The popular social media platform, Twitter, stopped working in Pakistan on Sunday out of the blue.&nbsp;However, the users are able to access their account only using the Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Twitter has, till now, not responded to the complaints on this issue.

"Disruption to Twitter and Periscope registered across Pakistan with impact to multiple networks; incident ongoing," said NetBlocks.org, an internet's observatory which tracks disruptions and shutdowns across the world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/two-pakistani-teenage-girls-in-waziristan-village-killed-for-honour-over-leaked-mobile-video-299367">Also read:&nbsp;Two Pakistani teenage girls in Waziristan village killed for 'honour' over leaked mobile video</a>

A user&nbsp;named the Downdetector showed a live outage in Pakistan. Locals are alleging&nbsp;that the nationwide disruption has been caused by the Pakistan government to impede the SAATH Virtual Conference, being held to discuss the issue of enforced disappearances of minorities in Pakistan.

"Can`t connect to Zoom either. Some people are claiming both have been blocked on most ISPs because of the #SAATHVirtualConf2020. Don`t know if this is true, but if so then it seems pretty counterproductive since I only found out about the conference because of this," said Reema Khurshid, another Twitter user from Pakistan.

Some users also alleged that the video-conferencing application, Zoom, is also not working in Pakistan.

(With inputs from ANI)

The popular social media platform, Twitter, stopped working in Pakistan on Sunday out of the blue. However, the users are able to access their account only using the Virtual Private Network (VPN).

The popular social media platform, Twitter, stopped working in Pakistan on Sunday out of the blue. However, the users are able to access their account only using the Virtual Private Network (VPN). Twitter has, till now, not responded to the complaints on this issue. "Disruption to Twitter and Periscope registered across Pakistan with impact to multiple networks; incident ongoing," said NetBlocks.org, an internet's observatory which tracks disruptions and shutdowns across the world. Also read: Two Pakistani teenage girls in Waziristan village killed for 'honour' over leaked mobile video A user named the Downdetector showed a live outage in Pakistan. Locals are alleging that the nationwide disruption has been caused by the Pakistan government to impede the SAATH Virtual Conference, being held to discuss the issue of enforced disappearances of minorities in Pakistan. "Can`t connect to Zoom either. Some people are claiming both have been blocked on most ISPs because of the #SAATHVirtualConf2020. Don`t know if this is true, but if so then it seems pretty counterproductive since I only found out about the conference because of this," said Reema Khurshid, another Twitter user from Pakistan. Some users also alleged that the video-conferencing application, Zoom, is also not working in Pakistan. (With inputs from ANI)

Government is throttling service: Twitterati react after Twitter stops working in Pakistan

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's government has decided to delete nearly 4,000 names from its terror watch list to change its image in front of the United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;

A total of 130 names from the &nbsp;UNSC 1267 Sanctions List are from Pakistan, whereas the country has acknowledged only 19 of them including the Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed. Pak government has asked to delist six terrorists.&nbsp;

The government has blamed the UN panel for they could not take action against individuals under UNSC sanction as it had provided 'insufficient information'. Islamabad blamed this while a UNSC monitoring committee team had come for a visit.&nbsp;

The 'insufficient information' explanation for deleting 3,800 names from domestic terror watch-list was similar when the UNSC team arrived for a five-day visit.&nbsp;

In October 2018, Pakistan showed off the same list to the FATF to escape being grey-listed. The list then had 7,600 names to it.&nbsp;

The deletion of names was first noticed by a New-York based tech firm, Castellum AI, it tracks global terror watch list. They said that few names were deleted after October 2018. About 1,069 names were deleted between March 9 to 27 and another 800 were deleted on March 27.

The deletion of the names is seen as desperation to stay out of FATF blacklist as they currently are on the grey list for terror financing. The FATF review meeting for Pakistan has been postponed for four months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's government has decided to delete nearly 4,000 names from its terror watch list to change its image in front of the United Nations Security Council.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's government has decided to delete nearly 4,000 names from its terror watch list to change its image in front of the United Nations Security Council. A total of 130 names from the UNSC 1267 Sanctions List are from Pakistan, whereas the country has acknowledged only 19 of them including the Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed. Pak government has asked to delist six terrorists. The government has blamed the UN panel for they could not take action against individuals under UNSC sanction as it had provided 'insufficient information'. Islamabad blamed this while a UNSC monitoring committee team had come for a visit. The 'insufficient information' explanation for deleting 3,800 names from domestic terror watch-list was similar when the UNSC team arrived for a five-day visit. In October 2018, Pakistan showed off the same list to the FATF to escape being grey-listed. The list then had 7,600 names to it. The deletion of names was first noticed by a New-York based tech firm, Castellum AI, it tracks global terror watch list. They said that few names were deleted after October 2018. About 1,069 names were deleted between March 9 to 27 and another 800 were deleted on March 27. The deletion of the names is seen as desperation to stay out of FATF blacklist as they currently are on the grey list for terror financing. The FATF review meeting for Pakistan has been postponed for four months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

'Insufficient information': Pakistan deletes nearly 4,000 terrorists names

Pakistan reports more than 7,000 positive COVID-19 cases, 135 lost their lives. Here is more details in this video..

Pakistan reports more than 7,000 positive COVID-19 cases, 135 people lose their lives

The Pakistan government has decided to extend lockdown till April 30 but on ground situation is something else. Know in this video..

Pak govt decides to extend lockdown till April 30, COVID-19 cases count crosses 7,000

In an exclusive conversation with WION's Executive Editor Palki Shama Upadhyay, Gul Bukhari revealed she hasn't received any notice yet and if she does, she will fight against it in the Pakistan court. To know more about the conversation watch the video.

Wion Exclusive Talks with Pak Activist Gul Bukhari

An official circular from the Pakistani government asks officers to uninstall the WION app from their phones. Palki S Upadhyay tells you why Islamabad is targeting WION. Install the WION app. Google Play store: https://bit.ly/2Oc1cA9 Apple App Store: https://apple.co/2RHfuuI

Gravitas: Pakistan government targets WION's app

The cash-strapped Pakistan government has dismissed as "baseless" reports of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-imran-khan-was-trolled-by-netziens-again-277426">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> getting a near-four-fold hike in salary, according to reports.

The clarification was issued after news reports claimed the prime minister's gross salary would be increased from Rs 2,01,574 to around Rs 8,00,000.

"At a time when the prime minister was carrying out a campaign to slash the government's expenditures, the propagation of such a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-draws-flak-for-saying-his-davos-trip-was-funded-by-businessmen-friends-276619">baseless and concocted news report</a> was unfortunate," the Prime Minister's Office spokesperson said in a statement.

Khan recently said he could not manage his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imrans-salary-not-enough-to-run-household-wion-accesses-pak-pms-salary-slip-275968">household expenses</a> from his official salary, the report said.

"We have reduced the expenses of the Prime Minister House by 40 per cent. I live in my own home, pay my expenses. My (official) salary is not enough to cover the expenses of my household," Khan said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-get-salary-hike-cabinet-to-hold-meeting-276911">Pakistan PM Imran Khan to get salary hike? Cabinet to hold meeting</a>

He has also claimed that his foreign visits have cost the exchequer 10 times less than his predecessors. Khan said his visit to Switzerland earlier in the month for the World Economic Forum was the "cheapest" by a Pakistani state leader.

Khan said his trip was sponsored by two businessmen.

According to The News, Khan earned Rs 1,96,979 after deductions, as per his February 2019 payslip.

The Pakistan government has been implementing austerity measures to improve the country's finances.

In July last year, Pakistan registered a currency reserve of less than $8 billion - enough to cover only 1.7 months of imports. In August 2018, Pakistan approached the International Monetary Fund for a bailout package after the Khan government took over.

The IMF formally approved the $6 billion loan to Pakistan in July 2019, citing "significant" economic challenges.

Pakistan has so far received billions in financial aid packages from friendly countries like China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE during the current fiscal year.

The cash-strapped Pakistan government has dismissed as "baseless" reports of Prime Minister Imran Khan getting a near-four-fold hike in salary, according to reports.

The cash-strapped Pakistan government has dismissed as "baseless" reports of Prime Minister Imran Khan getting a near-four-fold hike in salary, according to reports. The clarification was issued after news reports claimed the prime minister's gross salary would be increased from Rs 2,01,574 to around Rs 8,00,000. "At a time when the prime minister was carrying out a campaign to slash the government's expenditures, the propagation of such a baseless and concocted news report was unfortunate," the Prime Minister's Office spokesperson said in a statement. Khan recently said he could not manage his household expenses from his official salary, the report said. "We have reduced the expenses of the Prime Minister House by 40 per cent. I live in my own home, pay my expenses. My (official) salary is not enough to cover the expenses of my household," Khan said. Also Read: Pakistan PM Imran Khan to get salary hike? Cabinet to hold meeting He has also claimed that his foreign visits have cost the exchequer 10 times less than his predecessors. Khan said his visit to Switzerland earlier in the month for the World Economic Forum was the "cheapest" by a Pakistani state leader. Khan said his trip was sponsored by two businessmen. According to The News, Khan earned Rs 1,96,979 after deductions, as per his February 2019 payslip. The Pakistan government has been implementing austerity measures to improve the country's finances. In July last year, Pakistan registered a currency reserve of less than $8 billion - enough to cover only 1.7 months of imports. In August 2018, Pakistan approached the International Monetary Fund for a bailout package after the Khan government took over. The IMF formally approved the $6 billion loan to Pakistan in July 2019, citing "significant" economic challenges. Pakistan has so far received billions in financial aid packages from friendly countries like China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE during the current fiscal year.

Pakistan government dismisses reports of four-fold pay hike for PM Imran Khan

Pakistan has now directly targeted WION.

Pakistan higher education commission has issued a circular against the WION mobile app asking the government employees to refrain from installing the app on their mobile phones.

The circular says: "The WION application takes suspicious permissions to access camera, storage etc and shared its data on servers hosted in India."

"Users are advised to refrain from downloading or installing WION app as soon as possible. If already installed WION then same must be immediately uninstalled."&nbsp;

The Pakistan government has internally circulated their so called advice within the government offices. 
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Now, the mobile phone app of WION has become dangerous to Pakistan government employees over something which is a standard feature of most apps these days.

Pakistan's media censorship is not new to the world. The last two years have seen a rapid decline in media freedom in Pakistan. The Pakistan&nbsp;national media has been&nbsp;witnessing one of the darkest periods in decades and the situation has remarkably deteriorated post-2018 prime ministerial elections.&nbsp;&nbsp;

National television news channels like - channel 24, abbtak news, and Capital TV&nbsp;were taken off air across the country in July last year after airing a live press conference by opposition leader Maryam Nawaz.&nbsp;

Media rights watchdogs had condemned the suspension of three Pakistani television news channels calling the move indicative of "disturbing dictatorial tendencies".

Pakistan ranks 142 out of 180 countries on reporters without borders' World Press Freedom Index. After targeting news organisations within the country, Pakistan has expanded its sustained campaign of censorship to India citing national security.

Pakistan has now directly targeted WION. Pakistan higher education commission has issued a circular against the WION mobile app asking the government employees to refrain from installing the app on their mobile phones.

Pakistan has now directly targeted WION. Pakistan higher education commission has issued a circular against the WION mobile app asking the government employees to refrain from installing the app on their mobile phones. The circular says: "The WION application takes suspicious permissions to access camera, storage etc and shared its data on servers hosted in India." "Users are advised to refrain from downloading or installing WION app as soon as possible. If already installed WION then same must be immediately uninstalled." The Pakistan government has internally circulated their so called advice within the government offices. Now, the mobile phone app of WION has become dangerous to Pakistan government employees over something which is a standard feature of most apps these days. Pakistan's media censorship is not new to the world. The last two years have seen a rapid decline in media freedom in Pakistan. The Pakistan national media has been witnessing one of the darkest periods in decades and the situation has remarkably deteriorated post-2018 prime ministerial elections. National television news channels like - channel 24, abbtak news, and Capital TV were taken off air across the country in July last year after airing a live press conference by opposition leader Maryam Nawaz. Media rights watchdogs had condemned the suspension of three Pakistani television news channels calling the move indicative of "disturbing dictatorial tendencies". Pakistan ranks 142 out of 180 countries on reporters without borders' World Press Freedom Index. After targeting news organisations within the country, Pakistan has expanded its sustained campaign of censorship to India citing national security.

Pakistan government targets WION app

Another crisis has hit Pakistan. Prices of wheat flour and bread have shot up across the nation. The opposition in Pakistan is up in arms. How is the Pakistan government dealing with the crisis? It has asked people to reduce their consumption...

Gravitas: The Flour Crisis: How Is Pakistan Coping Up?

A scuffle broke out between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nitish-kumar-disapproves-girirajs-meeting-bajrang-dal-activists-bjp-differs--150294">Bajrang Dal</a>, Durga Vahini workers, and security forces near <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-set-to-amend-army-act-for-kulbhushan-jadhav-to-appeal-261785">Pakistan High Commission</a> during a protest against mob attack on Nankana Sahib Gurdwara on January 3.

Police detained the protesters after the incident took place.

A group of local residents had pelted stones at the holy Sikh shrine in Pakistan on January 3. The group was led by the family of a boy who had abducted a Sikh girl, Jagjit Kaur, from her home in August last year.

India had strongly condemned the vandalism at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-chishti-the-man-who-incited-nankana-sahib-gurdwara-violence-arrested-272549">Gurdwara Nankana Sahib</a> and called upon the Pakistan government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of the Sikh community in the neighbouring country.

A scuffle broke out between Bajrang Dal, Durga Vahini workers, and security forces near Pakistan High Commission during a protest against mob attack on Nankana Sahib Gurdwara on January 3.

A scuffle broke out between Bajrang Dal, Durga Vahini workers, and security forces near Pakistan High Commission during a protest against mob attack on Nankana Sahib Gurdwara on January 3. Police detained the protesters after the incident took place. A group of local residents had pelted stones at the holy Sikh shrine in Pakistan on January 3. The group was led by the family of a boy who had abducted a Sikh girl, Jagjit Kaur, from her home in August last year. India had strongly condemned the vandalism at the Gurdwara Nankana Sahib and called upon the Pakistan government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of the Sikh community in the neighbouring country.

Scuffle breaks out between Bajrang Dal and security forces near Pakistan High Commission

In order to give a three-year extension to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-government-to-present-amendment-bill-for-bajwas-extension-as-army-chief-271607">General Qamar Javed Bajwa</a>, Prime Minister Imran Khan hurriedly called an urgent meeting of his Cabinet for&nbsp;approval of proposed amendments to the Constitution and the Army Act.

If the Parliament passes the proposed amendments, PM Imran Khan&nbsp;would have power to extend the tenure of all three defence chiefs for up to three years and at his advice, the president will issue a formal notification.

The cabinet meeting approved the proposed three-year extension in the tenure of the army chief, indicating that General Bajwa would continue to serve as the COAS till 2023.

The apex court last month in a detailed verdict had issued direction to the government to remove all ambiguities and frame a law to the pave the way for giving extension to the Army chief. The Cabinet also decided to introduce an amendment bill in the Parliament on Friday after building a consensus with the opposition on the matter.

According to an amendment, the maximum age limit for an army chief will be 64 years and this will be applied in case of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-imran-khan-led-government-challenges-supreme-courts-decision-on-bajwas-tenure-270355">extension in his term</a>, but the regular age limit of COAS will be 60 years.

Now it would be the prime minister's prerogative whether to give an extension to the army chief in the future. The Army Act's amendments will also be applicable to the chairman of joint chiefs and the other two services chiefs.

A government committee comprising Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, Amir Dogar, Ali Muhammad Khan and Azam Swati has also been formed to hold talks with the opposition parties regarding the amendment bill.

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The court, after grilling the attorney general for three days over the matter, had decided that General Bajwa would remain COAS during the six-month period in which the parliament would draft laws regarding the extension and appointment of an army chief.

"We would like to emphasise that this crucial matter of the tenure of COAS and its extension, which has a somewhat chequered history, is before the Parliament, to fix for all times to come," wrote Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, a member of the three-judge bench which heard the case, in the court's 43-page judgment.

"It is now for the people of Pakistan and their chosen representatives in the parliament to come up with a law that will provide certainty and predictability to the post of COAS, remembering that in strengthening institutions, nations prosper," the court had noted.

In order to give a three-year extension to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Prime Minister Imran Khan hurriedly called an urgent meeting of his Cabinet for approval of proposed amendments to the Constitution and the Army Act.

In order to give a three-year extension to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Prime Minister Imran Khan hurriedly called an urgent meeting of his Cabinet for approval of proposed amendments to the Constitution and the Army Act. If the Parliament passes the proposed amendments, PM Imran Khan would have power to extend the tenure of all three defence chiefs for up to three years and at his advice, the president will issue a formal notification. The cabinet meeting approved the proposed three-year extension in the tenure of the army chief, indicating that General Bajwa would continue to serve as the COAS till 2023. The apex court last month in a detailed verdict had issued direction to the government to remove all ambiguities and frame a law to the pave the way for giving extension to the Army chief. The Cabinet also decided to introduce an amendment bill in the Parliament on Friday after building a consensus with the opposition on the matter. According to an amendment, the maximum age limit for an army chief will be 64 years and this will be applied in case of extension in his term, but the regular age limit of COAS will be 60 years. Now it would be the prime minister's prerogative whether to give an extension to the army chief in the future. The Army Act's amendments will also be applicable to the chairman of joint chiefs and the other two services chiefs. A government committee comprising Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, Amir Dogar, Ali Muhammad Khan and Azam Swati has also been formed to hold talks with the opposition parties regarding the amendment bill. × The court, after grilling the attorney general for three days over the matter, had decided that General Bajwa would remain COAS during the six-month period in which the parliament would draft laws regarding the extension and appointment of an army chief. "We would like to emphasise that this crucial matter of the tenure of COAS and its extension, which has a somewhat chequered history, is before the Parliament, to fix for all times to come," wrote Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, a member of the three-judge bench which heard the case, in the court's 43-page judgment. "It is now for the people of Pakistan and their chosen representatives in the parliament to come up with a law that will provide certainty and predictability to the post of COAS, remembering that in strengthening institutions, nations prosper," the court had noted.

Pak PM Imran Khan seeks powers to extend General Bajwa's tenure

Pakistan government is expected to present an amendment bill in the Parliament on Friday in order to validate the three-year extension to Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The country's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-imran-khan-led-government-challenges-supreme-courts-decision-on-bajwas-tenure-270355">Supreme Court</a> in December had asserted that the country's Army Act lacks clauses to justify Bajwa's extension and ordered the government to legislate on the Pakistan Army chief's extension/reappointment.

Watch: Review plea filed on Bajwa's tenure

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Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday headed a cabinet meeting to approve proposed amendments to the Constitution and the Army Act.

The government will also introduce the amendment bill in Parliament on Friday after building a consensus with the opposition on the matter. Bajwa is turning 60 this year.

A cabinet member who attended Wednesday's meeting said that the amendments called to extend the maximum age limit of army chief to be 64 years in case of extension. However, the regular age limit of the Chief of Army staff will be 60 years. Moreover, it will be the decision of the prime minister whether an extension should be given.

Prime Minister Khan had extended Bajwa's tenure for another three years on August 19, 2019.

The extension was then challenged on the grounds that it is offensive to Article 243(4)(b) of the Constitution. The case was initially filed by the Jurists' Foundation but after it asked to withdraw the case, the court decided to take it up against itself. During the hearing, the court explored the scope of Article 243 of the Constitution, and the Pakistan Army Act, 1952.

On November 28, the court extended Bajwa's tenure by six months and ordered the government to make a law regulating such appointments. The detailed 43-page written verdict in the case was released on December 16.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-sc-issues-detailed-verdict-on-army-chiefs-extension-268639">judgement</a> stated that the matter is being handed over to parliament in order to avoid such mistakes in the future. It also urged parliament to assign a tenure for the post of the army chief.

It added that the federal government had included the word, extension, during the hearing held on November 26, however, the legislation was incorrect as it did not mention the details of the army chief's period of services and retirement age.

The court while announcing the order had given six months to the government for the legislation on the matter from parliament.

Pakistan government is expected to present an amendment bill in the Parliament on Friday in order to validate the three-year extension to Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Pakistan government is expected to present an amendment bill in the Parliament on Friday in order to validate the three-year extension to Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. The country's Supreme Court in December had asserted that the country's Army Act lacks clauses to justify Bajwa's extension and ordered the government to legislate on the Pakistan Army chief's extension/reappointment. Watch: Review plea filed on Bajwa's tenure × Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday headed a cabinet meeting to approve proposed amendments to the Constitution and the Army Act. The government will also introduce the amendment bill in Parliament on Friday after building a consensus with the opposition on the matter. Bajwa is turning 60 this year. A cabinet member who attended Wednesday's meeting said that the amendments called to extend the maximum age limit of army chief to be 64 years in case of extension. However, the regular age limit of the Chief of Army staff will be 60 years. Moreover, it will be the decision of the prime minister whether an extension should be given. Prime Minister Khan had extended Bajwa's tenure for another three years on August 19, 2019. The extension was then challenged on the grounds that it is offensive to Article 243(4)(b) of the Constitution. The case was initially filed by the Jurists' Foundation but after it asked to withdraw the case, the court decided to take it up against itself. During the hearing, the court explored the scope of Article 243 of the Constitution, and the Pakistan Army Act, 1952. On November 28, the court extended Bajwa's tenure by six months and ordered the government to make a law regulating such appointments. The detailed 43-page written verdict in the case was released on December 16. The judgement stated that the matter is being handed over to parliament in order to avoid such mistakes in the future. It also urged parliament to assign a tenure for the post of the army chief. It added that the federal government had included the word, extension, during the hearing held on November 26, however, the legislation was incorrect as it did not mention the details of the army chief's period of services and retirement age. The court while announcing the order had given six months to the government for the legislation on the matter from parliament.

Pakistan government to present amendment bill for Bajwa's extension as army chief

The Pakistani government has decided to file a review petition against the Supreme Court's verdict in the army chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-qamar-javed-bajwas-term-as-army-chief-extended-for-another-3-years-244163">Qamar Javed Bajwa</a>'s tenure extension case.

Law Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-bar-councils-nation-wide-strike-on-july-2-to-protest-reference-against-judges-231772">Farogh Nasim</a> and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-attorney-general-seeks-death-penalty-for-accused-in-khashoggi-killing-188066">Attorney General</a> have prepared the first draft of the review petition.

The government will be challenging the court's order on the basis of "many legal aspects" that were not reviewed by it, Dawn reported quoting the law minister.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had extended Bajwa's tenure for another three years on August 19, 2019. The president then granted him the extension.

The extension was then challenged on the grounds that it is offensive to Article 243(4)(b) of the Constitution. The case was initially filed by the Jurists' Foundation but after it asked to withdraw the case, the court decided to take it up against itself. During the hearing, the court explored the scope of Article 243 of the Constitution, and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-set-to-amend-army-act-for-kulbhushan-jadhav-to-appeal-261785">Pakistan Army Act, 1952</a>.

On November 28, the court extended Bajwa's tenure by six months and ordered the government to make a law regulating such appointments. The detailed 43-page written verdict in the case was released on December 16.

The judgment stated that the matter is being handed over to parliament in order to avoid such mistakes in the future. It also urged parliament to assign a tenure for the post of the army chief. 
It added that the federal government had included the word, extension, during the hearing held on November 26, however, the legislation was incorrect as it did not mention the details of the army chief's period of services and retirement age.

The court while announcing the order had given six months to the government for the legislation on the matter from parliament.

The Pakistani government has decided to file a review petition against the Supreme Court's verdict in the army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa's tenure extension case. Law Minister Farogh Nasim and the Attorney General have prepared the first draft of the review petition.

The Pakistani government has decided to file a review petition against the Supreme Court's verdict in the army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa's tenure extension case. Law Minister Farogh Nasim and the Attorney General have prepared the first draft of the review petition. The government will be challenging the court's order on the basis of "many legal aspects" that were not reviewed by it, Dawn reported quoting the law minister. Prime Minister Imran Khan had extended Bajwa's tenure for another three years on August 19, 2019. The president then granted him the extension. The extension was then challenged on the grounds that it is offensive to Article 243(4)(b) of the Constitution. The case was initially filed by the Jurists' Foundation but after it asked to withdraw the case, the court decided to take it up against itself. During the hearing, the court explored the scope of Article 243 of the Constitution, and the Pakistan Army Act, 1952. On November 28, the court extended Bajwa's tenure by six months and ordered the government to make a law regulating such appointments. The detailed 43-page written verdict in the case was released on December 16. The judgment stated that the matter is being handed over to parliament in order to avoid such mistakes in the future. It also urged parliament to assign a tenure for the post of the army chief. It added that the federal government had included the word, extension, during the hearing held on November 26, however, the legislation was incorrect as it did not mention the details of the army chief's period of services and retirement age. The court while announcing the order had given six months to the government for the legislation on the matter from parliament.

Pakistan government to file review plea against Supreme Court verdict in Qamar Javed Bajwa extension case

Pakistan firebrand politician <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/azadi-march-fazlur-rehman-gives-imran-khan-2-day-ultimatum-to-resign-259415">Maulana Fazlur Rehman</a> on Sunday claimed that in Pakistan, the Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-pm-imran-khan-led-government-unveils-first-100-days-performance-report-180299">Imran Khan-led</a> government's "ship is about to sink".

"Previously we used to say that the economy's ship is rocking. I salute your tenacity. Now we can proudly say that the government's ship is about to sink," he said, speaking to protesters gathered on the city's Ring Road highway.

"The journey that was begun for the sake of the Constitution is near its destination now," said Rehman.

Rehman had launched a long march against Islamabad from Karachi on October 27. However, he had abruptly called off the party's sit-in 13 days later, reported Dawn.

The right wind politician had however announced that his party would continue its anti-government protests in other regions of the country as part of its so-called Plan B.

While boldly declaring that "victory is near", the JUI-F chief said that "even looking back would be a sin now".

He said that the government which had promised 10 million jobs had instead "rendered 2.5 million youth unemployed".

"Who can accept a government which is run by foreign hands when we had rid ourselves of foreign rule all those years ago?"

He said while the past government was blamed for the country's economic woes, "the FBR report had stated that all the money to have left the country went through the proper channels".

Pakistan firebrand politician Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday claimed that in Pakistan, the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government's "ship is about to sink". "Previously we used to say that the economy's ship is rocking.

Pakistan firebrand politician Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday claimed that in Pakistan, the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government's "ship is about to sink". "Previously we used to say that the economy's ship is rocking. I salute your tenacity. Now we can proudly say that the government's ship is about to sink," he said, speaking to protesters gathered on the city's Ring Road highway. "The journey that was begun for the sake of the Constitution is near its destination now," said Rehman. Rehman had launched a long march against Islamabad from Karachi on October 27. However, he had abruptly called off the party's sit-in 13 days later, reported Dawn. The right wind politician had however announced that his party would continue its anti-government protests in other regions of the country as part of its so-called Plan B. While boldly declaring that "victory is near", the JUI-F chief said that "even looking back would be a sin now". He said that the government which had promised 10 million jobs had instead "rendered 2.5 million youth unemployed". "Who can accept a government which is run by foreign hands when we had rid ourselves of foreign rule all those years ago?" He said while the past government was blamed for the country's economic woes, "the FBR report had stated that all the money to have left the country went through the proper channels".

Pakistan government 'ship is about to sink': Fazal-ur-Rehman

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-government-moves-islamabad-high-court-against-verdict-announcement-in-treason-case-against-musharraf-264539">Pakistan government</a> on Tuesday amended its Army Regulations (Rules) to include a provision for an "extension in tenure" of country's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-supreme-court-puts-army-chief-bajwas-tenure-extension-on-hold-264579">Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa</a>, Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood said at a press conference, hours after the Supreme Court observed that the said regulation did not have a provision for the same.

Dawn reported Mehmood as saying at the conference that the amendment to Rule 255 of the Army Regulations has been made so as to "assist the court and clear matters" pertaining to the Army Chief's extension.

The move is in line with<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-asks-party-not-to-worry-about-foreign-funding-case-263744"> Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>'s intention to grant an extension to Bajwa, he added.

Bajwa is due to retire from his post on November 29.

Pakistan government on Tuesday amended its Army Regulations (Rules) to include a provision for an "extension in tenure" of country's Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood said at a press conference, hours after the Supreme Court observed that the said regulation did not have a provision for the same.

Pakistan government on Tuesday amended its Army Regulations (Rules) to include a provision for an "extension in tenure" of country's Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood said at a press conference, hours after the Supreme Court observed that the said regulation did not have a provision for the same. Dawn reported Mehmood as saying at the conference that the amendment to Rule 255 of the Army Regulations has been made so as to "assist the court and clear matters" pertaining to the Army Chief's extension. The move is in line with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's intention to grant an extension to Bajwa, he added. Bajwa is due to retire from his post on November 29.

Pakistan government amends Army Regulations for Bajwa's tenure extension

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-government-moves-islamabad-high-court-against-verdict-announcement-in-treason-case-against-musharraf-264539">Islamabad High Court (IHC)</a> on Wednesday stopped the special court from announcing verdict in the high treason case against former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pervez-musharraf-approaches-hc-as-verdict-on-high-treason-case-nears-264139">President General Pervez Musharraf</a>. 
The IHC's order comes a day before the special court was scheduled to announce the verdict on the basis of the available record, Dawn reported

The IHC was hearing a petition filed by the Pakistan government seeking an adjournment of the verdict's announcement. A similar petition was also filed by Musharraf in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lahore-high-court-accepts-hafiz-saaeds-application-challenging-his-arrest-in-terror-financing-case-254314">Lahore High Court</a>.

"For reasons to be recorded later, we allow writ petition&nbsp;filed by the Ministry of Interior," the court said in its short order.

The IHC has also directed the government to notify a new prosecutor or a team of prosecution in the treason case by December 5. It has also asked the special court to fix a date "for affording a reasonable opportunity of hearing" to the notified prosecutor or prosecution team as well as the counsel appointed for Musharraf.

The special court on November 19 concluded the trial proceedings in the high treason case against Musharraf for declaring a state emergency on November 3, 2007. It also ruled out that the verdict would be announced on November 28 (Thursday) on the basis of the available record, dawn had reported.

The high treason trial of the former leader has been pending since December 2013 when he was booked in the case.

He was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. However, due to litigation at appellate forums, the trial of the former president lingered on and he left Pakistan in March 2016 "to seek medical treatment."

The retired general was that year declared an absconder as he failed to appear before the court despite repeated summons and the court directive issued to the FIA to arrest him.

Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday stopped the special court from announcing verdict in the high treason case against former President General Pervez Musharraf.

Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday stopped the special court from announcing verdict in the high treason case against former President General Pervez Musharraf. The IHC's order comes a day before the special court was scheduled to announce the verdict on the basis of the available record, Dawn reported The IHC was hearing a petition filed by the Pakistan government seeking an adjournment of the verdict's announcement. A similar petition was also filed by Musharraf in the Lahore High Court. "For reasons to be recorded later, we allow writ petition filed by the Ministry of Interior," the court said in its short order. The IHC has also directed the government to notify a new prosecutor or a team of prosecution in the treason case by December 5. It has also asked the special court to fix a date "for affording a reasonable opportunity of hearing" to the notified prosecutor or prosecution team as well as the counsel appointed for Musharraf. The special court on November 19 concluded the trial proceedings in the high treason case against Musharraf for declaring a state emergency on November 3, 2007. It also ruled out that the verdict would be announced on November 28 (Thursday) on the basis of the available record, dawn had reported. The high treason trial of the former leader has been pending since December 2013 when he was booked in the case. He was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. However, due to litigation at appellate forums, the trial of the former president lingered on and he left Pakistan in March 2016 "to seek medical treatment." The retired general was that year declared an absconder as he failed to appear before the court despite repeated summons and the court directive issued to the FIA to arrest him.

Pakistan: Islamabad High Court stops announcement of verdict in Musharraf's high treason case

Pakistan creates confusion ahead of Kartarpur Opening. Pakistan Army spokesperson says passport is must for Indians.

Pakistan Flip-Flop On Kartarpur: No clarity between Pakistan Government and Its Army

Trucks depicting atrocities on Muhajirs at SAARC meet venue

WION USA Direct: Muhajirs Protest against Pakistan government

Pakistan's sham crackdown on terrorism was exposed yet again after a photo surfaced on social media showing ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) top political leaders sharing a stage with US-designated terrorist Maulana Fazlur Rehman Khalil.

The photo, which was shared by, journalist Asif Shahzad, is from All Parties Kashmir Solidarity Conference which was held in Islamabad on September 16.

The conference was attended by President of Pakistan occupied Kashmir Masood Khan and Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan among other prominent leaders. However, the presence of Khalil, a PTI leader and founder of the terrorist organisation Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM), in the event meant to garner support for Kashmir was questionable.

India has long blamed Pakistan for fuelling terror and supporting terrorist groups in Jammu and Kashmir to create unrest in the region.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-aims-to-restart-afghan-peace-talks-250406">Imran Khan</a>'s party, which rose to power with a promise to not provide safe haven to terrorists, has been often blamed for supporting terrorist groups. Khan has been infamous as Taliban Khan for his staunch support to the terrorist group.

Khalil's organization HuM is said to have been in direct contact with Osama Bin Laden and his family when he was in Abbottabad and has been on the US State department's foreign terrorist organization list since 1997.

Khalil has been a strong supporter of Imran Khan and advocated for the latter's candidature as the Prime Minister of the country last year.

In March, Khan's government received a lot of backlash for including Khahil into the party.

The photo has emerged weeks before the crucial Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting where Pakistan's compliance with the action plan will be assessed and it fears blacklisting.

Pakistan has been under the FATF radar for its complicity towards terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) among others. In addition, terrorists like Hafiz Saeed are regularly seen ranting anti-India rhetoric and collecting so-called donations.

The FATF recently gave a stern message to Pakistan to expedite its action plan for curbing terror financing by October or face the prospect of getting blacklisted, which could aggravate problems for its stagnant economy.

Pakistan's sham crackdown on terrorism was exposed yet again after a photo surfaced on social media showing ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) top political leaders sharing a stage with US-designated terrorist Maulana Fazlur Rehman Khalil.

Pakistan's sham crackdown on terrorism was exposed yet again after a photo surfaced on social media showing ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) top political leaders sharing a stage with US-designated terrorist Maulana Fazlur Rehman Khalil. The photo, which was shared by, journalist Asif Shahzad, is from All Parties Kashmir Solidarity Conference which was held in Islamabad on September 16. The conference was attended by President of Pakistan occupied Kashmir Masood Khan and Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan among other prominent leaders. However, the presence of Khalil, a PTI leader and founder of the terrorist organisation Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM), in the event meant to garner support for Kashmir was questionable. India has long blamed Pakistan for fuelling terror and supporting terrorist groups in Jammu and Kashmir to create unrest in the region. Imran Khan's party, which rose to power with a promise to not provide safe haven to terrorists, has been often blamed for supporting terrorist groups. Khan has been infamous as Taliban Khan for his staunch support to the terrorist group. Khalil's organization HuM is said to have been in direct contact with Osama Bin Laden and his family when he was in Abbottabad and has been on the US State department's foreign terrorist organization list since 1997. Khalil has been a strong supporter of Imran Khan and advocated for the latter's candidature as the Prime Minister of the country last year. In March, Khan's government received a lot of backlash for including Khahil into the party. The photo has emerged weeks before the crucial Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting where Pakistan's compliance with the action plan will be assessed and it fears blacklisting. Pakistan has been under the FATF radar for its complicity towards terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) among others. In addition, terrorists like Hafiz Saeed are regularly seen ranting anti-India rhetoric and collecting so-called donations. The FATF recently gave a stern message to Pakistan to expedite its action plan for curbing terror financing by October or face the prospect of getting blacklisted, which could aggravate problems for its stagnant economy.

Pakistan government leaders caught sharing stage with US-designated terrorist

Watch Gravitas full segment and know what has been the most trending and important stories of the day. Watch this video to know more.

Watch: WION Gravitas, 08th August, 2019

Forget About Outsiders, Imran Khan Government Does Not Seem To Have Support At Home. Are Pakistanis convinced with the arguments of their own government? Especially with the crackdown on any form of dissent. Activists in Gilgit-Baltistan, even prominent actors have all launched a tirade against Pakistan government. This report explores the criticism that Khan is facing in Pakistan.

WION Gravitas: Do Pakistanis support their own government?

People in Gilgit-Baltistan held protests to demand compensation for their lands which were acquired by the Pakistani government, in the name of development, decades ago.

Even though land acquisition took place in 1949, people are yet to be compensated.

Protesters on Wednesday claimed that their ancestors became homeless overnight after the acquisition drive was started by Pakistan in the aftermath of its "illegal occupation of the territory."

Islamabad did not even pay them the market price of the land.

At least 193 families were affected after their lands were acquired for the construction of the Gilgit airport.

The demonstrators alleged that the issue garners politicians` attention before every election and they come up with their template scripts assuring compensation. However, all promises are yet to be fulfilled.

A large number of tourists visit Gilgit-Baltistan every year and the airport is the single major connectivity point.

The exchequer of Pakistan has made billions of rupees because of the Gilgit airport but has deprived the people, who sacrificed their land and possessions during the construction, as per the protesters.

"Today we are not begging but are demanding our rights and if there comes any obstacle in between then we have all the rights to resist and fight them," one of the protesters said.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

People in Gilgit-Baltistan held protests to demand compensation for their lands which were acquired by the Pakistani government, in the name of development, decades ago.

People in Gilgit-Baltistan held protests to demand compensation for their lands which were acquired by the Pakistani government, in the name of development, decades ago. Even though land acquisition took place in 1949, people are yet to be compensated. Protesters on Wednesday claimed that their ancestors became homeless overnight after the acquisition drive was started by Pakistan in the aftermath of its "illegal occupation of the territory." Islamabad did not even pay them the market price of the land. At least 193 families were affected after their lands were acquired for the construction of the Gilgit airport. The demonstrators alleged that the issue garners politicians` attention before every election and they come up with their template scripts assuring compensation. However, all promises are yet to be fulfilled. A large number of tourists visit Gilgit-Baltistan every year and the airport is the single major connectivity point. The exchequer of Pakistan has made billions of rupees because of the Gilgit airport but has deprived the people, who sacrificed their land and possessions during the construction, as per the protesters. "Today we are not begging but are demanding our rights and if there comes any obstacle in between then we have all the rights to resist and fight them," one of the protesters said.

People in Gilgit stage protest, demand compensation from Pakistan government for acquired land

A day after India asked Pakistan government to provide ''unimpeded consular access'' to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-must-provide-unimpeded-consular-access-to-kulbhushan-jadhav-india-240164"> Kulbushan Jadhav</a>, reports have emerged that Pakistan may reject India's ''valid demand'' by not giving free unobstructed access to the death row prisoner in Pakistan.

Pakistan government is yet to officially respond&nbsp;to India's note verbale, reports in Pakistan media said and added, Islamabad will respond to new Delhi's request for ''impeded access to Kulbushan Jadhav''.

India had rejected Pakistan's conditional consular access offer.&nbsp;

India had asked Pakistan to provide full consular access in an environment free from the ''fear of intimidation'' and ''reprisal'' in the light of the orders of the International Court of Justice.

Pakistan sent its proposal on July 30 but it had 2 riders -- Pakistan security personnel will be present during the meeting and CCTV cameras will be installed in the meeting room -- which is a clear violation of article 36 of the Vienna Convention which states ''Consular officer shall be free to communicate with nationals of the sending State and to have access to them,''

The presence of&nbsp;Pakistan officer during the meeting is contravening the convention, report said.

The meeting as proposed by Pakistan will not take place as of now, report added.

Pakistan's proposal came 14 days after New Delhi secured a major diplomatic victory at the UN Court.&nbsp;

A day after India asked Pakistan government to provide ''unimpeded consular access'' to Kulbushan Jadhav, reports have emerged that Pakistan may reject India's ''valid demand'' by not giving free unobstructed access to the death row prisoner in Pakistan.

A day after India asked Pakistan government to provide ''unimpeded consular access'' to Kulbushan Jadhav, reports have emerged that Pakistan may reject India's ''valid demand'' by not giving free unobstructed access to the death row prisoner in Pakistan. Pakistan government is yet to officially respond to India's note verbale, reports in Pakistan media said and added, Islamabad will respond to new Delhi's request for ''impeded access to Kulbushan Jadhav''. India had rejected Pakistan's conditional consular access offer. India had asked Pakistan to provide full consular access in an environment free from the ''fear of intimidation'' and ''reprisal'' in the light of the orders of the International Court of Justice. Pakistan sent its proposal on July 30 but it had 2 riders -- Pakistan security personnel will be present during the meeting and CCTV cameras will be installed in the meeting room -- which is a clear violation of article 36 of the Vienna Convention which states ''Consular officer shall be free to communicate with nationals of the sending State and to have access to them,'' The presence of Pakistan officer during the meeting is contravening the convention, report said. The meeting as proposed by Pakistan will not take place as of now, report added. Pakistan's proposal came 14 days after New Delhi secured a major diplomatic victory at the UN Court.

Pakistan may reject India's request for 'unimpeded consular access' to Kulbhushan Jadhav: Report 

After removing three television channels from the country's airwaves, Pakistan cabinet on Tuesday has issued an order banning media coverage of politicians convicted or undertrial.

Pakistan government has said that they will not allow airing interviews or give any media coverage to such politicians.&nbsp;

The government has also directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority ( PEMRA) to fulfil its “responsibility” to discourage airing of such programmes.&nbsp;

''Those who have plundered national wealth and brought the country on the verge of collapse should not be glorified. No democracy permits interviews and media coverage of those who have been arrested on charges of corruption'' said Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood addressing a post-cabinet meeting.

Mehmood said that the government had not directed PEMRA to close down any private television channel.&nbsp;

Just last week, Pakistan's largest private broadcaster Geo News TV abruptly took an interview with former president Asif Ali Zardari off-air shortly after it began.

Zardari was reportedly talking about a financial scandal that could have hurt Prime Minister Imran Khan.

After removing three television channels from the country's airwaves, Pakistan cabinet on Tuesday has issued an order banning media coverage of politicians convicted or undertrial.

After removing three television channels from the country's airwaves, Pakistan cabinet on Tuesday has issued an order banning media coverage of politicians convicted or undertrial. Pakistan government has said that they will not allow airing interviews or give any media coverage to such politicians. The government has also directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority ( PEMRA) to fulfil its “responsibility” to discourage airing of such programmes. ''Those who have plundered national wealth and brought the country on the verge of collapse should not be glorified. No democracy permits interviews and media coverage of those who have been arrested on charges of corruption'' said Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood addressing a post-cabinet meeting. Mehmood said that the government had not directed PEMRA to close down any private television channel. Just last week, Pakistan's largest private broadcaster Geo News TV abruptly took an interview with former president Asif Ali Zardari off-air shortly after it began. Zardari was reportedly talking about a financial scandal that could have hurt Prime Minister Imran Khan.

No airtime for convicted or undertrial politicians: Pakistan government 

Pakistan's provincial Punjab government has slapped terror financing charges against 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed and trusts run by him.

However, India has rejected actions by Islamabad with one Indian government sources telling WION that "We have seen this 'action' before. Important that it is irreversible and verifiable."

Another Indian official said, "FATF driven actions needed which are not irreversible. We need to move from ‘filing cases’ to sentencing, arresting and imprisoning!"

New Delhi has been asked Islamabad to take credible, verifiable, irreversible and sustainable measures on terror groups and financing of terror from any territory under its control.

The four prominent members of Jamat-ud-Dawa (JUD) mentioned in the cases are Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, Abdul Rehman Makki (brother-in-law of Hafiz Saeed), Ameer Hamza and Mohammad Yahya Aziz.&nbsp;

The main charities listed are Dawat Irshad Trust, Moaz Bin Jabal Trust, Al-Anfaal Trust, Al-Madina Foundation Trust and Al-Hamd Trust who have been operating from major Pakistani cities like Lahore, Gujranwala and Multan.

Speaking to WION, Pakistan's Punjab government official said "cases reveal that these individuals have been involved in raising funds to facilitate terror activities." and "operating under the umbrella of charities, these organizations have been funnelling funds to terror suspects and promoting terrorism".

Cases have been registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Pakistan's Punjab province. If charges against Hafiz Saeed are proven under section 11 of the Anti-terrorism act, he can face up to life imprisonment.

The development comes days after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) decided to keep Islamabad on greylist after missing two deadlines to meet its anti-terror financing commitments.

Speaking at the end of FATF plenary last month in Florida, president of the counter-terror financing body Marshall Billingslea said, "There is absolutely a possibility that Pakistan could be put on the blacklist" if it fails to fullfill its commitments before the next plenary in October in Paris.&nbsp;

Pakistan's provincial Punjab government has slapped terror financing charges against 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed and trusts run by him. However, India has rejected actions by Islamabad with one Indian government sources telling WION that "We have seen this 'action' before.

Pakistan's provincial Punjab government has slapped terror financing charges against 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed and trusts run by him. However, India has rejected actions by Islamabad with one Indian government sources telling WION that "We have seen this 'action' before. Important that it is irreversible and verifiable." Another Indian official said, "FATF driven actions needed which are not irreversible. We need to move from ‘filing cases’ to sentencing, arresting and imprisoning!" New Delhi has been asked Islamabad to take credible, verifiable, irreversible and sustainable measures on terror groups and financing of terror from any territory under its control. The four prominent members of Jamat-ud-Dawa (JUD) mentioned in the cases are Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, Abdul Rehman Makki (brother-in-law of Hafiz Saeed), Ameer Hamza and Mohammad Yahya Aziz. The main charities listed are Dawat Irshad Trust, Moaz Bin Jabal Trust, Al-Anfaal Trust, Al-Madina Foundation Trust and Al-Hamd Trust who have been operating from major Pakistani cities like Lahore, Gujranwala and Multan. Speaking to WION, Pakistan's Punjab government official said "cases reveal that these individuals have been involved in raising funds to facilitate terror activities." and "operating under the umbrella of charities, these organizations have been funnelling funds to terror suspects and promoting terrorism". Cases have been registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Pakistan's Punjab province. If charges against Hafiz Saeed are proven under section 11 of the Anti-terrorism act, he can face up to life imprisonment. The development comes days after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) decided to keep Islamabad on greylist after missing two deadlines to meet its anti-terror financing commitments. Speaking at the end of FATF plenary last month in Florida, president of the counter-terror financing body Marshall Billingslea said, "There is absolutely a possibility that Pakistan could be put on the blacklist" if it fails to fullfill its commitments before the next plenary in October in Paris.

Pakistan slaps terror financing charges against Hafiz Saeed; India says 'have seen this before'

Pakistani authorities on Wednesday&nbsp;announced a crackdown against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hafiz-saeeds-brother-in-law-abdul-rehman-makki-arrested-in-pakistan-218896">Hafiz Saeed</a>, leader of the terrorist group blamed for deadly Mumbai attack in 200 killed 166 people, amid growing international pressure to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-20-terrorist-groups-including-pak-based-let-active-in-afghanistan-un-report-230407"> act against militant groups</a>, reported news agency Reuters.

The report quoting Pakistan's counter-terrorism department said that it had launched 23 cases against Saeed and 12 aides for using five trusts to collect funds and donations for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), blamed by India and the United States for the attacks in Mumbai.

Two banned LeT-linked charities, Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), were also targeted, the department said in a statement.

"All the assets of these organizations and individuals will be frozen and taken over by the state," the report said quoting a counter-terrorism senior official who was&nbsp;speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly.

The action was in accordance with UN sanctions against the individuals and entities, the counter-terrorism department said.

The move follows pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which last year placed Pakistan on its "grey list" of countries with inadequate controls over money laundering and terrorism financing.

The international watchdog gave Pakistan an October deadline last month to improve its efforts against terrorism financing. The FATF has said Pakistan could end up on the blacklist when it reviews progress in a meeting later this year.

Hafiz Saeed, designated a global terrorist by both the United Nations and the United States, is one of the founders of LeT, or the Army of the Pure.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Pakistani authorities on Wednesday announced a crackdown against Hafiz Saeed, leader of the terrorist group blamed for deadly Mumbai attack in 200 killed 166 people, amid growing international pressure to act against militant groups, reported news agency Reuters.

Pakistani authorities on Wednesday announced a crackdown against Hafiz Saeed, leader of the terrorist group blamed for deadly Mumbai attack in 200 killed 166 people, amid growing international pressure to act against militant groups, reported news agency Reuters. The report quoting Pakistan's counter-terrorism department said that it had launched 23 cases against Saeed and 12 aides for using five trusts to collect funds and donations for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), blamed by India and the United States for the attacks in Mumbai. Two banned LeT-linked charities, Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), were also targeted, the department said in a statement. "All the assets of these organizations and individuals will be frozen and taken over by the state," the report said quoting a counter-terrorism senior official who was speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly. The action was in accordance with UN sanctions against the individuals and entities, the counter-terrorism department said. The move follows pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which last year placed Pakistan on its "grey list" of countries with inadequate controls over money laundering and terrorism financing. The international watchdog gave Pakistan an October deadline last month to improve its efforts against terrorism financing. The FATF has said Pakistan could end up on the blacklist when it reviews progress in a meeting later this year. Hafiz Saeed, designated a global terrorist by both the United Nations and the United States, is one of the founders of LeT, or the Army of the Pure. (With inputs from Reuters)

Pakistan announces terrorism finance crackdown on Lashkar-e-Taiba amid growing international pressure 

On the occasion of International Yoga Day, the government of Pakistan posted&nbsp;a picture on&nbsp;its Twitter handle @pid_gov with the hashtag #YogaDay only to realise an Indian flag had popped up with a person meditating.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Pakistan government's tweet on International Yoga Day" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8daba29-b21a-45a1-8b0f-fe47191c552b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/YogaD.jpg" />

The post was quickly deleted and reposted, this time without the hashtag. The new post&nbsp;can still be seen on the government's Twitter handle.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The fifth International Day of Yoga is being celebrated under the theme " Yoga for Climate Action". Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice. Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. <a href="https://t.co/7VpeYwzBTr">pic.twitter.com/7VpeYwzBTr</a>
— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) <a href="https://twitter.com/pid_gov/status/1141962505994022912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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However, Twitter followers were quick to point out the folly and did not waste any time to take a dig at Pakistan's latest gaffe on social media.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Removed the Hashtag which had colours of Indian flag. Burn!!! 😂
— Ujwal.Mokashi (@ujwalmokashi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ujwalmokashi/status/1141965700493271040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
at least grudgingly now you recognise your hindu heritage through these Yoga publicity campaigns... Pakistan must ultimately understand that its native traditions are Indic not arabic or Middle Eastern. Once it makes peace with its ancestral part it will be at peace with itself
— WHF ( Indic Chapter ) (@WHF_Global) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHF_Global/status/1141975603597340678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Tirange se darr lagta h kya?
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The event was celebrated across the world especially in India with Prime Minister Modi leading the celebration with a grand&nbsp;Yoga session in Ranchi with several citizens taking part.

Jharkhand chief minister Raghubar Das and various other ministers were present at&nbsp;the event.&nbsp;A total of 28 display screens were&nbsp;been installed at the venue for the live telecast of the event as millions followed the prime minister on their&nbsp;television screens at home.

On the occasion of International Yoga Day, the government of Pakistan posted a picture on its Twitter handle @pid_gov with the hashtag #YogaDay only to realise an Indian flag had popped up with a person meditating.

On the occasion of International Yoga Day, the government of Pakistan posted a picture on its Twitter handle @pid_gov with the hashtag #YogaDay only to realise an Indian flag had popped up with a person meditating. The post was quickly deleted and reposted, this time without the hashtag. The new post can still be seen on the government's Twitter handle. The fifth International Day of Yoga is being celebrated under the theme " Yoga for Climate Action". Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice. Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. pic.twitter.com/7VpeYwzBTr — Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) June 21, 2019 × However, Twitter followers were quick to point out the folly and did not waste any time to take a dig at Pakistan's latest gaffe on social media. Removed the Hashtag which had colours of Indian flag. Burn!!! 😂 — Ujwal.Mokashi (@ujwalmokashi) June 21, 2019 × at least grudgingly now you recognise your hindu heritage through these Yoga publicity campaigns... Pakistan must ultimately understand that its native traditions are Indic not arabic or Middle Eastern. Once it makes peace with its ancestral part it will be at peace with itself — WHF ( Indic Chapter ) (@WHF_Global) June 21, 2019 × #yogaday #InternationalDayOfYoga Tirange se darr lagta h kya? — if u block me I win (@pee_pee_tea) June 21, 2019 × https://t.co/PuqjHo4q0B — Vikram Rajpurohit🇮🇳 (@viksa_dhabar) June 21, 2019 × https://t.co/PuqjHo4q0B — Vikram Rajpurohit🇮🇳 (@viksa_dhabar) June 21, 2019 × The event was celebrated across the world especially in India with Prime Minister Modi leading the celebration with a grand Yoga session in Ranchi with several citizens taking part. Jharkhand chief minister Raghubar Das and various other ministers were present at the event. A total of 28 display screens were been installed at the venue for the live telecast of the event as millions followed the prime minister on their television screens at home.

Pakistan government's Yoga Day tweet leads to Indian flag pop-up; deleted later as Twitter takes a dig

In a huge embarrassment for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-says-to-get-34-billion-in-budgetary-aid-from-asian-development-bank-227463">Pakistan government</a>, the ADB has distanced itself from the "premature announcement" of Prime Minister Imran Khan's adviser that the global lender would provide a loan of $3.4 billion to the cash-strapped nation, saying "discussions are ongoing".

The rare rebuff by the Philippines-headquartered institution came a day after Khan's adviser on finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh and Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Khusro Bakhtiar announced that the country would get a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cash-strapped-pakistan-inks-deal-with-asian-development-bank-to-get-34-billion-227517"> loan of $3.4 billion for budgetary support</a>, out of which $2.1 billion would be released within a year.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB's) stance taking the rare step on a public holiday to issue a statement assumes significance as the cash-strapped country is trying to overcome a ballooning balance-of-payments crisis that threatens to cripple its economy.

In its statement, the ADB confirmed the meetings with the government members and discussions on loans.

"These discussions are ongoing and details of the plans as well as the volume of ADB's financial support, once finalised, will be contingent upon the approval of ADB management and its Board of Directors," ADB's Country Director for Pakistan Xiaohong Yang was quoted as saying by Dawn news on Monday.

The ADB said it was "discussing with the government of Pakistan plans to provide budget support programmes, results-based and project assistance to help improve Pakistan's competitiveness and fiscal sustainability".

It said the bank could help the government manage external debt and balance of payments and maintain the momentum of macroeconomic and structural reforms to support economic stability and expansion.

"ADB is pleased with the progress of discussions with the government of Pakistan on these issues," the statement added.

Sources here said, "the ADB management was embarrassed by the government's premature announcement about the ongoing discussions on loan programme which the bank had not even taken up with its board of directors and had to take an extraordinary step to downplay the discussions".

The ADB delegation which had met Shaikh was also not authorised at its own to finalise any loan programme that normally involved long-drawn discussions, the report said.

Moreover, the ADB had also linked its loans for budgetary support to the approval of a $6 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a 39-month reforms programme, it said.

The sources said that the statements by the two senior Cabinet members focused on the exchange rate as the Pakistani rupee has been losing its value against the dollar for over a year with no let-up.

Pakistan seeks help to overcome a ballooning balance of payments crisis.

Last month, it reached an agreement in principle with the IMF for a three-year, $6 billion bailout package aimed at shoring up its finances and strengthening a slowing economy.

In April, three influential US lawmakers urged the Trump administration to oppose the proposed multi-billion bailout package being sought by Pakistan from the IMF arguing it could be used to repay the Chinese debt.

China is investing heavily in Pakistan under the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Launched in 2015, the CPEC is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's resource-rich Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea.

The US has serious reservations over global lenders like the IMF providing a bailout to Pakistan to pay off Chinese debts.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the past warned that any potential IMF bailout for Pakistan should not provide funds to pay off Chinese lenders, saying "we will be watching what the IMF does... There is no rationale for IMF tax dollars and associated with those American dollars that are part of the IMF funding, for those to go to bail out Chinese bondholders or China itself".

In a huge embarrassment for the Pakistan government, the ADB has distanced itself from the "premature announcement" of Prime Minister Imran Khan's adviser that the global lender would provide a loan of $3.

In a huge embarrassment for the Pakistan government, the ADB has distanced itself from the "premature announcement" of Prime Minister Imran Khan's adviser that the global lender would provide a loan of $3.4 billion to the cash-strapped nation, saying "discussions are ongoing". The rare rebuff by the Philippines-headquartered institution came a day after Khan's adviser on finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh and Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Khusro Bakhtiar announced that the country would get a loan of $3.4 billion for budgetary support, out of which $2.1 billion would be released within a year. The Asian Development Bank (ADB's) stance taking the rare step on a public holiday to issue a statement assumes significance as the cash-strapped country is trying to overcome a ballooning balance-of-payments crisis that threatens to cripple its economy. In its statement, the ADB confirmed the meetings with the government members and discussions on loans. "These discussions are ongoing and details of the plans as well as the volume of ADB's financial support, once finalised, will be contingent upon the approval of ADB management and its Board of Directors," ADB's Country Director for Pakistan Xiaohong Yang was quoted as saying by Dawn news on Monday. The ADB said it was "discussing with the government of Pakistan plans to provide budget support programmes, results-based and project assistance to help improve Pakistan's competitiveness and fiscal sustainability". It said the bank could help the government manage external debt and balance of payments and maintain the momentum of macroeconomic and structural reforms to support economic stability and expansion. "ADB is pleased with the progress of discussions with the government of Pakistan on these issues," the statement added. Sources here said, "the ADB management was embarrassed by the government's premature announcement about the ongoing discussions on loan programme which the bank had not even taken up with its board of directors and had to take an extraordinary step to downplay the discussions". The ADB delegation which had met Shaikh was also not authorised at its own to finalise any loan programme that normally involved long-drawn discussions, the report said. Moreover, the ADB had also linked its loans for budgetary support to the approval of a $6 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a 39-month reforms programme, it said. The sources said that the statements by the two senior Cabinet members focused on the exchange rate as the Pakistani rupee has been losing its value against the dollar for over a year with no let-up. Pakistan seeks help to overcome a ballooning balance of payments crisis. Last month, it reached an agreement in principle with the IMF for a three-year, $6 billion bailout package aimed at shoring up its finances and strengthening a slowing economy. In April, three influential US lawmakers urged the Trump administration to oppose the proposed multi-billion bailout package being sought by Pakistan from the IMF arguing it could be used to repay the Chinese debt. China is investing heavily in Pakistan under the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Launched in 2015, the CPEC is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's resource-rich Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea. The US has serious reservations over global lenders like the IMF providing a bailout to Pakistan to pay off Chinese debts. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the past warned that any potential IMF bailout for Pakistan should not provide funds to pay off Chinese lenders, saying "we will be watching what the IMF does... There is no rationale for IMF tax dollars and associated with those American dollars that are part of the IMF funding, for those to go to bail out Chinese bondholders or China itself".

Asian Development Bank distances itself from Pakistan's 'premature' claim of $3.4 billion loan

The Pakistan government has sought the help of the World Health Organization (WHO) to probe the recent outbreak of HIV in the country's Sindh province, which has till now affected over 600 people, mostly children, according to a media report.

Gravitas: Pakistan Seeks Help From WHO To Investigate HIV Outbreak

Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the killing of three activists during a deadly clash between<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-mps-led-group-attacks-army-check-post-3-killed-15-injured-221806"> Pakistani troops </a>and protesters in a restive tribal region near the Afghan border.

The activists were part of a demonstration organised on Sunday by the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM), which has rattled the military since it burst onto the scene early last year with a call to end alleged abuses by security forces against ethnic Pashtuns.

Two members of parliament were leading the protest when a confrontation broke out at a security checkpoint at Boya, in the North Waziristan region.

"The Pakistan government must immediately order an independent and effective investigation," said Rabia Mehmood, South Asia Researcher at Amnesty, in a statement on Monday.

"If the reports are correct that the army killed protestors by unlawfully using live ammunition, this would be a very serious violation of international law."

What exactly led to the confrontation remains murky, with the military saying the activists assaulted the checkpoint, while PTM leader Mohsin Dawar -- one of the MPs at the protest -- has alleged security forces fired directly into their group after they passed the post.

The incident follows months of rising tensions between the two sides, with the military publicly and repeatedly warning PTM leaders to end their criticism of the country's armed forces -- largely seen as a red line in Pakistan.

The PTM has unleashed festering anger over abuses allegedly committed against Pashtuns, including enforced disappearances and targeted killings.

Pashtuns account for roughly 15 per cent of Pakistan's population, with a majority based in the northwest and a significant presence in the southern port city of Karachi.

Sunday's incident occurred in North Waziristan, where the movement is believed to draw much of its support. The area was once plagued by militancy, and Washington pressured Pakistan for years to act against Islamist groups based there.

The army has carried out multiple operations in North Waziristan and other tribal regions, and security -- both there and across Pakistan -- has dramatically improved in recent years.

However, the PTM claims the operations came at a heavy price because of the alleged abuses.

Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the killing of three activists during a deadly clash between Pakistani troops and protesters in a restive tribal region near the Afghan border.

Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the killing of three activists during a deadly clash between Pakistani troops and protesters in a restive tribal region near the Afghan border. The activists were part of a demonstration organised on Sunday by the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM), which has rattled the military since it burst onto the scene early last year with a call to end alleged abuses by security forces against ethnic Pashtuns. Two members of parliament were leading the protest when a confrontation broke out at a security checkpoint at Boya, in the North Waziristan region. "The Pakistan government must immediately order an independent and effective investigation," said Rabia Mehmood, South Asia Researcher at Amnesty, in a statement on Monday. "If the reports are correct that the army killed protestors by unlawfully using live ammunition, this would be a very serious violation of international law." What exactly led to the confrontation remains murky, with the military saying the activists assaulted the checkpoint, while PTM leader Mohsin Dawar -- one of the MPs at the protest -- has alleged security forces fired directly into their group after they passed the post. The incident follows months of rising tensions between the two sides, with the military publicly and repeatedly warning PTM leaders to end their criticism of the country's armed forces -- largely seen as a red line in Pakistan. The PTM has unleashed festering anger over abuses allegedly committed against Pashtuns, including enforced disappearances and targeted killings. Pashtuns account for roughly 15 per cent of Pakistan's population, with a majority based in the northwest and a significant presence in the southern port city of Karachi. Sunday's incident occurred in North Waziristan, where the movement is believed to draw much of its support. The area was once plagued by militancy, and Washington pressured Pakistan for years to act against Islamist groups based there. The army has carried out multiple operations in North Waziristan and other tribal regions, and security -- both there and across Pakistan -- has dramatically improved in recent years. However, the PTM claims the operations came at a heavy price because of the alleged abuses.

Amnesty calls for probe into Pakistan activist killings

Pakistan seeks help from WHO to investigate HIV outbreak

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