<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-orders-release-of-indian-national-hamid-nehal-ansari-183735">Pakistan's Army </a>Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other top military officers on Thursday pledged to support all stakeholders for bringing Afghan war to a logical and peaceful conclusion.

The 216th Corps Commanders' Conference, which was presided over by Gen Bajwa, also reviewed geo-strategic environment with special focus on regional security and situation on Pakistan's eastern and western borders, including the Line of Control (LoC), the army said in a statement.

The commanders also highlighted the importance of regional approach to eliminate roots of terrorism, they said.

The forum hoped "for success of ongoing Afghan reconciliation process while supporting all stakeholders to bring Afghan war to a peaceful logical conclusion", the statement said.

The military brass also pledged to safeguard against all external threats while consolidating gains of counter-terrorism military operations, which have put security situation of the country on positive trajectory for socio-economic progress and development, it said.

They also expressed support for the national institutions.

"We shall continue to support all state institutions for peace, stability and progress of the country in best interest of the people of Pakistan," the army chief said.

Pakistan's Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other top military officers on Thursday pledged to support all stakeholders for bringing Afghan war to a logical and peaceful conclusion.

Pakistan's Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other top military officers on Thursday pledged to support all stakeholders for bringing Afghan war to a logical and peaceful conclusion. The 216th Corps Commanders' Conference, which was presided over by Gen Bajwa, also reviewed geo-strategic environment with special focus on regional security and situation on Pakistan's eastern and western borders, including the Line of Control (LoC), the army said in a statement. The commanders also highlighted the importance of regional approach to eliminate roots of terrorism, they said. The forum hoped "for success of ongoing Afghan reconciliation process while supporting all stakeholders to bring Afghan war to a peaceful logical conclusion", the statement said. The military brass also pledged to safeguard against all external threats while consolidating gains of counter-terrorism military operations, which have put security situation of the country on positive trajectory for socio-economic progress and development, it said. They also expressed support for the national institutions. "We shall continue to support all state institutions for peace, stability and progress of the country in best interest of the people of Pakistan," the army chief said.

Pakistan Army pledges to support stakeholders to bring Afghan war to peaceful conclusion 

Pakistan <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-gets-slammed-on-twitter-for-his-controversial-remarks-about-jesus-christ-178625">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> has dismissed reports of any civil-military friction unlike previous regimes, saying his government enjoyed unwavering support of the armed forces, a key player in the country's politics.

The government of the cricketer-turned-politician, which completed the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-pm-imran-khan-led-government-unveils-first-100-days-performance-report-180299">first 100 days</a> last Friday, said all ministers have reported their achievements to him and that he will review their performance.&nbsp;

"We might change some ministers," he said on Monday while answering questions by a panel of journalists representing various Pakistani media organisations.

"There is not a single decision that I haven't taken on my own, and there's not a single decision that doesn't have the support of the army," Khan said while responding to a question on cooperation among state institutions.&nbsp;

"Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa stands right beside my decisions," he added.

Khan said the Pakistan Army "is currently totally standing by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's manifesto".

Pakistan's Opposition parties have alleged that the military tacitly backed Khan in the general elections in July.

"We have no problems at the present," he said, adding that his government also hasn't faced issues of "civil-military discord" as seen during past governments. He was apparently referring to the tension between the previous government of Nawaz Sharif and the military over a number of issues.

Coup-prone Pakistan has been under military rule for almost half of its existence, with many governments deposed before completing its term, mostly at the behest of the country's powerful armed forces.

Khan defended his close relations with the military, saying leaders around the world seek the opinion of their military establishment "since they are equipped with the means to brief us on security issues".&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has dismissed reports of any civil-military friction unlike previous regimes, saying his government enjoyed unwavering support of the armed forces, a key player in the country's politics.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has dismissed reports of any civil-military friction unlike previous regimes, saying his government enjoyed unwavering support of the armed forces, a key player in the country's politics. The government of the cricketer-turned-politician, which completed the first 100 days last Friday, said all ministers have reported their achievements to him and that he will review their performance. "We might change some ministers," he said on Monday while answering questions by a panel of journalists representing various Pakistani media organisations. "There is not a single decision that I haven't taken on my own, and there's not a single decision that doesn't have the support of the army," Khan said while responding to a question on cooperation among state institutions. "Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa stands right beside my decisions," he added. Khan said the Pakistan Army "is currently totally standing by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's manifesto". Pakistan's Opposition parties have alleged that the military tacitly backed Khan in the general elections in July. "We have no problems at the present," he said, adding that his government also hasn't faced issues of "civil-military discord" as seen during past governments. He was apparently referring to the tension between the previous government of Nawaz Sharif and the military over a number of issues. Coup-prone Pakistan has been under military rule for almost half of its existence, with many governments deposed before completing its term, mostly at the behest of the country's powerful armed forces. Khan defended his close relations with the military, saying leaders around the world seek the opinion of their military establishment "since they are equipped with the means to brief us on security issues".

Pakistan government and military on same page: PM Imran Khan

Pakistan army curtails free speech; Two lawmakers barred from leaving Pakistan

The Vice-Chancellor of a leading university in Pakistan has come under fire for allegedly making controversial remarks against the country's powerful army saying that terrorists were making up to its top ranks.

A petition was filed Saturday with the Punjab province Governor and Chancellor of the University of Punjab Chaudhary Muhammad Sarwar, seeking the removal of the varsity's VC Niaz Ahmed for the remarks.

In the petition filed by one Muhammad Ali said that Ahmed, in a speech on campus, had claimed that the Pakistan Army was facing the challenge of terrorists making up to its top ranks.

"A terrorist had made up to high rank in the Pakistan Army. In fact, he was working for the Taliban and had killed many of soldiers during the Swat Operation (in 2009)," Ali alleged.

He also said that the VC further claimed that "in Swat, there was an army major, who went on leave three-to-four times and every time he told his subordinate soldiers not to retaliate to the Taliban's firing as per an understanding (undercover deal) between Taliban and the Army.

The petitioner said the VC instead of narrating stories of valour of the Pakistan Army martyrs, mentioned an incident which has no relevance.

He also said that slogans against the Pakistan Army were written on one of the underpasses at the varsity's campus but the VC did not take any action and alleged that he patronises activists of Islami Jamiat Tulaba.

PU spokesperson Khurram Shahzad told PTI that the Vice Chancellor "did not mean anything that could harm repute of the institution of the army which is defending the boundaries of Pakistan".&nbsp;

He said in the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor highlighted the sacrifices of the Pakistan Army in 1965 War and his speech was taken out of context as all allegations against him are "baseless".

The Vice-Chancellor of a leading university in Pakistan has come under fire for allegedly making controversial remarks against the country's powerful army saying that terrorists were making up to its top ranks.

The Vice-Chancellor of a leading university in Pakistan has come under fire for allegedly making controversial remarks against the country's powerful army saying that terrorists were making up to its top ranks. A petition was filed Saturday with the Punjab province Governor and Chancellor of the University of Punjab Chaudhary Muhammad Sarwar, seeking the removal of the varsity's VC Niaz Ahmed for the remarks. In the petition filed by one Muhammad Ali said that Ahmed, in a speech on campus, had claimed that the Pakistan Army was facing the challenge of terrorists making up to its top ranks. "A terrorist had made up to high rank in the Pakistan Army. In fact, he was working for the Taliban and had killed many of soldiers during the Swat Operation (in 2009)," Ali alleged. He also said that the VC further claimed that "in Swat, there was an army major, who went on leave three-to-four times and every time he told his subordinate soldiers not to retaliate to the Taliban's firing as per an understanding (undercover deal) between Taliban and the Army. The petitioner said the VC instead of narrating stories of valour of the Pakistan Army martyrs, mentioned an incident which has no relevance. He also said that slogans against the Pakistan Army were written on one of the underpasses at the varsity's campus but the VC did not take any action and alleged that he patronises activists of Islami Jamiat Tulaba. PU spokesperson Khurram Shahzad told PTI that the Vice Chancellor "did not mean anything that could harm repute of the institution of the army which is defending the boundaries of Pakistan". He said in the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor highlighted the sacrifices of the Pakistan Army in 1965 War and his speech was taken out of context as all allegations against him are "baseless".

Pak university Vice Chancellor comes under fire for his remarks against powerful army 

Pakistan Army said on Monday that despite restricted liberty of action due to presence of "our Kashmiri brethren" on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), Indian fire is always "effectively responded".

Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor made the comments while talking to a group of journalists from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Hazara Division of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Ghafoor apprised them about the situation along the LoC and said that army operated in a restricted environment due to the presence of "our Kashmiri brethren" on the other side of the LoC, the Inter Services Public Relations, the media wing of the military, said in a statement.

"Despite restricted liberty of action for response to Indian fire due to presence of our Kashmiri brethren on both sides of LOC, Indian fire is always effectively responded focusing on Indian posts," he said.&nbsp;

He went on to say that Pakistan looks for peace yet any misadventure shall be responded befittingly.

Pakistan Army said on Monday that despite restricted liberty of action due to presence of "our Kashmiri brethren" on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), Indian fire is always "effectively responded".

Pakistan Army said on Monday that despite restricted liberty of action due to presence of "our Kashmiri brethren" on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), Indian fire is always "effectively responded". Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor made the comments while talking to a group of journalists from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Hazara Division of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Ghafoor apprised them about the situation along the LoC and said that army operated in a restricted environment due to the presence of "our Kashmiri brethren" on the other side of the LoC, the Inter Services Public Relations, the media wing of the military, said in a statement. "Despite restricted liberty of action for response to Indian fire due to presence of our Kashmiri brethren on both sides of LOC, Indian fire is always effectively responded focusing on Indian posts," he said. He went on to say that Pakistan looks for peace yet any misadventure shall be responded befittingly.

Indian fire 'effectively responded' despite restricted liberty of action along LoC: Pak Army

Protests erupted against Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Pak Army for brutal killing of Pashtun police officer, Tahir Dawar. Pashtuns in Pakistan chanted slogans against the Pakistan Army and ISI for brutally killing Dawar.

A large number of people came out on the streets at various cities and towns, including capital Peshawar, to condemn kidnapping and target killing of a Pashtun.

Tahir was gone missing in Islamabad about two weeks ago and his dead body was found in Afghanistan at the international border.

Taliban denied any role in the killing. Pashtoons believe that ISI kidnapped Tahir and killed him because he eliminated Taliban operatives during operations against terrorism and was sympathetic to the demands for return of thousands of missing Pashtuns.

Superintendent Tahir Dawar was head of Peshawar Police's rural area circle.

He survived two suicide attacks by terrorists. Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) chief Manzoor Pansteen met the brother of the slain police officer in Peshawar and expended full support to the grieved family to raise voice against the brutal murder.

Protests erupted against Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Pak Army for brutal killing of Pashtun police officer, Tahir Dawar. Pashtuns in Pakistan chanted slogans against the Pakistan Army and ISI for brutally killing Dawar.

Protests erupted against Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Pak Army for brutal killing of Pashtun police officer, Tahir Dawar. Pashtuns in Pakistan chanted slogans against the Pakistan Army and ISI for brutally killing Dawar. A large number of people came out on the streets at various cities and towns, including capital Peshawar, to condemn kidnapping and target killing of a Pashtun. Tahir was gone missing in Islamabad about two weeks ago and his dead body was found in Afghanistan at the international border. Taliban denied any role in the killing. Pashtoons believe that ISI kidnapped Tahir and killed him because he eliminated Taliban operatives during operations against terrorism and was sympathetic to the demands for return of thousands of missing Pashtuns. Superintendent Tahir Dawar was head of Peshawar Police's rural area circle. He survived two suicide attacks by terrorists. Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) chief Manzoor Pansteen met the brother of the slain police officer in Peshawar and expended full support to the grieved family to raise voice against the brutal murder.

Protests erupt against ISI, Pakistan Army for killing Pashtun police officer

The Indian Army has targeted Pakistani military administrative headquarters across the Line of Control in retaliation to the recent shelling in Poonch and Jhallas, security officials said Monday.

The Army retaliated in the Khuiratta and Samani areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), they said.

The Pakistani army had shelled the brigade headquarters and other Indian military formations in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch on October 23.

"In response to Pakistani army's firing of stray shells on Poonch and Jhallas on October 23, 2018, the Indian Army has sent a strong signal by firing at Pakistani army administrative headquarters... and the residents of border villages also reported that they could see smoke emanating," the officials said.

Following the shelling in Poonch, the Indian Army has in its "strong signal" to Pakistan, fired on its army administrative headquarters in PoK, they said.

Quoting information received from across the border, the officials claimed that several photographs "stood testimony" to the reports of border villagers that they had seen smoke emanating from the Pakistani headquarters after the Indian military's retaliatory action.

They said the Indian Army has exercised maximum restraint, despite continuous provocation by the Pakistani army.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Pakistan army administrative HQ targeted along LoC near Poonch by Indian Army in retaliation to Pakistan’s mortar shelling of Poonch and Jhallas on October 23 <a href="https://t.co/o0C6UJQqcr">pic.twitter.com/o0C6UJQqcr</a>
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The Army has avoided targeting civilian population living in the close proximity of the Line of Control (LoC) in PoK areas such as Hajira, BandiGopalpur, Nikial, Samani and Khuiratta, the officials said.

Following the 2016 surgical strikes, the pressure on the Pakistani army was kept across the LoC through "proactive and precise targeting" by the Indian Army, they said

The officials claimed that against the more than 138 fatal casualties suffered by the Pakistani army in the area in 2017, the numbers reduced to half till May 2018 after the neighbouring nation was forced to request for a ceasefire in the face of mounting deaths and injuries.

They also highlighted the recent killing of two Pakistan Border Action Team personnel in the Sunderbani sector on October 21 and the country's refusal to accept their bodies.

"Deprivation and penury of locals of PoK suit the Pakistan army that while ensconced in the safety of their posts, use these unwitting and brainwashed youths as cannon fodder for actions along the LoC, a cowardly and unprofessional modus operandi for any self-respecting army," the officials said.

"These acts of the Pakistan army are accentuated by their propensity in refusing to acknowledge and accept the dead bodies of their soldiers as also of terrorists, each time the terrorists are neutralised in operations along the LoC or the hinterland," they said.

The Indian Army has targeted Pakistani military administrative headquarters across the Line of Control in retaliation to the recent shelling in Poonch and Jhallas, security officials said Monday.

The Indian Army has targeted Pakistani military administrative headquarters across the Line of Control in retaliation to the recent shelling in Poonch and Jhallas, security officials said Monday. The Army retaliated in the Khuiratta and Samani areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), they said. The Pakistani army had shelled the brigade headquarters and other Indian military formations in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch on October 23. "In response to Pakistani army's firing of stray shells on Poonch and Jhallas on October 23, 2018, the Indian Army has sent a strong signal by firing at Pakistani army administrative headquarters... and the residents of border villages also reported that they could see smoke emanating," the officials said. Following the shelling in Poonch, the Indian Army has in its "strong signal" to Pakistan, fired on its army administrative headquarters in PoK, they said. Quoting information received from across the border, the officials claimed that several photographs "stood testimony" to the reports of border villagers that they had seen smoke emanating from the Pakistani headquarters after the Indian military's retaliatory action. They said the Indian Army has exercised maximum restraint, despite continuous provocation by the Pakistani army. #WATCH: Pakistan army administrative HQ targeted along LoC near Poonch by Indian Army in retaliation to Pakistan’s mortar shelling of Poonch and Jhallas on October 23 pic.twitter.com/o0C6UJQqcr — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2018 × The Army has avoided targeting civilian population living in the close proximity of the Line of Control (LoC) in PoK areas such as Hajira, BandiGopalpur, Nikial, Samani and Khuiratta, the officials said. Following the 2016 surgical strikes, the pressure on the Pakistani army was kept across the LoC through "proactive and precise targeting" by the Indian Army, they said The officials claimed that against the more than 138 fatal casualties suffered by the Pakistani army in the area in 2017, the numbers reduced to half till May 2018 after the neighbouring nation was forced to request for a ceasefire in the face of mounting deaths and injuries. They also highlighted the recent killing of two Pakistan Border Action Team personnel in the Sunderbani sector on October 21 and the country's refusal to accept their bodies. "Deprivation and penury of locals of PoK suit the Pakistan army that while ensconced in the safety of their posts, use these unwitting and brainwashed youths as cannon fodder for actions along the LoC, a cowardly and unprofessional modus operandi for any self-respecting army," the officials said. "These acts of the Pakistan army are accentuated by their propensity in refusing to acknowledge and accept the dead bodies of their soldiers as also of terrorists, each time the terrorists are neutralised in operations along the LoC or the hinterland," they said.

Watch: Indian Army targets Pakistan Army installation along LoC in retaliation to shelling

The Pakistan Army on Monday handed over the administrative control of the restive Swat district to the civil authorities, ending its decade-long military operation to flush out the Pakistani Taliban militants and restore peace in the hometown of Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai.

The Army was first sent to the picturesque Swat district of the Khyber-Pakthunkhwa province in 2007 when a local cleric and chief of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Maulana Fazlullah challenged the writ of the state and set up his Sharia courts.

Taliban later launched an organised movement and extended its network to the adjoining districts. They imposed several restrictions, including banning girls' education, making mandatory wearing of burqa for women and keeping beard for men, among others.

In 2009, the government launched a major military operation against the TTP, during a large number of people were forced to abandon their homes in Swat, Buner and other districts.

Malala, who shared the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize with Indian children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi, was shot at by Taliban in 2012 for advocating for girls' education, which was forbidden under the militants' rule over Swat. The 15-year-old was flown to Britain for better treatment and further education. In March, she visited her hometown for the first time after being shot at.

The Army handed over the symbol of authority to the Commissioner, Malakand Division and Regional Police Officer (RPO) at a ceremony, which was attended by Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mehmood Khan, Corps Commander Peshawar, Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmed Bhut, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Salahuddin, General-Officer-in-Command Swat Major General Khalid Saeed, officials said.

The elders' of the area and other civil and military officers also attended the function, during which a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of administrative authority was handed over the Chief Minister, they said.

Hailing the Army for successfully launching the operation against terrorism and restoring peace in Swat, Khan said, the military has made a history by transferring the administrative powers back to the civil authorities.

The Chief Minister, who hails from Matta tehsil of Swat district, said that terrorists wrecked havoc with lives of innocent people.

He said he himself was an eyewitness to the Taliban's barbaric acts in 2009. He recalled that terrorists did not spare even the educational institutions and destroyed their buildings.

Khan said that the cowardly and gruesome acts of the terrorists could not deter the resilient people of Swat and they were subsequently defeated by the Army, police force and other law enforcement forces and lasting peace was achieved.

Addressing the gathering, Lt Gen Ahmed said that 3.5 million people were dislocated in Swat district when militants tried to take control of the administrative affairs of Swat district.&nbsp;

The Army, he said, launched successful operations and eliminated terrorists in four month from the district and other areas of Malakand Division and rehabilitated the displaced people.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Pakistan Army on Monday handed over the administrative control of the restive Swat district to the civil authorities, ending its decade-long military operation to flush out the Pakistani Taliban militants and restore peace in the hometown of Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai.

The Pakistan Army on Monday handed over the administrative control of the restive Swat district to the civil authorities, ending its decade-long military operation to flush out the Pakistani Taliban militants and restore peace in the hometown of Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai. The Army was first sent to the picturesque Swat district of the Khyber-Pakthunkhwa province in 2007 when a local cleric and chief of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Maulana Fazlullah challenged the writ of the state and set up his Sharia courts. Taliban later launched an organised movement and extended its network to the adjoining districts. They imposed several restrictions, including banning girls' education, making mandatory wearing of burqa for women and keeping beard for men, among others. In 2009, the government launched a major military operation against the TTP, during a large number of people were forced to abandon their homes in Swat, Buner and other districts. Malala, who shared the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize with Indian children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi, was shot at by Taliban in 2012 for advocating for girls' education, which was forbidden under the militants' rule over Swat. The 15-year-old was flown to Britain for better treatment and further education. In March, she visited her hometown for the first time after being shot at. The Army handed over the symbol of authority to the Commissioner, Malakand Division and Regional Police Officer (RPO) at a ceremony, which was attended by Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mehmood Khan, Corps Commander Peshawar, Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmed Bhut, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Salahuddin, General-Officer-in-Command Swat Major General Khalid Saeed, officials said. The elders' of the area and other civil and military officers also attended the function, during which a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of administrative authority was handed over the Chief Minister, they said. Hailing the Army for successfully launching the operation against terrorism and restoring peace in Swat, Khan said, the military has made a history by transferring the administrative powers back to the civil authorities. The Chief Minister, who hails from Matta tehsil of Swat district, said that terrorists wrecked havoc with lives of innocent people. He said he himself was an eyewitness to the Taliban's barbaric acts in 2009. He recalled that terrorists did not spare even the educational institutions and destroyed their buildings. Khan said that the cowardly and gruesome acts of the terrorists could not deter the resilient people of Swat and they were subsequently defeated by the Army, police force and other law enforcement forces and lasting peace was achieved. Addressing the gathering, Lt Gen Ahmed said that 3.5 million people were dislocated in Swat district when militants tried to take control of the administrative affairs of Swat district. The Army, he said, launched successful operations and eliminated terrorists in four month from the district and other areas of Malakand Division and rehabilitated the displaced people.

Pakistan Army hands over administrative control of Swat district to civil authorities

Pakistan on Saturday warned of "10 surgical strikes" against India in response to a single such attack, in the latest war of words between the two estranged nuclear-armed neighbours.

Major General Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of the military's Inter-Services Public Relations, issued the warning while talking to the media in London, where he is accompanying Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on a visit.

"If India dares to launch a surgical strike inside Pakistan, it will face 10 surgical strikes in response," Ghafoor was quoted as saying by Radio Pakistan.

He also said "those who think of any misadventure against us should have no doubt in their minds on Pakistan's capabilities".

The military spokesman said the Pakistan Army was the custodian of the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and that the mega project will strengthen the economy of the country.

Ghafoor said the army wanted strengthening of democracy in Pakistan, and claimed that the general election in July was the most transparent in the history of the country.

"If anyone has evidence of rigging then it should be brought forward," he remarked.

He also rejected reports of restriction on the media and said there was "complete freedom of expression" in the country.

He said there were more good developments in Pakistan than bad and that the international media should also highlight the good things.

Pakistan on Saturday warned of "10 surgical strikes" against India in response to a single such attack, in the latest war of words between the two estranged nuclear-armed neighbours.

Pakistan on Saturday warned of "10 surgical strikes" against India in response to a single such attack, in the latest war of words between the two estranged nuclear-armed neighbours. Major General Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of the military's Inter-Services Public Relations, issued the warning while talking to the media in London, where he is accompanying Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on a visit. "If India dares to launch a surgical strike inside Pakistan, it will face 10 surgical strikes in response," Ghafoor was quoted as saying by Radio Pakistan. He also said "those who think of any misadventure against us should have no doubt in their minds on Pakistan's capabilities". The military spokesman said the Pakistan Army was the custodian of the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and that the mega project will strengthen the economy of the country. Ghafoor said the army wanted strengthening of democracy in Pakistan, and claimed that the general election in July was the most transparent in the history of the country. "If anyone has evidence of rigging then it should be brought forward," he remarked. He also rejected reports of restriction on the media and said there was "complete freedom of expression" in the country. He said there were more good developments in Pakistan than bad and that the international media should also highlight the good things.

Launch surgical strike and we will retaliate with 10, Pakistan warns India

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-opposition-holds-imran-khan-responsible-diplomatic-debacle-india-167264">Pak opposition holds Imran Khan responsible for 'diplomatic debacle' with India</a>

Pakistan's two major opposition parties have questioned the "haste" shown by Prime Minister Imran Khan in making efforts to mend ties with India and held him responsible for the "diplomatic debacle", saying he should have done his "homework" before approaching India for a meeting.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-has-taken-right-decision-army-chief-bipin-rawat-india-cancelling-indo-pak-talks">Govt has taken right decision: Army Chief Bipin Rawat on India cancelling Indo-Pak talks</a>

Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat has said the "government has taken the right decision" in cancelling the meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-votes-incumbent-yameen-expected-cement-grip-power-167251">Maldives votes, incumbent Yameen expected to cement grip on power</a>

The Maldives voted on Sunday in an election in which hardline President Abdulla Yameen is expected to cement his grip on power but which opposition and international groups have criticised for a lack of transparency and suppression of dissent.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ready-war-choose-walk-path-peace-pakistan-army-167221">'Ready for war' but choose to walk </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ready-war-choose-walk-path-peace-pakistan-army-167221">path</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ready-war-choose-walk-path-peace-pakistan-army-167221"> of peace: Pakistan Army</a>

The Pakistan Army on Saturday said it is "ready for war" but chooses to walk the path of peace in the interest of its people, comments which came in response to Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's remark that "stern action" is needed to "avenge" the brutal killing of Indian soldiers.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-accuses-us-backed-gulf-arab-states-carrying-out-attack-military-parade-167253">Iran's Khamenei accuses US-backed Gulf Arab states of carrying out attack on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-accuses-us-backed-gulf-arab-states-carrying-out-attack-military-parade-167253">military</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-accuses-us-backed-gulf-arab-states-carrying-out-attack-military-parade-167253"> parade</a>

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused US-backed Gulf Arab states of carrying out a shooting attack on a military parade that killed 25 people, almost half of them members of the country's elite Revolutionary Guards.

Pak opposition holds Imran Khan responsible for 'diplomatic debacle' with India Pakistan's two major opposition parties have questioned the "haste" shown by Prime Minister Imran Khan in making efforts to mend ties with India and held him responsible for the "diplomatic debacle", saying he should have done his "homework" before approaching India for a meeting.

Pak opposition holds Imran Khan responsible for 'diplomatic debacle' with India Pakistan's two major opposition parties have questioned the "haste" shown by Prime Minister Imran Khan in making efforts to mend ties with India and held him responsible for the "diplomatic debacle", saying he should have done his "homework" before approaching India for a meeting. Govt has taken right decision: Army Chief Bipin Rawat on India cancelling Indo-Pak talks Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat has said the "government has taken the right decision" in cancelling the meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan. Maldives votes, incumbent Yameen expected to cement grip on power The Maldives voted on Sunday in an election in which hardline President Abdulla Yameen is expected to cement his grip on power but which opposition and international groups have criticised for a lack of transparency and suppression of dissent. 'Ready for war' but choose to walk path of peace: Pakistan Army The Pakistan Army on Saturday said it is "ready for war" but chooses to walk the path of peace in the interest of its people, comments which came in response to Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's remark that "stern action" is needed to "avenge" the brutal killing of Indian soldiers. Iran's Khamenei accuses US-backed Gulf Arab states of carrying out attack on military parade Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused US-backed Gulf Arab states of carrying out a shooting attack on a military parade that killed 25 people, almost half of them members of the country's elite Revolutionary Guards.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Locals of Kotli district of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have accused Pakistani security forces of illegal encroachment.

The residents also launched agitation against the illegal encroachment of their land by the Pakistan Army.

Since past few years there has been a growing resentment against Pakistan among the residents of the illegally-occupied region.

United Kashmir People's National Party Chairman Shaukat Ali Kashmiri said, "the army encroaches farmers' land which is fertile and ideally located. Land grabbing is being done by implementing Army Act. Now, the army has begun encroaching private land and houses allotted to them as per new housing scheme. Cases have been reported in Kotli, Neelam Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch and Bagh. Land grabbing incidents are happening across PoK."

He further said that the ruling governments, be it PML (N), PPP or PTI, all have maintained silence on these incidents.

"They have failed to raise any issued concerning the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Only, the local political parties have been raising the issues and the people are protesting against the forceful encroachment by the Army on people's private lands," he added.

Meanwhile, a member of United Kashmir People's National Party Jamil Maqsood also accused Pakistan military of occupying lands illegally, saying, before this the military of Pakistan had already occupied one playground in district Kotli.

"They are occupying all the important places, business areas, business places, commercial land," Maqsood added.

Locals in illegally-occupied PoK and Gilgit Baltistan often stage protests against Pakistan's ill treatment.

The residents blame Pakistan for exploiting their resources and for being responsible for the poverty and underdevelopment in the region.

Various leaders and activists also accuse the Pakistani Army and intelligence agencies of enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings in the region.

The residents also launched agitation against the illegal encroachment of their land by the Pakistan Army

Locals of Kotli district of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have accused Pakistani security forces of illegal encroachment. The residents also launched agitation against the illegal encroachment of their land by the Pakistan Army. Since past few years there has been a growing resentment against Pakistan among the residents of the illegally-occupied region. United Kashmir People's National Party Chairman Shaukat Ali Kashmiri said, "the army encroaches farmers' land which is fertile and ideally located. Land grabbing is being done by implementing Army Act. Now, the army has begun encroaching private land and houses allotted to them as per new housing scheme. Cases have been reported in Kotli, Neelam Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch and Bagh. Land grabbing incidents are happening across PoK." He further said that the ruling governments, be it PML (N), PPP or PTI, all have maintained silence on these incidents. "They have failed to raise any issued concerning the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Only, the local political parties have been raising the issues and the people are protesting against the forceful encroachment by the Army on people's private lands," he added. Meanwhile, a member of United Kashmir People's National Party Jamil Maqsood also accused Pakistan military of occupying lands illegally, saying, before this the military of Pakistan had already occupied one playground in district Kotli. "They are occupying all the important places, business areas, business places, commercial land," Maqsood added. Locals in illegally-occupied PoK and Gilgit Baltistan often stage protests against Pakistan's ill treatment. The residents blame Pakistan for exploiting their resources and for being responsible for the poverty and underdevelopment in the region. Various leaders and activists also accuse the Pakistani Army and intelligence agencies of enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings in the region.

Locals accuse Pakistan army of illegal encroachment in PoK

The Baloch Liberation Army has said its fighters had damaged the Pakistan Army helicopter, which crashed near Quetta, in the mountain range of Sibi Balochistan on Thursday.

"Our fighters have targeted and damaged the military helicopters with sniper rifles and other automatic weapons in Sathak Bun area of district Sibbi Balochistan which later crashed on the outskirts of Quetta," BLA`s spokesperson Azad Baloch informed media sources in Balochistan.

He claimed from the past many days, Pakistan army have been carrying military offensives against innocent Baloch villagers and nomads in different areas of Kahan town in Balochistan.

Azad Baloch added that Pakistan military`s ground forces backed by helicopters have conducted offensives in Kahan`s Sohrod, Shameni, Hathpod and other surrounding areas.

"Several Baloch women and children have been wounded because of indiscriminate bombardment and military offensives. The Pakistan army during their aggressions has harassed and terrorised Baloch women and children. Women were pulled out of their houses and made to stand outside in the scorching heat for several hours to teach them a lesson in the words of Pakistani troops," he further said.

On June 3, in a gun battle between BLA fighters and Pakistan army, seven Pakistani soldiers were killed and several others injured whereas three BLA fighters also lost their lives.

In retaliation, on June 7, the BLA fighters attacked a convoy of Pakistan military with IED, completely destroying the vehicles and killing and wounding personnel on board.

Azad Baloch said, "The army helicopter was transferring the wounded soldiers to Quetta when our fighters attacked and damaged it near Sibbi.

"The Pakistan military media wing spokesperson also confirmed the attack and told media, "The helicopter, on a medical evacuation sortie, was en-route to Quetta from Kohlu. A BLA fighter was injured and was being evacuated by the Army helicopter."

Azad Baloch further said, "Since the `occupation of Balochistan` in 1948, Pakistan Army has been trying to extract oil and other natural resources in Kohistan Marri region but due to the strong resistance of Baloch fighters the state's (Pakistan)&nbspprevious attempts failed."

He asserted that natural resources of Balochistan are considered a national wealth for Balochs and "our fighters are paying the price of their lives to protect these resources from Pakistani state exploitation".

The spokesperson of Baloch resistance group added that some local notables are collaborating with Pakistan Army and assisting Pakistani forces to exploit the natural resources."We urge these people (local notables) to refrain from becoming part of Pakistan`s exploitative policies in Balochistan because such actions are not in the national interest of the Baloch nation,"&nbspAzad Baloch further said.&nbsp

The BLA is a militant group. The chopper had crashed on the outskirts of Quetta on Thursday

The Baloch Liberation Army has said its fighters had damaged the Pakistan Army helicopter, which crashed near Quetta, in the mountain range of Sibi Balochistan on Thursday. "Our fighters have targeted and damaged the military helicopters with sniper rifles and other automatic weapons in Sathak Bun area of district Sibbi Balochistan which later crashed on the outskirts of Quetta," BLA`s spokesperson Azad Baloch informed media sources in Balochistan. He claimed from the past many days, Pakistan army have been carrying military offensives against innocent Baloch villagers and nomads in different areas of Kahan town in Balochistan. Azad Baloch added that Pakistan military`s ground forces backed by helicopters have conducted offensives in Kahan`s Sohrod, Shameni, Hathpod and other surrounding areas. "Several Baloch women and children have been wounded because of indiscriminate bombardment and military offensives. The Pakistan army during their aggressions has harassed and terrorised Baloch women and children. Women were pulled out of their houses and made to stand outside in the scorching heat for several hours to teach them a lesson in the words of Pakistani troops," he further said. On June 3, in a gun battle between BLA fighters and Pakistan army, seven Pakistani soldiers were killed and several others injured whereas three BLA fighters also lost their lives. In retaliation, on June 7, the BLA fighters attacked a convoy of Pakistan military with IED, completely destroying the vehicles and killing and wounding personnel on board. Azad Baloch said, "The army helicopter was transferring the wounded soldiers to Quetta when our fighters attacked and damaged it near Sibbi. "The Pakistan military media wing spokesperson also confirmed the attack and told media, "The helicopter, on a medical evacuation sortie, was en-route to Quetta from Kohlu. A BLA fighter was injured and was being evacuated by the Army helicopter." Azad Baloch further said, "Since the `occupation of Balochistan` in 1948, Pakistan Army has been trying to extract oil and other natural resources in Kohistan Marri region but due to the strong resistance of Baloch fighters the state's (Pakistan)&nbspprevious attempts failed." He asserted that natural resources of Balochistan are considered a national wealth for Balochs and "our fighters are paying the price of their lives to protect these resources from Pakistani state exploitation". The spokesperson of Baloch resistance group added that some local notables are collaborating with Pakistan Army and assisting Pakistani forces to exploit the natural resources."We urge these people (local notables) to refrain from becoming part of Pakistan`s exploitative policies in Balochistan because such actions are not in the national interest of the Baloch nation,"&nbspAzad Baloch further said.

Baloch Liberation Army says it brought down Pakistan military chopper

Pakistan's army has denied abducting a British-Pakistani activist known for criticising the military, in an incident that prompted a wave of condemnation and increased fears of a crackdown on free speech.

Gul Bukhari, 52, was detained for several hours by unknown men in the eastern city of Lahore late Tuesday, one day after the military held a press conference warning that it is monitoring citizens who criticise Pakistan.

She was released early Wednesday.

Pakistan has a history of enforced disappearances, often of people who criticise the security establishment -- largely seen as a red line few dare cross. The kidnappings have become increasingly brazen in recent years.

Bukhari is known for advocating human rights online and is also a prominent columnist whose articles are often highly critical of the military and its policies.

When news of her abduction broke it caused a furore, with widespread calls for her release and fingers broadly pointed at the military.&nbsp

The British High Commission expressed "concern" at the incident as activists called on the army, which is the most powerful institution in Pakistan and has ruled the country for nearly half its 70-year history, to tolerate dissent.

"(The) army is not behind the abduction of Gul Bukhari," Major General Asif Ghafoor, chief military spokesman, told reporters late Friday.

"We actually want a thorough investigation in this case," he said.

The military routinely says it is not involved in enforced disappearances, but the statement was a rare on-the-record denial.

It came as the powerful army is facing growing criticism of its policies within Pakistan, from disappearances to the use of militant proxies in Afghanistan and India.

A burgeoning civil rights movement by the country's ethnic Pashtuns and recent comments from former prime minister Nawaz Sharif have increasingly criticised the generals and caused uproar in the country.

Journalists have spoken of "pressure" not to cover the criticisms, adding to an atmosphere of repression.

During a wide-ranging press conference Monday that appeared to address the mounting criticism, the military issued a veiled warning to online critics, saying it has the capacity to monitor social media accounts.

Ghafoor briefly flashed an image on screen showing what appeared to be Twitter handles and names, including of at least one prominent journalist, but refused to elaborate further, fuelling the outcry over free speech.

Late Friday he said they "did not intend to implicate journalists".

Activists remained sceptical of the military's role in disappearances and curtailing of free speech.

"If they did not do it, then they need to come up with an action, a plan of enquiry (to investigate) who did," said Shahzad Ahmed, head of Bytes for All, a think-tank working for digital security and free speech.

"So far the fingers are being pointed towards them." &nbsp&nbsp

Gul Bukhari, 52, was detained for several hours by unknown men in the eastern city of Lahore late Tuesday, one day after the military held a press conference warning that it is monitoring citizens who criticise Pakistan.

Pakistan's army has denied abducting a British-Pakistani activist known for criticising the military, in an incident that prompted a wave of condemnation and increased fears of a crackdown on free speech. Gul Bukhari, 52, was detained for several hours by unknown men in the eastern city of Lahore late Tuesday, one day after the military held a press conference warning that it is monitoring citizens who criticise Pakistan. She was released early Wednesday. Pakistan has a history of enforced disappearances, often of people who criticise the security establishment -- largely seen as a red line few dare cross. The kidnappings have become increasingly brazen in recent years. Bukhari is known for advocating human rights online and is also a prominent columnist whose articles are often highly critical of the military and its policies. When news of her abduction broke it caused a furore, with widespread calls for her release and fingers broadly pointed at the military. The British High Commission expressed "concern" at the incident as activists called on the army, which is the most powerful institution in Pakistan and has ruled the country for nearly half its 70-year history, to tolerate dissent. "(The) army is not behind the abduction of Gul Bukhari," Major General Asif Ghafoor, chief military spokesman, told reporters late Friday. "We actually want a thorough investigation in this case," he said. The military routinely says it is not involved in enforced disappearances, but the statement was a rare on-the-record denial. It came as the powerful army is facing growing criticism of its policies within Pakistan, from disappearances to the use of militant proxies in Afghanistan and India. A burgeoning civil rights movement by the country's ethnic Pashtuns and recent comments from former prime minister Nawaz Sharif have increasingly criticised the generals and caused uproar in the country. Journalists have spoken of "pressure" not to cover the criticisms, adding to an atmosphere of repression. During a wide-ranging press conference Monday that appeared to address the mounting criticism, the military issued a veiled warning to online critics, saying it has the capacity to monitor social media accounts. Ghafoor briefly flashed an image on screen showing what appeared to be Twitter handles and names, including of at least one prominent journalist, but refused to elaborate further, fuelling the outcry over free speech. Late Friday he said they "did not intend to implicate journalists". Activists remained sceptical of the military's role in disappearances and curtailing of free speech. "If they did not do it, then they need to come up with an action, a plan of enquiry (to investigate) who did," said Shahzad Ahmed, head of Bytes for All, a think-tank working for digital security and free speech. "So far the fingers are being pointed towards them."

Pakistan army denies abducting British activist

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's (PoK) Kotli district have accused security forces of illegal encroachment.

"What is your right to do this? You first captured our estate, and now, you are capturing our plots. We will not leave," the residents can be heard saying in a video clip.

PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) often stage widespread protests against Pakistan's ill-treatment of the region and its people.

The residents blame Pakistan for exploiting resources from PoK and for being responsible for the poverty and underdevelopment in the region.

The locals, including various leaders and activists, have also been accusing the Pakistani Army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of enforced disappearance, extra-judicial killings and human rights violation.

India has been bearing the brunt of Pakistan sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir for over three decades.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Locals of Kotli district in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) accuse Pakistan security forces of illegal encroachment, say, "what is your right to do this? You first captured our estate & now you are capturing our plots. We will not leave." <a href="https://t.co/e0lMJM70ym">pic.twitter.com/e0lMJM70ym</a>
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&nbsp

PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) often stage widespread protests against Pakistan's ill-treatment of the region and its people.

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's (PoK) Kotli district have accused security forces of illegal encroachment. "What is your right to do this? You first captured our estate, and now, you are capturing our plots. We will not leave," the residents can be heard saying in a video clip. PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) often stage widespread protests against Pakistan's ill-treatment of the region and its people. The residents blame Pakistan for exploiting resources from PoK and for being responsible for the poverty and underdevelopment in the region. The locals, including various leaders and activists, have also been accusing the Pakistani Army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of enforced disappearance, extra-judicial killings and human rights violation. India has been bearing the brunt of Pakistan sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir for over three decades. #WATCH Locals of Kotli district in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) accuse Pakistan security forces of illegal encroachment, say, "what is your right to do this? You first captured our estate & now you are capturing our plots. We will not leave." pic.twitter.com/e0lMJM70ym — ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2018 ×

First you captured our Kashmir, now our plots: PoK Kashmiris to Pakistan army

For a long time, India and many across the world have been saying that the Pakistan army that has been calling the shots in and not the civilian leadership. For the first time, documentary proof has shown, how Rawalpindi has been behind Pakistan's foreign policy.

Explosive revelations from Hillary Clinton's mails have shown how the Pakistani Army has been influencing Pakistani foreign policy.

Former Pakistani foreign minister Heena Rabbani Khar was reportedly under pressure from the Pakistani Army not to attend a conference in Bonn on Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The emails say:

"She said that during the defense committee meeting yesterday, the military had pressed hard for her to announce that she would not go to Bonn, but that she had been able to prevent that . But she was not sure she could sustain that argument in the days ahead.”

Ultimately, Pakistan withdrew from participation in the Bonn Conference due to a NATO airstrike in its territory on November 26, 2011 that resulted in the deaths of 26 Pakistani soldiers.

The emails confirmed&nbsp;how the military was responsible for Pakistan not participating in the Bonn conference.

“The Pakistani defence committee concluded its emergency meeting, called to discuss response to the November 27th Mohmand border incident. The MFA desk officer called to inform us of two decisions."

1st: Pakistan will not attend the Bonn conference

2nd: Foreign minister Khar urgently requests to speak with the secretary to explain that decision, as soon as possible.&nbsp;Khar is travelling by car to Lahore. Her cell phone number is... ”

The German ambassador in Pakistan had phoned the then Pakistan foreign minister and asked her to take part in the meet. The 5th December 2011 International Conference on Afghanistan was an important meet. Delegations from 85 states, 15 international organizations and the United Nations attended the conference.

The US did apologize for the 26 November 2011 incident that killed Pakistani soldiers. Secretary Clinton had called on foreign minister Khar and had said sorry.&nbsp;

Hillary said that the US is committed to working closely with "Pakistan and Afghanistan to prevent this from ever happening again”.&nbsp;

The foreign minister of Pakistan informed that ground supply lines into Afghanistan are opening and Islamabad won't charge any transit fee in the larger interest of peace and security in Afghanistan.

Closing ground supplies the been the best possible blackmailing technique of Islamabad to trouble US in Afghanistan.

The mails also show how Pakistan's permanent representative Maleeha Lodhi has been acting as conduit between the then secretary of state Hillary Clinton and the then Pakistani army chief Kayani.

In a mail it is written:

"I got a call from Maleeha Lodhi (former Pakistan Ambassador to US and UK) who is in London. She gave a message from Kayani."

The Pakistani foreign minister Khar had even messaged the then secretary of state Hillary Clinton after Malala was shot. Khar had appreciated Clinton’s strong statement regarding Malala Yousafzai.

The mails clearly show what is known to the world for a long time. It's Rawalpindi that has been calling the shots and not Islamabad when it comes to Pakistan's foreign policy.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Closing ground supplies the been the best possible blackmailing technique of Islamabad to trouble US in Afghanistan.

For a long time, India and many across the world have been saying that the Pakistan army that has been calling the shots in and not the civilian leadership. For the first time, documentary proof has shown, how Rawalpindi has been behind Pakistan's foreign policy. Explosive revelations from Hillary Clinton's mails have shown how the Pakistani Army has been influencing Pakistani foreign policy. Former Pakistani foreign minister Heena Rabbani Khar was reportedly under pressure from the Pakistani Army not to attend a conference in Bonn on Afghanistan. The emails say: "She said that during the defense committee meeting yesterday, the military had pressed hard for her to announce that she would not go to Bonn, but that she had been able to prevent that . But she was not sure she could sustain that argument in the days ahead.” Ultimately, Pakistan withdrew from participation in the Bonn Conference due to a NATO airstrike in its territory on November 26, 2011 that resulted in the deaths of 26 Pakistani soldiers. The emails confirmed how the military was responsible for Pakistan not participating in the Bonn conference. “The Pakistani defence committee concluded its emergency meeting, called to discuss response to the November 27th Mohmand border incident. The MFA desk officer called to inform us of two decisions." 1st: Pakistan will not attend the Bonn conference 2nd: Foreign minister Khar urgently requests to speak with the secretary to explain that decision, as soon as possible. Khar is travelling by car to Lahore. Her cell phone number is... ” The German ambassador in Pakistan had phoned the then Pakistan foreign minister and asked her to take part in the meet. The 5th December 2011 International Conference on Afghanistan was an important meet. Delegations from 85 states, 15 international organizations and the United Nations attended the conference. The US did apologize for the 26 November 2011 incident that killed Pakistani soldiers. Secretary Clinton had called on foreign minister Khar and had said sorry. Hillary said that the US is committed to working closely with "Pakistan and Afghanistan to prevent this from ever happening again”. The foreign minister of Pakistan informed that ground supply lines into Afghanistan are opening and Islamabad won't charge any transit fee in the larger interest of peace and security in Afghanistan. Closing ground supplies the been the best possible blackmailing technique of Islamabad to trouble US in Afghanistan. The mails also show how Pakistan's permanent representative Maleeha Lodhi has been acting as conduit between the then secretary of state Hillary Clinton and the then Pakistani army chief Kayani. In a mail it is written: "I got a call from Maleeha Lodhi (former Pakistan Ambassador to US and UK) who is in London. She gave a message from Kayani." The Pakistani foreign minister Khar had even messaged the then secretary of state Hillary Clinton after Malala was shot. Khar had appreciated Clinton’s strong statement regarding Malala Yousafzai. The mails clearly show what is known to the world for a long time. It's Rawalpindi that has been calling the shots and not Islamabad when it comes to Pakistan's foreign policy.

Watch: Hillary Clinton's mail trail shows how Pak Army influences foreign policy

The Pakistan Army is said to be 'extremely upset' with former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's alleged admission that Pakistan had a significant role to play in the terrorist attacks that took place across Mumbai between November 26 and 29, 2008, which claimed the lives of 166 persons and injured more than 300.

It may be recalled that on Saturday evening, in an interview given to the Dawn newspaper, Sharif suggested terrorists from Pakistan had "crossed the border" to attack Mumbai and added that such terror strikes could have been prevented.

In the interview, Sharif said, "Militant organisations (in Pakistan) are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can't we complete the trial?"

Sharif, however, did not name Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed or known terrorist outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamaat-ud-Dawah and Jaish-e-Mohammad that the international community clearly acknowledges as operating from Pakistan soil with impunity in the interview.

Sharif also lamented that Pakistan had isolated itself. He seemed to suggest that Islamabad should look into why its narrative that "it had been fighting terrorism had not been accepted by the international community despite sacrifices".

Sharif's statement has, according to sources, left the Pakistan Army extremely worried that "this will give more weight to India's narrative that Pakistan is not doing enough" to rein in terrorist modules operating from its soil, and particularly from areas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

According to sources, the top brass of the army is particularly concerned about "Sharif's statement tilting the balance sufficiently enough to put Pakistan in the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a Paris-based inter-governmental organisation founded in 1989 on the initiative of the Group of Seven (G-7) nations to develop policies to combat money laundering. Pakistan is already on the grey list for the last three months.

According to sources, Sharif is reportedly under pressure from his ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party and the army to retract his statement immediately or issue a clarification. However, there is no indication by the latter that he will do so.

Various media reports are saying that the Pakistan Army is expected to hold a high-level meeting on Monday to discuss what it described as a "recent misleading media statement" about the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.

The spokesman of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor said in a tweet on Sunday that the National Security Committee (NSC), consisting of Pakistan's top civil and military leadership, will meet under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi today to discuss key national issues.

"The NSC meeting suggested to Prime Minister to discuss recent misleading media statement regarding Bombay incident. Being held tomorrow morning," said Major General Ghafoor in his tweet on Sunday.

New Delhi has long held and accused the Lashkar-e-Taiba of carrying out the attacks in Mumbai in 2008 with the help of ten well-armed terrorists. These attackers arrived on boat from Karachi and according to the Indian government, carried out the violent strikes across Mumbai in coordination with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency.

The 26/11 case is being tried in an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan since 2009, but has hardly made any progress.

India maintains that Pakistan has not kept its end of the bargain and sent the case to court without really investigating the conspiracy that led to the attacks.

Islamabad, however, squarely blames New Delhi for not providing it with "solid evidence" against prime accused Hafiz Saeed and others.

"Sharif's apparently conciliatory remark on the state's role in terrorism may not result in a concrete shift in Pakistan's position.&nbsp;

Sharif had suggested, in an interview given to Dawn newspaper, that terrorists from Pakistan had 'crossed the border' to attack Mumbai. He added that such terror strikes could have been prevented.

The Pakistan Army is said to be 'extremely upset' with former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's alleged admission that Pakistan had a significant role to play in the terrorist attacks that took place across Mumbai between November 26 and 29, 2008, which claimed the lives of 166 persons and injured more than 300. It may be recalled that on Saturday evening, in an interview given to the Dawn newspaper, Sharif suggested terrorists from Pakistan had "crossed the border" to attack Mumbai and added that such terror strikes could have been prevented. In the interview, Sharif said, "Militant organisations (in Pakistan) are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can't we complete the trial?" Sharif, however, did not name Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed or known terrorist outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamaat-ud-Dawah and Jaish-e-Mohammad that the international community clearly acknowledges as operating from Pakistan soil with impunity in the interview. Sharif also lamented that Pakistan had isolated itself. He seemed to suggest that Islamabad should look into why its narrative that "it had been fighting terrorism had not been accepted by the international community despite sacrifices". Sharif's statement has, according to sources, left the Pakistan Army extremely worried that "this will give more weight to India's narrative that Pakistan is not doing enough" to rein in terrorist modules operating from its soil, and particularly from areas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to sources, the top brass of the army is particularly concerned about "Sharif's statement tilting the balance sufficiently enough to put Pakistan in the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a Paris-based inter-governmental organisation founded in 1989 on the initiative of the Group of Seven (G-7) nations to develop policies to combat money laundering. Pakistan is already on the grey list for the last three months. According to sources, Sharif is reportedly under pressure from his ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party and the army to retract his statement immediately or issue a clarification. However, there is no indication by the latter that he will do so. Various media reports are saying that the Pakistan Army is expected to hold a high-level meeting on Monday to discuss what it described as a "recent misleading media statement" about the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. The spokesman of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor said in a tweet on Sunday that the National Security Committee (NSC), consisting of Pakistan's top civil and military leadership, will meet under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi today to discuss key national issues. "The NSC meeting suggested to Prime Minister to discuss recent misleading media statement regarding Bombay incident. Being held tomorrow morning," said Major General Ghafoor in his tweet on Sunday. New Delhi has long held and accused the Lashkar-e-Taiba of carrying out the attacks in Mumbai in 2008 with the help of ten well-armed terrorists. These attackers arrived on boat from Karachi and according to the Indian government, carried out the violent strikes across Mumbai in coordination with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency. The 26/11 case is being tried in an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan since 2009, but has hardly made any progress. India maintains that Pakistan has not kept its end of the bargain and sent the case to court without really investigating the conspiracy that led to the attacks. Islamabad, however, squarely blames New Delhi for not providing it with "solid evidence" against prime accused Hafiz Saeed and others. "Sharif's apparently conciliatory remark on the state's role in terrorism may not result in a concrete shift in Pakistan's position.

Pak Army 'extremely upset' with Sharif's admission country played role in 26/11

The Pakistan Army will hold a high-level meeting tomorrow to discuss the "recent misleading media statement" about Mumbai terror attack, officials said today, a day after ousted premier Nawaz Sharif questioned the policy to allow "non-state actors" to cross the border and "kill" people in Mumbai.

Sharif, for the first time, publicly acknowledged in an interview that militant organisations are active in Pakistan and questioned the policy to allow the "non-state actors" to cross the border and "kill" people in Mumbai.

Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said on Twitter that Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was suggested to call a meeting of the high-powered National Security Committee (NSC), a platform of top civil and military leadership to discuss key national issues.

"The NSC meeting suggested to Prime Minister to discuss recent misleading media statement regarding Bombay incident. Being held tomorrow morning," said Ghafoor.

In an an exclusive interview with Dawn on Friday, Sharif also criticised the apparent delay in the conclusion of the Mumbai attack trial.

Sharif, who has been disqualified to hold public office for life by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case, said Pakistan has isolated itself.

He is under attack from opponents as well as some of the estranged leaders from his Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz (PML-N) party for allegedly supporting the Indian narrative on the Mumbai attack case and harming national interests.

Leading opposition leader and cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan said that Sharif was speaking the language of (Indian Prime Minister) Narendra Modi and cooperating against enemies of Pakistan to harm the country.

"Nawaz Sharif is the modern-day Mir Jafar who collaborated with the British to enslave his nation for personal gains. Nawaz speaking Modi's language against Pak State simply to protect his ill-gotten Rs 300 billion stashed in his sons' companies abroad," he said on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Sharif's younger brother Shahbaz Sharif said that media misrepresented views of the former prime minister.

"Can anybody think that Nawaz Sharif will say such things," he said.

But already Sharif's interview has been created a huge controversy in Pakistan.

Dunya TV reported that a local has approached the police in Chakwal district to register a criminal case against him for endangering security of the country.&nbsp

Sharif, for the first time, publicly acknowledged in an interview that militant organisations are active in Pakistan and questioned the policy to allow the "non-state actors" to cross the border and "kill" people in Mumbai.

The Pakistan Army will hold a high-level meeting tomorrow to discuss the "recent misleading media statement" about Mumbai terror attack, officials said today, a day after ousted premier Nawaz Sharif questioned the policy to allow "non-state actors" to cross the border and "kill" people in Mumbai. Sharif, for the first time, publicly acknowledged in an interview that militant organisations are active in Pakistan and questioned the policy to allow the "non-state actors" to cross the border and "kill" people in Mumbai. Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said on Twitter that Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was suggested to call a meeting of the high-powered National Security Committee (NSC), a platform of top civil and military leadership to discuss key national issues. "The NSC meeting suggested to Prime Minister to discuss recent misleading media statement regarding Bombay incident. Being held tomorrow morning," said Ghafoor. In an an exclusive interview with Dawn on Friday, Sharif also criticised the apparent delay in the conclusion of the Mumbai attack trial. Sharif, who has been disqualified to hold public office for life by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case, said Pakistan has isolated itself. He is under attack from opponents as well as some of the estranged leaders from his Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz (PML-N) party for allegedly supporting the Indian narrative on the Mumbai attack case and harming national interests. Leading opposition leader and cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan said that Sharif was speaking the language of (Indian Prime Minister) Narendra Modi and cooperating against enemies of Pakistan to harm the country. "Nawaz Sharif is the modern-day Mir Jafar who collaborated with the British to enslave his nation for personal gains. Nawaz speaking Modi's language against Pak State simply to protect his ill-gotten Rs 300 billion stashed in his sons' companies abroad," he said on Twitter. Meanwhile, Sharif's younger brother Shahbaz Sharif said that media misrepresented views of the former prime minister. "Can anybody think that Nawaz Sharif will say such things," he said. But already Sharif's interview has been created a huge controversy in Pakistan. Dunya TV reported that a local has approached the police in Chakwal district to register a criminal case against him for endangering security of the country.

Pakistan Army calls high-level meet to discuss Sharif's statement on Mumbai terror attack

An exiled Kashmiri leader Shaukat Ali Kashmiri has blamed the Pakistan Army for endorsing terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.

Claiming that the Pakistan civil and political organisation have no control over the Pakistan army he said that the army was using them as its proxies against India.

He said that a deliberate attempt was made by Pakistan to use PoK for 'jihadi' activities and that the army is promoting a philosophy that the world is not permanent and one has to die.&nbsp;

He also said that the majority of these terror outfits were based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The exiled leader highlighted the growing instability and lack of development in Pakistan occupied Kashmir which has forced many people to vacate the region.

He also hit out at the multi-billion&nbsp;CPEC project saying that Pakistan and China's were exploiting the resources from PoK and Gilgit baltistan. He added the funds that were meant for the welfare and development of PoK was diverted for other purposes.

"In the past 70 years, our sources of income, including foreign remittances, were not spent for the welfare and empowerment of the people of PoK. They have established a camp to promote 'jihadi' culture. They have endorsed a philosophy that the world is not permanent and one has to die. They want to exploit the resources and occupy territory but tell Kashmiri that this world is temporary. Here, you don't need a good hospital and education and you don't need to live here but to migrate to Saudi Arabia, Britain and the US to earn money. They have promoted a forced migration, which people are not able to understand," he added.

Claiming that the Pakistan civil and political organisation have no control over the Pakistan army he said that the army was using them as its proxies against India

An exiled Kashmiri leader Shaukat Ali Kashmiri has blamed the Pakistan Army for endorsing terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen. Claiming that the Pakistan civil and political organisation have no control over the Pakistan army he said that the army was using them as its proxies against India. He said that a deliberate attempt was made by Pakistan to use PoK for 'jihadi' activities and that the army is promoting a philosophy that the world is not permanent and one has to die. He also said that the majority of these terror outfits were based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The exiled leader highlighted the growing instability and lack of development in Pakistan occupied Kashmir which has forced many people to vacate the region. He also hit out at the multi-billion CPEC project saying that Pakistan and China's were exploiting the resources from PoK and Gilgit baltistan. He added the funds that were meant for the welfare and development of PoK was diverted for other purposes. "In the past 70 years, our sources of income, including foreign remittances, were not spent for the welfare and empowerment of the people of PoK. They have established a camp to promote 'jihadi' culture. They have endorsed a philosophy that the world is not permanent and one has to die. They want to exploit the resources and occupy territory but tell Kashmiri that this world is temporary. Here, you don't need a good hospital and education and you don't need to live here but to migrate to Saudi Arabia, Britain and the US to earn money. They have promoted a forced migration, which people are not able to understand," he added.

Pakistan army endorsing terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen: Exiled Kashmiri leader

The Army did not establish Pakistan so it will not be ruled on the whims and wishes of anyone, the country's Supreme Court said today as it censured security agencies for their failure to submit a detailed report on a protest led by a hardline cleric last year that paralysed the capital, Islamabad.

Two-member bench comprising Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Musheer Alam heard the suo motu case against the three-week long siege of the capital in November, 2017 by religious groups against so-called changes in the oath by parliamentarians.

Justice Isa used strong words to castigate a representative of the ministry of defence and deputy attorney general when he was informed that security agencies had not prepared any fresh report about the protest.

The judge said that since the previous report was rejected as unsatisfactory, it was the duty of intelligence agencies to come up with the new report, detailing who funded the protest.

"Who is paying you? Who is paying the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)? No one should consider themselves above the law," the judge said, addressing an army officer and deputy attorney general who present for hearing.

He said Pakistan was established through the efforts of a political leader (Jinnah) who was not surrounded by any army brigade.

The army did not establish this country and the state will not be ruled on the whims and wishes of anyone,? he said further.

Last month the court had thrown out a report by ISI by passing highly critical remarks.

This report is deeply unsettling: it has been prepared by one of the premier agencies of the country, yet a journalist could have given more details [about the protests] than this report," Justice Isa had said.

Separately, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) also criticised the military while hearing a petition demanding to make an inquiry report about the protest public.

No army in the world is involved in commercial activities but our's is selling even cement, meat and bread,&nbsphe said referring towards alleged commercial activities of armed forces.

He said that the court will summon the defence secretary over the issue.

Two-member bench comprising Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Musheer Alam heard the suo motu case against the three-week long siege of the capital in November, 2017 by religious groups against so-called changes in the oath by parliamentarians.

The Army did not establish Pakistan so it will not be ruled on the whims and wishes of anyone, the country's Supreme Court said today as it censured security agencies for their failure to submit a detailed report on a protest led by a hardline cleric last year that paralysed the capital, Islamabad. Two-member bench comprising Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Musheer Alam heard the suo motu case against the three-week long siege of the capital in November, 2017 by religious groups against so-called changes in the oath by parliamentarians. Justice Isa used strong words to castigate a representative of the ministry of defence and deputy attorney general when he was informed that security agencies had not prepared any fresh report about the protest. The judge said that since the previous report was rejected as unsatisfactory, it was the duty of intelligence agencies to come up with the new report, detailing who funded the protest. "Who is paying you? Who is paying the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)? No one should consider themselves above the law," the judge said, addressing an army officer and deputy attorney general who present for hearing. He said Pakistan was established through the efforts of a political leader (Jinnah) who was not surrounded by any army brigade. The army did not establish this country and the state will not be ruled on the whims and wishes of anyone,? he said further. Last month the court had thrown out a report by ISI by passing highly critical remarks. This report is deeply unsettling: it has been prepared by one of the premier agencies of the country, yet a journalist could have given more details [about the protests] than this report," Justice Isa had said. Separately, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) also criticised the military while hearing a petition demanding to make an inquiry report about the protest public. No army in the world is involved in commercial activities but our's is selling even cement, meat and bread,&nbsphe said referring towards alleged commercial activities of armed forces. He said that the court will summon the defence secretary over the issue.

Pak court criticises Army over its failure to submit report on last year's protest

Despite getting no permission from Lahore Police, Pashtun Tahafuz (protection) Movement supporters held a huge rally here on Sunday.

Thousands of protesters gathered at Lahore's Mochi Gate and called for an end to alleged enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of the members of their community.

Though many local media outlets refrained from covering the event, allegedly under the pressure of Pakistan Army, the news of the same still managed to make it to the social media through Twitter.

A Twitter user, Jehangir Khan Wazir, who claims to be associated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's youth wing, posted a video clip on Twitter, wherein many protesters could be seen raising slogan against the army.

According to The Dawn, at the event, it was also announced that one more protest rally would be held in Karachi on May 12 to condemn the 2007 violence.

The movement was started by young Pashtun activists who are demanding an end to what they say are human rights violations by authorities in the country's tribal regions.

They have been calling for the removal of military checkpoints in tribal areas and an end to "enforced disappearances" in which suspects are detained by security forces without due process.

 
&nbsp;

Police did not give permission for the rally. And local media outlets refrained from covering the event, allegedly under pressure from the Pakistan Army

Despite getting no permission from Lahore Police, Pashtun Tahafuz (protection) Movement supporters held a huge rally here on Sunday. Thousands of protesters gathered at Lahore's Mochi Gate and called for an end to alleged enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of the members of their community. Though many local media outlets refrained from covering the event, allegedly under the pressure of Pakistan Army, the news of the same still managed to make it to the social media through Twitter. A Twitter user, Jehangir Khan Wazir, who claims to be associated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's youth wing, posted a video clip on Twitter, wherein many protesters could be seen raising slogan against the army. According to The Dawn, at the event, it was also announced that one more protest rally would be held in Karachi on May 12 to condemn the 2007 violence. The movement was started by young Pashtun activists who are demanding an end to what they say are human rights violations by authorities in the country's tribal regions. They have been calling for the removal of military checkpoints in tribal areas and an end to "enforced disappearances" in which suspects are detained by security forces without due process.

Lahore: Pakistan's Pashtuns hold massive rally against extrajudicial killings

The Pakistan Army appears to have taken its game of 'good and bad' terrorists to a new level.

According to a commentary published in the web site of the European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS), there exists a nexus between the judiciary, the army and Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jamaat-ud-Dawa de facto head Hafiz Saeed, wherein, "Good terrorists are set to become the lawmakers of tomorrow."

It may be recalled that in October 2017, Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said, "That the State was working on a 'mainstreaming' programme to induct members of armed groups into the political process..".

The EFSAS commentary clearly visualizes this as terrorists and terrorists-linked groups being integrated into Pakistan's country's mainstream politics with the aim, according to the Major General, "to develop a constructive role for them.".

It does not seem to matter that recently created political entities such as the Milli Muslim League (MML) and the Tehreek-i-Azad-i-Kashmir (TAK), both Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) fronts with Hafiz Saeed as the de facto head, have been added to the lists of Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) by the US State Department on April 3, 2018. It also does not seem to matter that the US Treasury Department has also designated seven MML members as terrorists.

The courts of Pakistan seem to think differently. On the same day that the United States amended the designation of TAK and MML as fronts of the terrorist organisation, Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered the Government of Pakistan "...not to harass Hafiz Saeed and to allow him to continue with his 'social welfare activities' until further order.". It is pertinent to note that the same court freed Saeed from house arrest in November 2017, which drew widespread international condemnation.

"Make no mistake: whatever LeT chooses to call itself, it remains a violent terrorist group. The US supports all efforts to ensure that LeT does not have a political voice until it gives up violence as a tool of influence" - Nathan A. Sales, coordinator for counter-terrorism at the US Department of State, said.

Hafiz Saeed has been named as the mastermind of the Mumbai attack in 2008 in which more than 160 people lost their lives. The international community, led by the United Nations and the United States, has declared Hafiz Saeed a global terrorist. In 2012, the US placed a $10 million bounty on him.

From Field Marshal Ayub Khan (President of Pakistan from 1958-1969) to General Pervez Musharraf (President of Pakistan from 2001-2008) and in between, the Pakistani Army has a history of working in tandem with the courts of Pakistan, aimed at legitimising the military's unconstitutional actions.

In Pakistan, the army has a history of overshadowing the political landscape. The civilian government in reality has very limited authority or control over critical matters of national importance such as foreign policy and security. Courts have been instrumental in engineering political outcomes and recent developments suggest that they will play a pre-emptive role in guarding 'strategic interests', vital for the country's foreign policy and security, concludes the EFSAS commentary.&nbsp

In Pakistan, the army has a history of overshadowing the political landscape. The civilian government, in reality, has very limited authority or control over critical matters of national importance such as foreign policy and security

The Pakistan Army appears to have taken its game of 'good and bad' terrorists to a new level. According to a commentary published in the web site of the European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS), there exists a nexus between the judiciary, the army and Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jamaat-ud-Dawa de facto head Hafiz Saeed, wherein, "Good terrorists are set to become the lawmakers of tomorrow." It may be recalled that in October 2017, Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said, "That the State was working on a 'mainstreaming' programme to induct members of armed groups into the political process..". The EFSAS commentary clearly visualizes this as terrorists and terrorists-linked groups being integrated into Pakistan's country's mainstream politics with the aim, according to the Major General, "to develop a constructive role for them.". It does not seem to matter that recently created political entities such as the Milli Muslim League (MML) and the Tehreek-i-Azad-i-Kashmir (TAK), both Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) fronts with Hafiz Saeed as the de facto head, have been added to the lists of Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) by the US State Department on April 3, 2018. It also does not seem to matter that the US Treasury Department has also designated seven MML members as terrorists. The courts of Pakistan seem to think differently. On the same day that the United States amended the designation of TAK and MML as fronts of the terrorist organisation, Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered the Government of Pakistan "...not to harass Hafiz Saeed and to allow him to continue with his 'social welfare activities' until further order.". It is pertinent to note that the same court freed Saeed from house arrest in November 2017, which drew widespread international condemnation. "Make no mistake: whatever LeT chooses to call itself, it remains a violent terrorist group. The US supports all efforts to ensure that LeT does not have a political voice until it gives up violence as a tool of influence" - Nathan A. Sales, coordinator for counter-terrorism at the US Department of State, said. Hafiz Saeed has been named as the mastermind of the Mumbai attack in 2008 in which more than 160 people lost their lives. The international community, led by the United Nations and the United States, has declared Hafiz Saeed a global terrorist. In 2012, the US placed a $10 million bounty on him. From Field Marshal Ayub Khan (President of Pakistan from 1958-1969) to General Pervez Musharraf (President of Pakistan from 2001-2008) and in between, the Pakistani Army has a history of working in tandem with the courts of Pakistan, aimed at legitimising the military's unconstitutional actions. In Pakistan, the army has a history of overshadowing the political landscape. The civilian government in reality has very limited authority or control over critical matters of national importance such as foreign policy and security. Courts have been instrumental in engineering political outcomes and recent developments suggest that they will play a pre-emptive role in guarding 'strategic interests', vital for the country's foreign policy and security, concludes the EFSAS commentary.

Pak Army, courts giving political legitimacy to Saeed, others

In what can be dubbed as the first move, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has openly come to the fore and has backed the Pakistan Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, calling him "professional" and "straightforward".

"The civilian and military authorities must work together to counter the challenges facing Pakistan," the Dawn reported, citing Shahbaz as saying to journalists at the Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute.

"We must respect and honour the efforts the army chief is making (to safeguard national interests)," he added.

The PML-N chief said that, in a meeting he had had with the chief of the army staff, he found him professional and straightforward.

He also dwelled upon the sacrifices made by the armed forces to ensure the country's defence and to eliminate terrorism and fanaticism, appealing people to appreciate their efforts, according to the report.

The remarks seemingly are not in sync with his party's as even as many in his party blame the military establishment for the current political crisis facing the Sharifs.

'The civilian and military authorities must work together to counter the challenges facing Pakistan,' the Dawn reported citing Shahbaz

In what can be dubbed as the first move, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has openly come to the fore and has backed the Pakistan Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, calling him "professional" and "straightforward". "The civilian and military authorities must work together to counter the challenges facing Pakistan," the Dawn reported, citing Shahbaz as saying to journalists at the Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute. "We must respect and honour the efforts the army chief is making (to safeguard national interests)," he added. The PML-N chief said that, in a meeting he had had with the chief of the army staff, he found him professional and straightforward. He also dwelled upon the sacrifices made by the armed forces to ensure the country's defence and to eliminate terrorism and fanaticism, appealing people to appreciate their efforts, according to the report. The remarks seemingly are not in sync with his party's as even as many in his party blame the military establishment for the current political crisis facing the Sharifs.

Shahbaz Sharif heaps praises on Pakistan Army chief

Pakistan Army said today that Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa was not against the 18th amendment but simply wants to ensure the provinces are capable of making the decisions as it clarified that if a 'Bajwa doctrine' exists its scope is limited to security measures only.

The landmark 18th amendment that has lent greater autonomy to the provinces was passed unanimously by parliament with all major political parties on board.

"Every army chief has their own perspective and General Bajwa's is to promote peace which existed in the past. That is what the Bajwa doctrine is," Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said while addressing a press conference.

Gen Bajwa recently met a group of journalists and explained his doctrine which was being seen as a template for bringing peace and security to Pakistan and the region.

Ghafoor said the army chief's views in his informal meeting with journalists may have been misrepresented by some.

"There was a lot of talk about the 18th Amendment," he said. "The army chief never said that as a whole 18th Amendment is not good amendments are brought because the Constitution remained incomplete in certain aspects."

Ghafoor said that the army supports empowerment of provinces and rejected the idea that Gen Bajwa expressed desire to undo delegation of powers to province by the previous government.

He also said that Pakistan was committed to complete multi-billion dollars China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which will benefit the entire region.

"We wish for CPEC to be successful. It will bring prosperity to the whole region. If India sees it as a threat, it (such thinking) will negatively affect the region. If our contributions are seen as negative, this will affect the region's stability," he said.

Ghafoor said Pakistan was sending troops to Saudi Arabia under the bilateral security agreement of 1982 to help in "training and advise" the Saudi government to maintain internal stability.

Ghafoor said that the army supports empowerment of provinces and rejected the idea that Gen Bajwa expressed desire to undo delegation of powers to province by the previous government.

Pakistan Army said today that Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa was not against the 18th amendment but simply wants to ensure the provinces are capable of making the decisions as it clarified that if a 'Bajwa doctrine' exists its scope is limited to security measures only. The landmark 18th amendment that has lent greater autonomy to the provinces was passed unanimously by parliament with all major political parties on board. "Every army chief has their own perspective and General Bajwa's is to promote peace which existed in the past. That is what the Bajwa doctrine is," Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said while addressing a press conference. Gen Bajwa recently met a group of journalists and explained his doctrine which was being seen as a template for bringing peace and security to Pakistan and the region. Ghafoor said the army chief's views in his informal meeting with journalists may have been misrepresented by some. "There was a lot of talk about the 18th Amendment," he said. "The army chief never said that as a whole 18th Amendment is not good amendments are brought because the Constitution remained incomplete in certain aspects." Ghafoor said that the army supports empowerment of provinces and rejected the idea that Gen Bajwa expressed desire to undo delegation of powers to province by the previous government. He also said that Pakistan was committed to complete multi-billion dollars China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which will benefit the entire region. "We wish for CPEC to be successful. It will bring prosperity to the whole region. If India sees it as a threat, it (such thinking) will negatively affect the region. If our contributions are seen as negative, this will affect the region's stability," he said. Ghafoor said Pakistan was sending troops to Saudi Arabia under the bilateral security agreement of 1982 to help in "training and advise" the Saudi government to maintain internal stability.

'Bajwa doctrine' exists for security measures only: Pak Army

Pakistan Army has formulated a training policy for next three years starting from July 1st, 2017. The latest move is being seen as Pakistan&#39;s attempt to create a territorial army.

Pak Army has divided their training policy into three phases. In the first phase named &#39;&#39;back to basic&#39; which started from July 2017 to June 30th, 2018 is the foundation tier at the disposal of Commanding Officers for organizing and conducting training. The first phase is designated as &#39;The Year of Unit Training&#39;.

In the second phase from July 1st to June 30th, 2019 the focus will be on &#39;configuration tier&#39; training. In this phase, training will take place at the brigade and division level within the ambit of operational contingencies, while also catering employment in sub-conventional warfare and internal security. It will be called &#39;formation level training&#39;.

In the third phase due to start from July 1st, 2019 to June 30th, 2020, sub-conventional warfare will be the keystone tier training for command level. It will enable training graduation to &#39;Capstone Tier&#39;. It will be called &quot;Command/Army&#39;&#39; Level.

Since new Chief of Pakistan Army General Qamar Javed Bajwa took charge his focus has been to modernise the Pakistan Army.

Since new Chief of Pakistan Army General Qamar Javed Bajwa took charge his focus has been to modernise the Pakistan Army.

Pakistan Army has formulated a training policy for next three years starting from July 1st, 2017. The latest move is being seen as Pakistan's attempt to create a territorial army. Pak Army has divided their training policy into three phases. In the first phase named ''back to basic' which started from July 2017 to June 30th, 2018 is the foundation tier at the disposal of Commanding Officers for organizing and conducting training. The first phase is designated as 'The Year of Unit Training'. In the second phase from July 1st to June 30th, 2019 the focus will be on 'configuration tier' training. In this phase, training will take place at the brigade and division level within the ambit of operational contingencies, while also catering employment in sub-conventional warfare and internal security. It will be called 'formation level training'. In the third phase due to start from July 1st, 2019 to June 30th, 2020, sub-conventional warfare will be the keystone tier training for command level. It will enable training graduation to 'Capstone Tier'. It will be called "Command/Army'' Level. Since new Chief of Pakistan Army General Qamar Javed Bajwa took charge his focus has been to modernise the Pakistan Army.

Pak army on modernisation path under General Bajwa

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As the controversy over invitation to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/khalistani-terrorist-should-never-have-been-invited-to-our-event-canada-33696">Punjab&nbsp;pro-Khalistani terrorist&nbsp;Jaspal&nbsp;</a>Atwal continued, the ministry of external affairs(MEA) said it was seeking information on how a visa was granted to Atwal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-never-said-give-guns-to-teachers-says-trump-33729" target="_blank">&#39;I never said give guns to teachers,&#39; says Trump</a>

President Trump today denied that he said teachers should be given guns to protect students from shooters. &quot;I never said give teachers guns,&quot; the president tweeted.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-saudi-arabia-turkey-blocked-us-move-to-place-pak-on-terror-financing-watch-list-report-33707" target="_blank">China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey blocked </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-saudi-arabia-turkey-blocked-us-move-to-place-pak-on-terror-financing-watch-list-report-33707" target="_blank">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-saudi-arabia-turkey-blocked-us-move-to-place-pak-on-terror-financing-watch-list-report-33707" target="_blank"> move to place Pak on terror-financing watch list: Report</a>

A report in the Wall Street Journal(WSJ) said three countries -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-moves-motion-to-place-pakistan-on-a-global-terrorist-financing-watchlist-at-fatf-32787">China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey</a>&nbsp;blocked the US efforts to place Pakistan on the &nbsp;Financial Action Task Force(FATF) watchlist.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-army-on-modernisation-path-under-general-bajwa-33721" target="_blank">Pak army on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-army-on-modernisation-path-under-general-bajwa-33721" target="_blank">modernisation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-army-on-modernisation-path-under-general-bajwa-33721" target="_blank"> path under General Bajwa</a>

Pakistan Army has formulated a training policy for next three years starting from July 1st, 2017. The latest move is being seen as Pakistan&#39;s attempt to create a territorial army.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chief-secretary-assault-case-aap-mlas-sent-to-judicial-custody-for-14-days-33728" target="_blank">Delhi Chief Secretary assault </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chief-secretary-assault-case-aap-mlas-sent-to-judicial-custody-for-14-days-33728" target="_blank">case :</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chief-secretary-assault-case-aap-mlas-sent-to-judicial-custody-for-14-days-33728" target="_blank"> AAP MLAs sent to judicial custody for 14 days</a>

Canadian MP Randeep Sarai takes responsibility for inviting Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal to India As the controversy over invitation to Punjab pro-Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal continued, the ministry of external affairs(MEA) said it was seeking information on how a visa was granted to Atwal. 'I never said give guns to teachers,' says Trump President Trump today denied that he said teachers should be given guns to protect students from shooters. "I never said give teachers guns," the president tweeted. China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey blocked US move to place Pak on terror-financing watch list: Report A report in the Wall Street Journal(WSJ) said three countries - China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey blocked the US efforts to place Pakistan on the Financial Action Task Force(FATF) watchlist. Pak army on modernisation path under General Bajwa Pakistan Army has formulated a training policy for next three years starting from July 1st, 2017. The latest move is being seen as Pakistan's attempt to create a territorial army. Delhi Chief Secretary assault case : AAP MLAs sent to judicial custody for 14 days

WION Evening news brief, February 22, 2018

Indian Army sources said today that a Pakistan military helicopter came close to the Line of Control(LoC) and then returned.

The chopper&nbsp;apparently flew near the Poonch area in J&amp;K which has seen several firing incidents by Pak troops across the border.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Visual of the Pakistan military helicopter which came up to 300 metres of the LOC near Poonch, but then returned. <a href="https://t.co/yqyHBiEdwB">pic.twitter.com/yqyHBiEdwB</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966272483623034880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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There was no firing or hostile action by any side, reports said.

The helicopter reportedly came within 300 metres of the LoC and then turned back.

According to army protocol, the rotary wing of an aircraft/chopper should not come within 1 kilometre and the fixed wing, not within 10 kilometres of the LoC.

There was no firing or hostile action by any side.

Indian Army sources said today that a Pakistan military helicopter came close to the Line of Control(LoC) and then returned. The chopper apparently flew near the Poonch area in J&K which has seen several firing incidents by Pak troops across the border. Visual of the Pakistan military helicopter which came up to 300 metres of the LOC near Poonch, but then returned. pic.twitter.com/yqyHBiEdwB — ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018 × There was no firing or hostile action by any side, reports said. The helicopter reportedly came within 300 metres of the LoC and then turned back. According to army protocol, the rotary wing of an aircraft/chopper should not come within 1 kilometre and the fixed wing, not within 10 kilometres of the LoC.

Pak helicopter flies close to Poonch along LoC, no firing action reported

Pakistan&#39;s anti-corruption watchdog has decided to reopen a Rs 2 billion corruption case against four former top army officers, including an ex-chief of the ISI, for allegedly transferring prime railway land to a Malaysian firm at throwaway rates in 2001.

 
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) yesterday decided to proceed with the case which remained dumped for 17 years due to reluctance on its part to act against military officers, the Dawn reported.

 
The army officers are accused of transferring tens of hundreds of acres of prime railway land in Lahore to a Malaysian firm during Gen Pervej Musharraf regime in 2001 for development of a golf course called Royal Palms Gold and Country Club at throwaway rates, the daily reported.

 
Last week, the Islamabad High Court held that retired military officers could not hide behind the army&#39;s accountability process.

 
&quot;The meeting (on Tuesday) authorised filing of a reference against former railways minister retired Lt Gen Javed Ashraf Qazi, former railways chairman retired Lt Gen Saeed Uz Zafar, former GM retired Maj Gen Hamid Hassan Butt, former member railways retired Brig Akhtar Ali Baig and several other civilian officials,&quot; A NAB spokesman was quoted as saying by the daily.

 
Retired Lt Gen Qazi had served as the director general of the ISI and retired Lt Gen Saeed Uz Zafar was a former Peshawar corps commander.

 
Military officials were summoned by the NAB in the same case in 2012 for recording their statements but nothing was done against them.

 
The Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly in its meeting on September 14, 2012, had called for the cancellation of the controversial agreement.

 
It had recommended a fresh bidding for the land and also called for strict disciplinary action against the former bosses of the railways, including the three retired generals, who had endorsed the agreement.

 
A comprehensive report issued by the National Assembly&rsquo;s Special Committee on Railways on allotment of land for setting up the club in Lahore had found several financial and administrative irregularities and recommended prosecution of all members of the railways executive committee.

 
The Federal Investigation Agency had started a separate investigation on the special committee&#39;s instruction and its report said 141 acres had been allotted at a nominal price, causing a loss of Rs 4.82 billion to the national exchequer because the land utilisation charge had been reduced from Rs 52.43 to only Rs 4 per square yard.

The National Accountability Bureau has decided to proceed with the case which remained dumped for 17 years due to reluctance on its part to act against military officers, the Dawn reported.

Pakistan's anti-corruption watchdog has decided to reopen a Rs 2 billion corruption case against four former top army officers, including an ex-chief of the ISI, for allegedly transferring prime railway land to a Malaysian firm at throwaway rates in 2001. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) yesterday decided to proceed with the case which remained dumped for 17 years due to reluctance on its part to act against military officers, the Dawn reported. The army officers are accused of transferring tens of hundreds of acres of prime railway land in Lahore to a Malaysian firm during Gen Pervej Musharraf regime in 2001 for development of a golf course called Royal Palms Gold and Country Club at throwaway rates, the daily reported. Last week, the Islamabad High Court held that retired military officers could not hide behind the army's accountability process. "The meeting (on Tuesday) authorised filing of a reference against former railways minister retired Lt Gen Javed Ashraf Qazi, former railways chairman retired Lt Gen Saeed Uz Zafar, former GM retired Maj Gen Hamid Hassan Butt, former member railways retired Brig Akhtar Ali Baig and several other civilian officials," A NAB spokesman was quoted as saying by the daily. Retired Lt Gen Qazi had served as the director general of the ISI and retired Lt Gen Saeed Uz Zafar was a former Peshawar corps commander. Military officials were summoned by the NAB in the same case in 2012 for recording their statements but nothing was done against them. The Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly in its meeting on September 14, 2012, had called for the cancellation of the controversial agreement. It had recommended a fresh bidding for the land and also called for strict disciplinary action against the former bosses of the railways, including the three retired generals, who had endorsed the agreement. A comprehensive report issued by the National Assembly’s Special Committee on Railways on allotment of land for setting up the club in Lahore had found several financial and administrative irregularities and recommended prosecution of all members of the railways executive committee. The Federal Investigation Agency had started a separate investigation on the special committee's instruction and its report said 141 acres had been allotted at a nominal price, causing a loss of Rs 4.82 billion to the national exchequer because the land utilisation charge had been reduced from Rs 52.43 to only Rs 4 per square yard.

Pakistan reopens corruption case against 4 ex-army officers

India stands vindicated.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference held from February 16 to 18, Pakistan&#39;s Army Chief, General Qamar Bajwa confirmed just what New Delhi has been pointing to all along&nbsp;that Pakistan trains, sponsors, arms and deploys terrorists against any country that qualifies as a - &quot;tyrant&#39;&#39; in its own rule-book. &nbsp;

The General began his speech with a disarming admission: that he was a military man and not a glib-tongued politician. But perhaps the blunt and direct army general could have done with a better speech-writer, for his own attempt to explain &#39;&#39;jihad&quot; - a mysterious concept to the most intrepid scholars of the Qu&#39;ran - had the audience gaping and viewers in India chortling.

General Bajwa tried to explain as far as Pakistan&#39;s government, its armed forces and its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) are concerned, there are two kinds of terrorists, good and bad. He painted his own country as the victim of the &#39;bad&#39;variety: terrrorism emanating from Afghanistan on its western border. &nbsp;He didn&#39;t name India but through his speech, General Bajwa made it amply clear that Islamabad supports the &quot;good&#39;&#39; variety of terrorism if it is against any country it considers oppressive.

&quot;Let me say at the outset that &#39;jehadism&#39; is a misnomer,&quot; the General declared. &quot;Jihad is a highly evolved concept that underlines myriad struggles against tyranny of all types. Muslims are taught that self-control is the most elevated form of jihad.&quot;&nbsp;

The General even invoked the Holy Prophet in his attempt to explain one of the most intriguing aspects of the holy book of Islam: &nbsp;&quot;There is also a saying by the holy Prophet - peace be upon him - that the best jihad is the word of truth in the face of a tyrant ruler.&quot;

Warming up to his subject, General Bajwa moved on to armed terrorism and ended up - inadvertently or not - justified its use by the &#39;state&#39;.

&quot;On the other hand, qataal &nbsp;(conflict in Arabic), an aspect of armed jihad, comes at the lowest end of the spectrum of actions and beliefs that comprise the concept of jihad, that can only be sanctioned by a state authority and nobody else.&quot;&nbsp;

Through his speech, General Bajwa effectively put the stamp of official approval on the deaths of hundreds&nbsp;of innocent civilians and armymen in India. Pakistani terror groups Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and Jaish-e-Mohammed both target India. &nbsp;They were behind the attacks on India&rsquo;s parliament and the 26/11 carnage in Mumbai in 2001 and 2008 respectively and - for dozens of strikes on both India&rsquo;s armed forces and civilians for decades.

General Bajwa practically admitted that his army, the ISI and the government of Pakistan have supported, armed, trained and sneaked terrorists into India and &ndash; continue to do so. When any Pakistani talks of a country it considers &quot;tyrannical&rsquo;&rsquo;,&nbsp;guessing its identity is a no-brainer.

There were some candid moments in the speech too: the admission that the Afghan jehadi was Pakistan&rsquo;s own doing too. &nbsp;The General admits that jihad was fed to the minds in an exercise undertaken primarily by the West and &ndash; that Pakistan was an accomplice.

&ldquo;This phenomenon (terrorism) is not a recent creation or (something that) started after 9/11,&rsquo;&rsquo; the General mused. &ldquo;The Frankenstein was actually created by the free world with willing but myopic cooperation on our side, after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.&rdquo;

The Army Chief&rsquo;s regret at creating a monster in the laboratory of death may be genuine. But he was still bent on emphasizing that there is a difference &ndash; between terrorism and jihad. &nbsp;&ldquo;Large numbers of people are radicalized, armed and empowered politically and ideologically. They cannot be wished away just because we don&rsquo;t like them anymore.&rdquo;

He also prepared the ground by warning the world that it was not going to see the end of terrorism on Pakistani soil just yet.

&nbsp;&ldquo;Please note, we are harvesting what we sowed 40 years back. So, it will be a while before this scourge is eliminated from our territory. But first, let us stop calling it jihadism as it is nothing but terrorism.&rdquo;

The most startling admission came towards the end of General Bajwa&rsquo;s brief speech, when he described his country&rsquo;s &ldquo;National Action Plan&rdquo; to fight terrorism.

&nbsp;&ldquo;Most recently, 1854 eminent Pakistani religious scholars representing all schools of thought within Islam teamed up to issue a resounding &lsquo;fatwa&rsquo; against violence, extremism and terrorism in the name of religion,&rdquo; he disclosed.

But after outlining what the plan contains, he said the initiative is referred to in a special way. And what is that?

&ldquo;Called the &quot;key message of Pakistan&rsquo;&rsquo;, it (the plan) bans suicide bombing and jihad &nbsp;- other than the one sanctioned by the state,&rdquo; General Bajwa said.

There you have it. &nbsp;In the corollary, the Chief of Pakistan&rsquo;s army admits that his state, his army and his ISI do sanction terrorism - including sending young, drugged men wearing explosives to their deaths as fidayeen, or suicide bombers. &nbsp;

There can hardly be more damning evidence than General Bajwa&rsquo;s speech at the Munich Conference. Of the fact that when it comes to terrorism to suit its own goals and purposes, the &#39;state&#39;of Pakistan condones and &lsquo;sanctions&rsquo; killing &ndash; including and especially in India.

Pakistan Army chief General Bajwa said jihad is the "truth"

India stands vindicated. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference held from February 16 to 18, Pakistan's Army Chief, General Qamar Bajwa confirmed just what New Delhi has been pointing to all along that Pakistan trains, sponsors, arms and deploys terrorists against any country that qualifies as a - "tyrant'' in its own rule-book. The General began his speech with a disarming admission: that he was a military man and not a glib-tongued politician. But perhaps the blunt and direct army general could have done with a better speech-writer, for his own attempt to explain ''jihad" - a mysterious concept to the most intrepid scholars of the Qu'ran - had the audience gaping and viewers in India chortling. General Bajwa tried to explain as far as Pakistan's government, its armed forces and its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) are concerned, there are two kinds of terrorists, good and bad. He painted his own country as the victim of the 'bad'variety: terrrorism emanating from Afghanistan on its western border. He didn't name India but through his speech, General Bajwa made it amply clear that Islamabad supports the "good'' variety of terrorism if it is against any country it considers oppressive. "Let me say at the outset that 'jehadism' is a misnomer," the General declared. "Jihad is a highly evolved concept that underlines myriad struggles against tyranny of all types. Muslims are taught that self-control is the most elevated form of jihad." The General even invoked the Holy Prophet in his attempt to explain one of the most intriguing aspects of the holy book of Islam: "There is also a saying by the holy Prophet - peace be upon him - that the best jihad is the word of truth in the face of a tyrant ruler." Warming up to his subject, General Bajwa moved on to armed terrorism and ended up - inadvertently or not - justified its use by the 'state'. "On the other hand, qataal (conflict in Arabic), an aspect of armed jihad, comes at the lowest end of the spectrum of actions and beliefs that comprise the concept of jihad, that can only be sanctioned by a state authority and nobody else." Through his speech, General Bajwa effectively put the stamp of official approval on the deaths of hundreds of innocent civilians and armymen in India. Pakistani terror groups Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and Jaish-e-Mohammed both target India. They were behind the attacks on India’s parliament and the 26/11 carnage in Mumbai in 2001 and 2008 respectively and - for dozens of strikes on both India’s armed forces and civilians for decades. General Bajwa practically admitted that his army, the ISI and the government of Pakistan have supported, armed, trained and sneaked terrorists into India and – continue to do so. When any Pakistani talks of a country it considers "tyrannical’’, guessing its identity is a no-brainer. There were some candid moments in the speech too: the admission that the Afghan jehadi was Pakistan’s own doing too. The General admits that jihad was fed to the minds in an exercise undertaken primarily by the West and – that Pakistan was an accomplice. “This phenomenon (terrorism) is not a recent creation or (something that) started after 9/11,’’ the General mused. “The Frankenstein was actually created by the free world with willing but myopic cooperation on our side, after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.” The Army Chief’s regret at creating a monster in the laboratory of death may be genuine. But he was still bent on emphasizing that there is a difference – between terrorism and jihad. “Large numbers of people are radicalized, armed and empowered politically and ideologically. They cannot be wished away just because we don’t like them anymore.” He also prepared the ground by warning the world that it was not going to see the end of terrorism on Pakistani soil just yet. “Please note, we are harvesting what we sowed 40 years back. So, it will be a while before this scourge is eliminated from our territory. But first, let us stop calling it jihadism as it is nothing but terrorism.” The most startling admission came towards the end of General Bajwa’s brief speech, when he described his country’s “National Action Plan” to fight terrorism. “Most recently, 1854 eminent Pakistani religious scholars representing all schools of thought within Islam teamed up to issue a resounding ‘fatwa’ against violence, extremism and terrorism in the name of religion,” he disclosed. But after outlining what the plan contains, he said the initiative is referred to in a special way. And what is that? “Called the "key message of Pakistan’’, it (the plan) bans suicide bombing and jihad - other than the one sanctioned by the state,” General Bajwa said. There you have it. In the corollary, the Chief of Pakistan’s army admits that his state, his army and his ISI do sanction terrorism - including sending young, drugged men wearing explosives to their deaths as fidayeen, or suicide bombers. There can hardly be more damning evidence than General Bajwa’s speech at the Munich Conference. Of the fact that when it comes to terrorism to suit its own goals and purposes, the 'state'of Pakistan condones and ‘sanctions’ killing – including and especially in India.

There are two kinds of terrorists, good and bad, says Pakistan Army chief Bajwa at Munich conference

Pakistan has claimed that its troops destroyed an Indian Army post in Tatta Pani sector across the Line of Control (LoC) and killed five soldiers.

Pakistan Army Spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor in a tweet late last night also shared a video clip purportedly showing bombing of the Indian Army post and smoke billowing from the site after it was hit by fire.

&quot;Indian Army post on LoC targeting innocent citizens destroyed by Pak Army troops in Tatta Pani (Hot Spring) sector. Five Indian soldiers killed, many injured. Indian terrorism against innocent citizens shall be responded befittingly,&rdquo; Ghafoor tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Indian Army post on LOC targeting innocent citizens destroyed by Pak Army troops in Tatta Pani (Hot Spring) sector. Five Indian soldiers killed, many injured. Indian terrorism against innocent citizens shall be responded befittingly. <a href="https://t.co/MHWv4Xc97n">pic.twitter.com/MHWv4Xc97n</a>
&mdash; Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/964207235483217920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

However, an Indian Army official in New Delhi said the Pakistan Army&#39;s claim is &quot;baseless&quot;.

Earlier, in a statement, the Pakistan army spokesman said that India&#39;s &quot;unethical and unprofessional&quot; approach across the LoC is terrorising civilians.

Pakistan yesterday summoned India&#39;s Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh to condemn the &quot;unprovoked firing&quot; by Indian troops across the LoC which allegedly resulted in the death of a driver of a van carrying school children.

It alleged that the Indian forces &quot;deliberately targeted a school van carrying school children on Battal-Madharpur road, resulting in the death of the driver of the van, leaving the school children severely traumatised.&quot;&nbsp;

However, an Indian Army official in New Delhi said the Pakistan Army's claim is 'baseless'

Pakistan has claimed that its troops destroyed an Indian Army post in Tatta Pani sector across the Line of Control (LoC) and killed five soldiers. Pakistan Army Spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor in a tweet late last night also shared a video clip purportedly showing bombing of the Indian Army post and smoke billowing from the site after it was hit by fire. "Indian Army post on LoC targeting innocent citizens destroyed by Pak Army troops in Tatta Pani (Hot Spring) sector. Five Indian soldiers killed, many injured. Indian terrorism against innocent citizens shall be responded befittingly,” Ghafoor tweeted. Indian Army post on LOC targeting innocent citizens destroyed by Pak Army troops in Tatta Pani (Hot Spring) sector. Five Indian soldiers killed, many injured. Indian terrorism against innocent citizens shall be responded befittingly. pic.twitter.com/MHWv4Xc97n — Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 15, 2018 × However, an Indian Army official in New Delhi said the Pakistan Army's claim is "baseless". Earlier, in a statement, the Pakistan army spokesman said that India's "unethical and unprofessional" approach across the LoC is terrorising civilians. Pakistan yesterday summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh to condemn the "unprovoked firing" by Indian troops across the LoC which allegedly resulted in the death of a driver of a van carrying school children. It alleged that the Indian forces "deliberately targeted a school van carrying school children on Battal-Madharpur road, resulting in the death of the driver of the van, leaving the school children severely traumatised."

Indian Army targeted civilians along LoC, 5 Indian soldiers killed: Pak Army

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said India has shown it can attack its enemies not only on its soil but also in a foreign territory if need be.

Singh&#39;s remarks come almost a month after a group of five Army commandos crossed the Line of Control in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir and killed three Pakistani soldiers and smashed a post, in a swift and daring operation.

The operation was seen as avenging the killing of four Indian Army personnel by a Border Action Team of the Pakistan Army in Keri sector Rajouri district.

&quot;A few months ago, Pakistan, in an act of cowardice, attacked and martyred 17 of our jawans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi consulted all of us on this serious issue, and the Indian Army entered the Pakistani area and killed the militants,&quot; Singh said at a public meeting here.

&quot;India&#39;s image in the world has become that of a strong nation and we have given a strong message to the world that we can attack our enemies not only on our soil, but also in their territory. India has developed this power,&quot; he said. 
Singh said India wants to maintain a friendly relationship with Pakistan.

&quot;But Pakistan is not mending its ways,&quot; Singh said.

&quot;I want to assure you that our government will not let India to bow its head,&quot; he said.

The home minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country&#39;s economy is moving ahead at a fast pace.

&quot;..And now even the global economists and experts accept this,&quot; he said, adding that India&#39;s prestige in the global arena is &quot;rising rapidly&quot;.

Singh was addressing a meeting of &#39;Bharatiya Railway Maal Godaam Shramik Sangh&#39; here.

&quot;The &#39;railway maal godaam shramik&#39; have, for the past few generations, been sweating and giving the Railways a good income. However, despite this, they do not have any identification card, nor do they get any treatment facility in any of the Railway hospitals,&quot; said Rajnath.

He said he would take up the issues and problems of the labourers in the railway sector with their representatives and the railway minister.&nbsp;

The home minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country's economy is moving ahead at a fast pace.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said India has shown it can attack its enemies not only on its soil but also in a foreign territory if need be. Singh's remarks come almost a month after a group of five Army commandos crossed the Line of Control in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir and killed three Pakistani soldiers and smashed a post, in a swift and daring operation. The operation was seen as avenging the killing of four Indian Army personnel by a Border Action Team of the Pakistan Army in Keri sector Rajouri district. "A few months ago, Pakistan, in an act of cowardice, attacked and martyred 17 of our jawans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi consulted all of us on this serious issue, and the Indian Army entered the Pakistani area and killed the militants," Singh said at a public meeting here. "India's image in the world has become that of a strong nation and we have given a strong message to the world that we can attack our enemies not only on our soil, but also in their territory. India has developed this power," he said. Singh said India wants to maintain a friendly relationship with Pakistan. "But Pakistan is not mending its ways," Singh said. "I want to assure you that our government will not let India to bow its head," he said. The home minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country's economy is moving ahead at a fast pace. "..And now even the global economists and experts accept this," he said, adding that India's prestige in the global arena is "rising rapidly". Singh was addressing a meeting of 'Bharatiya Railway Maal Godaam Shramik Sangh' here. "The 'railway maal godaam shramik' have, for the past few generations, been sweating and giving the Railways a good income. However, despite this, they do not have any identification card, nor do they get any treatment facility in any of the Railway hospitals," said Rajnath. He said he would take up the issues and problems of the labourers in the railway sector with their representatives and the railway minister.

India has shown it won't hesitate to cross border: Rajnath

Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa today warned that any Indian &quot;aggression&quot; or &quot;misadventure&quot; will always get a most befitting response.

 
He made the remarks during his visit to the Line of Control and Working Boundary in Khuiratta and Ratta Arayan sectors, the Inter-Services Public Relations said.

 
The army chief met local commanders, who briefed him about alleged ceasefire violations, especially alleged targeting of the civilian population across the LoC and WB, it said.

 
&quot;Our commitment to abide by the ceasefire agreement of 2003 should never be misconstrued as response limitation. Indian aggression or any misadventure shall always get a most befitting response,&quot; Gen Bajwa said.

 
He directed enhanced protective measures including construction of more community shell protection shelters for civil population.

 
Later, he visited Combined Military Hospital in Sialkot to meet injured citizens due to recent Indian shelling, the ISPR said in a statement.&nbsp;

General Bajwa made the remarks during his visit to the Line of Control and Working Boundary in Khuiratta and Ratta Arayan sectors

Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa today warned that any Indian "aggression" or "misadventure" will always get a most befitting response. He made the remarks during his visit to the Line of Control and Working Boundary in Khuiratta and Ratta Arayan sectors, the Inter-Services Public Relations said. The army chief met local commanders, who briefed him about alleged ceasefire violations, especially alleged targeting of the civilian population across the LoC and WB, it said. "Our commitment to abide by the ceasefire agreement of 2003 should never be misconstrued as response limitation. Indian aggression or any misadventure shall always get a most befitting response," Gen Bajwa said. He directed enhanced protective measures including construction of more community shell protection shelters for civil population. Later, he visited Combined Military Hospital in Sialkot to meet injured citizens due to recent Indian shelling, the ISPR said in a statement.

Indian aggression or 'misadventure' shall get befitting response: Pakistan Army chief

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