Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi admits himself, J&K as an Indian state during addressing the media at UNHRC, Geneva. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistan admits himself, 'J&K' as an Indian state on World stage

Pakistan Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani has decided to cancel his pre-scheduled visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after the gulf country honoured Prime Minister Narendra Modi with "Order of Zayed" during his visit.

According to Geo News, Sanjrani was scheduled to visit the UAE, along with his parliamentary delegation, from August 25 to August 28 on the invitation of the UAE government.&nbsp;

During the visit, the delegation was slated to hold meetings with the UAE parliamentarians and government officials.

Sources told The Express Tribune that Sanjrani cancelled the visit as he felt that it would "hurt the feelings of the Kashmiri people".

Pakistan has been rattled by the Indian government`s move to abrogate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/had-no-doubts-about-consequences-of-removing-article-370-amit-shah-242159">Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir</a> and found itself completely isolated on the matter.&nbsp;

The country has been snubbed on all fronts, noticeably, by the SAARC countries, most of which have made it clear that the Kashmir issue is India's internal matter.

&nbsp;A similar narrative had played in the aftermath of the airstrikes conducted by the Indian Air Force at Balakot, when Pakistan Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-tensions-pakistan-foreign-minister-shah-mehmood-qureshi-departs-for-china-241653">Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a> had cancelled a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) hosted by the UAE as the group did not pay heed to Islamabad's demand of rescinding the invitation to India's former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

Pakistan Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani has decided to cancel his pre-scheduled visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after the gulf country honoured Prime Minister Narendra Modi with "Order of Zayed" during his visit.

Pakistan Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani has decided to cancel his pre-scheduled visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after the gulf country honoured Prime Minister Narendra Modi with "Order of Zayed" during his visit. According to Geo News, Sanjrani was scheduled to visit the UAE, along with his parliamentary delegation, from August 25 to August 28 on the invitation of the UAE government. During the visit, the delegation was slated to hold meetings with the UAE parliamentarians and government officials. Sources told The Express Tribune that Sanjrani cancelled the visit as he felt that it would "hurt the feelings of the Kashmiri people". Pakistan has been rattled by the Indian government`s move to abrogate Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and found itself completely isolated on the matter. The country has been snubbed on all fronts, noticeably, by the SAARC countries, most of which have made it clear that the Kashmir issue is India's internal matter. A similar narrative had played in the aftermath of the airstrikes conducted by the Indian Air Force at Balakot, when Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had cancelled a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) hosted by the UAE as the group did not pay heed to Islamabad's demand of rescinding the invitation to India's former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.

Pakistan Senate Chairman cancels UAE trip over highest civilian honour to PM Narendra Modi

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was heckled at a conference in London by a social media activist.&nbsp;

The activist claimed that his Twitter handle was shut down because the government of Pakistan did not agree with his views.

The incident took place during 'Defend Media Freedom' conference.&nbsp;

Ironically, Qureshi was accused of curbing the freedom of expression while he was speaking about protecting media and freedom of expression.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was heckled at a conference in London by a social media activist. The activist claimed that his Twitter handle was shut down because the government of Pakistan did not agree with his views.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was heckled at a conference in London by a social media activist. The activist claimed that his Twitter handle was shut down because the government of Pakistan did not agree with his views. The incident took place during 'Defend Media Freedom' conference. Ironically, Qureshi was accused of curbing the freedom of expression while he was speaking about protecting media and freedom of expression.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi heckled in London 

Echoing India's stance that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between New Delhi and Islamabad, Sweden has urged both the South Asian nations to engage in a dialogue through diplomatic channels to resolve the matter.

Sweden's Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom made the remarks during a telephonic conversation with her Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday.

"Worrying situation in Jammu and Kashmir. In a telephone call today with Pakistan's FM H.E. Shah Mahmood Qureshi I stressed that the EU, including Sweden, supports a bilateral political solution between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, dialogue through diplomatic channels is crucial," tweeted Wallstrom.

Since India announced its decision to change the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, a rattled Pakistan ramped up its rhetorics and has made several attempts to involve the international community in the matter.

However, India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 of the Constitution, which gave the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, was an internal matter.

On Tuesday, Qureshi telephoned his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, who also asked him to engage in the dialogue with New Delhi on Kashmir.

Islamabad has not been able to convince even the Muslim world to back it in raising the issue of Kashmir.

Four of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states - the Maldives, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and the UAE - have said Kashmir is an internal matter of India.

Efforts by Pakistan's ally China too failed at the United Nations Security Council during a closed-door consultation on Kashmir last week.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has said it will knock the doors of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

"We have decided to take Kashmir case to the International Court of Justice," Pakistan-based newspaper Dawn quoted Qureshi as saying. 
&nbsp;

Echoing India's stance that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between New Delhi and Islamabad, Sweden has urged both the South Asian nations to engage in a dialogue through diplomatic channels to resolve the matter.

Echoing India's stance that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between New Delhi and Islamabad, Sweden has urged both the South Asian nations to engage in a dialogue through diplomatic channels to resolve the matter. Sweden's Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom made the remarks during a telephonic conversation with her Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday. "Worrying situation in Jammu and Kashmir. In a telephone call today with Pakistan's FM H.E. Shah Mahmood Qureshi I stressed that the EU, including Sweden, supports a bilateral political solution between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, dialogue through diplomatic channels is crucial," tweeted Wallstrom. Since India announced its decision to change the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, a rattled Pakistan ramped up its rhetorics and has made several attempts to involve the international community in the matter. However, India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 of the Constitution, which gave the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, was an internal matter. On Tuesday, Qureshi telephoned his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, who also asked him to engage in the dialogue with New Delhi on Kashmir. Islamabad has not been able to convince even the Muslim world to back it in raising the issue of Kashmir. Four of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states - the Maldives, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and the UAE - have said Kashmir is an internal matter of India. Efforts by Pakistan's ally China too failed at the United Nations Security Council during a closed-door consultation on Kashmir last week. Meanwhile, Pakistan has said it will knock the doors of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). "We have decided to take Kashmir case to the International Court of Justice," Pakistan-based newspaper Dawn quoted Qureshi as saying.

Qureshi dials up Sweden's FM who asks him to engage bilaterally with India on Kashmir

Pakistan Foreign Minister has said that Islamabad will raise the abrogation of Article 370 at ICJ. Watch the full video to know more.

Pakistan to raise Kashmir issue at ICJ : Shah Mehmood Qureshi

Watch WION Playlist, 21st August 2019. To know more watch the video...

Watch WION Playlist, 21st August 2019

US President Donald Trump has once again spoken on India-Pakistan tensions and offered to mediate in resolving the Kashmir dispute. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Calling situation in Kashmir tough, Trump offers to mediate for third time

Calling situation in Kashmir tough, Trump offers to mediate for third time

Russia on Wednesday told Pakistan that there is no alternative to resolve the Kashmir issue but "bilaterally through political and diplomatic means."

"The statement was made during a phone call that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-tensions-pakistan-foreign-minister-shah-mehmood-qureshi-departs-for-china-241653"> Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a> made to his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov."

During the conversation, the situation in South Asia was discussed amid the worsening relations between Pakistan and India after the decision made by New Delhi to change the legal status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The Russian side emphasized the need for de-escalation of tensions, and that there is no alternative to resolve differences between Pakistan and India except bilaterally through political and diplomatic means.

&nbsp;Representatives of Russia to the UN adhere to this consistent position," a statement by Russian Foreign Ministery read."

The call was made as part of Pakistan's initiative to outreach world leaders over the Indian government's decision to scrap article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Similar calls were earlier made by country's Prime Minister Imran Khan to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Malaysian PM Mahathir Bin Mohamad, and Iranian President Hassan RouhaniRussia had earlier supported India over the abrogation of Article 370, saying that the action taken by the country was under the constitutional framework international community has urged both countries to exercise restraint and ensure that peace and stability prevail across the Line of Control (LoC).

Russia on Wednesday told Pakistan that there is no alternative to resolve the Kashmir issue but "bilaterally through political and diplomatic means." "The statement was made during a phone call that Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi made to his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

Russia on Wednesday told Pakistan that there is no alternative to resolve the Kashmir issue but "bilaterally through political and diplomatic means." "The statement was made during a phone call that Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi made to his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov." During the conversation, the situation in South Asia was discussed amid the worsening relations between Pakistan and India after the decision made by New Delhi to change the legal status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Russian side emphasized the need for de-escalation of tensions, and that there is no alternative to resolve differences between Pakistan and India except bilaterally through political and diplomatic means. Representatives of Russia to the UN adhere to this consistent position," a statement by Russian Foreign Ministery read." The call was made as part of Pakistan's initiative to outreach world leaders over the Indian government's decision to scrap article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Similar calls were earlier made by country's Prime Minister Imran Khan to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Malaysian PM Mahathir Bin Mohamad, and Iranian President Hassan RouhaniRussia had earlier supported India over the abrogation of Article 370, saying that the action taken by the country was under the constitutional framework international community has urged both countries to exercise restraint and ensure that peace and stability prevail across the Line of Control (LoC).

Resolve Kashmir issue bilaterally with India: Russia tells Pakistan

Russian Foreign Minister&nbsp;Sergei Lavrov has told&nbsp;Pakistani foreign minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/let-people-in-pakistan-kashmir-be-aware-unsc-not-waiting-for-you-qureshi-242536">Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a> to solve issues with India bilaterally.

A Russian Foreign Ministry statement said, Moscow&nbsp;"Emphasized the need for de-escalation of tensions, and that there is no alternative to resolve differences between Pakistan and India except bilaterally through political and diplomatic means."

Qureshi who has been dialling global capitals had called&nbsp;Moscow to rake up Kashmir.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-warmongering-over-scrapping-of-article-370-president-alvi-calls-for-jihad-against-india-242906">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan's warmongering over scrapping of Article 370, President Alvi calls for jihad against India</a>

The release from Pakistan also acknowledged the Russian stance.

The Pakistani foreign ministry statement said, "Foreign Minister Lavrov underlined the importance of resolution of all outstanding issues through dialogue and peaceful means."

Over the weekend Russia became the first member of the permanent five of the United Nations security council to back New Delhi's decision to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Russia's&nbsp;ministry of foreign affairs, in response to a question, said, "Change in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its division into two Union Territories are carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India."

Echoing India's policy,&nbsp;Russian foreign ministry recalled Shimla and Lahore accord and said, "We hope that the differences between them will be resolved by political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis in accordance with the provisions of the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999."

Both the agreement call of no third party mediation and resolution of issues between the 2 south Asian countries bilaterally.&nbsp;

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has told Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to solve issues with India bilaterally. A Russian Foreign Ministry statement said, Moscow "Emphasized the need for de-escalation of tensions, and that there is no alternative to resolve differences between Pakistan and India except bilaterally through political and diplomatic means.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has told Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to solve issues with India bilaterally. A Russian Foreign Ministry statement said, Moscow "Emphasized the need for de-escalation of tensions, and that there is no alternative to resolve differences between Pakistan and India except bilaterally through political and diplomatic means." Qureshi who has been dialling global capitals had called Moscow to rake up Kashmir. Also read: Pakistan's warmongering over scrapping of Article 370, President Alvi calls for jihad against India The release from Pakistan also acknowledged the Russian stance. The Pakistani foreign ministry statement said, "Foreign Minister Lavrov underlined the importance of resolution of all outstanding issues through dialogue and peaceful means." Over the weekend Russia became the first member of the permanent five of the United Nations security council to back New Delhi's decision to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Russia's ministry of foreign affairs, in response to a question, said, "Change in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its division into two Union Territories are carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India." Echoing India's policy, Russian foreign ministry recalled Shimla and Lahore accord and said, "We hope that the differences between them will be resolved by political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis in accordance with the provisions of the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999." Both the agreement call of no third party mediation and resolution of issues between the 2 south Asian countries bilaterally.

Solve your issues with India bilaterally: Russia tells Pakistan

Section 144 to be eased in parts of Kashmir for the Friday Eid prayers. However, restrictions will remain in some sensitive areas. Watch this video to know more.

Breaking News: Section 144 to be eased in Kashmir for Friday prayers

The United Nations has rejected Pakistan's request for intervention in the Kashmir issue after India abrogated the special status for Jammu & Kashmir. UN chief Antonio Guterres urged India and Pakistan to exercise “maximum restraint” and refrain from taking steps that could affect the status of Jammu and Kashmir, as he highlighted the Shimla Agreement which rejects any third-party mediation on the issue.

Antonio Guterres urges India, Pakistan to exercise ‘Maximum Restraint’ on Kashmir Issue

UN Chief urges India, Pakistan for ‘Maximum Restraint’ on Kashmir Issue, refers to Shimla Agreement

The United Nations has rejected Pakistan's request for intervention in the Kashmir issue after India abrogated the special status for Jammu & Kashmir. Watch this video to know more.

UN rejects Pakistan's appeal on Kashmir issue

The US State Department spokeswoman, Morgan Ortagus on Thursday (August 8) said that recent announcements have no changes in the US policy on Kashmir. Watch this video to know more.

US: No change in the US policy on Kashmir

Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said in a press conference on Thursday that Islamabad was not considering any military actions and instead is looking at political and legal options to challenge India's changes to disputed Kashmir's status. Watch this video to know more.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi calls Pulwama attacks 'A drama by India'

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi arrived in Beijing on Friday morning. He is expected to hold meetings regarding the deliberations on the Kashmir issue. The visit of the foreign minister comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan following the scrapping of special status to Jammu and Kashmir by New Delhi. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistan seeks China's help on Kashmir issue

Pakistan Foreign Minister arrives in Beijing to hold deliberations on Kashmir

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi arrived in Beijing on Friday morning.

He is expected to hold meetings regarding the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/samjhauta-express-arrives-in-delhi-after-pakistan-announces-suspension-241637">deliberations on the Kashmir issue</a>.

The visit of the foreign minister comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan following the scrapping of special status to Jammu and Kashmir by New Delhi.

During the visit, Qureshi will be meeting his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, State Counsellor, and other leaders.

"The visit was arranged in a very short time. That's why we are called iron brothers," deputy chief of mission at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, Lijian Zhao, said on Twitter.

Pakistan Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood is also accompanying Qureshi.

Watch: Antonio Guterres urges India, Pakistan to exercise ‘Maximum Restraint’ on Kashmir Issue

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Tensions between India and Pakistan spiralled after the Indian Parliament on Tuesday passed a resolution to revoke Article 370 and a bill bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.

Rattled by New Delhi's decisions, Islamabad "rejected" the move and said it will exercise "all possible options" to counter the steps.

Pakistan on Wednesday decided to downgrade bilateral ties with India and suspend all bilateral trade activities with the neighbouring country.

On its part, New Delhi asked Islamabad to review its decision so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved while strictly maintaining that its steps in Jammu and Kashmir are an "entirely internal affair".

China also opposed India's move saying it "undermined China`s territorial sovereignty".

Following this, New Delhi brushed off Beijing`s statement maintaining that it is an "internal matter".&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi arrived in Beijing on Friday morning. He is expected to hold meetings regarding the deliberations on the Kashmir issue.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi arrived in Beijing on Friday morning. He is expected to hold meetings regarding the deliberations on the Kashmir issue. The visit of the foreign minister comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan following the scrapping of special status to Jammu and Kashmir by New Delhi. During the visit, Qureshi will be meeting his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, State Counsellor, and other leaders. "The visit was arranged in a very short time. That's why we are called iron brothers," deputy chief of mission at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, Lijian Zhao, said on Twitter. Pakistan Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood is also accompanying Qureshi. Watch: Antonio Guterres urges India, Pakistan to exercise ‘Maximum Restraint’ on Kashmir Issue × Tensions between India and Pakistan spiralled after the Indian Parliament on Tuesday passed a resolution to revoke Article 370 and a bill bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. Rattled by New Delhi's decisions, Islamabad "rejected" the move and said it will exercise "all possible options" to counter the steps. Pakistan on Wednesday decided to downgrade bilateral ties with India and suspend all bilateral trade activities with the neighbouring country. On its part, New Delhi asked Islamabad to review its decision so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved while strictly maintaining that its steps in Jammu and Kashmir are an "entirely internal affair". China also opposed India's move saying it "undermined China`s territorial sovereignty". Following this, New Delhi brushed off Beijing`s statement maintaining that it is an "internal matter".

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi arrives in Beijing

Pakistan foreign minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/afghan-peace-process-shared-responsibility-pakistan-do-it-alone-shah-mehmood-qureshi-239467">Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a> has linked the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-touts-afghan-peace-progress-but-warns-can-kill-millions-240335">Afghan peace process</a> with the situation at the Line of Control (LoC) saying the action taken by the Indian Army is a "distraction".

Speaking to a Pak media channel, he said, "On one hand the Afghan peace process is going through a critical stage, US Special Representative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-indicated-a-willingness-to-strike-a-peace-deal-khalilzad-240391">Zalmay Khalilzad</a> has reached Doha after a successful visit to Islamabad. He has an important meeting in Doha.&nbsp;The action by the Indian Army is a distraction. These spoilers can impact peace."

The last time such a statement was made, Kabul summoned Pak envoy to Afghanistan.

In February, in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack, Pakistan's envoy to Kabul Zahid Nasrullah linked any response by the Indian Army to have been impacting the Afghan peace process.

On Trump's Kashmir comments the Pak FM said, "US President understands the sensitivity of the issue and that how greatly it is associated with peace and stability in South Asia and therefore he offers to mediate".

Pakistan looks emboldened by Trump's mediation offer and with Washington eager to leave Afghanistan, Islamabad is sensing an opportunity to create trouble.

Kanwal Sibal, former foreign secretary told WION, "Imran Khan is playing the old game of linking India’s legitimate actions in Jammu and Kashmir to curb Pak-supported terrorism to its complying with US's demands to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table to promote the so-called&nbsp;peace process in Afghanistan which is a sham."

"He is trying to capitalise on Trump’s thoughtless comments on mediation on the Kashmir issue. Imran Khan will not succeed in this usual Pakistan duplicity," he added.

India's former envoy to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha, told WION, "There is no connection between Pakistan's cooperation on Taliban and what is happening in India.&nbsp;I guess they are just seeking a way out of their commitments made to President Trump.&nbsp;Tough for Pakistan to cut its umbilical cord with terror groups including the Taliban."

US President Donald Trump in the last 10 days has raked up the Kashmir issue twice. In both cases, India has reminded him that it can only be discussed with Islamabad, if at all warranted. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has linked the ongoing Afghan peace process with the situation at the Line of Control (LoC) saying the action taken by the Indian Army is a "distraction".

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has linked the ongoing Afghan peace process with the situation at the Line of Control (LoC) saying the action taken by the Indian Army is a "distraction". Speaking to a Pak media channel, he said, "On one hand the Afghan peace process is going through a critical stage, US Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad has reached Doha after a successful visit to Islamabad. He has an important meeting in Doha. The action by the Indian Army is a distraction. These spoilers can impact peace." The last time such a statement was made, Kabul summoned Pak envoy to Afghanistan. In February, in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack, Pakistan's envoy to Kabul Zahid Nasrullah linked any response by the Indian Army to have been impacting the Afghan peace process. On Trump's Kashmir comments the Pak FM said, "US President understands the sensitivity of the issue and that how greatly it is associated with peace and stability in South Asia and therefore he offers to mediate". Pakistan looks emboldened by Trump's mediation offer and with Washington eager to leave Afghanistan, Islamabad is sensing an opportunity to create trouble. Kanwal Sibal, former foreign secretary told WION, "Imran Khan is playing the old game of linking India’s legitimate actions in Jammu and Kashmir to curb Pak-supported terrorism to its complying with US's demands to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table to promote the so-called peace process in Afghanistan which is a sham." "He is trying to capitalise on Trump’s thoughtless comments on mediation on the Kashmir issue. Imran Khan will not succeed in this usual Pakistan duplicity," he added. India's former envoy to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha, told WION, "There is no connection between Pakistan's cooperation on Taliban and what is happening in India. I guess they are just seeking a way out of their commitments made to President Trump. Tough for Pakistan to cut its umbilical cord with terror groups including the Taliban." US President Donald Trump in the last 10 days has raked up the Kashmir issue twice. In both cases, India has reminded him that it can only be discussed with Islamabad, if at all warranted.

Pakistan's foreign minister links Afghan peace process with situation at LoC

Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday said that Imran Khan wants to meet <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-reject-direct-talks-with-afghan-government-238970">Taliban to hold direct peace talks</a> and Taliban leadership has responded positively.

"The prime minister wants to hold a meeting with the Taliban," he told journalists at a press meet in Islamabad on Monday.

When asked about a timeframe, Qureshi told WION’s Anas Mallick, “I don’t have a hotline with Taliban to tell when they would come, but I wish I did.”

Talking about Pakistan’s ongoing efforts for talks with the Taliban, Qureshi said that Pakistan is moving forward in good faith. But Pakistan is not a guarantor but only a facilitator in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-strongly-condemns-attack-on-afghanistan-vice-presidential-candidates-office-239100">Afghan peace process</a>.

Watch: Pompeo, Ghani agree to 'accelerate efforts' to end war in Afghanistan

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He also said that the Afghan peace process is a shared responsibility Pakistan cannot do it alone, we are moving ahead with sincerity.

Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, the peace process is at a critical point and the United States wants Pakistan to pressure the Taliban into a permanent ceasefire and participation in inter-Afghan negotiations that would include the Afghan government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/amid-rising-violence-and-taliban-peace-talks-afghan-campaign-begins-239275">In pics : Amid violence and Taliban peace talks, Afghan campaign begins</a>

Trump wants to end US military involvement in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s cooperation will be essential to any deal to end the war and ensure the country does not become a base for terrorist groups like Islamic State.

Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday said that Imran Khan wants to meet Taliban to hold direct peace talks and Taliban leadership has responded positively.

Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday said that Imran Khan wants to meet Taliban to hold direct peace talks and Taliban leadership has responded positively. "The prime minister wants to hold a meeting with the Taliban," he told journalists at a press meet in Islamabad on Monday. When asked about a timeframe, Qureshi told WION’s Anas Mallick, “I don’t have a hotline with Taliban to tell when they would come, but I wish I did.” Talking about Pakistan’s ongoing efforts for talks with the Taliban, Qureshi said that Pakistan is moving forward in good faith. But Pakistan is not a guarantor but only a facilitator in the Afghan peace process. Watch: Pompeo, Ghani agree to 'accelerate efforts' to end war in Afghanistan × He also said that the Afghan peace process is a shared responsibility Pakistan cannot do it alone, we are moving ahead with sincerity. Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, the peace process is at a critical point and the United States wants Pakistan to pressure the Taliban into a permanent ceasefire and participation in inter-Afghan negotiations that would include the Afghan government. In pics : Amid violence and Taliban peace talks, Afghan campaign begins Trump wants to end US military involvement in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s cooperation will be essential to any deal to end the war and ensure the country does not become a base for terrorist groups like Islamic State.

Afghan peace process shared responsibility, Pakistan can't do it alone: Shah Mehmood Qureshi

Pakistan Prime Minister Khan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-embarks-on-3-day-visit-to-us-will-hold-talks-with-donald-trump-237208">three-day visit to the US</a>&nbsp;is a definite sign of the easing of the bitter relations between the two countries.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-lawmakers-urge-trump-to-raise-paks-human-rights-abuse-issue-during-meeting-with-imran-khan-237318">Khan will meet US President Donald Trump </a>on July 22.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, earlier this week, described PM Imran Khan's visit to the United States as "a move from isolation to an invitation".

Khan and Trump have, however, met before on Twitter and indulged in a war of words.&nbsp;

Twitter spat

"The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump had tweeted earlier last year.

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The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/947802588174577664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The stand was reiterated in several interviews by the US President.

Eventually, Imran Khan - who had stormed to power on the back of the promise of 'Naya Pakistan' - was forced to hit back. In a series of tweets last year in November, he said, "Record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan: 1. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US war on terror. 2. Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war and over $123 billion was lost to the economy. US "aid" was a minuscule $20 billion."

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Record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan: 1. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US War on Terror. 2. Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war &amp; over $123 bn was lost to economy. US "aid" was a miniscule $20 bn.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1064482777054220289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan's dwindling economy

To turn Pakistan's cash-strapped economy around, Imran Khan made state visits to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, China and Malaysia in a bid to get investments.

But such is the debt trap which Pakistan is caught in, it has again, for the thirteenth time been forced to accept a $6 billion bailout by the IMF. To cut down on expenses, Imran Khan has embarked on an austerity drive.

He is, in fact, travelling to the United States this time round in a commercial flight and will stay at the Ambassador's residence.

Mission United States

Accompanied by his army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, Imran Khan's agenda on his US trip is primarily focused on resuming military training programs with the US, getting permission to purchase spare parts for F-16 jets, assistance from the US to get off the FATF greylist and getting more loans to boost Pakistan's dwindling economy.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;US lawmakers have written to US President Donald Trump, urging him to raise the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-lawmakers-urge-trump-to-raise-paks-human-rights-abuse-issue-during-meeting-with-imran-khan-237318">issue of human rights abuses in Pakistan's Sindh</a> - including enforced disappearances - during his upcoming meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In a letter addressed to Trump on July 19, the lawmakers highlight that human rights abuses, at the hands of the authorities, continue to prevail in the Pakistani province, despite Washington having provided more than $30 billion in aid to the South Asian country.

The aid, according to them, was supposed to improve social and economic conditions in Pakistan, as well as promote good governance - improvements that have not occurred.

&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Khan's three-day visit to the US is a definite sign of the easing of the bitter relations between the two countries. Khan will meet US President Donald Trump on July 22.

Pakistan Prime Minister Khan's three-day visit to the US is a definite sign of the easing of the bitter relations between the two countries. Khan will meet US President Donald Trump on July 22. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, earlier this week, described PM Imran Khan's visit to the United States as "a move from isolation to an invitation". Khan and Trump have, however, met before on Twitter and indulged in a war of words. Twitter spat "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump had tweeted earlier last year. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 × The stand was reiterated in several interviews by the US President. Eventually, Imran Khan - who had stormed to power on the back of the promise of 'Naya Pakistan' - was forced to hit back. In a series of tweets last year in November, he said, "Record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan: 1. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US war on terror. 2. Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war and over $123 billion was lost to the economy. US "aid" was a minuscule $20 billion." Record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan: 1. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US War on Terror. 2. Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war & over $123 bn was lost to economy. US "aid" was a miniscule $20 bn. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 19, 2018 × Pakistan's dwindling economy To turn Pakistan's cash-strapped economy around, Imran Khan made state visits to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, China and Malaysia in a bid to get investments. But such is the debt trap which Pakistan is caught in, it has again, for the thirteenth time been forced to accept a $6 billion bailout by the IMF. To cut down on expenses, Imran Khan has embarked on an austerity drive. He is, in fact, travelling to the United States this time round in a commercial flight and will stay at the Ambassador's residence. Mission United States Accompanied by his army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, Imran Khan's agenda on his US trip is primarily focused on resuming military training programs with the US, getting permission to purchase spare parts for F-16 jets, assistance from the US to get off the FATF greylist and getting more loans to boost Pakistan's dwindling economy. Meanwhile, US lawmakers have written to US President Donald Trump, urging him to raise the issue of human rights abuses in Pakistan's Sindh - including enforced disappearances - during his upcoming meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. In a letter addressed to Trump on July 19, the lawmakers highlight that human rights abuses, at the hands of the authorities, continue to prevail in the Pakistani province, despite Washington having provided more than $30 billion in aid to the South Asian country. The aid, according to them, was supposed to improve social and economic conditions in Pakistan, as well as promote good governance - improvements that have not occurred.

Imran Khan's US visit: Focus on resuming military training programs, exiting FATF greylist

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday claimed that International Court of Justice's ruling on Kulbhushan Jadhav is a big win for Pakistan.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference after the historic verdict, Qureshi claimed that India took a stance that Jadhav was not a spy or terrorist, but the ICJ rejected it.

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Commander Jadhav shall remain in Pakistan. He shall be treated in accordance with the laws of Pakistan. This is a victory for Pakistan. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbhushanVerdict?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbhushanVerdict</a>
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/SMQureshiPTI/status/1151510286551212032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan which has failed to complete the action plan given to it by&nbsp;Financial Action Task Force (FATF)&nbsp;said that Pakistan is a very responsible country, which has followed the law before and will continue to follow it in the future.

Even though ICJ had rejected most of Pakistan's arguments and stated Jadhav's death sentence which was ordered by the Pakistan military court, Pakistan foreign minister tried to defend the lost case.&nbsp;

Qureshi said, like always, they would accept ICJ's decision&nbsp;

Jadhav shall remain in Pakistan. He shall be treated in accordance with the laws of Pakistan. This is a victory for Pakistan, he said on Twitter.

India wanted acquittal, that's not been accepted, India wanted release, that's not been accepted, India wanted return, that has been rejected. 
If they (India) still want to claim victory.... Good Luck! he said in another tweet.&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday claimed that International Court of Justice's ruling on Kulbhushan Jadhav is a big win for Pakistan. Addressing a press conference after the historic verdict, Qureshi claimed that India took a stance that Jadhav was not a spy or terrorist, but the ICJ rejected it.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday claimed that International Court of Justice's ruling on Kulbhushan Jadhav is a big win for Pakistan. Addressing a press conference after the historic verdict, Qureshi claimed that India took a stance that Jadhav was not a spy or terrorist, but the ICJ rejected it. Commander Jadhav shall remain in Pakistan. He shall be treated in accordance with the laws of Pakistan. This is a victory for Pakistan. #KulbhushanVerdict — Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) July 17, 2019 × Pakistan which has failed to complete the action plan given to it by Financial Action Task Force (FATF) said that Pakistan is a very responsible country, which has followed the law before and will continue to follow it in the future. Even though ICJ had rejected most of Pakistan's arguments and stated Jadhav's death sentence which was ordered by the Pakistan military court, Pakistan foreign minister tried to defend the lost case. Qureshi said, like always, they would accept ICJ's decision Jadhav shall remain in Pakistan. He shall be treated in accordance with the laws of Pakistan. This is a victory for Pakistan, he said on Twitter. India wanted acquittal, that's not been accepted, India wanted release, that's not been accepted, India wanted return, that has been rejected. If they (India) still want to claim victory.... Good Luck! he said in another tweet.

International Court of Justice's ruling on Kulbhushan Jadhav big win for Pakistan: Shah Mehmood Qureshi 

Pakistan will insist on proper labour rights for an army of its citizens working on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-to-stick-with-32-teams-for-2022-football-world-cup-in-qatar-220740">Qatar's football World Cup</a> infrastructure, the country's foreign minister said Monday, after repeated reports of abuses.

The gas-rich Gulf state has embarked on a huge construction programme to get ready for the 2022 tournament, drawing intense scrutiny from rights and labour campaigners.

Earlier this year Amnesty International warned that despite "nascent reforms", Qatar was running out of time to stamp out widespread and serious exploitation of tens of thousands of migrant labourers, many of them from South Asia.

There have been reports of wages going unpaid, passports being held by unscrupulous bosses and some labourers working up to 148 days in a row.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-ready-to-hold-talks-with-new-indian-government-shah-mahmood-qureshi-221736">Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a> welcomed Qatari plans to offer his countrymen up to 100,000 work permits but insisted World Cup workers' rights must be respected.

"Certainly we will ask our embassy and we will ask the recruiting agencies to give better terms," he told AFP during a visit to Brussels.&nbsp;

"Where we feel Pakistani labour is contributing, we feel they should be looked after as well." Qatar insists it is committed to labour reform.

Since it was chosen as World Cup host it has introduced a monthly minimum wage of 750 riyals ($206) and partially scrapped the exit visa system which required workers to obtain their employers' permission before leaving the country.

Qureshi welcomed the changes but said Pakistan would push for more.

"I think other facilities like health cover and stuff like that can be negotiated and we will talk with them about that," he said.

Qureshi's trip to Brussels comes as cash-strapped Pakistan seeks foreign investment, with the government forced to announce an austerity budget after securing a $6 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund.

After talks with senior EU officials on Tuesday, the minister will sign a "strategic engagement plan" with the bloc's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini.

Pakistan will insist on proper labour rights for an army of its citizens working on Qatar's football World Cup infrastructure, the country's foreign minister said Monday, after repeated reports of abuses.

Pakistan will insist on proper labour rights for an army of its citizens working on Qatar's football World Cup infrastructure, the country's foreign minister said Monday, after repeated reports of abuses. The gas-rich Gulf state has embarked on a huge construction programme to get ready for the 2022 tournament, drawing intense scrutiny from rights and labour campaigners. Earlier this year Amnesty International warned that despite "nascent reforms", Qatar was running out of time to stamp out widespread and serious exploitation of tens of thousands of migrant labourers, many of them from South Asia. There have been reports of wages going unpaid, passports being held by unscrupulous bosses and some labourers working up to 148 days in a row. Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi welcomed Qatari plans to offer his countrymen up to 100,000 work permits but insisted World Cup workers' rights must be respected. "Certainly we will ask our embassy and we will ask the recruiting agencies to give better terms," he told AFP during a visit to Brussels. "Where we feel Pakistani labour is contributing, we feel they should be looked after as well." Qatar insists it is committed to labour reform. Since it was chosen as World Cup host it has introduced a monthly minimum wage of 750 riyals ($206) and partially scrapped the exit visa system which required workers to obtain their employers' permission before leaving the country. Qureshi welcomed the changes but said Pakistan would push for more. "I think other facilities like health cover and stuff like that can be negotiated and we will talk with them about that," he said. Qureshi's trip to Brussels comes as cash-strapped Pakistan seeks foreign investment, with the government forced to announce an austerity budget after securing a $6 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund. After talks with senior EU officials on Tuesday, the minister will sign a "strategic engagement plan" with the bloc's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini.

Pakistan insists on workers' rights for its citizens working on Qatar World Cup

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