Pakistan's Maryam Sharif, the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has squarely blamed Chinese nationals for the attack and said, Chinese in Pakistan do not want to follow security discipline.

Pakistan's Maryam Nawaz blames Chinese workers for Khyber attack

Pakistan's Prime Minister visited Dasu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. He was accompanied by the Chinese Envoy to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong. Sharif met with the Chinese Engineers working on the dam project and assured them of foolproof security arrangements.

Pakistan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attack: Afghan national carries out attack

Pakistani authorities say that five Chinese nationals were among six people killed in a suicide attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Tuesday. A convoy carrying Chinese engineers was targeted by a suicide bomber who rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into them. This is the third major attack on Chinese interests in Pakistan in less than a week.

Pakistan: China firm suspend power project after five engineers killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attack

An attack on Pakistan's second-largest naval base has put the spotlight on the simmering separatism in Pakistan's largest but yet most restive province, Balochistan. A paramilitary soldier from Pakistan's Balochistan Frontier Corps was killed along with four militants of Balochistan Liberation Army's (BLA) Majeed Brigade during an attack on the Pakistani naval base PNS Siddique, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military's media affairs wing, on Tuesday (March 26).

Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan: Naval facility attacked in Balochistan

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PNS Siddique, situated in Turbat city of Balochistan, previously known as Naval Air Station Turbat, stands as one of Pakistan's four active naval air bases and a significant military airport. &nbsp;After PNS Mehran, the base holds the status of being Pakistan's second-largest naval air station.

<h2>Majeed Brigade: Balochistan Liberation Army's 'suicide squad'</h2>

The Majeed Brigade is described as the BLA's 'suicide squad'. Pakistan has proscribed the BLA as a militant separatist group.&nbsp;

According to The Jamestown Foundation, a US defence policy think tank, the brigade derives its name from two brothers, Majeed Langove Senior and Majeed Langove Junior, who were involved in separate suicide attacks on the Pakistani army over several decades.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/separatist-militant-group-launches-assault-on-pakistans-pns-siddique-naval-base-in-balochistan-704216">Pakistan's second-biggest naval base in Balochistan attacked by separatist militant group</a>

Majeed Senior's assassination attempt on the then Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto during Bhutto's official visit to Quetta in 1974 was a major moment in the BLA's separatism history. Majeed Senior was killed during that assassination attempt.&nbsp;

Majeed Junior lost his life while trying to defend his comrades during a raid by Pakistani security forces in 2010. Subsequently, the BLA established the Majeed Brigade as its suicide squad after Majeed Junior's death.

The Majeed Brigade's violent activities began with its first reported suicide attack in December 2011 in which they targeted Shafeeq Mengal, son of a former Pakistani federal minister and leader of a death squad targeting Baloch insurgents.&nbsp;

Though Mengal survived the attack, 13 others were killed.&nbsp;

After the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was formally launched in 2015 during Chinese leader Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan, the BLA's focus shifted to Beijing's purported exploitation of the Baloch resources as part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The brigade continued its onslaught with subsequent attacks, including one on a bus transporting Chinese engineers in August 2018, followed by assaults on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi in November 2018, Gwadar's Pearl Continental Hotel in May 2019, and the Pakistan Stock Exchange in June 2020.

While the BLA's overall strength is estimated at 1,000 to 1,500 fighters, the Majeed Brigade remains a smaller and exclusive faction, comprising approximately 100 to 150 members, including women. Armed with an array of weaponry such as improvised explosive devices, rocket-propelled grenades, anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, and military-grade firearms like the American M4 rifle, the brigade's arsenal also includes explosives like C4 for crafting suicide vests.

The Majeed Brigade grants its suicide bombers the liberty to interact with their families and friends before missions, according to the watchers of separatism activities in the region.&nbsp;

Additionally, bombers are involved in target selection and attack planning, with the freedom to dissent or withdraw from the mission at any stage.

(With inputs from agencies)

An attack on Pakistan's second-largest naval base has put the spotlight on the simmering separatism in Pakistan's largest but yet most restive province, Balochistan.

An attack on Pakistan's second-largest naval base has put the spotlight on the simmering separatism in Pakistan's largest but yet most restive province, Balochistan. A paramilitary soldier from Pakistan's Balochistan Frontier Corps was killed along with four militants of Balochistan Liberation Army's (BLA) Majeed Brigade during an attack on the Pakistani naval base PNS Siddique, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military's media affairs wing, on Tuesday (March 26). Also watch | Pakistan: Naval facility attacked in Balochistan × PNS Siddique, situated in Turbat city of Balochistan, previously known as Naval Air Station Turbat, stands as one of Pakistan's four active naval air bases and a significant military airport. After PNS Mehran, the base holds the status of being Pakistan's second-largest naval air station. Majeed Brigade: Balochistan Liberation Army's 'suicide squad' The Majeed Brigade is described as the BLA's 'suicide squad'. Pakistan has proscribed the BLA as a militant separatist group. According to The Jamestown Foundation, a US defence policy think tank, the brigade derives its name from two brothers, Majeed Langove Senior and Majeed Langove Junior, who were involved in separate suicide attacks on the Pakistani army over several decades. Also read | Pakistan's second-biggest naval base in Balochistan attacked by separatist militant group Majeed Senior's assassination attempt on the then Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto during Bhutto's official visit to Quetta in 1974 was a major moment in the BLA's separatism history. Majeed Senior was killed during that assassination attempt. Majeed Junior lost his life while trying to defend his comrades during a raid by Pakistani security forces in 2010. Subsequently, the BLA established the Majeed Brigade as its suicide squad after Majeed Junior's death. The Majeed Brigade's violent activities began with its first reported suicide attack in December 2011 in which they targeted Shafeeq Mengal, son of a former Pakistani federal minister and leader of a death squad targeting Baloch insurgents. Though Mengal survived the attack, 13 others were killed. After the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was formally launched in 2015 during Chinese leader Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan, the BLA's focus shifted to Beijing's purported exploitation of the Baloch resources as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. The brigade continued its onslaught with subsequent attacks, including one on a bus transporting Chinese engineers in August 2018, followed by assaults on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi in November 2018, Gwadar's Pearl Continental Hotel in May 2019, and the Pakistan Stock Exchange in June 2020. While the BLA's overall strength is estimated at 1,000 to 1,500 fighters, the Majeed Brigade remains a smaller and exclusive faction, comprising approximately 100 to 150 members, including women. Armed with an array of weaponry such as improvised explosive devices, rocket-propelled grenades, anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, and military-grade firearms like the American M4 rifle, the brigade's arsenal also includes explosives like C4 for crafting suicide vests. The Majeed Brigade grants its suicide bombers the liberty to interact with their families and friends before missions, according to the watchers of separatism activities in the region. Additionally, bombers are involved in target selection and attack planning, with the freedom to dissent or withdraw from the mission at any stage. (With inputs from agencies)

What is Majeed Brigade, Baloch Liberation Army’s ‘suicide squad’ reportedly behind Pak Navy base attack?

Terrorists&nbsp;attacked a police station and army base in Pakistan's northwest on Tuesday (Dec 12), killing at least 25&nbsp;people and injuring&nbsp;others, reported AFP.

Earlier it was reported that three police officers were killed in the attack.&nbsp;

"Many of them were killed while they were sleeping and in civilian clothes so we are still determining if they are all military personnel," an official was quoted as saying by AFP.

A suicide bomber carried out the attack along with other militants&nbsp;who&nbsp;stormed the compound&nbsp;in explosive-laden vehicles in the Draban area of Dera Ismail Khan district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to agency reports.

The terrorists also used bombs and guns in the attack, the reports said. Soon after the attack, troops were rushed to the scene to take control of the situation.

In a statement, the Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), which has emerged recently, said its militants carried out the attack aimed at the Pakistani army, but the target was not verified by officials or the military.

It was not immediately clear if this group is linked to the main Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group of Islamist and sectarian militants

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🚨 Update from Dera Ismail khan, Pakistan 🇵🇰 
 
Today's visual from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Daraban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Daraban</a>/ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Draban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Draban</a> attack, loud explosion and gun firing can be heard in the background 
 
According to a local source, the attack on Daraban police station...total 4 police personnel dead and 20 including an SSG… <a href="https://t.co/kDOn2rs5dG">https://t.co/kDOn2rs5dG</a> <a href="https://t.co/3jIuLZFvOd">pic.twitter.com/3jIuLZFvOd</a>
— OsintTV 📺 (@OsintTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/OsintTV/status/1734441396503810428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The district of Dera Ismail Khan where the attack occurred lies on&nbsp;the edge of the lawless tribal regions bordering Afghanistan. 
 
The attack occurred at a place where the police station and military base are located nearby.

The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Pakistan later released a detailed statement, which said a counter-operation led by the army resulted in the death of 27 terrorists.

"An intelligence-based operation was conducted in general area Darazinda on reported presence of terrorists. During the conduct of operation, terrorists' hideout was busted and seventeen terrorists were sent to hell," the ISPR said.

️"In another intelligence-based operation in general area Kulachi, own troops effectively engaged terrorists’ location as a result of which four terrorists were sent to hell," the statement added.

The statement added that an additional group of six terrorists tried to attack and take over a&nbsp;security forces' post in general area Daraban; however, the move was thwarted&nbsp;which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the post, followed by a suicide bombing attack.

"The resulting blasts led to the collapse of the building, causing multiple causalities; twenty-three brave soldiers embraced shahadat (martyrdom), while all six terrorists were effectively engaged and sent to hell."

Terrorists attacked a police station and army base in Pakistan's northwest on Tuesday (Dec 12), killing at least 25 people and injuring others, reported AFP. Earlier it was reported that three police officers were killed in the attack.

Terrorists attacked a police station and army base in Pakistan's northwest on Tuesday (Dec 12), killing at least 25 people and injuring others, reported AFP. Earlier it was reported that three police officers were killed in the attack. "Many of them were killed while they were sleeping and in civilian clothes so we are still determining if they are all military personnel," an official was quoted as saying by AFP. A suicide bomber carried out the attack along with other militants who stormed the compound in explosive-laden vehicles in the Draban area of Dera Ismail Khan district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to agency reports. The terrorists also used bombs and guns in the attack, the reports said. Soon after the attack, troops were rushed to the scene to take control of the situation. In a statement, the Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), which has emerged recently, said its militants carried out the attack aimed at the Pakistani army, but the target was not verified by officials or the military. It was not immediately clear if this group is linked to the main Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group of Islamist and sectarian militants 🚨 Update from Dera Ismail khan, Pakistan 🇵🇰 Today's visual from #Daraban/ #Draban attack, loud explosion and gun firing can be heard in the background According to a local source, the attack on Daraban police station...total 4 police personnel dead and 20 including an SSG… https://t.co/kDOn2rs5dG pic.twitter.com/3jIuLZFvOd — OsintTV 📺 (@OsintTV) December 12, 2023 × The district of Dera Ismail Khan where the attack occurred lies on the edge of the lawless tribal regions bordering Afghanistan. The attack occurred at a place where the police station and military base are located nearby. The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Pakistan later released a detailed statement, which said a counter-operation led by the army resulted in the death of 27 terrorists. "An intelligence-based operation was conducted in general area Darazinda on reported presence of terrorists. During the conduct of operation, terrorists' hideout was busted and seventeen terrorists were sent to hell," the ISPR said. ️"In another intelligence-based operation in general area Kulachi, own troops effectively engaged terrorists’ location as a result of which four terrorists were sent to hell," the statement added. The statement added that an additional group of six terrorists tried to attack and take over a security forces' post in general area Daraban; however, the move was thwarted which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the post, followed by a suicide bombing attack. "The resulting blasts led to the collapse of the building, causing multiple causalities; twenty-three brave soldiers embraced shahadat (martyrdom), while all six terrorists were effectively engaged and sent to hell."

Pakistan terror attack: 25 security personnel killed as terrorists target army base, 27 terrorists taken down

At least 4 security personnel are dead, and 10 are injured in an apparent suicide attack at a police station in the Dera Ismail Khan district. Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan, one of the country's terror outfits, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pakistan: 4 security personnel killed, several injured in attack at Pak police station | BREAKING

Pakistani authorities have opened talks to try to resolve a stand-off involving more than 30 Pakistan Taliban militants who have taken hostages at a counter-terrorism centre in the northwestern Pakistani area of Bannu. They broke&nbsp;free from custody and seized&nbsp;a police station, officials said and were looking to negotiate with government authorities for a safe passage to neighbouring Afghanistan.

"We are in negotiations with the central leaders of the Pakistani Taliban in Afghanistan," Mohammad Ali Saif, a spokesman for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government, told Reuters.

Members of the Tehreek–e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group, that is not linked to&nbsp;the Afghan Taliban but have a similar hardline Islamist ideology, overpowered the jailers on Sunday and snatched weapons.

The terrorists are demanding safe passage to Afghanistan, Muhammad Ali Saif, a spokesman for the provincial Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, said in a statement late Sunday.&nbsp;

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TTP terrorists released another video, showing the inside scene of the captured <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CTD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CTD</a> police station in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bannu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bannu</a> Cantt. 
The police vehicles could be seen in this video. <a href="https://t.co/BHPSocYgQX">pic.twitter.com/BHPSocYgQX</a>
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&nbsp;

A senior government official in Bannu said that hostages were still being held after a failed operation to free them.&nbsp;

The TTP claimed has responsibility for the incident.

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&nbsp;

The demand is safe passage to Afghanistan, "otherwise, the entire responsibility of the situation will be on the military," the TTP said in a statement.

A video posted from the scene of the incident has emerged on&nbsp;social media. The government official confirmed that it is from the scene and shows a&nbsp;group of armed men with long beards threatening to kill all the hostages.

He said they had at least eight hostages, including police and military staff.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-4-cops-killed-after-attack-on-police-station-in-lakki-marwat-district-544193">Four cops killed after attack on police station in Lakki Marwat district</a>

Earlier, suspected terrorists attacked a police station in Pakistan's Lakki Marwat district early Sunday, killing four police personnel and critically injuring four others, Associated Press reported citing the police. Nawaz Khan, an officer of the targeted police station said the attackers used grenades and automatic weapons on the station before fleeing the scene overnight. Khan said police personnel on duty retaliated and called for reinforcement before the attackers fled the scene. Police are searching for the attackers, the officer added.&nbsp;

The deceased personnel were identified as Head Constable Ibrahim, Imran, Khairul Rehman, and Sabz Ali, according to a report by the Business Recorder. Their funeral prayers were held at the Lakki police line on Sunday.&nbsp;

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack till now.

Pakistan has been fighting an insurgency by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. The TTP associates itself with Afghanistan's Taliban, which had been trying to broker talks between the Pakistani government and the TTP.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Pakistani authorities have opened talks to try to resolve a stand-off involving more than 30 Pakistan Taliban militants who have taken hostages at a counter-terrorism centre in the northwestern Pakistani area of Bannu.

Pakistani authorities have opened talks to try to resolve a stand-off involving more than 30 Pakistan Taliban militants who have taken hostages at a counter-terrorism centre in the northwestern Pakistani area of Bannu. They broke free from custody and seized a police station, officials said and were looking to negotiate with government authorities for a safe passage to neighbouring Afghanistan. "We are in negotiations with the central leaders of the Pakistani Taliban in Afghanistan," Mohammad Ali Saif, a spokesman for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government, told Reuters. Members of the Tehreek–e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group, that is not linked to the Afghan Taliban but have a similar hardline Islamist ideology, overpowered the jailers on Sunday and snatched weapons. The terrorists are demanding safe passage to Afghanistan, Muhammad Ali Saif, a spokesman for the provincial Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, said in a statement late Sunday. TTP terrorists released another video, showing the inside scene of the captured #CTD police station in #Bannu Cantt. The police vehicles could be seen in this video. pic.twitter.com/BHPSocYgQX — Ihtesham Afghan (@IhteshamAfghan) December 18, 2022 × A senior government official in Bannu said that hostages were still being held after a failed operation to free them. The TTP claimed has responsibility for the incident. × The demand is safe passage to Afghanistan, "otherwise, the entire responsibility of the situation will be on the military," the TTP said in a statement. A video posted from the scene of the incident has emerged on social media. The government official confirmed that it is from the scene and shows a group of armed men with long beards threatening to kill all the hostages. He said they had at least eight hostages, including police and military staff. Also Read | Four cops killed after attack on police station in Lakki Marwat district Earlier, suspected terrorists attacked a police station in Pakistan's Lakki Marwat district early Sunday, killing four police personnel and critically injuring four others, Associated Press reported citing the police. Nawaz Khan, an officer of the targeted police station said the attackers used grenades and automatic weapons on the station before fleeing the scene overnight. Khan said police personnel on duty retaliated and called for reinforcement before the attackers fled the scene. Police are searching for the attackers, the officer added. The deceased personnel were identified as Head Constable Ibrahim, Imran, Khairul Rehman, and Sabz Ali, according to a report by the Business Recorder. Their funeral prayers were held at the Lakki police line on Sunday. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack till now. Pakistan has been fighting an insurgency by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. The TTP associates itself with Afghanistan's Taliban, which had been trying to broker talks between the Pakistani government and the TTP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Jailed Pakistan Taliban militants take hostages at police station, talks to resolve matter begin

At least three people, including security personnel, were killed in a roadside blast in southern Pakistan Friday, police said. &nbsp;

Two members of the Rangers -- an elite paramilitary security force -- were killed after an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle in the city of Ghotki in Sindh province, senior police officer Hafiz Abdul Qadir told AFP. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-anti-terrorism-court-convicts-four-jud-leaders-307018">Pakistan: Anti-terrorism court convicts four JuD leaders</a>

A second security official who spoke on the condition of anonymity also confirmed the attack and toll.&nbsp;

Rural Sindh is home to some of Pakistan's most impoverished areas with powerful landowners holding vast sway over large populations of effectively indentured labourers, who have little in the way of access to education, healthcare or upward social mobility. &nbsp;

In 2017, the Islamic State claimed a suicide blast at a Sufi shrine in Sindh which killed 90 people, in one of the bloodiest attacks to hit the province in years.

Pakistan has slashed militant violence in the country since launching a series of offensives since 2007 against homegrown insurgents as well as Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants -- often based near the lawless border with Afghanistan.

The offensives have also been coupled with operations by security agencies in urban areas, hitting militant networks hard and dramatically reducing violence across the country. &nbsp;

Militant groups however still retain the ability to launch periodic attacks in many rurals areas of the country.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

At least three people, including security personnel, were killed in a roadside blast in southern Pakistan Friday, police said. Two members of the Rangers -- an elite paramilitary security force -- were killed after an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle in the city of Ghotki in Sindh province, senior police officer Hafiz Abdul Qadir told AFP.

At least three people, including security personnel, were killed in a roadside blast in southern Pakistan Friday, police said. Two members of the Rangers -- an elite paramilitary security force -- were killed after an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle in the city of Ghotki in Sindh province, senior police officer Hafiz Abdul Qadir told AFP. Also read | Pakistan: Anti-terrorism court convicts four JuD leaders A second security official who spoke on the condition of anonymity also confirmed the attack and toll. Rural Sindh is home to some of Pakistan's most impoverished areas with powerful landowners holding vast sway over large populations of effectively indentured labourers, who have little in the way of access to education, healthcare or upward social mobility. In 2017, the Islamic State claimed a suicide blast at a Sufi shrine in Sindh which killed 90 people, in one of the bloodiest attacks to hit the province in years. Pakistan has slashed militant violence in the country since launching a series of offensives since 2007 against homegrown insurgents as well as Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants -- often based near the lawless border with Afghanistan. The offensives have also been coupled with operations by security agencies in urban areas, hitting militant networks hard and dramatically reducing violence across the country. Militant groups however still retain the ability to launch periodic attacks in many rurals areas of the country.

Three killed in IED blast in Pakistan's Sindh

At least two Pakistani soldiers were killed in a roadside bomb blast triggered by unidentified militants in the country's restive North Waziristan district bordering Afghanistan, officials said on Thursday.

The terrorists targeted their patrolling vehicle through an improvised explosive device in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Miranshah city on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-urges-pakistan-to-return-to-lockdown-as-hospitals-grapple-with-covid-19-cases-304834">WHO urges Pakistan to return to lockdown as hospitals grapple with COVID-19 cases</a>

The Army said that two soldiers were killed while two others sustained injuries in the attack.

No group has so far claimed responsibility but the Taliban carry out such attacks in the areas along with the Afghan border which was once their stronghold.

The Taliban often target security forces in the restive Balochistan province where seven paramilitary troops were killed in two separate terrorist attacks last month.&nbsp;

At least two Pakistani soldiers were killed in a roadside bomb blast triggered by unidentified militants in the country's restive North Waziristan district bordering Afghanistan, officials said on Thursday.

At least two Pakistani soldiers were killed in a roadside bomb blast triggered by unidentified militants in the country's restive North Waziristan district bordering Afghanistan, officials said on Thursday. The terrorists targeted their patrolling vehicle through an improvised explosive device in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Miranshah city on Wednesday. Also read | WHO urges Pakistan to return to lockdown as hospitals grapple with COVID-19 cases The Army said that two soldiers were killed while two others sustained injuries in the attack. No group has so far claimed responsibility but the Taliban carry out such attacks in the areas along with the Afghan border which was once their stronghold. The Taliban often target security forces in the restive Balochistan province where seven paramilitary troops were killed in two separate terrorist attacks last month.

Two Pakistani soldiers killed in blast in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

A blast at a mosque in southwest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/taliban-could-give-pakistan-a-short-term-win-in-afghanistan-243138">Pakistan </a>killed four people on Friday and wounded more than 20, police said, adding the death toll could rise.

The imam of the mosque, located 25 km (15 miles) from the city of Quetta, was killed in the explosion, police said.

"The blast was carried out through a timed device that was planted under the wooden chair of the prayer leader," said Quetta's chief of police Abdul Razzaq Chmeea.

Quetta is the provincial capital of the restive province of Balochistan where separatist insurgents and Islamist militants are active.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast.

"The death toll could increase as some of the victims were seriously injured," Shafqat Janjua, a police official, told Reuters.

Mineral and gas-rich Balochistan is at the centre of the $60 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is itself part of China's Belt and Road infrastructure project.

Violence in Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, has fuelled concerns about the security of projects such as a planned energy link from western China to Pakistan's southern port of Gwadar.

Five people, including two policemen, were killed and 27 injured in a blast near a police station in Quetta in July, a week after a similar explosion killed two people.

A blast at a mosque in southwest Pakistan killed four people on Friday and wounded more than 20, police said, adding the death toll could rise. The imam of the mosque, located 25 km (15 miles) from the city of Quetta, was killed in the explosion, police said.

A blast at a mosque in southwest Pakistan killed four people on Friday and wounded more than 20, police said, adding the death toll could rise. The imam of the mosque, located 25 km (15 miles) from the city of Quetta, was killed in the explosion, police said. "The blast was carried out through a timed device that was planted under the wooden chair of the prayer leader," said Quetta's chief of police Abdul Razzaq Chmeea. Quetta is the provincial capital of the restive province of Balochistan where separatist insurgents and Islamist militants are active. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast. "The death toll could increase as some of the victims were seriously injured," Shafqat Janjua, a police official, told Reuters. Mineral and gas-rich Balochistan is at the centre of the $60 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is itself part of China's Belt and Road infrastructure project. Violence in Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, has fuelled concerns about the security of projects such as a planned energy link from western China to Pakistan's southern port of Gwadar. Five people, including two policemen, were killed and 27 injured in a blast near a police station in Quetta in July, a week after a similar explosion killed two people.

Four killed in blast at Pakistan mosque; over 20 injured

Three suicide bombers attacked a training centre in Pakistan's restive southwestern Balochistan province on Wednesday, triggering a shootout that killed a policeman and the attackers, police said.

Four police personnel were injured in the attack that took place when the policemen were busy taking an examination and the assailants ambushed the main gate of the Police Lines area in Balochistan's Loralai district.

"Police and other law-enforcement agencies retaliated to the attack in a timely manner and managed to kill all three suicide bombers before they managed to enter the Police Lines premises," Mohsin Hassan Butt, Balochistan Inspector General of Police, was quoted as saying by the Dawn.

The injured policemen have been shifted to hospital.

The process of clearing the area has begun and security has been beefed up in and around Loralai in the aftermath of the attack, the Dawn report said.

Condemning the attack, Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani said, "the police force fought bravely against the terrorists. The swift and effective action taken by the police today shows that our security agencies are well prepared."

Loralai has witnessed a rise in terror attacks in the past few months. On January 30, terrorists attacked a police recruitment centre in the area, killing nine policemen and injuring 21 people.

On January 1, terrorists attacked the training centre of the Frontier Corps in the cantonment area of Loralai.

The armed forces shot dead 4 attackers and 4 security personnel were killed while resisting them at the entrance of the training centre.

Three suicide bombers attacked a training centre in Pakistan's restive southwestern Balochistan province on Wednesday, triggering a shootout that killed a policeman and the attackers, police said.

Three suicide bombers attacked a training centre in Pakistan's restive southwestern Balochistan province on Wednesday, triggering a shootout that killed a policeman and the attackers, police said. Four police personnel were injured in the attack that took place when the policemen were busy taking an examination and the assailants ambushed the main gate of the Police Lines area in Balochistan's Loralai district. "Police and other law-enforcement agencies retaliated to the attack in a timely manner and managed to kill all three suicide bombers before they managed to enter the Police Lines premises," Mohsin Hassan Butt, Balochistan Inspector General of Police, was quoted as saying by the Dawn. The injured policemen have been shifted to hospital. The process of clearing the area has begun and security has been beefed up in and around Loralai in the aftermath of the attack, the Dawn report said. Condemning the attack, Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani said, "the police force fought bravely against the terrorists. The swift and effective action taken by the police today shows that our security agencies are well prepared." Loralai has witnessed a rise in terror attacks in the past few months. On January 30, terrorists attacked a police recruitment centre in the area, killing nine policemen and injuring 21 people. On January 1, terrorists attacked the training centre of the Frontier Corps in the cantonment area of Loralai. The armed forces shot dead 4 attackers and 4 security personnel were killed while resisting them at the entrance of the training centre.

Policeman, 3 assailants killed in suicide attack in Pakistan

Whenever umpire Ahsan Raza looks at his scars from the deadly militant attack on Sri Lanka's cricket team in Lahore, 10 years ago on Sunday, he shudders.

Raza, 44, was lucky to survive the gun, grenade and rocket assault which changed not only his life, but also the landscape of cricket in Pakistan.

Raza, then a reserve umpire for the second Test, was on his way to the Gaddafi Stadium with other match officials when the team bus just a few yards ahead of them came under fire, killing eight police and bystanders and wounding six others.

Two bullets pierced his lungs and liver, and after emerging from a coma, it was nearly six months before Raza could walk again.

"My wounds have healed but whenever I look at them I remember the gruesome incident," Raza told AFP.&nbsp;

"Whenever someone mentions that incident I request him not to remind me of that tragedy."&nbsp;

The attack proved a heavy blow to cricket-loving Pakistan: international games were suspended in the country, and a decade later most foreign teams still refuse to tour.

With Pakistan playing their home series in the United Arab Emirates, the national cricket board estimates it has missed out on nearly $200 million in revenues.

Even the Pakistan Super League, a star-studded Twenty20 tournament, is mainly played in the UAE although it is gradually inching back to Pakistan by holding more games there each year.

After the attack on the Sri Lankan team, it was six years before Pakistan hosted any international cricket when minnows Zimbabwe toured in 2015.

Gradual return

Under heavy security, Gaddafi Stadium hosted the PSL final in March 2017, and a World XI also played three Twenty20 internationals in Lahore.

But the biggest event was Sri Lanka's return for a one-off Twenty20 international in October 2017 -- eight years after they were attacked and airlifted from the same stadium.&nbsp;

Fittingly Raza, who also officiated during the Zimbabwe series, was one of the on-field umpires in the Sri Lanka match.&nbsp;

"I was very emotional that day," he said. "To their credit PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) has taken gradual steps and I am 100 per cent confident that more foreign teams will come in the near future."

The West Indies also played three Twenty20 internationals in Karachi in last May

From next week eight PSL games will be held in Lahore and Karachi, including the March 17 final, with the PCB confirming the games will go ahead as planned despite escalating tensions over the fiercely disputed Kashmir border with India resulting in military skirmishes in recent days.

Former Pakistan captain Asif Iqbal believes hosting the PSL matches will gradually restore the confidence of foreign teams, but it has been a long, slow process and the major nations are still staying away.

"International cricket will return to Pakistan but it will be through a process which has already started with the holding of the final rounds of the PSL in the country and tours by the World XI, Sri Lanka and the West Indies," said Iqbal.

Last year, New Zealand refused to play a Twenty20 series in Pakistan, and in January, Australia turned down a request to visit for two one-day internationals.&nbsp;

However, the PCB is hopeful it will convince a major team to tour the country this year starting with Sri Lanka, who are scheduled to play two Tests against Pakistan in October.

"I have no doubt that Pakistan is safe. But there is a perception in people's mind, and players have to play in their comfort level so until they have that reassurance it won't be easy, but we are working on that," said PCB chairman Ehsan Mani last in an interview with website Cricinfo last October.

"More people we get from outside, whatever the level, a message goes back that how beautiful the country is and how good people are. So people go back with good perception, it sends a soft image of the country, and I believe this will work to bring back cricket to Pakistan."

Whenever umpire Ahsan Raza looks at his scars from the deadly militant attack on Sri Lanka's cricket team in Lahore, 10 years ago on Sunday, he shudders. Raza, 44, was lucky to survive the gun, grenade and rocket assault which changed not only his life, but also the landscape of cricket in Pakistan.

Whenever umpire Ahsan Raza looks at his scars from the deadly militant attack on Sri Lanka's cricket team in Lahore, 10 years ago on Sunday, he shudders. Raza, 44, was lucky to survive the gun, grenade and rocket assault which changed not only his life, but also the landscape of cricket in Pakistan. Raza, then a reserve umpire for the second Test, was on his way to the Gaddafi Stadium with other match officials when the team bus just a few yards ahead of them came under fire, killing eight police and bystanders and wounding six others. Two bullets pierced his lungs and liver, and after emerging from a coma, it was nearly six months before Raza could walk again. "My wounds have healed but whenever I look at them I remember the gruesome incident," Raza told AFP. "Whenever someone mentions that incident I request him not to remind me of that tragedy." The attack proved a heavy blow to cricket-loving Pakistan: international games were suspended in the country, and a decade later most foreign teams still refuse to tour. With Pakistan playing their home series in the United Arab Emirates, the national cricket board estimates it has missed out on nearly $200 million in revenues. Even the Pakistan Super League, a star-studded Twenty20 tournament, is mainly played in the UAE although it is gradually inching back to Pakistan by holding more games there each year. After the attack on the Sri Lankan team, it was six years before Pakistan hosted any international cricket when minnows Zimbabwe toured in 2015. Gradual return Under heavy security, Gaddafi Stadium hosted the PSL final in March 2017, and a World XI also played three Twenty20 internationals in Lahore. But the biggest event was Sri Lanka's return for a one-off Twenty20 international in October 2017 -- eight years after they were attacked and airlifted from the same stadium. Fittingly Raza, who also officiated during the Zimbabwe series, was one of the on-field umpires in the Sri Lanka match. "I was very emotional that day," he said. "To their credit PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) has taken gradual steps and I am 100 per cent confident that more foreign teams will come in the near future." The West Indies also played three Twenty20 internationals in Karachi in last May From next week eight PSL games will be held in Lahore and Karachi, including the March 17 final, with the PCB confirming the games will go ahead as planned despite escalating tensions over the fiercely disputed Kashmir border with India resulting in military skirmishes in recent days. Former Pakistan captain Asif Iqbal believes hosting the PSL matches will gradually restore the confidence of foreign teams, but it has been a long, slow process and the major nations are still staying away. "International cricket will return to Pakistan but it will be through a process which has already started with the holding of the final rounds of the PSL in the country and tours by the World XI, Sri Lanka and the West Indies," said Iqbal. Last year, New Zealand refused to play a Twenty20 series in Pakistan, and in January, Australia turned down a request to visit for two one-day internationals. However, the PCB is hopeful it will convince a major team to tour the country this year starting with Sri Lanka, who are scheduled to play two Tests against Pakistan in October. "I have no doubt that Pakistan is safe. But there is a perception in people's mind, and players have to play in their comfort level so until they have that reassurance it won't be easy, but we are working on that," said PCB chairman Ehsan Mani last in an interview with website Cricinfo last October. "More people we get from outside, whatever the level, a message goes back that how beautiful the country is and how good people are. So people go back with good perception, it sends a soft image of the country, and I believe this will work to bring back cricket to Pakistan."

Lost decade: 10 years on, Pakistan still reeling from notorious cricket attack

A major terrorist attack was foiled by the Pakistani army in Lahore, after a suspected militant was killed and a woman arrested during an overnight military operation.

Lahore, the country&#39;s cultural capital, was the scene of a bloody attack on Easter Sunday in 2016 when at least 75 people were killed and over 300 wounded.

&quot;A major terrorist attack planned for Easter in Lahore tomorrow was successfully foiled by intelligence agencies,&quot; a military statement said.

The army did not mention the affiliation of the militant.

The security forces also impounded suicide jackets and explosives.

Pakistan television agency Dunya News identified the slain militant as Tariq.

But nipping the terror plot took the army several hours into the night before they could kill the militant. Four soldiers were injured during the overnight raid which took place near Punjab Housing Society.

Pakistan suffered a surge of violent attacks in February that killed 130 people and shook citizens, who had been emboldened by a tentative sense of growing security.

The attacks included a bomb blast in Lahore on February 13 which killed 14 people in an assault claimed by Pakistani Taliban faction.

Seven people were also killed and 19 wounded in the city during a Taliban suicide attack targeting a census team on April 5. &nbsp;

The renewed violence has dented optimism after the country appeared to be making strong gains in its decade-and-a-half long war on militancy, with analysts speaking of a militant resurgence.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

An overnight army operation in a building in Lahore, killing a suspected militant

A major terrorist attack was foiled by the Pakistani army in Lahore, after a suspected militant was killed and a woman arrested during an overnight military operation. Lahore, the country's cultural capital, was the scene of a bloody attack on Easter Sunday in 2016 when at least 75 people were killed and over 300 wounded. "A major terrorist attack planned for Easter in Lahore tomorrow was successfully foiled by intelligence agencies," a military statement said. The army did not mention the affiliation of the militant. The security forces also impounded suicide jackets and explosives. Pakistan television agency Dunya News identified the slain militant as Tariq. But nipping the terror plot took the army several hours into the night before they could kill the militant. Four soldiers were injured during the overnight raid which took place near Punjab Housing Society. Pakistan suffered a surge of violent attacks in February that killed 130 people and shook citizens, who had been emboldened by a tentative sense of growing security. The attacks included a bomb blast in Lahore on February 13 which killed 14 people in an assault claimed by Pakistani Taliban faction. Seven people were also killed and 19 wounded in the city during a Taliban suicide attack targeting a census team on April 5. The renewed violence has dented optimism after the country appeared to be making strong gains in its decade-and-a-half long war on militancy, with analysts speaking of a militant resurgence. (WION with inputs from AFP)

'Major' Easter Sunday attack nipped in the bud by Pakistan army

Pakistan?also handed over a list of 76 'most wanted' terrorists, reportedly hiding in Afghanistan,?to officials at the Afghan embassy

By Taha Siddiqui ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has sealed the Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan after an attack on a sufi shrine in Sindh Thursday that left at least 72 people dead. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the suicide bomb attack in the famous Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine in the town of Sehwan Sharif on Thursday evening. As fresh wave of terror attacks grips Pakistan, the military in a late night decision on Thursday decided to seal the borders Pakistan shares with Afghanistan. Currently there are two such border crossings being used mostly by civilian population on both sides, one at Chaman and the other at Torkham. Experts see this move as a cosmetic measure which will only further deteriorate relations between the Afghan and Pakistani government. "Closing borders that is used for trade and travel of common people on both sides will result in creating further divisions. The need of the hour is to work closely with Afghan government to address concerns of both countries with regards to terrorist groups that reside on both sides of the border," says Ijaz Khan, a professor of International Relations at Peshawar University. Mr. Khan feels that there is already a negative sentiment in Afghanistan about Pakistan, given its support for the Afghan Taliban and with the closure of borders - such feelings will strengthen. "Scores of people from Afghanistan come to Pakistan to get medical treatment on a daily basis. Students from Afghanistan are also enrolled in schools and universities in Pakistan. This will affect them and not the militants as its being portrayed in Pakistan," Khan says, pointing out to the assertions by the Pakistani authorities that the terrorists are coming from across the border. Experts believe that given the fact that the 2400 kilometre-border that Pakistan and Afghanistan share is quite porous - closing formal borders will not stop infiltration, if there is any to begin with. "These attacks are not happening in border areas. They are happening in mainland Pakistan which means that there are networks within the country that are facilitating them. Blaming it all on Afghanistan is a deflection tactic, which is just going to create tensions between the two countries," the professor explains. Reports on Friday also suggest that the Pakistan Army has summoned Afghan diplomats to the military headquarters to further discuss the presence of terrorists on Afghan soil, and to seek assurances for action against them. "The only way forward is if Pakistan and Afghanistan both act mutually against these groups, otherwise the menace of terrorism will continue," Khan concludes. Pakistan-Afghanistan Border closed with immediate effects till further orders due to security reasons. — Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 16, 2017 × The Pakistan gate on the Torkham border was opened to traffic and pedestrians in August last year. The border crossing is reportedly used by 15,000 to 20,000 people and hundreds of vehicles daily. Pakistan on Friday also handed over a list of 76 "most wanted" terrorists, reportedly hiding in Afghanistan, to officials at the Afghan embassy and demanded immediate action, director general Inter-Services Public Relations said in a tweet. Afg Embassy officials called in GHQ. Given list of 76 Ts hiding in Afg. Asked to take immediate action / be handed over to Pakistan. — Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 17, 2017 × (WION)

Pakistan seals Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan after attack on Sufi shrine

A militant attack on a police training academy in Pakistan&#39;s western city of Quetta has left at least 58 people dead and a 118 injured.&nbsp;

The home minister of Balochistan province, Sarfaraz Bugti, said the attack &ndash; which began last night at 11.30 pm local time &ndash; was carried out by three militants&nbsp;and not six as was previously estimated by the&nbsp;Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Bugti said two of the three gunmen blew themselves up to avoid being captured and that the third militant was killed in a gunfight with Pakistani security forces.

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<h5>The attackers are believed to have been affiliated to the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al Almi militant group, an offshoot of the Pakistani Taliban</h5>
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Bugti had previously pegged the death toll at 44,&nbsp;but rescue officials updated the figure to 58.

&quot;In the early morning, we have the latest death toll of 58 people who died during the attack last night,&quot; doctor Nasir Sumalani at&nbsp;Quetta&#39;s government hospital told AFP.

The attackers are believed to have been affiliated to the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al Almi militant group, an offshoot of the Pakistani Taliban,&nbsp;senior Pakistan Army officer Sher Afghan told the Pakistani newspaper Dawn.

The militants had communicated with handlers in Afghanistan and had taken instructions from them, he added.

The attackers stormed the front gate of the Balochistan Police College, gunning down a policeman manning the only entrance to the academy.

There were some 700 police cadets on campus when the attack began.

Most of the&nbsp;injured, some of whom are in critical condition, have been admitted to three diferent hospitals in Quetta &mdash;&nbsp;Civil Hospital, Bolan Medical College Hospital, and Military Hospital.

Bugti said a Frontier Corps official and a captain were among the injured.

&quot;Security forces, including the Frontier Corps and the Pakistan Army light brigade, have cleared 95 per cent of the college area,&quot; Bugti said, when asked about the combing operation that got under way after the gunmen were dead.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack on the training centre and directed provincial and federal authorities to crack down on the perpetrators.

The police training centre&nbsp;is considered one of the most sensitive areas of Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan province. It has previously come&nbsp;under attack in 2006&nbsp;and 2008. In 2006,&nbsp;attackers had fired rockets into the college courtyard.

Meanwhile, the United States also extended its condolences. &quot;We stand with the people of Pakistan and government of Pakistan at this difficult hour, and we will continue to work with our partners in Pakistan and across the region to combat the threat of terrorism,&quot; State Department spokesperson John Kirby said.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

Two of the attackers reportedly blew themselves up to avoid being captured, the third was killed in a gun battle with security forces

A militant attack on a police training academy in Pakistan's western city of Quetta has left at least 58 people dead and a 118 injured. The home minister of Balochistan province, Sarfaraz Bugti, said the attack – which began last night at 11.30 pm local time – was carried out by three militants and not six as was previously estimated by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Bugti said two of the three gunmen blew themselves up to avoid being captured and that the third militant was killed in a gunfight with Pakistani security forces. The attackers are believed to have been affiliated to the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al Almi militant group, an offshoot of the Pakistani Taliban × Bugti had previously pegged the death toll at 44, but rescue officials updated the figure to 58. "In the early morning, we have the latest death toll of 58 people who died during the attack last night," doctor Nasir Sumalani at Quetta's government hospital told AFP. The attackers are believed to have been affiliated to the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al Almi militant group, an offshoot of the Pakistani Taliban, senior Pakistan Army officer Sher Afghan told the Pakistani newspaper Dawn. The militants had communicated with handlers in Afghanistan and had taken instructions from them, he added. The attackers stormed the front gate of the Balochistan Police College, gunning down a policeman manning the only entrance to the academy. There were some 700 police cadets on campus when the attack began. Most of the injured, some of whom are in critical condition, have been admitted to three diferent hospitals in Quetta — Civil Hospital, Bolan Medical College Hospital, and Military Hospital. Bugti said a Frontier Corps official and a captain were among the injured. "Security forces, including the Frontier Corps and the Pakistan Army light brigade, have cleared 95 per cent of the college area," Bugti said, when asked about the combing operation that got under way after the gunmen were dead. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack on the training centre and directed provincial and federal authorities to crack down on the perpetrators. The police training centre is considered one of the most sensitive areas of Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan province. It has previously come under attack in 2006 and 2008. In 2006, attackers had fired rockets into the college courtyard. Meanwhile, the United States also extended its condolences. "We stand with the people of Pakistan and government of Pakistan at this difficult hour, and we will continue to work with our partners in Pakistan and across the region to combat the threat of terrorism," State Department spokesperson John Kirby said. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Quetta terror attack: 58 dead in Pakistan after 3 militants storm police college

Pakistan on Sunday rejected India&#39;s allegations over Uri attack in the Kashmir Valley that left at least 17 Indian soldiers dead.&nbsp; 
 
An Indian army base in Uri, about 100 km away from northern Indian state Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s summer capital Srinagar, was attacked by gunmen on Sunday in what is being labelled as worst such attack in over a decade. 
 
According to an AFP report, the militants broke into the base near the de facto border with Pakistan before dawn and lobbed grenades at tents and barracks housing soldiers, before opening fire with automatic weapons, the army said. &nbsp; 
 
Following the deadly attack where four terrorists were gunned down, India blamed the neighbouring country for the raid while Indian interior minister Rajnath Singh called Pakistan a &#39;terrorist state&#39;.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Pakistan is a terrorist state and it should be identified and isolated as such,&quot; Singh said on Twitter, adding that the militants &quot;were highly trained, heavily armed and specially equipped&quot;. 
 
Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi also assured a &#39;befitting reply&#39; to the attack.&nbsp; 
 
Pakistan, however, has denied the allegations. &nbsp;In an interview to a TV channel, Pakistan foreign office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria &nbsp;said the Indian allegations against Pakistan are &quot;totally baseless and irresponsible&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Pakistan always sought concrete evidence from India to prove its accusations, but it failed to do so,&quot; he was quoted as saying.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;India has a history of blaming Pakistan immediately after a terror attack, which always proved wrong in investigations. India is using different tactics to divert the world attention from the situation in occupied Kashmir&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army had earlier demanded &quot;actionable intelligence&quot; to support India&#39;s accusation. Pakistan army spokesman Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa said that following the attack, Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries discussed the situation along the Line of Control through hotline. 
 
&quot;Refuting the unfounded and premature Indian allegation, Pakistani DGMO asked his counterpart to share any actionable intelligence,&quot; Radio Pakistan reported citing an ISPR release. 
 
The Pakistani DGMO also rejected allegations of cross-border infiltration and said that &quot;watertight arrangements&quot; were in place on both sides of the LoC and the Working Boundary. He also asked India to share evidence, Indian daily DNA reported.&nbsp; 
 
Kashmir Valley in India is already gripped with unrest for more than two months following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. About 80 people have died and thousands have been injured in the ensuing clashes between protesters and security forces.&nbsp; 
 
That &nbsp;Uri attack is likely to further sour the ties between the two countries that are headed for a showdown at the UN summit.&nbsp; 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

India has blamed the neighbouring country for the deadly raid as interior minister Rajnath Singh labelled Pakistan as a 'terrorist state'

Pakistan on Sunday rejected India's allegations over Uri attack in the Kashmir Valley that left at least 17 Indian soldiers dead. An Indian army base in Uri, about 100 km away from northern Indian state Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital Srinagar, was attacked by gunmen on Sunday in what is being labelled as worst such attack in over a decade. According to an AFP report, the militants broke into the base near the de facto border with Pakistan before dawn and lobbed grenades at tents and barracks housing soldiers, before opening fire with automatic weapons, the army said. Following the deadly attack where four terrorists were gunned down, India blamed the neighbouring country for the raid while Indian interior minister Rajnath Singh called Pakistan a 'terrorist state'. "Pakistan is a terrorist state and it should be identified and isolated as such," Singh said on Twitter, adding that the militants "were highly trained, heavily armed and specially equipped". Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi also assured a 'befitting reply' to the attack. Pakistan, however, has denied the allegations. In an interview to a TV channel, Pakistan foreign office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said the Indian allegations against Pakistan are "totally baseless and irresponsible". "Pakistan always sought concrete evidence from India to prove its accusations, but it failed to do so," he was quoted as saying. "India has a history of blaming Pakistan immediately after a terror attack, which always proved wrong in investigations. India is using different tactics to divert the world attention from the situation in occupied Kashmir". Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army had earlier demanded "actionable intelligence" to support India's accusation. Pakistan army spokesman Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa said that following the attack, Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries discussed the situation along the Line of Control through hotline. "Refuting the unfounded and premature Indian allegation, Pakistani DGMO asked his counterpart to share any actionable intelligence," Radio Pakistan reported citing an ISPR release. The Pakistani DGMO also rejected allegations of cross-border infiltration and said that "watertight arrangements" were in place on both sides of the LoC and the Working Boundary. He also asked India to share evidence, Indian daily DNA reported. Kashmir Valley in India is already gripped with unrest for more than two months following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. About 80 people have died and thousands have been injured in the ensuing clashes between protesters and security forces. That Uri attack is likely to further sour the ties between the two countries that are headed for a showdown at the UN summit.

Pakistan rejects India's allegations  after Uri attack leaves at least 17 Indian soldiers dead

Islamic State claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in Pakistan that killed at least 70 people and wounded more than a hundred on Monday in an attack on mourners gathered at a hospital in Quetta, the group&#39;s Amaq news agency reported. 
 
&quot;A martyr from the Islamic State detonated his explosive belt at a gathering of justice ministry employees and Pakistani policemen in the city of Quetta,&quot; Amaq said. 
 
The bomber struck as a crowd of mostly lawyers and journalists crammed into the emergency department to accompany the body of a prominent lawyer who had been shot and killed in the city earlier in the day, Faridullah, a reporter who was among the wounded, told Reuters. 
 
Television footage showed scenes of chaos at the hospital in Quetta, with panicked people fleeing through debris as smoke filled the hospital corridors. 
 
Bodies lay strewn across a hospital courtyard shortly after the blast and pools of blood collected as emergency rescuers rushed to identify survivors.&nbsp; 
 
The Pakistani Taliban faction Jamaat-ur-Ahrar has also claimed responsibility for the attack. 
 
(Reuters) 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Television footage showed scenes of chaos at the hospital in Quetta, with panicked people fleeing through debris

Islamic State claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in Pakistan that killed at least 70 people and wounded more than a hundred on Monday in an attack on mourners gathered at a hospital in Quetta, the group's Amaq news agency reported. "A martyr from the Islamic State detonated his explosive belt at a gathering of justice ministry employees and Pakistani policemen in the city of Quetta," Amaq said. The bomber struck as a crowd of mostly lawyers and journalists crammed into the emergency department to accompany the body of a prominent lawyer who had been shot and killed in the city earlier in the day, Faridullah, a reporter who was among the wounded, told Reuters. Television footage showed scenes of chaos at the hospital in Quetta, with panicked people fleeing through debris as smoke filled the hospital corridors. Bodies lay strewn across a hospital courtyard shortly after the blast and pools of blood collected as emergency rescuers rushed to identify survivors. The Pakistani Taliban faction Jamaat-ur-Ahrar has also claimed responsibility for the attack. (Reuters)

Islamic State also claims responsibility for Pakistan hospital suicide attack

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