India is set to deliver more arms to Afghanistan to help it fight Islamist militants, Kabul&#39;s envoy to New Delhi said, even if Pakistan is wary of closer military cooperation between countries lying to its east and west. 
 
India has provided a little over $2 billion in economic assistance to Afghanistan in the last 15 years, but has been more measured in providing weapons in order to avoid a backlash from Pakistan, which sees Afghanistan as its area of influence. 
 
Last December, after years of dragging its feet, New Delhi announced the supply of four attack helicopters in India&#39;s first transfer of lethal equipment to the government in Kabul since the hardline Islamist Taliban movement was toppled. 
 
Kabul immediately deployed three of the Russian Mi-25 attack helicopters to go after insurgents, and the fourth will be inducted in the next few weeks. 
 
Shaida Mohammad Abdali, the Afghan ambassador to India, said regional security was deteriorating and Afghan national forces were in dire need of military supplies to tackle the Taliban, Islamic State and other militant groups. 
 
&quot;We are grateful for the four helicopters. But we need more, we need much more. Today we are heading into a situation that is worrisome for everyone in the region including India,&quot; he told Reuters in an interview. 
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<h5>We are grateful for the four helicopters. But we need more, we need much more. Today we are heading into a situation that is worrisome for everyone in the region including India,&quot; - Afghan ambassador to India</h5>
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On August 29, the head of the Afghan army, General Qadam Shah Shahim, is expected in New Delhi to submit a list of military equipment drawn up in consultation with the US military, Indian defence officials said. 
 
It is not yet clear how much would be paid for and how much would be handed over for free. 
 
The equipment includes more Mi-25s, smaller helicopters used for transporting troops and medical emergencies, and spares for existing Russian-origin aircraft in the Afghan air force fleet. 
 
&quot;The agenda for the army chief&#39;s visit is clear. We will be finalising the enhancement of defence ties,&quot; Abdali said. India, he added, had told the Afghans that it would do whatever it could to meet the security forces&#39; requirements. 
 
Indian leader rankles Pakistan 
 
The fact that much of the proposed equipment originates from Russia need not be a stumbling block to an agreement, the United States has said, despite Western sanctions against Moscow. 
 
Russia and the United States share a common goal in stabilising Afghanistan, and India can act as a go-between to help re-equip Afghan forces which fall well short of the capacity required despite billions of Dollars in US spending. 
 
The Afghan government lost control or influence of nearly 5 per cent of its territory between January and May, the US government&#39;s top watchdog on Afghanistan said in a report, highlighting the challenges its forces are facing. 
 
But the move to increase cooperation with Afghanistan is likely to aggravate fears in Pakistan of being wedged between two hostile neighbours. 
 
Relations with both countries have cooled lately. 
 
Afghanistan says Pakistan must do more to stop militants operating on its territory, while India has blamed Pakistan for unrest in the disputed region of Kashmir. 
 
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned up the dial a notch by making a rare reference to Pakistan&#39;s restive Balochistan province in a recent speech. 
 
Asked about the prospect of closer military ties between Afghanistan and India, a Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman said the government did not comment on bilateral ties between two countries. 
 
But he warned against attempts to destabilise Pakistan, which, like its arch-rival India, has a nuclear arsenal. 
 
&quot;Our expectation is that India should not be allowed to use Afghan soil to create instability in Pakistan.&quot; 
 
According to an Indian defence ministry official, discussions with Kabul included the possibility of increasing the number of Afghan officers being trained in Indian military institutions each year from around 800 now. 
 
US support 
 
The United States, which has allocated more than $68 billion to train and equip the Afghan security forces since 2002, has welcomed greater Indian military assistance to fill shortfalls in hardware and personnel. 
 
Earlier this month, the commander of US forces in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, held talks with Indian officials to find ways in which New Delhi could help the Afghan air force, which is struggling to maintain ageing Russian aircraft because of sanctions on Moscow. 
 
Nicholson said donor nations had contributed $4.5 billion to Afghanistan, but those funds could not be used to buy Russian aircraft or spare parts because of the restrictions triggered by the conflict in Ukraine. 
 
India is not constrained by such considerations and can export Russian-made equipment it already owns or source hardware and spares from Russia to send on to Afghanistan. 
 
&quot;Any additional aircraft or spare parts that India can provide Afghanistan would be greatly appreciated and welcomed by them to help build and maintain the Afghan Air Force,&quot; Nicholson said at the end of his trip. 
 
A Russian diplomat said Moscow supported efforts to strengthen Afghan forces, even if it cannot directly equip it. 
 
&quot;Our policy is simple; we would not like to be involved directly, but we would support any initiative that strengthens the ability of the Afghan authorities to fight against terrorist groups and stabilise the situation in the country,&quot; the diplomat said. 
 
(Reuters)

India has been measured in providing weapons in order to avoid conflict with Pakistan, which sees Afghanistan as its area of influence

India is set to deliver more arms to Afghanistan to help it fight Islamist militants, Kabul's envoy to New Delhi said, even if Pakistan is wary of closer military cooperation between countries lying to its east and west. India has provided a little over $2 billion in economic assistance to Afghanistan in the last 15 years, but has been more measured in providing weapons in order to avoid a backlash from Pakistan, which sees Afghanistan as its area of influence. Last December, after years of dragging its feet, New Delhi announced the supply of four attack helicopters in India's first transfer of lethal equipment to the government in Kabul since the hardline Islamist Taliban movement was toppled. Kabul immediately deployed three of the Russian Mi-25 attack helicopters to go after insurgents, and the fourth will be inducted in the next few weeks. Shaida Mohammad Abdali, the Afghan ambassador to India, said regional security was deteriorating and Afghan national forces were in dire need of military supplies to tackle the Taliban, Islamic State and other militant groups. "We are grateful for the four helicopters. But we need more, we need much more. Today we are heading into a situation that is worrisome for everyone in the region including India," he told Reuters in an interview. We are grateful for the four helicopters. But we need more, we need much more. Today we are heading into a situation that is worrisome for everyone in the region including India," - Afghan ambassador to India On August 29, the head of the Afghan army, General Qadam Shah Shahim, is expected in New Delhi to submit a list of military equipment drawn up in consultation with the US military, Indian defence officials said. It is not yet clear how much would be paid for and how much would be handed over for free. The equipment includes more Mi-25s, smaller helicopters used for transporting troops and medical emergencies, and spares for existing Russian-origin aircraft in the Afghan air force fleet. "The agenda for the army chief's visit is clear. We will be finalising the enhancement of defence ties," Abdali said. India, he added, had told the Afghans that it would do whatever it could to meet the security forces' requirements. Indian leader rankles Pakistan The fact that much of the proposed equipment originates from Russia need not be a stumbling block to an agreement, the United States has said, despite Western sanctions against Moscow. Russia and the United States share a common goal in stabilising Afghanistan, and India can act as a go-between to help re-equip Afghan forces which fall well short of the capacity required despite billions of Dollars in US spending. The Afghan government lost control or influence of nearly 5 per cent of its territory between January and May, the US government's top watchdog on Afghanistan said in a report, highlighting the challenges its forces are facing. But the move to increase cooperation with Afghanistan is likely to aggravate fears in Pakistan of being wedged between two hostile neighbours. Relations with both countries have cooled lately. Afghanistan says Pakistan must do more to stop militants operating on its territory, while India has blamed Pakistan for unrest in the disputed region of Kashmir. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned up the dial a notch by making a rare reference to Pakistan's restive Balochistan province in a recent speech. Asked about the prospect of closer military ties between Afghanistan and India, a Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman said the government did not comment on bilateral ties between two countries. But he warned against attempts to destabilise Pakistan, which, like its arch-rival India, has a nuclear arsenal. "Our expectation is that India should not be allowed to use Afghan soil to create instability in Pakistan." According to an Indian defence ministry official, discussions with Kabul included the possibility of increasing the number of Afghan officers being trained in Indian military institutions each year from around 800 now. US support The United States, which has allocated more than $68 billion to train and equip the Afghan security forces since 2002, has welcomed greater Indian military assistance to fill shortfalls in hardware and personnel. Earlier this month, the commander of US forces in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, held talks with Indian officials to find ways in which New Delhi could help the Afghan air force, which is struggling to maintain ageing Russian aircraft because of sanctions on Moscow. Nicholson said donor nations had contributed $4.5 billion to Afghanistan, but those funds could not be used to buy Russian aircraft or spare parts because of the restrictions triggered by the conflict in Ukraine. India is not constrained by such considerations and can export Russian-made equipment it already owns or source hardware and spares from Russia to send on to Afghanistan. "Any additional aircraft or spare parts that India can provide Afghanistan would be greatly appreciated and welcomed by them to help build and maintain the Afghan Air Force," Nicholson said at the end of his trip. A Russian diplomat said Moscow supported efforts to strengthen Afghan forces, even if it cannot directly equip it. "Our policy is simple; we would not like to be involved directly, but we would support any initiative that strengthens the ability of the Afghan authorities to fight against terrorist groups and stabilise the situation in the country," the diplomat said. (Reuters)

India set to supply arms to Afghanistan to fight Islamist militants

Asserting that Pakistan has time and again been involved with domestic terrorist networks, Bangladesh information minister Hasanul Haq Inu today said Islamabad still continues with its policy of harbouring terrorists, adding that it is very sad development associated with the South Asian region. 
 
Inu, who is currently on an official visit to India, told ANI, &quot;Pakistan from the days of liberation was aggressive. They were involved in war crimes and atrocities. So after that, for the long 45 years, Pakistan has not changed much. Though we have developed diplomatic relations and we are part of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) process.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
Inu also accused Pakistan of being involved with the domestic home-grown terrorist networks of Bangladesh. He said that this was the reason why Bangladeshi authorities had to ask Pakistani authorities to withdraw certain diplomats from Bangladesh. 
 
&quot;We think that Pakistan is still continuing a policy of harbouring terrorism, that is very sad for the subcontinent,&quot; he added. 
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<h5>&quot;We think that Pakistan is still continuing a policy of harbouring terrorism, that is very sad for the subcontinent.&quot;</h5>
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On the progress of investigation to the recent terror attacks in his country, he said, &quot;The status of Gulshan and Sholakia attacks is that we have unearthed and found what organisation they belong to, and what we have found is that belong to a domestic organisation of the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh(JMB) and there is no connection with any foreign terrorist network whatsoever.&quot; 
 
He added the Gulshan and Sholakia attacks were totally planned and executed by home-grown terrorist networks. 
 
The deadly attack last month killed 20 people, including nine Italians, seven Japanese, one Indian, one Bangladeshi American and two Bangladeshis at Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan, after assailants stormed the cafe and took people hostage. 
 
The 12-hour-long hostage crisis at the cafe ended after a two-hour long assault by armed forces` commandos killing six gunmen. 
 
The Sholakia attack came days after when three suspected assailants attacked the Eidgah where thousands had gathered to offer Eid prayers.&nbsp; 
 
(ANI)&nbsp;

Information minister Hasanul Haq Inu claimed Pakistan was involved with Bangladesh's home-grown terrorist networks

Asserting that Pakistan has time and again been involved with domestic terrorist networks, Bangladesh information minister Hasanul Haq Inu today said Islamabad still continues with its policy of harbouring terrorists, adding that it is very sad development associated with the South Asian region. Inu, who is currently on an official visit to India, told ANI, "Pakistan from the days of liberation was aggressive. They were involved in war crimes and atrocities. So after that, for the long 45 years, Pakistan has not changed much. Though we have developed diplomatic relations and we are part of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) process." Inu also accused Pakistan of being involved with the domestic home-grown terrorist networks of Bangladesh. He said that this was the reason why Bangladeshi authorities had to ask Pakistani authorities to withdraw certain diplomats from Bangladesh. "We think that Pakistan is still continuing a policy of harbouring terrorism, that is very sad for the subcontinent," he added. "We think that Pakistan is still continuing a policy of harbouring terrorism, that is very sad for the subcontinent." On the progress of investigation to the recent terror attacks in his country, he said, "The status of Gulshan and Sholakia attacks is that we have unearthed and found what organisation they belong to, and what we have found is that belong to a domestic organisation of the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh(JMB) and there is no connection with any foreign terrorist network whatsoever." He added the Gulshan and Sholakia attacks were totally planned and executed by home-grown terrorist networks. The deadly attack last month killed 20 people, including nine Italians, seven Japanese, one Indian, one Bangladeshi American and two Bangladeshis at Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan, after assailants stormed the cafe and took people hostage. The 12-hour-long hostage crisis at the cafe ended after a two-hour long assault by armed forces` commandos killing six gunmen. The Sholakia attack came days after when three suspected assailants attacked the Eidgah where thousands had gathered to offer Eid prayers. (ANI)

Bangladesh accuses Pakistan of harbouring terrorists

Records of as many as 70 million Pakistanis are not available with the government, the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue was informed on Wednesday, according to local media reports.&nbsp; 
 
According to a report published in the Dawn newspaper, chief statistician Asif Bajwa, while briefing the senate panel, said: &quot;Out of Pakistan&rsquo;s population of 196 million, data of 70 million people is missing and record is not available with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and National Database and Registration Authority.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
Complete information could be gained only by performing a census, Bajwa further said, as per local media.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;Our department is fully prepared to hold census in the country, however, the army is not ready to provide the required number of personnel,&rdquo; &nbsp;the Dawn quoted Bajwa as saying.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;We have no plan to conduct population census without assistance of Pak Army,&rdquo; &nbsp;he added. 
 
Bajwa further informed the committee that 166,000 workers are required to conduct the census, excluding armed forces personnel. 
 
(WION)&nbsp; 
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Asif Bajwa said that information can only be got by conducting a census

Records of as many as 70 million Pakistanis are not available with the government, the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue was informed on Wednesday, according to local media reports. According to a report published in the Dawn newspaper, chief statistician Asif Bajwa, while briefing the senate panel, said: "Out of Pakistan’s population of 196 million, data of 70 million people is missing and record is not available with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and National Database and Registration Authority." Complete information could be gained only by performing a census, Bajwa further said, as per local media. “Our department is fully prepared to hold census in the country, however, the army is not ready to provide the required number of personnel,” the Dawn quoted Bajwa as saying. “We have no plan to conduct population census without assistance of Pak Army,” he added. Bajwa further informed the committee that 166,000 workers are required to conduct the census, excluding armed forces personnel. (WION)

Pak govt has no record of 70 million citizens: Chief statistician

Two days after Pakistan invited India for foreign secretary-level talks on Kashmir, saying it is the &ldquo;international obligation&rdquo; of both the countries to resolve the issue, India today said &quot;terror still remains the core concern that needed to be talked about&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Since aspects related to cross-border terrorism are central to the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir, India has proposed that discussions between the foreign secretaries be focussed on them,&quot; Indian foreign secretary conveyed in a statement to his Pakistan counterpart.&nbsp; 
 
A section of Indian media, however, interpreted it as the country&#39;s rejection of Pakistan&#39;s proposal to hold talks on Kashmir. 
 
Pakistan foreign office spokesman Nafees Zakaria had earlier said in a statement that Indian high commissioner Gautam Bambawale was called to hand over a letter of invitation for talks. 
 
&ldquo;The foreign secretary called in the Indian high commissioner this afternoon [Monday], and handed over a letter addressed to his Indian counterpart, inviting him to visit Pakistan for talks on Jammu and Kashmir dispute that has been the main bone of contention between India and Pakistan,&rdquo; Zakaria said. 
 
The invitation was extended amid tension in bilateral ties due to the war of words between the two nations over the issue.&nbsp;In response to the invitation, the Indian foreign secretary has conveyed his willingness to visit Islamabad. 
 
&quot;India rejects in their entirety the self-serving allegations regarding the situation in northernmost state Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India where Pakistan has no locus standi,&quot; the statement read.&nbsp; 
 
Pakistan&rsquo;s adviser on foreign affairs said last week that a conference of envoys of Pakistan earlier this month had agreed that Islamabad seek talks with New Delhi.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Kashmir Valley has remained on a boil for over a month after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen millitant commander Burhan Wani.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Pakistan's invitation was extended amid tensions in bilateral ties over the ongoing Kashmir dispute

Two days after Pakistan invited India for foreign secretary-level talks on Kashmir, saying it is the “international obligation” of both the countries to resolve the issue, India today said "terror still remains the core concern that needed to be talked about". "Since aspects related to cross-border terrorism are central to the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir, India has proposed that discussions between the foreign secretaries be focussed on them," Indian foreign secretary conveyed in a statement to his Pakistan counterpart. A section of Indian media, however, interpreted it as the country's rejection of Pakistan's proposal to hold talks on Kashmir. Pakistan foreign office spokesman Nafees Zakaria had earlier said in a statement that Indian high commissioner Gautam Bambawale was called to hand over a letter of invitation for talks. “The foreign secretary called in the Indian high commissioner this afternoon [Monday], and handed over a letter addressed to his Indian counterpart, inviting him to visit Pakistan for talks on Jammu and Kashmir dispute that has been the main bone of contention between India and Pakistan,” Zakaria said. The invitation was extended amid tension in bilateral ties due to the war of words between the two nations over the issue. In response to the invitation, the Indian foreign secretary has conveyed his willingness to visit Islamabad. "India rejects in their entirety the self-serving allegations regarding the situation in northernmost state Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India where Pakistan has no locus standi," the statement read. Pakistan’s adviser on foreign affairs said last week that a conference of envoys of Pakistan earlier this month had agreed that Islamabad seek talks with New Delhi. Meanwhile, the Kashmir Valley has remained on a boil for over a month after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen millitant commander Burhan Wani. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Terrorism remains core concern: India responds to Pak's talks proposal

The Jammu and Kashmir National Independence Alliance (JKNIA), a UK-based umbrella alliance comprising Kashmiri diaspora and civil organisations, today held a protest demonstration outside the Pakistani High Commission in London seeking global pressure on Pakistan for human rights violations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Gilgit. 
 
The demonstrators demanded fundamental rights for Kashmiris in Pakistan and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). 
 
They said Pakistan had thrown an iron curtain across Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Gilgit. Slogans were also raised for Pakistan to leave the region. 
 
Shabir Chaudhry, spokesperson of the Kashmir National Party, who participated in the demonstration, while speaking to the media, stated that the protest had been organised to raise the issue of human rights atrocities against Kashmiris in Pakistan and Gilgit. 
 
Referring to the killing of Arif Shahid, leader of the All Parties National Alliance in Rawalpindi in 2013, Chaudhry said there was no doubt that Shahid had been killed by the Pakistani establishment simply because he had raised his voice for the basic rights of the people of Pakistan and Gilgit. 
 
Chaudhry further said that it was odd that the Pakistani Government could refer to Burhan Wani, commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen as a martyr but people like Shahid, who never raised a gun against Pakistan, are labelled as terrorists. 
 
Chaudhry said that Shahid must be declared a martyr for having spoken all his life for the rights of the marginalised in Pakistan. 
 
(ANI)

Demonstrators demanded fundamental rights for Kashmiris in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan

The Jammu and Kashmir National Independence Alliance (JKNIA), a UK-based umbrella alliance comprising Kashmiri diaspora and civil organisations, today held a protest demonstration outside the Pakistani High Commission in London seeking global pressure on Pakistan for human rights violations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Gilgit. The demonstrators demanded fundamental rights for Kashmiris in Pakistan and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). They said Pakistan had thrown an iron curtain across Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Gilgit. Slogans were also raised for Pakistan to leave the region. Shabir Chaudhry, spokesperson of the Kashmir National Party, who participated in the demonstration, while speaking to the media, stated that the protest had been organised to raise the issue of human rights atrocities against Kashmiris in Pakistan and Gilgit. Referring to the killing of Arif Shahid, leader of the All Parties National Alliance in Rawalpindi in 2013, Chaudhry said there was no doubt that Shahid had been killed by the Pakistani establishment simply because he had raised his voice for the basic rights of the people of Pakistan and Gilgit. Chaudhry further said that it was odd that the Pakistani Government could refer to Burhan Wani, commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen as a martyr but people like Shahid, who never raised a gun against Pakistan, are labelled as terrorists. Chaudhry said that Shahid must be declared a martyr for having spoken all his life for the rights of the marginalised in Pakistan. (ANI)

Pakistan high commission in UK under siege by Kashmir groups over human rights violations

Pakistan&#39;s military killed at least 14 militants in air strikes&nbsp;and a ground operation in a restive tribal region near the Afghan&nbsp;border on Tuesday. 
 
The army offensive took place in the mountainous terrain of Rajgal&nbsp;in Khyber region, one of the seven semi-autonomous tribal&nbsp;districts where the military has been fighting Taliban and Al-Qaeda linked militants for over a decade. 
 
&quot;The operation was conducted in areas close to Afghan border in&nbsp;which 11 terrorists were also injured,&quot; the military said in a&nbsp;statement. 
 
Pakistan has been battling a homegrown Islamist insurgency since&nbsp;2004, following the US-led invasion of neighbouring Afghanistan in&nbsp;2001 and the subsequent spillover of militants into its territory. 
 
The army launched the &quot;Zarb-e-Azb&quot; operation in June 2014 in a bid&nbsp;to wipe out militant bases in North Waziristan tribal area and so&nbsp;bring an end to the bloody insurgency that has cost thousands of&nbsp;civilian lives. 
 
Security in the country has since improve. Scattered attacks still&nbsp;take place, but they are fewer and of a lesser intensity than in&nbsp;previous years. 
 
(AFP)

The army offensive took place in the mountainous terrain of Rajgal?in Khyber region the semi-autonomous tribal?districts

Pakistan's military killed at least 14 militants in air strikes and a ground operation in a restive tribal region near the Afghan border on Tuesday. The army offensive took place in the mountainous terrain of Rajgal in Khyber region, one of the seven semi-autonomous tribal districts where the military has been fighting Taliban and Al-Qaeda linked militants for over a decade. "The operation was conducted in areas close to Afghan border in which 11 terrorists were also injured," the military said in a statement. Pakistan has been battling a homegrown Islamist insurgency since 2004, following the US-led invasion of neighbouring Afghanistan in 2001 and the subsequent spillover of militants into its territory. The army launched the "Zarb-e-Azb" operation in June 2014 in a bid to wipe out militant bases in North Waziristan tribal area and so bring an end to the bloody insurgency that has cost thousands of civilian lives. Security in the country has since improve. Scattered attacks still take place, but they are fewer and of a lesser intensity than in previous years. (AFP)

Pakistan military kills 14 militants near Afghan border

The 21-year-old daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma is set to marry the Eswatini king “for love” and become his 16th wife, a spokesman for Africa’s last remaining monarchy told BBC.

Nomcebo Zuma was present at the annual reed dance—a traditional celebration of passage for young women and girls—and was named as the liphovela (italics), meaning royal fiancee in Swati.&nbsp;

The days-long reed dance is a traditional rite of womanhood, with young women singing and dancing bare-chested, wearing traditional clothing that includes anklets and thick colourful tassels, some carrying mock swords and shields.

The 56-year-old Eswatini monarch, King Mswati II is currently in a polygamous arrangement with 11 wives—and has been married 15 times in total.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/south-africa-plans-to-bomb-its-island-soon-to-eradicate-killer-mice-753724">South Africa plans to bomb its island soon to eradicate 'killer' mice</a>

The Eswatini monarchy spokesperson dismissed any suggestion of marriage being a political alliance. He said instead the marriage is happening because of love.

"Love has no eyes to see or count age. Love happens between two people. It can happen between a person who is 100 years old and a person who is above the average of what is permitted constitutionally," he told the BBC’s Newsday programme.

King Mswati and the former South African president Zuma are already relatives through marriage.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;South Africa: Ramaphosa takes oath as President, coalition govt in SA

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Eswatini king has been on the throne for the last 38 years and has been often accused of living a luxurious polygamous life while most of his people suffer in poverty.&nbsp;

Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland, has a population of 1.1 million and one of the world’s highest rates of HIV/Aids infection.

Zuma, on the other hand, resigned in disgrace over corruption allegations during his presidency and still faces a court case over the 1999 arms deal, though he denies wrong-doing. However, the 82-year-old is respected by his supporters for upholding his cultural and traditional Zulu beliefs.

The former South African president also had several wives and is thought to have 20 children.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africas-former-president-jacob-zuma-expelled-from-anc-745281">South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma expelled from his ANC party</a>

Nomcebo was dressed in the bright colours of the Eswatini kingdom on the last day of the reed dance on Monday. &nbsp;Also, known as the Umhlanga ceremony, it is intended to discourage those taking part from becoming sexually active at a young age.&nbsp;

This is not the first time that King Mswati III has chosen a young bride at&nbsp;the Umhlanga ceremony. In 2005, he chose 17-year-old Phindile Nkambule as his wife, a few days after he had revoked a ban on sexual relations for girls younger than 18.

(With inputs from agencies)

Girls in Pakistan are 'born to stay home and follow traditions,' he said adding, 'shockingly, this tradition has reached America's shores'

The 21-year-old daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma is set to marry the Eswatini king “for love” and become his 16th wife, a spokesman for Africa’s last remaining monarchy told BBC. Nomcebo Zuma was present at the annual reed dance—a traditional celebration of passage for young women and girls—and was named as the liphovela (italics), meaning royal fiancee in Swati. The days-long reed dance is a traditional rite of womanhood, with young women singing and dancing bare-chested, wearing traditional clothing that includes anklets and thick colourful tassels, some carrying mock swords and shields. The 56-year-old Eswatini monarch, King Mswati II is currently in a polygamous arrangement with 11 wives—and has been married 15 times in total. Also Read | South Africa plans to bomb its island soon to eradicate 'killer' mice The Eswatini monarchy spokesperson dismissed any suggestion of marriage being a political alliance. He said instead the marriage is happening because of love. "Love has no eyes to see or count age. Love happens between two people. It can happen between a person who is 100 years old and a person who is above the average of what is permitted constitutionally," he told the BBC’s Newsday programme. King Mswati and the former South African president Zuma are already relatives through marriage. Watch | South Africa: Ramaphosa takes oath as President, coalition govt in SA × Eswatini king has been on the throne for the last 38 years and has been often accused of living a luxurious polygamous life while most of his people suffer in poverty. Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland, has a population of 1.1 million and one of the world’s highest rates of HIV/Aids infection. Zuma, on the other hand, resigned in disgrace over corruption allegations during his presidency and still faces a court case over the 1999 arms deal, though he denies wrong-doing. However, the 82-year-old is respected by his supporters for upholding his cultural and traditional Zulu beliefs. The former South African president also had several wives and is thought to have 20 children. Also Read | South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma expelled from his ANC party Nomcebo was dressed in the bright colours of the Eswatini kingdom on the last day of the reed dance on Monday. Also, known as the Umhlanga ceremony, it is intended to discourage those taking part from becoming sexually active at a young age. This is not the first time that King Mswati III has chosen a young bride at the Umhlanga ceremony. In 2005, he chose 17-year-old Phindile Nkambule as his wife, a few days after he had revoked a ban on sexual relations for girls younger than 18. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump talks of 'need to speak against honour killings', refers to Qandeel Baloch murder

Two armed militants attacked a police station in Indian Kashmir on Monday, police said, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his annual Independence Day speech in New Delhi. 
 
The gunmen were unable to take control of the police station in the old city of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu &amp; Kashmir, but did kill one police reservist and injure nine in the attack. WION&#39;s Srinagar correspondent reports that the man slain was the commandant of the 49th battalion. The CRPF spokesman said that firing has stopped, but that a search and combing operation is currently going on. &nbsp;Two militants are believed to have been killed. 
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UPDATE: Two CRPF jawans and one J&amp;K policeman injured after 3 terrorists attack security forces in Srinagar,exchange of fire continues
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/765034579895914496">August 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Separately, the Indian Army said it had foiled an attempt to infiltrate two militants from Pakistan into India. The two men were killed in the Uri sector of the de facto border between the neighbouring countries in North Kashmir. 
 
Kashmir has witnessed violent protests since the July 8 killing of militant leader Burhan Wani, a commander of the Pakistan-based Islamist militant group Hizbul Mujahideen, with 54 people killed and several thousand wounded in clashes with security forces. 
 
Modi avoided direct reference to Kashmir in his Independence Day speech, but he did criticise people in Pakistan for celebrating when what he called terrorist attacks were launched on Indian soil. 
 
The prime minister met national party leaders on Friday to seek ways to end the worst unrest in Kashmir since 2010, but there was no agreement to send an all-party delegation to the region for talks to try and calm tensions there. 
 
Both India and Pakistan rule Kashmir in part but claim it in full. The nuclear-armed neighbours have fought two of their three wars since independence 69 years ago over the Muslim-majority region where the Line of Control, or de facto border, still runs roughly where the guns fell silent in 1948. 
 
(WION with inputs from&nbsp;Agencies)

The gunmen were unable to take control of the police station in the old city of Srinagar, but did kill 1 reservist and injure 9

Two armed militants attacked a police station in Indian Kashmir on Monday, police said, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his annual Independence Day speech in New Delhi. The gunmen were unable to take control of the police station in the old city of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, but did kill one police reservist and injure nine in the attack. WION's Srinagar correspondent reports that the man slain was the commandant of the 49th battalion. The CRPF spokesman said that firing has stopped, but that a search and combing operation is currently going on. Two militants are believed to have been killed. UPDATE: Two CRPF jawans and one J&K policeman injured after 3 terrorists attack security forces in Srinagar,exchange of fire continues — ANI (@ANI_news) August 15, 2016 Separately, the Indian Army said it had foiled an attempt to infiltrate two militants from Pakistan into India. The two men were killed in the Uri sector of the de facto border between the neighbouring countries in North Kashmir. Kashmir has witnessed violent protests since the July 8 killing of militant leader Burhan Wani, a commander of the Pakistan-based Islamist militant group Hizbul Mujahideen, with 54 people killed and several thousand wounded in clashes with security forces. Modi avoided direct reference to Kashmir in his Independence Day speech, but he did criticise people in Pakistan for celebrating when what he called terrorist attacks were launched on Indian soil. The prime minister met national party leaders on Friday to seek ways to end the worst unrest in Kashmir since 2010, but there was no agreement to send an all-party delegation to the region for talks to try and calm tensions there. Both India and Pakistan rule Kashmir in part but claim it in full. The nuclear-armed neighbours have fought two of their three wars since independence 69 years ago over the Muslim-majority region where the Line of Control, or de facto border, still runs roughly where the guns fell silent in 1948. (WION with inputs from Agencies)

Militants open fire in India's Srinagar, 1 security personnel dead, 9 injured

India&#39;s Wagah border in northern Punjab state witnessed a lively and colourful evening as hundreds of people gathered on Sunday (August 14) for the Beating Retreat Ceremony on the eve of Independence Day. 
 
A cacophony of patriotic slogans and cheering is witnessed regularly when the ceremony is conducted every evening at Wagah in Amritsar district. 
 
However, the usual drills by India&#39;s Border Security Force (BSF) and the Pakistani Rangers, paramilitaries of the two bordering nations, were replaced by more complicated and energetic exercises on the special occasion on Sunday. 
 
Hundreds thronged the galleries and sang along as patriotic songs were played, while dancers in bright outfits enthralled the audiences. 
 
The event was marked by a significant rise in attendance on the Pakistani side too, which celebrated its 69th Independence Day on Sunday. 
 
Earlier in the day, the BSF and the Pakistani Rangers exchanged sweets at the border. 
 
India achieved independence from the British on August 15, 1947, ending decades of rule. 
 
But celebrations to mark independence are tinged with sadness because they also recall the bloody partition from Pakistan in which hundreds and thousands died. 
 
(Reuters)

The beating retreat ceremony at the border was marked by patriotic slogans and cheering on Sunday

India's Wagah border in northern Punjab state witnessed a lively and colourful evening as hundreds of people gathered on Sunday (August 14) for the Beating Retreat Ceremony on the eve of Independence Day. A cacophony of patriotic slogans and cheering is witnessed regularly when the ceremony is conducted every evening at Wagah in Amritsar district. However, the usual drills by India's Border Security Force (BSF) and the Pakistani Rangers, paramilitaries of the two bordering nations, were replaced by more complicated and energetic exercises on the special occasion on Sunday. Hundreds thronged the galleries and sang along as patriotic songs were played, while dancers in bright outfits enthralled the audiences. The event was marked by a significant rise in attendance on the Pakistani side too, which celebrated its 69th Independence Day on Sunday. Earlier in the day, the BSF and the Pakistani Rangers exchanged sweets at the border. India achieved independence from the British on August 15, 1947, ending decades of rule. But celebrations to mark independence are tinged with sadness because they also recall the bloody partition from Pakistan in which hundreds and thousands died. (Reuters)

India, Pakistan celebrate independence at Wagah border

A day ahead of Independence Day, with the nation on high alert, India claims that Pakistan violated the ceasefire in the wee hours of Sunday morning to which the Indian side responded heavily. 
 
The firing took place near the Line of Control in Shahpu Kandi area of the border in Poonch district. No injuries or casualties have been reported so far and the gunbattle is underway. 
 
The attack comes hours after a grenade attack on Amarnath Yathra pilgrims in Poonch, where almost 15 people were injured. 
 
(ANI)&nbsp;

India claimed Pakistan violated the ceasefire in the wee hours of Sunday morning to which the Indian side responded heavily

A day ahead of Independence Day, with the nation on high alert, India claims that Pakistan violated the ceasefire in the wee hours of Sunday morning to which the Indian side responded heavily. The firing took place near the Line of Control in Shahpu Kandi area of the border in Poonch district. No injuries or casualties have been reported so far and the gunbattle is underway. The attack comes hours after a grenade attack on Amarnath Yathra pilgrims in Poonch, where almost 15 people were injured. (ANI)

Ceasefire violation in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch as India and Pakistan engage in cross-border firing

Terming Pakistan&#39;s proposal of sending supplies to Jammu and Kashmir as &#39;absurd&#39;, India today strongly retorted that it along with others in the region have already received enough of &quot;trademark exports&quot; from that country including terrorism and infiltrators. 
 
India&#39;s sharp reaction came after it received a note verbale from Pakistan&#39;s foreign ministry on Friday proposing to send supplies to Jammu and Kashmir. External affairs ministry &quot;completely and categorically&quot; rejected the communication from Pakistan. 
 
&quot;A communication was apparently delivered to our High Commission in Islamabad on August 12. I can only characterise its contents that propose sending supplies to the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir as absurd,&quot; External affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. 
 
&quot;India and others in the region have already received enough of Pakistan&#39;s trademark exports -- international terrorism, cross-border infiltrators, weapons, narcotics and fake currency,&quot; he said. 
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<h5>Earlier in the day, Pakistani high commissioner to India Abdul Basit made provocative statements over Kashmir and said his country will continue to extend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of the state.</h5>
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India&#39;s reaction came on a day when Pakistani forces violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of northernmost state Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
Earlier in the day, Pakistani high commissioner to India Abdul Basit made provocative statements over Kashmir and said his country will continue to extend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of the state. 
 
Basit made the comments during the country&#39;s Independence Day celebrations at its embassy here. 
 
In Islamabad, President Mamnoon Hussain, while addressing a gathering at a flag hoisting ceremony, also raised the Kashmir issue, saying the country will continue to support Kashmiris in their bid for the right to self-determination. 
 
India and Pakistan have been engaged in a war of words over Pakistan and its Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif&#39;s statements on the situation in Kashmir which has been witnessing unrest following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. 
 
Wani was described as a martyr by Pakistan, which has also tried to internationalise the Kashmir issue while India has been maintaining that Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in the Valley is the root cause of the turbulence.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)&nbsp; 
 
 
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India's sharp reaction came after receiving a note verbale from Pakistan's foreign ministry proposing to send supplies to Jammu & Kashmir

Terming Pakistan's proposal of sending supplies to Jammu and Kashmir as 'absurd', India today strongly retorted that it along with others in the region have already received enough of "trademark exports" from that country including terrorism and infiltrators. India's sharp reaction came after it received a note verbale from Pakistan's foreign ministry on Friday proposing to send supplies to Jammu and Kashmir. External affairs ministry "completely and categorically" rejected the communication from Pakistan. "A communication was apparently delivered to our High Commission in Islamabad on August 12. I can only characterise its contents that propose sending supplies to the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir as absurd," External affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. "India and others in the region have already received enough of Pakistan's trademark exports -- international terrorism, cross-border infiltrators, weapons, narcotics and fake currency," he said. Earlier in the day, Pakistani high commissioner to India Abdul Basit made provocative statements over Kashmir and said his country will continue to extend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of the state. India's reaction came on a day when Pakistani forces violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of northernmost state Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier in the day, Pakistani high commissioner to India Abdul Basit made provocative statements over Kashmir and said his country will continue to extend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of the state. Basit made the comments during the country's Independence Day celebrations at its embassy here. In Islamabad, President Mamnoon Hussain, while addressing a gathering at a flag hoisting ceremony, also raised the Kashmir issue, saying the country will continue to support Kashmiris in their bid for the right to self-determination. India and Pakistan have been engaged in a war of words over Pakistan and its Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's statements on the situation in Kashmir which has been witnessing unrest following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. Wani was described as a martyr by Pakistan, which has also tried to internationalise the Kashmir issue while India has been maintaining that Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in the Valley is the root cause of the turbulence. (PTI)

'International terrorism', 'cross-border infiltration' are Pakistan's trademark exports, India says ?

Separatists are bracing for a major showdown with the Mehbooba Mufti-led government as they called for grand celebrations to mark Pakistan&#39;s Independence Day on August 14 in India&#39;s northern state of&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
Joint Resistance Forum, an amalgam of Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani, moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik have called for a referendum march to Lal Chowk and offering special prayers for the stability of Pakistan after every prayer session (namaz) on August 14. 
 
Separatists have identified scores of places where they plan to hoist Pakistani flags on Sunday. People have been asked to march with Pakistani flags and celebrate Independence Day with great fanfare. 
 
Even militant outfits have jumped on&nbsp;the bandwagon calling for grand celebrations on Pakistan Day. &quot;Pakistan can&#39;t celebrate its Independence Day when Kashmir is burning and its people are suffering,&quot; said Mehmood Shah, Lashkar-e-Taiba chief for Kashmir. 
 
The wary Jammu and Kashmir government has beefed up security across Kashmir to prevent the situation from worsening. &quot;We have made all arrangements for ensuring safety and security of the people of the Valley&quot;, said a top government officer. 
 
Jammu and Kashmir police have launched a massive crackdown against the stone throwers and separatists across Kashmir. More than 1,000 people have been taken into custody and some of them have been slapped with Public Safety Act (PSA) to send a signal that nobody will be spared for fomenting trouble. 
 
The Jammu and Kashmir government has withdrawn broadband services in most places bringing curtains on the limited internet services in the Valley. The government has already imposed a curfew by suspending mobile internet services. 
 
What has worried the security establishment is the call for observing India&#39;s Independence day as Black Day on August 15. 
 
&quot;From 7:00 am onwards block all the roads towards and around the place of celebration of Indian Independence Day; District development commissioners are asked not to hoist the Indian Flag in any part of the Jammu and Kashmir. Raise black flags on your houses, shops, market centers and local chowks wear black dresses or black bands on this day&quot;, said the spokesman of Joint Resistance Forum. 
 
Director general of police, Jammu and Kashmir, K Rajendra Kumar said close liaison should be maintained at every level to foil any attempt by troublemakers to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere. 
 
&quot;To foil any attempt by the troublemakers to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere, close liaison should be maintained at every level and the officers supervising different components should be briefed accordingly. The comprehensive security grid and deployment mechanism for conduct of peaceful celebrations needs to be fully implemented&quot;, he said while chairing high level security meeting. 
 
During the meeting threadbare discussions were held with regard to deployment and maintenance of law and order in the Valley during the celebrations. 
 
&quot;It was told that sufficient man power has been earmarked for the security of the venues, where the ID functions are scheduled to be held. Installation of CCTV cameras and security gadgets at the venues, intelligence gathering and preventive measures to check the activities of anti-national elements were also discussed&quot;, said a police spokesman. 
 
Meanwhile, another youth who was injured during firing incident succumbed at hospital taking the death toll to 57 since the unrest began after the killing of Hizbul Mujhadeen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. 
 
Police said the situation remained by and large peaceful throughout Kashmir valley although six incidents of stone pelting were reported from Bandipora, Baramulla and Srinagar on Saturday. 
 
Police said restrictions under section 144 Code of Criminal Procedure&nbsp;remained in force across the Valley, however, curfew was imposed in Srinagar and Anantnag town only. 
 
Police said two police personnel were seriously injured when miscreants disrupted the traffic movement and pelted stones on police and security forces at Ashtingoo Bandipora. 
 
&quot;They were referred to Srinagar. One of them has been seriously injured in the eye and has been shifted for advance treatment to Delhi&quot;, the spokesman added. 
 
(DNA)

Militant groups have also jumped on the bandwagon. Security worried about call for observing India's Independence day as Black Day on Aug 15

Separatists are bracing for a major showdown with the Mehbooba Mufti-led government as they called for grand celebrations to mark Pakistan's Independence Day on August 14 in India's northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. Joint Resistance Forum, an amalgam of Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani, moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik have called for a referendum march to Lal Chowk and offering special prayers for the stability of Pakistan after every prayer session (namaz) on August 14. Separatists have identified scores of places where they plan to hoist Pakistani flags on Sunday. People have been asked to march with Pakistani flags and celebrate Independence Day with great fanfare. Even militant outfits have jumped on the bandwagon calling for grand celebrations on Pakistan Day. "Pakistan can't celebrate its Independence Day when Kashmir is burning and its people are suffering," said Mehmood Shah, Lashkar-e-Taiba chief for Kashmir. The wary Jammu and Kashmir government has beefed up security across Kashmir to prevent the situation from worsening. "We have made all arrangements for ensuring safety and security of the people of the Valley", said a top government officer. Jammu and Kashmir police have launched a massive crackdown against the stone throwers and separatists across Kashmir. More than 1,000 people have been taken into custody and some of them have been slapped with Public Safety Act (PSA) to send a signal that nobody will be spared for fomenting trouble. The Jammu and Kashmir government has withdrawn broadband services in most places bringing curtains on the limited internet services in the Valley. The government has already imposed a curfew by suspending mobile internet services. What has worried the security establishment is the call for observing India's Independence day as Black Day on August 15. "From 7:00 am onwards block all the roads towards and around the place of celebration of Indian Independence Day; District development commissioners are asked not to hoist the Indian Flag in any part of the Jammu and Kashmir. Raise black flags on your houses, shops, market centers and local chowks wear black dresses or black bands on this day", said the spokesman of Joint Resistance Forum. Director general of police, Jammu and Kashmir, K Rajendra Kumar said close liaison should be maintained at every level to foil any attempt by troublemakers to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere. "To foil any attempt by the troublemakers to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere, close liaison should be maintained at every level and the officers supervising different components should be briefed accordingly. The comprehensive security grid and deployment mechanism for conduct of peaceful celebrations needs to be fully implemented", he said while chairing high level security meeting. During the meeting threadbare discussions were held with regard to deployment and maintenance of law and order in the Valley during the celebrations. "It was told that sufficient man power has been earmarked for the security of the venues, where the ID functions are scheduled to be held. Installation of CCTV cameras and security gadgets at the venues, intelligence gathering and preventive measures to check the activities of anti-national elements were also discussed", said a police spokesman. Meanwhile, another youth who was injured during firing incident succumbed at hospital taking the death toll to 57 since the unrest began after the killing of Hizbul Mujhadeen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. Police said the situation remained by and large peaceful throughout Kashmir valley although six incidents of stone pelting were reported from Bandipora, Baramulla and Srinagar on Saturday. Police said restrictions under section 144 Code of Criminal Procedure remained in force across the Valley, however, curfew was imposed in Srinagar and Anantnag town only. Police said two police personnel were seriously injured when miscreants disrupted the traffic movement and pelted stones on police and security forces at Ashtingoo Bandipora. "They were referred to Srinagar. One of them has been seriously injured in the eye and has been shifted for advance treatment to Delhi", the spokesman added. (DNA)

Separatists in Jammu and Kashmir call for referendum march on Pakistan's Independence Day

Six crew members of a Pakistani government helicopter which crash-landed in Afghanistan&#39;s volatile east have been released, an official said today, after they were taken hostage by the Afghan Taliban. 
 
The crew &quot;was released in an inter-tribe exchange on the Pakistan-Afghan border (and) arrived in Islamabad today,&quot; foreign ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said in a statement. 
 
He did not specify who had been holding the crew hostage nor what kind of exchange had secured their release. 
 
All six people - five Pakistanis and a Russian navigator - are &quot;safe and in good health,&quot; he said, adding that the helicopter belonged to the Punjab provincial government. 
 
A senior Pakistani official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the crew&#39;s safe return. 
 
After the August 4 crash, local authorities in Afghanistan said that the six-person crew had been taken hostage by the Afghan Taliban. 
 
Militants set the Mi-17 transport helicopter on fire and took the crew to a Taliban-controlled area after it made an emergency landing in Logar province. 
 
The crew included retired Pakistani military officers and a Russian navigator, Pakistan&#39;s Dawn newspaper reported at the time. 
 
Pakistan had sought permission to fly a helicopter - being sent to Russia for overhauling - over Afghan air space. 
 
Pakistani army chief general Raheel Sharif said he had spoken to Afghanistan&#39;s President Ashraf Ghani after the crash in a bid to secure the crew&#39;s release. 
 
&quot;President Ashraf Ghani assured all possible assistance in this regard,&quot; he posted on Twitter. 
 
Kabul has long accused Pakistan of supporting the Taliban and continuing to nurture sanctuaries on its soil in the hope of maintaining influence in Afghanistan. 
 
Analysts said it was not clear how the Pakistan government had secured the crew&#39;s safe release. 
 
&quot;Our government is tight-lipped while the army also did not say anything about the role of the Afghan government,&quot; security analyst Hasan Askari told AFP. 
 
The Afghan Taliban have not commented on the conditions of the release. 
 
&quot;One thing is however, very clear - that Afghan Taliban certainly do not want to deteriorate their ties with Pakistan,&quot; Askari said. 
 
Askari questioned why the MI-17 was being send to Russia for repairs through Afghan airspace. 
 
&quot;It appeared to be kind of a mysterious exercise,&quot; he added. 
 
Pakistan&#39;s army uses Russian-made MI-17 helicopters, several of which have crashed in recent years. 
 
In February, an army officer was killed when a military helicopter crashed in northern Pakistan on a routine night training mission. 
 
Last August, 12 people were killed when a helicopter belonging to the army crashed in northwest Pakistan. 
 
And seven people - including two foreign ambassadors - died in May last year when an MI-17 army helicopter crashed at a holiday resort in the hills of Gilgit. 
 
(AFP)

Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman did not specify who had been holding the crew hostage nor what kind of exchange secured their release

Six crew members of a Pakistani government helicopter which crash-landed in Afghanistan's volatile east have been released, an official said today, after they were taken hostage by the Afghan Taliban. The crew "was released in an inter-tribe exchange on the Pakistan-Afghan border (and) arrived in Islamabad today," foreign ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said in a statement. He did not specify who had been holding the crew hostage nor what kind of exchange had secured their release. All six people - five Pakistanis and a Russian navigator - are "safe and in good health," he said, adding that the helicopter belonged to the Punjab provincial government. A senior Pakistani official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the crew's safe return. After the August 4 crash, local authorities in Afghanistan said that the six-person crew had been taken hostage by the Afghan Taliban. Militants set the Mi-17 transport helicopter on fire and took the crew to a Taliban-controlled area after it made an emergency landing in Logar province. The crew included retired Pakistani military officers and a Russian navigator, Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reported at the time. Pakistan had sought permission to fly a helicopter - being sent to Russia for overhauling - over Afghan air space. Pakistani army chief general Raheel Sharif said he had spoken to Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani after the crash in a bid to secure the crew's release. "President Ashraf Ghani assured all possible assistance in this regard," he posted on Twitter. Kabul has long accused Pakistan of supporting the Taliban and continuing to nurture sanctuaries on its soil in the hope of maintaining influence in Afghanistan. Analysts said it was not clear how the Pakistan government had secured the crew's safe release. "Our government is tight-lipped while the army also did not say anything about the role of the Afghan government," security analyst Hasan Askari told AFP. The Afghan Taliban have not commented on the conditions of the release. "One thing is however, very clear - that Afghan Taliban certainly do not want to deteriorate their ties with Pakistan," Askari said. Askari questioned why the MI-17 was being send to Russia for repairs through Afghan airspace. "It appeared to be kind of a mysterious exercise," he added. Pakistan's army uses Russian-made MI-17 helicopters, several of which have crashed in recent years. In February, an army officer was killed when a military helicopter crashed in northern Pakistan on a routine night training mission. Last August, 12 people were killed when a helicopter belonging to the army crashed in northwest Pakistan. And seven people - including two foreign ambassadors - died in May last year when an MI-17 army helicopter crashed at a holiday resort in the hills of Gilgit. (AFP)

More than a week after chopper crash, Afghan Taliban free Pakistan crew

Pakistan has, in a veiled statement, indicated that India&#39;s intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) might have collaborated with the local militant groups in carrying out Monday&#39;s terrorist attack in Quetta, which killed more than 70 people. 
 
&quot;Involvement of foreign elements working in cahoots with their local contacts in the condemnable terrorist attack in Quetta, which took a huge toll on the lives of innocent people, cannot be ruled out,&quot; the Express Tribune quoted foreign office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria as saying at the weekly press briefing in Islamabad yesterday. 
 
Zakaria, who was responding to a question regarding the statement by Balochistan chief minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri that RAW was behind the Quetta bombing, claimed the Indian intelligence agencies remained involved in subversive and terrorist activities in the country, particularly in Balochistan and Karachi. 
 
&quot;The confessional statement by a serving [Indian] naval officer, who was apprehended by our law enforcement agencies has indeed vindicated Pakistan`s claim. The confession has led to significant success in rounding up elements of the network,&quot; he added. 
 
Zakaria&#39;s statements come as tensions between the two Asian neighbours have soured in wake of the unrest in Kashmir. 
 
He also dismissed India&#39;s claims of cross-LoC infiltration. 
 
&quot;Pakistan remains committed to the policy of not allowing its territory for any terrorist activity against anyone,&quot; he said. 
 
Meanwhile, another Express Tribune report quoted a key commander of Pakistan Army today where he claimed that &#39;the neighbouring country has launched an unconventional war with Pakistan&#39;. 
 
&ldquo;The arrest of Kulbhushan Yadav, the RAW agent, from Balochistan is an indication that India has mounted an unconventional war on us,&rdquo; said Commander Southern Command Lt-Gen Aamer Riaz, according to the report.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;Conspiracies are being hatched against Pakistan and foreign elements are aiding local militants to fuel unrest in the country,&rdquo; he claimed. 
 
In wake of the Kashmir issue following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani on July 8, Zakaria said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s foreign affairs advisor Sartaj Aziz has written a letter to the Arab League secretary-general seeking his attention on the Kashmir valley.&nbsp; 
 
(with inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Foreign office spokesperson claims Indian intelligence agencies remain involved in subversive, terrorist activities in Pakistan

Pakistan has, in a veiled statement, indicated that India's intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) might have collaborated with the local militant groups in carrying out Monday's terrorist attack in Quetta, which killed more than 70 people. "Involvement of foreign elements working in cahoots with their local contacts in the condemnable terrorist attack in Quetta, which took a huge toll on the lives of innocent people, cannot be ruled out," the Express Tribune quoted foreign office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria as saying at the weekly press briefing in Islamabad yesterday. Zakaria, who was responding to a question regarding the statement by Balochistan chief minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri that RAW was behind the Quetta bombing, claimed the Indian intelligence agencies remained involved in subversive and terrorist activities in the country, particularly in Balochistan and Karachi. "The confessional statement by a serving [Indian] naval officer, who was apprehended by our law enforcement agencies has indeed vindicated Pakistan`s claim. The confession has led to significant success in rounding up elements of the network," he added. Zakaria's statements come as tensions between the two Asian neighbours have soured in wake of the unrest in Kashmir. He also dismissed India's claims of cross-LoC infiltration. "Pakistan remains committed to the policy of not allowing its territory for any terrorist activity against anyone," he said. Meanwhile, another Express Tribune report quoted a key commander of Pakistan Army today where he claimed that 'the neighbouring country has launched an unconventional war with Pakistan'. “The arrest of Kulbhushan Yadav, the RAW agent, from Balochistan is an indication that India has mounted an unconventional war on us,” said Commander Southern Command Lt-Gen Aamer Riaz, according to the report. “Conspiracies are being hatched against Pakistan and foreign elements are aiding local militants to fuel unrest in the country,” he claimed. In wake of the Kashmir issue following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani on July 8, Zakaria said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s foreign affairs advisor Sartaj Aziz has written a letter to the Arab League secretary-general seeking his attention on the Kashmir valley. (with inputs from ANI)

Pakistan hints at involvement of India's intelligence agency RAW in Quetta blast

Three militants of a banned outfit were killed in an encounter with security personnel in Pakistan&#39;s restive Balochistan province on Friday. 
 
The militants were killed after security personnel conducted a raid following intelligence reports that some militants were hiding in the Hazar Ganj area of Quetta. 
 
&quot;When the Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers raided a house the militants hiding there opened fire on them. In the exchange three militants were killed and two FC soldiers wounded,&quot; said a spokesman of Frontier Corps. 
 
The killing of the militants comes after major attacks in Quetta this week. 
 
Over 70 people, mostly lawyers, were killed and over a 100 others injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the entrance of the Civil Hospital. 
 
(PTI)

The militants were killed in a raid following a series of attacks in Quetta this week

Three militants of a banned outfit were killed in an encounter with security personnel in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province on Friday. The militants were killed after security personnel conducted a raid following intelligence reports that some militants were hiding in the Hazar Ganj area of Quetta. "When the Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers raided a house the militants hiding there opened fire on them. In the exchange three militants were killed and two FC soldiers wounded," said a spokesman of Frontier Corps. The killing of the militants comes after major attacks in Quetta this week. Over 70 people, mostly lawyers, were killed and over a 100 others injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the entrance of the Civil Hospital. (PTI)

Three militants killed in Pakistan's Quetta

Another blast ripped through Pakistan&rsquo;s Quetta outside Al Khair hospital only two days after an Islamic State and Taliban-claimed suicide bombing at the Quetta hospital killed more than 70 on August 8. 
 
So far, 13 have been injured, including four members of security forces, according to Reuters as a loud explosion was heard at Zarghon Road near a private hospital in Pakistan today. 
 
Home minster Safaraz Bugti said, &quot;It was a remote control device with 3-4kgs of explosives. These kinds of cowardly acts will not reduce our morale.&quot; 
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Quetta?src=hash">#Quetta</a> 10 people injured in blast outside private hospital <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QuettaBlast?src=hash">#QuettaBlast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pak?src=hash">#pak</a>
&mdash; Mir Behram Baloch (@mirbehramb) <a href="https://twitter.com/mirbehramb/status/763598603176869888">August 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Initial reports suggest the injured in today&rsquo;s blast and they have been rushed to the civil hospital. The security establishment has cordoned off the area around the site of the blast.
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Terrible news from Quetta again. Another blast,targeting police this time. City was still mourning its losses from 8Aug. May God have mercy
&mdash; SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryrehman/status/763602876665040896">August 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The Dawn reports that causalities are feared and several people have also been injured in the blast, which shattered the windows of many buildings nearby. 
 
Rescue teams have reached the scene and the injured are being shifted to a nearby hospital and security forces are on the scene and collecting evidence. 
 
Meanwhile, the police are still trying to confirm the source and nature of the blast. 
 
(Agencies) 
&nbsp;

A suicide blast had hit a Quetta hospital on August 8 claiming more than 70 lives

Another blast ripped through Pakistan’s Quetta outside Al Khair hospital only two days after an Islamic State and Taliban-claimed suicide bombing at the Quetta hospital killed more than 70 on August 8. So far, 13 have been injured, including four members of security forces, according to Reuters as a loud explosion was heard at Zarghon Road near a private hospital in Pakistan today. Home minster Safaraz Bugti said, "It was a remote control device with 3-4kgs of explosives. These kinds of cowardly acts will not reduce our morale." #Quetta 10 people injured in blast outside private hospital #QuettaBlast #pak — Mir Behram Baloch (@mirbehramb) August 11, 2016 Initial reports suggest the injured in today’s blast and they have been rushed to the civil hospital. The security establishment has cordoned off the area around the site of the blast. Terrible news from Quetta again. Another blast,targeting police this time. City was still mourning its losses from 8Aug. May God have mercy — SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) August 11, 2016 The Dawn reports that causalities are feared and several people have also been injured in the blast, which shattered the windows of many buildings nearby. Rescue teams have reached the scene and the injured are being shifted to a nearby hospital and security forces are on the scene and collecting evidence. Meanwhile, the police are still trying to confirm the source and nature of the blast. (Agencies)

Pakistan's Quetta ripped apart by second blast in 3 days, 13 hurt

Pakistan&#39;s legendary former captain and batsman Hanif Muhammad, who held the record for the longest innings in Test cricket, passed away today after a prolonged battle with lung cancer. 
 
A spokesman for the Aga Khan Hospital, where he was being treated, confirmed that Hanif had passed away at the age of 81. 
 
&quot;He was in Intensive Care Unit and on a ventilator for respiratory problems and passed away today,&quot; he said. 
 
Hanif, had earlier in the day, been declared clinically dead for around six minutes before he was revived back to life. 
 
Hanif&#39;s son Shoaib Muhammad had first announced from the hospital on various television channels that his father had passed away after losing a protracted battle with various ailments. But few minutes later it was clarified that Hanif was still alive. 
 
&quot;His heartbeat had stopped for six minutes but the doctors managed to revive his heartbeat back,&quot; Shoaib said. 
 
But after a few hours, Shoaib also confirmed that his father was no more. 
 
&quot;He fought hard with his ailments and he was very sick for the last few years since he was diagnosed with lung cancer four years back,&quot; Shoaib told PTI. 
 
&quot;Our family is distraught but we only ask his fans and supporters to pray for him that God grant him a place in heaven. He was in a lot of pain the last few weeks but didn&#39;t give up such was his fighting nature,&quot; Shoaib, himself a former Test batsman, said. 
 
Hanif was admitted to the hospital on July 30 after respiratory problems and was then put on a ventilator and shifted to intensive care unit. 
 
Hanif was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013 and went to London for surgery and returned home well but his condition deteriorated in time as the cancer spread in his body. 
 
Hanif was a member of Pakistan&#39;s first touring Test squad that went to India in 1954-55 and went on to play 55 Tests scoring a memorable 337 runs against the West Indies in 1957-58. It remains the longest innings in Test history (and stood as the longest in all first-class cricket for over 40 years). 
 
In his 55-Test career, Hanif amassed 3915 runs at an average of 43.98, including 12 hundreds. In a first-class career spanning 238 matches, Hanif scored 17059 runs at an average of 52.32. 
 
(PTI)&nbsp; 
 
 
&nbsp;

He fought hard with his ailments and he was very sick for the last few years since he was diagnosed with lung cancer four years back

Pakistan's legendary former captain and batsman Hanif Muhammad, who held the record for the longest innings in Test cricket, passed away today after a prolonged battle with lung cancer. A spokesman for the Aga Khan Hospital, where he was being treated, confirmed that Hanif had passed away at the age of 81. "He was in Intensive Care Unit and on a ventilator for respiratory problems and passed away today," he said. Hanif, had earlier in the day, been declared clinically dead for around six minutes before he was revived back to life. Hanif's son Shoaib Muhammad had first announced from the hospital on various television channels that his father had passed away after losing a protracted battle with various ailments. But few minutes later it was clarified that Hanif was still alive. "His heartbeat had stopped for six minutes but the doctors managed to revive his heartbeat back," Shoaib said. But after a few hours, Shoaib also confirmed that his father was no more. "He fought hard with his ailments and he was very sick for the last few years since he was diagnosed with lung cancer four years back," Shoaib told PTI. "Our family is distraught but we only ask his fans and supporters to pray for him that God grant him a place in heaven. He was in a lot of pain the last few weeks but didn't give up such was his fighting nature," Shoaib, himself a former Test batsman, said. Hanif was admitted to the hospital on July 30 after respiratory problems and was then put on a ventilator and shifted to intensive care unit. Hanif was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013 and went to London for surgery and returned home well but his condition deteriorated in time as the cancer spread in his body. Hanif was a member of Pakistan's first touring Test squad that went to India in 1954-55 and went on to play 55 Tests scoring a memorable 337 runs against the West Indies in 1957-58. It remains the longest innings in Test history (and stood as the longest in all first-class cricket for over 40 years). In his 55-Test career, Hanif amassed 3915 runs at an average of 43.98, including 12 hundreds. In a first-class career spanning 238 matches, Hanif scored 17059 runs at an average of 52.32. (PTI)

Pakistani cricket legend Hanif Mohammad passes away after long battle with cancer

Pakistanis in Quetta demanded better security today, two days after a suicide bombing at a hospital killed 74 people. 
 
Monday&#39;s suicide bombing, that hit grief-stricken colleagues crowding around the body of the assassinated head of the provincial bar association, was the deadliest jihadist attack in Pakistan this year. 
 
Shreds of black cloth from slain lawyers trademark dark suits still littered the ground today at the Civil Hospital in Quetta, where glass from shattered windows remained and blood stained the walls. 
 
Medical staff said up to 60 of those killed were lawyers who had gathered to mourn the president of the Baluchistan Bar Association, Bilal Anwar Kasi. 
 
&quot;This type of attack happened in 2010, too, this is just a repetition. Yesterday, I warned the lawyers who had gathered here for the martyred lawyer Bilal that, God forbid, such an attack could happen again, so they should reduce the crowds,&quot; Abdul Rehman Miankhel, Medical Superintendent at the Civil Hospital said. 
 
&quot;I believe that our security is not adequate. It should be heightened, The number of guards should be increased and they should always be present at the gate. Walk-through (security) gates should also be erected. This is my suggestion. This will prevent any terrorist-type people from entering the hospital premises,&quot; added medical officer Dr. Malik Sultan. 
 
Security staff at the hospital said they asked the government to deploy paramilitary police forces at the hospital months ago, but nothing had been done so far. 
 
Both a Pakistani Taliban faction, Jamaat-ur-Ahrar, and Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, although Pakistani analysts and officials expressed doubt about any IS involvement. 
 
Jamaat-ur-Ahrar, like myriad Islamist militants waging war against Pakistan&#39;s government, consider civil society workers such as lawyers as part of the system they seek to overthrow to establish their vision of strict Islamic law. 
 
Shops, businesses, schools and universities in Quetta and beyond remained closed as the government announced three days of mourning. 
 
(Reuters)

Shops, businesses, schools and universities in Quetta and beyond remained closed as the government announced three days of mourning

Pakistanis in Quetta demanded better security today, two days after a suicide bombing at a hospital killed 74 people. Monday's suicide bombing, that hit grief-stricken colleagues crowding around the body of the assassinated head of the provincial bar association, was the deadliest jihadist attack in Pakistan this year. Shreds of black cloth from slain lawyers trademark dark suits still littered the ground today at the Civil Hospital in Quetta, where glass from shattered windows remained and blood stained the walls. Medical staff said up to 60 of those killed were lawyers who had gathered to mourn the president of the Baluchistan Bar Association, Bilal Anwar Kasi. "This type of attack happened in 2010, too, this is just a repetition. Yesterday, I warned the lawyers who had gathered here for the martyred lawyer Bilal that, God forbid, such an attack could happen again, so they should reduce the crowds," Abdul Rehman Miankhel, Medical Superintendent at the Civil Hospital said. "I believe that our security is not adequate. It should be heightened, The number of guards should be increased and they should always be present at the gate. Walk-through (security) gates should also be erected. This is my suggestion. This will prevent any terrorist-type people from entering the hospital premises," added medical officer Dr. Malik Sultan. Security staff at the hospital said they asked the government to deploy paramilitary police forces at the hospital months ago, but nothing had been done so far. Both a Pakistani Taliban faction, Jamaat-ur-Ahrar, and Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, although Pakistani analysts and officials expressed doubt about any IS involvement. Jamaat-ur-Ahrar, like myriad Islamist militants waging war against Pakistan's government, consider civil society workers such as lawyers as part of the system they seek to overthrow to establish their vision of strict Islamic law. Shops, businesses, schools and universities in Quetta and beyond remained closed as the government announced three days of mourning. (Reuters)

Pakistan's Quetta uneasy about security two days after blast

Pakistan has rejected India&#39;s charge of infiltration in Kashmir, after its envoy Abdul Basit was summoned and handed over a &quot;strong demarche&quot; over Pakistan&#39;s continued support to cross-border terrorism. 
 
&quot;We strongly reject Indian claim of any cross-LOC infiltration. Pakistan remains committed to the policy of not allowing its territory for any terrorist activity against anyone,&quot; the foreign office said in statement last night when asked about India summoning the Pakistani high commissioner.&nbsp; 
 
It said that it is necessary to establish &quot;veracity of the Indian claim&quot;. &quot;Details in this regard will be gathered,&quot; it said.&nbsp; 
 
Amid growing strain in ties, India yesterday summoned Basit and handed him a &quot;strong demarche&quot; over Pakistan&#39;s continued support to cross-border terrorism by pushing in trained terrorists to carry out attacks, particularly in Kashmir. 
 
Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar called Basit to his South Block office and lodged a strong protest over the issue as he made a specific reference to LeT terrorist and Pakistani national Bahadur Ali, who was captured recently in North Kashmir during an encounter.&nbsp; 
 
Ali, born in the Zia Bagga village of Lahore, was arrested by Indian&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on July 25 with weapons (AK 47 rifle, live rounds, grenades, grenade launcher etc) as also sophisticated communication equipment and other material of Pakistani/ international origin, according to the demarche issued to Basit.&nbsp; 
 
The ties between India and Pakistan have seen growing bitterness after Pakistan and its Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made provocative statements on the Kashmir situation in the wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with the security forces on July 8. 
 
(PTI)&nbsp;

'It is necessary to establish veracity of the Indian claim,' Pakistan's foreign office insisted

Pakistan has rejected India's charge of infiltration in Kashmir, after its envoy Abdul Basit was summoned and handed over a "strong demarche" over Pakistan's continued support to cross-border terrorism. "We strongly reject Indian claim of any cross-LOC infiltration. Pakistan remains committed to the policy of not allowing its territory for any terrorist activity against anyone," the foreign office said in statement last night when asked about India summoning the Pakistani high commissioner. It said that it is necessary to establish "veracity of the Indian claim". "Details in this regard will be gathered," it said. Amid growing strain in ties, India yesterday summoned Basit and handed him a "strong demarche" over Pakistan's continued support to cross-border terrorism by pushing in trained terrorists to carry out attacks, particularly in Kashmir. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar called Basit to his South Block office and lodged a strong protest over the issue as he made a specific reference to LeT terrorist and Pakistani national Bahadur Ali, who was captured recently in North Kashmir during an encounter. Ali, born in the Zia Bagga village of Lahore, was arrested by Indian authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on July 25 with weapons (AK 47 rifle, live rounds, grenades, grenade launcher etc) as also sophisticated communication equipment and other material of Pakistani/ international origin, according to the demarche issued to Basit. The ties between India and Pakistan have seen growing bitterness after Pakistan and its Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made provocative statements on the Kashmir situation in the wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with the security forces on July 8. (PTI)

Pakistan rejects India's 'cross-border inflitration' claim

An American national, who was blacklisted and deported from Pakistan in 2011 after he was allegedly caught spying on sensitive installations, has been arrested after he arrived at the airport here and got clearance from immigration officials. 
 
Matthew Craig Barrett, who was barred from entering the country after being deported on charges of espionage, arrived at Benazir Bhutto International airport in the morning yesterday and was granted entry by the immigration officials. 
 
When it came to the notice of interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, he ordered the arrest of Barrett, and suspended immigration officials at the airport for negligence, according to a statement by the ministry. 
 
Barrett was later picked up by Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and police officials in a joint raid on a guest house in the capital and an FIR was lodged against him for violation of immigration laws, the statement said. 
 
The interior minister has ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the grant of a Pakistani visa to Barrett, the Dawn reported. 
 
A case has also been registered against two FIA immigration officials, Sub-Inspector Raja Asif and his son Ehteshamul Haq. Ehtesham has been arrested, while raids were being conducted to arrest his father, police sources said. 
 
The minister has already suspended an assistant director of the FIA as well as the immigration officials who were on duty when Barrett was cleared by authorities at the airport. 
 
He has also issued directions for the formation of a joint investigation team for a thorough probe into the matter. 
 
The interior ministry said that action would also be initiated against officials at the Pakistani consulate in Houston, who were responsible for issuing a visa to Barrett. 
 
A spokesperson for the US embassy in Islamabad told the daily that the Privacy Act prohibited him from releasing any information about the American citizen without his consent. 
 
(PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Barrett was picked up by Federal Investigation Agency and police officials in a joint raid on a guest house in the capital

An American national, who was blacklisted and deported from Pakistan in 2011 after he was allegedly caught spying on sensitive installations, has been arrested after he arrived at the airport here and got clearance from immigration officials. Matthew Craig Barrett, who was barred from entering the country after being deported on charges of espionage, arrived at Benazir Bhutto International airport in the morning yesterday and was granted entry by the immigration officials. When it came to the notice of interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, he ordered the arrest of Barrett, and suspended immigration officials at the airport for negligence, according to a statement by the ministry. Barrett was later picked up by Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and police officials in a joint raid on a guest house in the capital and an FIR was lodged against him for violation of immigration laws, the statement said. The interior minister has ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the grant of a Pakistani visa to Barrett, the Dawn reported. A case has also been registered against two FIA immigration officials, Sub-Inspector Raja Asif and his son Ehteshamul Haq. Ehtesham has been arrested, while raids were being conducted to arrest his father, police sources said. The minister has already suspended an assistant director of the FIA as well as the immigration officials who were on duty when Barrett was cleared by authorities at the airport. He has also issued directions for the formation of a joint investigation team for a thorough probe into the matter. The interior ministry said that action would also be initiated against officials at the Pakistani consulate in Houston, who were responsible for issuing a visa to Barrett. A spokesperson for the US embassy in Islamabad told the daily that the Privacy Act prohibited him from releasing any information about the American citizen without his consent. (PTI)

Blacklisted US Matthew Craig Barrett 'spy' arrested in Pakistan

Indian security forces opened fire on curfew-defying protesters in Indian state of Kashmir on Friday, killing three and bringing the number of people killed in a wave of unrest to 55. 
 
The recent protests erupted in July over the killing of Burhan Wani, a commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen militant group, a separatist group. 
 
In Friday&#39;s shootings, two protesters were killed in the west of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s summer capital, and one in the north of the city after crowds began attacking police and paramilitary positions following Friday prayers, a senior police officer said. 
 
More than 100 people were wounded including several police officers. 
 
Pakistan, on Friday, requested M?decins Sans Fronti?res (MSF) &mdash; commonly known as &ldquo;Doctors Without Borders&rdquo; &mdash; to immediately provide medical assistance to thousands of people injured in Kashmir due to state aggression by Indian forces. 
 
Adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said the growing emergency in the area is due to &ldquo;the atrocious Indian brutalities against unarmed and defenseless civilians.&rdquo; 
 
The foreign affairs adviser made the formal request by writing a letter to the international president of MSF. 
 
He said stressed on the immediate requirement of eye surgeons, as hundreds of people suffered severe eye injuries caused by use of pellet guns by security forces. Many people have lost their eyesight from shotgun injuries.&nbsp; 
 
India has urged its security forces to act with restraint as they try to keep protesters off the streets and quell near-daily violence that has flared since July 9, but some have accused troops of using excessive force to control the protests. 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Near-daily violence in Kashmir has flared since July 9 over the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani, resulting in 55 deaths so far

Indian security forces opened fire on curfew-defying protesters in Indian state of Kashmir on Friday, killing three and bringing the number of people killed in a wave of unrest to 55. The recent protests erupted in July over the killing of Burhan Wani, a commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen militant group, a separatist group. In Friday's shootings, two protesters were killed in the west of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital, and one in the north of the city after crowds began attacking police and paramilitary positions following Friday prayers, a senior police officer said. More than 100 people were wounded including several police officers. Pakistan, on Friday, requested M?decins Sans Fronti?res (MSF) — commonly known as “Doctors Without Borders” — to immediately provide medical assistance to thousands of people injured in Kashmir due to state aggression by Indian forces. Adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said the growing emergency in the area is due to “the atrocious Indian brutalities against unarmed and defenseless civilians.” The foreign affairs adviser made the formal request by writing a letter to the international president of MSF. He said stressed on the immediate requirement of eye surgeons, as hundreds of people suffered severe eye injuries caused by use of pellet guns by security forces. Many people have lost their eyesight from shotgun injuries. India has urged its security forces to act with restraint as they try to keep protesters off the streets and quell near-daily violence that has flared since July 9, but some have accused troops of using excessive force to control the protests. (Reuters)

Fresh protests erupt in India's Kashmir, three killed

The independent leadership in Pakistan administered Kashmir and Gilgit, led by the United Kashmir People&#39;s National Party (UKPNP), have strongly rejected moves by Pakistan to establish military courts in the region in order to further suppress the local population. 
 
In a conference titled &quot;National Action Plan &amp; Freedom of Expression in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan&quot; held recently in Mirpur city of the region, Kashmiri leaders vehemently rejected the draconian law. 
 
Pakistani security forces have arrested many Kashmiri nationalist leaders under the national action Plan that was established by Pakistan government in January 2015 to crack down on terrorism. 
&nbsp;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Mirpur (PoK): Kashmiri leaders protest Pakistan&rsquo;s move to establish military courts. <a href="https://t.co/z4zxzgznvQ">pic.twitter.com/z4zxzgznvQ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/761757222678519808">August 6, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
 
 
In a resolution passed unanimously, the participants demounces establishment of military courts and implementation of national action plan (NAP) in Pakistan administered Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. They said Pakistan has no jurisdiction in these areas. 
 
Asif Shah Kashmiri, president of J K Peoples National Party said, &quot;In Gilgit Baltistan, the Pakistan court have imposed false cases against Baba Jan and his colleagues and announced 20 years of imprisonment. We strictly condemn it.&quot; He said, &quot;We condemn sedition charges leveled against Muhammad Khwaja Rafiq of Kashmir International Friendship Club, Talat Mehmood and other political leaders of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.&quot; 
 
Most speakers criticised Kashmir policy of Pakistan government and human rights violations committed by them in the region and Gilgit-Baltistan. 
 
Advocate Nasir Ansari, president of J&amp;K Plebiscite Front (JK Mahaz-e-Rai Shumari) said, &quot;We also want to see a progressive Pakistan. It is making atomic bombs. But, can a human being eat these atom bombs? Pakistan has failed to provide a glass of clean drinking water to its citizens in the past 70 years. Can we have faith on Pakistan that it will make us free?&quot; 
 
The speakers said that the Pakistan establishment is trying to convey that recent elections in the region were free and fair, but in fact, the elections were rigged, unfair and partial. Nationalist parties were not allowed to participate in the elections. 
 
Shafique Kayani, secretary general of the J K Freedom Movement said, &quot;Why you required a National Action Plan. It was because to arrest those Kashmiris who are demanding freedom. Why you are not arresting those terrorists in Karachi who are involved in kidnappings and killings. They are carrying out terrorist attacks and killings children in schools.&quot;&nbsp; 
(ANI)

Security forces have arrested many leaders in Pakistan administered Kashmir under the national action plan to crack down on terrorists

The independent leadership in Pakistan administered Kashmir and Gilgit, led by the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), have strongly rejected moves by Pakistan to establish military courts in the region in order to further suppress the local population. In a conference titled "National Action Plan & Freedom of Expression in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan" held recently in Mirpur city of the region, Kashmiri leaders vehemently rejected the draconian law. Pakistani security forces have arrested many Kashmiri nationalist leaders under the national action Plan that was established by Pakistan government in January 2015 to crack down on terrorism. Mirpur (PoK): Kashmiri leaders protest Pakistan’s move to establish military courts. pic.twitter.com/z4zxzgznvQ — ANI (@ANI_news) August 6, 2016 In a resolution passed unanimously, the participants demounces establishment of military courts and implementation of national action plan (NAP) in Pakistan administered Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. They said Pakistan has no jurisdiction in these areas. Asif Shah Kashmiri, president of J K Peoples National Party said, "In Gilgit Baltistan, the Pakistan court have imposed false cases against Baba Jan and his colleagues and announced 20 years of imprisonment. We strictly condemn it." He said, "We condemn sedition charges leveled against Muhammad Khwaja Rafiq of Kashmir International Friendship Club, Talat Mehmood and other political leaders of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan." Most speakers criticised Kashmir policy of Pakistan government and human rights violations committed by them in the region and Gilgit-Baltistan. Advocate Nasir Ansari, president of J&K Plebiscite Front (JK Mahaz-e-Rai Shumari) said, "We also want to see a progressive Pakistan. It is making atomic bombs. But, can a human being eat these atom bombs? Pakistan has failed to provide a glass of clean drinking water to its citizens in the past 70 years. Can we have faith on Pakistan that it will make us free?" The speakers said that the Pakistan establishment is trying to convey that recent elections in the region were free and fair, but in fact, the elections were rigged, unfair and partial. Nationalist parties were not allowed to participate in the elections. Shafique Kayani, secretary general of the J K Freedom Movement said, "Why you required a National Action Plan. It was because to arrest those Kashmiris who are demanding freedom. Why you are not arresting those terrorists in Karachi who are involved in kidnappings and killings. They are carrying out terrorist attacks and killings children in schools." (ANI)

Activists in Pakistan administered Kashmir protest move to establish military courts in region

Afghanistan scrambled today to free six crew members of a Pakistani helicopter taken hostage by the Taliban after it crash-landed in the country&#39;s volatile east. 
 
Militants set the Mi-17 transport helicopter on fire and took the six crew to a Taliban-controlled area after it made an emergency landing in Logar province on Thursday, local authorities said. 
 
The crew included retired Pakistani military officers and a Russian navigator, Pakistan&#39;s Dawn newspaper reported citing senior local officials. 
 
&quot;We have launched an investigation into the incident... and the government has instructed security forces to spare no efforts to secure the release of the crew members,&quot; the Afghan defense ministry said in a statement. 
 
The ministry said Pakistan had sought permission to fly a helicopter, being sent to Russia for overhauling, over Afghan air space. 
 
But it added it was investigating whether the crashed chopper was the one for which permission had been granted. 
 
Kabul has long been suspicious of Pakistan, which it accuses of nurturing Taliban sanctuaries on its soil in the effort to maintain influence in Afghanistan. 
 
Pakistani army chief seeks US intervention&nbsp; 
 
Pakistani army chief General Raheel Sharif tweeted that he had telephoned Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to secure the release of the crew. 
 
&quot;President Ashraf Ghani assured all possible assistance in this regard,&quot; he tweeted. 
 
Pakistan army spokesman said that General Sharif also called NATO and US forces top commander in Afghanistan General John Nicholson to get back the crew. 
 
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also stated federal government is in constant touch with the relevant authorities in Afghanistan and the state&#39;s resources are fully utilised to rescue the personnel who were onboard in the helicopter. 
 
&quot;Formal and informal channels are being used to ensure safe recovery of the entire crew,&quot; he said in a statement. 
 
&quot;We are profoundly concerned about the safety of the whole team that was travelling on the helicopter. We have formally requested the Government of Afghanistan to help in their safe recovery, at the earliest possible,&quot; he said further. 
 
Russia&#39;s foreign ministry said it was checking media reports that one of their citizens had been taken hostage, adding it was in contact with Afghan and Pakistani authorities to secure his release. 
 
The Taliban have so far not commented on the incident.&nbsp; 
 
Pakistan&#39;s military uses Russian-made MI-17 helicopters, several of which have crashed in recent years. 
 
In February, an army officer was killed when a military helicopter crashed in northern Pakistan on a routine night training mission. 
 
In May 2015, the ambassadors of Norway and the Philippines, the wives of the Malaysian and Indonesian ambassadors, two pilots and a crew member were killed when the Pakistani Mi-17 carrying them crashed in northern Naltar valley. 
 
(AFP, PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Six crew members were taken hostage after militants set Mi-17 transport helicopter on fire as it made emergency landing in Logar province

Afghanistan scrambled today to free six crew members of a Pakistani helicopter taken hostage by the Taliban after it crash-landed in the country's volatile east. Militants set the Mi-17 transport helicopter on fire and took the six crew to a Taliban-controlled area after it made an emergency landing in Logar province on Thursday, local authorities said. The crew included retired Pakistani military officers and a Russian navigator, Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reported citing senior local officials. "We have launched an investigation into the incident... and the government has instructed security forces to spare no efforts to secure the release of the crew members," the Afghan defense ministry said in a statement. The ministry said Pakistan had sought permission to fly a helicopter, being sent to Russia for overhauling, over Afghan air space. But it added it was investigating whether the crashed chopper was the one for which permission had been granted. Kabul has long been suspicious of Pakistan, which it accuses of nurturing Taliban sanctuaries on its soil in the effort to maintain influence in Afghanistan. Pakistani army chief seeks US intervention Pakistani army chief General Raheel Sharif tweeted that he had telephoned Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to secure the release of the crew. "President Ashraf Ghani assured all possible assistance in this regard," he tweeted. Pakistan army spokesman said that General Sharif also called NATO and US forces top commander in Afghanistan General John Nicholson to get back the crew. Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also stated federal government is in constant touch with the relevant authorities in Afghanistan and the state's resources are fully utilised to rescue the personnel who were onboard in the helicopter. "Formal and informal channels are being used to ensure safe recovery of the entire crew," he said in a statement. "We are profoundly concerned about the safety of the whole team that was travelling on the helicopter. We have formally requested the Government of Afghanistan to help in their safe recovery, at the earliest possible," he said further. Russia's foreign ministry said it was checking media reports that one of their citizens had been taken hostage, adding it was in contact with Afghan and Pakistani authorities to secure his release. The Taliban have so far not commented on the incident. Pakistan's military uses Russian-made MI-17 helicopters, several of which have crashed in recent years. In February, an army officer was killed when a military helicopter crashed in northern Pakistan on a routine night training mission. In May 2015, the ambassadors of Norway and the Philippines, the wives of the Malaysian and Indonesian ambassadors, two pilots and a crew member were killed when the Pakistani Mi-17 carrying them crashed in northern Naltar valley. (AFP, PTI)

Afghanistan scrambles to free Pakistan chopper crash hostages

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has announced it will release the last instalment of a $6.6 billion economic bailout package to Pakistan, as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hailed an end to the country&#39;s reliance on the lender. 
 
The decision to release the final tranche worth $102 million of the three-year programme came after a review of the country&#39;s economic performance that found it was meeting most reform indicators but still needed to broaden the tax net. 
 
IMF delegation head Harald Finger said growth was projected to reach five per cent supported by a construction boom linked to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, an ambitious infrastructure upgrade project intended to link China&#39;s western Xinjiang region to Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea. 
 
&quot;All indicative targets and structural benchmarks (SB) were met, except for the delayed notification of multi-year tariffs for three power distribution companies,&quot; Finger said Thursday in Dubai, referring to measures intended to reduce major fluctuations in electricity costs. 
 
The release of the final tranche is subject to approval by the IMF&#39;s executive board though that is considered a formality.&nbsp; 
 
In Islamabad, Sharif told lawmakers from his party that his government had ended the country&#39;s reliance on foreign multilateral assistance and was saying &quot;goodbye&quot; to the Fund. 
 
&quot;With the grace of God, we will say goodbye to IMF after this (agreement),&quot; he said. 
 
Sharif had been under pressure from the opposition for seeking the loan in 2013 because its conditions included forcing the government to raise taxes and energy prices. 
 
The IMF note cautioned however that to consolidate and reinforce the gains achieved in the last three years, it was important to &quot;strengthen public finances and external buffers, broaden the tax net, (and) improve public financial management,&quot; among other measures. 
 
(AFP) 
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International Monetary Fund to release final instalment of $6.6 bn loan to Pakistan after satisfactory review of its economic performance

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has announced it will release the last instalment of a $6.6 billion economic bailout package to Pakistan, as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hailed an end to the country's reliance on the lender. The decision to release the final tranche worth $102 million of the three-year programme came after a review of the country's economic performance that found it was meeting most reform indicators but still needed to broaden the tax net. IMF delegation head Harald Finger said growth was projected to reach five per cent supported by a construction boom linked to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, an ambitious infrastructure upgrade project intended to link China's western Xinjiang region to Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea. "All indicative targets and structural benchmarks (SB) were met, except for the delayed notification of multi-year tariffs for three power distribution companies," Finger said Thursday in Dubai, referring to measures intended to reduce major fluctuations in electricity costs. The release of the final tranche is subject to approval by the IMF's executive board though that is considered a formality. In Islamabad, Sharif told lawmakers from his party that his government had ended the country's reliance on foreign multilateral assistance and was saying "goodbye" to the Fund. "With the grace of God, we will say goodbye to IMF after this (agreement)," he said. Sharif had been under pressure from the opposition for seeking the loan in 2013 because its conditions included forcing the government to raise taxes and energy prices. The IMF note cautioned however that to consolidate and reinforce the gains achieved in the last three years, it was important to "strengthen public finances and external buffers, broaden the tax net, (and) improve public financial management," among other measures. (AFP)

Pakistan ends reliance on foreign lending, says 'goodbye' to IMF

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