A former Pakistani state minister, who is facing sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom, has secured victory in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) elections while remaining on police bail, according to a report by The Guardian.&nbsp;The report said Rukhsar Ahmed was last week reelected to the so-called legislative assembly in PoK after spending five years out of office. He was required to report to Greater Manchester Police last month under his bail conditions but reportedly did not appear.&nbsp;According to the report, British police had requested stricter bail conditions to prevent him from travelling overseas. However, the court declined the request.<h2>Campaigned in PoK during election</h2>Ahmed, 62, belongs to the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz, the party led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He served in different ministerial positions between 2006 and 2021 before losing his assembly seat.The report said he actively campaigned during the election in Mirpur in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.&nbsp;Images shared on social media showed him attending election meetings. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, he also shared photographs from a meeting with federal minister Amir Muqam.&nbsp;Investigators reportedly came to know about Ahmed's political activities in Pakistan while questioning him during custody.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-hits-back-at-us-after-fresh-tariffs-blacklists-six-firms-curbs-drone-exports-1785925926486">China hits back at US after fresh tariffs, blacklists six firms, curbs drone exports</a><h2>UK investigation continues</h2>The case relates to allegations made by several women who accused Ahmed of sexually abusing children at care homes in the early 1990s, when he was in his late twenties.&nbsp;According to the report, Ahmed is expected to answer his police bail within the next six weeks. If he fails to appear, Greater Manchester Police could issue an arrest warrant or begin extradition proceedings, the report added.&nbsp;The development comes weeks after Pakistan refused the UK government's request to deport Shabir Ahmed, a convicted ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang. Ahmed, 73, was released from prison in July after serving 14 years of a 22-year sentence for 30 child rape offences.

A former Pakistani minister, who is under investigation in the UK over allegations of sexually abusing children at care homes in the early 1990s, has been elected to the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir assembly while on police bail.

A former Pakistani state minister, who is facing sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom, has secured victory in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) elections while remaining on police bail, according to a report by The Guardian. The report said Rukhsar Ahmed was last week reelected to the so-called legislative assembly in PoK after spending five years out of office. He was required to report to Greater Manchester Police last month under his bail conditions but reportedly did not appear. According to the report, British police had requested stricter bail conditions to prevent him from travelling overseas. However, the court declined the request. Campaigned in PoK during election Ahmed, 62, belongs to the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz, the party led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He served in different ministerial positions between 2006 and 2021 before losing his assembly seat. The report said he actively campaigned during the election in Mirpur in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Images shared on social media showed him attending election meetings. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, he also shared photographs from a meeting with federal minister Amir Muqam. Investigators reportedly came to know about Ahmed's political activities in Pakistan while questioning him during custody. Also Read: China hits back at US after fresh tariffs, blacklists six firms, curbs drone exports UK investigation continues The case relates to allegations made by several women who accused Ahmed of sexually abusing children at care homes in the early 1990s, when he was in his late twenties. According to the report, Ahmed is expected to answer his police bail within the next six weeks. If he fails to appear, Greater Manchester Police could issue an arrest warrant or begin extradition proceedings, the report added. The development comes weeks after Pakistan refused the UK government's request to deport Shabir Ahmed, a convicted ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang. Ahmed, 73, was released from prison in July after serving 14 years of a 22-year sentence for 30 child rape offences.

A former Pakistani minister, who is under investigation in the UK over allegations of sexually abusing children at care homes in the early 1990s, has been elected to the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir assembly while on police bail.

Former Pakistan minister facing UK sexual assault case elected to PoK assembly

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has once again highlighted that the trade relationship between Islamabad and New Delhi has remained suspended since 2019 after India raised its import duties on Pakistani goods.

The latest report from The Hindu reveals that Dar explained the situation in a written statement he submitted to the National Assembly of Pakistan, alluding to the fact that India slapped a 200 per cent&nbsp;tariff on imports from Pakistan, stopped the Kashmir bus service, and suspended trade across the Line of Control after the Pulwama attack.

Dar’s remark was in response to Pakistan Peoples Party lawmaker Sharmila Faruqui, who had asked about trade problems with Pakistan’s neighbouring countries, particularly India.

When asked about their plans to re-establish trade relations with India, he replied that Pakistan’s business community is very interested in this but that 'at present there are no plans to restore relations which have been virtually non-existent since 2019’.

The suspension of trade came after the Indian Parliament on August 5, 2019, abolished Article 370, a move that Pakistan saw as giving no hope for talks between the two nations.

Dar re-emphasised Pakistan’s stand on seeking “engagement and meaningful dialogue” to address outstanding issues, especially the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

He concluded that it is in New Delhi’s interest to create a favourable atmosphere for peace and reconciliation.

India, on the contrary, claims it wants only peaceful and neighbourly relations with Pakistan and reiterates that this can only be achieved if Pakistan stops creating hostility and terror.

Ties between the two nations have been tense for decades and are mostly defined by the conflict around Kashmir and Pakistani accusations of terrorism from India. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has once again highlighted that the trade relationship between Islamabad and New Delhi has remained suspended since 2019 after India raised its import duties on Pakistani goods.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has once again highlighted that the trade relationship between Islamabad and New Delhi has remained suspended since 2019 after India raised its import duties on Pakistani goods. The latest report from The Hindu reveals that Dar explained the situation in a written statement he submitted to the National Assembly of Pakistan, alluding to the fact that India slapped a 200 per cent tariff on imports from Pakistan, stopped the Kashmir bus service, and suspended trade across the Line of Control after the Pulwama attack. Dar’s remark was in response to Pakistan Peoples Party lawmaker Sharmila Faruqui, who had asked about trade problems with Pakistan’s neighbouring countries, particularly India. When asked about their plans to re-establish trade relations with India, he replied that Pakistan’s business community is very interested in this but that 'at present there are no plans to restore relations which have been virtually non-existent since 2019’. The suspension of trade came after the Indian Parliament on August 5, 2019, abolished Article 370, a move that Pakistan saw as giving no hope for talks between the two nations. Dar re-emphasised Pakistan’s stand on seeking “engagement and meaningful dialogue” to address outstanding issues, especially the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. He concluded that it is in New Delhi’s interest to create a favourable atmosphere for peace and reconciliation. India, on the contrary, claims it wants only peaceful and neighbourly relations with Pakistan and reiterates that this can only be achieved if Pakistan stops creating hostility and terror. Ties between the two nations have been tense for decades and are mostly defined by the conflict around Kashmir and Pakistani accusations of terrorism from India. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak minister says no plan to restore trade with India, suspended since 2019

Pakistan's Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah claimed late Saturday (May 27) that intelligence agencies intercepted a telephone call in which a plan to “stage a raid and rape at a known Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) worker’s home” was being discussed.

Pakistan's Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah claimed late Saturday (May 27) that intelligence agencies intercepted a telephone call in which a plan to “stage a raid and rape at a known Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) worker’s home” was being discussed. Speaking to reporters, Interior Minister Sanaullah said the conspiracy was being hatched to later claim that human rights were being violated in Pakistan, Dawn reported on Sunday. Sanaullah, however, did not provide any evidence to support his claim. Taking to Twitter, he said, "The country's agencies intercepted a conversation, revealing disturbing plots and planned actions, including a raid on the PTI leader's house and a staged rape." "Objective: falsely implicate law enforcement institutions in the crime, aiming to internationalise the issue," the minister added. Imran Khan hits out at Sanaullah: 'If any doubts about women being.....' Former Pakistan prime minister and PTI chairperson Imran Khan hit out at Interior Minister Rana Sanaulla's claim by saying he was trying to cover up and preempt the horror stories about to break in the media. "If there were any doubts about women being mistreated in jails, this press conference from this certified criminal should remove all such doubts," Khan tweeted on Sunday and said women in Pakistan have never been so mistreated and harassed by the state as they have been by this fascist govt when they were exercising their right to protest peacefully. In another tweet, Khan said that there were raids at night on the houses of PTI leaders Omar Ayub and Shahzad Akbar. "Today we are living in dark ages.. Constitution violated, court decisions openly flouted, houses broken in without warrant and smashed, media muzzled and no one to protect our fundamental rights," the former prime minister added. If there were any doubts about women being mistreated in jails, this press conference from this certified criminal should remove all such doubts. He is so obviously trying to cover up and preempt the horror stories about to break in the media. Women have never been so… pic.twitter.com/ig06rvsdsl — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 28, 2023 × The above developments come as the political crisis in Pakistan has worsened and the country faces its worst economic crisis in decades. On Friday, Imran Khan appealed for immediate talks with state officials, warning the country was headed towards anarchy. “I would like to appeal for talks because what is currently happening is not a solution. But don’t consider it a weakness of Imran Khan because whenever I speak of talks, they (the government) become stiffer. The police come to my house and warrants are issued. These things do not make a difference to me. I am worried about my country. You all should also be concerned about it,” Khan said in live stream on YouTube. In recent days, Khan has faced a slew of resignations from the PTI with party leaders saying they were leaving of their own free will. Many of them cited concerns for their family and health. Khan, however, said they were being made to resign under duress in a bid to weaken him and dismantle his party. 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.

Pak minister claims to expose ‘conspiracy to stage raid, rape’ at PTI worker’s house, says report

Pakistani politics was witness to a strong demand made by a federal minister to none other than the president of the country. Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to PM and a federal minister, called on Pakistan President Arif Alvi a few days ago to 'resign and go home'. The demand was made very publicly in a tweet in Urdu.&nbsp;

"President Alvi is holding individual meetings with foreign diplomats without informing the Foreign Office. This is a very inappropriate act and it does not flatter the President that these meetings are held above the Foreign Office. Arif Alvi President Kim and PTI workers. Looks like more. Please resign and go home," the translation made available by Twitter of his tweet said.

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صدر علوی غیر ملکی سفارتکاروں سے بغیر دفتر خارجہ کو بتائے انفرادی ملاقاتیں کر رہے ہیں۔یہ انتہائی نا مناسب فعل ہے اور صدر کو یہ زیب نہیں دیتا کہ دفتر خارجہ سے بالا بالا یہ ملاقاتیں کی جائیں۔عارف علوی صدر کم اور تحریک انصاف کے کارکن زیادہ لگ رہے ہیں۔ علوی صاحب استعفی دو اور گھر جاو
— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/TararAttaullah/status/1658807271697031173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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President Arif Alvi belongs to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the political party headed by former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, who is sparring with current regime headed by PM Shehbaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz).

<h2>Unrest continues</h2>

Pakistan is currently experiencing protests by Imran Khan's supporters in many parts of the country. The protests started on May 9 after the arrest of Khan. He was subsequently released on bail.

Protesters stormed military installations, including the house of a top general in Lahore, which was set ablaze. Thousands of people, most of them Khan's supporters, have been rounded up since.

On Friday (May 26), civilian authorities said that they had handed over 33 suspects who will be tried in military courts

"The accused who are being handed over to the military are those who trespassed and entered very sensitive defense installations," Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah told reporters as per Reuters.

Military courts are closed to outsiders, and no media is allowed. Rights groups have criticised the secretive nature of the process.

<h2>Economic crisis fuels protests</h2>

The political protests wouldn't have come at a worse time for Pakistan as it is going through worst economic crisis in decades. The effects on the economy and budget of common people are fuelling the unrest.&nbsp;

Dollar reserves have dwindled to only USD 4.4 billion. It is enough for only three weeks of import. The country is talking with International Monetary Fund (IMF) for bailout but the talks have stalled since November last year.

"Right now, everyone is so affected by the economic crisis that they feel the need to come out on the streets," said 27-year-old doctor Shahab Afzal as quoted by AFP.

"You can't even afford the basics," he said at a pro-Khan protest in the eastern city of Lahore.

Official data says that food inflation has soared to nearly 50 per cent in April.

"The sense of economic deprivation is the rocket fuel for Imran Khan's anti-government movement," said analyst Mosharraf Zaidi.&nbsp;

Zaidi was quoted by AFP.

"It creates room for hyper-growth of his support when you have trouble feeding your children." 
 
 
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Pakistani politics was witness to a strong demand made by a federal minister to none other than the president of the country. Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to PM and a federal minister, called on Pakistan President Arif Alvi a few days ago to 'resign and go home'.

Pakistani politics was witness to a strong demand made by a federal minister to none other than the president of the country. Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to PM and a federal minister, called on Pakistan President Arif Alvi a few days ago to 'resign and go home'. The demand was made very publicly in a tweet in Urdu. "President Alvi is holding individual meetings with foreign diplomats without informing the Foreign Office. This is a very inappropriate act and it does not flatter the President that these meetings are held above the Foreign Office. Arif Alvi President Kim and PTI workers. Looks like more. Please resign and go home," the translation made available by Twitter of his tweet said. صدر علوی غیر ملکی سفارتکاروں سے بغیر دفتر خارجہ کو بتائے انفرادی ملاقاتیں کر رہے ہیں۔یہ انتہائی نا مناسب فعل ہے اور صدر کو یہ زیب نہیں دیتا کہ دفتر خارجہ سے بالا بالا یہ ملاقاتیں کی جائیں۔عارف علوی صدر کم اور تحریک انصاف کے کارکن زیادہ لگ رہے ہیں۔ علوی صاحب استعفی دو اور گھر جاو — Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) May 17, 2023 × President Arif Alvi belongs to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the political party headed by former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, who is sparring with current regime headed by PM Shehbaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz). Unrest continues Pakistan is currently experiencing protests by Imran Khan's supporters in many parts of the country. The protests started on May 9 after the arrest of Khan. He was subsequently released on bail. Protesters stormed military installations, including the house of a top general in Lahore, which was set ablaze. Thousands of people, most of them Khan's supporters, have been rounded up since. On Friday (May 26), civilian authorities said that they had handed over 33 suspects who will be tried in military courts "The accused who are being handed over to the military are those who trespassed and entered very sensitive defense installations," Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah told reporters as per Reuters. Military courts are closed to outsiders, and no media is allowed. Rights groups have criticised the secretive nature of the process. Economic crisis fuels protests The political protests wouldn't have come at a worse time for Pakistan as it is going through worst economic crisis in decades. The effects on the economy and budget of common people are fuelling the unrest. Dollar reserves have dwindled to only USD 4.4 billion. It is enough for only three weeks of import. The country is talking with International Monetary Fund (IMF) for bailout but the talks have stalled since November last year. "Right now, everyone is so affected by the economic crisis that they feel the need to come out on the streets," said 27-year-old doctor Shahab Afzal as quoted by AFP. "You can't even afford the basics," he said at a pro-Khan protest in the eastern city of Lahore. Official data says that food inflation has soared to nearly 50 per cent in April. "The sense of economic deprivation is the rocket fuel for Imran Khan's anti-government movement," said analyst Mosharraf Zaidi. Zaidi was quoted by AFP. "It creates room for hyper-growth of his support when you have trouble feeding your children." 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.

'Resign and go home': Pakistan's minister tells president via tweet for meeting foreign diplomats

On Thursday, Pakistani Minister Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan stunned the internet by cutting a ribbon in his own unique way at an electronics store opening event.

The minister, like other politicians, was asked to a store opening in his Rawalpindi constituency.

Chohan is seen cutting the ribbon to open an event in the viral video.

The scissors failed to cut the ribbon as soon as they attempted to do so.

The minister attempted to move the scissors once or twice, but they were not ready.

Chouhan seized the ribbon in his hands and used his teeth to sever it into two pieces.

People were observed clapping and laughing heartily.&nbsp;

The video went viral right away on social media, and netizens weren't shy about mocking him.

Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan posted the video to social media and explained why he used his teeth instead of scissors.

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اپنے حلقے میں دوکان کے افتتاح کا انوکھا انداز۔۔۔!!! قینچی کند اور خراب تھی۔۔!!! مالک دوکان کو شرمندگی سے بچانے کے لیے نیا عالمی ریکارڈ قائم کر دیا۔۔!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/UsmanAKBuzdar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UsmanAKBuzdar</a> <a href="https://t.co/MRxedX0ZaB">pic.twitter.com/MRxedX0ZaB</a>
— Fayaz ul Hassan Chohan (@Fayazchohanpti) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fayazchohanpti/status/1433381316356083715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

On Thursday, Pakistani Minister Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan stunned the internet by cutting a ribbon in his own unique way at an electronics store opening event. The minister, like other politicians, was asked to a store opening in his Rawalpindi constituency.

On Thursday, Pakistani Minister Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan stunned the internet by cutting a ribbon in his own unique way at an electronics store opening event. The minister, like other politicians, was asked to a store opening in his Rawalpindi constituency. Chohan is seen cutting the ribbon to open an event in the viral video. The scissors failed to cut the ribbon as soon as they attempted to do so. The minister attempted to move the scissors once or twice, but they were not ready. Chouhan seized the ribbon in his hands and used his teeth to sever it into two pieces. People were observed clapping and laughing heartily. The video went viral right away on social media, and netizens weren't shy about mocking him. Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan posted the video to social media and explained why he used his teeth instead of scissors. اپنے حلقے میں دوکان کے افتتاح کا انوکھا انداز۔۔۔!!! قینچی کند اور خراب تھی۔۔!!! مالک دوکان کو شرمندگی سے بچانے کے لیے نیا عالمی ریکارڈ قائم کر دیا۔۔!!!@UsmanAKBuzdar pic.twitter.com/MRxedX0ZaB — Fayaz ul Hassan Chohan (@Fayazchohanpti) September 2, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Pakistan minister's ribbon-cutting style leaves netizens in splits 

Pakistan Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday blamed the cross border stubble burning and environmental conditions in India for the increasing level of pollution in Lahore. 
 
Taking to Twitter, Chaudhry quoted the country's Minister of Climate Change as informing the Cabinet that pollution in Lahore is caused by "cross border field fires and "abysmal environmental conditions in India."

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Min of Climate Change informed the Cabinet that Pollution in Lahore is caused by cross border field fires and abysmal environmental conditions in India level of pollution at Wagha is double than Lahore city, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Modi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Modi</a> Govt is failing is every aspect irresponsible Govts are a curse
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) <a href="https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry/status/1189396155412733953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Chaudhary's statement came after the World Air Quality Index (AQI) ranked Lahore second in the world's most polluted city in its latest ranking.

 
The tweet saw a backlash by netizens who asked the minister to have some accountability for the terrible climatic conditions in the city.

The human rights group,&nbsp;Amnesty International,&nbsp;on Wednesday censured Pakistan for its failure to protect people from "exposure to hazardous air" and "risking and violating human rights to life and health". 
 
In a statement, the organisation noted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore had reached 484 at 10:00 am PST today. "The threshold for 'hazardous' level of air quality is 300 where people are advised to 'avoid all physical activity outdoors'," reported the Express Tribune.

Pakistan Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday blamed the cross border stubble burning and environmental conditions in India for the increasing level of pollution in Lahore.

Pakistan Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday blamed the cross border stubble burning and environmental conditions in India for the increasing level of pollution in Lahore. Taking to Twitter, Chaudhry quoted the country's Minister of Climate Change as informing the Cabinet that pollution in Lahore is caused by "cross border field fires and "abysmal environmental conditions in India." Min of Climate Change informed the Cabinet that Pollution in Lahore is caused by cross border field fires and abysmal environmental conditions in India level of pollution at Wagha is double than Lahore city, #Modi Govt is failing is every aspect irresponsible Govts are a curse — Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) October 30, 2019 × Chaudhary's statement came after the World Air Quality Index (AQI) ranked Lahore second in the world's most polluted city in its latest ranking. The tweet saw a backlash by netizens who asked the minister to have some accountability for the terrible climatic conditions in the city. The human rights group, Amnesty International, on Wednesday censured Pakistan for its failure to protect people from "exposure to hazardous air" and "risking and violating human rights to life and health". In a statement, the organisation noted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore had reached 484 at 10:00 am PST today. "The threshold for 'hazardous' level of air quality is 300 where people are advised to 'avoid all physical activity outdoors'," reported the Express Tribune.

Pakistan Minister blames cross border field fires for increasing pollution level in Lahore

A war of words erupted on Sunday between External Affairs Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-takes-note-hindu-girls-forcible-conversion-to-islam-in-pakistan-demands-report-205199"> Sushma Swaraj</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-orders-probe-into-forced-conversion-and-marriages-of-two-teenage-hindu-girls-205232">Pakistan</a>'s Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary over reports of abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls and their forcible conversion to Islam on the eve of Holi in the Sindh province.

In a tweet, Swaraj sought a report from Indian envoy in Pakistan Ajay Bisaria on the reported abduction of the girls and their forcible conversion to Islam.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered a probe into the matter.

Responding to Swaraj's tweet, Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary said: "Maam its Pakistan's internal issue and (be) rest assured it's not Modi's India where minorities are subjugated, it's Imran Khan's Naya Pak where the white colour of our flag is equally dearer to us."

"I hope you'll act with same diligence when it comes to rights of Indian minorities," he said.

Swaraj, in her response to Chaudhary, said she had only asked for a report from the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam.

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Mr.Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fawadchaudhry</a> - I only asked for a report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam. This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainPakistan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainPakistan</a>
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1109740418151772160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<img alt="Fawad Hussain" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a51a31d5-e339-465b-b88e-7b384da80fa2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ch%20fawad%20hussain.JPG" />

"This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience," she said.

The two girls were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi.

Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the Nikah (marriage) of the two girls.

In a separate video, the minor girls can be seen saying that they accepted Islam of their own free will.

According to media reports, the Hindu community in the area staged protests, demanding action against perpetrators of the alleged crime.

In a Twitter post in Urdu, Information Minister Chaudhry said the prime minister has asked the Sindh chief minister to look into reports that the girls in question have been taken to Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab.

India has been raising the issue of the plight of minorities, particularly the Hindu community in Pakistan.

A war of words erupted on Sunday between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary over reports of abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls and their forcible conversion to Islam on the eve of Holi in the Sindh province.

A war of words erupted on Sunday between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary over reports of abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls and their forcible conversion to Islam on the eve of Holi in the Sindh province. In a tweet, Swaraj sought a report from Indian envoy in Pakistan Ajay Bisaria on the reported abduction of the girls and their forcible conversion to Islam. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered a probe into the matter. Responding to Swaraj's tweet, Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary said: "Maam its Pakistan's internal issue and (be) rest assured it's not Modi's India where minorities are subjugated, it's Imran Khan's Naya Pak where the white colour of our flag is equally dearer to us." "I hope you'll act with same diligence when it comes to rights of Indian minorities," he said. Swaraj, in her response to Chaudhary, said she had only asked for a report from the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam. Mr.Minister @fawadchaudhry - I only asked for a report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam. This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience. @IndiainPakistan — Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 24, 2019 × "This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience," she said. The two girls were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the Nikah (marriage) of the two girls. In a separate video, the minor girls can be seen saying that they accepted Islam of their own free will. According to media reports, the Hindu community in the area staged protests, demanding action against perpetrators of the alleged crime. In a Twitter post in Urdu, Information Minister Chaudhry said the prime minister has asked the Sindh chief minister to look into reports that the girls in question have been taken to Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab. India has been raising the issue of the plight of minorities, particularly the Hindu community in Pakistan.

Twitter war of words erupts between Sushma Swaraj, Pakistan minister over abduction of Hindu girls in Sindh

Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry Friday acknowledged his government's failure in reducing the economic burden on the country's middle class.

Addressing an event here, Chaudhry said that Prime Minister Imran Khan was aware of the role the country's middle class played in propelling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to power in last year's general elections.

"Our biggest regret is that we cannot provide immediate relief to the middle class that voted for us. Taxes are levied on the salaried class, and gas and electricity rates have increased for them," he said.

The minister said that the government succeeded to shield the poorest segments from the financial burden but it could not do so in case of the middle class due to lack of money.

He blamed the economic woes, which the current government inherited, for the failure to live up to the expectation of the people during the first six months.

"Our total income is approximately Rs 5.5 trillion, of which Rs 2 trillion goes to debt servicing, Rs 1.7 trillion towards our defence budget, and then for every 10 rupees, six go to the provinces," Chaudhry said.

The minister said that the federal government starts the budget-making process from the deficit.

He said the interest was paid on loans taken by the previous two successive governments which shook the foundation of the country.

Chaudhry also defended the 126-day sit-in by Imran Khan in 2014, saying it laid the foundation of 'Naya (new) Pakistan'.

The minister also accused former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's government of misusing fund and spending too much on mega-projects like the Orange Line Rail project in Lahore which costs US $ 3 billion.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry Friday acknowledged his government's failure in reducing the economic burden on the country's middle class. Addressing an event here, Chaudhry said that Prime Minister Imran Khan was aware of the role the country's middle class played in propelling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to power in last year's general elections.

Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry Friday acknowledged his government's failure in reducing the economic burden on the country's middle class. Addressing an event here, Chaudhry said that Prime Minister Imran Khan was aware of the role the country's middle class played in propelling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to power in last year's general elections. "Our biggest regret is that we cannot provide immediate relief to the middle class that voted for us. Taxes are levied on the salaried class, and gas and electricity rates have increased for them," he said. The minister said that the government succeeded to shield the poorest segments from the financial burden but it could not do so in case of the middle class due to lack of money. He blamed the economic woes, which the current government inherited, for the failure to live up to the expectation of the people during the first six months. "Our total income is approximately Rs 5.5 trillion, of which Rs 2 trillion goes to debt servicing, Rs 1.7 trillion towards our defence budget, and then for every 10 rupees, six go to the provinces," Chaudhry said. The minister said that the federal government starts the budget-making process from the deficit. He said the interest was paid on loans taken by the previous two successive governments which shook the foundation of the country. Chaudhry also defended the 126-day sit-in by Imran Khan in 2014, saying it laid the foundation of 'Naya (new) Pakistan'. The minister also accused former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's government of misusing fund and spending too much on mega-projects like the Orange Line Rail project in Lahore which costs US $ 3 billion.

Pakistan:  Information Minister acknowledges government's failure in addressing woes of middle class

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