Continued threats, constant stress and periodic conflicts over seven decades across the land frontiers with Pakistan and China, that has majorly shaped India's military force structure.

Army Day India: India Army Chief Manoj Pande pays homage to soldiers killed in action

Army Day India: For the second year, Army Day parade relocated outside of Delhi

Pakistan’s Supreme Court late Saturday (Jan 13) stripped the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) off its iconic ‘bat’ election symbol, a move after which those contesting in elections from the party will have to fight as independent candidates. This is a major setback for Pakistan's jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Imran Khan's party loses 'bat' symbol, PTI candidates to contest as independents

United Kingdom backing anti-India secessionists. British Police are warning Pro Khalistan Sikh individuals in the UK of threats to their lives. This follows the visit of the European nation's High Commissioner to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on January 10th. Watch to know more.

UK backing anti-India secessionist elements?

Pakistan SC strips Imran Khan's PTI off 'bat' electoral symbol

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan said on Saturday (Jan 13) that Pakistan had effectively closed a key northwestern border crossing with Afghanistan to truck drivers.

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan said on Saturday (Jan 13) that Pakistan had effectively closed a key northwestern border crossing with Afghanistan to truck drivers. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, Noor Mohammad Hanif, director of the information and culture department in Nangarhar province, said that officials at the Torkham crossing began asking Afghan truck drivers for passports and visas. Also read: Taliban detain and lash young girls for violating hijab rules Hanif said that in response, Kabul was now asking Pakistani drivers for passports and visas. In a separate statement, the Nangarhar governor’s office said that officials from both sides were in talks to solve the problem and a decision would be made soon. Torkham crossing closed many times recently The Torkham border crossing had been closed many times in recent months, including in Sept 2023 when it was shut for nine days due to clashes between border forces. The report said that on Saturday, dozens of trucks carrying perishable items, including vegetables and fruits, waited on each side of the border for the reopening of the crossing. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan are continuing over multiple issues. Islamabad has expressed concerns about the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan. The TTP has carried out several attacks on Pakistani soil. Islamabad has said many leaders and fighters of the terrorist group have found sanctuary in Afghanistan and have been emboldened to carry out more attacks on security forces in Pakistan. Also read: Pakistan: Violence-related deaths in 2023 at a six-year high, shows data The Afghan Taliban government insists it does not allow the TTP to use its soil to launch attacks in Pakistan. Tensions also exist between the two countries around Pakistan’s ongoing expulsion of Afghans. In recent months, Pakistan has deported over a half million Afghans without valid papers. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan closes key crossing into Afghanistan to truck drivers. They will have to show documents

Pakistan’s Supreme Court late Saturday (Jan 13) stripped the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) off its iconic ‘bat’ election symbol, a move after which those contesting in&nbsp;elections from the party will have to fight as independent candidates. This is a major setback for Pakistan's jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The court also declared the PTI's intra-party polls as "null and void". This ruling comes after a continued legal tussle between Pakistan's election body and PTI over the electoral symbol and rejection of intra-party polls.&nbsp;

Setting aside the Peshawar High Court (PHC) order which said that the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision was 'illegal', Pakistan's Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa said, the ECP “has been calling upon the PTI to hold its intra-party elections since May 24, 2021 and at that time the PTI was in the federal government and in some provinces.”

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“Therefore, it cannot be stated that ECP was victimising PTI. Nonetheless, we wanted to satisfy ourselves that the ECP had not acted mala fide of ulterior reason or that PTI was discriminated against; it transpired that the ECP had passed orders against 13 other registered political parties which were far more severe than the order passed against PTI," the judge added, reported Pakistan's media outlet Dawn.&nbsp;

As the verdict was pronounced, PTI's Barrister Gohar Khan expressed disappointment and announced the party's intention to file a review appeal against the Supreme Court order.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-genocide-case-western-countries-reject-safricas-charges-turkey-to-provide-documents-679670">Israel ‘genocide’ case: Western countries reject S. Africa’s charges; Turkey to provide documents</a>

The entire saga started on December 22 when the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disallowed PTI to keep its electoral symbol for the upcoming general elections. Giving its reasons for the move, the election body cited the party's failure to conduct intra-party polls in alignment with the constitution and election laws.&nbsp;

Despite a brief restoration of the symbol by the Peshawar High Court, the ECP's decision was ultimately upheld by the country's apex court.&nbsp;

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PTI also attempted to join the elections using the PTI-Nazriati splinter group’s symbol, the batsman. However, this plan B was also ruined after an agreement fell through, further complicating the party's electoral prospects.&nbsp;
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The Supreme Court's recent ruling means PTI candidates will no longer be able to campaign with the ‘bat’ symbol.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan’s Supreme Court late Saturday (Jan 13) stripped the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) off its iconic ‘bat’ election symbol, a move after which those contesting in elections from the party will have to fight as independent candidates.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court late Saturday (Jan 13) stripped the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) off its iconic ‘bat’ election symbol, a move after which those contesting in elections from the party will have to fight as independent candidates. This is a major setback for Pakistan's jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The court also declared the PTI's intra-party polls as "null and void". This ruling comes after a continued legal tussle between Pakistan's election body and PTI over the electoral symbol and rejection of intra-party polls. Setting aside the Peshawar High Court (PHC) order which said that the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision was 'illegal', Pakistan's Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa said, the ECP “has been calling upon the PTI to hold its intra-party elections since May 24, 2021 and at that time the PTI was in the federal government and in some provinces.” Also Read | Japan: Boeing 737 plane returns to airport after crack in cockpit window “Therefore, it cannot be stated that ECP was victimising PTI. Nonetheless, we wanted to satisfy ourselves that the ECP had not acted mala fide of ulterior reason or that PTI was discriminated against; it transpired that the ECP had passed orders against 13 other registered political parties which were far more severe than the order passed against PTI," the judge added, reported Pakistan's media outlet Dawn. As the verdict was pronounced, PTI's Barrister Gohar Khan expressed disappointment and announced the party's intention to file a review appeal against the Supreme Court order. Also Read | Israel ‘genocide’ case: Western countries reject S. Africa’s charges; Turkey to provide documents The entire saga started on December 22 when the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disallowed PTI to keep its electoral symbol for the upcoming general elections. Giving its reasons for the move, the election body cited the party's failure to conduct intra-party polls in alignment with the constitution and election laws. Despite a brief restoration of the symbol by the Peshawar High Court, the ECP's decision was ultimately upheld by the country's apex court. Watch | Taiwan elections: Lai Ching-te wins presidential vote, vows to defend island from China threats × PTI also attempted to join the elections using the PTI-Nazriati splinter group’s symbol, the batsman. However, this plan B was also ruined after an agreement fell through, further complicating the party's electoral prospects. The Supreme Court's recent ruling means PTI candidates will no longer be able to campaign with the ‘bat’ symbol. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak SC strips Imran Khan's PTI off 'bat' electoral symbol, party to file review appeal

Pakistan: Imran Khan’s party loses cricket bat electoral symbol

Pakistan: Imran Khan's party loses 'bat' symbol, PTI candidates to contest as independents

Pakistan: Imran Khan's PTI loses 'bat' electoral symbol

India has continuously flagged persistent terrorist activities sponsored by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir on national and international stages. In a bid to crack down on these, the Indian Army is initiating 'Operation Sarvashakti', media reports said, citing sources. The motto of launching this operation is to counteract the resurgence of terrorism orchestrated by Pakistani proxy groups along the Pir Panjal mountain ranges in the Union Territory.

Pakistani-backed terrorist organisations have been actively attempting to revive terrorism in the Rajouri Poonch sector, resulting in the loss of approximately 20 soldiers in recent attacks. The latest incident occurred on December 21, claiming the lives of four soldiers in the Dera ki Gali area.

According to ANI news agency that cited sources in the security forces, "Operation Sarvashakti would be to carry out combined counter-terrorist operations from both sides of the Pir Panjal ranges where the formations of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps along with the Nagrota-headquartered White Knight Corps would be carrying out simultaneous operations."

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To counter threats, the said sources noted that Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, Special Operations Group, and intelligence agencies will collaborate closely to thwart Pakistani attempts to revive&nbsp;terrorism in the Union Territory, particularly in the Rajouri Poonch sector.

This comes amid a strained relationship between&nbsp;India and Pakistan. New Delhi accuses its neighbour&nbsp;of supporting and harbouring terrorist groups that operate against the country. India claims terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which have been involved in attacks against Indian security forces and civilians have been receiving support from&nbsp;Pakistan.

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The Mumbai attacks in 2008 were a major terrorist incident that heightened tensions between the two countries. Lashkar-e-Taiba, based in Pakistan, was implicated in the attacks, and India accused elements within Pakistan of providing support to the perpetrators.

Watch | Divya Pahuja murder case: Former model's body found in a canal in Haryana

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This initiative draws parallels with Operation Sarpvinash launched in 2003 to eliminate terrorists in the same areas south of the Pir Panjal range.

Army Chief General Manoj Pande laid emphasis on attempts to resurgence of terrorist activities in the region.&nbsp;Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi has conducted coordination meetings with top security forces brass in both the Jammu and Kashmir regions for a unified response against terrorists.

(With inputs from agencies)

India has continuously flagged persistent terrorist activities sponsored by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir on national and international stages. In a bid to crack down on these, the Indian Army is initiating 'Operation Sarvashakti', media reports said, citing sources.

India has continuously flagged persistent terrorist activities sponsored by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir on national and international stages. In a bid to crack down on these, the Indian Army is initiating 'Operation Sarvashakti', media reports said, citing sources. The motto of launching this operation is to counteract the resurgence of terrorism orchestrated by Pakistani proxy groups along the Pir Panjal mountain ranges in the Union Territory. Pakistani-backed terrorist organisations have been actively attempting to revive terrorism in the Rajouri Poonch sector, resulting in the loss of approximately 20 soldiers in recent attacks. The latest incident occurred on December 21, claiming the lives of four soldiers in the Dera ki Gali area. According to ANI news agency that cited sources in the security forces, "Operation Sarvashakti would be to carry out combined counter-terrorist operations from both sides of the Pir Panjal ranges where the formations of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps along with the Nagrota-headquartered White Knight Corps would be carrying out simultaneous operations." Also Read | India Weather: Delhi wakes up to a chilly Sunday morning, dense fog engulfs North India; Check full forecast To counter threats, the said sources noted that Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, Special Operations Group, and intelligence agencies will collaborate closely to thwart Pakistani attempts to revive terrorism in the Union Territory, particularly in the Rajouri Poonch sector. This comes amid a strained relationship between India and Pakistan. New Delhi accuses its neighbour of supporting and harbouring terrorist groups that operate against the country. India claims terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which have been involved in attacks against Indian security forces and civilians have been receiving support from Pakistan. Also Read | India lodges ‘strong protest’ after British envoy visits Pakistan-occupied Kashmir The Mumbai attacks in 2008 were a major terrorist incident that heightened tensions between the two countries. Lashkar-e-Taiba, based in Pakistan, was implicated in the attacks, and India accused elements within Pakistan of providing support to the perpetrators. Watch | Divya Pahuja murder case: Former model's body found in a canal in Haryana × This initiative draws parallels with Operation Sarpvinash launched in 2003 to eliminate terrorists in the same areas south of the Pir Panjal range. Army Chief General Manoj Pande laid emphasis on attempts to resurgence of terrorist activities in the region. Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi has conducted coordination meetings with top security forces brass in both the Jammu and Kashmir regions for a unified response against terrorists. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Army launches 'Operation Sarvashakti' to thwart Pak's attempts to revive terrorism in Kashmir

The United Nations Security Council has confirmed that one of the founding members of terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Deputy of the 26/11 attacks mastermind, Abdul Salam Bhuttavi, is 'confirmed dead'.

UNSC says Hafiz Saeed's Deputy Abdul Salam Bhuttavi is 'confirmed dead' in Pakistan jail

Another senior judge has resigned from the Pakistan’s Supreme Court. Ijaz Ul Ahsan, a senior judge in the country resigned a day after justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi quit office.

Another senior judge in Pakistan top court resigns

UNSC says LeT founder & Hafiz Saeed Deputy Abdul Salam Bhuttavi found dead in Pakistan jail

Justice Ijazul Ahsan stepped down a day after another top court judge Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi resigned. In his resignation addressed to President Arif Alvi, the senior judge said that he no longer wished to continue.

Justice Ahsan quits after Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi's resignation

According to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi died from cardiac arrest on May 29, 2023 while in the custody of the Pakistan government. Bhuttavi was a founding member of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) and a deputy to Hafiz Saeed. In 2012, the UNSC listed Bhuttavi as a terrorist associated with Al-Qaida.

UNSC says Abdul Salam Bhuttavi is confirmed dead in Pakistan Jail

Pakistan - where terrorism seems to have taken another turn after terrorist killed six men who were barbers by profession. The killings took place in North Waziristan, a tribal district in Northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Pakistan | Terror revisits tribal belt: Attack against six barbers prompts probe | World News | WION

WION EXCLUSIVE: Pakistan's first Hindu woman candidate who has decided to contest the general elections. Dr Saveera Parkash, filed nomination from Buner constituency in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In an exclusive conversation with WION's principal correspondent Siddhant Sibbal, Dr Saveera says she wants to be the voice of minorities in the muslim majority country.

Dr Saveera Parkash, Pakistan's first Hindu woman poll contestant speaks to WION

Hafiz Saeed, the Pakistan-based terrorist and mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is serving a 78-year prison sentence in Pakistan, the United Nations said in its updated information.&nbsp;

Saeed is facing conviction in seven terror financing cases.

Saeed, designated as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council's 1267 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee in December 2008, is "in (the) custody of the Government of Pakistan, serving a 78-year imprisonment sentence since 12 February 2020 as a result of conviction in seven terror financing cases," the committee said in an amended entry.

<h2>So is Pakistan acting against terror?</h2>

Pakistan continues to foster terror to infiltrate terrorists across the Line of Control into India's Jammu and Kashmir. While the cross-border infiltrations have decreased since August 2019 when India abrogated the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, dozens of terrorist training camps continue to remain active in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.&nbsp;

Besides, Hafiz Saeed's son Talha Saeed is set to contest in Pakistan's national elections scheduled to be held in February 2024.

Talha is a candidate from a constituency in Lahore from the radical Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) party.

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Interestingly, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan too was a candidate from the same constituency, Lahore's NA-122, before his candidature was declared null and void by Pakistan's election commission.&nbsp;

Considered number 2 in Lashkar-e-Taeba (LeT), second only to his father, Talha is designated a terrorist in India under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

New Delhi's repeated attempts to get Hafiz Talha designated as a terrorist with the UN have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-china-bolsters-pakistans-terror-infrastructure-as-world-remembers-2611-victims-662761">blocked by China</a>.

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MEA on Hafiz Saeed's son Talha Saeed standing for elections: Issue of radical elements being normalised, &amp; participating in elections. Mainstreaming of radical elements outfits in Pakistan is nothing new &amp; part of the state policy for a long time. It has security implications <a href="https://t.co/ODtxySyF2c">https://t.co/ODtxySyF2c</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1740725773487706174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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India's foreign ministry described Talha's electioneering in Pakistan as a 'mainstreaming of radical elements' and its subsequent normalisation.

<h2>What else did the UN say?</h2>

The UN Sanctions Committee also noted that Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi, founding member of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Saeed's deputy, is "confirmed deceased."

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Who is killing terrorists in Pakistan?

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Bhuttavi was a&nbsp;UN-designated terrorist who trained the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, including Ajmal Amir Kasab&nbsp;for the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and acted as the terror outfit's chief on at least two occasions.

He died in prison in May last year in Pakistan's Punjab province. Bhuttavi was serving a sentence for terror financing.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hafiz Saeed, the Pakistan-based terrorist and mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is serving a 78-year prison sentence in Pakistan, the United Nations said in its updated information.

Hafiz Saeed, the Pakistan-based terrorist and mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is serving a 78-year prison sentence in Pakistan, the United Nations said in its updated information. Saeed is facing conviction in seven terror financing cases. Saeed, designated as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council's 1267 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee in December 2008, is "in (the) custody of the Government of Pakistan, serving a 78-year imprisonment sentence since 12 February 2020 as a result of conviction in seven terror financing cases," the committee said in an amended entry. So is Pakistan acting against terror? Pakistan continues to foster terror to infiltrate terrorists across the Line of Control into India's Jammu and Kashmir. While the cross-border infiltrations have decreased since August 2019 when India abrogated the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, dozens of terrorist training camps continue to remain active in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Besides, Hafiz Saeed's son Talha Saeed is set to contest in Pakistan's national elections scheduled to be held in February 2024. Talha is a candidate from a constituency in Lahore from the radical Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) party. Also read | Pakistan: Imran Khan’s election nomination rejected from two constituencies Interestingly, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan too was a candidate from the same constituency, Lahore's NA-122, before his candidature was declared null and void by Pakistan's election commission. Considered number 2 in Lashkar-e-Taeba (LeT), second only to his father, Talha is designated a terrorist in India under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). New Delhi's repeated attempts to get Hafiz Talha designated as a terrorist with the UN have been blocked by China. MEA on Hafiz Saeed's son Talha Saeed standing for elections: Issue of radical elements being normalised, & participating in elections. Mainstreaming of radical elements outfits in Pakistan is nothing new & part of the state policy for a long time. It has security implications https://t.co/ODtxySyF2c — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 29, 2023 × India's foreign ministry described Talha's electioneering in Pakistan as a 'mainstreaming of radical elements' and its subsequent normalisation. What else did the UN say? The UN Sanctions Committee also noted that Hafiz Abdul Salam Bhuttavi, founding member of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Saeed's deputy, is "confirmed deceased." Also watch | Gravitas: Who is killing terrorists in Pakistan? × Bhuttavi was a UN-designated terrorist who trained the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, including Ajmal Amir Kasab for the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and acted as the terror outfit's chief on at least two occasions. He died in prison in May last year in Pakistan's Punjab province. Bhuttavi was serving a sentence for terror financing. (With inputs from agencies)

Terrorist Hafiz Saeed is serving 78-year prison sentence in Pakistan: UN

In a historic decision, Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday affirmed the death penalty that a special court had imposed on the now-deceased military dictator Pervez Musharraf in connection with a high treason case.

The Pakistan Air Force has expressed interest in China's fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft J-31 “Gyrfalcon.” The stealth jet is being developed by the Chinese aerospace company, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and would soon be inducted into the country’s air force. If such a deal is signed between Pakistan and China, what are the options in front of India? We explore in this video.

Gravitas: Pak eyes China's fifth-generation fighter jet | What are India's options?

Ajay Bisaria, the Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, has underscored the gravity of the February 2019 developments when it comes to India-Pakistan ties, stating, "there was a distinct probability that India would escalate the situation if Pakistan had not returned the captured Indian pilot or if he had come to harm. That was certainly a point which was clearly made by India." Following the Pulwama terror attack in 2019, India conducted surgical strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps near Balakot, leading to a dogfight between Indian and Pakistani air forces and the subsequent capture and later release of Indian IAF Pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistan.

India would have escalated if Abhinandan wasn't released, says ex-Indian envoy to Pak Ajay Bisaria

Ajay Bisaria, the former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, has underscored the gravity of the February 2019 developments when it comes to India-Pakistan ties, stating, "There was a distinct probability that India would escalate the situation if Pakistan had not returned the captured Indian pilot or if he had come to harm. That was certainly a point which was clearly made by India."

Following the Pulwama terror attack in 2019, India conducted surgical strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps near Balakot, leading to a dogfight between Indian and Pakistani air forces and the subsequent capture and later release of Indian IAF Pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistan.

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Bisaria further offered insights into the suggested path for Pakistan's interests, stating, "Pakistan's best bet for its own interest is to try to normalize the country." He has revealed several details of his tenure in Pakistan and ties between the two&nbsp;countries in his book "Anger Management". His book also gives account of Imran Khan's tenure and&nbsp;his view on India ties.&nbsp;

Here's the full interview:

Sidhant Sibal: Your tenure in Pakistan, India removing special status for J&amp;K, if you can talk about that..

Ajay Bisaria: Well, I think that was perhaps the most interesting part of my tenure, that is my exit from Pakistan because it came somewhat abruptly. I had done just about 20 months at that point in Pakistan, and with India's decisions on Article 370 and the decisions by our parliament, I was asked to leave, so I had a 72 hour notice period, and on the fifth of August I was called in by the Pakistani foreign secretary for a demarche about what India had done, and expressing a great deal of concern. And of course, my response was that this was internal to India, Pakistan had no local standi in this situation. But after a point of time, Pakistan seemed to be running out of options on what it could do to express its anger about what India had done. And therefore, the position it took&nbsp;was to ask the Indian High Commissioner to leave and I therefore left Pakistan somewhat abruptly in three days.

Sidhant Sibal: Pulwama in February 2019, how close India, Pakistan were&nbsp;at war or something that was very dangerous for the region.&nbsp;

Ajay Bisaria:&nbsp;I wouldn't say war, but we will certainly be at a stage where the crisis could have escalated beyond what it went. Fortunately it de-escalated and we did not have any ugly situation at that point of time, but there was a distinct probability that India would escalate the situation if Pakistan had not returned the captured Indian pilot or if he had come to harm. That was certainly a point which was clearly made by India.

Sidhant Sibal: So since 2014, India has had a consistent policy towards Pakistan, one that links cross border terrorism. Do you think that this policy is the policy that should be or there should be some opening when it comes to talks as well?

Ajay Bisaria:&nbsp;I think India is always open for peace and for talks and so was the case even after 2014. Because you need to remember that 2014 and 15, Prime Minister Modi met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif five times, the first time being even at the inauguration, the swearing in of Prime Minister Modi when Nawaz Sharif came and multiple meetings in the middle until Prime Minister Modi himself went to Pakistan in the end of 2015. So the deal breaker, which prevented this diplomacy from flowering, we had agreed at that point to have resumed dialogue, we were calling it a comprehensive dialogue, was terrorism. And I think that is the lesson that at least Pakistan must draw is that we come close to agreement to take forward matters, to do constructive diplomacy. India's leaders always take that initiative. But terrorism is a deal breaker. And you know it was exactly what happened. That 2016 was a terrible year in terms of terrorism, and that's why this relationship got frozen.

Sidhant Sibal: I can ask you to crystal-gaze when it &nbsp;comes to the India- Pakistan relationship. Do you think that there will be a time when there will be a normalization of the relationship?

Ajay Bisaria:&nbsp;I think I would look at it with cautious optimism. And if I was advising the Government of Pakistan or the Government of India, right now, I'm advising neither. I would say that Pakistan's best bet for its own interest is to try to normalize the country. And what would normalize mean , normalized would mean to reduce the hold of its army in the economy, to normalize the economy with economic reform, because that is the biggest danger to Pakistan, that it might just crumble as a state. It should normalize in the sense of not using terrorism as a weapon of state policy because this is what has made Pakistan's international reputation terrible and has many economic implications for it. So I think India will be happy to engage with a normalizing Pakistan and on India's side, India needs the strategic patience and the calibration to be able to deal with Pakistan's terrorism with force, but also have the flexibility to engage and understand Pakistan, particularly when it becomes hopefully more coherent as a policy unit, after the Pakistan elections.

Sidhant Sibal: So my final question to you is any anecdote you would like to share with our viewers, something that is a story that touched you and moved you in Pakistan?&nbsp;

Ajay Bisaria:&nbsp;Well, there are multiple stories and many of them find mentioned in my book, and these are not just my stories, but those of many of my predecessors and I think what is very heartwarming in Pakistan is that despite the hostility, it can melt away in the evening over music and over, so I hosted at my residence in Pakistan several times, several evenings of music. And when our people, cultural artists from India didn't get permission, I would invite some singers from Lahore who were as good and as familiar with the same music as the songs of Lata Mangeshkar or Kishore Kumar and they would sing them. So I think that's what gives us hope in this relationship, that there is a lot of latent goodwill, also in the relationship apart from the ill.

Ajay Bisaria, the former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, has underscored the gravity of the February 2019 developments when it comes to India-Pakistan ties, stating, "There was a distinct probability that India would escalate the situation if Pakistan had not returned the captured Indian pilot or if he had come to harm.

Ajay Bisaria, the former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, has underscored the gravity of the February 2019 developments when it comes to India-Pakistan ties, stating, "There was a distinct probability that India would escalate the situation if Pakistan had not returned the captured Indian pilot or if he had come to harm. That was certainly a point which was clearly made by India." Following the Pulwama terror attack in 2019, India conducted surgical strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps near Balakot, leading to a dogfight between Indian and Pakistani air forces and the subsequent capture and later release of Indian IAF Pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistan. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Bisaria further offered insights into the suggested path for Pakistan's interests, stating, "Pakistan's best bet for its own interest is to try to normalize the country." He has revealed several details of his tenure in Pakistan and ties between the two countries in his book "Anger Management". His book also gives account of Imran Khan's tenure and his view on India ties. Here's the full interview: Sidhant Sibal: Your tenure in Pakistan, India removing special status for J&K, if you can talk about that.. Ajay Bisaria: Well, I think that was perhaps the most interesting part of my tenure, that is my exit from Pakistan because it came somewhat abruptly. I had done just about 20 months at that point in Pakistan, and with India's decisions on Article 370 and the decisions by our parliament, I was asked to leave, so I had a 72 hour notice period, and on the fifth of August I was called in by the Pakistani foreign secretary for a demarche about what India had done, and expressing a great deal of concern. And of course, my response was that this was internal to India, Pakistan had no local standi in this situation. But after a point of time, Pakistan seemed to be running out of options on what it could do to express its anger about what India had done. And therefore, the position it took was to ask the Indian High Commissioner to leave and I therefore left Pakistan somewhat abruptly in three days. Sidhant Sibal: Pulwama in February 2019, how close India, Pakistan were at war or something that was very dangerous for the region. Ajay Bisaria: I wouldn't say war, but we will certainly be at a stage where the crisis could have escalated beyond what it went. Fortunately it de-escalated and we did not have any ugly situation at that point of time, but there was a distinct probability that India would escalate the situation if Pakistan had not returned the captured Indian pilot or if he had come to harm. That was certainly a point which was clearly made by India. Sidhant Sibal: So since 2014, India has had a consistent policy towards Pakistan, one that links cross border terrorism. Do you think that this policy is the policy that should be or there should be some opening when it comes to talks as well? Ajay Bisaria: I think India is always open for peace and for talks and so was the case even after 2014. Because you need to remember that 2014 and 15, Prime Minister Modi met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif five times, the first time being even at the inauguration, the swearing in of Prime Minister Modi when Nawaz Sharif came and multiple meetings in the middle until Prime Minister Modi himself went to Pakistan in the end of 2015. So the deal breaker, which prevented this diplomacy from flowering, we had agreed at that point to have resumed dialogue, we were calling it a comprehensive dialogue, was terrorism. And I think that is the lesson that at least Pakistan must draw is that we come close to agreement to take forward matters, to do constructive diplomacy. India's leaders always take that initiative. But terrorism is a deal breaker. And you know it was exactly what happened. That 2016 was a terrible year in terms of terrorism, and that's why this relationship got frozen. Sidhant Sibal: I can ask you to crystal-gaze when it comes to the India- Pakistan relationship. Do you think that there will be a time when there will be a normalization of the relationship? Ajay Bisaria: I think I would look at it with cautious optimism. And if I was advising the Government of Pakistan or the Government of India, right now, I'm advising neither. I would say that Pakistan's best bet for its own interest is to try to normalize the country. And what would normalize mean , normalized would mean to reduce the hold of its army in the economy, to normalize the economy with economic reform, because that is the biggest danger to Pakistan, that it might just crumble as a state. It should normalize in the sense of not using terrorism as a weapon of state policy because this is what has made Pakistan's international reputation terrible and has many economic implications for it. So I think India will be happy to engage with a normalizing Pakistan and on India's side, India needs the strategic patience and the calibration to be able to deal with Pakistan's terrorism with force, but also have the flexibility to engage and understand Pakistan, particularly when it becomes hopefully more coherent as a policy unit, after the Pakistan elections. Sidhant Sibal: So my final question to you is any anecdote you would like to share with our viewers, something that is a story that touched you and moved you in Pakistan? Ajay Bisaria: Well, there are multiple stories and many of them find mentioned in my book, and these are not just my stories, but those of many of my predecessors and I think what is very heartwarming in Pakistan is that despite the hostility, it can melt away in the evening over music and over, so I hosted at my residence in Pakistan several times, several evenings of music. And when our people, cultural artists from India didn't get permission, I would invite some singers from Lahore who were as good and as familiar with the same music as the songs of Lata Mangeshkar or Kishore Kumar and they would sing them. So I think that's what gives us hope in this relationship, that there is a lot of latent goodwill, also in the relationship apart from the ill.

'India would have escalated situation if Abhinandan wasn't released': Ex-Indian envoy to Pak tells WION

In boost to Nawaz and Tareen, Supreme Court ends lifetime disqualification SC issues ruling with 6-1 majority; disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) capped at five years.

Pakistan Supreme Court reverses its earlier order, says 'no lawmaker can be disqualified for life'

Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, was arrested on Tuesday (Jan 9) in a case linked to the attack on the Pakistan Army headquarters in Rawalpindi on May 9, 2023. It was announced hours after his release warrant was issued in the Cypher case.&nbsp;

Khan has already been imprisoned since August 2023 after facing a conviction in a case related to selling state gifts.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Khan was summoned by the anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi for the May 9 cases.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-leader-demands-ouster-of-president-muizzu-amid-india-row-678224">Maldives leader demands ouster of President Muizzu over strained ties with India</a>&nbsp;

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder attended the court's proceedings via video link.&nbsp;

Local reports mentioned that the former prime minister could not be produced in court by Adiala jail authorities because of security concerns.&nbsp;

Police asked for a physical remand of Khan in the GHQ attack case during the hearing, but the request was ruled out by ATC Judge Malik Aijaz Asif, who also directed the police to interrogate Khan in Adiala prison.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-election-2024-how-did-us-and-other-nations-react-to-poll-results-678215">Bangladesh election 2024: How did US and other nations react to poll results?</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Cypher case update</h2>

Earlier on Monday, release orders in the Cypher case were issued by the special court, which was formed to hear cases under the Official Secrets Act.&nbsp;

Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain, who issued the release order, said as quoted by local reports that Khan's bail had been approved. He added that he should be released if not wanted in any other case.&nbsp;

However, he remained imprisoned because of the arrest in the Toshakhna and 190 million pound Al-Qadir Trust scandal.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan Supreme Court reverses its earlier order, says 'no lawmaker can be disqualified for life'&nbsp;

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<h2>Attack on Pakistan Army headquarters&nbsp;</h2>

A mob of people had attacked Pakistan's army headquarters on May 9, hours after Khan was arrested from inside a court in Islamabad.&nbsp;

More than 20 military installations and state buildings, including the army headquarters in Rawalpindi, were damaged or destroyed in the violent protests that erupted after Khan's arrest.&nbsp;

Khan is facing dozens of criminal cases since he was ousted from power in April 2022 following a parliamentary no-trust vote. The most prominent of these cases include the Toshakhana case, the Cypher case, and the Al-Qadir Trust case.&nbsp;

Not just Khan, other party members have also been facing numerous cases since the ouster of the party from power in April 2022.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, was arrested on Tuesday (Jan 9) in a case linked to the attack on the Pakistan Army headquarters in Rawalpindi on May 9, 2023.

Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, was arrested on Tuesday (Jan 9) in a case linked to the attack on the Pakistan Army headquarters in Rawalpindi on May 9, 2023. It was announced hours after his release warrant was issued in the Cypher case. Khan has already been imprisoned since August 2023 after facing a conviction in a case related to selling state gifts. On Tuesday, Khan was summoned by the anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi for the May 9 cases. Also read: Maldives leader demands ouster of President Muizzu over strained ties with India The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder attended the court's proceedings via video link. Local reports mentioned that the former prime minister could not be produced in court by Adiala jail authorities because of security concerns. Police asked for a physical remand of Khan in the GHQ attack case during the hearing, but the request was ruled out by ATC Judge Malik Aijaz Asif, who also directed the police to interrogate Khan in Adiala prison. Also read: Bangladesh election 2024: How did US and other nations react to poll results? Cypher case update Earlier on Monday, release orders in the Cypher case were issued by the special court, which was formed to hear cases under the Official Secrets Act. Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain, who issued the release order, said as quoted by local reports that Khan's bail had been approved. He added that he should be released if not wanted in any other case. However, he remained imprisoned because of the arrest in the Toshakhna and 190 million pound Al-Qadir Trust scandal. Watch: Pakistan Supreme Court reverses its earlier order, says 'no lawmaker can be disqualified for life' × Attack on Pakistan Army headquarters A mob of people had attacked Pakistan's army headquarters on May 9, hours after Khan was arrested from inside a court in Islamabad. More than 20 military installations and state buildings, including the army headquarters in Rawalpindi, were damaged or destroyed in the violent protests that erupted after Khan's arrest. Khan is facing dozens of criminal cases since he was ousted from power in April 2022 following a parliamentary no-trust vote. The most prominent of these cases include the Toshakhana case, the Cypher case, and the Al-Qadir Trust case. Not just Khan, other party members have also been facing numerous cases since the ouster of the party from power in April 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan arrested in case linked to 2023 Army headquarters attack

In boost to Nawaz and Tareen, Supreme Court ends lifetime disqualification SC issues ruling with 6-1 majority; disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) capped at 5 years; Justice Afridi differs with fellow judges

Pakistan top court ends lifetime disqualification, says 'no lawmaker can be disqualified for life'

Pakistan, China, Myanmar and North Korea are among those designated as "countries of particular concern" by the US in its annual report on religious freedom, for engaging in and tolerating "particularly severe violations of religious freedom".

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, while announcing the Religious Freedom Designations, said that advancing the freedom of belief or religion has been US foreign policy's core objective since the International Religious Freedom Act was passed and enacted in 1998.

As part of the "enduring commitment", Blinken last week said that he has designated Burma (Myanmar), China, Cuba, North Korea, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as “Countries of Particular Concern for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom.”

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Along with that, he also designated Algeria, Azerbaijan, the Central African Republic, Comoros, and Vietnam in the category of "Special Watch List" countries after they engaged in or tolerated major violations of religious freedom.&nbsp;

Blinken further designated al-Shabab, Boko Haram, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Houthis, ISIS-Sahel, ISIS-West Africa, al-Qa’ida affiliate Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin, and the Taliban as “Entities of Particular Concern.”

<h2>Religious freedom also violated in non-designated nations: Blinken</h2>

He emphasised that major violations of religious freedom have also taken place in countries which are not designated.

Watch:&nbsp;US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Turkiye in fresh West Asia trip

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"Governments must end abuses such as attacks on members of religious minority communities and their places of worship, communal violence and lengthy imprisonment for peaceful expression, transnational repression, and calls to violence against religious communities, among other violations that occur in too many places around the world,” said Blinken.

He stated that the challenges to religious freedom are structural, systemic, and deeply entrenched across the globe.&nbsp;

"But with thoughtful, sustained commitment from those who are unwilling to accept hatred, intolerance, and persecution as the status quo we will one day see a world where all people live with dignity and equality,” said Blinken.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan, China, Myanmar and North Korea are among those designated as "countries of particular concern" by the US in its annual report on religious freedom, for engaging in and tolerating "particularly severe violations of religious freedom".

Pakistan, China, Myanmar and North Korea are among those designated as "countries of particular concern" by the US in its annual report on religious freedom, for engaging in and tolerating "particularly severe violations of religious freedom". US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, while announcing the Religious Freedom Designations, said that advancing the freedom of belief or religion has been US foreign policy's core objective since the International Religious Freedom Act was passed and enacted in 1998. As part of the "enduring commitment", Blinken last week said that he has designated Burma (Myanmar), China, Cuba, North Korea, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as “Countries of Particular Concern for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom.” Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Focus on ending Israeli aggression, Hamas chief tells Antony Blinken Along with that, he also designated Algeria, Azerbaijan, the Central African Republic, Comoros, and Vietnam in the category of "Special Watch List" countries after they engaged in or tolerated major violations of religious freedom. Blinken further designated al-Shabab, Boko Haram, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Houthis, ISIS-Sahel, ISIS-West Africa, al-Qa’ida affiliate Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin, and the Taliban as “Entities of Particular Concern.” Religious freedom also violated in non-designated nations: Blinken He emphasised that major violations of religious freedom have also taken place in countries which are not designated. Watch: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Turkiye in fresh West Asia trip "Governments must end abuses such as attacks on members of religious minority communities and their places of worship, communal violence and lengthy imprisonment for peaceful expression, transnational repression, and calls to violence against religious communities, among other violations that occur in too many places around the world,” said Blinken. He stated that the challenges to religious freedom are structural, systemic, and deeply entrenched across the globe. "But with thoughtful, sustained commitment from those who are unwilling to accept hatred, intolerance, and persecution as the status quo we will one day see a world where all people live with dignity and equality,” said Blinken. (With inputs from agencies)

US designates China, Pakistan as 'countries of particular concern' on religious freedom

Pakistan Supreme Court reverses its earlier order

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday reserved its judgment in the hearing of a key case that would settle the issue of lifetime disqualification of some leading politicians, including former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan.

The verdict is expected to determine once and for all the controversy around the period of disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution and the Elections Act 2017.

A 2018 judgment by a five-member bench of the apex court had declared that disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) was for life, but changes made in the Elections Act 2017 on June 26, 2023, by a coalition government led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) restricted it to a five-year term only.

A seven-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, conducted the hearing on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explained-without-bat-with-caretaker-pm-how-pakistan-elections-remain-a-delayed-affair-677160">Also read |&nbsp;Explained | Why Pakistan’s national elections remain a delayed affair</a>

During the hearing, the chief justice remarked that the Supreme Court verdict on lifetime disqualification and the amendments to the Elections Act 2017 could not co-exist. He also stated that discrepancies in the apex court's interpretation and the law could result in confusion in the upcoming general elections.

At the hearing's conclusion, the chief justice said a short order would be issued without specifying a time for its announcement.

"We will try to come up with a shorter order as soon as possible. Probably not today, but it will be very soon, God willing," he said.

During the hearing, which spanned several days, the court heard many lawyers, garnering their views on the duration of disqualification.

The remarks made by the chief justice and some other judges indicated they were not comfortable with the lifelong ban on convicted politicians, the Pakistani media reported.

However, it was not clear if the limit of disqualification should be imposed through a court order or an amendment to the Constitution.

Most of the arguments were in favour of nullifying the concept of the lifelong ban and limiting it to a five-year term. However, the chief justice repeatedly said that he also wanted to hear arguments supporting lifelong disqualification and asked lawyers to come forward.

Sharif, former prime minister and also a frontrunner for the fourth term in the February 8 general elections, was disqualified in the Panama Papers case in 2017. His rival Imran Khan, who was disqualified in the Toshakhana corruption case last year, also was hit by the same law.

However, Sharif got a kind of relief when his party-led government amended the election laws last year to limit the disqualification to five years, which allowed him to file nomination papers for the upcoming elections.

The controversy was not over as his candidature has been challenged as the interpretation of Article 62 (1) (f) clashed with the changes made in the Elections Act 2017. The outcome of the hearing would decide the future for both Sharif and Khan, as well as many other politicians.

Seventy-four-year-old Sharif's case was final until the period of disqualification was reduced. However, 71-year-old Khan's disqualification has not attained finality, and his appeal against it is still pending.

Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan IED blast: Roadside blast claims lives of 6 police officials

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-ied-blast-roadside-blast-claims-lives-of-6-police-officials-677896/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Incarcerated Khan's nomination papers for the February 8 general elections were rejected on December 30 based on disqualification due to his conviction in the offence of "moral turpitude" in a corruption case and other reasons, a government official had reasoned.

Earlier, the issue came into the focus of the Supreme Court last month during the hearing of a petition of a politician from Dera Ghazi Khan, Badshah Khan Qaisarani, who was disqualified for producing a fake graduation degree.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday reserved its judgment in the hearing of a key case that would settle the issue of lifetime disqualification of some leading politicians, including former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday reserved its judgment in the hearing of a key case that would settle the issue of lifetime disqualification of some leading politicians, including former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan. The verdict is expected to determine once and for all the controversy around the period of disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution and the Elections Act 2017. A 2018 judgment by a five-member bench of the apex court had declared that disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) was for life, but changes made in the Elections Act 2017 on June 26, 2023, by a coalition government led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) restricted it to a five-year term only. A seven-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, conducted the hearing on Friday. Also read | Explained | Why Pakistan’s national elections remain a delayed affair During the hearing, the chief justice remarked that the Supreme Court verdict on lifetime disqualification and the amendments to the Elections Act 2017 could not co-exist. He also stated that discrepancies in the apex court's interpretation and the law could result in confusion in the upcoming general elections. At the hearing's conclusion, the chief justice said a short order would be issued without specifying a time for its announcement. "We will try to come up with a shorter order as soon as possible. Probably not today, but it will be very soon, God willing," he said. During the hearing, which spanned several days, the court heard many lawyers, garnering their views on the duration of disqualification. The remarks made by the chief justice and some other judges indicated they were not comfortable with the lifelong ban on convicted politicians, the Pakistani media reported. However, it was not clear if the limit of disqualification should be imposed through a court order or an amendment to the Constitution. Most of the arguments were in favour of nullifying the concept of the lifelong ban and limiting it to a five-year term. However, the chief justice repeatedly said that he also wanted to hear arguments supporting lifelong disqualification and asked lawyers to come forward. Sharif, former prime minister and also a frontrunner for the fourth term in the February 8 general elections, was disqualified in the Panama Papers case in 2017. His rival Imran Khan, who was disqualified in the Toshakhana corruption case last year, also was hit by the same law. However, Sharif got a kind of relief when his party-led government amended the election laws last year to limit the disqualification to five years, which allowed him to file nomination papers for the upcoming elections. The controversy was not over as his candidature has been challenged as the interpretation of Article 62 (1) (f) clashed with the changes made in the Elections Act 2017. The outcome of the hearing would decide the future for both Sharif and Khan, as well as many other politicians. Seventy-four-year-old Sharif's case was final until the period of disqualification was reduced. However, 71-year-old Khan's disqualification has not attained finality, and his appeal against it is still pending. Also watch | Pakistan IED blast: Roadside blast claims lives of 6 police officials Incarcerated Khan's nomination papers for the February 8 general elections were rejected on December 30 based on disqualification due to his conviction in the offence of "moral turpitude" in a corruption case and other reasons, a government official had reasoned. Earlier, the issue came into the focus of the Supreme Court last month during the hearing of a petition of a politician from Dera Ghazi Khan, Badshah Khan Qaisarani, who was disqualified for producing a fake graduation degree.

Pakistan Supreme Court reserves verdict in lifetime disqualification case

Pakistan Supreme Court quashes ruling on lifetime disqualification for lawmakers

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