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

India's Meteorological Department has made a significant move by adding Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir(PoK) in its weather forecast. According to officials, the regional centre of the department bid adieu to its previous format.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/multiple-hideouts-6-months-24x7-work-led-to-the-killing-of-most-wanted-militant-in-jk-297253" hreflang="en">Multiple hideouts, 6 months &amp; 24x7 work led to the killing of most wanted militant in J&amp;K</a>

According to the head of the Regional Meteorological Department that gives the forecast for the northwest meteorological division of the IMD, the weather forecasts have started including places like Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh's Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad since May 5.&nbsp;

Gilgit-Baltistan region and Muzaffarabad are illegally under Pakistan's occupation. IMD Director General M Mohapatra said that they have been mentioning PoK areas ever since the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir in August last year.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-goes-ahead-with-cpec-amid-mounting-debts-further-economic-fallout-due-to-covid-19-297201" hreflang="en">Pak goes ahead with CPEC amid mounting debts, further economic fallout due to COVID-19</a>

The northwest division contains nine sub-divisions that are Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi-Chandigarh-Haryana, Punjab, east Uttar Pradesh, west Uttar Pradesh, east Rajasthan and west Rajasthan.&nbsp;

And now areas Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir will be the new addition to the area.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
All India Current Thunderstorm Nowcast Warning (1615 IST) <a href="https://t.co/eQ9s39HjoH">pic.twitter.com/eQ9s39HjoH</a>
— India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiametdept/status/1257988444002807810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The move by the Meteorological Department carries a lot of significance as it clears the motive of the Indian government who have always said that the PoK is an integral part of India.&nbsp;

The inclusion of these places comes as Pakistan Supreme Court's ruling to hold elections in PoK.&nbsp;

India Meteorological Department is nominated Regional Meteorological Centre by the &nbsp;World Meteorological Department to provide severe weather warnings to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan detailing forecasts for the next five days.

India's Meteorological Department has made a significant move by adding Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir(PoK) in its weather forecast. According to officials, the regional centre of the department bid adieu to its previous format.

India's Meteorological Department has made a significant move by adding Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir(PoK) in its weather forecast. According to officials, the regional centre of the department bid adieu to its previous format. Also read: Multiple hideouts, 6 months & 24x7 work led to the killing of most wanted militant in J&K According to the head of the Regional Meteorological Department that gives the forecast for the northwest meteorological division of the IMD, the weather forecasts have started including places like Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh's Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad since May 5. Gilgit-Baltistan region and Muzaffarabad are illegally under Pakistan's occupation. IMD Director General M Mohapatra said that they have been mentioning PoK areas ever since the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir in August last year. Also read: Pak goes ahead with CPEC amid mounting debts, further economic fallout due to COVID-19 The northwest division contains nine sub-divisions that are Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi-Chandigarh-Haryana, Punjab, east Uttar Pradesh, west Uttar Pradesh, east Rajasthan and west Rajasthan. And now areas Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir will be the new addition to the area. All India Current Thunderstorm Nowcast Warning (1615 IST) pic.twitter.com/eQ9s39HjoH — India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) May 6, 2020 × The move by the Meteorological Department carries a lot of significance as it clears the motive of the Indian government who have always said that the PoK is an integral part of India. The inclusion of these places comes as Pakistan Supreme Court's ruling to hold elections in PoK. India Meteorological Department is nominated Regional Meteorological Centre by the World Meteorological Department to provide severe weather warnings to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan detailing forecasts for the next five days.

India Meteorological Department brings areas of PoK under its weather forecast

A leader from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) lambasted Pakistan for using the occupied territory as a "launching pad for terrorists" and extremists. Speaking on the sidelines of a conference titled, "State of Jammu Kashmir contemporary challenges to combat terrorism, extremism and human rights violations", exiled leader, Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri asked Pakistan to "stop funding and breeding" the terrorists.

"Extremism and terrorism are big challenges in our region. So, we are trying our best to strengthen the civil society and highlight their miseries," said Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Chairman of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP).

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/india-pakistan-tension-unless-nation-presents-united-front-terrorism-will-not-be-defeated-200191">India-Pakistan tension: Unless nation presents united front, terrorism will not be defeated</a>

"We are trying to and put pressure on Pakistan through world community that it should stop funding and supporting terrorism, and the terrorist`s infrastructure must be dismantled in PoK and Pakistan should stop funding them", said Kashmiri.

The event organized by Jammu Kashmir International People's Alliance (JKIPA) was attended by human rights experts, intellectuals and diplomats.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-uses-terrorism-as-tool-of-state-policy-army-chief-naravane-271301">Pakistan uses terrorism as tool of state policy: Army Chief Naravane</a>

Pakistan has backed terror groups like Laskar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed to set up terror camps in PoK, near the Line of Control (LoC) and make them infiltrate into the Kashmir valley.

Cross-border infiltration by these terrorists results in the exchange of firing between the security forces on both sides of the border. Kashmiri said the people living in the border areas also suffer due to cross-border firing.

"The people of PoK are suffering too much because when the extremists or the militants infiltrate into another part of Jammu and Kashmir, ultimately the Indian military stop them through firing and Pakistan also engage with the Indian Army. Both sides, whether it is another part of Kashmir or this part of Kashmir, the people are dying", said the PoK leader.

He added, "We are trying to save our people. Stop the infiltrations. Pakistan must stop the policy of using extremists and terrorists".

At the conference, a resolution was also passed reiterating commitment to oppose all forms of terrorism, extremism, fundamentalism in PoK and in Jammu and Kashmir.

A leader from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) lambasted Pakistan for using the occupied territory as a "launching pad for terrorists" and extremists. Speaking on the sidelines of a conference titled, "State of Jammu Kashmir contemporary challenges to combat terrorism, extremism and human rights violations", exiled leader, Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri asked Pakistan to "stop funding and breeding" the terrorists.

A leader from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) lambasted Pakistan for using the occupied territory as a "launching pad for terrorists" and extremists. Speaking on the sidelines of a conference titled, "State of Jammu Kashmir contemporary challenges to combat terrorism, extremism and human rights violations", exiled leader, Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri asked Pakistan to "stop funding and breeding" the terrorists. "Extremism and terrorism are big challenges in our region. So, we are trying our best to strengthen the civil society and highlight their miseries," said Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Chairman of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP). Also read: India-Pakistan tension: Unless nation presents united front, terrorism will not be defeated "We are trying to and put pressure on Pakistan through world community that it should stop funding and supporting terrorism, and the terrorist`s infrastructure must be dismantled in PoK and Pakistan should stop funding them", said Kashmiri. The event organized by Jammu Kashmir International People's Alliance (JKIPA) was attended by human rights experts, intellectuals and diplomats. Also read: Pakistan uses terrorism as tool of state policy: Army Chief Naravane Pakistan has backed terror groups like Laskar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed to set up terror camps in PoK, near the Line of Control (LoC) and make them infiltrate into the Kashmir valley. Cross-border infiltration by these terrorists results in the exchange of firing between the security forces on both sides of the border. Kashmiri said the people living in the border areas also suffer due to cross-border firing. "The people of PoK are suffering too much because when the extremists or the militants infiltrate into another part of Jammu and Kashmir, ultimately the Indian military stop them through firing and Pakistan also engage with the Indian Army. Both sides, whether it is another part of Kashmir or this part of Kashmir, the people are dying", said the PoK leader. He added, "We are trying to save our people. Stop the infiltrations. Pakistan must stop the policy of using extremists and terrorists". At the conference, a resolution was also passed reiterating commitment to oppose all forms of terrorism, extremism, fundamentalism in PoK and in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan must dismantle terror infrastructure in PoK, says exiled leader

The culprit behind the draft resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act which is proposed to be tabled in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/entirely-internal-matter-india-on-european-union-parliament-setting-resolution-against-caa-276781">European Parliament</a> later this week has been identified as a UK national and a Member of the European Parliament.

Originally from Pakistan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/exclusive-shaffaq-mohammed-on-wion-gravitas-277162">Shaffaq Mohammed</a> is an MEP since 2019 and was awarded Member of the Order of British Empire in 2015 “for political service” as a councillor on the Sheffield City Council.

&nbsp;

Thought the proposed resolution is supposed by 154 of 751 members, the resolutions of the European Parliament are not binding on the European Commission. Debates on the draft resolution are to open on January 20 and voting on the matter is on January 30.

<img alt=" European Parliament in Brussels" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="184fa4fa-7967-46ea-9cbb-271824b6f9cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/European%20Parliament%20in%20Brussels%20Photograph-afp.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;European Parliament in Brussels (Courtesy: AFP) ]

Brussels will be hosting the next summit of India and the EU. One of the MEPs to have drafted the resolution stated that people familiar with Indo-Pak affairs and UK politics would not rule out influence from the Pakistan government behind the move by Mohammed.

A group of 154 MEPs belonging to the progressive forum 'S&amp;D Group' have stated that the CAA would trigger the “largest statelessness crisis in the world and cause widespread human suffering.” They have also drafted a formal five-page resolution to be tabled during the plenary session of the European Parliament starting in Brussels.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-origin-mep-behind-anti-caa-resolution-in-european-parliament-276859">Pak Origin MEP Behind Anti-CAA Resolution In European Parliament</a>

The resolution proposed states that India is violating its “international obligations” under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other Human Rights treaties, for the CAA is “discriminatory and dangerously divisive."

The European Parliament is the legislative branch of the European Union and one of its seven institutions. Together with the Council of the European Union, it adopts European legislation, normally on a proposal from the European Commission.

The European Parliament one of the seven institutions of the European Union. It embraces European legislation with the Council of the European Union, ordinarily on a proposition from the European Commission.

The Parliament delegates to the second-biggest democratic electorate on the planet (after the Indian Parliament) and the biggest trans-national democratic electorate on the planet (375 million qualified voters in 2009)

The European Parliament may favor or reject a legislative proposal or proposed changes to it, yet the European Council isn't lawfully obliged to assess Parliament's opinion. The European Parliament has in the past discussed nation-specific goals, including Turkey and Egypt.

The culprit behind the draft resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act which is proposed to be tabled in the European Parliament later this week has been identified as a UK national and a Member of the European Parliament.

The culprit behind the draft resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act which is proposed to be tabled in the European Parliament later this week has been identified as a UK national and a Member of the European Parliament. Originally from Pakistan Shaffaq Mohammed is an MEP since 2019 and was awarded Member of the Order of British Empire in 2015 “for political service” as a councillor on the Sheffield City Council. Thought the proposed resolution is supposed by 154 of 751 members, the resolutions of the European Parliament are not binding on the European Commission. Debates on the draft resolution are to open on January 20 and voting on the matter is on January 30. [ European Parliament in Brussels (Courtesy: AFP) ] Brussels will be hosting the next summit of India and the EU. One of the MEPs to have drafted the resolution stated that people familiar with Indo-Pak affairs and UK politics would not rule out influence from the Pakistan government behind the move by Mohammed. A group of 154 MEPs belonging to the progressive forum 'S&D Group' have stated that the CAA would trigger the “largest statelessness crisis in the world and cause widespread human suffering.” They have also drafted a formal five-page resolution to be tabled during the plenary session of the European Parliament starting in Brussels. Also Read: Pak Origin MEP Behind Anti-CAA Resolution In European Parliament The resolution proposed states that India is violating its “international obligations” under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other Human Rights treaties, for the CAA is “discriminatory and dangerously divisive." The European Parliament is the legislative branch of the European Union and one of its seven institutions. Together with the Council of the European Union, it adopts European legislation, normally on a proposal from the European Commission. The European Parliament one of the seven institutions of the European Union. It embraces European legislation with the Council of the European Union, ordinarily on a proposition from the European Commission. The Parliament delegates to the second-biggest democratic electorate on the planet (after the Indian Parliament) and the biggest trans-national democratic electorate on the planet (375 million qualified voters in 2009) The European Parliament may favor or reject a legislative proposal or proposed changes to it, yet the European Council isn't lawfully obliged to assess Parliament's opinion. The European Parliament has in the past discussed nation-specific goals, including Turkey and Egypt.

Anti-CAA move in European Parliament fueled by Pakistan-origin EU MP Shaffaq Mohammed

The exploitation of natural resources by China and Pakistan that has affected the ecology and demography in Gilgit Baltistan remains a major concern for the local residents of the region.

Extensive snowfall or floods caused due to the melting glaciers in the region is symbolic of the climate change that has affected the region, which is under Pakistan`s illegal occupation, in recent times.

Khadim Hussain, a resident of Gilgit city in PoK said, "Gilgit Baltistan is known for its freshwater resources. Many tourists get attracted to the incredible glaciers. But since the last few years, the region has witnessed serious effects of environmental damages. The glaciers melt during the summer season floods the entire region."

"Last year, a lake was formed after a glacier melted in the Ishkoman area of Gilgit due to drastic changes in climatic conditions. Also, I have never seen such a heavy snowfall during winters in the past," he added.

The ill-effects of environmental degradation and large scale deforestation by Pakistan and China have started showing up its effects.

As part of its multi-billion-dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Beijing has made huge investments in the mining and highway projects in Gilgit Baltistan.

At the behest of the Islamabad, Chinese companies are reportedly plundering natural resources in the region, including gold, platinum, cobalt and precious gemstones like topaz and aquamarine.

The CPEC project is built at the cost of felling an uncounted number of trees and acquiring acres of land, which is changed the demography of Gilgit Baltistan.

"Whether it is the local administration or the government of Pakistan, no one has carried out any research. Deforestation is the major cause of climatic change here. An unabated felling of trees is being done here. More than 170,000 trees are being cut down per year to fulfill the need for fuel. It is a big issue on which work has to be done," Khadim said.

Despite being a land of natural resources, indigenous people of Gilgit Baltistan are forced to live in poverty. It remains one of the poorest regions in Asia with around 85 per cent of its population striving to live on subsistence agriculture.

The locals also have no access to basic amenities such as cooking gas. The majority of them are dependent on wood from forests. 
&nbsp;

The exploitation of natural resources by China and Pakistan that has affected the ecology and demography in Gilgit Baltistan remains a major concern for the local residents of the region.

The exploitation of natural resources by China and Pakistan that has affected the ecology and demography in Gilgit Baltistan remains a major concern for the local residents of the region. Extensive snowfall or floods caused due to the melting glaciers in the region is symbolic of the climate change that has affected the region, which is under Pakistan`s illegal occupation, in recent times. Khadim Hussain, a resident of Gilgit city in PoK said, "Gilgit Baltistan is known for its freshwater resources. Many tourists get attracted to the incredible glaciers. But since the last few years, the region has witnessed serious effects of environmental damages. The glaciers melt during the summer season floods the entire region." "Last year, a lake was formed after a glacier melted in the Ishkoman area of Gilgit due to drastic changes in climatic conditions. Also, I have never seen such a heavy snowfall during winters in the past," he added. The ill-effects of environmental degradation and large scale deforestation by Pakistan and China have started showing up its effects. As part of its multi-billion-dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Beijing has made huge investments in the mining and highway projects in Gilgit Baltistan. At the behest of the Islamabad, Chinese companies are reportedly plundering natural resources in the region, including gold, platinum, cobalt and precious gemstones like topaz and aquamarine. The CPEC project is built at the cost of felling an uncounted number of trees and acquiring acres of land, which is changed the demography of Gilgit Baltistan. "Whether it is the local administration or the government of Pakistan, no one has carried out any research. Deforestation is the major cause of climatic change here. An unabated felling of trees is being done here. More than 170,000 trees are being cut down per year to fulfill the need for fuel. It is a big issue on which work has to be done," Khadim said. Despite being a land of natural resources, indigenous people of Gilgit Baltistan are forced to live in poverty. It remains one of the poorest regions in Asia with around 85 per cent of its population striving to live on subsistence agriculture. The locals also have no access to basic amenities such as cooking gas. The majority of them are dependent on wood from forests.

Climate change due to deforestation worries people in Gilgit Baltistan

Days after Pakistan's all-weather friend China raised the Kashmir issue at a closed-door meeting of the UNSC, Pakistan PM Imran Khan seems to have gone back to his Kashmir agenda.

In a series of tweets posted earlier today, Khan continued with his false allegations of atrocities in Kashmir and called for UN intervention.

"As Indian Occupation forces continue to target &amp; kill civilians across the LOC with increasing intensity &amp; frequency, there is an urgent need for UN SC to insist India allow UNMOGIP return to IOJK-side of LOC. We fear an Indian false flag operation," Khan tweeted out.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-should-more-more-to-take-non-reversible-action-terror-united-kingdom-274667">Pakistan should do more to take non-reversible action against terror, says United Kingdom</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I want to make clear to India and the international community that if India continues its military attacks killing civilians across LOC, Pakistan will find it increasingly difficult to remain an inactive observer along the LOC.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1218790897275502592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I want to make clear to India and the international community that if India continues its military attacks killing civilians across LOC, Pakistan will find it increasingly difficult to remain an inactive observer along the LOC," his tweet read.&nbsp;

Khan, in his address to the nation on August 14, last year had called for protests by overseas Pakistanis at Indian consulates across the world.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Watch | '<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> won't remain an inactive observer' 
 
Pak PM <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> hints at state-backed terror? 
 
More on this by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WION</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/MollyGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MollyGambhir</a> <a href="https://t.co/LDJ2PXwPt4">pic.twitter.com/LDJ2PXwPt4</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1218949994113196032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He tried to get China to raise the issue twice at the UNSC including as recently as last week. None of the other P5 members backed Pakistan's claims.

The world community has refused to intervene in the matter with many Islamic nations like the Maldives and Bangladesh backing India's stand on Jammu and Kashmir, describing it being <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-abrogation-indias-internal-matter-other-countries-shouldnt-comment-on-it-maldives-foreign-minister-abdulla-shahid-to-wion-251932">India's internal matter</a>.

Days after Pakistan's all-weather friend China raised the Kashmir issue at a closed-door meeting of the UNSC, Pakistan PM Imran Khan seems to have gone back to his Kashmir agenda.

Days after Pakistan's all-weather friend China raised the Kashmir issue at a closed-door meeting of the UNSC, Pakistan PM Imran Khan seems to have gone back to his Kashmir agenda. In a series of tweets posted earlier today, Khan continued with his false allegations of atrocities in Kashmir and called for UN intervention. "As Indian Occupation forces continue to target & kill civilians across the LOC with increasing intensity & frequency, there is an urgent need for UN SC to insist India allow UNMOGIP return to IOJK-side of LOC. We fear an Indian false flag operation," Khan tweeted out. Also read: Pakistan should do more to take non-reversible action against terror, says United Kingdom I want to make clear to India and the international community that if India continues its military attacks killing civilians across LOC, Pakistan will find it increasingly difficult to remain an inactive observer along the LOC. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 19, 2020 × "I want to make clear to India and the international community that if India continues its military attacks killing civilians across LOC, Pakistan will find it increasingly difficult to remain an inactive observer along the LOC," his tweet read. Khan, in his address to the nation on August 14, last year had called for protests by overseas Pakistanis at Indian consulates across the world. Watch | '#Pakistan won't remain an inactive observer' Pak PM @ImranKhanPTI hints at state-backed terror? More on this by #WION's @MollyGambhir pic.twitter.com/LDJ2PXwPt4 — WION (@WIONews) January 19, 2020 × He tried to get China to raise the issue twice at the UNSC including as recently as last week. None of the other P5 members backed Pakistan's claims. The world community has refused to intervene in the matter with many Islamic nations like the Maldives and Bangladesh backing India's stand on Jammu and Kashmir, describing it being India's internal matter.

Pakistan won't remain inactive observer along LoC: Imran Khan

Search teams found the bodies of 14 people buried by&nbsp;avalanches&nbsp;and heavy snowfall in Pakistani-administered Kashmir Wednesday, with harsh weather hampering rescuers as they race to find any survivors, officials said.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;death&nbsp;toll&nbsp;from days of bad weather now stands at 76 in Kashmir, and at&nbsp;least&nbsp;100&nbsp;across the country, according to a statement from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/gravitas-98-dead-in-avalanches-landslides-in-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-274510/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Most were killed in Kashmir's picturesque Neelum Valley, which had been hard hit by&nbsp;avalanches&nbsp;earlier in the week, said operations director of the Kashmiri disaster management authority Saeed ur Rehamn Qureshi.&nbsp;

He said "scores" of houses had been damaged, and put the&nbsp;death&nbsp;toll&nbsp;slightly higher than the national authorities, at 77 dead with 94 wounded.&nbsp;

One Neelum Valley resident, Lal Hussain Minhas, said he had pulled his cousin's wife from under the&nbsp;snow&nbsp;and debris when her house was hit by an avalanche.

Now, he told AFP by telephone, he and other locals are trying to reach two of her children trapped beneath a collapsed roof.

Some 24 people were killed in heavy snowfall in other parts of the country, the NDMA said.

Forecasts suggest more harsh weather is on the way.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday visited some of the injured in a hospital in Muzaffarabad, the capital of&nbsp;Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Authorities have shuttered schools, while several highways and roads were closed across the country's northern mountainous areas, according to officials.

Search teams found the bodies of 14 people buried by avalanches and heavy snowfall in Pakistani-administered Kashmir Wednesday, with harsh weather hampering rescuers as they race to find any survivors, officials said.

Search teams found the bodies of 14 people buried by avalanches and heavy snowfall in Pakistani-administered Kashmir Wednesday, with harsh weather hampering rescuers as they race to find any survivors, officials said. The death toll from days of bad weather now stands at 76 in Kashmir, and at least 100 across the country, according to a statement from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). × Most were killed in Kashmir's picturesque Neelum Valley, which had been hard hit by avalanches earlier in the week, said operations director of the Kashmiri disaster management authority Saeed ur Rehamn Qureshi. He said "scores" of houses had been damaged, and put the death toll slightly higher than the national authorities, at 77 dead with 94 wounded. One Neelum Valley resident, Lal Hussain Minhas, said he had pulled his cousin's wife from under the snow and debris when her house was hit by an avalanche. Now, he told AFP by telephone, he and other locals are trying to reach two of her children trapped beneath a collapsed roof. Some 24 people were killed in heavy snowfall in other parts of the country, the NDMA said. Forecasts suggest more harsh weather is on the way. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday visited some of the injured in a hospital in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Authorities have shuttered schools, while several highways and roads were closed across the country's northern mountainous areas, according to officials.

Death toll rises to at least 100 after Pakistan snow, avalanches

Pakistan has been hit by a series of deadly avalanches & landslides. Most of the incidents have been reported in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The death toll has gone up to 98. There are fears that many are still trapped under the snow. WION's Palki Sharma summarises.

Gravitas: 98 dead in avalanches & landslides in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

More 67 people died and many missing after avalanches in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. According to a report, the worst hit was the Neelum Valley area where at least 19 people lost their lives. Also, 4 Indian army soldiers lost their lives in Jammu & Kashmir.

Several Avalanches hit PoK, over 67 dead

Indian Army Chief Manoj Mukund Narwane said on Saturday that the Indian Army would take steps to remove Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) from Islamabad's control if Parliament wishes and if the Government of India gave such an order. #IndianArmy #India #WION

'Pok will belong to India as soon as we get orders,' says Indian Army Chief

General Naravane: Ready to take appropriate actions on PoK, waiting for orders

Army Chief General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-much-better-prepared-today-than-before-army-chief-general-naravane-273557">Manoj Mukund Naravane</a> on Saturday said that if Indian&nbsp;Army gets an order then it will take appropriate action to reclaim Pakistan&nbsp;occupied Kashmir (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/traders-in-pok-gilgit-baltistan-conduct-shutter-down-protest-against-unfair-taxation-policies-260156">PoK</a>).

He pointed out that a Parliamentary&nbsp;resolution states that the entire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/around-15-foreign-envoys-to-tour-jammu-and-kashmir-on-thursday-eu-envoys-next-273050">Jammu and Kashmir</a> region is a part of India.

"There is a parliamentary resolution, that entire Jammu and Kashmir region is a part of India. If Parliament&nbsp;wants it, then that area (Pok) also should belong to us. When we get orders to that effect, we will take appropriate action," the Army chief&nbsp;said while speaking to the media in Delhi.

General Naravane took over as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff on December 30, succeeding General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-chief-general-bipin-rawat-named-as-indias-first-chief-of-defence-staff-271016">Bipin Rawat</a> who has become India's first Chief of Defence Staff. Naravane previously served as the Vice Chief of Army Staff.

Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Saturday said that if Indian Army gets an order then it will take appropriate action to reclaim Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Saturday said that if Indian Army gets an order then it will take appropriate action to reclaim Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). He pointed out that a Parliamentary resolution states that the entire Jammu and Kashmir region is a part of India. "There is a parliamentary resolution, that entire Jammu and Kashmir region is a part of India. If Parliament wants it, then that area (Pok) also should belong to us. When we get orders to that effect, we will take appropriate action," the Army chief said while speaking to the media in Delhi. General Naravane took over as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff on December 30, succeeding General Bipin Rawat who has become India's first Chief of Defence Staff. Naravane previously served as the Vice Chief of Army Staff.

Will take action to reclaim PoK if ordered: Army chief general Naravane

Residents of Gilgit city in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-uses-terrorism-as-tool-of-state-policy-army-chief-naravane-271301">Pakistan</a>-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have raised concerns over contaminated drinking water and over-spilling of sewage. 
 
The city's wastewater is flowing directly into the Gilgit River, the major source of drinking water for the locals of the area. 
 
The government has failed to treat the city's wastewater with no sewage treatment plants operational in the region. 
 
Apart from polluted rivers, the choked drainage systems in the city have now started overflowing on the roads creating worry for the residents. 
 
"The drainage systems of the city are choked. The government officials who are responsible for this are not taking an initiative to clean it. There is no drainage-discharge facility built to clear this up. The dirty water is oozing out on roads," a resident said. 
 
A few residents also complained that the sewage water has damaged their shops and properties. They have appealed to the local authorities but no action has been taken to curb the gloomy condition. 
 
"We have appealed to the Chief Minister, local administration authorities and officials that our business properties must be taken care of immediately. These shops are the basis of our livelihood. These shops have been damaged. This is the fifth or the sixth day since we have complained about it and not a single step has been taken. Why are we getting persecuted in such a manner?" another resident said. 
 
The stagnated water on the roads is not only creating traffic chaos but has also become a breeding ground for water-borne diseases. 
 
The already underdeveloped area of Gilgit-Baltistan is bearing the burden of contaminated water and unavailability of a proper drainage system in the region has aggravated the woes of the people further. 
 
The Pakistan administration that stakes illegal claim on Gilgit-Baltistan has left the region downtrodden and underdeveloped for decades now.

Residents of Gilgit city in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have raised concerns over contaminated drinking water and over-spilling of sewage. The city's wastewater is flowing directly into the Gilgit River, the major source of drinking water for the locals of the area.

Residents of Gilgit city in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have raised concerns over contaminated drinking water and over-spilling of sewage. The city's wastewater is flowing directly into the Gilgit River, the major source of drinking water for the locals of the area. The government has failed to treat the city's wastewater with no sewage treatment plants operational in the region. Apart from polluted rivers, the choked drainage systems in the city have now started overflowing on the roads creating worry for the residents. "The drainage systems of the city are choked. The government officials who are responsible for this are not taking an initiative to clean it. There is no drainage-discharge facility built to clear this up. The dirty water is oozing out on roads," a resident said. A few residents also complained that the sewage water has damaged their shops and properties. They have appealed to the local authorities but no action has been taken to curb the gloomy condition. "We have appealed to the Chief Minister, local administration authorities and officials that our business properties must be taken care of immediately. These shops are the basis of our livelihood. These shops have been damaged. This is the fifth or the sixth day since we have complained about it and not a single step has been taken. Why are we getting persecuted in such a manner?" another resident said. The stagnated water on the roads is not only creating traffic chaos but has also become a breeding ground for water-borne diseases. The already underdeveloped area of Gilgit-Baltistan is bearing the burden of contaminated water and unavailability of a proper drainage system in the region has aggravated the woes of the people further. The Pakistan administration that stakes illegal claim on Gilgit-Baltistan has left the region downtrodden and underdeveloped for decades now.

PoK residents raise concerns over contaminated drinking water, sewage issues

An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter Scale struck near Gilgit-Baltistan area in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) at 5:19 pm (UTC) on Monday.

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake had a depth of 38 km and struck at the North-Western part of Idgah of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-should-vacate-pok-as-its-part-of-sovereign-india-british-mp-bob-blackman-249903">PoK</a>.

The tremors of the earthquake were reported from Hunza, Gilgit, Ghazar and Skardu districts of Gilgit-Baltistan which caused panic among people who rushed out of their homes and other buildings.

Tremors were also felt in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-may-host-oic-foreign-ministers-meet-on-kashmir-caa-report-270827">Islamabad</a>, Rawalpindi and other surrounding areas.

However, there has been no immediate report of any loss of life or property due to the quake.

An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter Scale struck near Gilgit-Baltistan area in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) at 5:19 pm (UTC) on Monday. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake had a depth of 38 km and struck at the North-Western part of Idgah of PoK.

An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter Scale struck near Gilgit-Baltistan area in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) at 5:19 pm (UTC) on Monday. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake had a depth of 38 km and struck at the North-Western part of Idgah of PoK. The tremors of the earthquake were reported from Hunza, Gilgit, Ghazar and Skardu districts of Gilgit-Baltistan which caused panic among people who rushed out of their homes and other buildings. Tremors were also felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other surrounding areas. However, there has been no immediate report of any loss of life or property due to the quake.

5.3 magnitude quake hits Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan area

Leaders of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/widespread-protests-in-pok-ring-alarm-bells-for-islamabad-260745">Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir</a> (PoK) based party have challenged the Pakistani establishment to form a joint team and access the ground situation in Gilgit-Baltistan where the people for long have been facing the question of their survival for different reasons. 
 
The region of Gilgit-Baltistan and the misnamed 'Azad' Kashmir ('AJK') in northeastern Pakistan face severe power shortages, pay higher prices for electricity and receive no royalty from Pakistan against the acquisition of land for China's multi-billion dollar projects under the CPEC and dams raised in the illegally occupied territories. 
 
Addressing the media here, members of the Awami Action Committee (AAC) said: "We have a proposal for Pakistan, let's form one team comprising our members and the journalists and another team comprising members of the administration." 
 
"The Government team can raid common households and our team be allowed to raid government departments. They (Government) can seize our electrical equipment if they find it a luxury for us and let us raid their special electrical connections and transformers they have set up specifically for administrators," they said. 
 
"Let us see if this could resolve this matter of electricity," they said while mocking the Pakistani establishment over the ongoing economic crisis that has badly affected the people in the region, who lack access to water, electricity and even the most basic requirements. 
 
They also stated that had they rejected the taxation policies introduced in the federal budget by the Pakistan government, which negatively impacts businesses in this region. 
 
"The Government of Pakistan first installed a plastic meter during the construction of a 14-megawatt hydropower plant in Gilgit-Baltistan. They coerced us to install those meters saying there would be no electricity issues from now on," said another member. 
 
"Earlier we had much efficient German made meters at our homes but they replaced them with these cheap plastic meters. Where are that crores of money? Another 18-megawatts hydro-electric project is under construction. They would make us install a new metre for that and so on. Electricity does not come just by installing metres," he added. 
 
The Awami Action Committee also pointed out that the region receives no royalty from Pakistan against the acquisition of land for multi-billion dollar CPEC project and dams raised in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/traders-in-pok-gilgit-baltistan-conduct-shutter-down-protest-against-unfair-taxation-policies-260156">illegally occupied territory of Gilgit-Baltistan</a>. 
 
They added: "Electric poles are pegged on our land, wires are laid through our land, rather than getting royalty we are facing load shedding and shortage of drinking water due to dirty water held up after the construction of dams. We are drinking that dirty water just in the optimism of getting uninterrupted power supply. This whole gamut of installing new meters is just to make money through corrupt practice." 
 
There is widespread resentment against the Pakistani administration in Gilgit Baltistan. 
 
They are saturated with the ill-practices of corruption and continuous suppression, which Pakistan has been perpetrating for decades.

Leaders of a Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) based party have challenged the Pakistani establishment to form a joint team and access the ground situation in Gilgit-Baltistan where the people for long have been facing the question of their survival for different reasons.

Leaders of a Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) based party have challenged the Pakistani establishment to form a joint team and access the ground situation in Gilgit-Baltistan where the people for long have been facing the question of their survival for different reasons. The region of Gilgit-Baltistan and the misnamed 'Azad' Kashmir ('AJK') in northeastern Pakistan face severe power shortages, pay higher prices for electricity and receive no royalty from Pakistan against the acquisition of land for China's multi-billion dollar projects under the CPEC and dams raised in the illegally occupied territories. Addressing the media here, members of the Awami Action Committee (AAC) said: "We have a proposal for Pakistan, let's form one team comprising our members and the journalists and another team comprising members of the administration." "The Government team can raid common households and our team be allowed to raid government departments. They (Government) can seize our electrical equipment if they find it a luxury for us and let us raid their special electrical connections and transformers they have set up specifically for administrators," they said. "Let us see if this could resolve this matter of electricity," they said while mocking the Pakistani establishment over the ongoing economic crisis that has badly affected the people in the region, who lack access to water, electricity and even the most basic requirements. They also stated that had they rejected the taxation policies introduced in the federal budget by the Pakistan government, which negatively impacts businesses in this region. "The Government of Pakistan first installed a plastic meter during the construction of a 14-megawatt hydropower plant in Gilgit-Baltistan. They coerced us to install those meters saying there would be no electricity issues from now on," said another member. "Earlier we had much efficient German made meters at our homes but they replaced them with these cheap plastic meters. Where are that crores of money? Another 18-megawatts hydro-electric project is under construction. They would make us install a new metre for that and so on. Electricity does not come just by installing metres," he added. The Awami Action Committee also pointed out that the region receives no royalty from Pakistan against the acquisition of land for multi-billion dollar CPEC project and dams raised in the illegally occupied territory of Gilgit-Baltistan. They added: "Electric poles are pegged on our land, wires are laid through our land, rather than getting royalty we are facing load shedding and shortage of drinking water due to dirty water held up after the construction of dams. We are drinking that dirty water just in the optimism of getting uninterrupted power supply. This whole gamut of installing new meters is just to make money through corrupt practice." There is widespread resentment against the Pakistani administration in Gilgit Baltistan. They are saturated with the ill-practices of corruption and continuous suppression, which Pakistan has been perpetrating for decades.

PoK: Awami Action Committee challenges Pakistan to assess ground situation

Traders and shopkeepers across the illegally-occupied regions in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit-Baltistan continue to hold a shutter-down strike against unfair taxation policies of the Pakistani government. 
 
They said that they reject the taxation policies introduced in the federal budget by the Pakistan government which negatively impacts businesses in PoK. 
 
Another major irritant for them is the cumbersome procedure requiring anyone buying items worth 50,000 Pakistani rupees or more to produce identity papers. 
 
Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Secretary of Traders Association in Muzaffarabad city, said: "This shutter down strike is being observed here against the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Pakistan income tax policy 2019. We do not accept these unjust policies. Currently, FBR and income tax officials are blackmailing traders, misguiding them and taking bribes from them". 
 
Pakistan had secured a provisional 6-billion-dollar IMF loan in April. It was followed by a sharp hike in tax revenues amid spiralling inflation. 
 
The ongoing economic crisis has badly affected people in the region, who lack access to water, electricity and even the most basic requirements. 
 
"The department (Pakistan administration) is suppressing us. They are depriving our children from their own waters (Neelum and Jhelum rivers), shouldn't we protest? Why should we sacrifice our resources? We are getting electricity at a much higher price (compared to Pakistan); we have to face load-shedding all the time. It is enough. We have to first look at our rights and our children's rights," Nawaz Mir further said. 
 
The new taxation policies imposed by Islamabad are causing resentment in Gilgit-Baltistan as well. 
 
The business community is on strike and demands the abolition of the CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card). The other demands include the restoration of the 1.2 million rupees income limit for income tax, the announcement of fixed tax scheme for traders, and problems created by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority for registration of mobile phones. 
 
"Today we are observing a shutter down strike all across Gilgit-Baltistan. We are protesting against the new tax policies implemented by the FBR. The unjust taxes have put the businessmen in a difficult situation. Taxes on business directly affect the public and the small traders," said a local trader in Gilgit. 
 
Another trader said,&nbsp;"There can be no implementation of taxes in Gilgit-Baltistan, they have already been abolished. We condemn this and will continue to protest against it. Gilgit is an illegally occupied territory (by Pakistan); in Jammu and Kashmir, many subsidies are given to the people. If they continue to impose taxes, we will hold even bigger protests". 
 
People in Gilgit-Baltistan and PoK are finding it hard to make ends meet as unfair taxation by Pakistan administration has badly affected their small businesses. 
Under these circumstances, the disgruntled local traders and the people could launch a massive protest against Islamabad in the coming days.

Traders and shopkeepers across the illegally-occupied regions in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit-Baltistan continue to hold a shutter-down strike against unfair taxation policies of the Pakistani government.

Traders and shopkeepers across the illegally-occupied regions in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit-Baltistan continue to hold a shutter-down strike against unfair taxation policies of the Pakistani government. They said that they reject the taxation policies introduced in the federal budget by the Pakistan government which negatively impacts businesses in PoK. Another major irritant for them is the cumbersome procedure requiring anyone buying items worth 50,000 Pakistani rupees or more to produce identity papers. Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Secretary of Traders Association in Muzaffarabad city, said: "This shutter down strike is being observed here against the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Pakistan income tax policy 2019. We do not accept these unjust policies. Currently, FBR and income tax officials are blackmailing traders, misguiding them and taking bribes from them". Pakistan had secured a provisional 6-billion-dollar IMF loan in April. It was followed by a sharp hike in tax revenues amid spiralling inflation. The ongoing economic crisis has badly affected people in the region, who lack access to water, electricity and even the most basic requirements. "The department (Pakistan administration) is suppressing us. They are depriving our children from their own waters (Neelum and Jhelum rivers), shouldn't we protest? Why should we sacrifice our resources? We are getting electricity at a much higher price (compared to Pakistan); we have to face load-shedding all the time. It is enough. We have to first look at our rights and our children's rights," Nawaz Mir further said. The new taxation policies imposed by Islamabad are causing resentment in Gilgit-Baltistan as well. The business community is on strike and demands the abolition of the CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card). The other demands include the restoration of the 1.2 million rupees income limit for income tax, the announcement of fixed tax scheme for traders, and problems created by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority for registration of mobile phones. "Today we are observing a shutter down strike all across Gilgit-Baltistan. We are protesting against the new tax policies implemented by the FBR. The unjust taxes have put the businessmen in a difficult situation. Taxes on business directly affect the public and the small traders," said a local trader in Gilgit. Another trader said, "There can be no implementation of taxes in Gilgit-Baltistan, they have already been abolished. We condemn this and will continue to protest against it. Gilgit is an illegally occupied territory (by Pakistan); in Jammu and Kashmir, many subsidies are given to the people. If they continue to impose taxes, we will hold even bigger protests". People in Gilgit-Baltistan and PoK are finding it hard to make ends meet as unfair taxation by Pakistan administration has badly affected their small businesses. Under these circumstances, the disgruntled local traders and the people could launch a massive protest against Islamabad in the coming days.

Traders in PoK, Gilgit-Baltistan conduct shutter-down protest against unfair taxation policies

The Sheer Size Of Azadi March Does Not Augur Well For Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

WION Edit: Will 'Azadi March' loosen Imran Khan's grip on power?

Pak's Railway Minister Says Gas Cylinder Explosion Led To Train Accident, Eyewitnesses Tell A Different Story.

Gravitas: Major train accident in Pakistan: What led to the tragedy?

Islamic Hardliners Lead A Massive Protest Against Imran Khan. Azadi March In Islamabad On Friday.

Gravitas: Thousands join anti-Imran protest: mega rally in Islamabad on Friday

India on Thursday termed Pakistan's move to take diplomats to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), where the Indian Army destroyed terror camps as "drama" and "naked propaganda" and said it should instead show any credible action against terrorism. 
 
"This is a drama. Pakistan has been doing this kind of naked propaganda. They had taken some diplomats (to PoK). We know that whenever they take diplomats, they try to show a completely different thing," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a press briefing here. 
 
Referring to Pakistan's reluctance to act against terror organisations, Kumar said it should show diplomats how it destroys terror camps and take "credible, irreversible" action against terrorism. 
 
"If Pakistan is serious, it should take diplomats to places to show how it is taking credible, irreversible and verifiable action against terrorism," Kumar said. 
He said Pakistan has been using terror launch pads to send terrorists to India. 
 
"This is in public knowledge that they have launch pads along LoC in PoK that are used to infiltrate terrorists into India," he added. 
 
Indian Army had used artillery guns to target camps in PoK after two Indian soldiers and a civilian were killed in the unprovoked ceasefire violation in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir earlier this month.

India on Thursday termed Pakistan's move to take diplomats to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), where the Indian Army destroyed terror camps as "drama" and "naked propaganda" and said it should instead show any credible action against terrorism.

India on Thursday termed Pakistan's move to take diplomats to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), where the Indian Army destroyed terror camps as "drama" and "naked propaganda" and said it should instead show any credible action against terrorism. "This is a drama. Pakistan has been doing this kind of naked propaganda. They had taken some diplomats (to PoK). We know that whenever they take diplomats, they try to show a completely different thing," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a press briefing here. Referring to Pakistan's reluctance to act against terror organisations, Kumar said it should show diplomats how it destroys terror camps and take "credible, irreversible" action against terrorism. "If Pakistan is serious, it should take diplomats to places to show how it is taking credible, irreversible and verifiable action against terrorism," Kumar said. He said Pakistan has been using terror launch pads to send terrorists to India. "This is in public knowledge that they have launch pads along LoC in PoK that are used to infiltrate terrorists into India," he added. Indian Army had used artillery guns to target camps in PoK after two Indian soldiers and a civilian were killed in the unprovoked ceasefire violation in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir earlier this month.

Pakistan's move to take diplomats to PoK 'drama', says Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has condemned the Pakistani security forces for "brutal manhandling" of the peaceful protest by people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) against oppression and atrocities by the state agencies. 
 
The MQM, in a statement on Wednesday, called out the security forces "for shedding crocodile tears over Jammu and Kashmir" but maltreating people of occupied Kashmir. 
 
On Tuesday, the police raided the press club in PoK's Muzaffarabad during a media briefing by Jammu Kashmir People's National Alliance (JKPNA), which had called for a protest on Thursday outside Pakistan High Commission in London. Several journalists suffered injuries in the raid. 
 
Two civilians were killed and over 80 others sustained injuries after police lathi-charged them during a peaceful pro-freedom rally. 
 
The raid came on the day when people in PoK were observing "Black Day" to protest&nbsp;the 72nd anniversary of Kashmir's invasion by Pakistani forces in 1947. 
 
The MQM said the security forces unleashed their terror and inflicted injuries on to the protestors on the day of the diplomat's visit. 
 
It also appealed to the foreign diplomats that they should take notice of that barbarism and the human rights organisations should step forward and take up the case for the sake of humanity.&nbsp;

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has condemned the Pakistani security forces for "brutal manhandling" of the peaceful protest by people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) against oppression and atrocities by the state agencies.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has condemned the Pakistani security forces for "brutal manhandling" of the peaceful protest by people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) against oppression and atrocities by the state agencies. The MQM, in a statement on Wednesday, called out the security forces "for shedding crocodile tears over Jammu and Kashmir" but maltreating people of occupied Kashmir. On Tuesday, the police raided the press club in PoK's Muzaffarabad during a media briefing by Jammu Kashmir People's National Alliance (JKPNA), which had called for a protest on Thursday outside Pakistan High Commission in London. Several journalists suffered injuries in the raid. Two civilians were killed and over 80 others sustained injuries after police lathi-charged them during a peaceful pro-freedom rally. The raid came on the day when people in PoK were observing "Black Day" to protest the 72nd anniversary of Kashmir's invasion by Pakistani forces in 1947. The MQM said the security forces unleashed their terror and inflicted injuries on to the protestors on the day of the diplomat's visit. It also appealed to the foreign diplomats that they should take notice of that barbarism and the human rights organisations should step forward and take up the case for the sake of humanity.

MQM condemns 'brutal manhandling' of protesters in PoK by Pakistan security forces

Pakistan on Sunday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia after Indian Army attacked terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. 
 
Ahluwalia was summoned by Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal. 
 
The foreign office in a statement said that five Pakistani nationals were killed in the exchange of fire. 
 
Pakistan Army, early in the day, started firing at Indian positions to push infiltrators from terrorist groups through Tangdhar sector and used artillery shelling. 
 
Four to five Pakistan Army soldiers were killed and several others injured after the Indian Army launched artillery attacks on terrorist launchpad situated inside Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) opposite the Tangdhar sector on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. 
 
The Indian response took place after Pakistan Army carried out artillery firing on Indian positions to facilitate the infiltration of terrorists into India, sources told ANI. 
 
Pakistan also rejected reports that launchpads were targeted by India. 
 
Pakistan has called upon the P5 to ask India to provide information about the launchpads, the Pakistan Foreign Office statement said. 
 
The country has also said that it will arrange a visit of the diplomats of the permanent members of the United Nations to those locations.

Pakistan on Sunday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia after Indian Army attacked terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Ahluwalia was summoned by Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal.

Pakistan on Sunday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia after Indian Army attacked terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Ahluwalia was summoned by Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal. The foreign office in a statement said that five Pakistani nationals were killed in the exchange of fire. Pakistan Army, early in the day, started firing at Indian positions to push infiltrators from terrorist groups through Tangdhar sector and used artillery shelling. Four to five Pakistan Army soldiers were killed and several others injured after the Indian Army launched artillery attacks on terrorist launchpad situated inside Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) opposite the Tangdhar sector on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. The Indian response took place after Pakistan Army carried out artillery firing on Indian positions to facilitate the infiltration of terrorists into India, sources told ANI. Pakistan also rejected reports that launchpads were targeted by India. Pakistan has called upon the P5 to ask India to provide information about the launchpads, the Pakistan Foreign Office statement said. The country has also said that it will arrange a visit of the diplomats of the permanent members of the United Nations to those locations.

Pakistan summons Indian Deputy High Commissioner over firing on terror launch pads in PoK

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Sunday lauded Indian Army`s artillery attack on terror camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and said that the country`s armed forces are capable of deterring all threat.

"Our security forces are competent and capable to fight any hurdle that comes their way. They have defeated threats in the past and they will continue to do the same in the future as well," Naqvi told ANI on Sunday.

The Union Minister was participating in a cycling rally against the air pollution in the national capital.

Earlier today, the Indian Army used artillery guns to target terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) which have been actively trying to push terrorists into Indian Territory.

This comes after an unprovoked ceasefire violation was started by the Pakistani side to push infiltrators into the Indian side, according to sources.&nbsp;

Two Indian soldiers and a civilian were killed in firing by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir.In retaliation, the Indian Army inflicted heavy damages and casualties on the Pakistan side.&nbsp;

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Sunday lauded Indian Army`s artillery attack on terror camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and said that the country`s armed forces are capable of deterring all threat.

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Sunday lauded Indian Army`s artillery attack on terror camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and said that the country`s armed forces are capable of deterring all threat. "Our security forces are competent and capable to fight any hurdle that comes their way. They have defeated threats in the past and they will continue to do the same in the future as well," Naqvi told ANI on Sunday. The Union Minister was participating in a cycling rally against the air pollution in the national capital. Earlier today, the Indian Army used artillery guns to target terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) which have been actively trying to push terrorists into Indian Territory. This comes after an unprovoked ceasefire violation was started by the Pakistani side to push infiltrators into the Indian side, according to sources. Two Indian soldiers and a civilian were killed in firing by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir.In retaliation, the Indian Army inflicted heavy damages and casualties on the Pakistan side.

Indian armed forces capable of deterring all threat: Naqvi on artillery attack

Hours after the Indian Army launched an artillery attack on terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday, defence experts have lauded the move saying the Army has ensured that the terrorists do not enter into our country.

"Indian Army took the action after receiving information that terrorists were at a camp trying to enter into Indian territory. Our forces have hit these camps and neutralised many of them ensuring these terrorists do not enter into our country," Defence Expert Shivalee Deshpande told ANI on Sunday.

She lauded the move saying this is a major action by the Indian Army and we have to continue this to keep Pakistan at bay.

"In a bid to divert Indian soldiers, Pakistani forces usually give these terrorists cover fire when they try to enter into Indian territory. Similarly, Pakistani soldiers violated ceasefire, in which two Indian soldiers were killed," Deshpande said.

She said that the terrorists had been trying to cross the border since yesterday but failed because of vigilance in the area.&nbsp;

Another defence expert DS Dhillon has said that the Army had credible information that over 200 terrorists were gathered at several terror camps in the region.

"The Indian Army targeted camps with the most concentration of terrorists and neutralised them. Since the target was within 15 km, the artilleries would have accurately hit them," Dhillon said.

Retired Lieutenant General PN Hoon, on the other hand, has said that if we know their location, we should target them using our helicopters and aircraft as well.

"During my time, I had instructed the soldiers under my command to shoot anyone who tries to cross the border. If we know where these terrorists are, why shouldn`t we use artillery guns to neutralise them? I say we should send our helicopters and aircraft and neutralise them," Hoon said.

Earlier today, the Indian Army used artillery guns to target terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) which have been actively trying to push terrorists into Indian Territory.

Four launch pads in Neelam valley of PoK were targeted and fatalities have been reported, sources said.Two Indian soldiers were also killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir earlier today.&nbsp;

Hours after the Indian Army launched an artillery attack on terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday, defence experts have lauded the move saying the Army has ensured that the terrorists do not enter into our country.

Hours after the Indian Army launched an artillery attack on terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday, defence experts have lauded the move saying the Army has ensured that the terrorists do not enter into our country. "Indian Army took the action after receiving information that terrorists were at a camp trying to enter into Indian territory. Our forces have hit these camps and neutralised many of them ensuring these terrorists do not enter into our country," Defence Expert Shivalee Deshpande told ANI on Sunday. She lauded the move saying this is a major action by the Indian Army and we have to continue this to keep Pakistan at bay. "In a bid to divert Indian soldiers, Pakistani forces usually give these terrorists cover fire when they try to enter into Indian territory. Similarly, Pakistani soldiers violated ceasefire, in which two Indian soldiers were killed," Deshpande said. She said that the terrorists had been trying to cross the border since yesterday but failed because of vigilance in the area. Another defence expert DS Dhillon has said that the Army had credible information that over 200 terrorists were gathered at several terror camps in the region. "The Indian Army targeted camps with the most concentration of terrorists and neutralised them. Since the target was within 15 km, the artilleries would have accurately hit them," Dhillon said. Retired Lieutenant General PN Hoon, on the other hand, has said that if we know their location, we should target them using our helicopters and aircraft as well. "During my time, I had instructed the soldiers under my command to shoot anyone who tries to cross the border. If we know where these terrorists are, why shouldn`t we use artillery guns to neutralise them? I say we should send our helicopters and aircraft and neutralise them," Hoon said. Earlier today, the Indian Army used artillery guns to target terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) which have been actively trying to push terrorists into Indian Territory. Four launch pads in Neelam valley of PoK were targeted and fatalities have been reported, sources said.Two Indian soldiers were also killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir earlier today.

Indian army targets terror camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir

Indian army attacks terror camps in PoK. Seven terror launch pads destroyed

Indian army attacks terror camps in PoK

At least nine people were killed Sunday in firing along the de facto India-Pakistan border in Kashmir, officials said, adding to the spike in deaths in recent days as New Delhi eased a curfew in the disputed region.

Tensions escalated between the nuclear-armed neighbours after India revoked Kashmir's autonomy on August 5 and imposed movement and communications restrictions to quell unrest.

Officials from the two countries accused each other of firing mortar rounds and small arms along the so-called Line of Control.

"Two soldiers and a civilian were killed and three others injured in the unprovoked fire by Pakistan," Indian Army spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia told AFP of the "unprovoked" fire in the mountainous Tangdhar region of Kupwara district.

Several homes were damaged in the attack and three civilians were being treated in a hospital, he added.

Officials in Pakistan-administered Kashmir told AFP six civilians were killed and eight others wounded in Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley.

"Mortar shells hit civilian houses and have so far martyred five people in Muzzafarabad and wounded six others," said Muzaffarabad deputy commissioner Badar Munir said.

Munir said the dead included three members of one family.

Neelum Valley official Akhtar Ayub said one civilian was killed and two injured.

The shelling came after five people were killed in Indian Kashmir on Wednesday, two days after New Delhi restored mobile phone and text services.

Indian authorities said repeatedly during the lockdown that Kashmir has been mostly peaceful.

Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since 1947 and was the spark of two wars and numerous skirmishes.

An armed rebellion against Indian rule has raged in the valley since 1989, claiming tens of thousands of lives, mostly civilians. 
&nbsp;

At least nine people were killed Sunday in firing along the de facto India-Pakistan border in Kashmir, officials said, adding to the spike in deaths in recent days as New Delhi eased a curfew in the disputed region.

At least nine people were killed Sunday in firing along the de facto India-Pakistan border in Kashmir, officials said, adding to the spike in deaths in recent days as New Delhi eased a curfew in the disputed region. Tensions escalated between the nuclear-armed neighbours after India revoked Kashmir's autonomy on August 5 and imposed movement and communications restrictions to quell unrest. Officials from the two countries accused each other of firing mortar rounds and small arms along the so-called Line of Control. "Two soldiers and a civilian were killed and three others injured in the unprovoked fire by Pakistan," Indian Army spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia told AFP of the "unprovoked" fire in the mountainous Tangdhar region of Kupwara district. Several homes were damaged in the attack and three civilians were being treated in a hospital, he added. Officials in Pakistan-administered Kashmir told AFP six civilians were killed and eight others wounded in Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley. "Mortar shells hit civilian houses and have so far martyred five people in Muzzafarabad and wounded six others," said Muzaffarabad deputy commissioner Badar Munir said. Munir said the dead included three members of one family. Neelum Valley official Akhtar Ayub said one civilian was killed and two injured. The shelling came after five people were killed in Indian Kashmir on Wednesday, two days after New Delhi restored mobile phone and text services. Indian authorities said repeatedly during the lockdown that Kashmir has been mostly peaceful. Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since 1947 and was the spark of two wars and numerous skirmishes. An armed rebellion against Indian rule has raged in the valley since 1989, claiming tens of thousands of lives, mostly civilians.

Nine killed in fresh firing across Kashmir border

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-symbol-of-valour-and-courage-amit-shah-on-air-force-day-254437">BJP president Amit Shah</a> on Monday said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had repealed Article 370 within months of returning to power with an increased majority and urged people to take to task those who had "opposed" the move. 
 
Addressing a rally in poll-bound Maharashtra, he said the Modi government had taken steps for empowering the OBCs and given constitutional status to National Commission for Backward Classes. 
 
He said the government was moving in the direction shown by BR&nbsp;Ambedkar to empower the weaker sections. 
 
"You gave Narendra Modiji 300 seats (in the Lok Sabha polls). Modiji removed Article 370 in five months," he said. 
 
"Article 370 should have been scrapped or not? Is Kashmir an integral part of India or not? Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked for integrating Kashmir with Bharat or not? Will you not question those who oppose it?" Shah asked. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/minimum-use-of-force-should-be-motto-of-police-everywhere-says-amit-shah-254336">The Union Home Minister</a> also heaped praises on Pankaja Munde, a Minister in Maharashtra government, who is contesting from Beed. 
 
He remembered her father and former union minister Gopinath Munde, saying he had done a lot of work for uplifting farmers, labourers and backward sections. 
 
"Gopinath Munde devoted his whole life for the sugarcane farmers, labourers in the sugar mills. Pankaja too is working for the backward sections of society," he said. 
 
Shah also greeted people on Dussehra. " It is the festival of victory of good over evil and inspires us to keep moving forward in life." 
 
BJP is contesting Maharashtra polls in alliance with Shiv Sena. The state will go to the polls on October 21.

BJP president Amit Shah on Monday said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had repealed Article 370 within months of returning to power with an increased majority and urged people to take to task those who had "opposed" the move.

BJP president Amit Shah on Monday said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had repealed Article 370 within months of returning to power with an increased majority and urged people to take to task those who had "opposed" the move. Addressing a rally in poll-bound Maharashtra, he said the Modi government had taken steps for empowering the OBCs and given constitutional status to National Commission for Backward Classes. He said the government was moving in the direction shown by BR Ambedkar to empower the weaker sections. "You gave Narendra Modiji 300 seats (in the Lok Sabha polls). Modiji removed Article 370 in five months," he said. "Article 370 should have been scrapped or not? Is Kashmir an integral part of India or not? Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked for integrating Kashmir with Bharat or not? Will you not question those who oppose it?" Shah asked. The Union Home Minister also heaped praises on Pankaja Munde, a Minister in Maharashtra government, who is contesting from Beed. He remembered her father and former union minister Gopinath Munde, saying he had done a lot of work for uplifting farmers, labourers and backward sections. "Gopinath Munde devoted his whole life for the sugarcane farmers, labourers in the sugar mills. Pankaja too is working for the backward sections of society," he said. Shah also greeted people on Dussehra. " It is the festival of victory of good over evil and inspires us to keep moving forward in life." BJP is contesting Maharashtra polls in alliance with Shiv Sena. The state will go to the polls on October 21.

Question those who opposed repealing Article 370, says Amit Shah

At least one person lost his life and two others suffered injuries after a house collapsed in Mirpur following an earthquake measuring 3.8 on Richter scale that struck off the city and its adjoining areas in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday morning. 
 
Quoting Pakistan Meteorological Department, ARY News, the epicentre of the quake, with a depth of 15 kilometres, was 12 km north-west of Jehlum's course in the Valley. 
 
Mirpur and adjoining areas were shaken by tremors at 10:28 a.m. (local time) for two to three seconds. 
 
Rescue sources were quoted as saying that tremors in the area resulted in a house to collapse, burying three under the debris, with two shifted to a hospital for treatment. 
 
Last month, at least 40 people were killed and 800 were injured when a 5.8-magnitude earthquake jolted the Kashmiri city of Mirpur, roughly 20 kilometres north of Jhelum in agricultural Punjab province. 
 
Tremors were also felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Jhelum, Charsadda, Swat, Khyber, Abbottabad, Bajaur, Nowshera, Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar and Kohistan.

At least one person lost his life and two others suffered injuries after a house collapsed in Mirpur following an earthquake measuring 3.8 on Richter scale that struck off the city and its adjoining areas in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday morning.

At least one person lost his life and two others suffered injuries after a house collapsed in Mirpur following an earthquake measuring 3.8 on Richter scale that struck off the city and its adjoining areas in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday morning. Quoting Pakistan Meteorological Department, ARY News, the epicentre of the quake, with a depth of 15 kilometres, was 12 km north-west of Jehlum's course in the Valley. Mirpur and adjoining areas were shaken by tremors at 10:28 a.m. (local time) for two to three seconds. Rescue sources were quoted as saying that tremors in the area resulted in a house to collapse, burying three under the debris, with two shifted to a hospital for treatment. Last month, at least 40 people were killed and 800 were injured when a 5.8-magnitude earthquake jolted the Kashmiri city of Mirpur, roughly 20 kilometres north of Jhelum in agricultural Punjab province. Tremors were also felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Jhelum, Charsadda, Swat, Khyber, Abbottabad, Bajaur, Nowshera, Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar and Kohistan.

One dead as earthquake of 3.8 magnitude strikes Pakistan occupied Kashmir

Pok, News on Pok, stories on Pok, articles on Pok, Pok stories at Wion, Pok news, Pok latest news