India on Thursday carried out "pinpoint strikes" inside Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(POK) using artillery and anti-tank missiles, reports said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-four-pakistani-terrorists-killed-in-gunbattle-344132">Also Read:&nbsp;Four Pakistani terrorists killed in gunbattle in J&amp;K</a>

According to newswire PTI, the Indian Army carried out strikes on suspected terror launchpads inside POK after Pakistan military tried to push terrorists into India.

India's retaliation comes as Pakistan began targeting Indian positions along the Line of Control(LoC) through heavy firing as the Indian army hit back.

The Indian army had attacked a large number of Pakistan Army bunkers, fuel dumps and launch pads, killing at least seven to eight Pakistan Army soldiers, reports said

At least two civilians were killed in Kamalkote sector in Uri in Baramulla district and a woman was reportedly killed in Balkote area in Haji Peer sector of Uri during the firing by Pakistan forces. 
&nbsp;

India on Thursday carried out "pinpoint strikes" inside Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(POK) using artillery and anti-tank missiles, reports said. Also Read: Four Pakistani terrorists killed in gunbattle in J&K According to newswire PTI, the Indian Army carried out strikes on suspected terror launchpads inside POK after Pakistan military tried to push terrorists into India.

India on Thursday carried out "pinpoint strikes" inside Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(POK) using artillery and anti-tank missiles, reports said. Also Read: Four Pakistani terrorists killed in gunbattle in J&K According to newswire PTI, the Indian Army carried out strikes on suspected terror launchpads inside POK after Pakistan military tried to push terrorists into India. India's retaliation comes as Pakistan began targeting Indian positions along the Line of Control(LoC) through heavy firing as the Indian army hit back. The Indian army had attacked a large number of Pakistan Army bunkers, fuel dumps and launch pads, killing at least seven to eight Pakistan Army soldiers, reports said At least two civilians were killed in Kamalkote sector in Uri in Baramulla district and a woman was reportedly killed in Balkote area in Haji Peer sector of Uri during the firing by Pakistan forces.

Indian Army carries out artillery, anti-tank missile strikes inside POK

Amid the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/india-china-standoff"> India-China standoff</a> along the LAC, intelligence sources say Pakistan is setting up surface-to-air missile sites with the help of China in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Watch:

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Sources say that People's Liberation Army(PLA) and Pakistan Army troops have been carrying out construction work for the installation of surface-to-air&nbsp;missiles in PoK.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ladakh-standoff-india-china-agree-not-to-send-more-troops-to-the-frontline-329527">Also Read:&nbsp;Ladakh standoff: India, China agree not to send more troops to the frontline</a>

There are about 25 to 40 civilians including 120 Pakistan Army officials working on the construction site. Reports say the control room for the missile defence system will be headquartered in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir's Bdel Bagh area with ten PLA troops including three officers who will reportedly be present at the control room.

Intelligence sources have revealed that similar construction activity has also been reported at Chinar village and Chakothi village in Hattian Bala district of Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

The report comes even as Indian troops are stocking up essential supplies including tanks and heavy weaponry in eastern Ladakh amid the India-China standoff at LAC.

India has reportedly flown in T-90 and T-72 tanks in various sensitive areas including Chushul and Demchock sectors. The Indian Army also transported essential commodities including tents, food items, fuel and heaters.

India has also reportedly deployed over three additional Army divisions in eastern Ladakh. India has also used C-130J Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster transport planes to ferry supplies and manpower.

Indian Air Force (IAF) has also decided to remain on high alert in the forward air bases along the LAC even as Indian and Chinese corps commander level talks continue with the next meeting set for October 12.

Amid the India-China standoff along the LAC, intelligence sources say Pakistan is setting up surface-to-air missile sites with the help of China in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Amid the India-China standoff along the LAC, intelligence sources say Pakistan is setting up surface-to-air missile sites with the help of China in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Watch: Sources say that People's Liberation Army(PLA) and Pakistan Army troops have been carrying out construction work for the installation of surface-to-air missiles in PoK. Also Read: Ladakh standoff: India, China agree not to send more troops to the frontline There are about 25 to 40 civilians including 120 Pakistan Army officials working on the construction site. Reports say the control room for the missile defence system will be headquartered in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir's Bdel Bagh area with ten PLA troops including three officers who will reportedly be present at the control room. Intelligence sources have revealed that similar construction activity has also been reported at Chinar village and Chakothi village in Hattian Bala district of Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The report comes even as Indian troops are stocking up essential supplies including tanks and heavy weaponry in eastern Ladakh amid the India-China standoff at LAC. India has reportedly flown in T-90 and T-72 tanks in various sensitive areas including Chushul and Demchock sectors. The Indian Army also transported essential commodities including tents, food items, fuel and heaters. India has also reportedly deployed over three additional Army divisions in eastern Ladakh. India has also used C-130J Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster transport planes to ferry supplies and manpower. Indian Air Force (IAF) has also decided to remain on high alert in the forward air bases along the LAC even as Indian and Chinese corps commander level talks continue with the next meeting set for October 12.

China helping Pak to set up surface-to-air missile sites in PoK: Report

A protest was organised in Aliabad Hunza of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with people demanding the release of 14 local men, including political leader Baba Jan, who were jailed in 2011 for `inciting` people against the government.The protestors vowed to continue with the agitation till acceptance of their demand.&nbsp;

The protests come at the time when Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa is visiting PoK. Bajwa has inaugurated state-of-the-art Software Technology Park, an initiative of the Special Communication Organisation (SCO), in Gilgit on Tuesday.

The protest was called by Aseeran-i-Hunza Rihaee Committee, a body formed to push for the release of the incarcerated leaders.About 500 male and female political activists from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistani Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N), religious and local organisations, and family members of the prisoners gathered at College Chowk in Aliabad Hunza, blocking the Karakoram HighwayThe protesters were holding placards inscribed with different slogans, calling for giving justice to the jailed people.&nbsp;

They also chanted the slogan as `Free 14 sons of Hunza`.The protesters said Baba Jan and 13 other people had been sentenced to life imprisonment in 2011 for what they said raising voice for the rights of victims of the Attabad lake disaster.They said it was astonishing that the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) charges had been slapped against the people.&nbsp;

Baba Jan is serving a ninety-year sentence which is based on trumped-up charges. He is an activist who challenged the then Pakistani administration which was essentially working against the people of Gilgit Baltistan.The Pakistan establishment has used the draconian schedule IV of the Anti-Terrorism Act in Gilgit Baltistan to muzzle the reasonable voices that resist its repression.

It has framed dozens under the law not only to give itself a free rein to rule the region but also to send a threatening message to all sections of the societyPuppet governments in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad, which largely operate at the command of the feudal elite of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, have committed systematic human rights violations to suppress the people of the region and keep them marginalised.

Pakistan makes huge claims at international platforms about working for the welfare of Kashmiri people but the ground reality reeks of a rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in the region.

A protest was organised in Aliabad Hunza of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with people demanding the release of 14 local men, including political leader Baba Jan, who were jailed in 2011 for `inciting` people against the government.

A protest was organised in Aliabad Hunza of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with people demanding the release of 14 local men, including political leader Baba Jan, who were jailed in 2011 for `inciting` people against the government.The protestors vowed to continue with the agitation till acceptance of their demand. The protests come at the time when Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa is visiting PoK. Bajwa has inaugurated state-of-the-art Software Technology Park, an initiative of the Special Communication Organisation (SCO), in Gilgit on Tuesday. The protest was called by Aseeran-i-Hunza Rihaee Committee, a body formed to push for the release of the incarcerated leaders.About 500 male and female political activists from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistani Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N), religious and local organisations, and family members of the prisoners gathered at College Chowk in Aliabad Hunza, blocking the Karakoram HighwayThe protesters were holding placards inscribed with different slogans, calling for giving justice to the jailed people. They also chanted the slogan as `Free 14 sons of Hunza`.The protesters said Baba Jan and 13 other people had been sentenced to life imprisonment in 2011 for what they said raising voice for the rights of victims of the Attabad lake disaster.They said it was astonishing that the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) charges had been slapped against the people. Baba Jan is serving a ninety-year sentence which is based on trumped-up charges. He is an activist who challenged the then Pakistani administration which was essentially working against the people of Gilgit Baltistan.The Pakistan establishment has used the draconian schedule IV of the Anti-Terrorism Act in Gilgit Baltistan to muzzle the reasonable voices that resist its repression. It has framed dozens under the law not only to give itself a free rein to rule the region but also to send a threatening message to all sections of the societyPuppet governments in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad, which largely operate at the command of the feudal elite of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, have committed systematic human rights violations to suppress the people of the region and keep them marginalised. Pakistan makes huge claims at international platforms about working for the welfare of Kashmiri people but the ground reality reeks of a rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in the region.

Amid Pakistan Army chief's visit to PoK, people take to streets demanding release of locals

A political activist from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) has rebuked Pakistan & China at the 45th Session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. In his address the activist, Nasir Aziz Khan sharply criticised both countries for constructing mega dams in the occupied territories.

Political activist rebukes Pak & China at UN over illegal construction of dams in PoK

The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) has launched a worldwide campaign in favour of Tanveer Ahmad, an activist and journalist arrested recently by local police and Pakistan's intelligence agencies.

Tanveer was tortured and arrested after his hunger strike and soon after he removed Pakistani flag from Dadyal in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) on August 14.

He is now being shifted to Mirpur Central Jail.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/womens-rights-a-key-issue-during-peace-talks-with-taliban-324361">Also read:&nbsp;Women's rights a key issue during peace talks with Taliban</a>

UKPNP activists organized a demonstration in Muzaffarabad and Kotli cities of PoK and shouted slogans against Pakistani secret agencies and local police. They demanded that Pakistani forces should leave from PoK.

The protesters said that Pakistan has forcefully occupied the territory and exploiting their resources. They accused both Pakistan and China for illegally constructing dams on the rivers and diverting the water which causes severe ecological imbalance.

In a statement UKPNP's exiled chairman Shaukat Ali Kashmiri strongly condemned the illegal detention of Tanveer Ahmed and demanded that Pakistan must release him immediately.

A large number of political activists and intellectuals in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan are under illegal detention of Pakistani forces and many of them are facing life term for raising voice against Pakistan's forceful occupation of their territory.

The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) has launched a worldwide campaign in favour of Tanveer Ahmad, an activist and journalist arrested recently by local police and Pakistan's intelligence agencies.

The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) has launched a worldwide campaign in favour of Tanveer Ahmad, an activist and journalist arrested recently by local police and Pakistan's intelligence agencies. Tanveer was tortured and arrested after his hunger strike and soon after he removed Pakistani flag from Dadyal in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) on August 14. He is now being shifted to Mirpur Central Jail. Also read: Women's rights a key issue during peace talks with Taliban UKPNP activists organized a demonstration in Muzaffarabad and Kotli cities of PoK and shouted slogans against Pakistani secret agencies and local police. They demanded that Pakistani forces should leave from PoK. The protesters said that Pakistan has forcefully occupied the territory and exploiting their resources. They accused both Pakistan and China for illegally constructing dams on the rivers and diverting the water which causes severe ecological imbalance. In a statement UKPNP's exiled chairman Shaukat Ali Kashmiri strongly condemned the illegal detention of Tanveer Ahmed and demanded that Pakistan must release him immediately. A large number of political activists and intellectuals in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan are under illegal detention of Pakistani forces and many of them are facing life term for raising voice against Pakistan's forceful occupation of their territory.

Campaign launched for safe release Of PoK activist and journalist Tanveer Ahmed

Activist Tanveer Ahmed was arrested and allegedly tortured by Pakistani agencies after he removed Pakistan's flag from a popular public place in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

According to news agency ANI, Ahmed had been on hunger strike, demanding the administration to remove all Pakistani flags from the area. When the local administration failed to do so, he went on to remove the flags himself.

In a video, Ahmed claimed he had removed a Pakistani flag from the area, adding he was being followed by the secret agencies. He then climbed on a wall and removed the second Pakistani flag hoisted at the square.

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Pakistan Occupied Kashmir: An activist who was on a hunger strike demanding the removal of Pakistani flags from the area, later removed the flags by himself in Dadyal. He says, "I removed a Pakistani flag from the area &amp; now I am being followed by secret agencies." (21.8) <a href="https://t.co/RLMkdgSP1H">pic.twitter.com/RLMkdgSP1H</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1296907425228849152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Sources told ANI that he was later mishandled and threatened by the security agencies.

People in PoK are resisting against Pakistan's illegal occupation and demanding Pakistani forces and other officials to leave the region.

(with inputs from ANI)

Activist Tanveer Ahmed was arrested and allegedly tortured by Pakistani agencies after he removed Pakistan's flag from a popular public place in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Activist Tanveer Ahmed was arrested and allegedly tortured by Pakistani agencies after he removed Pakistan's flag from a popular public place in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to news agency ANI, Ahmed had been on hunger strike, demanding the administration to remove all Pakistani flags from the area. When the local administration failed to do so, he went on to remove the flags himself. In a video, Ahmed claimed he had removed a Pakistani flag from the area, adding he was being followed by the secret agencies. He then climbed on a wall and removed the second Pakistani flag hoisted at the square. Pakistan Occupied Kashmir: An activist who was on a hunger strike demanding the removal of Pakistani flags from the area, later removed the flags by himself in Dadyal. He says, "I removed a Pakistani flag from the area & now I am being followed by secret agencies." (21.8) pic.twitter.com/RLMkdgSP1H — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2020 × Sources told ANI that he was later mishandled and threatened by the security agencies. People in PoK are resisting against Pakistan's illegal occupation and demanding Pakistani forces and other officials to leave the region. (with inputs from ANI)

Pakistani agencies arrest activist after he brings down country's flag in PoK

Two Jammu and Kashmir policemen were killed while another sustained injures in a terror attack carried out by Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorists on the outskirts of Srinagar this morning.

J&amp;K police said that terrorists fired indiscriminately upon policemen near Nowgam Bypass area of Srinagar in which three cops sustained injuries, two of them later succumbed to their injuries at a hospital.

“They were shifted to hospital for treatment where 02 among them attained martyrdom. Area cordoned off. Further details shall follow,” police said in a tweet.

Inspector general of Police Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar, blamed Jaish-e-Muhammad outfit for carrying out the attack. The outfit is known for carrying out deadly attacks on security forces in the valley.

Two Jammu and Kashmir policemen were killed while another sustained injures in a terror attack carried out by Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorists on the outskirts of Srinagar this morning.

Two Jammu and Kashmir policemen were killed while another sustained injures in a terror attack carried out by Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorists on the outskirts of Srinagar this morning. J&K police said that terrorists fired indiscriminately upon policemen near Nowgam Bypass area of Srinagar in which three cops sustained injuries, two of them later succumbed to their injuries at a hospital. “They were shifted to hospital for treatment where 02 among them attained martyrdom. Area cordoned off. Further details shall follow,” police said in a tweet. Inspector general of Police Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar, blamed Jaish-e-Muhammad outfit for carrying out the attack. The outfit is known for carrying out deadly attacks on security forces in the valley.

Two Jammu and Kashmir policemen killed in Srinagar terror attack

A massive torch rally was held in Muzaffarabad city of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday night to oppose the mega-dams to be constructed by Chinese firms on Neelum-Jhelum River.

The protestors from ``Darya Bachao, Muzaffarabad Bachao" (Save River, Save Muzaffarabad) Committee chanted slogans like "let the Neelum and Jhelum rivers flow, let us live.''

Recently, Pakistan and China signed agreements to construct Azad Pattan and Kohala Hydropower Projects in PoK.The Azad Pattan Hydel Power Project of 700.7 megawatts of electricity as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was signed on July 6.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-chief-general-qamar-javed-bajwa-to-visit-saudi-arabia-in-quest-to-smooth-ties-320171" hreflang="en">Pakistan Army chief to visit Saudi Arabia in quest to smooth ties</a>

The USD 1.54 billion project will be sponsored by the China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC).The Kohala Hydroelectric Power Project which will be built on Jhelum River is roughly 7 km upstream of Azad Pattan Bridge in Sudhanoti district of PoK and 90 km from Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan.

The project, expected to be completed by 2026, will be sponsored by China Three Gorges Corporation, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Silk Road Fund.

What really irks locals is the high Chinese presence in the area, massive construction of dams, and river diversions threatening their very existence.

Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza, a political activist from PoK, told ANI, "Such protests in PoK are continuing for a long time, but their voice is not heard. China`s Three Gorges Corporation is constructing these billion dollars projects like Kohala Hydropower Project and Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower project and they have changed the course of the rivers. This has caused a severe rise in temperature in Muzaffarabad."

He added, "Once roaring Neelum River now gives the looks of a small rivulet. It has severely affected the local residents as they even do not have drinking water. The river is flooded with sewage."

"China is investing huge money in the region and who will repay it?" Dr Mirza questioned while adding that poor people of PoK will suffer the most by repaying these debts.Pakistan and China are jointly plundering the natural resources of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan in the wake of CPEC. The resentment in the occupied territories is high against Pakistan and China.&nbsp;

A massive torch rally was held in Muzaffarabad city of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday night to oppose the mega-dams to be constructed by Chinese firms on Neelum-Jhelum River.

A massive torch rally was held in Muzaffarabad city of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday night to oppose the mega-dams to be constructed by Chinese firms on Neelum-Jhelum River. The protestors from ``Darya Bachao, Muzaffarabad Bachao" (Save River, Save Muzaffarabad) Committee chanted slogans like "let the Neelum and Jhelum rivers flow, let us live.'' Recently, Pakistan and China signed agreements to construct Azad Pattan and Kohala Hydropower Projects in PoK.The Azad Pattan Hydel Power Project of 700.7 megawatts of electricity as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was signed on July 6. Also read: Pakistan Army chief to visit Saudi Arabia in quest to smooth ties The USD 1.54 billion project will be sponsored by the China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC).The Kohala Hydroelectric Power Project which will be built on Jhelum River is roughly 7 km upstream of Azad Pattan Bridge in Sudhanoti district of PoK and 90 km from Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. The project, expected to be completed by 2026, will be sponsored by China Three Gorges Corporation, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Silk Road Fund. What really irks locals is the high Chinese presence in the area, massive construction of dams, and river diversions threatening their very existence. Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza, a political activist from PoK, told ANI, "Such protests in PoK are continuing for a long time, but their voice is not heard. China`s Three Gorges Corporation is constructing these billion dollars projects like Kohala Hydropower Project and Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower project and they have changed the course of the rivers. This has caused a severe rise in temperature in Muzaffarabad." He added, "Once roaring Neelum River now gives the looks of a small rivulet. It has severely affected the local residents as they even do not have drinking water. The river is flooded with sewage." "China is investing huge money in the region and who will repay it?" Dr Mirza questioned while adding that poor people of PoK will suffer the most by repaying these debts.Pakistan and China are jointly plundering the natural resources of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan in the wake of CPEC. The resentment in the occupied territories is high against Pakistan and China.

Protests erupt in PoK against construction of dams by China

Chinese government mouth mouthpiece Global Times has declined to carry the Indian embassy in China's rebuttal to Pakistani envoy on Kashmir. Global Times on August 6 carried an interview of Pakistani envoy to China Moin Ul Haque on Kashmir to which the Indian side had sent a rebuttal.

The Indian embassy in China in its rebuttal said, "Ambassador Haque's misrepresentation, while not surprising, cannot conceal the significant progress that J&amp;K has made in the year following" abrogation of article 370 of the Indian constitution.

Highlighting the progress made, the rebuttal by the Indian mission said,"in the last one year since the historic decision on August 5 2019, several positive and affirmative union laws have been extended to J&amp;K" and "evidence of the change sweeping through J&amp;K can be seen in the creation of new education and health infrastructure and opportunities".&nbsp;

It explained,"50 new educational institutions were established in the region" the largest addition in 70 years with "over half a million Kashmiri students" availing "government scholarship schemes"

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"For this year alone, around 200 innocent <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kashmiris?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kashmiris</a> have been killed, around 50 cases of rape and molestation and nearly 1,000 cases of destruction of houses and property have been reported," said Moin ul Haque, Ambassador of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> to China. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IOJK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IOJK</a> <a href="https://t.co/yUzZGUHP6r">https://t.co/yUzZGUHP6r</a> <a href="https://t.co/hRkzdloqaF">pic.twitter.com/hRkzdloqaF</a>
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/globaltimesnews/status/1291416263592468481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On cross-border terror, the mission rebuttal said, "India's concerted efforts to bring peace, stability and progress to J&amp;K stands in stark contrast to Pakistan's strategy, which is little more than a blatant and rapacious campaign of cross border terrorism aimed at debilitating the region".&nbsp;

3,000 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in first seven&nbsp;months of 2020 has provided "support for terrorist infiltration along Line of Control", the Indian mission said, adding,"perhaps ambassador Haque could consider holding up a mirror to his own "regime" and reflect on Pakistan's own actions in the region before making ludicrous characterizations of the Indian government's actions."

India's statement from Beijing also spoke on POK pointing out how Islamabad's "repeatedly effected administrative and demographic changes in territories that it has occupied illegally and forcibly in J&amp;K and Ladakh" and its "obsession with irredentist pursuits has also been laid bare in its latest exercise in political absurdity on August 4 when it made untenable claims to Indian territories in the state of Gujarat and Union territories of J&amp;K and Ladakh". What is significant is the fact India mentioned about POK through which China's mega infrastructure project passes CPEC from Beijing.

In June, it emerged that China's popular app WeChat had removed statement by PM Narendra Modi on Galwan incident. Ministry of external affair's statement has also been taken down from Weibo, the Chinese counterpart of Twitter.

The developments come even as the Chinese envoy to India, Sun Weidong has been speaking freely to Indian media which many would say is the positive aspects of a democratic country.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Chinese government mouth mouthpiece Global Times has declined to carry the Indian embassy in China's rebuttal to Pakistani envoy on Kashmir. Global Times on August 6 carried an interview of Pakistani envoy to China Moin Ul Haque on Kashmir to which the Indian side had sent a rebuttal.

Chinese government mouth mouthpiece Global Times has declined to carry the Indian embassy in China's rebuttal to Pakistani envoy on Kashmir. Global Times on August 6 carried an interview of Pakistani envoy to China Moin Ul Haque on Kashmir to which the Indian side had sent a rebuttal. The Indian embassy in China in its rebuttal said, "Ambassador Haque's misrepresentation, while not surprising, cannot conceal the significant progress that J&K has made in the year following" abrogation of article 370 of the Indian constitution. Highlighting the progress made, the rebuttal by the Indian mission said,"in the last one year since the historic decision on August 5 2019, several positive and affirmative union laws have been extended to J&K" and "evidence of the change sweeping through J&K can be seen in the creation of new education and health infrastructure and opportunities". It explained,"50 new educational institutions were established in the region" the largest addition in 70 years with "over half a million Kashmiri students" availing "government scholarship schemes" "For this year alone, around 200 innocent #Kashmiris have been killed, around 50 cases of rape and molestation and nearly 1,000 cases of destruction of houses and property have been reported," said Moin ul Haque, Ambassador of #Pakistan to China. #IOJK https://t.co/yUzZGUHP6r pic.twitter.com/hRkzdloqaF — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) August 6, 2020 × On cross-border terror, the mission rebuttal said, "India's concerted efforts to bring peace, stability and progress to J&K stands in stark contrast to Pakistan's strategy, which is little more than a blatant and rapacious campaign of cross border terrorism aimed at debilitating the region". 3,000 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in first seven months of 2020 has provided "support for terrorist infiltration along Line of Control", the Indian mission said, adding,"perhaps ambassador Haque could consider holding up a mirror to his own "regime" and reflect on Pakistan's own actions in the region before making ludicrous characterizations of the Indian government's actions." India's statement from Beijing also spoke on POK pointing out how Islamabad's "repeatedly effected administrative and demographic changes in territories that it has occupied illegally and forcibly in J&K and Ladakh" and its "obsession with irredentist pursuits has also been laid bare in its latest exercise in political absurdity on August 4 when it made untenable claims to Indian territories in the state of Gujarat and Union territories of J&K and Ladakh". What is significant is the fact India mentioned about POK through which China's mega infrastructure project passes CPEC from Beijing. In June, it emerged that China's popular app WeChat had removed statement by PM Narendra Modi on Galwan incident. Ministry of external affair's statement has also been taken down from Weibo, the Chinese counterpart of Twitter. The developments come even as the Chinese envoy to India, Sun Weidong has been speaking freely to Indian media which many would say is the positive aspects of a democratic country.

Chinese government mouthpiece Global Times declines to carry Indian embassy's rebuttal on Pak envoy

Islamabad is set to honour Kashmiri Separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani with Pakistan's highest civilian award. Pakistani lawmakers want to build a university in Geelani's name. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why the Pak govt should fix its priorities first.

Gravitas: Pakistan wants to honour this Kashmiri separatist | Syed Ali Shah Geelani

Pakistan's Punjab government has banned over 100 textbooks taught at schools after finding in them "blasphemous and objectionable content" such as not showing Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as part of the country.

Some books had not even printed the correct date of the birth of Pakistan's founder 'Quaid-e-Azam' Muhammad Ali Jinnah and national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, and some had the content against the two-nation theory, Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB) Managing Director Rai Manzoor Nasir said.

Nasir said that some 10,000 books taught at public and private schools have been reviewed by 30 committees.

"Over 100 of them including those published by Oxford, Cambridge, Link International Pakistan, Paragon Books, have been found containing objectionable content, therefore, they are banned on the recommendation of these committees.

"The banned books had blasphemous and anti-Pakistan content and missing of (Pakistan-occupied) Kashmir from the Pakistani map," he said.

The board has issued an order to confiscate these books from the market.

"The government will not tolerate this objectionable content to be taught to Pakistani children. We will conduct a complete inspection of other textbooks within the next six months," he said.

Last month, the Punjab provincial government, in light of the Punjab Assembly resolution, banned two books by British-American author Lesley Hazleton for allegedly containing blasphemous content.

Pakistan's Punjab government has banned over 100 textbooks taught at schools after finding in them "blasphemous and objectionable content" such as not showing Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as part of the country.

Pakistan's Punjab government has banned over 100 textbooks taught at schools after finding in them "blasphemous and objectionable content" such as not showing Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as part of the country. Some books had not even printed the correct date of the birth of Pakistan's founder 'Quaid-e-Azam' Muhammad Ali Jinnah and national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, and some had the content against the two-nation theory, Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB) Managing Director Rai Manzoor Nasir said. Nasir said that some 10,000 books taught at public and private schools have been reviewed by 30 committees. "Over 100 of them including those published by Oxford, Cambridge, Link International Pakistan, Paragon Books, have been found containing objectionable content, therefore, they are banned on the recommendation of these committees. "The banned books had blasphemous and anti-Pakistan content and missing of (Pakistan-occupied) Kashmir from the Pakistani map," he said. The board has issued an order to confiscate these books from the market. "The government will not tolerate this objectionable content to be taught to Pakistani children. We will conduct a complete inspection of other textbooks within the next six months," he said. Last month, the Punjab provincial government, in light of the Punjab Assembly resolution, banned two books by British-American author Lesley Hazleton for allegedly containing blasphemous content.

Pak bans over 100 textbooks over 'objectionable content', not showing PoK part of country

Despite rotting under debt and facing multiple crisis, Pakistan&nbsp;still&nbsp;persists&nbsp;in engineering wicked plots to defame India.

The plots are centered around Pakistan's favourite topic: Kashmir. Islamabad took a delegation of foreign journalists on a staged visit to the LoC&nbsp;on Wednesday.

A team of foreign media correspondents was taken on a tour by Imran Khan's government to&nbsp;the Poonch and Chirikot sector in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

The delegation included journalists from media organizations such as Al Jazeera and CCTV, which are infamous for their anti-India rhetoric. The composition of the&nbsp;delegation itself speaks a lot about the purpose of the&nbsp;visit.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pakistans-staged-tour-of-the-line-of-control-315554/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This purpose of the&nbsp;visit was to portray India as the perpetrator of ceasefire violations and crimes along the Line of Control(LoC)&nbsp;and to show Pakistan as a "victim" of the circumstances created by India.

The Pakistan Army has been shelling villages along the LoC for three consecutive days.&nbsp;At 11 am on Thursday, it once again initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation but these so-called foreign correspondents are obviously blind to Pakistan's actions.

They newspapers in Pakistan are carrying extensive columns on how these journalists praised the Pakistan army for its apparent ''bravery''. However, they were probably paid to do so.&nbsp;A similar incident had occured when a British parliamentary panel visited PoK earlier this year.

Debbie Abrahams, a British lawmaker, was barred from entering India due to an invalid visa.&nbsp;

In retaliation, she took part in press conferences with the Pak foreign minister and peddled lies about human rights violations in Kashmir.

According to reports, Abarahams was paid approximately $38,500 which&nbsp;is equivalent to 29 to 31 lakh Pakistani rupees. The British parliamentary panel has itself disclosed these details in its register a copy of of their filing.

It shows how Debbie Abrahams and her team received a "benefit of kind"&nbsp;of approximately $38,500 from the government of Pakistan. A benefit of kind which Britain has sugar-coated. It&nbsp;is not the first time that Debbie Abrahams has received funding from Pakistan.

In September 2018, the Pakistan High Commission in London had reportedly given around $14,000 euros to her group for a visit to Islamabad and Kashmir.

While Abrahams is accepting money from Imran Khan's government, she is hyprotically pointing out how can it be legal for UK to squander tax-payer's money on a bankrupt American company perhaps in the same manner in which Pakistan is paying journalists and lawmakers to defame India.

Despite rotting under debt and facing multiple crisis, Pakistan still persists in engineering wicked plots to defame India. The plots are centered around Pakistan's favourite topic: Kashmir.

Despite rotting under debt and facing multiple crisis, Pakistan still persists in engineering wicked plots to defame India. The plots are centered around Pakistan's favourite topic: Kashmir. Islamabad took a delegation of foreign journalists on a staged visit to the LoC on Wednesday. A team of foreign media correspondents was taken on a tour by Imran Khan's government to the Poonch and Chirikot sector in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The delegation included journalists from media organizations such as Al Jazeera and CCTV, which are infamous for their anti-India rhetoric. The composition of the delegation itself speaks a lot about the purpose of the visit. This purpose of the visit was to portray India as the perpetrator of ceasefire violations and crimes along the Line of Control(LoC) and to show Pakistan as a "victim" of the circumstances created by India. The Pakistan Army has been shelling villages along the LoC for three consecutive days. At 11 am on Thursday, it once again initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation but these so-called foreign correspondents are obviously blind to Pakistan's actions. They newspapers in Pakistan are carrying extensive columns on how these journalists praised the Pakistan army for its apparent ''bravery''. However, they were probably paid to do so. A similar incident had occured when a British parliamentary panel visited PoK earlier this year. Debbie Abrahams, a British lawmaker, was barred from entering India due to an invalid visa. In retaliation, she took part in press conferences with the Pak foreign minister and peddled lies about human rights violations in Kashmir. According to reports, Abarahams was paid approximately $38,500 which is equivalent to 29 to 31 lakh Pakistani rupees. The British parliamentary panel has itself disclosed these details in its register a copy of of their filing. It shows how Debbie Abrahams and her team received a "benefit of kind" of approximately $38,500 from the government of Pakistan. A benefit of kind which Britain has sugar-coated. It is not the first time that Debbie Abrahams has received funding from Pakistan. In September 2018, the Pakistan High Commission in London had reportedly given around $14,000 euros to her group for a visit to Islamabad and Kashmir. While Abrahams is accepting money from Imran Khan's government, she is hyprotically pointing out how can it be legal for UK to squander tax-payer's money on a bankrupt American company perhaps in the same manner in which Pakistan is paying journalists and lawmakers to defame India.

How Pakistan sponsors 'LoC tourism' to defame India

In February 2020, a British Parliamentary group visited the PoK to review the human rights situation on the ground. It has been reported that the group received money 30,000 British Pounds (30 lakh rupees) from the Pakistan government for this trip. WION in an exclusive interview spoke to Former Indian Envoy to UK Ruchi Ghanashyam.

Pak paid 30,000 pounds to British parliamentary group to visit PoK , Former Indian Envoy to UK speaks to WION

It has been revealed that All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir (APPGK), whose aim is to highlight alleged human rights violations in Kashmir, received 30 lakh PKR ($17,917) from Islamabad for a visit to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The UK parliamentary group is chaired by Labour MP Debbie Abrahams.

According to a report, the APPGs have to declare benefits in kind and money received worth more than 1500 pounds on the APPG register. As per the 'receipt' regarding the visit of all-party parliamentary groups, APPGK received an amount between 29.7 lakh PKR and 31.2 lakh PKR on February 18 from the Pakistan government for a visit to PoK from February 18-22.

Abrahams landed in Pakistan and met Prime Minister Imran Khan after she was deported from India on February 17. Abrahams was deported to Dubai o after being informed at Delhi Airport that her e-visa was not valid.

The then MEA spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar, had said: “We believe that her statements and ideology are anti-India. There is a sustained campaign from her side against India.”

Abrahams has been extremely critical of India’s decision to abrogate Article 370 and strip the state of Jammu and Kashmir of its special status.

In reponse, Abrahams alleged that she was treated like a criminal and prevented by the Indian authorities from meeting friends and family in Delhi.&nbsp;

This is not the first time APPGK has received funds from Pakistan. On September 17, 2018, the Pakistan High Commission in London gave around 12,000 pounds to the group to fund a visit to Islamabad and Kashmir between September 17-20 that year.

(with inputs from ANI)

It has been revealed that All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir (APPGK), whose aim is to highlight alleged human rights violations in Kashmir, received 30 lakh PKR ($17,917) from Islamabad for a visit to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

It has been revealed that All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir (APPGK), whose aim is to highlight alleged human rights violations in Kashmir, received 30 lakh PKR ($17,917) from Islamabad for a visit to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The UK parliamentary group is chaired by Labour MP Debbie Abrahams. According to a report, the APPGs have to declare benefits in kind and money received worth more than 1500 pounds on the APPG register. As per the 'receipt' regarding the visit of all-party parliamentary groups, APPGK received an amount between 29.7 lakh PKR and 31.2 lakh PKR on February 18 from the Pakistan government for a visit to PoK from February 18-22. Abrahams landed in Pakistan and met Prime Minister Imran Khan after she was deported from India on February 17. Abrahams was deported to Dubai o after being informed at Delhi Airport that her e-visa was not valid. The then MEA spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar, had said: “We believe that her statements and ideology are anti-India. There is a sustained campaign from her side against India.” Abrahams has been extremely critical of India’s decision to abrogate Article 370 and strip the state of Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. In reponse, Abrahams alleged that she was treated like a criminal and prevented by the Indian authorities from meeting friends and family in Delhi. This is not the first time APPGK has received funds from Pakistan. On September 17, 2018, the Pakistan High Commission in London gave around 12,000 pounds to the group to fund a visit to Islamabad and Kashmir between September 17-20 that year. (with inputs from ANI)

Pro-Pakistan UK parliamentary group got money to visit PoK, reveals 'receipt'

It has bee revealed that Pakistan paid around 30 Lakh rupees or 33,000 Pounds to British Parliamentary Group to visit PoK to review human rights situation in February month earlier this year.

Pakistan paid British Parliamentary Group to visit PoK to review human rights situation

India on Thursday said it has strongly protested against&nbsp;Pakistan's attempt to construct&nbsp;the Diamer-Bhasha dam in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir(PoK) and condemned Islamabad's continued attempts&nbsp;to bring about material changes in Indian territories under its illegal occupation.

India's strong protest came after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday kicked off construction work at the Diamer-Bhasha dam in Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan, notwithstanding New Delhi's objection to the China-backed mega project.

Asked about the development at the weekly briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said India had made its position on it clear earlier and it remains unchanged.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/domestic-violence-coronavirus-not-the-only-battle-being-fought-by-women-in-pakistan-313812">Also read:&nbsp;Domestic violence: Coronavirus, not the only battle being fought by women in Pakistan</a>

"The entire Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union territory of Ladakh, have been, are, and will be an integral and inalienable part of India. We have strongly protested against the construction of this dam to the government of Pakistan," Srivastava said.

"This dam will lead to submergence of a large part of land of the Indian union territories of J&amp;K and Ladakh and we condemn the continuous attempts by Pakistan to bring about material changes in Indian territories under its illegal occupation," he said.

India has also consistently conveyed its protest and shared concerns with both China and Pakistan on all such projects in the Indian territories under Pakistan's illegal occupation where it has no locus standi, the MEA spokesperson said.

The Pakistan government in May had signed a whopping Rs 442 billion contract with a joint venture of a Chinese state-run firm and a commercial arm of Pakistan's powerful military for the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha dam. 
Asked about reports of Pakistan allowing Afghan goods to be exported via Wagah, Srivastava said it was another example of Pakistan's creation of a mirage of goodwill.

"Let us be clear on this, Pakistan is not allowing Afghan trucks to carry Afghan goods and is seeking monopolistic transport practices. It is not allowing Afghanistan two-way transit rights as committed under article 3 of the Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (also known as APTTA)," he said.

"So, Pakistan has been following a policy of creating captive markets by denying full transit access to Afghanistan by restricting products from India and other countries. It is failing to fulfil its own commitments under APTTA," Srivastava said.

Pakistan has even denied transit of humanitarian grant assistance, including wheat from India, to Afghanistan, he said.&nbsp;

India on Thursday said it has strongly protested against Pakistan's attempt to construct the Diamer-Bhasha dam in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir(PoK) and condemned Islamabad's continued attempts to bring about material changes in Indian territories under its illegal occupation.

India on Thursday said it has strongly protested against Pakistan's attempt to construct the Diamer-Bhasha dam in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir(PoK) and condemned Islamabad's continued attempts to bring about material changes in Indian territories under its illegal occupation. India's strong protest came after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday kicked off construction work at the Diamer-Bhasha dam in Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan, notwithstanding New Delhi's objection to the China-backed mega project. Asked about the development at the weekly briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said India had made its position on it clear earlier and it remains unchanged. Also read: Domestic violence: Coronavirus, not the only battle being fought by women in Pakistan "The entire Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union territory of Ladakh, have been, are, and will be an integral and inalienable part of India. We have strongly protested against the construction of this dam to the government of Pakistan," Srivastava said. "This dam will lead to submergence of a large part of land of the Indian union territories of J&K and Ladakh and we condemn the continuous attempts by Pakistan to bring about material changes in Indian territories under its illegal occupation," he said. India has also consistently conveyed its protest and shared concerns with both China and Pakistan on all such projects in the Indian territories under Pakistan's illegal occupation where it has no locus standi, the MEA spokesperson said. The Pakistan government in May had signed a whopping Rs 442 billion contract with a joint venture of a Chinese state-run firm and a commercial arm of Pakistan's powerful military for the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha dam. Asked about reports of Pakistan allowing Afghan goods to be exported via Wagah, Srivastava said it was another example of Pakistan's creation of a mirage of goodwill. "Let us be clear on this, Pakistan is not allowing Afghan trucks to carry Afghan goods and is seeking monopolistic transport practices. It is not allowing Afghanistan two-way transit rights as committed under article 3 of the Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (also known as APTTA)," he said. "So, Pakistan has been following a policy of creating captive markets by denying full transit access to Afghanistan by restricting products from India and other countries. It is failing to fulfil its own commitments under APTTA," Srivastava said. Pakistan has even denied transit of humanitarian grant assistance, including wheat from India, to Afghanistan, he said.

India slams Pakistan over 'continuous attempts' to construct Diamer-Bhasha dam in PoK

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan declared that his government will build the biggest dam in the country's history.

The Pakistan PM was talking about the controversial Diamer-Bhasha dam. PM Imran Khan's visit to the site officially signalled&nbsp;the start of construction.

The dam will be built on the Indus River in Gilgit-Baltistan, which is in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK). Upon completion in 2028, it will be the world's highest roller compacted concrete dam. It will provide cheap electricity, irrigate farmland and create jobs -&nbsp;at least that's the promise.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-diamer-bhasha-dam-chinas-dam-pakistans-debt-313551/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The project has seen four inaugurations by four prime ministers in four decades. Finally, construction has begun but it would not have been possible without China's help.

The project faces high costs, territorial dispute with India and local protests. The total cost of the project is pegged at $14 billion. For fifty years, Pakistan has been trying to secure funds.

Since 1980, it has gone to the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and Western allies&nbsp;but they all refused because the project is in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

In 2018, surprisingly, Pakistan's top judge ordered a crowd-funding campaign to kickstart the project but&nbsp;the collection fell short of the target. With no options left, Pakistan finally turned to China. The dam was made part of the China-Pakistan economic corridor(CPEC).

Now, Imran Khan is showcasing it as a matter of national pride. The fact is that it&nbsp;will be a Chinese dam. With a 70 per cent stake, China is the major shareholder.

India has protested asserting that the&nbsp;project is in Indian territory under Pakistan's illegal occupation. Also protesting are the locals in Gilgit-Baltistan. The dam is likely to submerge 32 villages in Diamer district alone.

Nearly 50,000 people will be displaced. Those who have already lost their land are not being given compensation. They also stand to lose their cultural heritage. Buddhist sculptures and inscriptions in 50 villages will go underwater.

The Diamer-Bhasha dam is not the only controversial project in the region.&nbsp;Azad Pattan and Kohala hydroelectric projects&nbsp;are facing similar issues with both dams being built in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Both face stern opposition from the locals and from India and both are being funded by the Chinese. Imran Khan's showpiece dam is more of a liability than an asset. The discontent and debt are Pakistan's fate and the dam is made by China.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan declared that his government will build the biggest dam in the country's history. The Pakistan PM was talking about the controversial Diamer-Bhasha dam.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan declared that his government will build the biggest dam in the country's history. The Pakistan PM was talking about the controversial Diamer-Bhasha dam. PM Imran Khan's visit to the site officially signalled the start of construction. The dam will be built on the Indus River in Gilgit-Baltistan, which is in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK). Upon completion in 2028, it will be the world's highest roller compacted concrete dam. It will provide cheap electricity, irrigate farmland and create jobs - at least that's the promise. The project has seen four inaugurations by four prime ministers in four decades. Finally, construction has begun but it would not have been possible without China's help. The project faces high costs, territorial dispute with India and local protests. The total cost of the project is pegged at $14 billion. For fifty years, Pakistan has been trying to secure funds. Since 1980, it has gone to the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and Western allies but they all refused because the project is in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. In 2018, surprisingly, Pakistan's top judge ordered a crowd-funding campaign to kickstart the project but the collection fell short of the target. With no options left, Pakistan finally turned to China. The dam was made part of the China-Pakistan economic corridor(CPEC). Now, Imran Khan is showcasing it as a matter of national pride. The fact is that it will be a Chinese dam. With a 70 per cent stake, China is the major shareholder. India has protested asserting that the project is in Indian territory under Pakistan's illegal occupation. Also protesting are the locals in Gilgit-Baltistan. The dam is likely to submerge 32 villages in Diamer district alone. Nearly 50,000 people will be displaced. Those who have already lost their land are not being given compensation. They also stand to lose their cultural heritage. Buddhist sculptures and inscriptions in 50 villages will go underwater. The Diamer-Bhasha dam is not the only controversial project in the region. Azad Pattan and Kohala hydroelectric projects are facing similar issues with both dams being built in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Both face stern opposition from the locals and from India and both are being funded by the Chinese. Imran Khan's showpiece dam is more of a liability than an asset. The discontent and debt are Pakistan's fate and the dam is made by China.

Now, China funds Pakistan's Diamer-Bhasha dam project in PoK as construction begins

China, for a decade, blocked the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist under the United Nations sanctions regime. Azhar is&nbsp;the mastermind of several attacks against India.&nbsp;

China’s support to Pakistani terrorists was seen as a way for Beijing to keep its hold on its all-weather ally Pakistan.&nbsp;

And now, reports say that China is trying to revive a terror group in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to sources, Chinese officials recently met terrorists from Al Badr in PoK.

Al Badr is a defunct terror group which China could bring back to life. Al Badr was born out of the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen in 1998 after the ISI encouraged terrorists to operate independently. &nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rebel-groups-in-myanmar-have-chinas-backing-report-312367">Also Read: Rebel groups in Myanmar have China's backing: Report</a>

Al Badr had set two objectives for itself - to strengthen the "Kashmir freedom struggle" and "liberate" Jammu and Kashmir from India and merge it with Pakistan.

The group has a history of perpetrating violence in Afghanistan and Jammu and Kashmir and reports say that it is part of the United Jihad Organisation, an umbrella group of Pakistani terrorist groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir. &nbsp;

Al-Badr was proscribed by India in 2002 and the group went defunct after its key leaders were neutralised. The group's funding comes from the Jamaat-e-Islami and the ISI.

And now, with China's backing, the group could get a new lease of life. The Jammu and Kashmir police too have sensed a revival of Al Badr.&nbsp;

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

China, for a decade, blocked the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist under the United Nations sanctions regime. Azhar is the mastermind of several attacks against India.

China, for a decade, blocked the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist under the United Nations sanctions regime. Azhar is the mastermind of several attacks against India. China’s support to Pakistani terrorists was seen as a way for Beijing to keep its hold on its all-weather ally Pakistan. And now, reports say that China is trying to revive a terror group in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to sources, Chinese officials recently met terrorists from Al Badr in PoK. Al Badr is a defunct terror group which China could bring back to life. Al Badr was born out of the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen in 1998 after the ISI encouraged terrorists to operate independently. Also Read: Rebel groups in Myanmar have China's backing: Report Al Badr had set two objectives for itself - to strengthen the "Kashmir freedom struggle" and "liberate" Jammu and Kashmir from India and merge it with Pakistan. The group has a history of perpetrating violence in Afghanistan and Jammu and Kashmir and reports say that it is part of the United Jihad Organisation, an umbrella group of Pakistani terrorist groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir. Al-Badr was proscribed by India in 2002 and the group went defunct after its key leaders were neutralised. The group's funding comes from the Jamaat-e-Islami and the ISI. And now, with China's backing, the group could get a new lease of life. The Jammu and Kashmir police too have sensed a revival of Al Badr.

Is China trying to revive a terrorist group in Pakistan occupied Kashmir?

Is China trying to revive a terrorist group in Pakistan occupied Kashmir? Sources tell WION that Chinese officials have met terrorist group Al Badr.

Gravitas Exclusive: Is China reviving a terror group in PoK?

Pakistan on Sunday rejected Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks about the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and alleged that it was an attempt to divert attention from Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a virtual Jan Samvad rally for Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said on Sunday that when people of PoK will want to be freed of Pakistan's occupation and be part of India, then this will lead to the fulfilment of Parliament's resolution that the region is an integral part of the country.

"Let's wait for what happens in future. There will be demand from PoK to be freed of Pakistan's occupation and to live with India. When this happens, then Parliament's resolution will also be fulfilled," Singh said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/soon-people-of-pok-will-demand-that-they-want-to-be-with-india-rajnath-singh-305731">Also read|&nbsp;Soon people of PoK will demand that they want to be with India: Rajnath Singh</a>

Parliament has also earlier passed resolution that PoK is part of India.

Reacting to Singh's remarks, the Foreign Office said that his statement is "another desperate attempt to divert attention from" Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan has been unsuccessfully trying to drum up international support against India for withdrawing Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5 and bifurcating it into two Union territories.

India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda.

Pakistan on Sunday rejected Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks about the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and alleged that it was an attempt to divert attention from Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan on Sunday rejected Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks about the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and alleged that it was an attempt to divert attention from Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a virtual Jan Samvad rally for Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said on Sunday that when people of PoK will want to be freed of Pakistan's occupation and be part of India, then this will lead to the fulfilment of Parliament's resolution that the region is an integral part of the country. "Let's wait for what happens in future. There will be demand from PoK to be freed of Pakistan's occupation and to live with India. When this happens, then Parliament's resolution will also be fulfilled," Singh said. Also read| Soon people of PoK will demand that they want to be with India: Rajnath Singh Parliament has also earlier passed resolution that PoK is part of India. Reacting to Singh's remarks, the Foreign Office said that his statement is "another desperate attempt to divert attention from" Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has been unsuccessfully trying to drum up international support against India for withdrawing Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5 and bifurcating it into two Union territories. India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda.

Pak rejects Rajnath Singh's remarks about situation in PoK

China for the first on Sunday admitted that its multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, but said that the impact is "temporary and limited".

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that from an overall long term perspective the coronavirus will "strengthen and reenergise" BRI cooperation and open-up new possibilities.

He said the demand for public health expansion in view of the COVID-19 all over the world will give a new impetus to project expansion.

"Indeed COVID-19 has affected Belt and Road cooperation to some extent but the impact is temporary and limited," Wang told media here answering a question on the impact of the coronavirus on BRI.

Outlining the progress made by BRI, Wang said over the past seven years China has signed BRI cooperation documents with 138 countries, more than 2,000 projects have been launched and thousands of jobs have been created in partner countries.

During the same period China's trading goods with BRI partner countries has exceeded USD 7.8 trillion while direct Chinese investments have topped USD 110 billion, he said.

The BRI was launched by President Xi Jinping when he came to power in 2013. It aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes.

The Trump administration has been extremely critical of the BRI, in which USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project, and is of the view that China's "predatory" financing is leaving smaller counties under huge debt endangering their sovereignty.

The US' top diplomat for South and Central Asia Alice Wells on Wednesday said that at a time when the world is reeling from the economic consequences of having shut parts of the economy due to the coronavirus, it is really incumbent upon China to take steps to alleviate the burden this "predatory, unsustainable and unfair" lending is going to cause to Pakistan.

India which had protested to China over the CPEC being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has also aired concerns over the BRI financing, saying that connectivity initiatives must follow principles of financial responsibility to avoid projects that would create an unsustainable debt burden for communities.

China for the first on Sunday admitted that its multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, but said that the impact is "temporary and limited".

China for the first on Sunday admitted that its multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, but said that the impact is "temporary and limited". Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that from an overall long term perspective the coronavirus will "strengthen and reenergise" BRI cooperation and open-up new possibilities. He said the demand for public health expansion in view of the COVID-19 all over the world will give a new impetus to project expansion. "Indeed COVID-19 has affected Belt and Road cooperation to some extent but the impact is temporary and limited," Wang told media here answering a question on the impact of the coronavirus on BRI. Outlining the progress made by BRI, Wang said over the past seven years China has signed BRI cooperation documents with 138 countries, more than 2,000 projects have been launched and thousands of jobs have been created in partner countries. During the same period China's trading goods with BRI partner countries has exceeded USD 7.8 trillion while direct Chinese investments have topped USD 110 billion, he said. The BRI was launched by President Xi Jinping when he came to power in 2013. It aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes. The Trump administration has been extremely critical of the BRI, in which USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project, and is of the view that China's "predatory" financing is leaving smaller counties under huge debt endangering their sovereignty. The US' top diplomat for South and Central Asia Alice Wells on Wednesday said that at a time when the world is reeling from the economic consequences of having shut parts of the economy due to the coronavirus, it is really incumbent upon China to take steps to alleviate the burden this "predatory, unsustainable and unfair" lending is going to cause to Pakistan. India which had protested to China over the CPEC being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has also aired concerns over the BRI financing, saying that connectivity initiatives must follow principles of financial responsibility to avoid projects that would create an unsustainable debt burden for communities.

BRI affected by COVID-19, but impact is temporary: China

A strong <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-always-transparent-about-coronavirus-says-president-xi-during-world-health-assembly-video-conference-299439">anti-China</a> sentiment in India clearly exists amid the coronavirus pandemic but diplomacy is not conducted on public sentiment -&nbsp;it is based on cold calculations and national interest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-cabinet-approves-controversial-map-claiming-indian-territory-299508">Also Read:&nbsp;Nepal cabinet approves controversial map claiming Indian territory</a>

The government has not spoken on record, however, India has sent a signal. It has supported the call for an investigation into the handling of the coronavirus outbreak. It is significant but this may not be enough. India should back Taiwan and join the global effort to corner China.&nbsp;

India needs to be tough on China, and the reason is China's mouthpiece&nbsp;the Global Times ran a report today. It says Chinese troops have "enhanced control measures" in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh around the disputed border.

Last week Chinese choppers were spotted close to the Indian border amid reports of Chinese troops setting up tents close to the Galwan river. Time after time, China has violated India's sovereignty, breached the country's borders and undermined territorial integrity.

China's state-run Global Times claimed that its India which is violating border agreements. China's unwarranted military aggression must be answered. In response, India must support Taiwan's return to the WHO as an observer.

There was a proposal to allow Taiwan to participate in the World Health Assembly which was turned down. The United States issued a statement slamming the WHO for not allowing Taiwan at the World Health Assembly. Now, India has the chance to push for Taiwan's bid by voting in support of the observer status when the opportunity presents itself.

A vote on Taiwan's status was supposed to be taken up but so far, there is no clarity over it. China has denied Taiwan a seat at the table by imposing its view of "One-China" on the world even as&nbsp;the "One-China"&nbsp;view remains the political position of the Communist Party of China.

India should stop accommodating Beijing's views as China still violates India's territorial integrity with impunity. Beijing has done little to show that its a friend, and not an adversary. On repeated occasions, it has worked against India's interests on the world stage.&nbsp;

China's list of infractions is a long one. It opposes India's membership to the Security Council as well as the nuclear suppliers' group(NSG). It openly bats for Pakistan by bringing up the issue of Jammu and Kashmir at the UN and violates India's sovereignty by building infrastructure in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK).

The most recent violation by Beijing was the deal to build a dam in Gilgit-Baltistan, if India does not raise its voice against China now, it will be a missed opportunity. Leading countries of the world are putting pressure on China with the United States leading the front.

New Delhi should not make concessions to the stumbling Dragon by letting go the repeated territorial violations. It's time to take advantage of the situation, the best way forward would be to back Taiwan.

A strong anti-China sentiment in India clearly exists amid the coronavirus pandemic but diplomacy is not conducted on public sentiment - it is based on cold calculations and national interest.

A strong anti-China sentiment in India clearly exists amid the coronavirus pandemic but diplomacy is not conducted on public sentiment - it is based on cold calculations and national interest. Also Read: Nepal cabinet approves controversial map claiming Indian territory The government has not spoken on record, however, India has sent a signal. It has supported the call for an investigation into the handling of the coronavirus outbreak. It is significant but this may not be enough. India should back Taiwan and join the global effort to corner China. India needs to be tough on China, and the reason is China's mouthpiece the Global Times ran a report today. It says Chinese troops have "enhanced control measures" in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh around the disputed border. Last week Chinese choppers were spotted close to the Indian border amid reports of Chinese troops setting up tents close to the Galwan river. Time after time, China has violated India's sovereignty, breached the country's borders and undermined territorial integrity. China's state-run Global Times claimed that its India which is violating border agreements. China's unwarranted military aggression must be answered. In response, India must support Taiwan's return to the WHO as an observer. There was a proposal to allow Taiwan to participate in the World Health Assembly which was turned down. The United States issued a statement slamming the WHO for not allowing Taiwan at the World Health Assembly. Now, India has the chance to push for Taiwan's bid by voting in support of the observer status when the opportunity presents itself. A vote on Taiwan's status was supposed to be taken up but so far, there is no clarity over it. China has denied Taiwan a seat at the table by imposing its view of "One-China" on the world even as the "One-China" view remains the political position of the Communist Party of China. India should stop accommodating Beijing's views as China still violates India's territorial integrity with impunity. Beijing has done little to show that its a friend, and not an adversary. On repeated occasions, it has worked against India's interests on the world stage. China's list of infractions is a long one. It opposes India's membership to the Security Council as well as the nuclear suppliers' group(NSG). It openly bats for Pakistan by bringing up the issue of Jammu and Kashmir at the UN and violates India's sovereignty by building infrastructure in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK). The most recent violation by Beijing was the deal to build a dam in Gilgit-Baltistan, if India does not raise its voice against China now, it will be a missed opportunity. Leading countries of the world are putting pressure on China with the United States leading the front. New Delhi should not make concessions to the stumbling Dragon by letting go the repeated territorial violations. It's time to take advantage of the situation, the best way forward would be to back Taiwan.

Amid coronavirus pandemic, India backs probe demand

A Chinese company has won a contract to build a dam in Gilgit-Baltistan. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how India can respond to the repeated violations of India's territorial integrity by China.

Gravitas: China violates India's territorial integrity

Pakistan and China have signed a deal to build a dam in PoK. Diamer-Bhasha dam will be built in the disputed Pakistan occupied Kashmir region.

WION Dispatch: Pakistan and China sign deal to build a dam in PoK

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