Pakistan's Nawaz Sharif arrived in London last night but it’s not news of his arrival that has made the headlines, rather the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) administration has alleged that the ailing Prime Minister who was allowed to seek treatment abroad on account of being critically ill didn’t look to be quite as ‘critical’.

Nawaz Sharif was seen walking up to greet family members and supporters who had gathered to receive him at London’s Heathrow Airport.&nbsp;

The sight of a suited-booted Sharif walking without support or any medical apparatus rang alarm bells within the Imran Khan administration back home.&nbsp;

Several members of the ruling Imran Khan regime have questioned the severity of Nawaz Sharif’s medical condition.&nbsp;

Faisal Vawda, a minister in the ruling PTI government tweeted saying, 'Nawaz seen leaving the country on his feet, wearing a suit....instead of prayers, flowers were showered on him.'

Fawad Chaudhry, another minister in the Imran Khan administration taunted Nawaz Sharif saying it seemed that the former premier got better as soon as he stood on the plane’s walkway.&nbsp;

When asked about the jibes being aimed at Sharif, a PML-N Senator, Pervaiz Rashid said that the party would issue a response soon but didn’t feel the need to counter the allegations immediately.&nbsp;

The three-time Prime Minister was recently given the go-ahead to fly out of the country by the Lahore High Court to seek treatment abroad.&nbsp;

Sharif, who was tried and convicted by Pakistan’s Accountability Court, is said to be suffering from multiple ailments, including a critically low platelet count due to prolonged kidney disease.

Pakistan's Nawaz Sharif arrived in London last night but it’s not news of his arrival that has made the headlines, rather the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) administration has alleged that the ailing Prime Minister who was allowed to seek treatment abroad on account of being critically ill didn’t look to be quite as ‘critical’.

Pakistan's Nawaz Sharif arrived in London last night but it’s not news of his arrival that has made the headlines, rather the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) administration has alleged that the ailing Prime Minister who was allowed to seek treatment abroad on account of being critically ill didn’t look to be quite as ‘critical’. Nawaz Sharif was seen walking up to greet family members and supporters who had gathered to receive him at London’s Heathrow Airport. The sight of a suited-booted Sharif walking without support or any medical apparatus rang alarm bells within the Imran Khan administration back home. Several members of the ruling Imran Khan regime have questioned the severity of Nawaz Sharif’s medical condition. Faisal Vawda, a minister in the ruling PTI government tweeted saying, 'Nawaz seen leaving the country on his feet, wearing a suit....instead of prayers, flowers were showered on him.' Fawad Chaudhry, another minister in the Imran Khan administration taunted Nawaz Sharif saying it seemed that the former premier got better as soon as he stood on the plane’s walkway. When asked about the jibes being aimed at Sharif, a PML-N Senator, Pervaiz Rashid said that the party would issue a response soon but didn’t feel the need to counter the allegations immediately. The three-time Prime Minister was recently given the go-ahead to fly out of the country by the Lahore High Court to seek treatment abroad. Sharif, who was tried and convicted by Pakistan’s Accountability Court, is said to be suffering from multiple ailments, including a critically low platelet count due to prolonged kidney disease.

Imran Khan's PTI questions severity of Nawaz Sharif’s medical condition

WION's Executive Editor, Palki Sharma Upadhyay and VOA's Ira Mellman discuss the intractable conflict between India & Pakistan with Nadeem Nusrat, Chairperson of Voice of Karachi and South Asia minorities alliance foundation and Yoshita Singh, Chief UN/NY correspondent, Press Trust of India.

Setting the Agenda | India & Pakistan- An intractable conflict

Former Pakistan MLA Baldev Kumar Demands Asylum From India

Gravitas: Pakistan's record on minorities continues to embarrass it

A former MLA from Imran Khan's PTI, who is seeking political asylum in India over atrocities on minorities in Pakistan, on Tuesday asserted that Hindus and Sikhs are being "tortured" in the neighbouring country.

Baldev Kumar also stated that even Muslims in Pakistan are not as safe as life in the country is full of difficulties.

"Not only minorities but even Muslims are not safe there (Pakistan). We are surviving in Pakistan with a lot of difficulties. I request the Indian government to give me asylum here. I will not go back," Baldev Kumar told ANI.

Baldev's admission once again exposed Pakistan's record of using unfair means of treatment against the minority communities.

A former PTI MLA from Barikot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) assembly, Baldev is in India along with his family to seek political asylum.

Baldev, 43, no longer wants to return to Pakistan and has alleged that minorities, including Hindus and Sikhs, are being prosecuted in Pakistan.

"The Indian government should announce a package so that the Hindu and Sikh families staying in Pakistan can come here. I want Modi Sahab to do something for them. They are tortured there," he requested.

In 2016, a sitting MLA from his constituency was assassinated.

Baldev was charged with a false murder case and acquitted in 2018, adding to a number of false cases that minority members are framed in by cash-strapped Islamabad.

In Pakistan, incidents, where Hindu, Sikh and Christian girls are forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men, are reported regularly.

The recent incident of abduction, forcible marriage and religious conversion of a Sikh girl of Nankana Sahib is a telling example.

A former MLA from Imran Khan's PTI, who is seeking political asylum in India over atrocities on minorities in Pakistan, on Tuesday asserted that Hindus and Sikhs are being "tortured" in the neighbouring country.

A former MLA from Imran Khan's PTI, who is seeking political asylum in India over atrocities on minorities in Pakistan, on Tuesday asserted that Hindus and Sikhs are being "tortured" in the neighbouring country. Baldev Kumar also stated that even Muslims in Pakistan are not as safe as life in the country is full of difficulties. "Not only minorities but even Muslims are not safe there (Pakistan). We are surviving in Pakistan with a lot of difficulties. I request the Indian government to give me asylum here. I will not go back," Baldev Kumar told ANI. Baldev's admission once again exposed Pakistan's record of using unfair means of treatment against the minority communities. A former PTI MLA from Barikot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) assembly, Baldev is in India along with his family to seek political asylum. Baldev, 43, no longer wants to return to Pakistan and has alleged that minorities, including Hindus and Sikhs, are being prosecuted in Pakistan. "The Indian government should announce a package so that the Hindu and Sikh families staying in Pakistan can come here. I want Modi Sahab to do something for them. They are tortured there," he requested. In 2016, a sitting MLA from his constituency was assassinated. Baldev was charged with a false murder case and acquitted in 2018, adding to a number of false cases that minority members are framed in by cash-strapped Islamabad. In Pakistan, incidents, where Hindu, Sikh and Christian girls are forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men, are reported regularly. The recent incident of abduction, forcible marriage and religious conversion of a Sikh girl of Nankana Sahib is a telling example.

Hindus, Sikhs tortured in Pakistan, says ex-PTI MLA; seeks asylum in India

The International Monetary Fund has lashed out at ruling Imran Khan-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-hasnt-acknowledged-presence-of-indian-prisoners-of-war-defence-personnel-in-its-custody-government-in-lok-sabha-234803">Pakistan</a> Tehreek-i-Insaf for not adopting adequate policies to address the economic crisis in the country.

The IMF blamed the current PTI government for delayed and yet unsatisfactory policy action for correction.

Hence despite some exchange rate depreciation and significant monetary policy tightening, sizeable foreign exchange interventions continued through April 2019, reported Dawn.

"Similarly, fiscal slippages in the first half of the fiscal year have been significant despite the adoption of two budget amendments. Finally, increases in power and gas tariffs have not been sufficient to stem the accumulation of quasi-fiscal losses," the IMF noted.

IMF made these remarks in its staff report on $6 billion bailouts to Pakistan approved by its executive board earlier this week.

The agency held the PML-N government responsible for unbalanced policies and unfinished reforms.

"Misaligned economic policies, including large fiscal deficits, loose monetary policy, and defence of an overvalued exchange rate, fuelled consumption and short-term growth in recent years, but steadily eroded macroeconomic buffers, increased external and public debt, and depleted international reserves," it said.

IMF also pointed out that dull progress in structural progress continued to hamper investment and allowed "inefficient state-owned entities (SOEs) to linger and a large informal economy to expand".

The three-year bailout package was approved by the IMF's Executive Board last week."IMF Executive Board approved today a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imf-approves-6-billion-loan-for-pakistan-to-right-the-nations-economy-232863">three-year $6 billion loan</a> to support Pakistan's economic plan, which aims to return sustainable growth to the country's economy and improve the standards of living," Gerry Rice, the IMF's spokesperson had confirmed the news on Twitter on July 3.

The Asian Development Bank has also announced plans to lend $10 billion to Pakistan for various development projects over the next five years.&nbsp;

The International Monetary Fund has lashed out at ruling Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf for not adopting adequate policies to address the economic crisis in the country.

The International Monetary Fund has lashed out at ruling Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf for not adopting adequate policies to address the economic crisis in the country. The IMF blamed the current PTI government for delayed and yet unsatisfactory policy action for correction. Hence despite some exchange rate depreciation and significant monetary policy tightening, sizeable foreign exchange interventions continued through April 2019, reported Dawn. "Similarly, fiscal slippages in the first half of the fiscal year have been significant despite the adoption of two budget amendments. Finally, increases in power and gas tariffs have not been sufficient to stem the accumulation of quasi-fiscal losses," the IMF noted. IMF made these remarks in its staff report on $6 billion bailouts to Pakistan approved by its executive board earlier this week. The agency held the PML-N government responsible for unbalanced policies and unfinished reforms. "Misaligned economic policies, including large fiscal deficits, loose monetary policy, and defence of an overvalued exchange rate, fuelled consumption and short-term growth in recent years, but steadily eroded macroeconomic buffers, increased external and public debt, and depleted international reserves," it said. IMF also pointed out that dull progress in structural progress continued to hamper investment and allowed "inefficient state-owned entities (SOEs) to linger and a large informal economy to expand". The three-year bailout package was approved by the IMF's Executive Board last week."IMF Executive Board approved today a three-year $6 billion loan to support Pakistan's economic plan, which aims to return sustainable growth to the country's economy and improve the standards of living," Gerry Rice, the IMF's spokesperson had confirmed the news on Twitter on July 3. The Asian Development Bank has also announced plans to lend $10 billion to Pakistan for various development projects over the next five years.

International Monetary Fund blames PTI, PLM-N for Pakistan's economic crisis

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday said that it will challenge the decision of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) to appoint Maryam Nawaz as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that PTI was preparing to challenge PML-N`s decision to grant a party post to a convicted person, Express Tribune reported.

He said that the ruling party was exploring various options and will decide the best way to take the matter forward.

"We have the option to take this up in the Parliament, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), or the country's courts," Qureshi said.

"She (Maryam) has been convicted by the country`s courts and is not eligible to hold a party position. She has been granted temporary relief by the court. Her conviction has not been reversed," he added.

Maryam, along with her husband Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar and her father and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, was sentenced by an accountability court on corruption charges in Avenfield reference case in June last year.

While Maryam was sentenced to seven years, her father was awarded a 10-year jail term. Safdar was given a one-year prison sentence.

In September last year, the Islamabad High Court suspended the sentence of the trio.

According to sources, Qureshi has started consulting with party leaders and lawyers on the matter. He is also said to have been thinking of approaching ECP on Maryam`s appointment.

On May 3, the PML-N underwent a major reshuffle initiated by president Shehbaz Sharif. His son, Hamza Shehbaz, along with Maryam, was named as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party.

Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was named as PML-N`s senior vice president and former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was appointed as the party`s general secretary.

While Marriyum Aurangzeb was retained as the party`s spokesperson, former finance minister Ishaq Dar, who is facing corruption charges and is living in London, has been named as the president of the party`s International Affairs Committee.

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday said that it will challenge the decision of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) to appoint Maryam Nawaz as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party.

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday said that it will challenge the decision of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) to appoint Maryam Nawaz as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that PTI was preparing to challenge PML-N`s decision to grant a party post to a convicted person, Express Tribune reported. He said that the ruling party was exploring various options and will decide the best way to take the matter forward. "We have the option to take this up in the Parliament, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), or the country's courts," Qureshi said. "She (Maryam) has been convicted by the country`s courts and is not eligible to hold a party position. She has been granted temporary relief by the court. Her conviction has not been reversed," he added. Maryam, along with her husband Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar and her father and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, was sentenced by an accountability court on corruption charges in Avenfield reference case in June last year. While Maryam was sentenced to seven years, her father was awarded a 10-year jail term. Safdar was given a one-year prison sentence. In September last year, the Islamabad High Court suspended the sentence of the trio. According to sources, Qureshi has started consulting with party leaders and lawyers on the matter. He is also said to have been thinking of approaching ECP on Maryam`s appointment. On May 3, the PML-N underwent a major reshuffle initiated by president Shehbaz Sharif. His son, Hamza Shehbaz, along with Maryam, was named as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party. Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was named as PML-N`s senior vice president and former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was appointed as the party`s general secretary. While Marriyum Aurangzeb was retained as the party`s spokesperson, former finance minister Ishaq Dar, who is facing corruption charges and is living in London, has been named as the president of the party`s International Affairs Committee.

PTI to challenge Maryam's appointment as PML-N vice president

PTI: Virtual SIM Cards were used in Pulwama attack by JeM

India has reacted to 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's recent rally in Lahore and has sent a note verbale on the same to Pakistan. Saeed's rally was in Lahore on February 5. India raised the matter with Pakistan on February 6, a day after the rally took place.

Saeed, the co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the chief of Jama'at-ud-Da'wah (JuD), had taken part in the rally as part of the Kashmir solidarity day.

In the note verbale sent by the Ministry of External Affairs to Pakistan High Commission, India registered its "strong protest at the continued use of Pakistan controlled territory by extremist and terrorist elements" to "freely propagate and promote violence and terror against India."

Further, India "once again" called upon the "government of Pakistan to fulfill its international obligations" and "abide by its bilateral committment to not allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India in any manner".

Time and again, India has condemned Saeed's free movement in Pakistan and has raised the matter with the neighbouring country. Last year, at the United Nation, India slammed Pakistan for its support to terror and asked how is that a "UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed enjoys a free run inside Pakistan and spews venom and sets up candidates for electoral office?"

JuD is a UN-designated terrorist organisation with a $10 million dollar bounty by the US on its founder Hafiz Saeed.

Despite Islamabad saying it wants peace with India, Pakistani ministers have been sharing the dais with Hafiz Saeed. On September 30, 2018, Pakistan's Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri was spotted with Hafiz Saeed. Both were seen making anti-India statements.

In December 2018, a video surfaced showing Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi openly expressing Pak government's support to Hafiz Saeed and his organization.&nbsp;

JuD has also opened centres in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in collaboration with a prominent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader.&nbsp;

JuD and Hafiz Saeed's NGO Falah-e-Insaniyat are no longer in the list of Pakistan’s banned organizations. Pakistan ordinance proscribed them lapsed.&nbsp;

In January, India sent a number of note verbales to Pakistan on a host of issues including the matter of Indian Diplomats' harassment, killing of Indian fisherman and stopping of Indian cargo flights to Afghanistan.

India has reacted to 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's recent rally in Lahore and has sent a note verbale on the same to Pakistan. Saeed's rally was in Lahore on February 5.

India has reacted to 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's recent rally in Lahore and has sent a note verbale on the same to Pakistan. Saeed's rally was in Lahore on February 5. India raised the matter with Pakistan on February 6, a day after the rally took place. Saeed, the co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the chief of Jama'at-ud-Da'wah (JuD), had taken part in the rally as part of the Kashmir solidarity day. In the note verbale sent by the Ministry of External Affairs to Pakistan High Commission, India registered its "strong protest at the continued use of Pakistan controlled territory by extremist and terrorist elements" to "freely propagate and promote violence and terror against India." Further, India "once again" called upon the "government of Pakistan to fulfill its international obligations" and "abide by its bilateral committment to not allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India in any manner". Time and again, India has condemned Saeed's free movement in Pakistan and has raised the matter with the neighbouring country. Last year, at the United Nation, India slammed Pakistan for its support to terror and asked how is that a "UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed enjoys a free run inside Pakistan and spews venom and sets up candidates for electoral office?" JuD is a UN-designated terrorist organisation with a $10 million dollar bounty by the US on its founder Hafiz Saeed. Despite Islamabad saying it wants peace with India, Pakistani ministers have been sharing the dais with Hafiz Saeed. On September 30, 2018, Pakistan's Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri was spotted with Hafiz Saeed. Both were seen making anti-India statements. In December 2018, a video surfaced showing Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi openly expressing Pak government's support to Hafiz Saeed and his organization. JuD has also opened centres in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in collaboration with a prominent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader. JuD and Hafiz Saeed's NGO Falah-e-Insaniyat are no longer in the list of Pakistan’s banned organizations. Pakistan ordinance proscribed them lapsed. In January, India sent a number of note verbales to Pakistan on a host of issues including the matter of Indian Diplomats' harassment, killing of Indian fisherman and stopping of Indian cargo flights to Afghanistan.

India takes note of Hafiz Saeed's recent rally in Lahore, raises matter with Pakistan

Describing Modi government as 'kisan hiteshi' (pro-farmers), the BJP on Friday resolved at its national convention that farmers are the top-most priority of the ruling dispensation.

Months ahead of Lok Sabha polls, the convention, the "biggest ever" gathering attended by over 12,000 party members, also passed a resolution on development in rural areas, citing a host of developmental measures taken by Modi government for transforming lives in villages.&nbsp;

It came at the time when the opposition has accused the government of "betraying" farmers and various farm organisations have protested in different parts of the country.

Farm distress has been cited by Congress chief Rahul Gandhi as a key issue for the upcoming parliamentary polls.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh proposed the resolution on agriculture which was seconded by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP farmer wing head Virendra Singh.&nbsp;

While the resolution on poverty alleviation was proposed by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, which was seconded by Bihar BJP chief Nityanand Rai and party's vice-president Dushyant Gautam.

Swaraj at length described the initiatives taken by the Modi government in the last four-and-half-years such as Jan Dhan Yojana under which bank accounts were opened and how these measures brought positive change in the lives of the people.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The convention with the presence of over 12000 party members is the biggest party get-together, a BJP leader said. It is expected to rejuvenate the party cadres ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The agriculture resolution lauded the government for "successfully" dealing with issues of farmers' income. The government will not just be able to reach the goal of doubling of farmers' income but would also be looking forward from there. The vision of the BJP is an independent, able, strong and prosperous farmer as annadata (food giver), who will take the country's economy to great heights, the resolution said.

The resolution described Modi government as 'kisan hiteshi' and farmers its top most priority. All speakers described Modi government as the "well-wisher" of farmer.

"Farmers are likely to get 50 per cent more benefit on their produce whereas on crops like urad and bajra the profit will be 96 per cent," Singh informed.&nbsp; 
The resolution at length compared the overall condition of agriculture sector and the support price given to farmers under the UPA rule and the NDA regime.&nbsp;

Singh said that the total budget allocation in the sector has almost doubled compared to the funds allocated during the UPA regime.

Later, addressing the press conference over the resolution, party's national general secretary Bhupendra Yadav said in case of natural disasters, the agriculture sector has got Rs 32,000 crores from National Disaster Relief Fund which is 2.5 times higher than previous government and the allocations made to states is 82 per cent more than previous government's allotment.

In 2013-14, the UPA government spent Rs 2151 crores on crop insurance which has now increased to 13,000 crores which is six times higher under Modi government, the resolution said.&nbsp;

"Earlier, they (farmers) were getting claims for minimum 50 per cent damage to their crops, whereas now, even if there is 33 per cent damage to crops, they are being benefitted, " Yadav added while briefing on the resolution.&nbsp;

Taking a dig at the Congress, Yadav asked why are farmers in Karnataka getting notices.

Listing the government's achievements, Yadav said the food grain production has increased to 11.4 per cent in 2017-18.

In horticulture, the production has shown 17.55 per cent rise.

The resolution said a total of 17.53 crores soil health cards have been distributed, helping farmers to decide on right fertilizers.&nbsp;

The party also lauded the government for taking some strong measures which include import duty on wheat increased to 20 per cent and on tur dal to 10 per cent.&nbsp;

Budget on agriculture education saw an increase of 55 per cent in 2018-2019 compared to 2013-2014, added Yadav.

Describing Modi government as 'kisan hiteshi' (pro-farmers), the BJP on Friday resolved at its national convention that farmers are the top-most priority of the ruling dispensation.

Describing Modi government as 'kisan hiteshi' (pro-farmers), the BJP on Friday resolved at its national convention that farmers are the top-most priority of the ruling dispensation. Months ahead of Lok Sabha polls, the convention, the "biggest ever" gathering attended by over 12,000 party members, also passed a resolution on development in rural areas, citing a host of developmental measures taken by Modi government for transforming lives in villages. It came at the time when the opposition has accused the government of "betraying" farmers and various farm organisations have protested in different parts of the country. Farm distress has been cited by Congress chief Rahul Gandhi as a key issue for the upcoming parliamentary polls. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh proposed the resolution on agriculture which was seconded by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP farmer wing head Virendra Singh. While the resolution on poverty alleviation was proposed by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, which was seconded by Bihar BJP chief Nityanand Rai and party's vice-president Dushyant Gautam. Swaraj at length described the initiatives taken by the Modi government in the last four-and-half-years such as Jan Dhan Yojana under which bank accounts were opened and how these measures brought positive change in the lives of the people. The convention with the presence of over 12000 party members is the biggest party get-together, a BJP leader said. It is expected to rejuvenate the party cadres ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The agriculture resolution lauded the government for "successfully" dealing with issues of farmers' income. The government will not just be able to reach the goal of doubling of farmers' income but would also be looking forward from there. The vision of the BJP is an independent, able, strong and prosperous farmer as annadata (food giver), who will take the country's economy to great heights, the resolution said. The resolution described Modi government as 'kisan hiteshi' and farmers its top most priority. All speakers described Modi government as the "well-wisher" of farmer. "Farmers are likely to get 50 per cent more benefit on their produce whereas on crops like urad and bajra the profit will be 96 per cent," Singh informed. The resolution at length compared the overall condition of agriculture sector and the support price given to farmers under the UPA rule and the NDA regime. Singh said that the total budget allocation in the sector has almost doubled compared to the funds allocated during the UPA regime. Later, addressing the press conference over the resolution, party's national general secretary Bhupendra Yadav said in case of natural disasters, the agriculture sector has got Rs 32,000 crores from National Disaster Relief Fund which is 2.5 times higher than previous government and the allocations made to states is 82 per cent more than previous government's allotment. In 2013-14, the UPA government spent Rs 2151 crores on crop insurance which has now increased to 13,000 crores which is six times higher under Modi government, the resolution said. "Earlier, they (farmers) were getting claims for minimum 50 per cent damage to their crops, whereas now, even if there is 33 per cent damage to crops, they are being benefitted, " Yadav added while briefing on the resolution. Taking a dig at the Congress, Yadav asked why are farmers in Karnataka getting notices. Listing the government's achievements, Yadav said the food grain production has increased to 11.4 per cent in 2017-18. In horticulture, the production has shown 17.55 per cent rise. The resolution said a total of 17.53 crores soil health cards have been distributed, helping farmers to decide on right fertilizers. The party also lauded the government for taking some strong measures which include import duty on wheat increased to 20 per cent and on tur dal to 10 per cent. Budget on agriculture education saw an increase of 55 per cent in 2018-2019 compared to 2013-2014, added Yadav.

BJP passes resolution, terms Modi govt as pro-farmers

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said the new year will be the beginning of Pakistan's golden era as he vowed to address the perennial issues of poverty, illiteracy, injustice and corruption in 2019.

Khan took to Twitter to greet people and share his New Year resolution with the countrymen.

"Our New Year resolution is to wage jihad against the 4 ills of our country: poverty, illiteracy, injustice and corruption," he said.

Khan further said that "InshaAllah (God willing) 2019 is the beginning of Pakistan's golden era."

His government also slashed petroleum prices billed a New Year gift. Petrol was reduced by Rs4.86 per litre, setting the price at Rs 90.97 per litre, while price of high speed diesel was slashed by Rs 4.26 per litre to fix it at Rs 196.68 per litre.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Our New Year resolution is to wage jihad against the 4 ills of our country: poverty, illiteracy, injustice and corruption. InshaAllah 2019 is the beginning of Pakistan's golden era.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1079958349213564928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The two variants of fuel are most commonly used in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Khan's government came to power in August riding on the pledge of create Naya (new) Pakistan but so far struggled to give any major relief to the public.

Its focus on accountability has already been receding into witch-hunt and the government was criticised by the Chief Justice on Monday for putting 172 people, including chief minister of Sindh province on a no-fly list after a probe into fake accounts.

Similarly, a pledge to start constructing 5 million houses for low income groups in the first 100 days is no where in sight.

Khan's promise of a "golden era" followed a similar message by army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor who termed 2019 as year of progress.

"In our national pursuit for a peaceful, prosperous and vibrant Pakistan, 2019 is year of progress," said Ghafoor. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said the new year will be the beginning of Pakistan's golden era as he vowed to address the perennial issues of poverty, illiteracy, injustice and corruption in 2019.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said the new year will be the beginning of Pakistan's golden era as he vowed to address the perennial issues of poverty, illiteracy, injustice and corruption in 2019. Khan took to Twitter to greet people and share his New Year resolution with the countrymen. "Our New Year resolution is to wage jihad against the 4 ills of our country: poverty, illiteracy, injustice and corruption," he said. Khan further said that "InshaAllah (God willing) 2019 is the beginning of Pakistan's golden era." His government also slashed petroleum prices billed a New Year gift. Petrol was reduced by Rs4.86 per litre, setting the price at Rs 90.97 per litre, while price of high speed diesel was slashed by Rs 4.26 per litre to fix it at Rs 196.68 per litre. Our New Year resolution is to wage jihad against the 4 ills of our country: poverty, illiteracy, injustice and corruption. InshaAllah 2019 is the beginning of Pakistan's golden era. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 1, 2019 × The two variants of fuel are most commonly used in Pakistan. Khan's government came to power in August riding on the pledge of create Naya (new) Pakistan but so far struggled to give any major relief to the public. Its focus on accountability has already been receding into witch-hunt and the government was criticised by the Chief Justice on Monday for putting 172 people, including chief minister of Sindh province on a no-fly list after a probe into fake accounts. Similarly, a pledge to start constructing 5 million houses for low income groups in the first 100 days is no where in sight. Khan's promise of a "golden era" followed a similar message by army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor who termed 2019 as year of progress. "In our national pursuit for a peaceful, prosperous and vibrant Pakistan, 2019 is year of progress," said Ghafoor.

New year will be beginning of Pakistan's golden era: PM Imran

The government is looking at bringing untaxed sectors in the tax net as well as improving compliance to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio, Revenue Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey said.

He also said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-ruled-states-oppose-rate-cuts-in-gst-citing-revenue-consideration-185889">GST officials </a>would ensure that taxpayers who are paying taxes honestly are not disturbed, but those who are defaulting in payment or not filing returns should be brought within the tax fold.

In an interview to PTI, Pandey, who took charge as the Revenue Secretary earlier this month, said the Income Tax Department will implement faceless assessment for all scrutiny cases over the next one year as it seeks to make the process objective without any scope for bias.

Asked how the government would go about increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio, Pandey said: "There are two issues to this. One involves the policy of the government as to which are the areas which are not taxed and should be brought into the tax net. The other involves wherever some steps are required to improve compliance, their compliance should be ensured.

"So in the areas where is there of scope taxation, and where it can be done without any adverse impact, such areas will have to be identified and accordingly we will have to work on this."

In the last four years, the country's tax-to-GDP ratio has improved from 10 per cent to 11.5 per cent.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/future-roadmap-will-be-to-work-towards-a-single-standard-rate-instead-of-two-arun-jaitley-186136">Finance Minister Arun Jaitley</a> had earlier said that while the salaried class pays its due share of taxes, "most other sections" have to improve their tax payment record, which is keeping India "far from being a tax-compliant society".

Pandey said the number of income tax return filers has jumped 50 per cent to over 6 crores in the assessment year 2018-19 compared to the year-ago period.

He said in order to improve the tax compliance and also to facilitate honest taxpayers, various initiatives are being planned by the Central Board of Direct Taxes.

"Our endeavour is that over a period of next one year or so, we should move towards a system where the scrutiny will happen in a faceless manner where a person can be given a questionnaire of the points which have been raised in the scrutiny and then the person can reply on the portal or through the emails to the officer who can be located anywhere in the country so that the case of scrutiny is decided in a very, very objective manner without any scope for any bias or harassment," he said.

With regard to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Pandey said tackling evasion would be one of the priority areas as it not only affects the revenue of the government but also makes those businesses which are honestly paying tax less competitive.

"Our effort is to bring in systems so that the tendency to evade is brought down so that those who are paying taxes honestly are not put at disadvantage.

"What we are trying to ensure is a large number of taxpayers who are paying taxes honestly, they are not to be disturbed. And those who are defaulting in payment or filing returns, or not filing correct returns, and not paying due taxes should be brought within the tax fold," he said.

Over 1.16 crore businesses are registered under GST, which was rolled out on July 1, 2017, after subsuming 17 local taxes, including excise duty, service tax and VAT.

Stating that only a "fraction of a per cent" of registered taxpayers would be asked for clarification in case of mismatch in returns, Pandey said in cases where clarification is not sufficient, further action would be taken.

"Whole purpose is no honest taxpayer should be disturbed and at the same time we have to discourage people who evade taxes so that government revenue is not impacted and competitiveness of honest businesses also does not suffer," he said.

The monthly GST revenues have averaged Rs 97,100 crore in the April-November period of the current fiscal, up from Rs 89,100 crore in the previous financial year.

The government is looking at bringing untaxed sectors in the tax net as well as improving compliance to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio, Revenue Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey said.

The government is looking at bringing untaxed sectors in the tax net as well as improving compliance to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio, Revenue Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey said. He also said GST officials would ensure that taxpayers who are paying taxes honestly are not disturbed, but those who are defaulting in payment or not filing returns should be brought within the tax fold. In an interview to PTI, Pandey, who took charge as the Revenue Secretary earlier this month, said the Income Tax Department will implement faceless assessment for all scrutiny cases over the next one year as it seeks to make the process objective without any scope for bias. Asked how the government would go about increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio, Pandey said: "There are two issues to this. One involves the policy of the government as to which are the areas which are not taxed and should be brought into the tax net. The other involves wherever some steps are required to improve compliance, their compliance should be ensured. "So in the areas where is there of scope taxation, and where it can be done without any adverse impact, such areas will have to be identified and accordingly we will have to work on this." In the last four years, the country's tax-to-GDP ratio has improved from 10 per cent to 11.5 per cent. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had earlier said that while the salaried class pays its due share of taxes, "most other sections" have to improve their tax payment record, which is keeping India "far from being a tax-compliant society". Pandey said the number of income tax return filers has jumped 50 per cent to over 6 crores in the assessment year 2018-19 compared to the year-ago period. He said in order to improve the tax compliance and also to facilitate honest taxpayers, various initiatives are being planned by the Central Board of Direct Taxes. "Our endeavour is that over a period of next one year or so, we should move towards a system where the scrutiny will happen in a faceless manner where a person can be given a questionnaire of the points which have been raised in the scrutiny and then the person can reply on the portal or through the emails to the officer who can be located anywhere in the country so that the case of scrutiny is decided in a very, very objective manner without any scope for any bias or harassment," he said. With regard to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Pandey said tackling evasion would be one of the priority areas as it not only affects the revenue of the government but also makes those businesses which are honestly paying tax less competitive. "Our effort is to bring in systems so that the tendency to evade is brought down so that those who are paying taxes honestly are not put at disadvantage. "What we are trying to ensure is a large number of taxpayers who are paying taxes honestly, they are not to be disturbed. And those who are defaulting in payment or filing returns, or not filing correct returns, and not paying due taxes should be brought within the tax fold," he said. Over 1.16 crore businesses are registered under GST, which was rolled out on July 1, 2017, after subsuming 17 local taxes, including excise duty, service tax and VAT. Stating that only a "fraction of a per cent" of registered taxpayers would be asked for clarification in case of mismatch in returns, Pandey said in cases where clarification is not sufficient, further action would be taken. "Whole purpose is no honest taxpayer should be disturbed and at the same time we have to discourage people who evade taxes so that government revenue is not impacted and competitiveness of honest businesses also does not suffer," he said. The monthly GST revenues have averaged Rs 97,100 crore in the April-November period of the current fiscal, up from Rs 89,100 crore in the previous financial year.

Focussing on improving compliance, identifying areas which escaped tax net: Revenue Secretary AB Pandey

Neighbouring nation Pakistan witnessed high-voltage general elections earlier this year which resulted in cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's rise as the South Asian nation's 22nd Prime Minister.&nbsp;

The victory was immensely significant for Khan as he finally achieved his dream of assuming the seat of Pakistan's Wazeer-e-Azam after a political struggle of over two decades.&nbsp;

Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), swept the general polls which were conducted on July 25 after which Pakistan's Parliament cleared the way for the 65-year-old Khan to set up a coalition government. Khan's party emerged as the single largest party both in terms of popular vote and seats.

PTI won 116 of the 272 elected seats in the National Assembly.

The party garnered 151 of the 342 seats in the lower chamber of parliament, short of a majority. In the lower house vote, Khan managed to bag 176 votes to defeat Shehbaz Sharif from the outgoing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, who won 96 votes.&nbsp;

Khan invited independent candidates and smaller parties to support PTI to form a government. Parties like PML (Q), Balochistan Awami Party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Balochistan National Party (Mengal), Grand Democratic Alliance, Jamhoori Watan Party and as many as 9 independent candidates extended support to PTI.&nbsp;

This year's election was also significant as it was only the second democratic transfer of power since Pakistan’s 1947 independence. It came at a time when relations with on-off ally the United States are fraying over alleged Pakistani support for militants waging war in Afghanistan. Islamabad denies aiding insurgents.

No Pakistani premier has ever completed a five-year term in office, including Sharif, whose most recent stint in power was ended by the Supreme Court last year.

Sharif, who was jailed over corruption accusations several weeks before the election, saw his second stint in power ended by a military coup in 1999.

Khan's grand success in the election ended decades of political dominance by two dynastic powerhouses, the PML-N of three-time premier Nawaz Sharif, and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), founded and led by the Bhutto family.

2018 Pakistan general elections were marred by allegations of rigging levelled by Opposition parties. The parties alleged that Khan’s path to power was made easier by the tacit support of the powerful military, which has ruled Pakistan for nearly half its history. The army and Khan’s PTI denied any collusion.

Khan shot back that he had “struggled 22 years” to become premier. “No military dictator raised me. I got here on my own.”

After assuming office as Pakistan's Prime Minister, Khan, a firebrand nationalist, promised to create millions of jobs and build world-class hospitals and school systems in the mainly-Muslim country of 208 million people.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hits-and-misses-in-review-over-100-days-of-imran-khan-as-pak-pm-185726">Imran Khan has gaping challenges staring him in the face</a>. Putting Pakistan's dwindling economy back on track is one of his biggest challenges -- to get an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout to ease currency pressures, else seek support from China and risk deepening Pakistan’s economic dependence on its neighbour.

Smoothening ties with India and the United States is another.&nbsp;

Neighbouring nation Pakistan witnessed high-voltage general elections earlier this year which resulted in cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's rise as the South Asian nation's 22nd Prime Minister.

Neighbouring nation Pakistan witnessed high-voltage general elections earlier this year which resulted in cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's rise as the South Asian nation's 22nd Prime Minister. The victory was immensely significant for Khan as he finally achieved his dream of assuming the seat of Pakistan's Wazeer-e-Azam after a political struggle of over two decades. Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), swept the general polls which were conducted on July 25 after which Pakistan's Parliament cleared the way for the 65-year-old Khan to set up a coalition government. Khan's party emerged as the single largest party both in terms of popular vote and seats. PTI won 116 of the 272 elected seats in the National Assembly. The party garnered 151 of the 342 seats in the lower chamber of parliament, short of a majority. In the lower house vote, Khan managed to bag 176 votes to defeat Shehbaz Sharif from the outgoing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, who won 96 votes. Khan invited independent candidates and smaller parties to support PTI to form a government. Parties like PML (Q), Balochistan Awami Party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Balochistan National Party (Mengal), Grand Democratic Alliance, Jamhoori Watan Party and as many as 9 independent candidates extended support to PTI. This year's election was also significant as it was only the second democratic transfer of power since Pakistan’s 1947 independence. It came at a time when relations with on-off ally the United States are fraying over alleged Pakistani support for militants waging war in Afghanistan. Islamabad denies aiding insurgents. No Pakistani premier has ever completed a five-year term in office, including Sharif, whose most recent stint in power was ended by the Supreme Court last year. Sharif, who was jailed over corruption accusations several weeks before the election, saw his second stint in power ended by a military coup in 1999. Khan's grand success in the election ended decades of political dominance by two dynastic powerhouses, the PML-N of three-time premier Nawaz Sharif, and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), founded and led by the Bhutto family. 2018 Pakistan general elections were marred by allegations of rigging levelled by Opposition parties. The parties alleged that Khan’s path to power was made easier by the tacit support of the powerful military, which has ruled Pakistan for nearly half its history. The army and Khan’s PTI denied any collusion. Khan shot back that he had “struggled 22 years” to become premier. “No military dictator raised me. I got here on my own.” After assuming office as Pakistan's Prime Minister, Khan, a firebrand nationalist, promised to create millions of jobs and build world-class hospitals and school systems in the mainly-Muslim country of 208 million people. Imran Khan has gaping challenges staring him in the face. Putting Pakistan's dwindling economy back on track is one of his biggest challenges -- to get an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout to ease currency pressures, else seek support from China and risk deepening Pakistan’s economic dependence on its neighbour. Smoothening ties with India and the United States is another.

Pak elections 2018: When Pakistan witnessed its second democratic transfer of power since 1947 

Fresh controversy hits Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan after a video clip went viral showing Khan commenting on Jesus Christ' mention in history. As a result, the PTI chief has been facing a flurry of flak from the Twitterati and from political leaders.&nbsp;

In the clip, Khan can be seen saying that while prophet Moses is mentioned in history, Jesus Christ wasn't or had very little historical mention.&nbsp;

According to reports, Khan's statements came during an event on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.&nbsp;

Ever since the clip went viral on social media, a number of netizens took to Twitter, slamming the Pak PM for what they said was his ignorance. Pakistan's Opposition also joined the bandwagon and criticised Khan for his remarks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
WHAT!?!? 
 
“Moses got some mention, but Jesus Christ has no mention in history” - Prime Minister Pakistan Imran Khan. <a href="https://t.co/glnwN2qRMc">pic.twitter.com/glnwN2qRMc</a>
— Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) <a href="https://twitter.com/GulBukhari/status/1064856924074721280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan reached Malaysia on Wednesday on a two-day official visit. He is likely to seek monetary assistance to minimise cash-strapped Pakistan's dependence on an IMF bailout package.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Quran has many references of Hazrat Isa (as) will trolls defend this crazy statement of IK? <a href="https://t.co/uJ3QGVEEGz">https://t.co/uJ3QGVEEGz</a>
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/betterpakistan/status/1064879895359221760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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During his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-talks-trade-with-malaysian-counterpart-says-pakistan-could-learn-to-tap-tourism-potential-from-malaysia-178581">interaction with the Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad</a>, Khan mentioned about long-standing ties between Pakistan and Malaysia adding that he was "pleased with the morning discourse" with PM Mahathir. Khan said that Pakistan can learn how to tap tourism potential from Malaysia.&nbsp;

"We exchanged views about trade, a particular interest for Pakistan is we have this huge untapped tourism potential and Malaysia has developed tourism resorts which we really want to have (in) place in Pakistan because we have tourism sports but we don't have resorts," Imran Khan said.

"Pakistan and Malaysia had a long relationship and mostly there has been a closer relationship and we have also been trading with each other. But we find that we have some internal problems which are similar within Malaysia and Pakistan and I had a four-eyed meeting with the Prime Minister. We discussed these issues and ways and means of tackling them," the Malaysian Prime Minister stated.

 
&nbsp;

Fresh controversy hits Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan after a video clip went viral showing Khan commenting on Jesus Christ' mention in history. As a result, the PTI chief has been facing a flurry of flak from the Twitterati and from political leaders.

Fresh controversy hits Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan after a video clip went viral showing Khan commenting on Jesus Christ' mention in history. As a result, the PTI chief has been facing a flurry of flak from the Twitterati and from political leaders. In the clip, Khan can be seen saying that while prophet Moses is mentioned in history, Jesus Christ wasn't or had very little historical mention. According to reports, Khan's statements came during an event on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Ever since the clip went viral on social media, a number of netizens took to Twitter, slamming the Pak PM for what they said was his ignorance. Pakistan's Opposition also joined the bandwagon and criticised Khan for his remarks. WHAT!?!? “Moses got some mention, but Jesus Christ has no mention in history” - Prime Minister Pakistan Imran Khan. pic.twitter.com/glnwN2qRMc — Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) November 20, 2018 × Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan reached Malaysia on Wednesday on a two-day official visit. He is likely to seek monetary assistance to minimise cash-strapped Pakistan's dependence on an IMF bailout package. Quran has many references of Hazrat Isa (as) will trolls defend this crazy statement of IK? https://t.co/uJ3QGVEEGz — Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) November 20, 2018 × During his interaction with the Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Khan mentioned about long-standing ties between Pakistan and Malaysia adding that he was "pleased with the morning discourse" with PM Mahathir. Khan said that Pakistan can learn how to tap tourism potential from Malaysia. "We exchanged views about trade, a particular interest for Pakistan is we have this huge untapped tourism potential and Malaysia has developed tourism resorts which we really want to have (in) place in Pakistan because we have tourism sports but we don't have resorts," Imran Khan said. "Pakistan and Malaysia had a long relationship and mostly there has been a closer relationship and we have also been trading with each other. But we find that we have some internal problems which are similar within Malaysia and Pakistan and I had a four-eyed meeting with the Prime Minister. We discussed these issues and ways and means of tackling them," the Malaysian Prime Minister stated.

Imran Khan says no mention of Jesus Christ in history, gets slammed

A 20-member Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation on Monday left for Beijing on visit during which it will be briefed on China's political history and review the ruling Communist party's successes in eradicating poverty and corruption in the world's most populous country.

The week-long visit by a jumbo delegation of Pakistan's ruling party comes weeks after Prime Miinister Imran Khan, who is also the chief of the PTI, made his first visit to China on November 2.

PTI Central Secretary General Arshad Daad is leading the delegation, which was invited by the Communist Party of China (CPC), state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

Both parties are expected to hold meetings where they discuss matters of "bilateral value", the report said.&nbsp;

A briefing on China's political history and inter-departmental arrangements will also be given to the PTI delegation, along with a review of Beijing's successes in eradication of poverty and corruption from the country, it said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched a massive crackdown on corruption and under this, many top leaders, including ex-army generals have been arrested for alleged graft.

Prime Minister Khan has often praised the Chinese government's efforts for poverty alleviation.

"This is where we admire China so much. No country in human history, has ever taken 700 million people out of poverty in 30 years as China has done," he said while delivering a speech at the CPC's Central Party School during his visit to Beijing.

China and Pakistan view each other as 'all-weather' allies and Beijing is Pakistan's major source of defence equipment. China has also agreed to provide financial aid to cash-strapped Pakistan government to tide over the current financial problem.

A 20-member Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation on Monday left for Beijing on visit during which it will be briefed on China's political history and review the ruling Communist party's successes in eradicating poverty and corruption in the world's most populous country.

A 20-member Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation on Monday left for Beijing on visit during which it will be briefed on China's political history and review the ruling Communist party's successes in eradicating poverty and corruption in the world's most populous country. The week-long visit by a jumbo delegation of Pakistan's ruling party comes weeks after Prime Miinister Imran Khan, who is also the chief of the PTI, made his first visit to China on November 2. PTI Central Secretary General Arshad Daad is leading the delegation, which was invited by the Communist Party of China (CPC), state-run Radio Pakistan reported. Both parties are expected to hold meetings where they discuss matters of "bilateral value", the report said. A briefing on China's political history and inter-departmental arrangements will also be given to the PTI delegation, along with a review of Beijing's successes in eradication of poverty and corruption from the country, it said. Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched a massive crackdown on corruption and under this, many top leaders, including ex-army generals have been arrested for alleged graft. Prime Minister Khan has often praised the Chinese government's efforts for poverty alleviation. "This is where we admire China so much. No country in human history, has ever taken 700 million people out of poverty in 30 years as China has done," he said while delivering a speech at the CPC's Central Party School during his visit to Beijing. China and Pakistan view each other as 'all-weather' allies and Beijing is Pakistan's major source of defence equipment. China has also agreed to provide financial aid to cash-strapped Pakistan government to tide over the current financial problem.

Jumbo delegation of Imran Khan's PTI leaves for China on 7-day visit

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has sought a clarification from Arif Alvi on reports that claimed that the president has spent 5 million Pakistani rupees on breakfast while he was in Gilgit-Baltistan for an official visit.

Pakistani President Arif Alvi last week visited Gilgit-Baltistan during which he held talks with the high ranking officials and governor of the region, Jalal Hussain Maqpoon on matters pertaining to the development.

Pakistan People's Party leader and former Senaor Aajiz Dhamrah after the visit on Friday levelled allegations that the president had breakfast along with his family which&nbsp;reportedly costed 5 million rupees.

Alvi, however,&nbsp;rejected the reports terming&nbsp;them as false and said that he paid the bills from his own pocket.

He further informed media that Imran Khan who came into the power on promises to cut excessive government spending has sought a clarification on the news reports on a text.

"Imran Khan himself is vigilant and had texted me seeking a clarification on this news story," he said.

Meanwhile, the PPP leader Dhamrah also slammed the PTI government saying that at one hand PTI leadership is claiming to have adopted the austerity measure in running the government affairs and on the other hand, their party affiliated country's president&nbsp;is spending 5 million rupees only on breakfasts during official tours.

Cricketer-turned-politician, Imran Khan was elected in July with the support of many&nbsp;Pakistanis desperate for a change in a nation where the illiteracy rate hovers above 40 per cent, healthcare is shoddy, and joblessness or underemployment rife among the country's 208 million people.

In August, as part of his austerity drive, he banned the discretionary use of state funds and first-class air travel by officials and leaders, including the President and the prime minister.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has sought a clarification from Arif Alvi on reports that claimed that the president has spent 5 million Pakistani rupees on breakfast while he was in Gilgit-Baltistan for an official visit.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has sought a clarification from Arif Alvi on reports that claimed that the president has spent 5 million Pakistani rupees on breakfast while he was in Gilgit-Baltistan for an official visit. Pakistani President Arif Alvi last week visited Gilgit-Baltistan during which he held talks with the high ranking officials and governor of the region, Jalal Hussain Maqpoon on matters pertaining to the development. Pakistan People's Party leader and former Senaor Aajiz Dhamrah after the visit on Friday levelled allegations that the president had breakfast along with his family which reportedly costed 5 million rupees. Alvi, however, rejected the reports terming them as false and said that he paid the bills from his own pocket. He further informed media that Imran Khan who came into the power on promises to cut excessive government spending has sought a clarification on the news reports on a text. "Imran Khan himself is vigilant and had texted me seeking a clarification on this news story," he said. Meanwhile, the PPP leader Dhamrah also slammed the PTI government saying that at one hand PTI leadership is claiming to have adopted the austerity measure in running the government affairs and on the other hand, their party affiliated country's president is spending 5 million rupees only on breakfasts during official tours. Cricketer-turned-politician, Imran Khan was elected in July with the support of many Pakistanis desperate for a change in a nation where the illiteracy rate hovers above 40 per cent, healthcare is shoddy, and joblessness or underemployment rife among the country's 208 million people. In August, as part of his austerity drive, he banned the discretionary use of state funds and first-class air travel by officials and leaders, including the President and the prime minister.

Pak PM Imran Khan seeks clarification from President Alvi on reports of spending 5 million rupees on breakfast

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Sunday lost another seat of the provincial assembly in the Peshawar by-elections.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Zulfiqar Ali lost the PK-71 seat to Awami National Party (ANP) candidate Salahuddin Khan by over one thousand votes.

Zulfikar is the brother of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shah Farman who vacated the seat after his elevation as Governor by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

This is the second defeat of PTI in Peshawar by-election at the hands of the ANP.

On October 14, Samar Bilour of the ANP defeated PTI candidate Irfan Khan on PK 78 constituency of Peshawar.

The election on PK 78 was postponed due to the assassination of ANP leader Haroon Bilour in a suicide blast during an election rally in July this year.

About 20 people were killed when a Taliban suicide bomber blew himself up in the rally, the second terrorist attack on a political rally ahead of the July 25 general elections.

Samar is the widow of slain Bilour.

Reacting to the victory, ANP President Asfandyar Wali Khan and Secretary General Mian Iftikhar Hussain said people reposed confidence in their party for the second time in last ten days.

It reflects no trust in the ruling PTI, they added.

The Election Commission of Pakistan had declared 51 polling stations in Peshawar as sensitive and 35 as highly sensitive.

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Sunday lost another seat of the provincial assembly in the Peshawar by-elections. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Zulfiqar Ali lost the PK-71 seat to Awami National Party (ANP) candidate Salahuddin Khan by over one thousand votes.

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Sunday lost another seat of the provincial assembly in the Peshawar by-elections. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Zulfiqar Ali lost the PK-71 seat to Awami National Party (ANP) candidate Salahuddin Khan by over one thousand votes. Zulfikar is the brother of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shah Farman who vacated the seat after his elevation as Governor by Prime Minister Imran Khan. This is the second defeat of PTI in Peshawar by-election at the hands of the ANP. On October 14, Samar Bilour of the ANP defeated PTI candidate Irfan Khan on PK 78 constituency of Peshawar. The election on PK 78 was postponed due to the assassination of ANP leader Haroon Bilour in a suicide blast during an election rally in July this year. About 20 people were killed when a Taliban suicide bomber blew himself up in the rally, the second terrorist attack on a political rally ahead of the July 25 general elections. Samar is the widow of slain Bilour. Reacting to the victory, ANP President Asfandyar Wali Khan and Secretary General Mian Iftikhar Hussain said people reposed confidence in their party for the second time in last ten days. It reflects no trust in the ruling PTI, they added. The Election Commission of Pakistan had declared 51 polling stations in Peshawar as sensitive and 35 as highly sensitive.

PM Imran's PTI loses provincial assembly seat in Peshawar by-elections

Pakistan's deposed premier Nawaz Sharif's PML-N recovered some ground in the by-elections by eating up the votes of prime minister Imran Khan's PTI, winning four out of 11 parliamentary seats which went to the polls, according to the results on Monday.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lost its two seats vacated be Prime Minister Khan. His seat in Lahore was won by former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi of the Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz (PML-N) and in Bannu by of Zahid Akram Durrani of the Muttahida Majlis Aml party.

The outcome of the by-election will not impact the federal or provincial government but help reinvigorate the opposition parties.

Polling for 11 National Assembly -- the lower house of Parliament -- and 24 provincial seats saw a tough competition between the ruling PTI led by Khan and the main opposition PML-N.

The PML-N and the PTI won four seats each of the National Assembly whereas Pakistan Muslims League-Quadi won two seats and Muttahida Majlis Amal one seat, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said.

The PTI won 11 seats of the provincial assemblies while the PML-N won seven. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by former president Asif Ali Zardari, and Awami National Party won two each and independent candidates grab two seats.

The PML-N won six out of 11 contested seats in Punjab while its arch-rival PTI won five. The PML-N also won a provincial assembly seat in Khyber-Pakhtukhwa, which is the stronghold of the PTI.

The PML-N won several seats vacated by the PTI candidates during July 25 general elections including at least two seats of the National Assembly.

According to the ECP, 9.28 million voters were eligible to vote. For the first time, overseas Pakistanis also participated in the elections though a special online portal designed by the ECP.

Thousands of army soldiers, police and paramilitary Rangers and Frontier Corps were deployed to provide security at 7,489 polling stations.

The ECP had designated as many as 1,727 polling stations as highly sensitive where extra troops were deployed and security cameras installed.

Most of the seats which went to the polls were vacated by those candidates who had won on more than one seat during the July 25 general elections. Prime Minister Khan had won five seats and vacated four which were also up for grabs.&nbsp;

Pakistan's deposed premier Nawaz Sharif's PML-N recovered some ground in the by-elections by eating up the votes of prime minister Imran Khan's PTI, winning four out of 11 parliamentary seats which went to the polls, according to the results on Monday.

Pakistan's deposed premier Nawaz Sharif's PML-N recovered some ground in the by-elections by eating up the votes of prime minister Imran Khan's PTI, winning four out of 11 parliamentary seats which went to the polls, according to the results on Monday. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lost its two seats vacated be Prime Minister Khan. His seat in Lahore was won by former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi of the Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz (PML-N) and in Bannu by of Zahid Akram Durrani of the Muttahida Majlis Aml party. The outcome of the by-election will not impact the federal or provincial government but help reinvigorate the opposition parties. Polling for 11 National Assembly -- the lower house of Parliament -- and 24 provincial seats saw a tough competition between the ruling PTI led by Khan and the main opposition PML-N. The PML-N and the PTI won four seats each of the National Assembly whereas Pakistan Muslims League-Quadi won two seats and Muttahida Majlis Amal one seat, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said. The PTI won 11 seats of the provincial assemblies while the PML-N won seven. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by former president Asif Ali Zardari, and Awami National Party won two each and independent candidates grab two seats. The PML-N won six out of 11 contested seats in Punjab while its arch-rival PTI won five. The PML-N also won a provincial assembly seat in Khyber-Pakhtukhwa, which is the stronghold of the PTI. The PML-N won several seats vacated by the PTI candidates during July 25 general elections including at least two seats of the National Assembly. According to the ECP, 9.28 million voters were eligible to vote. For the first time, overseas Pakistanis also participated in the elections though a special online portal designed by the ECP. Thousands of army soldiers, police and paramilitary Rangers and Frontier Corps were deployed to provide security at 7,489 polling stations. The ECP had designated as many as 1,727 polling stations as highly sensitive where extra troops were deployed and security cameras installed. Most of the seats which went to the polls were vacated by those candidates who had won on more than one seat during the July 25 general elections. Prime Minister Khan had won five seats and vacated four which were also up for grabs.

Nawaz Sharif's PML-N improves showing in Pakistan by-polls; Imran Khan's PTI front runner

Bilawal Bhutto-led Pakistan People's Party has nominated former Sindh Assembly deputy speaker Shehla Raza to contest the general election 2018 against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan.

The party on Sunday officially announced the list of their candidates for 160 national and provincial seats of Sindh. Raza will contest the polls on July 25 from Karachi's NA-243 constituency, Geo News reported.

Raza recently made the headlines after a Member of Parliament assembly from Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) raised a shoe at her.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf chief Imran Khan filed their <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bilawal-imran-file-nomination-papers-from-karachi-constituencies-143389">nomination papers</a> on Friday for the upcoming general elections in the country, scheduled to be held on July 25.

As per reports by ANI, the two leaders went to file their papers themselves. Bilawal is contesting from two assembly seats namely Karachi's Lyari and Larkana while Imran has filed his nomination from NA-243 in Karachi East district.&nbsp

Meanwhile, Bilawal will fight the election from Larkana and the party's stronghold Lyari.

Further, former president Asif Ali Zardari will contest the elections from Nawabshah and former opposition leader Khurshid Shah has been nominated for a seat in Sukkur.&nbsp

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-will-contest-pakistan-general-polls-from-karachi-143574">Shehbaz</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-will-contest-pakistan-general-polls-from-karachi-143574"> Sharif</a> will file his nomination papers for three constituencies in Karachi.&nbsp

The party on Sunday officially announced the list of their candidates for 160 national and provincial seats of Sindh

Bilawal Bhutto-led Pakistan People's Party has nominated former Sindh Assembly deputy speaker Shehla Raza to contest the general election 2018 against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan. The party on Sunday officially announced the list of their candidates for 160 national and provincial seats of Sindh. Raza will contest the polls on July 25 from Karachi's NA-243 constituency, Geo News reported. Raza recently made the headlines after a Member of Parliament assembly from Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) raised a shoe at her. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf chief Imran Khan filed their nomination papers on Friday for the upcoming general elections in the country, scheduled to be held on July 25. As per reports by ANI, the two leaders went to file their papers themselves. Bilawal is contesting from two assembly seats namely Karachi's Lyari and Larkana while Imran has filed his nomination from NA-243 in Karachi East district. Meanwhile, Bilawal will fight the election from Larkana and the party's stronghold Lyari. Further, former president Asif Ali Zardari will contest the elections from Nawabshah and former opposition leader Khurshid Shah has been nominated for a seat in Sukkur. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif will file his nomination papers for three constituencies in Karachi.

Shehla Raza fielded against PTI's Imran Khan

Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf chief Imran Khan filed their nomination papers on Friday for the upcoming general elections in the country, scheduled to be held on July 25.

As per reports by ANI, the two leaders went to file their papers themselves. Bilawal is contesting from two assembly seats namely Karachi's Lyari and Larkana while Imran has filed his nomination from NA-243 in Karachi East district.&nbsp

In his first election campaign, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the scion of the storied Bhutto family who now heads the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), is attempting to recapture the support his mother, two-time former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, enjoyed on her return from exile in 2007, before she was assassinated on the campaign trail.

Party leaders insist the 29-year-old Bhutto, Oxford-educated like his mother and grandfather — also a former prime minister — brings a fresh new appeal to the party as it attempts to revive its waning fortunes in a general election called for July 25.

Further, Bilawal's sister Asefa Bhutto also filed nomination forms to contest from Rato Dera of the Sindh assembly. She is also a covering candidate of Bilawal Bhutto in Larkana.

Earlier PTI's Imran had announced party candidates for the majority of the assemblies. Khan would himself contest elections from five constituencies including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Mianwali, and Bannu.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday started accepting the nomination papers after the Supreme Court announced its verdict rejecting amendments in the forms.

The Lahore High Court ruled on June 1 that the nomination papers do not necessarily seek information regarding candidates' educational background, criminal record, and dual citizenship.

It further ordered the election body to add requirements under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution to the nomination papers.

The ECP will continue to receive the nomination papers, in compliance with the approved format as per Election Act 2017, from June 4 till June 8.

The nominations papers will be scrutinised on June 14 while any appeals against the decision regarding nomination process must be filed till June 19.

Meanwhile, the number of non-Muslim voters in Pakistan has climbed to 3.63 million in 2018 with the Hindus at 1.77 million maintaining their majority among the religious minority electorate, according to a new voters' list prepared by authorities ahead of the general elections.

The non-Muslim voters have registered an increase of 30 per cent over the last five years, the Dawn newspaper reported citing an official document.

The nominations papers will be scrutinised on June 14 while any appeals against the decision regarding nomination process must be filed till June 19

Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf chief Imran Khan filed their nomination papers on Friday for the upcoming general elections in the country, scheduled to be held on July 25. As per reports by ANI, the two leaders went to file their papers themselves. Bilawal is contesting from two assembly seats namely Karachi's Lyari and Larkana while Imran has filed his nomination from NA-243 in Karachi East district. In his first election campaign, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the scion of the storied Bhutto family who now heads the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), is attempting to recapture the support his mother, two-time former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, enjoyed on her return from exile in 2007, before she was assassinated on the campaign trail. Party leaders insist the 29-year-old Bhutto, Oxford-educated like his mother and grandfather — also a former prime minister — brings a fresh new appeal to the party as it attempts to revive its waning fortunes in a general election called for July 25. Further, Bilawal's sister Asefa Bhutto also filed nomination forms to contest from Rato Dera of the Sindh assembly. She is also a covering candidate of Bilawal Bhutto in Larkana. Earlier PTI's Imran had announced party candidates for the majority of the assemblies. Khan would himself contest elections from five constituencies including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Mianwali, and Bannu. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday started accepting the nomination papers after the Supreme Court announced its verdict rejecting amendments in the forms. The Lahore High Court ruled on June 1 that the nomination papers do not necessarily seek information regarding candidates' educational background, criminal record, and dual citizenship. It further ordered the election body to add requirements under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution to the nomination papers. The ECP will continue to receive the nomination papers, in compliance with the approved format as per Election Act 2017, from June 4 till June 8. The nominations papers will be scrutinised on June 14 while any appeals against the decision regarding nomination process must be filed till June 19. Meanwhile, the number of non-Muslim voters in Pakistan has climbed to 3.63 million in 2018 with the Hindus at 1.77 million maintaining their majority among the religious minority electorate, according to a new voters' list prepared by authorities ahead of the general elections. The non-Muslim voters have registered an increase of 30 per cent over the last five years, the Dawn newspaper reported citing an official document.

Bilawal, Imran file nomination papers from Karachi constituencies

The workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vandalised a party office here on Saturday.

The PTI workers broke into the premises of the Insaf House and smashed down doors and shattered windows. They also wrote on the walls of the party office which read - 'Karachi president usurping seats of candidates unacceptable PS-102' and 'Go Arif Alvi Go', Geo News reported.

The workers were unhappy with PTI chief Imran Khan's decision to field Firdous Shamim Naqvi as the candidate to contest from PS-102 in Karachi.

Local police later arrived at the scene and was not allowed inside the Insaf House by the party officials, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

He added that the scuffle broke out due to an internal matter within PTI.

It has been learnt that Imran will contest from the NA-243 constituency in Karachi for the upcoming general elections, according to the report.

Hence, other PTI leaders are keen to contest the polls in provincial assembly constituencies (PS-101 and PS-102) along with Imran.

Taking cognizance of the incident, the local party leadership has said that it will take strict disciplinary action against the workers who were involved in the incident.

Pakistan will go to polls on July 25. For the time being, the country is governed by an interim government headed by former Pakistan Chief Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk, who was sworn-in on Friday.

&nbsp;

The workers were unhappy with PTI chief Imran Khan's decision to field Firdous Shamim Naqvi as the candidate to contest from PS-102 in Karachi

The workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vandalised a party office here on Saturday. The PTI workers broke into the premises of the Insaf House and smashed down doors and shattered windows. They also wrote on the walls of the party office which read - 'Karachi president usurping seats of candidates unacceptable PS-102' and 'Go Arif Alvi Go', Geo News reported. The workers were unhappy with PTI chief Imran Khan's decision to field Firdous Shamim Naqvi as the candidate to contest from PS-102 in Karachi. Local police later arrived at the scene and was not allowed inside the Insaf House by the party officials, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gulshan-e-Iqbal. He added that the scuffle broke out due to an internal matter within PTI. It has been learnt that Imran will contest from the NA-243 constituency in Karachi for the upcoming general elections, according to the report. Hence, other PTI leaders are keen to contest the polls in provincial assembly constituencies (PS-101 and PS-102) along with Imran. Taking cognizance of the incident, the local party leadership has said that it will take strict disciplinary action against the workers who were involved in the incident. Pakistan will go to polls on July 25. For the time being, the country is governed by an interim government headed by former Pakistan Chief Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk, who was sworn-in on Friday.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers vandalise party office in Karachi

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was "playing politics" in courts and would pay a heavy price one day.

His remarks came after Sharif said in the Avenfield reference trial at the Islamabad accountability court earlier today that the case was filed against him as a "reciprocal punishment for taking legal action against (former president Pervez) Musharraf despite being warned not to do so."

While recording his statement in Avenfield reference, Nawaz said an intelligence agency officials had told him to "resign or he would be sent on an extended leave", The Nation reported.

Reacting to the statements, Chaudhry said, "I heard what he said carefully and it is a political statement, something that he says during his rallies and the question remains regarding what is his legal stance. Nawaz was asked only two questions regarding the Avenfield properties and the money in the accounts and he neither spoke about the money trail nor the source of the money. It would have been better for Nawaz to have fought a legal case legally and kept politics out."

He claimed that Sharif's "conspiracy theory" will not influence the decision of the court.

On Monday, Sharif reiterated that he had never owned properties in London.

The responses came in reply to the 128 questions put to him. The questionnaire has multiple about four apartments in Park Lane, Avenfield, London, sale proceed of Gulf Steel Mills (GSM), shares of Ahli Steel Mills, investment with Qatari royals, clearance of GSM's liabilities, litigation with Al-Tawfeek Investment and offshore companies Nielson and Nescoll.

During the questioning session with the judge Mohammad Bashir, the deposed prime minister accused the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) for reporting selective evidence and portions from the witnesses' statements.

Sharif also criticised the inclusion of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence (MI) in the JIT, claiming that the JIT members are biased.

The former prime minister could respond to 55 of the 128 questions. The judge adjourned the proceedings till May 22.

The Pakistan Supreme Court, on July 28, disqualified Sharif from holding the office of the prime minister and asked the National Accountability Bureau to file references against the Sharif family in connection with corruption cases against them.

On the orders of the country's Supreme Court, the JIT was formed last year to probe the allegations on the Sharif family.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Supreme Court, on July 28, disqualified Sharif from holding the office of the prime minister and asked the National Accountability Bureau to file references against the Sharif family in connection with corruption cases

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was "playing politics" in courts and would pay a heavy price one day. His remarks came after Sharif said in the Avenfield reference trial at the Islamabad accountability court earlier today that the case was filed against him as a "reciprocal punishment for taking legal action against (former president Pervez) Musharraf despite being warned not to do so." While recording his statement in Avenfield reference, Nawaz said an intelligence agency officials had told him to "resign or he would be sent on an extended leave", The Nation reported. Reacting to the statements, Chaudhry said, "I heard what he said carefully and it is a political statement, something that he says during his rallies and the question remains regarding what is his legal stance. Nawaz was asked only two questions regarding the Avenfield properties and the money in the accounts and he neither spoke about the money trail nor the source of the money. It would have been better for Nawaz to have fought a legal case legally and kept politics out." He claimed that Sharif's "conspiracy theory" will not influence the decision of the court. On Monday, Sharif reiterated that he had never owned properties in London. The responses came in reply to the 128 questions put to him. The questionnaire has multiple about four apartments in Park Lane, Avenfield, London, sale proceed of Gulf Steel Mills (GSM), shares of Ahli Steel Mills, investment with Qatari royals, clearance of GSM's liabilities, litigation with Al-Tawfeek Investment and offshore companies Nielson and Nescoll. During the questioning session with the judge Mohammad Bashir, the deposed prime minister accused the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) for reporting selective evidence and portions from the witnesses' statements. Sharif also criticised the inclusion of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence (MI) in the JIT, claiming that the JIT members are biased. The former prime minister could respond to 55 of the 128 questions. The judge adjourned the proceedings till May 22. The Pakistan Supreme Court, on July 28, disqualified Sharif from holding the office of the prime minister and asked the National Accountability Bureau to file references against the Sharif family in connection with corruption cases against them. On the orders of the country's Supreme Court, the JIT was formed last year to probe the allegations on the Sharif family.

Nawaz Sharif will pay price for 'playing politics' in courts: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

Pakistan's minister for privatisation Daniyal Aziz was slapped by a senior leader of Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf during a TV talk show.

A 36-second clip posted on Geo News website showed Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Naeemul Haque and Aziz mudslinging each other's party in the Aapas Ki Baat programme yesterday.&nbsp

Then all of a sudden Aziz, in an aggressive tone, addressed Haque and said: "Am I afraid of you... Afraid of thieves like you".

Haque lost his temper when Aziz called him a "thief".

Aziz kept his cool after being slapped and just said: "How dare you slap me?" At this Haque retorted: "How dare you call me a thief?"

Pakistan's former ousted prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supemo Nawaz Sharif said that "it showed culture of PTI".

This is not the first time Haque is getting involved in such trouble. In 2011, during a TV show, he threw a glass of water on Pakistan Peoples Party leader Jameel Soomro.

This is not the first time Haque is getting involved in such trouble.

Pakistan's minister for privatisation Daniyal Aziz was slapped by a senior leader of Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf during a TV talk show. A 36-second clip posted on Geo News website showed Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Naeemul Haque and Aziz mudslinging each other's party in the Aapas Ki Baat programme yesterday. Then all of a sudden Aziz, in an aggressive tone, addressed Haque and said: "Am I afraid of you... Afraid of thieves like you". Haque lost his temper when Aziz called him a "thief". Aziz kept his cool after being slapped and just said: "How dare you slap me?" At this Haque retorted: "How dare you call me a thief?" Pakistan's former ousted prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supemo Nawaz Sharif said that "it showed culture of PTI". This is not the first time Haque is getting involved in such trouble. In 2011, during a TV show, he threw a glass of water on Pakistan Peoples Party leader Jameel Soomro.

Imran's Khan's party member slaps Pakistan minister

Two major political parties Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Peoples Political Party have geared up for the upcoming Pakistan assembly elections.

As reported by the Dawn, the leaders of both PTI and PPP, Imran Khan and Bilawal Bhutto respectively will address separate rallies at different venues.

PPP will hold their meetings at -e-Jinnah near the Quaid's Mausoleum, where the party has arranged 40,000 seats.

Before the scheduled rally, the ruling PPP decorated various areas of Karachi with flags, banners and posters with photos of Bilawal.

Further, a large number of youth volunteers have gathered at the location to facilitate the management of the upcoming rally. The government has also arranged for 2,000 policemen to be deployed for the security of the rally.

As per a party worker, PPP is holding the event to pay a tribute to 14 workers and activists of the party were martyred on May 12, 2007

On the other hand, the PTI will hold a rally near Aladin Park in Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

PTI Chairperson Imran Khan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Parvez Khattak, Fawad Chaudhry and Shah Mehmood Qureshi will address the gathering and pay tribute to the May 12 martyrs.

Earlier on Monday, there were instances of severe clashes between the PTI and PPP workers over the use of Hakim Said ground to hold rallies today.

Later the local police had apprehended at least 10 workers belonging to both parties in connection with the clash.

Bhutto had then condemned the attacks and urged its party workers to find another location to hold rallies while allowing the PTI to use the Hakim Said ground.

Though later the PTI also refused to use the Hakim Said ground to conduct the rally.

On a related note, Pakistan is scheduled to undergo the assembly elections in July.&nbsp

As reported by the Dawn, the leaders of both PTI and PPP, Imran Khan and Bilawal Bhutto respectively will address separate rallies at different venues

Two major political parties Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Peoples Political Party have geared up for the upcoming Pakistan assembly elections. As reported by the Dawn, the leaders of both PTI and PPP, Imran Khan and Bilawal Bhutto respectively will address separate rallies at different venues. PPP will hold their meetings at -e-Jinnah near the Quaid's Mausoleum, where the party has arranged 40,000 seats. Before the scheduled rally, the ruling PPP decorated various areas of Karachi with flags, banners and posters with photos of Bilawal. Further, a large number of youth volunteers have gathered at the location to facilitate the management of the upcoming rally. The government has also arranged for 2,000 policemen to be deployed for the security of the rally. As per a party worker, PPP is holding the event to pay a tribute to 14 workers and activists of the party were martyred on May 12, 2007 On the other hand, the PTI will hold a rally near Aladin Park in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. PTI Chairperson Imran Khan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Parvez Khattak, Fawad Chaudhry and Shah Mehmood Qureshi will address the gathering and pay tribute to the May 12 martyrs. Earlier on Monday, there were instances of severe clashes between the PTI and PPP workers over the use of Hakim Said ground to hold rallies today. Later the local police had apprehended at least 10 workers belonging to both parties in connection with the clash. Bhutto had then condemned the attacks and urged its party workers to find another location to hold rallies while allowing the PTI to use the Hakim Said ground. Though later the PTI also refused to use the Hakim Said ground to conduct the rally. On a related note, Pakistan is scheduled to undergo the assembly elections in July.

PTI, PPP to hold rallies prior to upcoming elections

Activists of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) resorted to violence and clashed with each other over a venue dispute for the rallies to be held on May 12.&nbsp;

The clashes took place in parts of Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Karachi yesterday after PPP and PTI both announced that they will be holding rallies at the Hakeem Saeed Ground in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

Workers belonging to both parties engaged in aerial firing and pelting stones at one another late Monday evening. Police officials then took over after both parties ended up destroying properly and injuring others.&nbsp; 
About a dozen people were wounded as the two groups attacked each other. Of the inured, two, including one with a gunshot wound to his leg, were rushed to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.

"They also destroyed camp offices of each other," Gulshan SP Ghulam Murtaza Bhutto said.

Two cars and several motorcycles were also set on fire by the workers while windows of other cars parked outside were shattered. Massive traffic jams were witnessed at University Road and its adjoining areas.

Both the parties have also written to the district commissioner for his permission to hold their rallies at the Hakeem Saeed Ground.

The clashes took place in parts of Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Karachi yesterday after PPP and PTI both announced that they will be holding rallies at the Hakeem Saeed Ground in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqba

Activists of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) resorted to violence and clashed with each other over a venue dispute for the rallies to be held on May 12. The clashes took place in parts of Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Karachi yesterday after PPP and PTI both announced that they will be holding rallies at the Hakeem Saeed Ground in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal. Workers belonging to both parties engaged in aerial firing and pelting stones at one another late Monday evening. Police officials then took over after both parties ended up destroying properly and injuring others. About a dozen people were wounded as the two groups attacked each other. Of the inured, two, including one with a gunshot wound to his leg, were rushed to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. "They also destroyed camp offices of each other," Gulshan SP Ghulam Murtaza Bhutto said. Two cars and several motorcycles were also set on fire by the workers while windows of other cars parked outside were shattered. Massive traffic jams were witnessed at University Road and its adjoining areas. Both the parties have also written to the district commissioner for his permission to hold their rallies at the Hakeem Saeed Ground.

PPP, PTI party workers clash in Pakistan's Karachi over rally venue dispute

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