Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will embark on a two-day visit to Kuala Lumpur from Monday to placate the Malaysian leadership after he skipped a major summit of Muslim nations reportedly under pressure from Saudi Arabia. Pakistan PM Imran Khan Skips Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meet for Malaysia Trip.

WION Dispatch: Imran Khan in damage control mode

Pak PM Imran Khan Skips OIC meet for Malaysia Trip | WION News | World News Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will embark on a two-day visit to Kuala Lumpur from Monday to placate the Malaysian leadership after he skipped a major summit of Muslim nations reportedly under pressure from Saudi Arabia. Pakistan PM Imran Khan Skips Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meet for Malaysia Trip.

Pak PM Imran Khan Skips OIC meet for Malaysia Trip

The Punjab government has sought fresh medical reports - within three days - from former Pakistan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-critical-picture-in-restaurant-goes-viral-274259">Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif</a> to decide on his application seeking an extension of his stay abroad for medical treatment, local media reported.

In a letter written by the provincial Home Department, dated January 28, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-decision-to-extend-nawaz-sharifs-stay-abroad-due-next-week-270782">Sharif </a>has been asked to submit the requisite reports, failing&nbsp;which the concerned authorities would decide on his application, seeking an extension of his stay abroad, based on existing records.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/forced-conversions-grow-in-pakistan-minorities-face-discrimination-277229">Forced conversions grow in Pakistan, Minorities face discrimination</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-punjab-govt-constitutes-committee-to-decide-on-nawazs-stay-abroad-270263">Sharif </a>had gone to London in November 2019 after the government gave him one-time permission to travel abroad for medical treatment during his bail period of four weeks without the condition of submitting indemnity bonds.

In December, last year, the former Prime Minister had sought an extension in his stay abroad on the expiry of the four weeks granted by the Lahore High Court.

Earlier this month, a picture of Sharif at a restaurant in London had gone viral following which Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government leaders have raised questions over the 'critical' nature of his health.

The Punjab government has sought fresh medical reports - within three days - from former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to decide on his application seeking an extension of his stay abroad for medical treatment, local media reported.

The Punjab government has sought fresh medical reports - within three days - from former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to decide on his application seeking an extension of his stay abroad for medical treatment, local media reported. In a letter written by the provincial Home Department, dated January 28, Sharif has been asked to submit the requisite reports, failing which the concerned authorities would decide on his application, seeking an extension of his stay abroad, based on existing records. Also Read: Forced conversions grow in Pakistan, Minorities face discrimination Sharif had gone to London in November 2019 after the government gave him one-time permission to travel abroad for medical treatment during his bail period of four weeks without the condition of submitting indemnity bonds. In December, last year, the former Prime Minister had sought an extension in his stay abroad on the expiry of the four weeks granted by the Lahore High Court. Earlier this month, a picture of Sharif at a restaurant in London had gone viral following which Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government leaders have raised questions over the 'critical' nature of his health.

Pak: Punjab govt seeks fresh medical reports from Nawaz Sharif within 3 days

Pakistan violated the ceasefire in the Degwar sector of Poonch district on Thursday. The <a href="Another Hindu temple vandalised in Pakistan, holy books, idols burnt">violation occurred</a> around 1:30 PM today when Pakistan initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms and shelling with mortars.

Indian Army is retaliating befittingly. On Wednesday also Pakistan had resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation in Krishna Ghati sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pakistan-army-is-obsessed-with-india-because-it-justifies-its-indispensability-209455">Pakistan army is obsessed with India because it justifies its indispensability</a>

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, a Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terrorist was arrested with arms and ammunition by a joint team of army 47 RR and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Kupwara police in Kupwara district of North Kashmir.

Pakistan violated the ceasefire in the Degwar sector of Poonch district on Thursday. The violation occurred around 1:30 PM today when Pakistan initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms and shelling with mortars.

Pakistan violated the ceasefire in the Degwar sector of Poonch district on Thursday. The violation occurred around 1:30 PM today when Pakistan initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms and shelling with mortars. Indian Army is retaliating befittingly. On Wednesday also Pakistan had resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation in Krishna Ghati sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. Also Read: Pakistan army is obsessed with India because it justifies its indispensability Meanwhile, earlier in the day, a Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terrorist was arrested with arms and ammunition by a joint team of army 47 RR and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Kupwara police in Kupwara district of North Kashmir.

Ceasefire violated by Pakistan in Poonch region

India has summoned a senior official of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scuffle-breaks-out-between-bajrang-dal-and-security-forces-near-pakistan-high-commission-272718">Pakistan High Commission</a> and lodged a strong protest over the recent cases of abduction of minor girls from the minority Hindu community in Pakistan, and urged for the safe return of them to their families, government sources said. 
 
The development comes after incidents of kidnapping of minor girls from the Hindu community came to light in Pakistan earlier this month. 
 
Two minor girls, Shanti Meghwad and Sarmi Meghwad, belonging to the minority Hindu community were abducted on January 14. They belong to Umar Village in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-facing-a-locust-crisis-more-than-40-crops-under-risk-263563">Tharparkar</a> of Sindh province. 
 
In another incident, a minor girl, Mehak, also belonging to the minority Hindu community, was abducted from Jacobabad district of Sindh province on January 15. 
 
"Pakistan has been conveyed the grave concerns as expressed amongst various quarters of the Indian civil society at such a shocking and deplorable incident involving minor girls from the minority Hindu community in Pakistan. The incidents have been strongly condemned and asked for the immediate safe return of the girls to their families," government sources said. 
 
India has time and again lodged several protests over the abduction and forced marriage of women from the Hindu community in the neighboring country. 
 
Recently, an angry group of local residents pelted stones at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-chishti-the-man-who-incited-nankana-sahib-gurdwara-violence-arrested-272549">Gurdwara Nankana Sahib</a> in Pakistan on January 3. The group was led by the family of a boy who had allegedly abducted Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur, daughter of gurdwara's panthi, last year. 
 
India had strongly condemned the "wanton acts of destruction and desecration" at Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, and called upon Pakistan to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and welfare of the members of the Sikh community. 
 
Days later, the body of Sikh youth, identified as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/india-condemns-sikh-youth-murder-stone-pelting-at-gurudwara-in-pakistan-272349">Ravinder Singh</a>, was found in the Chamkani police station area of Peshawar. The deceased was the brother of an Islamabad-based journalist, Harmeet Singh. 
 
India had also shared strong concerns raised by members of civil society, parliamentarians, and others at the "continued persecution of religious and ethnic minorities" in Pakistan.

India has summoned a senior official of the Pakistan High Commission and lodged a strong protest over the recent cases of abduction of minor girls from the minority Hindu community in Pakistan, and urged for the safe return of them to their families, government sources said.

India has summoned a senior official of the Pakistan High Commission and lodged a strong protest over the recent cases of abduction of minor girls from the minority Hindu community in Pakistan, and urged for the safe return of them to their families, government sources said. The development comes after incidents of kidnapping of minor girls from the Hindu community came to light in Pakistan earlier this month. Two minor girls, Shanti Meghwad and Sarmi Meghwad, belonging to the minority Hindu community were abducted on January 14. They belong to Umar Village in Tharparkar of Sindh province. In another incident, a minor girl, Mehak, also belonging to the minority Hindu community, was abducted from Jacobabad district of Sindh province on January 15. "Pakistan has been conveyed the grave concerns as expressed amongst various quarters of the Indian civil society at such a shocking and deplorable incident involving minor girls from the minority Hindu community in Pakistan. The incidents have been strongly condemned and asked for the immediate safe return of the girls to their families," government sources said. India has time and again lodged several protests over the abduction and forced marriage of women from the Hindu community in the neighboring country. Recently, an angry group of local residents pelted stones at Gurdwara Nankana Sahib in Pakistan on January 3. The group was led by the family of a boy who had allegedly abducted Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur, daughter of gurdwara's panthi, last year. India had strongly condemned the "wanton acts of destruction and desecration" at Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, and called upon Pakistan to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and welfare of the members of the Sikh community. Days later, the body of Sikh youth, identified as Ravinder Singh, was found in the Chamkani police station area of Peshawar. The deceased was the brother of an Islamabad-based journalist, Harmeet Singh. India had also shared strong concerns raised by members of civil society, parliamentarians, and others at the "continued persecution of religious and ethnic minorities" in Pakistan.

India calls Pak official, lodges strong protest over abduction of Hindu girls

The European Union has offered technical assistance to Pakistan for the implementation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) action plan by the country, according to a media report.

According to a joint press release issued at the conclusion of the 10th session of the European Union-Pakistan Joint Commission in Brussels on Friday, two sides emphasised the importance of the implementation of the FATF action plan by Pakistan, The Dawn reported.

The EU recognised the challenges faced by Pakistan in handling the most protracted refugee situation, and assured the country of continuation of its cooperation and assistance, working towards durable solutions for Afghan refugees and their host communities in the region, including the promotion of voluntary, safe, and dignified return to Afghanistan.

Global terror financing watchdog FATF last month retained Pakistan on its 'Grey List' till February 2020 for its failure to take adequate action against money laundering and terror financing.

Pakistan was placed on the Grey List by the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in June last year and was given a plan of action to complete it by October 2019 or face the risk of being placed on the Black List.

The European Union has offered technical assistance to Pakistan for the implementation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) action plan by the country, according to a media report.

The European Union has offered technical assistance to Pakistan for the implementation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) action plan by the country, according to a media report. According to a joint press release issued at the conclusion of the 10th session of the European Union-Pakistan Joint Commission in Brussels on Friday, two sides emphasised the importance of the implementation of the FATF action plan by Pakistan, The Dawn reported. The EU recognised the challenges faced by Pakistan in handling the most protracted refugee situation, and assured the country of continuation of its cooperation and assistance, working towards durable solutions for Afghan refugees and their host communities in the region, including the promotion of voluntary, safe, and dignified return to Afghanistan. Global terror financing watchdog FATF last month retained Pakistan on its 'Grey List' till February 2020 for its failure to take adequate action against money laundering and terror financing. Pakistan was placed on the Grey List by the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in June last year and was given a plan of action to complete it by October 2019 or face the risk of being placed on the Black List.

FATF: European Union offers technical assistance to Pakistan

Pakistani authorities have reopened an ancient temple for the country's tiny Hindu community in the industrial city of Sialkot despite increasing tensions with neighboring India over Kashmir.

Pakistan temple reopened after 72 years

Pakistan has always been known for producing aggressive and talented cricketers, and Shahid Afridi is perhaps the most popular and one of the best all-rounders in world cricket. Afridi - also known as &#39;Boom Boom&#39; for his instinctive&nbsp;big&nbsp;hitting - has been a nightmare for bowlers in the last two decades. &nbsp;

The Pakistani all-rounder has hit 476 sixes in all formats, most till now, leaving behind the likes of Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers and Yuvraj Singh.&nbsp;

And wait, it&#39;s not just&nbsp;the maximum number of sixes, Shahid Afridi also holds the record for the longest six in international cricket.&nbsp;

Here&#39;s how he did it: &nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-qt3XhL9x-Q" width="854"></iframe>

(WION)

One of the best all-rounders that Pakistan has ever produced, Shahid Afridi quit international cricket today

Pakistan has always been known for producing aggressive and talented cricketers, and Shahid Afridi is perhaps the most popular and one of the best all-rounders in world cricket. Afridi - also known as 'Boom Boom' for his instinctive big hitting - has been a nightmare for bowlers in the last two decades. The Pakistani all-rounder has hit 476 sixes in all formats, most till now, leaving behind the likes of Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers and Yuvraj Singh. And wait, it's not just the maximum number of sixes, Shahid Afridi also holds the record for the longest six in international cricket. Here's how he did it: (WION)

WATCH: 'Boom Boom' Afridi's longest SIXER

&quot;I&rsquo;m Gay and I&rsquo;m Pakistani &ndash; deal with it,&quot; reads the brief Twitter description under the image of a smiling and whiskered man. He is Chacha, uncle of Ahmed, a young boy living in the bustling city of Karachi.

Well, Chacha is not a real person. There is no flesh and blood. He is inked on paper, the main character of &ldquo;My Chacha is Gay&rdquo;, a comic book. The book tells the story of a homosexual man as seen through the eyes of his nephew.

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<h5>Little Ahmed knows his uncle is gay but he can&#39;t understand why people are so fussed about it. His uncle is fun</h5>
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Ahmed knows his uncle is gay. He does not understand why people are fussed about it. Chacha is his uncle and he is fun. The uncle and nephew&nbsp;love&nbsp;ice cream, go&nbsp;for camel rides on the beach and enjoy&nbsp;flying kites. Pretty much the same as the boy next door&rsquo;s uncle. Ahmed has met Uncle Faheem, Chacha&rsquo;s boyfriend. He likes him. Uncle Faheem is a pilot, a real one, with fatigues and proper aviator goggles. Sometimes Faheem lets Ahmed wear his official hat. It fills the young lad with excitement. Maybe, one day, Ahmed will also gain entry into a real cockpit.

The images are simple and the communication clear. There is a calm and happy atmosphere. Serenity may be a powerful instrument to tackle homophobia. The book has few written words but they deliver a strong and unequivocal message: love matters and not who you love.

Pakistani-Canadian blogger and illustrator Eiynah is the creator of the book. Her twitter profile @NiceMangos states that she writes about sex, religion and apostasy. She said to feminisminindia.com that she chose the nickname because mangoes are often used in Pakistan as a synonym for breasts. Her position is clear and provocative: She is a &quot;critic of Islam who loathes anti-Muslim bigots&quot;.

Eiynah is, of course, not her real name. For her, anonymity was a matter of necessity than one of choice. Reaching her directly is a tough task. She does not share her personal number or address. E-mails are the only way to reach her. She explains in an email interview with WION, &quot;I get a lot of threats for my work. So, I remain anonymous and therefore don&#39;t share personal contact details.&quot; Facebook suspended her account because she was using a nom de plume to protect her identity.

&quot;My Chacha Is Gay was something I had been planning for a long time. Homosexuality comes up often, especially with regards to Pakistani culture and lack of acceptance,&quot; writes the author. Same-sex relationships are a punishable offence in Pakistan. It can lead to imprisonment for a minimum of two years to a maximum of ten years. This law dates back to 1860. It was written during the British colonial rule. While the British left Pakistan in 1947, many of the laws did not.

Chacha generated instant public interest and acceptance. Crowdfunding it was an easy task. Popularity comes at a price, though. Being Pakistani and writing about homosexuality touches the raw nerves of a generally conservative society. &quot;I received many rape and death threats, for writing this book alone, along with my other projects as well,&quot; tells the author.

Spreading the book around the country is a tall order. The first version of the comic book was published in English but Eiynah decided to break linguistic barriers. Uncle Chacha started speaking Russian, Hebrew, Italian, Arabic, Spanish, German and, most importantly, Urdu, the official language of Pakistan. The translated versions are currently only available online. Eiynah says, &quot;There is sadly no real market for a printed Urdu version of a book that teaches homophobia is not okay since it is unfortunately still not accepted in much of the country.&rdquo;

The largest Pakistani book retailer initially showed some interest in her comic book but then nothing happened. It refused to have &quot;My Chacha Is Gay&quot;&nbsp;on its shelves as the book was too controversial. The book is also not available on the retailer&rsquo;s online shopping page. The purchase officer at the retailer says that he does not know anything about this comic book.

Eiynah belongs to the progressive section of the Pakistani society which dreams of a country free from religious fanaticism. People like her want a country where citizens can speak freely and publicly about every issue. Chacha, that way, is more than just a cartoon character. He is Eiynah&rsquo;s voice which is trying to bring to the world another picture of Pakistan, far from the common narrative of terrorism and violence.

(WION)

'My Chacha is Gay' tells the story of a family through the eyes of a child

"I’m Gay and I’m Pakistani – deal with it," reads the brief Twitter description under the image of a smiling and whiskered man. He is Chacha, uncle of Ahmed, a young boy living in the bustling city of Karachi. Well, Chacha is not a real person. There is no flesh and blood. He is inked on paper, the main character of “My Chacha is Gay”, a comic book. The book tells the story of a homosexual man as seen through the eyes of his nephew. Little Ahmed knows his uncle is gay but he can't understand why people are so fussed about it. His uncle is fun × Ahmed knows his uncle is gay. He does not understand why people are fussed about it. Chacha is his uncle and he is fun. The uncle and nephew love ice cream, go for camel rides on the beach and enjoy flying kites. Pretty much the same as the boy next door’s uncle. Ahmed has met Uncle Faheem, Chacha’s boyfriend. He likes him. Uncle Faheem is a pilot, a real one, with fatigues and proper aviator goggles. Sometimes Faheem lets Ahmed wear his official hat. It fills the young lad with excitement. Maybe, one day, Ahmed will also gain entry into a real cockpit. The images are simple and the communication clear. There is a calm and happy atmosphere. Serenity may be a powerful instrument to tackle homophobia. The book has few written words but they deliver a strong and unequivocal message: love matters and not who you love. Pakistani-Canadian blogger and illustrator Eiynah is the creator of the book. Her twitter profile @NiceMangos states that she writes about sex, religion and apostasy. She said to feminisminindia.com that she chose the nickname because mangoes are often used in Pakistan as a synonym for breasts. Her position is clear and provocative: She is a "critic of Islam who loathes anti-Muslim bigots". Eiynah is, of course, not her real name. For her, anonymity was a matter of necessity than one of choice. Reaching her directly is a tough task. She does not share her personal number or address. E-mails are the only way to reach her. She explains in an email interview with WION, "I get a lot of threats for my work. So, I remain anonymous and therefore don't share personal contact details." Facebook suspended her account because she was using a nom de plume to protect her identity. "My Chacha Is Gay was something I had been planning for a long time. Homosexuality comes up often, especially with regards to Pakistani culture and lack of acceptance," writes the author. Same-sex relationships are a punishable offence in Pakistan. It can lead to imprisonment for a minimum of two years to a maximum of ten years. This law dates back to 1860. It was written during the British colonial rule. While the British left Pakistan in 1947, many of the laws did not. Chacha generated instant public interest and acceptance. Crowdfunding it was an easy task. Popularity comes at a price, though. Being Pakistani and writing about homosexuality touches the raw nerves of a generally conservative society. "I received many rape and death threats, for writing this book alone, along with my other projects as well," tells the author. Spreading the book around the country is a tall order. The first version of the comic book was published in English but Eiynah decided to break linguistic barriers. Uncle Chacha started speaking Russian, Hebrew, Italian, Arabic, Spanish, German and, most importantly, Urdu, the official language of Pakistan. The translated versions are currently only available online. Eiynah says, "There is sadly no real market for a printed Urdu version of a book that teaches homophobia is not okay since it is unfortunately still not accepted in much of the country.” The largest Pakistani book retailer initially showed some interest in her comic book but then nothing happened. It refused to have "My Chacha Is Gay" on its shelves as the book was too controversial. The book is also not available on the retailer’s online shopping page. The purchase officer at the retailer says that he does not know anything about this comic book. Eiynah belongs to the progressive section of the Pakistani society which dreams of a country free from religious fanaticism. People like her want a country where citizens can speak freely and publicly about every issue. Chacha, that way, is more than just a cartoon character. He is Eiynah’s voice which is trying to bring to the world another picture of Pakistan, far from the common narrative of terrorism and violence. (WION)

Gay comic book character ?Chacha? tries to break homosexuality taboo in Pakistan

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