorism when I&rsquo;m president. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with India in sharing intelligence and keeping our people safe mutually,&quot; Trump had said during electioneering. And true to his words, one can notice a paradigm shift in the new US dispensation as far as the battle against Islamic militants is concerned. From here onwards, one can expect a no-nonsense US policy on terrorism which should be a major cause of worry for Pakistan, which continues to host several militant groups hostile to both India and the US.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Unlike his predecessors, there is an increasing likelihood of Trump seeking to reshape the decades-old policy towards Pakistan by linking US aid to its commitment against terrorism. Today the US administration has announced withholding $255 million in aid to Pakistan.&nbsp; Though a pittance, the message is loud and clear that the US is dissatisfied with the obstinacy shown by Pakistan in not taking substantive action against terrorist networks that continue to flourish there with the full support of the administration.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Pakistan has been the recipient of more than $33 billion in aid since 2002. And it has done precious little to rein in militants. The US frustration seems to have reached the point of no return as President Trump in his August address said:&nbsp; &quot;We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting.&quot;&nbsp; Since then he has dispatched his top diplomatic and military advisors to Pakistan -- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis &ndash; who read out the riot act to senior officials of Pakistan. But thus far, Pakistan does not seem to have been rattled by such warnings.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;On the contrary, not only did it free Saeed from the so-called &ldquo;house arrest&rdquo; with the lame excuse that the Lahore court did not merit his detention, it went on to justify his release. To rub salt into the wound, its foreign office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said that Islamabad was committed to the implementation of United Nations Security Council 1267 sanctions regime on terrorists and had taken several steps in this regard.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;If that was not enough, Pakistan allowed Saeed to open the first office of his political group Milli Muslim League (MML) in Lahore. Saeed has also declared his political ambitions by announcing that his organisation JuD would contest the 2018 general elections under the banner of the MML. Ironically, according to Pakistani government records, the MML is the offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and JuD. In fact, Saeed was showered with flower petals as he openly toured several areas in full public glare.

&nbsp;

Can it happen in any civilised country that a UN-designated terrorist is allowed to roam free? But anything can happen in a rogue country like Pakistan which even allows a terrorist group to launch its political party and let it contest the elections. The MML-backed candidate had secured the fourth position with 6,000 votes, double than that of Pakistan People&rsquo;s Party (PPP) and Jamaat- i-Islami combined in a by-election in Lahore&#39;s NA-120 constituency last September. The seat had fallen vacant when the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had to resign, following his disqualification by Pakistan&#39;s Supreme Court.

&nbsp;

It is hard to digest that Saeed would have been allowed to open the office of MML without the consent of the government of the day and that too when the US had expressed its strong concerns and said in a statement that it hopes Pakistan &quot;does the right thing&quot; in not allowing that to happen and added that it &quot;want(s) to make...clear so that everybody knows&quot;, that the US has put a bounty of $10 million on Saeed, the founder of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT).&nbsp; It is an open secret that Saeed has the full backing of Pakistani army which has been at loggerheads with the government.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;The question then arises whether Saeed has the tacit support of the Pakistani establishment or it is too afraid to take action against him as he is being backed by the army. Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa came in full support of the Mumbai terror attack mastermind when he appeared before a parliament forum last month and said that Saeed, like every other Pakistani, had the right to raise the Kashmir issue. It is a known fact that the army enjoys far greater power than the elected government in Pakistan and no government can afford to go against the wishes of the army. Whatever may be Pakistan&rsquo;s reason to prop up Saeed, but one thing is certain. Pakistan is in for a rude shock in the coming months.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Either Pakistan is impotent and afraid of the might of Saeed or it is a well-thought-out plan of action to get even with its now estranged ally, the US.

The international terrorist Hafiz Saeed has been repeatedly thumbing his nose at the Pakistani establishment as well as at the United States, but Islamabad remains obdurate in not taking any action against him and several other terrorists. On several occasions, the US expressed its displeasure and concern, and nudged Pakistan to arrest and charge Saeed for his crimes. But Pakistan has always looked the other way around. What is that which is preventing Pakistan from booking Saeed at the expense of its fragile ties with the US? There can be only two plausible reasons. Either Pakistan is impotent and afraid of the might of Saeed or it is a well-thought-out plan of action to get even with its now estranged ally. Saeed, who carries a $10 million American bounty on his head for terror activities, is a U.N. and United States designated terrorist. Moreover, India has blamed Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief for the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans. Pakistan has been at the receiving end ever since the Donald Trump administration took over in January last year. President Trump has been particularly hard on Pakistan since he was on his campaign trail. There is no doubt that there has been a tectonic shift in American policy of late as the US desperation grows because of Pakistan’s failure to rein in militants ensconced in its backyard. The ties between Pakistan and the US had started straining during the Barack Obama administration. It all began with the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden by US special forces in May 2011 on Pakistani soil in an operation kept secret from the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif government. The US, which had launched a massive manhunt for Laden, mastermind of the deadly September 11 attacks, was shocked that he was being provided a safe sanctuary by Pakistan whom it considered a strategic ally in its fight against terrorism. Even though, the US chose to maintain a façade of relationship with Pakistan because of its interests in Afghanistan. But all that seems to be over now! "We will defeat radical Islamic terrorism when I’m president. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with India in sharing intelligence and keeping our people safe mutually," Trump had said during electioneering. And true to his words, one can notice a paradigm shift in the new US dispensation as far as the battle against Islamic militants is concerned. From here onwards, one can expect a no-nonsense US policy on terrorism which should be a major cause of worry for Pakistan, which continues to host several militant groups hostile to both India and the US. Unlike his predecessors, there is an increasing likelihood of Trump seeking to reshape the decades-old policy towards Pakistan by linking US aid to its commitment against terrorism. Today the US administration has announced withholding $255 million in aid to Pakistan. Though a pittance, the message is loud and clear that the US is dissatisfied with the obstinacy shown by Pakistan in not taking substantive action against terrorist networks that continue to flourish there with the full support of the administration. Pakistan has been the recipient of more than $33 billion in aid since 2002. And it has done precious little to rein in militants. The US frustration seems to have reached the point of no return as President Trump in his August address said: "We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting." Since then he has dispatched his top diplomatic and military advisors to Pakistan -- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis – who read out the riot act to senior officials of Pakistan. But thus far, Pakistan does not seem to have been rattled by such warnings. On the contrary, not only did it free Saeed from the so-called “house arrest” with the lame excuse that the Lahore court did not merit his detention, it went on to justify his release. To rub salt into the wound, its foreign office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said that Islamabad was committed to the implementation of United Nations Security Council 1267 sanctions regime on terrorists and had taken several steps in this regard. If that was not enough, Pakistan allowed Saeed to open the first office of his political group Milli Muslim League (MML) in Lahore. Saeed has also declared his political ambitions by announcing that his organisation JuD would contest the 2018 general elections under the banner of the MML. Ironically, according to Pakistani government records, the MML is the offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and JuD. In fact, Saeed was showered with flower petals as he openly toured several areas in full public glare. Can it happen in any civilised country that a UN-designated terrorist is allowed to roam free? But anything can happen in a rogue country like Pakistan which even allows a terrorist group to launch its political party and let it contest the elections. The MML-backed candidate had secured the fourth position with 6,000 votes, double than that of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Jamaat- i-Islami combined in a by-election in Lahore's NA-120 constituency last September. The seat had fallen vacant when the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had to resign, following his disqualification by Pakistan's Supreme Court. It is hard to digest that Saeed would have been allowed to open the office of MML without the consent of the government of the day and that too when the US had expressed its strong concerns and said in a statement that it hopes Pakistan "does the right thing" in not allowing that to happen and added that it "want(s) to make...clear so that everybody knows", that the US has put a bounty of $10 million on Saeed, the founder of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). It is an open secret that Saeed has the full backing of Pakistani army which has been at loggerheads with the government. The question then arises whether Saeed has the tacit support of the Pakistani establishment or it is too afraid to take action against him as he is being backed by the army. Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa came in full support of the Mumbai terror attack mastermind when he appeared before a parliament forum last month and said that Saeed, like every other Pakistani, had the right to raise the Kashmir issue. It is a known fact that the army enjoys far greater power than the elected government in Pakistan and no government can afford to go against the wishes of the army. Whatever may be Pakistan’s reason to prop up Saeed, but one thing is certain. Pakistan is in for a rude shock in the coming months. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: US blocks aid but Pakistan still backs Hafiz Saeed. Why?

Responding to US President Donald Trump&#39;s allegation that Pakistan was providing safe haven to terrorists, India has said that its stand has been vindicated.&nbsp;

&quot;The Trump administration`s decision today has abundantly vindicated India`s stand as far as terror is concerned and as far as Pakistan`s role in perpetrating terror is concerned,&quot; ANI quoted Minister of State Jitender Singh as saying.&nbsp;

Singh added that the US was now understanding that there can be no differentiating between good and bad terrorism.&nbsp;

&quot;They are also understanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s reiteration that the war against terrorism has to be fought collectively. There can`t be good terror or bad terror, there can`t be a distinction in terrorism happening, terrorism is terrorism,&quot; Singh said.

Trump had on Monday tweeted that Pakistan had given the US nothing but &quot;lies and deceit&quot; in return for $33 billion in aid over the last 15 years.&nbsp;

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The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/947802588174577664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It was his first tweet of the year.&nbsp;

Pakistan reacted quickly, saying the US should not blame them for their failures in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

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Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting has said that the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedStates?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedStates</a> should not put blames for its failure in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> on Pakistan. 
She further said that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> has rendered unmatched sacrifices in the war against# terrorism and there is no ambiguity about it <a href="https://t.co/u76OBadmtJ">pic.twitter.com/u76OBadmtJ</a>
&mdash; Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) <a href="https://twitter.com/pid_gov/status/947858274724012034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It also <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-summons-us-ambassador-after-trump-criticism-28272" target="_blank">summoned the US ambassador</a> to Pakistan, asking him to explain Trump&#39;s tweets.&nbsp;

The US has since announced that it will be <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-summons-us-ambassador-after-trump-criticism-28272" target="_blank">cutting $255 million in military aid</a> to Pakistan.&nbsp;

'The Trump administration`s decision today has abundantly vindicated India`s stand as far as terror is concerned and as far as Pakistan`s role in perpetrating terror is concerned,' MoS Jitendra Singh said

Responding to US President Donald Trump's allegation that Pakistan was providing safe haven to terrorists, India has said that its stand has been vindicated. "The Trump administration`s decision today has abundantly vindicated India`s stand as far as terror is concerned and as far as Pakistan`s role in perpetrating terror is concerned," ANI quoted Minister of State Jitender Singh as saying. Singh added that the US was now understanding that there can be no differentiating between good and bad terrorism. "They are also understanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s reiteration that the war against terrorism has to be fought collectively. There can`t be good terror or bad terror, there can`t be a distinction in terrorism happening, terrorism is terrorism," Singh said. Trump had on Monday tweeted that Pakistan had given the US nothing but "lies and deceit" in return for $33 billion in aid over the last 15 years. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 × It was his first tweet of the year. Pakistan reacted quickly, saying the US should not blame them for their failures in Afghanistan. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting has said that the #UnitedStates should not put blames for its failure in #Afghanistan on Pakistan. She further said that #Pakistan has rendered unmatched sacrifices in the war against# terrorism and there is no ambiguity about it pic.twitter.com/u76OBadmtJ — Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) January 1, 2018 × It also summoned the US ambassador to Pakistan, asking him to explain Trump's tweets. The US has since announced that it will be cutting $255 million in military aid to Pakistan.

Our stand vindicated, says India after Trump slams Pakistan on terrorism

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-summons-us-ambassador-after-trump-criticism-28272" target="_blank">Pakistan summons US ambassador, asks him to explain Trump criticism</a>

Hours after US President Donald Trump&#39;s tweet accusing it of &quot;lies and deceit&quot;, Pakistan summoned US Ambassador David Hale on Monday night to lodge a protest, news reports quoted US embassy spokesman Richard Snelsire as saying. The US envoy was summoned by the Pakistan Foreign Office at 9 pm, a report in the Express Tribune said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-says-open-to-dialogue-with-south-korea-will-only-use-nukes-if-threatened-28277" target="_blank">North Korea&#39;s Kim says &#39;open to dialogue&#39; with South Korea, will only use nukes if threatened</a>

Kim Jong Un on Monday warned the United States he has a &quot;nuclear button&quot; on his desk ready for use if North Korea is threatened, but offered an olive branch to South Korea, saying he was &quot;open to dialogue&quot; with Seoul. After a year dominated by fiery rhetoric and escalating tensions over North Korea&#39;s nuclear weapons programme, Kim used his televised New Year&#39;s Day speech to declare North Korea &quot;a peace-loving and responsible nuclear power&quot; and call for lower military tensions and improved ties with the South.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-protests-in-iran-policeman-killed-28274" target="_blank">Fresh protests in Iran, policeman killed</a>

Fresh protests broke out as night fell in Iran Monday with reports of a policeman shot dead, as the authorities moved to crack down on days of unrest across the country. There was a heavy police presence in Tehran as small groups of protesters ran through the city centre shouting anti-regime slogans, local agencies reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-bill-to-be-tabled-in-rajya-sabha-today-28271">Triple talaq bill to be tabled in Rajya Sabha today</a>

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 seeking to criminalise instant divorce, triple talaq, is set to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The opposition party, Congress, Left, AIADMK and the DMK from Tamil Nadu have supported the bill but called for modifications of the provisions, claiming that it could hamper the sentiments of Muslim women, that leaders in Lok Sabha had earlier argued.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmavati-row-mewar-royal-questions-censor-board-over-the-clearance-of-the-film-28278" target="_blank">Padmavati row: Mewar royal questions Censor Board over clearance to film</a>

A senior member of the erstwhile Mewar royal family, Mahendra Singh, has questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for endorsing Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmavati claiming the film &quot;misrepresents&quot; revered heroic characters and may cause &quot;social unrest&quot;. In a letter to Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani and Minister of State Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the Mewar royal alleged that CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi had not considered all factors and &quot;this public deception&quot; suggested incompetence and complicity.

Pakistan summons US ambassador, asks him to explain Trump criticism Hours after US President Donald Trump's tweet accusing it of "lies and deceit", Pakistan summoned US Ambassador David Hale on Monday night to lodge a protest, news reports quoted US embassy spokesman Richard Snelsire as saying. The US envoy was summoned by the Pakistan Foreign Office at 9 pm, a report in the Express Tribune said. North Korea's Kim says 'open to dialogue' with South Korea, will only use nukes if threatened Kim Jong Un on Monday warned the United States he has a "nuclear button" on his desk ready for use if North Korea is threatened, but offered an olive branch to South Korea, saying he was "open to dialogue" with Seoul. After a year dominated by fiery rhetoric and escalating tensions over North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, Kim used his televised New Year's Day speech to declare North Korea "a peace-loving and responsible nuclear power" and call for lower military tensions and improved ties with the South. Fresh protests in Iran, policeman killed Fresh protests broke out as night fell in Iran Monday with reports of a policeman shot dead, as the authorities moved to crack down on days of unrest across the country. There was a heavy police presence in Tehran as small groups of protesters ran through the city centre shouting anti-regime slogans, local agencies reported. Triple talaq bill to be tabled in Rajya Sabha today The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 seeking to criminalise instant divorce, triple talaq, is set to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The opposition party, Congress, Left, AIADMK and the DMK from Tamil Nadu have supported the bill but called for modifications of the provisions, claiming that it could hamper the sentiments of Muslim women, that leaders in Lok Sabha had earlier argued. Padmavati row: Mewar royal questions Censor Board over clearance to film A senior member of the erstwhile Mewar royal family, Mahendra Singh, has questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for endorsing Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavati claiming the film "misrepresents" revered heroic characters and may cause "social unrest". In a letter to Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani and Minister of State Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the Mewar royal alleged that CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi had not considered all factors and "this public deception" suggested incompetence and complicity.

WION morning news brief, January 2, 2018

Amidst US president Donald Trump&#39;s scathing attack on Pakistan saying that they &quot;have given us nothing but lies and deceit&quot; and have provided <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/weve-been-fooled-for-15-years-no-more-donald-trumps-tweet-to-pakistan-28253" target="_blank">&quot;safe haven to the terrorists</a>,&quot; BJP leader&nbsp;Subramanian Swamy on Tuesday said that India should consider having stronger relations with the US.

The BJP leader&nbsp;recommended shifting the Indian embassy from Tel Aviv to western Jerusalem as a goodwill measure.

&quot;Now, India should be very clear that if we want to deal with Pakistan, we have to have the support of the United States and Israel. As a measure of goodwill, we should shift our embassy from Tel Aviv to western Jerusalem,&quot; Swamy said.&nbsp;

Trump reversed the decades-old US&nbsp;policy and recognised &nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Jerusalem">Jerusalem</a>&nbsp;as Israel&#39;s capital on December 6.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Jerusalem">Jerusalem</a>&nbsp;is a disputed territory contested by both Israel and Palestine.

Trump in his first tweet of 2018 attacked Pakistan for providing &#39;&#39;safe heavens&#39;&#39; to the terrorists. The United States has been fooled by Pakistan for 15 years, but no more, Trump tweeted on Monday.&nbsp;

The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, the tweet said. &nbsp;

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The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/947802588174577664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan soon <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-have-rendered-unmatched-sacrifices-in-war-against-terrorism-pakistan-28264" target="_blank">hit back&nbsp;</a>and said the US should not blame Pakistan for its failure in Afghanistan. Pakistan has rendered &#39;&#39;unmatched sacrifices&#39;&#39; in the &#39;&#39;war against terrorism&#39;&#39; and there was no ambiguity about it.

The statement also accused the US of overlooking the cross-border safe havens of terrorists who murder Pakistanis.&nbsp;

Subramanian Swamy welcomed Trump&#39;s statement remarking that the US President presented facts in his accusation about receiving nothing in return from Pakistan for the aid provided to them.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Amidst US president Donald Trump's scathing attack on Pakistan, the BJP leader?said that India should consider having stronger relations with the United States

Amidst US president Donald Trump's scathing attack on Pakistan saying that they "have given us nothing but lies and deceit" and have provided "safe haven to the terrorists," BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Tuesday said that India should consider having stronger relations with the US. The BJP leader recommended shifting the Indian embassy from Tel Aviv to western Jerusalem as a goodwill measure. "Now, India should be very clear that if we want to deal with Pakistan, we have to have the support of the United States and Israel. As a measure of goodwill, we should shift our embassy from Tel Aviv to western Jerusalem," Swamy said. Trump reversed the decades-old US policy and recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital on December 6. Jerusalem is a disputed territory contested by both Israel and Palestine. Trump in his first tweet of 2018 attacked Pakistan for providing ''safe heavens'' to the terrorists. The United States has been fooled by Pakistan for 15 years, but no more, Trump tweeted on Monday. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, the tweet said. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 × Pakistan soon hit back and said the US should not blame Pakistan for its failure in Afghanistan. Pakistan has rendered ''unmatched sacrifices'' in the ''war against terrorism'' and there was no ambiguity about it. The statement also accused the US of overlooking the cross-border safe havens of terrorists who murder Pakistanis. Subramanian Swamy welcomed Trump's statement remarking that the US President presented facts in his accusation about receiving nothing in return from Pakistan for the aid provided to them.

After Trump tweet, Swamy says shift Indian embassy to Jerusalem

&nbsp;Soon after the start of the cold war, the US was looking for someone who can help him in Central Asia and, especially, in the mountainous country of Afghanistan which had become a playground for the mighty Soviet forces. India being the trusted ally of USSR was ruled out and, hence, the natural selection of an adversary of India was imminent. Pakistan became an ally and launch pad for US actions towards the USSR.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan to create a properly trained group of Mujahidin in Afghanistan started Operation Cyclone in 1978. Running under the Reagan Doctrine, this program recruited almost 100,000 highly trained Afghan guerrillas to fight Soviet forces in Afghanistan between 1978 and 1992. As per unofficial inputs, Pakistan was paid aid, military equipment and cash worth almost 20 billion Dollars at that time.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Soon after the US started its intervention in Iraq, the Mujahidin aligned against it under the leadership of Osama bin Laden and declared war which resulted in 9/11. It was the money, training and military equipment, given by the US to these forces, which came to be used against America. Overnight, Osama Bin Laden and Jalaluddin Haqqani who were the trusted ally of CIA became enemies.

&nbsp;

Once again, America needed an ally for war against so-called terror in Afghanistan, and there was none except Pakistan. In subsequent years till 2017, almost 33 billion US Dollars were given to Pakistan in direct or indirect aid. Since Pakistan, because of its hatred for India, is totally aligned in creating a frontier against India, most of this assistance was used in procurement of weapons and military equipment for its Army. Pakistani leaders, especially, General Parvez Musharraf encashed the relationship with the US and siphoned off billions of Dollars in terms of reimbursements to services which were never provided.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan&#39;s ISI turned into a source for training and equipping Mujahidin, and a group of its officers became extremely close to the fighter leaders. In the name of so-called Islamic brotherhood, they started supporting them. With it the main problem started.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

While America&rsquo;s &#39;No One&#39; enemy Osama bin Laden was absconding and the US forces were searching for him across the globe, he was enjoying the hospitality of ISI officials in a safe cantonment in Pakistan. Reports say that the house in which Osama bin Laden stayed for so many years was built as a safe house by the ISI only and later given to the Al-Qaeda supremo for his stay.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistani authorities thought they will be able to fool the United States the same way they had been doing for the last so many decades.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Over 6 decades of corrupt politicians and with low GDP, the country was on the verge of bankruptcy and immediate funding was required to address some critical military concerns. So, while the aid continued to flow, the terrorists also kept enjoying the hospitality, training and funding of ISI discreetly. The creation of the Taliban, as well as the training and support to various Kashmiri terrorist groups, was no longer a secret. The United States cautioned Pakistan on several occasions but since the aid continued, Pakistan considered this as a mere verbal threat.

&nbsp;

America had no alternative to Pakistan and, hence, the funding continued but with a gradual reduction in aid over the last three years. War against the terror can be considered one of the main reason but the factors which led to a sudden change in US behaviour are different.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan&rsquo;s proximity to China played a vital role in straining its relationship with the US. It was under the influence of China that Pakistan started neglecting some of the key concerns of America. Not only this, the anti-US sentiments in Pakistan came out in open in the forms of rallies and protests which were supported by the government officials. Not only this, the senior leaders of the country, including Pak Army started criticising Drone attacks openly, and extremist leaders declared war against the US. Certainly, it has become a catch 22 situation for the US to handle an ally like Pakistan.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The stopping of support funds for Pakistan is not something unexpected. Pakistan knew it and had been preparing for it for long. It created a close relationship with China who in turn is trying to influence the West by its OBOR initiative, the CPEC and the String of Pearls.

&nbsp;

China&rsquo;s actions are exactly similar to the way USSR started building its influence in Central Asia and the Middle East in the early 80s. Whether it is Pakistan, North Korea, Sri Lanka, Djibouti, Latin America or the South China Sea, China is seemingly expanding everywhere. Chanakya once said that the right way to counter a potent enemy is to first cut down its weaker allies. The US is doing the same.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

President Donald Trump is getting a much more potential ally in India which can help him to counter both Pakistan and China. India itself had been the worst victims of terrorism and, hence, going to play a very vital role in South Asia in the coming decades.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Currently, Pakistan is going through political turmoil and there is no leadership left. The possibility of a military coup cannot be ruled out either. Hence, America must be extremely cautious in selecting Pakistan as its partner.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India and the US have many things in common. Indians residing in America contributes significantly to the US economy and the key people in the team of Mr Trump are India supporters. Mr Trump being a businessman understands well about profits and losses of any relationship and, understandably, can foresee a clear profit in a long term relationship in the potent leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

&nbsp;

In a nutshell, it is evident that there are multiple reasons for this topsy-turvy relationship between the US and Pakistan. Terrorism is one of the smaller concerns only but the bigger reason lies in the further east of Pakistan- China and its expanding influence in Asia.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

<ul>
	<li>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Terrorism is one of the smaller concerns only but the bigger reason lies in the further east of Pakistan- China and its expanding influence in Asia.

Soon after the start of the cold war, the US was looking for someone who can help him in Central Asia and, especially, in the mountainous country of Afghanistan which had become a playground for the mighty Soviet forces. India being the trusted ally of USSR was ruled out and, hence, the natural selection of an adversary of India was imminent. Pakistan became an ally and launch pad for US actions towards the USSR. Pakistan to create a properly trained group of Mujahidin in Afghanistan started Operation Cyclone in 1978. Running under the Reagan Doctrine, this program recruited almost 100,000 highly trained Afghan guerrillas to fight Soviet forces in Afghanistan between 1978 and 1992. As per unofficial inputs, Pakistan was paid aid, military equipment and cash worth almost 20 billion Dollars at that time. Soon after the US started its intervention in Iraq, the Mujahidin aligned against it under the leadership of Osama bin Laden and declared war which resulted in 9/11. It was the money, training and military equipment, given by the US to these forces, which came to be used against America. Overnight, Osama Bin Laden and Jalaluddin Haqqani who were the trusted ally of CIA became enemies. Once again, America needed an ally for war against so-called terror in Afghanistan, and there was none except Pakistan. In subsequent years till 2017, almost 33 billion US Dollars were given to Pakistan in direct or indirect aid. Since Pakistan, because of its hatred for India, is totally aligned in creating a frontier against India, most of this assistance was used in procurement of weapons and military equipment for its Army. Pakistani leaders, especially, General Parvez Musharraf encashed the relationship with the US and siphoned off billions of Dollars in terms of reimbursements to services which were never provided. Pakistan's ISI turned into a source for training and equipping Mujahidin, and a group of its officers became extremely close to the fighter leaders. In the name of so-called Islamic brotherhood, they started supporting them. With it the main problem started. While America’s 'No One' enemy Osama bin Laden was absconding and the US forces were searching for him across the globe, he was enjoying the hospitality of ISI officials in a safe cantonment in Pakistan. Reports say that the house in which Osama bin Laden stayed for so many years was built as a safe house by the ISI only and later given to the Al-Qaeda supremo for his stay. Pakistani authorities thought they will be able to fool the United States the same way they had been doing for the last so many decades. Over 6 decades of corrupt politicians and with low GDP, the country was on the verge of bankruptcy and immediate funding was required to address some critical military concerns. So, while the aid continued to flow, the terrorists also kept enjoying the hospitality, training and funding of ISI discreetly. The creation of the Taliban, as well as the training and support to various Kashmiri terrorist groups, was no longer a secret. The United States cautioned Pakistan on several occasions but since the aid continued, Pakistan considered this as a mere verbal threat. America had no alternative to Pakistan and, hence, the funding continued but with a gradual reduction in aid over the last three years. War against the terror can be considered one of the main reason but the factors which led to a sudden change in US behaviour are different. Pakistan’s proximity to China played a vital role in straining its relationship with the US. It was under the influence of China that Pakistan started neglecting some of the key concerns of America. Not only this, the anti-US sentiments in Pakistan came out in open in the forms of rallies and protests which were supported by the government officials. Not only this, the senior leaders of the country, including Pak Army started criticising Drone attacks openly, and extremist leaders declared war against the US. Certainly, it has become a catch 22 situation for the US to handle an ally like Pakistan. The stopping of support funds for Pakistan is not something unexpected. Pakistan knew it and had been preparing for it for long. It created a close relationship with China who in turn is trying to influence the West by its OBOR initiative, the CPEC and the String of Pearls. China’s actions are exactly similar to the way USSR started building its influence in Central Asia and the Middle East in the early 80s. Whether it is Pakistan, North Korea, Sri Lanka, Djibouti, Latin America or the South China Sea, China is seemingly expanding everywhere. Chanakya once said that the right way to counter a potent enemy is to first cut down its weaker allies. The US is doing the same. President Donald Trump is getting a much more potential ally in India which can help him to counter both Pakistan and China. India itself had been the worst victims of terrorism and, hence, going to play a very vital role in South Asia in the coming decades. Currently, Pakistan is going through political turmoil and there is no leadership left. The possibility of a military coup cannot be ruled out either. Hence, America must be extremely cautious in selecting Pakistan as its partner. India and the US have many things in common. Indians residing in America contributes significantly to the US economy and the key people in the team of Mr Trump are India supporters. Mr Trump being a businessman understands well about profits and losses of any relationship and, understandably, can foresee a clear profit in a long term relationship in the potent leadership of Prime Minister Modi. In a nutshell, it is evident that there are multiple reasons for this topsy-turvy relationship between the US and Pakistan. Terrorism is one of the smaller concerns only but the bigger reason lies in the further east of Pakistan- China and its expanding influence in Asia. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: China, not terrorism, is why US stopped aiding Pakistan

India and Pakistan today exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the list of nuclear installations and facilities under a three-decade-old bilateral pact.

According to an external affairs ministry release, the two sides exchanged the list under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear installations between India and Pakistan.

The agreement, which was signed on December 31, 1988, and entered into force on January 27, 1991, provides that the two countries inform each other of nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the pact on the first of January of every calendar year.

This is the twenty-seventh consecutive exchange of such a list between the two countries, the first one having taken place on January 1, 1992.

According to an external affairs ministry release, the two sides exchanged the list under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear installations between India and Pakistan

India and Pakistan today exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the list of nuclear installations and facilities under a three-decade-old bilateral pact. According to an external affairs ministry release, the two sides exchanged the list under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear installations between India and Pakistan. The agreement, which was signed on December 31, 1988, and entered into force on January 27, 1991, provides that the two countries inform each other of nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the pact on the first of January of every calendar year. This is the twenty-seventh consecutive exchange of such a list between the two countries, the first one having taken place on January 1, 1992.

India, Pakistan exchange list of nuclear installations

The likelihood of holding cricket series between India-Pakistan, even at an impartial venue, seem slim considering the high number of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-violated-ceasefire-881-times-along-loc-ib-27216">cross-border firing violations </a>by Pakistan, Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj along with Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar stated during a meeting of the consultative committee attached to the ministry that offered a review of relations with neighbours.&nbsp;

Upon matter related to starting suspended cricket matches between India-Pakistan, Swaraj said that more interest is being shown towards&nbsp;the release of women and elderly detainees and prisoners at present.&nbsp;

However, due to the extensive violation of cross-border firing, it does not provide a conducive atmosphere for engaging in a cricket series, she said.&nbsp;

Due to tension between the two countries, the India-Pakistan cricket fixture has been off for some time and the unfavourable line of neckwears have not allowed a change on this front as yet.&nbsp;

Although, the two nations continue to play in international competitions against each other. &nbsp;

Swaraj informed that there have been over 800 cross-border violations this year and even though violence in Jammu and Kashmir has reduced, the relations still remain problematic.&nbsp;

Moreover, the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-blistering-attack-mea-says-pakistan-heckled-kulbhushan-jadhavs-family-27755"> recent controversies</a> surrounding Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s wife and mother have made things rather worse.&nbsp;

Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj along with Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar told the government during a meeting of the consultative committee attached to the ministry that offered a review of relations with neighbours

The likelihood of holding cricket series between India-Pakistan, even at an impartial venue, seem slim considering the high number of cross-border firing violations by Pakistan, Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday. Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj along with Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar stated during a meeting of the consultative committee attached to the ministry that offered a review of relations with neighbours. Upon matter related to starting suspended cricket matches between India-Pakistan, Swaraj said that more interest is being shown towards the release of women and elderly detainees and prisoners at present. However, due to the extensive violation of cross-border firing, it does not provide a conducive atmosphere for engaging in a cricket series, she said. Due to tension between the two countries, the India-Pakistan cricket fixture has been off for some time and the unfavourable line of neckwears have not allowed a change on this front as yet. Although, the two nations continue to play in international competitions against each other. Swaraj informed that there have been over 800 cross-border violations this year and even though violence in Jammu and Kashmir has reduced, the relations still remain problematic. Moreover, the recent controversies surrounding Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife and mother have made things rather worse.

Cross-border violations do not provide conducive atmosphere for cricket with Pakistan: Sushma Swaraj

Hours after Donald Trump lambasted Pakistan&nbsp;for giving US nothing but &quot;lies and deceit&quot; in return for billions in aid, Pakistan Minister of State for Information &amp; Broadcasting said that the US should not blame Pakistan for its failure in Afghanistan. Pakistan has rendered &#39;&#39;unmatched sacrifices&#39;&#39; in the &#39;&#39;war against terrorism&#39;&#39; and there was no ambiguity about it.

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Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting has said that the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedStates?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedStates</a> should not put blames for its failure in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> on Pakistan. 
She further said that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> has rendered unmatched sacrifices in the war against# terrorism and there is no ambiguity about it <a href="https://t.co/u76OBadmtJ">pic.twitter.com/u76OBadmtJ</a>
&mdash; Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) <a href="https://twitter.com/pid_gov/status/947858274724012034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In a strongly worded reaction to earlier US accusations, Pakistan Army spokesman, Major General Asif Ghafoor, asserted that aid Pakistan received from the US was &quot;reimbursement for support Islamabad gave to the coalition for its fight against Al Qaeda&quot;.&nbsp;

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Hitting back at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/US?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#US</a> the Foreign Office had also warned against the malicious campaign being used to trivialize Pakistan&#39;s achievements in the war against terrorism. The foreign office said allies do not put each other on notice. <a href="https://t.co/fbhLuClU6O">pic.twitter.com/fbhLuClU6O</a>
&mdash; Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) <a href="https://twitter.com/pid_gov/status/947857868589617152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan Foreign Office also issued a warning against what it called &#39;&#39;malicious campaign&#39;&#39; being used to trivialize Pakistan&#39;s achievements in the war against terrorism. The foreign office said that allies do not put each other on notice.&nbsp;

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In a strong worded reaction to earlier <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/US?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#US</a> accusations and allegations the Pakistan Army spokesman, Major General Asif Ghafoor asserted that the aid Pakistan received from the US was &quot;reimbursement for support Islamabad gave to the coalition for its fight against Al Qaeda.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/yzKmYbuOx0">pic.twitter.com/yzKmYbuOx0</a>
&mdash; Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) <a href="https://twitter.com/pid_gov/status/947857527613640704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Pakistan also said that it received nothing but invective and mistrust from US for the cooperation it extended for &#39;&#39;war on terrorism&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pakistan as anti-terror ally has given land, air communication, military bases, intel cooperation that decimated Al-Qaeda over last 16 years free of cost, but they have given us nothing in return but invective and mistrust, the statement said.

The statement also accused the US of overlooking the cross-border safe havens of terrorists who murder Pakistanis.&nbsp;

Aid Pakistan received from the US was "reimbursement for support Islamabad gave to the coalition for its fight against Al Qaeda".

Hours after Donald Trump lambasted Pakistan for giving US nothing but "lies and deceit" in return for billions in aid, Pakistan Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting said that the US should not blame Pakistan for its failure in Afghanistan. Pakistan has rendered ''unmatched sacrifices'' in the ''war against terrorism'' and there was no ambiguity about it. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting has said that the #UnitedStates should not put blames for its failure in #Afghanistan on Pakistan. She further said that #Pakistan has rendered unmatched sacrifices in the war against# terrorism and there is no ambiguity about it pic.twitter.com/u76OBadmtJ — Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) January 1, 2018 × In a strongly worded reaction to earlier US accusations, Pakistan Army spokesman, Major General Asif Ghafoor, asserted that aid Pakistan received from the US was "reimbursement for support Islamabad gave to the coalition for its fight against Al Qaeda". Hitting back at the #US the Foreign Office had also warned against the malicious campaign being used to trivialize Pakistan's achievements in the war against terrorism. The foreign office said allies do not put each other on notice. pic.twitter.com/fbhLuClU6O — Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) January 1, 2018 × Pakistan Foreign Office also issued a warning against what it called ''malicious campaign'' being used to trivialize Pakistan's achievements in the war against terrorism. The foreign office said that allies do not put each other on notice. In a strong worded reaction to earlier #US accusations and allegations the Pakistan Army spokesman, Major General Asif Ghafoor asserted that the aid Pakistan received from the US was "reimbursement for support Islamabad gave to the coalition for its fight against Al Qaeda." pic.twitter.com/yzKmYbuOx0 — Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) January 1, 2018 × Pakistan also said that it received nothing but invective and mistrust from US for the cooperation it extended for ''war on terrorism''. Pakistan as anti-terror ally has given land, air communication, military bases, intel cooperation that decimated Al-Qaeda over last 16 years free of cost, but they have given us nothing in return but invective and mistrust, the statement said. The statement also accused the US of overlooking the cross-border safe havens of terrorists who murder Pakistanis.

Pak in denial; says rendered 'unmatched sacrifices' in war against terrorism

Minutes after United States President Donald Trump accused Pakistan of &nbsp;&#39;lies&#39; and &#39;deceit&#39; and threatened to cut&nbsp;$255 million in aid,&nbsp;Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif tweeted &#39;&#39;will let the world know the truth&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;

&#39;&#39;We will respond to President Trump&#39;s tweet shortly inshallah...Will let the world know the truth.. the difference between facts and&nbsp;fiction,&#39;&#39;&nbsp;tweeted&nbsp;Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif.

Trump in his first tweet of 2018 attacked Pakistan for providing &#39;&#39;safe heavens&#39;&#39; to the terrorists. The United States has been fooled by Pakistan for 15 years, but no more, Trump tweeted on Monday.&nbsp;

The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, the tweet said. &nbsp;

Accusing Pakistan of providing safe havens to terrorists, Trump said that Pakistan extended no help in hunting down the terrorists in Afghanistan despite getting billions in aid from the United States. &nbsp;

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The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/947802588174577664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&#39;&#39;The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!,&#39;&#39; the president tweeted.

&nbsp;

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We will respond to President Trump&#39;s tweet shortly inshallah...Will let the world know the truth..difference between facts &amp; fiction..
&mdash; Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) <a href="https://twitter.com/KhawajaMAsif/status/947816295738863616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It was not immediately clear what prompted Trump&rsquo;s criticism of Pakistan but he has long complained that Islamabad is not doing enough to tackle Islamist militants.

The New York Times reported on Dec. 29 that the Trump administration was &quot;strongly considering&quot; whether to withhold $255 million in aid to Pakistan.

It said U.S. officials had sought but been denied access to a member of the Taliban-linked Haqqani network captured in Pakistan who potentially could provide information about at least one American hostage.

The Trump administration said in August that it was delaying sending the $255 million in aid to Pakistan. Last month, Trump said in a speech the U.S. government makes &quot;massive payments every year to Pakistan. They have to help.&quot;

(With Reuters inputs)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Accusing Pakistan of providing safe heavens to terrorists, Trump said that the United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years.

Minutes after United States President Donald Trump accused Pakistan of 'lies' and 'deceit' and threatened to cut $255 million in aid, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif tweeted ''will let the world know the truth''. ''We will respond to President Trump's tweet shortly inshallah...Will let the world know the truth.. the difference between facts and fiction,'' tweeted Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif. Trump in his first tweet of 2018 attacked Pakistan for providing ''safe heavens'' to the terrorists. The United States has been fooled by Pakistan for 15 years, but no more, Trump tweeted on Monday. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, the tweet said. Accusing Pakistan of providing safe havens to terrorists, Trump said that Pakistan extended no help in hunting down the terrorists in Afghanistan despite getting billions in aid from the United States. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 × ''The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!,'' the president tweeted. We will respond to President Trump's tweet shortly inshallah...Will let the world know the truth..difference between facts & fiction.. — Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) January 1, 2018 × It was not immediately clear what prompted Trump’s criticism of Pakistan but he has long complained that Islamabad is not doing enough to tackle Islamist militants. The New York Times reported on Dec. 29 that the Trump administration was "strongly considering" whether to withhold $255 million in aid to Pakistan. It said U.S. officials had sought but been denied access to a member of the Taliban-linked Haqqani network captured in Pakistan who potentially could provide information about at least one American hostage. The Trump administration said in August that it was delaying sending the $255 million in aid to Pakistan. Last month, Trump said in a speech the U.S. government makes "massive payments every year to Pakistan. They have to help." (With Reuters inputs)

After Trump's tweetstorm, Pakistan says 'will let the world know the truth'

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit today hit out at the government questioning the implications of surgical strikes.&nbsp;

Calling it a drama, the Congress leader said that surgical strike had no impact.&nbsp;

&#39;&#39;One thing is very clear with this [Pulwama terror attack] that all the drama of surgical strike and their policies on Pakistan are clearly not working. We have to think in a different way and I don&#39;t think this government is able to keep our borders safe. On one hand, you are saying that there is no enemy like Pakistan and on the other hand, you are holding an NSC meeting,&quot; Dikshit told ANI

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Ek baat to saabit ho gayi ki sarkaar ki niti, khaaskar surgical strike ke jo natakiya inke pradarshan rahe hain, uska koi asar nahi ho paya. Hume dusre tarike se sochna padega aur mujhe nahi lagta ki sarkaar ke bas me hai ki senaon ko surakshit rakh sakein: S Dikshit, Congress <a href="https://t.co/jEQqpq0LXI">pic.twitter.com/jEQqpq0LXI</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/947732678219984896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The surgical strikes were conducted by the Indian army on September 29, 2016, across the Line of Control (LOC). The Indian army led by the PM Modi destroyed terrorist launch pads and killed many terrorists.&nbsp;

The Congress leader&#39;s remarks came after five soldiers were killed in the Pulwama attack carried out by&nbsp;Pakistan- based Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit today hit out at the government questioning the implications of surgical strikes

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit today hit out at the government questioning the implications of surgical strikes. Calling it a drama, the Congress leader said that surgical strike had no impact. ''One thing is very clear with this [Pulwama terror attack] that all the drama of surgical strike and their policies on Pakistan are clearly not working. We have to think in a different way and I don't think this government is able to keep our borders safe. On one hand, you are saying that there is no enemy like Pakistan and on the other hand, you are holding an NSC meeting," Dikshit told ANI Ek baat to saabit ho gayi ki sarkaar ki niti, khaaskar surgical strike ke jo natakiya inke pradarshan rahe hain, uska koi asar nahi ho paya. Hume dusre tarike se sochna padega aur mujhe nahi lagta ki sarkaar ke bas me hai ki senaon ko surakshit rakh sakein: S Dikshit, Congress pic.twitter.com/jEQqpq0LXI — ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2018 × The surgical strikes were conducted by the Indian army on September 29, 2016, across the Line of Control (LOC). The Indian army led by the PM Modi destroyed terrorist launch pads and killed many terrorists. The Congress leader's remarks came after five soldiers were killed in the Pulwama attack carried out by Pakistan- based Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Congress leader hits out at government over surgical strikes, calls it 'drama'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/weve-been-fooled-for-15-years-no-more-donald-trumps-tweet-to-pakistan-28253">We&#39;ve been fooled for 15 years, no more: Donald Trump&#39;s tweet to Pakistan</a>

United States President Donald Trump accusing Pakistan of &nbsp;&#39;lies&#39; and &#39;deceit&#39;, threatened to cut $255 million in aid.&nbsp;

The United States has been fooled by Pakistan for 15 years, but no more, Trump tweeted on Monday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajinikanth-urges-fans-to-come-together-and-register-on-his-new-website-28255">Rajinikanth urges people to come under one umbrella to change TN political landscape</a>

After announcing his political innings in his inimitable style on December 31, South Indian superstar Rajinikanth on Monday urged his fans and those longing for a change in the Tamil Nadu political landscape to come under one umbrella in order to bring the change they have been craving for.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-plans-takeover-of-charities-run-by-islamist-figure-us-has-targeted-28237">Pakistan plans takeover of charities linked to Hafiz Saeed</a>

Pakistan&#39;s government plans to seize control of charities and financial assets linked to Islamist leader Hafiz Saeed, who Washington has designated a terrorist, according to officials and documents.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ten-people-killed-in-iran-unrest-on-sunday-state-television-28251">Ten people killed in Iran unrest on Sunday: State television</a>

Ten people were killed during street protests in Iran on Sunday, state television said on Monday.

The nationwide protests have drawn in tens of thousands of people and represent the boldest challenge to Iran`s leadership since pro-reform unrest in 2009. Calls for more demonstrations on Monday raised the possibility of prolonged instability.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-exchange-list-of-nuclear-installations-28249">India, Pakistan exchange list of nuclear installations</a>

India and Pakistan today exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the list of nuclear installations and facilities under a three-decade-old bilateral pact.

We've been fooled for 15 years, no more: Donald Trump's tweet to Pakistan United States President Donald Trump accusing Pakistan of 'lies' and 'deceit', threatened to cut $255 million in aid. The United States has been fooled by Pakistan for 15 years, but no more, Trump tweeted on Monday. Rajinikanth urges people to come under one umbrella to change TN political landscape After announcing his political innings in his inimitable style on December 31, South Indian superstar Rajinikanth on Monday urged his fans and those longing for a change in the Tamil Nadu political landscape to come under one umbrella in order to bring the change they have been craving for. Pakistan plans takeover of charities linked to Hafiz Saeed Pakistan's government plans to seize control of charities and financial assets linked to Islamist leader Hafiz Saeed, who Washington has designated a terrorist, according to officials and documents. Ten people killed in Iran unrest on Sunday: State television Ten people were killed during street protests in Iran on Sunday, state television said on Monday. The nationwide protests have drawn in tens of thousands of people and represent the boldest challenge to Iran`s leadership since pro-reform unrest in 2009. Calls for more demonstrations on Monday raised the possibility of prolonged instability. India, Pakistan exchange list of nuclear installations India and Pakistan today exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the list of nuclear installations and facilities under a three-decade-old bilateral pact.

WION Evening News Brief, January 1, 2018

The people of Gilgit Baltistan recently staged a protest against Pakistan government outside Lahore Press Club.&nbsp;

The residents of the region raised the slogans &quot;hum leke&nbsp;rahenge&nbsp;azaadi&quot; (We will take the liberty).&nbsp;

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Pakistan: Residents of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GilgitBaltistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GilgitBaltistan</a> staged a demonstration against Pakistan, outside Press Club in Lahore, raised &#39;hum leke rahenge azaadi&#39; slogans. <a href="https://t.co/mhtl8MNpia">pic.twitter.com/mhtl8MNpia</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946988764554866688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gilgit-baltistan-mounts-voice-against-illegal-taxation-25730" target="_blank">Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan mounts voice against illegal taxation</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank">Opinion: Why Pakistan supports Kashmir&#39;s </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank">aazadi</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank"> and not that of PoK</a>

The protesters revolted saying &quot;We are humans do not treat us like animals&quot;.

The people from the restive region demanded basic rights at par with other citizens.

Calling the imposition of taxes by the Pakistan government as illegal the protesters said the government has no right to impose taxes on them until they are provided with basic rights.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/widespread-protests-in-pok-gilgit-baltistan-against-ill-treatment-of-locals-by-pakistan-27543" target="_blank">Widespread protests in PoK, Gilgit Baltistan against ill-treatment of locals by Pakistan</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/members-of-baloch-and-sindhi-community-protest-against-pakistan-in-london-26418" target="_blank">Members of Baloch and Sindhi community protest against Pakistan in London</a>

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We are humans do not treat us like animals, we should be given all the basic rights at par with other citizens: Protester in Gilgit-Baltistan&#39;s Skardu at a demonstration against Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/VtWXOF7NjP">pic.twitter.com/VtWXOF7NjP</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946980750808584192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Until they give us our basic rights, they do not have any right to impose taxes on us. We are not ready to accept the taxes you (Pakistan) have imposed on us, it is illegal: Protester in Gilgit-Baltistan&#39;s Skardu at a demonstration against Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/Dn7Xrv4t9h">pic.twitter.com/Dn7Xrv4t9h</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946983012599603200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The region has been witnessing frequent protests from the local people of the region.&nbsp;

The protesters revolted saying 'We are humans do not treat us like animals'

The people of Gilgit Baltistan recently staged a protest against Pakistan government outside Lahore Press Club. The residents of the region raised the slogans "hum leke rahenge azaadi" (We will take the liberty). Pakistan: Residents of #GilgitBaltistan staged a demonstration against Pakistan, outside Press Club in Lahore, raised 'hum leke rahenge azaadi' slogans. pic.twitter.com/mhtl8MNpia — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2017 × Also read: Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan mounts voice against illegal taxation Also read: Opinion: Why Pakistan supports Kashmir's aazadi and not that of PoK The protesters revolted saying "We are humans do not treat us like animals". The people from the restive region demanded basic rights at par with other citizens. Calling the imposition of taxes by the Pakistan government as illegal the protesters said the government has no right to impose taxes on them until they are provided with basic rights. Also read: Widespread protests in PoK, Gilgit Baltistan against ill-treatment of locals by Pakistan Also read: Members of Baloch and Sindhi community protest against Pakistan in London We are humans do not treat us like animals, we should be given all the basic rights at par with other citizens: Protester in Gilgit-Baltistan's Skardu at a demonstration against Pakistan pic.twitter.com/VtWXOF7NjP — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2017 × Until they give us our basic rights, they do not have any right to impose taxes on us. We are not ready to accept the taxes you (Pakistan) have imposed on us, it is illegal: Protester in Gilgit-Baltistan's Skardu at a demonstration against Pakistan pic.twitter.com/Dn7Xrv4t9h — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2017 × The region has been witnessing frequent protests from the local people of the region.

People from Gilgit Baltistan protest against Pakistan

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has apprehended a Pakistan boat comprising of six crew on Friday.&nbsp;

The Pakistan&nbsp;nationals have been arrested for&nbsp;illegally fishing in Indian waters.&nbsp;

The ICG spotted the ship while it was patrolling close to International Maritime Boundary Line.&nbsp;

The Pakistani boat &#39;Sindh Singhar&#39;, six crew members and the 300 kg fish has been handed over to the local Marine Police for further investigation.&nbsp;

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Pakistani boat apprehended for illegally fishing in Indian waters by the boarding party of ICGS C - 408, yesterday. Crew of the ship detected the boat while patrolling close to International Maritime Boundary Line <a href="https://t.co/6C3I0HxCpr">pic.twitter.com/6C3I0HxCpr</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946766235890458624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The boat &#39;Sindh Singhar&#39; was operating with six crew onboard, all Pakistani nationals and carrying 300 kg fish; fishing boat along with six crew have been handed over to local Marine Police for further investigation. <a href="https://t.co/rfikBgxlXN">pic.twitter.com/rfikBgxlXN</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946766553550221313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The arrest has come after<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-releases-144-indian-fishermen-via-attari-wagah-border-28082" target="_blank"> Pakistan released 144 Indian fishermen&nbsp;</a>via the Attari border on humanitarian grounds.

The fishermen had allegedly entered and fished in Islamabad&#39;s territorial waters.

The Pakistan?nationals have been arrested for?illegally fishing in Indian waters

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has apprehended a Pakistan boat comprising of six crew on Friday. The Pakistan nationals have been arrested for illegally fishing in Indian waters. The ICG spotted the ship while it was patrolling close to International Maritime Boundary Line. The Pakistani boat 'Sindh Singhar', six crew members and the 300 kg fish has been handed over to the local Marine Police for further investigation. Pakistani boat apprehended for illegally fishing in Indian waters by the boarding party of ICGS C - 408, yesterday. Crew of the ship detected the boat while patrolling close to International Maritime Boundary Line pic.twitter.com/6C3I0HxCpr — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2017 × The boat 'Sindh Singhar' was operating with six crew onboard, all Pakistani nationals and carrying 300 kg fish; fishing boat along with six crew have been handed over to local Marine Police for further investigation. pic.twitter.com/rfikBgxlXN — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2017 × The arrest has come after Pakistan released 144 Indian fishermen via the Attari border on humanitarian grounds. The fishermen had allegedly entered and fished in Islamabad's territorial waters.

Indian Coast Guards apprehend 6 Pakistan nationals from Indian waters

Afghanistan&#39;s ambassador to India recently reacted on the harassment faced by Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s kin in Islamabad.&nbsp;

&quot;Human beings should be treated like humans only &amp; should not be made victims of politics,&quot; Shaida Mohammad Abdali was quoted by ANI.&nbsp;

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Human beings should be treated like humans only &amp; should not be made victims of politics: Shaida Mohammad Abdali, Afghanistan Ambassador to India on heckling &amp; harassing of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbhushanJadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbhushanJadhav</a>&#39;s mother &amp; wife in Islamabad <a href="https://t.co/l983KHLEYA">pic.twitter.com/l983KHLEYA</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/947112728409206784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Former Indian naval officer, Kulbhushan Jadhav met his family on December 25 at Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Ministry office in Islamabad.&nbsp;

Jadhav&#39;s family returned to India that evening and met Union External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj a day later.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs reported that Jadhav&#39;s family was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/killer-son-played-holi-with-blood-of-pakistanis-jadhavs-wife-mother-heckled-by-media-in-islamabad-27829">heckled and harassed</a> during their meeting with Jadhav and that the manner in which the meeting was conducted violated the terms and agreements that the two countries had agreed upon.&nbsp;

MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the &quot;cultural and religious sensibilities of family members were disregarded&quot;.&nbsp;

Kulbhushan Jadhav faces espionage charges and was sentenced to death by Pakistan on April 10, 2017.&nbsp;

Jadhav&#39;s execution was halted in May 2018 after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) intervened.&nbsp;

The case currently rests with the world court for further action.&nbsp;

Kulbhushan Jadhav faces espionage charges and was sentenced to death by Pakistan on April 10, 2017

Afghanistan's ambassador to India recently reacted on the harassment faced by Kulbhushan Jadhav's kin in Islamabad. "Human beings should be treated like humans only & should not be made victims of politics," Shaida Mohammad Abdali was quoted by ANI. Human beings should be treated like humans only & should not be made victims of politics: Shaida Mohammad Abdali, Afghanistan Ambassador to India on heckling & harassing of #KulbhushanJadhav's mother & wife in Islamabad pic.twitter.com/l983KHLEYA — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2017 × Former Indian naval officer, Kulbhushan Jadhav met his family on December 25 at Pakistan's Foreign Ministry office in Islamabad. Jadhav's family returned to India that evening and met Union External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj a day later. The Ministry of External Affairs reported that Jadhav's family was heckled and harassed during their meeting with Jadhav and that the manner in which the meeting was conducted violated the terms and agreements that the two countries had agreed upon. MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the "cultural and religious sensibilities of family members were disregarded". Kulbhushan Jadhav faces espionage charges and was sentenced to death by Pakistan on April 10, 2017. Jadhav's execution was halted in May 2018 after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) intervened. The case currently rests with the world court for further action.

Afghanistan's Ambassador to India reacts on Jadhav's kin harassment

After the Indian cricketer took to Twitter, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/shikhar-dhawan-slams-airline-for-not-allowing-his-family-onboard-28076">slamming Emirates airline&nbsp;for causing inconvenience to his family</a>, the airlines issued an official statement.

Emirates stated that all passengers must adhere to the travelling regulations of the countries in which the airline operates.

The statement noted that passengers must carry relevant documents while travelling abroad.&nbsp;

&quot;Since 1 June 2015, according to South African regulations, anyone travelling to the country with a minor under 18 needs to prove parenthood or guardianship - while adults travelling alone with their children need to show that they have the consent of their non-travelling partner,&quot; Emirates noted in an official response.

&quot;Like all airlines, we must comply with the laws of every country in which we operate and this is a shared responsibility with passengers, who are required to hold valid travel documents for all countries on their itinerary,&quot; the statement further read.

The 32-year-old opening batsman tweeted and complained that his wife and child were not allowed aboard at the Dubai airport.&nbsp;

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We&#39;re sorry to hear this, Shikhar. We&#39;d like to find out more on a private message. Please include your booking reference or e-ticket numbers starting in 176. <a href="https://t.co/67ooSY3Pnf">https://t.co/67ooSY3Pnf</a>
&mdash; Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesSupport/status/946665505276026880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Absolutely unprofessional from @emirates. Was on my way 2 SA with my fam &amp; was told that my wife and kids can&#39;t board the flight from Dubai to SA. Was asked to produce birth certificates &amp; other documents for my kids at the airport which we obviously didn&#39;t have at that moment,&quot; he tweeted.&nbsp;

Dhawan was travelling to South Africa along with his family for Team India&#39;s 56-day tour of South Africa.

India will play a series of three Tests, six ODIs and three T20s against South Africa.&nbsp;

The first Test match will be played on January 5 in Cape Town.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

After the Indian cricketer took to Twitter, slamming Emirates airline for causing inconvenience to his family, the airlines issued an official statement. Emirates stated that all passengers must adhere to the travelling regulations of the countries in which the airline operates. The statement noted that passengers must carry relevant documents while travelling abroad. "Since 1 June 2015, according to South African regulations, anyone travelling to the country with a minor under 18 needs to prove parenthood or guardianship - while adults travelling alone with their children need to show that they have the consent of their non-travelling partner," Emirates noted in an official response. "Like all airlines, we must comply with the laws of every country in which we operate and this is a shared responsibility with passengers, who are required to hold valid travel documents for all countries on their itinerary," the statement further read. The 32-year-old opening batsman tweeted and complained that his wife and child were not allowed aboard at the Dubai airport. We're sorry to hear this, Shikhar. We'd like to find out more on a private message. Please include your booking reference or e-ticket numbers starting in 176. https://t.co/67ooSY3Pnf — Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) December 29, 2017 × "Absolutely unprofessional from @emirates. Was on my way 2 SA with my fam & was told that my wife and kids can't board the flight from Dubai to SA. Was asked to produce birth certificates & other documents for my kids at the airport which we obviously didn't have at that moment," he tweeted. Dhawan was travelling to South Africa along with his family for Team India's 56-day tour of South Africa. India will play a series of three Tests, six ODIs and three T20s against South Africa. The first Test match will be played on January 5 in Cape Town. (With inputs from ANI)

WION Morning News brief, 30 December 2017

If one were to either listen to the drivel that passes for discussion on Prime Time TV on the question of the recent killing of an Indian Army officer, Major Prafulla, and three jawans of the SIKH Regiment, one could well be forgiven for thinking that we are in the middle of a war with Pakistan. Added to this provocation was the utterly callous, disgraceful and uncivilized manner in which the Pakistan Government treated the mother and wife of the alleged spy, former naval officer, Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav after permitting them to meet him on &ldquo;humanitarian&rdquo; grounds.&nbsp; These have been grounds enough for hawks here to swoop down and publicly demand that Pakistan be taught a &ldquo;lesson.&rdquo; Politicians too, especially from the ruling coalition, have not held back either, with Mr. Subramanium Swamy leading the charge.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Fortunately for us, most of these individuals are ensconced either in climate controlled studios or in Lutyens Delhi, well protected by their personal security of Black Cat Commandos. One can also rest assured that those baying for Pakistani blood are certainly not going to volunteer to lead the next cross-border raid or assault. As a matter of fact, leave them aside, even their own kith and kin are unlikely to be anywhere in the vicinity of our forces, those whom they are so willing to put in harms&rsquo; way.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Undoubtedly, we have much to be angry with Pakistan about. It&rsquo;s unabated, but wholly unsuccessful, attempts to drag us into the swamp where it wallows is certainly reason enough. Though at the end of the day its schizophrenic and delusional obsession with Jammu and Kashmir has been more damaging to its polity than anything we could have ever done, barring Bangladesh, and that too would not have occurred if they had not been more sensitive and humane in their dealings with their Bengali comrades.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is true that Pakistan has provided moral and material support to the Kashmir insurgency. The jihadi elements based there continue to infiltrate terrorists to cause carnage in Jammu and Kashmir and even further afield. Their efforts have actually been just a drop in the ocean with an odd success here and there, resulting more from our own inept handling of our communal environment rather than because of their capability to cause us harm. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Unfortunately, successes by these terrorist elements have been used by our political leadership to divert attention from their own failures to initiate political, social and economic measures in the state. Such a step would have met the aspirations of the local population and resolved most of the issues that have been troubling us for the past three decades. This, despite the fact that politicians, dyed in all hues, have had ample opportunity to the take the initiative, but have neither displayed the strength of character nor the willingness to take things forward. At the end of the day, the fruits that the business of insurgency provides them are too lucrative to surrender. &nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp;

That brings us to the ongoing situation at the LOC wherein as a tit- for- tat action, a Pakistan Army link patrol was ambushed by a Border Action Team in response to the attack on the Sikh Battalion.&nbsp; Pakistan suffered three killed and one wounded and on the Indian side, there was the death of one officer and three men. As a matter of fact, this was just a repeat of similar incidents, too innumerable to recount, that have dogged both our Armies ever since the First War of 1948. These actions have little strategic or tactical significance and are routinely carried out by both sides to gain moral and psychological ascendancy over the other side. There is little to cheer over these tragic events, no great leap forward or summit conquered.

&nbsp;

One is, therefore, at a loss to understand what the hoopla is about or the reason for the display of excessive testosterone over the past few days among those who haunt our media channels.&nbsp; If the media is at all serious about its job, it should be questioning our political leadership as to why this unending tragedy has been perpetuated on our forces and people over decades. What have any of our great leaders done, over the years, to resolve this unfortunate state of affairs?&nbsp; How is it that despite agreeing to return 90,000 prisoners in 1971, we were unable to convince Pakistan to amicably resolve a 700 km border?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is time to desist being fooled by the unholy exhortations of our leaders to mindless sacrifice, in which neither they nor their kin ever contribute. Instead, it is high time that we started to ask them uncomfortable and hard questions as to their motives for keeping hostilities on a perennial simmer.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

There is little to cheer over these tragic events, no great leap forward or summit conquered.

If one were to either listen to the drivel that passes for discussion on Prime Time TV on the question of the recent killing of an Indian Army officer, Major Prafulla, and three jawans of the SIKH Regiment, one could well be forgiven for thinking that we are in the middle of a war with Pakistan. Added to this provocation was the utterly callous, disgraceful and uncivilized manner in which the Pakistan Government treated the mother and wife of the alleged spy, former naval officer, Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav after permitting them to meet him on “humanitarian” grounds. These have been grounds enough for hawks here to swoop down and publicly demand that Pakistan be taught a “lesson.” Politicians too, especially from the ruling coalition, have not held back either, with Mr. Subramanium Swamy leading the charge. Fortunately for us, most of these individuals are ensconced either in climate controlled studios or in Lutyens Delhi, well protected by their personal security of Black Cat Commandos. One can also rest assured that those baying for Pakistani blood are certainly not going to volunteer to lead the next cross-border raid or assault. As a matter of fact, leave them aside, even their own kith and kin are unlikely to be anywhere in the vicinity of our forces, those whom they are so willing to put in harms’ way. Undoubtedly, we have much to be angry with Pakistan about. It’s unabated, but wholly unsuccessful, attempts to drag us into the swamp where it wallows is certainly reason enough. Though at the end of the day its schizophrenic and delusional obsession with Jammu and Kashmir has been more damaging to its polity than anything we could have ever done, barring Bangladesh, and that too would not have occurred if they had not been more sensitive and humane in their dealings with their Bengali comrades. It is true that Pakistan has provided moral and material support to the Kashmir insurgency. The jihadi elements based there continue to infiltrate terrorists to cause carnage in Jammu and Kashmir and even further afield. Their efforts have actually been just a drop in the ocean with an odd success here and there, resulting more from our own inept handling of our communal environment rather than because of their capability to cause us harm. Unfortunately, successes by these terrorist elements have been used by our political leadership to divert attention from their own failures to initiate political, social and economic measures in the state. Such a step would have met the aspirations of the local population and resolved most of the issues that have been troubling us for the past three decades. This, despite the fact that politicians, dyed in all hues, have had ample opportunity to the take the initiative, but have neither displayed the strength of character nor the willingness to take things forward. At the end of the day, the fruits that the business of insurgency provides them are too lucrative to surrender. That brings us to the ongoing situation at the LOC wherein as a tit- for- tat action, a Pakistan Army link patrol was ambushed by a Border Action Team in response to the attack on the Sikh Battalion. Pakistan suffered three killed and one wounded and on the Indian side, there was the death of one officer and three men. As a matter of fact, this was just a repeat of similar incidents, too innumerable to recount, that have dogged both our Armies ever since the First War of 1948. These actions have little strategic or tactical significance and are routinely carried out by both sides to gain moral and psychological ascendancy over the other side. There is little to cheer over these tragic events, no great leap forward or summit conquered. One is, therefore, at a loss to understand what the hoopla is about or the reason for the display of excessive testosterone over the past few days among those who haunt our media channels. If the media is at all serious about its job, it should be questioning our political leadership as to why this unending tragedy has been perpetuated on our forces and people over decades. What have any of our great leaders done, over the years, to resolve this unfortunate state of affairs? How is it that despite agreeing to return 90,000 prisoners in 1971, we were unable to convince Pakistan to amicably resolve a 700 km border? It is time to desist being fooled by the unholy exhortations of our leaders to mindless sacrifice, in which neither they nor their kin ever contribute. Instead, it is high time that we started to ask them uncomfortable and hard questions as to their motives for keeping hostilities on a perennial simmer. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Requiem to the fallen soldier. But why so many deaths?

After it emerged that the Palestinian envoy was present at&nbsp;Mumbai terror attacks mastermind and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) co-founder Hafiz Saeed&#39;s rally in Pakistan, India slammed Palestine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in a statement said that they were taking up the matter with the&nbsp;Palestinian authorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fl9LuWeAwjI" width="560"></iframe>

&quot;We have seen reports in this regard. We are taking up the matter strongly with the Palestinian Ambassador in New Delhi and with the Palestinian authorities&quot;.

Palestinian envoy&nbsp;Walid Abu Ali was spotted participating in a&nbsp;rally organised by the Difa-e-Pakistan Council in Liaquat Bagh in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi on Friday morning.

Walid Abu Ali shared the stage with&nbsp;Hafiz Saeed during the rally.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Ambassador of Palestine to Pakistan Waleed Abu Ali attends a large rally organized by the Difah-e-Pakistan Council in Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi - seen with JUD chief Hafiz Saeed <a href="https://t.co/d8UXLFK8Mm">pic.twitter.com/d8UXLFK8Mm</a>
&mdash; omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) <a href="https://twitter.com/omar_quraishi/status/946711434565767168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The images of the two sharing the stage was widely shared on the social media and it soon went viral.

Formed in 2012, Difa-e-Pakistan (Defence of Pakistan) Council (DPC) is a congregation of Islamist groups in Pakistan, pressurising Pakistan government to snap ties with US&nbsp;and India.

Hafiz Saeed carries a bounty of USD 10 million for his alleged involvement in terror activities and has been declared a global terrorist by the United Nations.&nbsp;

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Drone footage of the crowd at Rawalpindi&#39;s Liaquat Bagh assembled to hear JUD chief Hafiz Saeed&#39;s Friday prayers sermon -- where he praised the formation of a 41-nation military alliance of Muslim nations &amp; said that it should take Trump&#39;s challenge <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SolidarityWithAlQudus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SolidarityWithAlQudus</a> <a href="https://t.co/FIbnsoCr3M">pic.twitter.com/FIbnsoCr3M</a>
&mdash; Abdul Rehman (@AbdulRe88555668) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbdulRe88555668/status/946702417177038848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Since his release, Saeed has made several anti-India and US statements at various forums across Pakistan.&nbsp;

Interestingly, earlier this month, India joined 127 other countries to vote in the United Nations General Assembly in favour of a resolution opposing the recent decision of US President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital.&nbsp;

This was in sync with Palestinian sentiments. 
&nbsp;

Hafiz Saeed carries a bounty of USD 10 million for his alleged involvement in terror activities and has been declared a global terrorist by the United Nations.

After it emerged that the Palestinian envoy was present at Mumbai terror attacks mastermind and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) co-founder Hafiz Saeed's rally in Pakistan, India slammed Palestine. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in a statement said that they were taking up the matter with the Palestinian authorities. "We have seen reports in this regard. We are taking up the matter strongly with the Palestinian Ambassador in New Delhi and with the Palestinian authorities". Palestinian envoy Walid Abu Ali was spotted participating in a rally organised by the Difa-e-Pakistan Council in Liaquat Bagh in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi on Friday morning. Walid Abu Ali shared the stage with Hafiz Saeed during the rally. Ambassador of Palestine to Pakistan Waleed Abu Ali attends a large rally organized by the Difah-e-Pakistan Council in Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi - seen with JUD chief Hafiz Saeed pic.twitter.com/d8UXLFK8Mm — omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) December 29, 2017 × The images of the two sharing the stage was widely shared on the social media and it soon went viral. Formed in 2012, Difa-e-Pakistan (Defence of Pakistan) Council (DPC) is a congregation of Islamist groups in Pakistan, pressurising Pakistan government to snap ties with US and India. Hafiz Saeed carries a bounty of USD 10 million for his alleged involvement in terror activities and has been declared a global terrorist by the United Nations. Drone footage of the crowd at Rawalpindi's Liaquat Bagh assembled to hear JUD chief Hafiz Saeed's Friday prayers sermon -- where he praised the formation of a 41-nation military alliance of Muslim nations & said that it should take Trump's challenge #SolidarityWithAlQudus pic.twitter.com/FIbnsoCr3M — Abdul Rehman (@AbdulRe88555668) December 29, 2017 × Since his release, Saeed has made several anti-India and US statements at various forums across Pakistan. Interestingly, earlier this month, India joined 127 other countries to vote in the United Nations General Assembly in favour of a resolution opposing the recent decision of US President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. This was in sync with Palestinian sentiments.

India slams the presence of Palestinian envoy at Hafiz Saeed's rally in Pakistan

Pakistan&#39;s military has warned the United States against taking any &#39;unilateral action&#39; against it, adding that the country&#39;s respect and sovereignty come first.

&quot;The armed forces are working with friends and want to continue doing so, but there can be no compromise on our national honour. We do not want a conflict with our friends, but will ensure the security of Pakistan,&quot; The Dawn quoted the Pakistan military spokesperson Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor as saying in a media briefing.

On December 4, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo issued a stern warning to Pakistan that if it did not act against the alleged terrorist safe havens inside the country, then the United States would be forced to destroy them on its own.

The CIA director gave this warning at the Reagan National Defence Forum in California on Saturday, when he was queried about what Trump administration was doing to make Pakistan participate in its new Afghan strategy.

Pakistan has consistently denied claims of Afghanistan and United States with respect to the presence of the terror havens on its soil.

Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif claimed that the majority of the attacks carried out in his country were coordinated from Afghanistan.

US Defense Secretary James Mattis has urged Pakistan to double its efforts to confront terrorists operating within the country.

He emphasised the vital role that Pakistan could play in working with the United States and others to facilitate a peace process in Afghanistan and bring back stability and security to the region, during his maiden visit to Pakistan since taking charge of the Pentagon.

Pakistan and Afghanistan share the strained bilateral relationship.

Both Kabul and Islamabad steadily purport that the attacks in the two countries were being plotted and carried out by the safe havens located in the two countries.&nbsp;

Pakistan has consistently denied claims of Afghanistan and United States with respect to the presence of the terror havens on its soil

Pakistan's military has warned the United States against taking any 'unilateral action' against it, adding that the country's respect and sovereignty come first. "The armed forces are working with friends and want to continue doing so, but there can be no compromise on our national honour. We do not want a conflict with our friends, but will ensure the security of Pakistan," The Dawn quoted the Pakistan military spokesperson Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor as saying in a media briefing. On December 4, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo issued a stern warning to Pakistan that if it did not act against the alleged terrorist safe havens inside the country, then the United States would be forced to destroy them on its own. The CIA director gave this warning at the Reagan National Defence Forum in California on Saturday, when he was queried about what Trump administration was doing to make Pakistan participate in its new Afghan strategy. Pakistan has consistently denied claims of Afghanistan and United States with respect to the presence of the terror havens on its soil. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif claimed that the majority of the attacks carried out in his country were coordinated from Afghanistan. US Defense Secretary James Mattis has urged Pakistan to double its efforts to confront terrorists operating within the country. He emphasised the vital role that Pakistan could play in working with the United States and others to facilitate a peace process in Afghanistan and bring back stability and security to the region, during his maiden visit to Pakistan since taking charge of the Pentagon. Pakistan and Afghanistan share the strained bilateral relationship. Both Kabul and Islamabad steadily purport that the attacks in the two countries were being plotted and carried out by the safe havens located in the two countries.

Pakistan military warns US against 'unilateral action'

A total of 145 Indian fishermen today crossed the Attari border into the country after Pakistani authorities released them from jail.

All the fishermen crossed over to India this evening through the land transit route of Wagah/Attari border on the basis of &#39;Emergency Travel Certificate&#39; issued by the Indian High Commission based in Islamabad.

The Indian fishermen were arrested in March this year when their boats strayed into Pakistani waters in the Arabian sea.

Immediately after the repatriation, medical examination of all fishermen was conducted by a team of Indian doctors.

Some of the released fishermen said it was very difficult to identify the territorial boundary during fishing in the Arabian sea.&nbsp;

The Indian fishermen were arrested in March this year when their boats strayed into Pakistani waters in the Arabian sea

A total of 145 Indian fishermen today crossed the Attari border into the country after Pakistani authorities released them from jail. All the fishermen crossed over to India this evening through the land transit route of Wagah/Attari border on the basis of 'Emergency Travel Certificate' issued by the Indian High Commission based in Islamabad. The Indian fishermen were arrested in March this year when their boats strayed into Pakistani waters in the Arabian sea. Immediately after the repatriation, medical examination of all fishermen was conducted by a team of Indian doctors. Some of the released fishermen said it was very difficult to identify the territorial boundary during fishing in the Arabian sea.

Pakistan releases 144 Indian fishermen via Attari-Wagah border

&quot;Your son massacred thousands of Pakistanis&quot;, the blunt question flew on to the face of the mother of Kulbhushan Jadhav.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Spy or no spy, no mother wants to hear that her son has been a mass murderer.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

If espionage is punishable by law then the punishment should be meted out to the person concerned and not spill over to include family members.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

For the record, Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s &#39;guilt&#39; or complicity in espionage activities have not been proven yet.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The mistreatment of family members is what India&#39;s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj pointed out today in the Parliament. She refered to the absurdity of Pakistan&#39;s actions.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

But while we understand, though find it unacceptable, the reasons behind the bullying tactics of the Pakistani government. What surprises us more is why would the Press act the way it did. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Then why did the Pakistan Press turned so brutal to the mother and the wife?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the turbulent, murky water of bilateral relation between India and Pakistan, even the Press, which should ideally disassociate itself from the hyper-nationalistic moods of the day turns into a tool of terror.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is unfortunate, but not an aberration, to see the Press acting in this way. While nationalism can justifiably turn one into a patriotic citizen, too much of nationalism can turn a patriot into a jingoistic individual. In an insecure democracy, such as Pakistan, the urge to prove patriotism can often go overboard.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In front of the glare of the international media, the temptation to conduct a media trial of two closest kins of the accused, even if they are innocent, is too big to be ignored.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Press, as per the classic definition, is the fourth estate. In a democracy, it is responsible for informing and educating the people. But more often than not, it abdicates that role and prefers to pander to the official position.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Let us be under no illusion that the Press of the world&#39;s largest democracy is any more independent or conscious than its counterpart in Pakistan. But such comparisons between two bad examples defeat the larger goal of having a fiercely independent and committed press.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The state establishments of Pakistan have done its share in humiliating, harassing and hurting the two ladies. Whose only crime, as I could make out from far, is being related to the alleged &#39;culprit&#39; by blood and through marriage. I suppose they have suffered enough for that. Punishments are not always meted out by courts, the sufferings that we undergo on a daily basis from a range of diffused sources can be traumatic too.

&nbsp;

As journalists, we are laden with the difficult task of maintaining a relationship with government and state machineries but at the same time, we are not expected to allow these relationships to soften our stance when we speak back to power.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

This ability and the responsibility to speak back to power, no matter how big and threatening its presence is, is a rare privilege. To lose it would mean an easy and cushy life but a redundant profession.

&nbsp;

In the Communist countries, the state has its own newspaper. The existence of media beyond the control of the state is rarely encouraged. This idea of a state-controlled media stemmed from the ideological position that the Communist Party, as the vanguard of the proletariat, will be in a position to portray the most genuine concerns of the people. Over time, however, the fallacy of such a position became too glaring to ignore. The apathy towards bourgeois-run media turned into a ploy to gag free press.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In a robust democracy, such as India or in a fragile representative government, such as Pakistan, the ambiguity of state control over the Press makes it even more hideous. The danger of an obsequious media always is present but well masquerade under the nationalist garb.

&nbsp;

Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s case provided just enough instigation for the Pakistani Press to unveil its true character. The violence, the impatience, and the vitriolic that it directed towards Jadhav&#39;s mother and wife is what it is expected to carry in its bosom towards anyone identified by the state as its enemy.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

They just need to be tad careful though. The moment state&#39;s agenda becomes the media&#39;s agenda, the dangers are that journalists become apologists of the state.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There is a big difference between state and the nation; people and the politician. It is for us to choose our focus of primary allegiance.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The moment state's agenda becomes the media's agenda, the dangers are that journalists become apologists of the state.?

"Your son massacred thousands of Pakistanis", the blunt question flew on to the face of the mother of Kulbhushan Jadhav. Spy or no spy, no mother wants to hear that her son has been a mass murderer. If espionage is punishable by law then the punishment should be meted out to the person concerned and not spill over to include family members. For the record, Kulbhushan Jadhav's 'guilt' or complicity in espionage activities have not been proven yet. The mistreatment of family members is what India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj pointed out today in the Parliament. She refered to the absurdity of Pakistan's actions. But while we understand, though find it unacceptable, the reasons behind the bullying tactics of the Pakistani government. What surprises us more is why would the Press act the way it did. Then why did the Pakistan Press turned so brutal to the mother and the wife? In the turbulent, murky water of bilateral relation between India and Pakistan, even the Press, which should ideally disassociate itself from the hyper-nationalistic moods of the day turns into a tool of terror. It is unfortunate, but not an aberration, to see the Press acting in this way. While nationalism can justifiably turn one into a patriotic citizen, too much of nationalism can turn a patriot into a jingoistic individual. In an insecure democracy, such as Pakistan, the urge to prove patriotism can often go overboard. In front of the glare of the international media, the temptation to conduct a media trial of two closest kins of the accused, even if they are innocent, is too big to be ignored. The Press, as per the classic definition, is the fourth estate. In a democracy, it is responsible for informing and educating the people. But more often than not, it abdicates that role and prefers to pander to the official position. Let us be under no illusion that the Press of the world's largest democracy is any more independent or conscious than its counterpart in Pakistan. But such comparisons between two bad examples defeat the larger goal of having a fiercely independent and committed press. The state establishments of Pakistan have done its share in humiliating, harassing and hurting the two ladies. Whose only crime, as I could make out from far, is being related to the alleged 'culprit' by blood and through marriage. I suppose they have suffered enough for that. Punishments are not always meted out by courts, the sufferings that we undergo on a daily basis from a range of diffused sources can be traumatic too. As journalists, we are laden with the difficult task of maintaining a relationship with government and state machineries but at the same time, we are not expected to allow these relationships to soften our stance when we speak back to power. This ability and the responsibility to speak back to power, no matter how big and threatening its presence is, is a rare privilege. To lose it would mean an easy and cushy life but a redundant profession. In the Communist countries, the state has its own newspaper. The existence of media beyond the control of the state is rarely encouraged. This idea of a state-controlled media stemmed from the ideological position that the Communist Party, as the vanguard of the proletariat, will be in a position to portray the most genuine concerns of the people. Over time, however, the fallacy of such a position became too glaring to ignore. The apathy towards bourgeois-run media turned into a ploy to gag free press. In a robust democracy, such as India or in a fragile representative government, such as Pakistan, the ambiguity of state control over the Press makes it even more hideous. The danger of an obsequious media always is present but well masquerade under the nationalist garb. Kulbhushan Jadhav's case provided just enough instigation for the Pakistani Press to unveil its true character. The violence, the impatience, and the vitriolic that it directed towards Jadhav's mother and wife is what it is expected to carry in its bosom towards anyone identified by the state as its enemy. They just need to be tad careful though. The moment state's agenda becomes the media's agenda, the dangers are that journalists become apologists of the state. There is a big difference between state and the nation; people and the politician. It is for us to choose our focus of primary allegiance. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Why Pakistani press was so brutal to Kulbhushan's family

When the Pakistani government announced that they would allow the family of Kulbushan Jadhav to visit Islamabad and meet with the imprisoned Indian in Pakistan, it seemed like relations between the two neighbors were going to move in a positive direction, and that too after a long time.

&nbsp;

But this hope for progress was short-lived, and if anything, the relations have actually worsened, ever since 25th of December when the wife and mother of Mr. Jadhav met him at the Ministry of Foreign Office&rsquo;s compound in the Pakistani capital. Shortly after the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi lambasted the treatment Jadhav&rsquo;s family received during their one-day-long stay in Pakistan. Their counterparts in Islamabad refuted the accusations of ill-treatment, citing security protocol for the treatment the two women were subjected to. Insiders say that the meet-up was not in the hands of the civilian authorities, and the military was in charge of all affairs and therefore concerns for security overshadowed considerations for hospitality.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Adding fuel to this fire is the Line of Control (LoC), which has also heated up, and may very well be linked to the fall-out from the Jadhav meet-up.

&nbsp;

But as is always the case with the LoC &ndash; both sides have a different version of what has happened there and it is almost impossible to independently verify the information disseminated by the militaries on both sides.

&nbsp;

In this latest cross-border incident, Pakistan claims to have lost three of its soldiers while thwarting an Indian-backed non-state actors&rsquo; infiltration bid. The government further claimed that the non-state actors were attempting to plant mines on the Pakistani side of the border.

&nbsp;

On the other hand, India says its soldiers went inside Pakistani territory and killed three enemy soldiers in retaliation to Indian uniformed men killed a day earlier.

&nbsp;

What really happened? We may never get to know. And while on both sides the military guns have gone silent for now, the diplomatic spat continues with the latest controversy surfaced on Wednesday over the missing shoes of the wife of Jadhav, which the Pakistani officials confiscated, claiming that the shoes had some metallic object hidden in them. The shoe has been sent for testing at a lab.

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Somedays we do a story tht disgusts us. Today was one such day. But it wasnt cuz of what I covered. Rather it was cuz of how my fellow journos behaved with mother &amp; wife of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbushanJadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbushanJadhav</a> whn they left FO building. They shouted taunts. It was very shameful
&mdash; Taha Siddiqui (@TahaSSiddiqui) <a href="https://twitter.com/TahaSSiddiqui/status/945320373117210624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

As a Pakistani journalist working for an Indian news outlet, I have been covering all of the happenings closely, and most of it is repetitive of what I have seen before, thus making it quite predictable. But there is one aspect this time that was and continues to surprise or rather shock me: the behavior of my fellow journalists who waited alongside me at the Pakistan Foreign Office complex for the arrival and exit of Jadhav&rsquo;s relatives accompanied by an Indian diplomat.

&nbsp;

Many of these journalists are familiar faces at Foreign Office briefings and have a number of years of experience before being allotted such an important news beat to cover. And yet on Monday, when they were covering the meet-up, they seemed to have lost all sense of ethics when it comes to reporting.

&nbsp;

In my profession, it is understandable to ask questions even if the subject is unwilling to answer them, and since the advent of television news, such interactions are often aired to show the audience the reluctance of the subjects being covered and make a point.

&nbsp;

But that day, the reporters did not ask questions, especially when the family was leaving the venue.

&nbsp;

They shouted accusations, allegations and slogans at the two women who may have met their loved one for the last time, given that Jadhav is on death row and can be executed any day.

&nbsp;

Whatever his alleged crimes are, the two women did not deserve such harassment, and that too from supposedly trained professionals.

&nbsp;

One reporter screamed how Jadhav&rsquo;s mother felt &ldquo;being a parent to a terrorist?&rdquo; Another one asked the wife if she supported her husband who was &ldquo;a killer of hundreds of Pakistanis?&rdquo; Another one asked if the women &ldquo;felt ashamed of his activities?&rdquo;

&nbsp;

The Pakistani Foreign Office had ensured that the reporters stayed at a distance so there was no up close interaction, and we did stand at a distance from the trio when they were exiting. But I had heard one of the government officials promising some of the journalists &ldquo;an interaction&rdquo; with the family once they came out. And not so surprisingly, when they exited the building, the Pakistani government&rsquo;s vehicle they were to be transported back was nowhere to be seen, giving enough time for the journalists to hurl taunts at the Indian visitors. As the four-wheeler arrived and the guests sat inside it, another journalist went even one step further and started to chant &ldquo;Pakistan Zindabad&rdquo; (Long-live Pakistan). This riled up others around too, and soon a large number of them joined in the chorus. Only once the vehicle was out of sight did they stop their self-perceived patriotic demeanor.

&nbsp;

While all this may have taken then less than ten minutes to transpire, it left me in a shock. Also, I felt like I was the only one who thought this was wrong, as I saw most of my brethren pack-up and move away from the location. Some of them even laughed about how they did a great job.

&nbsp;

I thought of talking to the foreign office officials about it, since they could perhaps put some sense into the reporters who misbehaved this way. But I stopped myself short of doing so, when I received a message, sent out to journalists on the Pakistani Foreign Office WhatsApp list, thanking everyone for &ldquo;being responsible media.&rdquo;

&nbsp;

I did not know what else to do but to report it for my channel. But I also decided to tweet about it &ndash; not only vent out the disgust I felt but also tell my neighbors that among the journalists present to cover the meeting between Jadhav and his family, reporters like me were also present who have publicly condemned such conduct by my fellow colleagues. Thankfully, the tweet has gone viral since then. And while the Indians may think that all Pakistani media personnel is unprofessional, I hope to give them a reason to think otherwise.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

I received a message, sent out to journalists on the Pakistani Foreign Office WhatsApp list, thanking everyone for ?being responsible media.?

When the Pakistani government announced that they would allow the family of Kulbushan Jadhav to visit Islamabad and meet with the imprisoned Indian in Pakistan, it seemed like relations between the two neighbors were going to move in a positive direction, and that too after a long time. But this hope for progress was short-lived, and if anything, the relations have actually worsened, ever since 25th of December when the wife and mother of Mr. Jadhav met him at the Ministry of Foreign Office’s compound in the Pakistani capital. Shortly after the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi lambasted the treatment Jadhav’s family received during their one-day-long stay in Pakistan. Their counterparts in Islamabad refuted the accusations of ill-treatment, citing security protocol for the treatment the two women were subjected to. Insiders say that the meet-up was not in the hands of the civilian authorities, and the military was in charge of all affairs and therefore concerns for security overshadowed considerations for hospitality. Adding fuel to this fire is the Line of Control (LoC), which has also heated up, and may very well be linked to the fall-out from the Jadhav meet-up. But as is always the case with the LoC – both sides have a different version of what has happened there and it is almost impossible to independently verify the information disseminated by the militaries on both sides. In this latest cross-border incident, Pakistan claims to have lost three of its soldiers while thwarting an Indian-backed non-state actors’ infiltration bid. The government further claimed that the non-state actors were attempting to plant mines on the Pakistani side of the border. On the other hand, India says its soldiers went inside Pakistani territory and killed three enemy soldiers in retaliation to Indian uniformed men killed a day earlier. What really happened? We may never get to know. And while on both sides the military guns have gone silent for now, the diplomatic spat continues with the latest controversy surfaced on Wednesday over the missing shoes of the wife of Jadhav, which the Pakistani officials confiscated, claiming that the shoes had some metallic object hidden in them. The shoe has been sent for testing at a lab. Somedays we do a story tht disgusts us. Today was one such day. But it wasnt cuz of what I covered. Rather it was cuz of how my fellow journos behaved with mother & wife of #KulbushanJadhav whn they left FO building. They shouted taunts. It was very shameful — Taha Siddiqui (@TahaSSiddiqui) December 25, 2017 × As a Pakistani journalist working for an Indian news outlet, I have been covering all of the happenings closely, and most of it is repetitive of what I have seen before, thus making it quite predictable. But there is one aspect this time that was and continues to surprise or rather shock me: the behavior of my fellow journalists who waited alongside me at the Pakistan Foreign Office complex for the arrival and exit of Jadhav’s relatives accompanied by an Indian diplomat. Many of these journalists are familiar faces at Foreign Office briefings and have a number of years of experience before being allotted such an important news beat to cover. And yet on Monday, when they were covering the meet-up, they seemed to have lost all sense of ethics when it comes to reporting. In my profession, it is understandable to ask questions even if the subject is unwilling to answer them, and since the advent of television news, such interactions are often aired to show the audience the reluctance of the subjects being covered and make a point. But that day, the reporters did not ask questions, especially when the family was leaving the venue. They shouted accusations, allegations and slogans at the two women who may have met their loved one for the last time, given that Jadhav is on death row and can be executed any day. Whatever his alleged crimes are, the two women did not deserve such harassment, and that too from supposedly trained professionals. One reporter screamed how Jadhav’s mother felt “being a parent to a terrorist?” Another one asked the wife if she supported her husband who was “a killer of hundreds of Pakistanis?” Another one asked if the women “felt ashamed of his activities?” The Pakistani Foreign Office had ensured that the reporters stayed at a distance so there was no up close interaction, and we did stand at a distance from the trio when they were exiting. But I had heard one of the government officials promising some of the journalists “an interaction” with the family once they came out. And not so surprisingly, when they exited the building, the Pakistani government’s vehicle they were to be transported back was nowhere to be seen, giving enough time for the journalists to hurl taunts at the Indian visitors. As the four-wheeler arrived and the guests sat inside it, another journalist went even one step further and started to chant “Pakistan Zindabad” (Long-live Pakistan). This riled up others around too, and soon a large number of them joined in the chorus. Only once the vehicle was out of sight did they stop their self-perceived patriotic demeanor. While all this may have taken then less than ten minutes to transpire, it left me in a shock. Also, I felt like I was the only one who thought this was wrong, as I saw most of my brethren pack-up and move away from the location. Some of them even laughed about how they did a great job. I thought of talking to the foreign office officials about it, since they could perhaps put some sense into the reporters who misbehaved this way. But I stopped myself short of doing so, when I received a message, sent out to journalists on the Pakistani Foreign Office WhatsApp list, thanking everyone for “being responsible media.” I did not know what else to do but to report it for my channel. But I also decided to tweet about it – not only vent out the disgust I felt but also tell my neighbors that among the journalists present to cover the meeting between Jadhav and his family, reporters like me were also present who have publicly condemned such conduct by my fellow colleagues. Thankfully, the tweet has gone viral since then. And while the Indians may think that all Pakistani media personnel is unprofessional, I hope to give them a reason to think otherwise. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Why I am disgusted at the unethical way Pakistan treated Jadhav's family

Jailed Indian National Kulbhushan <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-hidden-camera-or-recording-chip-found-in-chetnas-shoe-27916" target="_blank">Jadhav was programmed to stick to a script </a>and repeat whatever Pakistan has wrongly charged him with, during his meeting with mother and wife in Islamabad on December 25, as per media reports.

Despite meeting his family after 22 long months of captivity, Jadhav bizarrely greeted the two when brought face to face. &nbsp;

During his 40 minutes long meeting, Jadhav parroted the script handed over by Pakistan that he was indeed an Indian spy.&nbsp;

However, Jadhav&#39;s mother Avanti, who was initially stunned, soon understood what was happening and interrupted him asking to reveal the truth and not to parrot the script handed to him by his captors.&nbsp;

&quot;But why are you saying all this? You were doing business in Iran from where you were abducted. You must tell the truth,&quot; Avanti said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-speaks-on-jadhav-row-says-pakistani-claims-of-hidden-camera-absurd-27932" target="_blank">Sushma Swaraj speaks on Jadhav row, says Pakistani claims of hidden camera absurd</a>

The three were not allowed to speak in Marathi, and when Jadhav&#39;s mother tried to communicate in their regional language, he did not reciprocate.

From removing bangles, bindi and mangal sutra of Jadhav&#39;s wife to preventing his mother to speak in her mother tongue, Pakistani officials harassed the two before their 40 minutes meeting with him.

Chetankul Jadhav&#39;s shoes were also not returned as Pakistan claimed there was something metallic in them and they are being examined by forensic experts.

The Indian Parliament witnessed protests after Opposition condemned the way Pakistan humiliated the family of&nbsp;Jadhav in Islamabad.&nbsp;

Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday announced to address both the houses on the treatment of Jadhav&#39;s family in Pakistan. 
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Jadhav bizarrely greeted the two when brought face to face

Jailed Indian National Kulbhushan Jadhav was programmed to stick to a script and repeat whatever Pakistan has wrongly charged him with, during his meeting with mother and wife in Islamabad on December 25, as per media reports. Despite meeting his family after 22 long months of captivity, Jadhav bizarrely greeted the two when brought face to face. During his 40 minutes long meeting, Jadhav parroted the script handed over by Pakistan that he was indeed an Indian spy. However, Jadhav's mother Avanti, who was initially stunned, soon understood what was happening and interrupted him asking to reveal the truth and not to parrot the script handed to him by his captors. "But why are you saying all this? You were doing business in Iran from where you were abducted. You must tell the truth," Avanti said. Also read: Sushma Swaraj speaks on Jadhav row, says Pakistani claims of hidden camera absurd The three were not allowed to speak in Marathi, and when Jadhav's mother tried to communicate in their regional language, he did not reciprocate. From removing bangles, bindi and mangal sutra of Jadhav's wife to preventing his mother to speak in her mother tongue, Pakistani officials harassed the two before their 40 minutes meeting with him. Chetankul Jadhav's shoes were also not returned as Pakistan claimed there was something metallic in them and they are being examined by forensic experts. The Indian Parliament witnessed protests after Opposition condemned the way Pakistan humiliated the family of Jadhav in Islamabad. Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday announced to address both the houses on the treatment of Jadhav's family in Pakistan.

Kulbhushan Jadhav parroted script given by Pakistan during meeting with family, mother foils attempt: Reports

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