The Afghan government on Thursday accused Pakistan of air strikes in the Afghan province of Kunar, which borders Pakistan, causing "huge financial damage".

The tension comes ahead of a scheduled visit to Kabul on Friday by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, when he and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani are expected to discuss cooperation in stopping militant attacks.

Pakistani jets dropped four bombs on Wednesday evening in Kunar's Dangam district, according to a statement from Afghanistan's ministry of foreign affairs. It did not elaborate on the damage and made no mention of any casualties.

"Afghanistan warns that continuing violations of international norms ... will have further consequences on the relations between the two countries," the ministry said.

Pakistan's foreign ministry and military did not respond to requests for comment.

Afghanistan's Western-backed government has long accused Pakistan of harbouring Afghan Taliban insurgents, a charge that Islamabad denies.

Islamabad, in turn, accuses Afghanistan of not doing enough to eradicate Pakistani Taliban militants, many of whom are based in Afghanistan and mostly carry out attacks inside Pakistan.

The tension comes ahead of a scheduled visit to Kabul on Friday by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, when he and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani are expected to discuss cooperation in stopping militant attacks

The Afghan government on Thursday accused Pakistan of air strikes in the Afghan province of Kunar, which borders Pakistan, causing "huge financial damage". The tension comes ahead of a scheduled visit to Kabul on Friday by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, when he and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani are expected to discuss cooperation in stopping militant attacks. Pakistani jets dropped four bombs on Wednesday evening in Kunar's Dangam district, according to a statement from Afghanistan's ministry of foreign affairs. It did not elaborate on the damage and made no mention of any casualties. "Afghanistan warns that continuing violations of international norms ... will have further consequences on the relations between the two countries," the ministry said. Pakistan's foreign ministry and military did not respond to requests for comment. Afghanistan's Western-backed government has long accused Pakistan of harbouring Afghan Taliban insurgents, a charge that Islamabad denies. Islamabad, in turn, accuses Afghanistan of not doing enough to eradicate Pakistani Taliban militants, many of whom are based in Afghanistan and mostly carry out attacks inside Pakistan.

Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of air strikes ahead of leaders' talks

Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday reiterated the need for achieving regional security and stability for attaining lasting peace in South Asia.

The call was made during the bilateral meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Afghanistan President Ashraf in Kabul, according to media reports.

Abbasi is on a one-day visit to Afghanistan, having arrived earlier on Friday.

During the meet, the Pakistani Prime Minister discussed a variety of issues such as counter-terror cooperation, the regional situation in South Asia, repatriation of Afghan refugees, combating drug production and bilateral trade and power projects among others with the Afghan President.

Abbasi also extended an invitation to Ghani to visit Pakistan soon. The former is expected to hold talks with Afghanistan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah and other officials.

The Pakistan Prime Minister is accompanied by Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra and National Security Advisor (NSA) Nasser Khan Janjua.

Ghani received Abbasi and the delegation at the Afghan Presidential Palace and was accorded a guard of honour.

Abbasi's visit to Afghanistan follows an invitation by Ghani. It comes in the light of Pakistan backing Ghani's peace offering to the Taliban.

Earlier this week, a high-level Pakistani delegation, headed by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua visited Afghanistan to hold talks with Afghan authorities on the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS), in an effort to improve the relations between the two countries.

Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have remained frosty in recent times due to the terrorist activities of the Taliban and Haqqani Network carried out in the former's land. Afghanistan contests that the two groups are supported by Pakistan and it does very little to stop them.

Pakistan has urged Afghanistan to stop the blame game and asked for its co-operation in combating terrorism, as well as ensuring lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

In February, the Afghan President had made a peace offer to the Taliban in the Kabul Process Conference, which also included the recognition of the militant group as a political entity.

However, the group is yet to respond to Ghani's offer.

&nbsp

The call was made during the bilateral meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Afghanistan President Ashraf in Kabul

Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday reiterated the need for achieving regional security and stability for attaining lasting peace in South Asia. The call was made during the bilateral meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Afghanistan President Ashraf in Kabul, according to media reports. Abbasi is on a one-day visit to Afghanistan, having arrived earlier on Friday. During the meet, the Pakistani Prime Minister discussed a variety of issues such as counter-terror cooperation, the regional situation in South Asia, repatriation of Afghan refugees, combating drug production and bilateral trade and power projects among others with the Afghan President. Abbasi also extended an invitation to Ghani to visit Pakistan soon. The former is expected to hold talks with Afghanistan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah and other officials. The Pakistan Prime Minister is accompanied by Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra and National Security Advisor (NSA) Nasser Khan Janjua. Ghani received Abbasi and the delegation at the Afghan Presidential Palace and was accorded a guard of honour. Abbasi's visit to Afghanistan follows an invitation by Ghani. It comes in the light of Pakistan backing Ghani's peace offering to the Taliban. Earlier this week, a high-level Pakistani delegation, headed by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua visited Afghanistan to hold talks with Afghan authorities on the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS), in an effort to improve the relations between the two countries. Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have remained frosty in recent times due to the terrorist activities of the Taliban and Haqqani Network carried out in the former's land. Afghanistan contests that the two groups are supported by Pakistan and it does very little to stop them. Pakistan has urged Afghanistan to stop the blame game and asked for its co-operation in combating terrorism, as well as ensuring lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan. In February, the Afghan President had made a peace offer to the Taliban in the Kabul Process Conference, which also included the recognition of the militant group as a political entity. However, the group is yet to respond to Ghani's offer.

Pakistan, Afghanistan call for regional security, stability

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that political decisions should be taken in polling booths, not courts, in an apparent reference to the ouster of his predecessor Nawaz Sharif by the Supreme Court.

Sharif, 68, was disqualified as the prime minister by the apex court in the Panama Papers case in July last year under Article 62 for failing to declare a receivable salary as an asset.

"Let the voters make political decisions," Abbasi said while addressing a crowd in Dera Ghazi Khan yesterday.

"Political decisions are taken in polling booths, not courts," he was quoted as saying by Dawn News.

Abbasi's remarks came days after his meeting with Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar.

The meeting, and Justice Nisar's subsequent referring of the prime minister as a supplicant, had irked Sharif, who later publicly asked Abbasi to explain his position on the meeting.

"It is a strange tradition that whosoever solves the country's problems is dragged into the courts, removed from posts and attempts are made to push (him) away from the people," Abbasi said.

This tradition is not Pakistan's tradition. This tradition will not give respect to politics in Pakistan," he warned.

The prime minister said the decisions of the people always prevail over court's verdicts ? some of which, he claimed, are controversial or not accepted by history.

"We continued to work despite severe opposition and gave respect to your vote," Abbasi told the gathering, outlining PML-N's achievements since it reclaimed power in 2013.

"You made a decision in 2008 and you got Asif Ali Zardari, and what he did to Pakistan, you all know. But in 2013 you sent him back home this was the people's decision," he said.

"The people then chose Nawaz Sharif, whose era saw unprecedented development.

"I have complete faith that the enlightened people of Pakistan will respond to the conspiracies and overthrow of governments at the polling stations (in upcoming general elections)," he added.

Sharif has held several rallies in different parts of Pakistan since his ouster. He has targeted the judiciary for removing him from the office of the prime minister and also come up with 'give respect to the ballot' slogan.

The political future of Sharif, who leads the country's most powerful political family, has been hanging in balance since his disqualification. If convicted, Sharif could be jailed.

Sharif's family alleges that the cases are politically motivated.&nbsp;

His statements came in an apparent reference to ouster of his predecessor Nawaz Sharif by the Supreme Court

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that political decisions should be taken in polling booths, not courts, in an apparent reference to the ouster of his predecessor Nawaz Sharif by the Supreme Court. Sharif, 68, was disqualified as the prime minister by the apex court in the Panama Papers case in July last year under Article 62 for failing to declare a receivable salary as an asset. "Let the voters make political decisions," Abbasi said while addressing a crowd in Dera Ghazi Khan yesterday. "Political decisions are taken in polling booths, not courts," he was quoted as saying by Dawn News. Abbasi's remarks came days after his meeting with Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar. The meeting, and Justice Nisar's subsequent referring of the prime minister as a supplicant, had irked Sharif, who later publicly asked Abbasi to explain his position on the meeting. "It is a strange tradition that whosoever solves the country's problems is dragged into the courts, removed from posts and attempts are made to push (him) away from the people," Abbasi said. This tradition is not Pakistan's tradition. This tradition will not give respect to politics in Pakistan," he warned. The prime minister said the decisions of the people always prevail over court's verdicts ? some of which, he claimed, are controversial or not accepted by history. "We continued to work despite severe opposition and gave respect to your vote," Abbasi told the gathering, outlining PML-N's achievements since it reclaimed power in 2013. "You made a decision in 2008 and you got Asif Ali Zardari, and what he did to Pakistan, you all know. But in 2013 you sent him back home this was the people's decision," he said. "The people then chose Nawaz Sharif, whose era saw unprecedented development. "I have complete faith that the enlightened people of Pakistan will respond to the conspiracies and overthrow of governments at the polling stations (in upcoming general elections)," he added. Sharif has held several rallies in different parts of Pakistan since his ouster. He has targeted the judiciary for removing him from the office of the prime minister and also come up with 'give respect to the ballot' slogan. The political future of Sharif, who leads the country's most powerful political family, has been hanging in balance since his disqualification. If convicted, Sharif could be jailed. Sharif's family alleges that the cases are politically motivated.

Political decisions should be taken in polling booths, not courts: Pakistan PM Abbasi

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After Prime Minister (PM) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was frisked at the United States airport during his recent visit to the country, a spokesperson from the US Embassy in New Delhi explained the reason behind the 'embarrassing' incident.

Ball-tampering row: Darren Lehmann quits as Australia coach Darren Lehmann has stepped down as Australian coach after the ball-tampering scandal. CBSE paper leak: I understand pain of students, says Javadekar Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar on Thursday termed the CBSE examination paper leak issue “unfortunate” and said culprits would not go scot-free, a day after the board announced re-examination in a Class 10 and a Class 12 subject. Watch: ISRO launches GSLV-F08 carrying GSAT-6A communication satellite The Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) today launched the GSLV-F08 carrying the GSAT-6A communication satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota. Egypt's Sisi reelected with landslide majority: Reports Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has reportedly been reelected for a second term with over 90% of votes, Egypt media reported stating preliminary results. Why Pakistan PM Abbasi was frisked at the US airport After Prime Minister (PM) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was frisked at the United States airport during his recent visit to the country, a spokesperson from the US Embassy in New Delhi explained the reason behind the 'embarrassing' incident.

WION evening news brief, March 29, 2018

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was abased down to any regular person at the John F. Kennedy airport in New York, as viral videos on Youtube show Abbasi being frisked during the security procedure.

Ditching official customs as a visiting dignitary, that too as a Prime Minister of a nuclear-armed nation, Abbasi, who reportedly was on a private visit to meet his ailing sister in the US, can be seen in the video adjusting his t-shirt after getting out of security checks with his jacket and a trolley bag.

Abbasi, however, has a history of making private trips to foreign nations, as according to Geo News, the PM was previously spotted travelling alone at a train station during his visit to Britain.

This comes at a time when Pakistan-USA relations have been strained lately, especially since US President Donald Trump tweeted, "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!"

Earlier this month, Vice-President Mike Pence told Abbasi that Pakistan "must do more" against the Taliban and other militants.

"Vice President Pence reiterated President (Donald) Trump's request that the Government of Pakistan must do more to address the continued presence of the Taliban, Haqqani Network, and other terrorist groups operating in their country," the White House said in a statement.

"Pakistan could and should work closer with the United States," Pence said.&nbsp

Abbasi was reportedly was on a private visit to meet his ailing sister in the US

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was abased down to any regular person at the John F. Kennedy airport in New York, as viral videos on Youtube show Abbasi being frisked during the security procedure. Ditching official customs as a visiting dignitary, that too as a Prime Minister of a nuclear-armed nation, Abbasi, who reportedly was on a private visit to meet his ailing sister in the US, can be seen in the video adjusting his t-shirt after getting out of security checks with his jacket and a trolley bag. Abbasi, however, has a history of making private trips to foreign nations, as according to Geo News, the PM was previously spotted travelling alone at a train station during his visit to Britain. This comes at a time when Pakistan-USA relations have been strained lately, especially since US President Donald Trump tweeted, "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!" Earlier this month, Vice-President Mike Pence told Abbasi that Pakistan "must do more" against the Taliban and other militants. "Vice President Pence reiterated President (Donald) Trump's request that the Government of Pakistan must do more to address the continued presence of the Taliban, Haqqani Network, and other terrorist groups operating in their country," the White House said in a statement. "Pakistan could and should work closer with the United States," Pence said.

Pakistan PM Abbasi 'frisked' at US airport, 'major embarrassment' says media

Sri Lanka&#39;s visiting President Maithripala Sirisena Friday met Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and expressed support for organising SAARC summit in Pakistan, according to an official statement.

Sirisena, who arrived in Pakistan Thursday on a three-day visit, was Guest of Honour at the Pakistan Day military parade held in Islamabad.

He also called on Prime Minister Abbasi for a one-on-one meeting which was followed by delegation level talks.

According to an official statement, issues of mutual importance were discussed during the meeting and the two sides expressed hope that the bilateral ties will continue to grow in the future.

The two sides also agreed to diversify and deepen the bilateral relations, it said.

&quot;The Sri Lankan President extended support for the holding of SAARC Summit in Pakistan,&quot; the statement said.

After the meeting, the two sides signed three MoUs related to youth development and training of civil and diplomatic personnel.

A presentation ceremony of corneas also took place, it said, adding that the corneas were presented by Sirisena to Abbasi for treatment of visually impaired persons in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's visiting President Maithripala Sirisena Friday met Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and expressed support for organising SAARC summit in Pakistan, according to an official statement

Sri Lanka's visiting President Maithripala Sirisena Friday met Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and expressed support for organising SAARC summit in Pakistan, according to an official statement. Sirisena, who arrived in Pakistan Thursday on a three-day visit, was Guest of Honour at the Pakistan Day military parade held in Islamabad. He also called on Prime Minister Abbasi for a one-on-one meeting which was followed by delegation level talks. According to an official statement, issues of mutual importance were discussed during the meeting and the two sides expressed hope that the bilateral ties will continue to grow in the future. The two sides also agreed to diversify and deepen the bilateral relations, it said. "The Sri Lankan President extended support for the holding of SAARC Summit in Pakistan," the statement said. After the meeting, the two sides signed three MoUs related to youth development and training of civil and diplomatic personnel. A presentation ceremony of corneas also took place, it said, adding that the corneas were presented by Sirisena to Abbasi for treatment of visually impaired persons in Pakistan.

Sri Lankan President meets Pak PM, supports SAARC summit in Pak

US Vice President Mike Pence told Pakistan&#39;s Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi that his country &quot;must do more&quot; against the Taliban and other militants, the White House said on Saturday.

&quot;Vice President Pence reiterated President (Donald) Trump`s request that the Government of Pakistan must do more to address the continued presence of the Taliban, Haqqani Network, and other terrorist groups operating in their country,&quot; the White House said in a statement on the Friday call.

&quot;Pakistan could and should work closely with the United States,&quot; Pence said.

According to Washington, there is little sign that Islamabad has made a decision to end its support for the Taliban, which the country&#39;s powerful security services see as safeguarding its interests and as a bulwark against Indian influence in Kabul.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani last month proposed peace talks with the Taliban, which could eventually be recognized as a political party if it observes a ceasefire and officially recognizes the Afghan government and constitution.

The Taliban has stopped short of rejecting the proposal, but its response has been muted.

According to Washington, there is little sign that Islamabad has made a decision to end its support for the Taliban

US Vice President Mike Pence told Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi that his country "must do more" against the Taliban and other militants, the White House said on Saturday. "Vice President Pence reiterated President (Donald) Trump`s request that the Government of Pakistan must do more to address the continued presence of the Taliban, Haqqani Network, and other terrorist groups operating in their country," the White House said in a statement on the Friday call. "Pakistan could and should work closely with the United States," Pence said. According to Washington, there is little sign that Islamabad has made a decision to end its support for the Taliban, which the country's powerful security services see as safeguarding its interests and as a bulwark against Indian influence in Kabul. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani last month proposed peace talks with the Taliban, which could eventually be recognized as a political party if it observes a ceasefire and officially recognizes the Afghan government and constitution. The Taliban has stopped short of rejecting the proposal, but its response has been muted.

US Vice President Mike Pence urges Pakistan to 'do more' against Taliban

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Monday announced to increase his country&#39;s trade with Pakistan to US$5 billion by 2021.&nbsp;

The current trade volume is around US$1.16 billion between the two neighbours. He made the announcement during his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Other issues related to economic progress, peace, security in the region and bilateral relations were also discussed during the meeting.&nbsp;

The Iranian foreign minister, leading a 30-member delegation, arrived in Pakistan late Sunday on a three-day official visit for talks on regional issues and literal matters.

Zarif also expressed his appreciation towards Pakistan&#39;s continuous and unperturbed efforts to minimise illegal cross-border activities by strengthening border management across the border shared with Iran as well as lauded the growing relationship between the two countries.&nbsp;

Abbasi talked about Pakistan&#39;s aim to enhance mutually beneficial economic cooperation with Iran including bilateral trade, investments and commercial interaction, according to the statement.

He also focused on the need to deepen connectivity to harness benefits from regional economic integration.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister also expressed his commitment to work to resolve the issues in the implementation of Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project, including the financing of pipeline infrastructure and the scope of snap back clause.

He made the announcement during his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in Pakistan

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Monday announced to increase his country's trade with Pakistan to US$5 billion by 2021. The current trade volume is around US$1.16 billion between the two neighbours. He made the announcement during his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in Pakistan. Other issues related to economic progress, peace, security in the region and bilateral relations were also discussed during the meeting. The Iranian foreign minister, leading a 30-member delegation, arrived in Pakistan late Sunday on a three-day official visit for talks on regional issues and literal matters. Zarif also expressed his appreciation towards Pakistan's continuous and unperturbed efforts to minimise illegal cross-border activities by strengthening border management across the border shared with Iran as well as lauded the growing relationship between the two countries. Abbasi talked about Pakistan's aim to enhance mutually beneficial economic cooperation with Iran including bilateral trade, investments and commercial interaction, according to the statement. He also focused on the need to deepen connectivity to harness benefits from regional economic integration. The Prime Minister also expressed his commitment to work to resolve the issues in the implementation of Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project, including the financing of pipeline infrastructure and the scope of snap back clause.

Iran to increase trade with Pakistan to US$5 billion

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on a two-day visit to Nepal&nbsp;will be accorded a guard of honour by the Nepali Army,&nbsp; newswire ANI reported.

&quot;He (Pakistan Prime Minister) is set to land in Kathmandu at about 2 pm and he will be conferred with guard of honour. To receive the honour, he will head to Tundikhel (ground) where he also will be received by Prime Minister&nbsp;Khadga Prasad Oli,&quot; the army source said.

During the Nepal visit&nbsp;which is Pakistan&#39;s &quot;pro-active and outreach efforts&quot; in the Indian subcontinent, Abbasi will congratulate the newly elected prime minister, Oli, who took over the office a few weeks ago.

&quot;Pakistan Prime Minister will stay in Soaltee Hotel and will meet President (Bidhya Devi Bhandari) and Prime Minister on the same day. During the meeting with the prime minister, Pak PM Abbasi will be raising the issue of a missing Pakistan retired colonel,&quot; a foreign ministry official seeking anonymity told ANI.

The two sides will also discuss ways to widen cooperation in trade, education, tourism, defence and people to people contacts.

The two sides will also discuss ways to widen cooperation in trade, education, tourism, defence and people to people contacts.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on a two-day visit to Nepal will be accorded a guard of honour by the Nepali Army, newswire ANI reported. "He (Pakistan Prime Minister) is set to land in Kathmandu at about 2 pm and he will be conferred with guard of honour. To receive the honour, he will head to Tundikhel (ground) where he also will be received by Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli," the army source said. During the Nepal visit which is Pakistan's "pro-active and outreach efforts" in the Indian subcontinent, Abbasi will congratulate the newly elected prime minister, Oli, who took over the office a few weeks ago. "Pakistan Prime Minister will stay in Soaltee Hotel and will meet President (Bidhya Devi Bhandari) and Prime Minister on the same day. During the meeting with the prime minister, Pak PM Abbasi will be raising the issue of a missing Pakistan retired colonel," a foreign ministry official seeking anonymity told ANI. The two sides will also discuss ways to widen cooperation in trade, education, tourism, defence and people to people contacts.

Pak PM Abbasi to receive guard of honour in Nepal

Pakistani prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will be on a two-day visit to Nepal from Monday, as part of the nation&#39;s &quot;pro-active and outreach efforts&quot; to engage with regional countries, its Foreign Office said on Sunday.

During the visit, the prime minister will convey felicitations to the Nepalese leadership on the successful conclusion of its democratic process, resulting in the formation of a new government, the Foreign Office said.

Abbasi will congratulate the newly-elected Prime Minister of Nepal Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli and also call on Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari, it said.

The visit will provide an opportunity to further expand and strengthen bilateral relations across all areas of mutual interest including trade, education, tourism, defence and people to people contacts, according to the Foreign Office.

It said ways of invigorating the South East Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as an important regional organisation will also be discussed.

The Ambassador of Nepal, Sewa Lamsal Adhikari, called on the prime minister on Friday and conveyed the message of welcome from the Nepalese leadership to him.

She also discussed how to further strengthen bilateral relations.

&quot;Nepal is an important regional country and a close friend. Our ties with Nepal are characterised by cordiality, mutual respect and commonality of interests. Our support to each other at bilateral and multilateral fora has remained indispensable for both the sides,&quot; the Foreign Office said.

The visit will provide an opportunity to further expand and strengthen bilateral relations across all areas of mutual interest including trade, education, tourism, defence and people to people contacts, according to the Foreign Office

Pakistani prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will be on a two-day visit to Nepal from Monday, as part of the nation's "pro-active and outreach efforts" to engage with regional countries, its Foreign Office said on Sunday. During the visit, the prime minister will convey felicitations to the Nepalese leadership on the successful conclusion of its democratic process, resulting in the formation of a new government, the Foreign Office said. Abbasi will congratulate the newly-elected Prime Minister of Nepal Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli and also call on Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari, it said. The visit will provide an opportunity to further expand and strengthen bilateral relations across all areas of mutual interest including trade, education, tourism, defence and people to people contacts, according to the Foreign Office. It said ways of invigorating the South East Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as an important regional organisation will also be discussed. The Ambassador of Nepal, Sewa Lamsal Adhikari, called on the prime minister on Friday and conveyed the message of welcome from the Nepalese leadership to him. She also discussed how to further strengthen bilateral relations. "Nepal is an important regional country and a close friend. Our ties with Nepal are characterised by cordiality, mutual respect and commonality of interests. Our support to each other at bilateral and multilateral fora has remained indispensable for both the sides," the Foreign Office said.

Pakistan prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on two-day visit to Nepal from tomorrow

Shahbaz Sharif was unanimously elected as interim president of Pakistan&#39;s ruling PML-N today while his elder brother and ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif was made the beleaguered party&#39;s &#39;Quaid&#39; (top leader) for life time.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) elected its new head days after the Supreme Court disqualified 68-year-old Nawaz as the chief of his party and struck down all decisions taken by him as the party head.

Shahbaz, the 66-year-old chief minister of Punjab province, has been elected as the party&#39;s president for 45 days by its central working committee (CWC) in a meeting held in Sharif&#39;s Model Town Lahore residence today.

In the meeting, Nawaz proposed the name of Shahbaz for the party&#39;s interim president which was unanimously approved by the CWC.

The meeting also approved making Nawaz PML-N &quot;Quaid&quot; (top leader) for life time and also paid tributes to his service for the party, country and democracy.

&quot;PML-N elects Nawaz as its Quaid for life. Raja Zafarul Haq, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif&#39;s proposal elicited a resounding approval from the CWC,&quot; Nawaz&#39;s daughter Maryam tweeted.

PML-N&#39;s information secretary Senator Mushahidullah Khan told PTI there was no candidate for the slot of interim president of PML-N other than Shahbaz Sharif.

&quot;Nawaz proposed Shahbaz&#39;s name for the party&#39;s interim president and all more than 100 CWC members approved his name unanimously. Shahbaz will continue as the party&#39;s full-time president after the general council elects him in a meeting in Islamabad next month,&quot; he said.

Under the party&#39;s rules, the PML-N&#39;s CWC is supposed to elect an acting party head within a week of its chief&#39;s removal. Then the party&#39;s general council is required to elect a president within 45 days. Nawaz was removed from the post of PML-N president by the apex court on February 22.

After becoming the party president, Shahbaz praised his elder brother for making the PML-N the country&#39;s most popular political force. &quot;I will try my best to come up to the expectations of my party after assuming this responsibility,&quot; he said.

Nawaz has already nominated Shahbaz for the prime minister candidate if PML-N wins this year&#39;s general elections.

He had finalised his younger brother&#39;s nomination for the slot of party president after consulting his wife Kulsoom, daughter Maryam, defunct finance minister Ishaq Dar, former information minister Senator Pervaiz Rashid and a few others.

&quot;Begum Kulsoom would have been the best choice to succeed Nawaz Sharif but since she is not well and is recovering from throat cancer (lymphoma) in London, Shahbaz Sharif has become the ultimate choice although some close to Nawaz have reservations (about him). Maryam&#39;s name was not considered for the slot as she is too young to handle the party at this stage,&quot; a PML-N leader said.

Nawaz was disqualified as the prime minister by the apex court in the Panama Papers case in July last year under Article 62 for failing to declare a receivable salary as an asset.

After his disqualification as prime minister, the ruling PML-N amended the Constitution to allow him to retain his chairmanship of the party.

However, the apex court last week ruled that it is mandatory for a party chief to fulfil the requirements of Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution as a party head is powerful and political parties control the government.

It also said that a person who is disqualified under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution is not eligible to sign on any document needed to nominate someone to the National Assembly or Senate.

The apex court&#39;s verdict was in response to 17 petitions challenging the controversial Elections Act 2017, which had been bulldozed through parliament last year to pave the way for Nawaz&#39;s return to the PML-N&#39;s helm as party president.&nbsp;

He was unanimously elected as party's interim president

Shahbaz Sharif was unanimously elected as interim president of Pakistan's ruling PML-N today while his elder brother and ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif was made the beleaguered party's 'Quaid' (top leader) for life time. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) elected its new head days after the Supreme Court disqualified 68-year-old Nawaz as the chief of his party and struck down all decisions taken by him as the party head. Shahbaz, the 66-year-old chief minister of Punjab province, has been elected as the party's president for 45 days by its central working committee (CWC) in a meeting held in Sharif's Model Town Lahore residence today. In the meeting, Nawaz proposed the name of Shahbaz for the party's interim president which was unanimously approved by the CWC. The meeting also approved making Nawaz PML-N "Quaid" (top leader) for life time and also paid tributes to his service for the party, country and democracy. "PML-N elects Nawaz as its Quaid for life. Raja Zafarul Haq, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif's proposal elicited a resounding approval from the CWC," Nawaz's daughter Maryam tweeted. PML-N's information secretary Senator Mushahidullah Khan told PTI there was no candidate for the slot of interim president of PML-N other than Shahbaz Sharif. "Nawaz proposed Shahbaz's name for the party's interim president and all more than 100 CWC members approved his name unanimously. Shahbaz will continue as the party's full-time president after the general council elects him in a meeting in Islamabad next month," he said. Under the party's rules, the PML-N's CWC is supposed to elect an acting party head within a week of its chief's removal. Then the party's general council is required to elect a president within 45 days. Nawaz was removed from the post of PML-N president by the apex court on February 22. After becoming the party president, Shahbaz praised his elder brother for making the PML-N the country's most popular political force. "I will try my best to come up to the expectations of my party after assuming this responsibility," he said. Nawaz has already nominated Shahbaz for the prime minister candidate if PML-N wins this year's general elections. He had finalised his younger brother's nomination for the slot of party president after consulting his wife Kulsoom, daughter Maryam, defunct finance minister Ishaq Dar, former information minister Senator Pervaiz Rashid and a few others. "Begum Kulsoom would have been the best choice to succeed Nawaz Sharif but since she is not well and is recovering from throat cancer (lymphoma) in London, Shahbaz Sharif has become the ultimate choice although some close to Nawaz have reservations (about him). Maryam's name was not considered for the slot as she is too young to handle the party at this stage," a PML-N leader said. Nawaz was disqualified as the prime minister by the apex court in the Panama Papers case in July last year under Article 62 for failing to declare a receivable salary as an asset. After his disqualification as prime minister, the ruling PML-N amended the Constitution to allow him to retain his chairmanship of the party. However, the apex court last week ruled that it is mandatory for a party chief to fulfil the requirements of Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution as a party head is powerful and political parties control the government. It also said that a person who is disqualified under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution is not eligible to sign on any document needed to nominate someone to the National Assembly or Senate. The apex court's verdict was in response to 17 petitions challenging the controversial Elections Act 2017, which had been bulldozed through parliament last year to pave the way for Nawaz's return to the PML-N's helm as party president.

Shahbaz Sharif becomes interim chief of ruling PML-N

Pakistan today said Kashmir and Rohingya issues are among the &quot;causes of a fractured world&quot; being witnessed today and they also need to be discussed at the international level.

Addressing a press conference along with his several cabinet colleagues who are here for the World Economic Forum (WEF), Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said his country expects relationships to remain strong with China as well as the US.

He, however, acknowledged that the relationship with China has improved in recent past due to projects like Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In reply to a question, Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said, &quot;Kashmir and Rohingya are also among the causes of the fractured world and they also need (to be) addressed at international level&quot;.

His comments were in reference to the theme of this year&#39;s WEF annual meeting -- &#39;Creating a shared future in a fractured world&#39;.

Asked whether Pakistan was feeling the warmth of friendship from the East or the West, Abbasi said, &quot;For our country warmth has been blowing from both East and from the West and we hope it continues to blow from both sides. We have excellent relationships with China and with the US also.&quot;

He said the relationship with China has further strengthened with BRI and CPEC.

Asif said these relationships have been there since the birth of the country.

The Chinese initiatives in a region that is politically and otherwise fractured is something that shows and manifests China&#39;s commitment to strive for a shared future, the foreign minister said.

He also noted that Pakistan has praised China&#39;s BRI and President Xi Jinping&#39;s vision at every platform in Davos.

&quot;We would like our friends to view their relationship with Pakistan as an independent relationship and not through the prism of a third country. I am referring to our relationship with the US and they have (been) in the last few years viewing the relationship through the prism of Afghanistan,&quot; Asif said.

The prime minister and his cabinet colleagues also listed out various steps being taken to attract investments and how the government was trying to improve the country&#39;s global image.

Abbasi said Pakistan is an open market and ready to do business as he invited global businesses to come and invest in the country.

The decision to attend the WEF annual meeting was mainly driven by its theme, shared future in a fractured world, he said.

&quot;In Pakistan, we are carving out a shared future for everyone without leaving any one and we are doing this despite facing fractures internally and externally,&quot; he noted.

Pakistan is at the cusp of making history by making a peaceful transition by completing a decade of continued democracy, he said.

According to him, the country is playing a key role in connecting people of the region also by participating in the CPEC which is part of the BRI project of China.

&quot;Here at the WEF, we have engaged with leaders of various sectors and the platform has allowed us to present our potential,&quot; Abbasi said.

He also said BRI would benefit the region and the world at large for decades and millenniums to come.

Abbasi said Pakistan is an open market and ready to do business as he invited global businesses to come and invest in the country.

Pakistan today said Kashmir and Rohingya issues are among the "causes of a fractured world" being witnessed today and they also need to be discussed at the international level. Addressing a press conference along with his several cabinet colleagues who are here for the World Economic Forum (WEF), Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said his country expects relationships to remain strong with China as well as the US. He, however, acknowledged that the relationship with China has improved in recent past due to projects like Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In reply to a question, Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said, "Kashmir and Rohingya are also among the causes of the fractured world and they also need (to be) addressed at international level". His comments were in reference to the theme of this year's WEF annual meeting -- 'Creating a shared future in a fractured world'. Asked whether Pakistan was feeling the warmth of friendship from the East or the West, Abbasi said, "For our country warmth has been blowing from both East and from the West and we hope it continues to blow from both sides. We have excellent relationships with China and with the US also." He said the relationship with China has further strengthened with BRI and CPEC. Asif said these relationships have been there since the birth of the country. The Chinese initiatives in a region that is politically and otherwise fractured is something that shows and manifests China's commitment to strive for a shared future, the foreign minister said. He also noted that Pakistan has praised China's BRI and President Xi Jinping's vision at every platform in Davos. "We would like our friends to view their relationship with Pakistan as an independent relationship and not through the prism of a third country. I am referring to our relationship with the US and they have (been) in the last few years viewing the relationship through the prism of Afghanistan," Asif said. The prime minister and his cabinet colleagues also listed out various steps being taken to attract investments and how the government was trying to improve the country's global image. Abbasi said Pakistan is an open market and ready to do business as he invited global businesses to come and invest in the country. The decision to attend the WEF annual meeting was mainly driven by its theme, shared future in a fractured world, he said. "In Pakistan, we are carving out a shared future for everyone without leaving any one and we are doing this despite facing fractures internally and externally," he noted. Pakistan is at the cusp of making history by making a peaceful transition by completing a decade of continued democracy, he said. According to him, the country is playing a key role in connecting people of the region also by participating in the CPEC which is part of the BRI project of China. "Here at the WEF, we have engaged with leaders of various sectors and the platform has allowed us to present our potential," Abbasi said. He also said BRI would benefit the region and the world at large for decades and millenniums to come.

Kashmir, Rohingya issues among 'causes of a fractured world': Pakistan at Davos

There are no &quot;plans&quot; of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting at Davos next week, the external affairs ministry said today.

The annual meet of the WEF would be beginning on January 22. Modi would address the opening plenary on January 23.

&quot;As far as I am concerned there are no plans for meeting with the Pakistan Prime Minister,&quot; Secretary (Economic Relations) at the External Affairs Ministry Vijay Gokhale told reporters here.

He was responding to a query on whether Modi would be meeting his Pakistani counterpart as the latter would also be there at WEF on the same day.

The relations between India and Pakistan are strained following series of attacks by Pakistan-based terror groups and incidents of ceasefire violations, causing casualties on both sides.

When asked whether Modi would be meeting US President Donald Trump, he said the two will not be there on the same day.

This would be Modi&#39;s first Davos visit and also the first by an Indian prime minister since the one by H D Deve Gowda in 1997. In case of Trump, he would be the first US President to attend since Bill Clinton in 2000.

To a question on whether Modi is sending a message by not meeting Trump at the event, which has the theme of &#39;Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World&#39;, Gokhale said there were never any plans for the two leaders to meet.

&quot;Besides, this is a multilateral event and the Prime Minister&#39;s central message will be that we are an economy that can be an engine of global growth. We want others to participate in our growth and we also want to participate in others&#39; growth,&quot; he said.

There were never any plans for the two leaders to meet and therefore whether they are present at the same event and are not meeting is not important, he said, adding, &quot;Our focus has always been in a global economy that is open and inclusive&quot;.&nbsp;

The annual meet of the WEF would be beginning on January 22. Modi would address the opening plenary on January 23

There are no "plans" of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting at Davos next week, the external affairs ministry said today. The annual meet of the WEF would be beginning on January 22. Modi would address the opening plenary on January 23. "As far as I am concerned there are no plans for meeting with the Pakistan Prime Minister," Secretary (Economic Relations) at the External Affairs Ministry Vijay Gokhale told reporters here. He was responding to a query on whether Modi would be meeting his Pakistani counterpart as the latter would also be there at WEF on the same day. The relations between India and Pakistan are strained following series of attacks by Pakistan-based terror groups and incidents of ceasefire violations, causing casualties on both sides. When asked whether Modi would be meeting US President Donald Trump, he said the two will not be there on the same day. This would be Modi's first Davos visit and also the first by an Indian prime minister since the one by H D Deve Gowda in 1997. In case of Trump, he would be the first US President to attend since Bill Clinton in 2000. To a question on whether Modi is sending a message by not meeting Trump at the event, which has the theme of 'Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World', Gokhale said there were never any plans for the two leaders to meet. "Besides, this is a multilateral event and the Prime Minister's central message will be that we are an economy that can be an engine of global growth. We want others to participate in our growth and we also want to participate in others' growth," he said. There were never any plans for the two leaders to meet and therefore whether they are present at the same event and are not meeting is not important, he said, adding, "Our focus has always been in a global economy that is open and inclusive".

No plans of bilateral meeting between Modi and Pakistan PM in Davos: MEA

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/onedegree/rohingya-refugee-leaders-draw-up-demands-ahead-of-repatriation-30073">Rohingya refugee leaders draw up demands ahead of repatriation</a>

Rohingya leaders in a Bangladesh refugee camp have drawn up a list of demands they want Myanmar to meet before authorities begin sending back hundreds of thousands in a repatriation process expected to begin next week and last for two years.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-plans-of-a-modi-abbasi-meet-at-davos-mea-30082">No plans of a Modi-Abbasi meet at Davos: MEA</a>

There are no &quot;plans&quot; of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting at Davos next week, the external affairs ministry said today.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/20-aap-mlas-disqualified-over-office-of-profit-30060">Election Commission disqualifies 20 AAP MLAs for holding &#39;office of profit&#39;</a>

In a major blow to Aam Aadmi Party, the Election Commission is learnt to have recommended to the President the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs for allegedly holding office of profit.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-china-justifies-building-infrastructure-in-doklam-india-says-keeping-a-close-vigil-30065">China &#39;justifies&#39; building infrastructure in Doklam; India says keeping a close vigil</a>

China on Friday justified its massive construction activities in the Doklam area, describing it as &quot;legitimate&quot; and aimed at improving the lives of its troops and the people living on its own territory.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-rejects-plea-to-cancel-cbfc-certificate-to-padmaavat-30051">Supreme Court rejects plea to cancel CBFC certificate to &#39;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-rejects-plea-to-cancel-cbfc-certificate-to-padmaavat-30051">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-rejects-plea-to-cancel-cbfc-certificate-to-padmaavat-30051">&#39;</a>

The Supreme Court today rejected a plea seeking an urgent hearing on a fresh PIL that sought cancellation of Censor Board&#39;s certificate granted to controversial Bollywood movie &#39;Padmaavat&#39;.

Rohingya refugee leaders draw up demands ahead of repatriation Rohingya leaders in a Bangladesh refugee camp have drawn up a list of demands they want Myanmar to meet before authorities begin sending back hundreds of thousands in a repatriation process expected to begin next week and last for two years. No plans of a Modi-Abbasi meet at Davos: MEA There are no "plans" of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting at Davos next week, the external affairs ministry said today. Election Commission disqualifies 20 AAP MLAs for holding 'office of profit' In a major blow to Aam Aadmi Party, the Election Commission is learnt to have recommended to the President the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs for allegedly holding office of profit. China 'justifies' building infrastructure in Doklam; India says keeping a close vigil China on Friday justified its massive construction activities in the Doklam area, describing it as "legitimate" and aimed at improving the lives of its troops and the people living on its own territory. Supreme Court rejects plea to cancel CBFC certificate to 'Padmaavat' The Supreme Court today rejected a plea seeking an urgent hearing on a fresh PIL that sought cancellation of Censor Board's certificate granted to controversial Bollywood movie 'Padmaavat'.

WION Evening News Brief, 19 January 2018

Pakistan will not act against Hafiz Saeed &#39;sahib&#39; as there is no case registered against him in the country, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said, giving a clean chit to the 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind.

Saeed, the chief of the Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), was released from house arrest in Pakistan in November.

The US has labelled JuD the &quot;terrorist front&quot; for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a group Saeed founded in 1987. LeT was responsible for carrying the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people.

Abbasi, during an interview to Geo TV on Tuesday, referred to Saeed as &#39;sahib&#39; or &#39;sir&#39;.

&quot;There is no case against Hafiz Saeed Sahib in Pakistan. Only when there is a case can there be action,&quot; Abbasi said when asked why there was no action against Saeed, a UN-designated terrorist.

After his release from house arrest, Saeed had confirmed that the JuD will contest the 2018 general elections under the banner of the Milli Muslim League, which is yet to be registered with the Election Commission.

The US has said it was concerned about Saeed running for office in Pakistan despite carrying a USD 10 million bounty on his head for terror activities. It had also asked Pakistan to re-arrest him.

When asked why the Pakistan government did not let Saeed&#39;s party go mainstream, Abbasi claimed that it was not the government?s decision nd that the Election Commission acts according to its own rules.

He also said there was no danger of a war with India and both countries should ensure there is no escalation of the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir.

&quot;I don?t think there is a danger of war, at least from our side, it is not there. Pakistan has never taken unilateral action, we have always demonstrated responsibility,&quot; Abbasi said.

&quot;If they believe on the other side there will be some political benefits and they keep making statements, as their military leadership has done, this has never been good for peace,&quot; he said.

Responding to a question on Army chief General Bipin Rawat&#39;s remarks about calling Pakistan?s &quot;nuclear bluff&quot;, Abbasi said: &quot;The Indian Army chief will not speak in favour of us. It is a fact that Pakistan has nuclear capability and we have demonstrated it.&quot;

He said India must understand that when there are violations at the LoC, there would be retaliation.

Abbasi, during an interview to Geo TV on Tuesday, referred to Saeed as 'sahib' or 'sir'.

Pakistan will not act against Hafiz Saeed 'sahib' as there is no case registered against him in the country, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said, giving a clean chit to the 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind. Saeed, the chief of the Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), was released from house arrest in Pakistan in November. The US has labelled JuD the "terrorist front" for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a group Saeed founded in 1987. LeT was responsible for carrying the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. Abbasi, during an interview to Geo TV on Tuesday, referred to Saeed as 'sahib' or 'sir'. "There is no case against Hafiz Saeed Sahib in Pakistan. Only when there is a case can there be action," Abbasi said when asked why there was no action against Saeed, a UN-designated terrorist. After his release from house arrest, Saeed had confirmed that the JuD will contest the 2018 general elections under the banner of the Milli Muslim League, which is yet to be registered with the Election Commission. The US has said it was concerned about Saeed running for office in Pakistan despite carrying a USD 10 million bounty on his head for terror activities. It had also asked Pakistan to re-arrest him. When asked why the Pakistan government did not let Saeed's party go mainstream, Abbasi claimed that it was not the government?s decision nd that the Election Commission acts according to its own rules. He also said there was no danger of a war with India and both countries should ensure there is no escalation of the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir. "I don?t think there is a danger of war, at least from our side, it is not there. Pakistan has never taken unilateral action, we have always demonstrated responsibility," Abbasi said. "If they believe on the other side there will be some political benefits and they keep making statements, as their military leadership has done, this has never been good for peace," he said. Responding to a question on Army chief General Bipin Rawat's remarks about calling Pakistan?s "nuclear bluff", Abbasi said: "The Indian Army chief will not speak in favour of us. It is a fact that Pakistan has nuclear capability and we have demonstrated it." He said India must understand that when there are violations at the LoC, there would be retaliation.

No action can be taken against Hafiz Saeed: Pakistan PM

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said there is no case registered against &nbsp;26/11 terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan and so no action can be initiated against the Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief.

The Pakistani Prime Minister referred to Saeed as &ldquo;Hafiz Saeed sahab&rdquo; while making the remark during an interview to Pakistan&#39;s Geo TV.

This comes just days after Saeed hit out at the Pakistan government for &ldquo;not ushering Islamic rule in the country&rdquo;.

Earlier, the Pakistan government had blacklisted Saeed&rsquo;s JuD after US blocked $255 million military aid to the country, even as he opened the first office of Milli Muslim League (MML), the political outfit of the JuD. The office was opened in Lahore.

This was a snub to country&rsquo;s authorities as Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan had banned Saeed&rsquo;s group from collecting any donation.

Saeed has been grabbing headlines often since his release from house arrest in November. He was placed under the same in January 2017.

Pakistan PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said action can be taken against an individual only when there is a case against them

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said there is no case registered against 26/11 terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan and so no action can be initiated against the Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief. The Pakistani Prime Minister referred to Saeed as “Hafiz Saeed sahab” while making the remark during an interview to Pakistan's Geo TV. This comes just days after Saeed hit out at the Pakistan government for “not ushering Islamic rule in the country”. Earlier, the Pakistan government had blacklisted Saeed’s JuD after US blocked $255 million military aid to the country, even as he opened the first office of Milli Muslim League (MML), the political outfit of the JuD. The office was opened in Lahore. This was a snub to country’s authorities as Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan had banned Saeed’s group from collecting any donation. Saeed has been grabbing headlines often since his release from house arrest in November. He was placed under the same in January 2017.

There's no case against Hafiz Saeed sahab in Pakistan: Pakistan PM

With less than a week left for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kulbhushan-jadhav-case-icj-asks-india-to-make-submissions-by-september-13-16910">Pakistan to submit its response</a> before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s case,&nbsp;Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is expected to chair a meeting on Thursday to prepare a&nbsp;counter-memorial to India&#39;s response on the conviction of former Indian Navy officer.

After India&#39;s written response was submitted to registrar Philippe Couvreur, the world court had set December 13 as the last date for Islamabad to submit its pleas and counter-arguments.&nbsp;

&quot;The prime minister was expected to receive a briefing on the efforts made by the principal offices, including the attorney general office, the Foreign Office and other stakeholders in formalising a robust reply to be advanced by Islamabad refuting all allegations levelled by India,&quot; Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As Pakistan was adamant about giving death sentence to Jadhav, Indian approached ICJ and had appealed to the court to impose emergency measures for his execution to be suspended till the legal battle in The Hague concludes.

New Delhi further accused Islamabad of violating the Vienna Convention by failing to provide him with consular access and for being in breach of international human rights law.

Earlier on May 18, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Pakistan to put a stay on the Jadhav&#39;s execution.&nbsp;

Jadhav, who was arrested in Balochistan, on charges of alleged involvement in espionage activities, was sentenced to death this year in April by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) Pakistan in April this year.

Jadhav was arrested on charges of alleged involvement in espionage activities

With less than a week left for Pakistan to submit its response before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Kulbhushan Jadhav's case, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is expected to chair a meeting on Thursday to prepare a counter-memorial to India's response on the conviction of former Indian Navy officer. After India's written response was submitted to registrar Philippe Couvreur, the world court had set December 13 as the last date for Islamabad to submit its pleas and counter-arguments. "The prime minister was expected to receive a briefing on the efforts made by the principal offices, including the attorney general office, the Foreign Office and other stakeholders in formalising a robust reply to be advanced by Islamabad refuting all allegations levelled by India," Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported. As Pakistan was adamant about giving death sentence to Jadhav, Indian approached ICJ and had appealed to the court to impose emergency measures for his execution to be suspended till the legal battle in The Hague concludes. New Delhi further accused Islamabad of violating the Vienna Convention by failing to provide him with consular access and for being in breach of international human rights law. Earlier on May 18, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Pakistan to put a stay on the Jadhav's execution. Jadhav, who was arrested in Balochistan, on charges of alleged involvement in espionage activities, was sentenced to death this year in April by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) Pakistan in April this year.

As ICJ deadline nears, PM Abbasi to finalise Pakistan's counter-argument in Jadhav's case today

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said there is no support for the concept of independent Kashmir, in either Pakistan or India.&nbsp;

And that the idea had no basis in reality.&nbsp;

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No support for the concept of independent Kashmir, in either of the two countries. There is no basis in reality: Pak PM Abbasi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakPMatLSE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakPMatLSE</a>
&mdash; SouthAsia@LSE (@SAsiaLSE) <a href="https://twitter.com/SAsiaLSE/status/926870379959787521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Abbasi was speaking at the London School of Economics, at a &#39;Future of Pakistan 2017&#39; conference.&nbsp;

Abbasi added though that with regards to Kashmir, talks were the only way forward.&nbsp;

The prime minister added that his country was committed to fighting the &quot;menace&quot; of terror.&nbsp;

And that &quot;Pakistan is a country that is fighting terror for the world&quot;.

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Pakistan is a country that is fighting terror for the world. We are committed to fighting that menace: Pak PM <a href="https://twitter.com/lsesupakdev?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lsesupakdev</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pak</a>
&mdash; SouthAsia@LSE (@SAsiaLSE) <a href="https://twitter.com/SAsiaLSE/status/926868496331558912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Abbasi added though that there was &quot;an issue of automatic weapons&quot; in his country. And that &quot;there are 0.5 million automatic weapons in private hands in Pakistan&quot;.&nbsp;

Abbasi also touched upon the civilian-military relationship in his country.&nbsp;

&quot;Our civil-military relations are evolving,&quot; Abbasi said. &quot;It has been tenuous in the past but (it) is evolving.&quot;&nbsp;

And he talked of the need to widen the tax base.&nbsp;

&quot;In a country of 200 million people, only 1.2 million pay taxes,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

On education, Abbasi said, the country&#39;s biggest achievement was that people were interested in it, they valued education.&nbsp;

And they were sending their children to school.&nbsp;

Abbasi also added that the &quot;women of Pakistan today are far ahead of men&quot;.&nbsp;

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Women of Pak today are far ahead of men. 
We do have issues but there is commitment to resolve that: Pak PM <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakPMatLSE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakPMatLSE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/lsesupakdev?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lsesupakdev</a>
&mdash; SouthAsia@LSE (@SAsiaLSE) <a href="https://twitter.com/SAsiaLSE/status/926869168577810432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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To help bring in foreign investment, he said: &quot;No company has lost money in Pakistan.&quot;&nbsp;

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No company has lost money in Pakistan: Pak PM Abbasi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LSEFOP17?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LSEFOP17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakPMatLSE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakPMatLSE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/lsesupakdev?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lsesupakdev</a>
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And finally ended with saying: &quot;Our relationship with China is close to the hearts of both countries.&quot;&nbsp;

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said there was no support for the idea in either Pakistan or India

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said there is no support for the concept of independent Kashmir, in either Pakistan or India. And that the idea had no basis in reality. No support for the concept of independent Kashmir, in either of the two countries. There is no basis in reality: Pak PM Abbasi #PakPMatLSE — SouthAsia@LSE (@SAsiaLSE) November 4, 2017 × Abbasi was speaking at the London School of Economics, at a 'Future of Pakistan 2017' conference. Abbasi added though that with regards to Kashmir, talks were the only way forward. The prime minister added that his country was committed to fighting the "menace" of terror. And that "Pakistan is a country that is fighting terror for the world". Pakistan is a country that is fighting terror for the world. We are committed to fighting that menace: Pak PM @lsesupakdev #Pak — SouthAsia@LSE (@SAsiaLSE) November 4, 2017 × Abbasi added though that there was "an issue of automatic weapons" in his country. And that "there are 0.5 million automatic weapons in private hands in Pakistan". Abbasi also touched upon the civilian-military relationship in his country. "Our civil-military relations are evolving," Abbasi said. "It has been tenuous in the past but (it) is evolving." And he talked of the need to widen the tax base. "In a country of 200 million people, only 1.2 million pay taxes," he said. On education, Abbasi said, the country's biggest achievement was that people were interested in it, they valued education. And they were sending their children to school. Abbasi also added that the "women of Pakistan today are far ahead of men". Women of Pak today are far ahead of men. We do have issues but there is commitment to resolve that: Pak PM #PakPMatLSE @lsesupakdev — SouthAsia@LSE (@SAsiaLSE) November 4, 2017 × To help bring in foreign investment, he said: "No company has lost money in Pakistan." No company has lost money in Pakistan: Pak PM Abbasi #LSEFOP17 #PakPMatLSE @lsesupakdev — SouthAsia@LSE (@SAsiaLSE) November 4, 2017 × And finally ended with saying: "Our relationship with China is close to the hearts of both countries."

No support for idea of independent Kashmir: Pakistan PM

Pakistan refuses to be a &quot;scapegoat&quot; for Afghanistan&#39;s bloodshed or to fight wars for others, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi told the United Nations on Thursday.

Addressing the UN General Assembly, Abbasi did not explicitly criticize US President Donald Trump&#39;s new strategy on Afghanistan but made clear his displeasure with the renewed onus on Pakistan.

&quot;Having suffered and sacrificed so much due to our role in the global counter terrorism campaign, it is especially galling for Pakistan to be blamed for the military or political stalemate in Afghanistan,&quot; Abbasi said.

&quot;We are not prepared to be anyone&#39;s scapegoat,&quot; he said.

&quot;What Pakistan is not prepared to do is to fight the Afghan war on Pakistan&#39;s soil. Nor can we endorse any failed strategy that will prolong and intensify the suffering of the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan and other regional countries,&quot; he said.

Abbasi said that 27,000 Pakistanis have been killed by extremists since the launch of the US war on terror after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

He called for a priority on eliminating extremists, including from the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda, in Afghanistan but ultimately a political solution with the Taliban.

US and Afghan officials have long accused Pakistan of playing a double game, with the powerful intelligence services -- not the civilian government -- maintaining ties with extremists.&nbsp;

US forces tracked down and killed Osama bin Laden in 2011 in Abbottabad, a popular resort for Pakistan&#39;s military elite.

Trump, unveiling a new strategy last month, pledged to take a tougher line on Pakistan -- making public what had long been more private US frustrations.

Trump has sent thousands more US troops into Afghanistan in a bid to defeat the Taliban, reversing his previous calls to end America&#39;s longest-ever war.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in his own speech to the United Nations appealed to Pakistan for dialogue, saying that the neighbors can work together to eliminate extremism.

Renewed attack on India 
Analysts say that Islamabad&#39;s role in Afghanistan is rooted in the security elite&#39;s fixation on historic rival India, which has warm ties with the post-Taliban government in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Abbasi, who took office last month after his predecessor Nawaz Sharif was disqualified from office over a corruption scandal, used his UN address to renew Pakistan&#39;s condemnation of India&#39;s rule in Kashmir, the Himalayan territory divided between the two nuclear powers.

Accusing India of &quot;massive and indiscriminate force&quot; in Kashmir, Abbasi urged an international investigation and warned of escalation on their military frontier, the Line of Control.

&quot;Pakistan has acted with restraint. But if India does venture across the LoC, or acts upon its doctrine of limited war against Pakistan, it will evoke a strong and matching response,&quot; he said.

He was referring to an Indian strategic doctrine, rarely discussed openly, of a limited military response on Pakistan that is intended to stop short of triggering a nuclear reprisal.

India accuses Islamabad of training, arming and infiltrating militants into Kashmir. India considered but ultimately decided not to strike Pakistan after a bloody 2008 assault on Mumbai, which was planned by Pakistan-based extremists.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi did not explicitly criticise US President Donald Trump's new strategy on Afghanistan but made clear his displeasure with the renewed onus on Pakistan

Pakistan refuses to be a "scapegoat" for Afghanistan's bloodshed or to fight wars for others, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi told the United Nations on Thursday. Addressing the UN General Assembly, Abbasi did not explicitly criticize US President Donald Trump's new strategy on Afghanistan but made clear his displeasure with the renewed onus on Pakistan. "Having suffered and sacrificed so much due to our role in the global counter terrorism campaign, it is especially galling for Pakistan to be blamed for the military or political stalemate in Afghanistan," Abbasi said. "We are not prepared to be anyone's scapegoat," he said. "What Pakistan is not prepared to do is to fight the Afghan war on Pakistan's soil. Nor can we endorse any failed strategy that will prolong and intensify the suffering of the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan and other regional countries," he said. Abbasi said that 27,000 Pakistanis have been killed by extremists since the launch of the US war on terror after the September 11, 2001 attacks. He called for a priority on eliminating extremists, including from the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda, in Afghanistan but ultimately a political solution with the Taliban. US and Afghan officials have long accused Pakistan of playing a double game, with the powerful intelligence services -- not the civilian government -- maintaining ties with extremists. US forces tracked down and killed Osama bin Laden in 2011 in Abbottabad, a popular resort for Pakistan's military elite. Trump, unveiling a new strategy last month, pledged to take a tougher line on Pakistan -- making public what had long been more private US frustrations. Trump has sent thousands more US troops into Afghanistan in a bid to defeat the Taliban, reversing his previous calls to end America's longest-ever war. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in his own speech to the United Nations appealed to Pakistan for dialogue, saying that the neighbors can work together to eliminate extremism. Renewed attack on India Analysts say that Islamabad's role in Afghanistan is rooted in the security elite's fixation on historic rival India, which has warm ties with the post-Taliban government in Afghanistan. Abbasi, who took office last month after his predecessor Nawaz Sharif was disqualified from office over a corruption scandal, used his UN address to renew Pakistan's condemnation of India's rule in Kashmir, the Himalayan territory divided between the two nuclear powers. Accusing India of "massive and indiscriminate force" in Kashmir, Abbasi urged an international investigation and warned of escalation on their military frontier, the Line of Control. "Pakistan has acted with restraint. But if India does venture across the LoC, or acts upon its doctrine of limited war against Pakistan, it will evoke a strong and matching response," he said. He was referring to an Indian strategic doctrine, rarely discussed openly, of a limited military response on Pakistan that is intended to stop short of triggering a nuclear reprisal. India accuses Islamabad of training, arming and infiltrating militants into Kashmir. India considered but ultimately decided not to strike Pakistan after a bloody 2008 assault on Mumbai, which was planned by Pakistan-based extremists.

Pakistan tells UN it won't be 'scapegoat' in Afghan war

Pakistan&#39;s parliament will meet on Tuesday to elect a new prime minister after the Supreme Court disqualified Nawaz Sharif following an investigation into corruption allegations against his family.

The ruling party named Sharif&#39;s younger brother Shahbaz as his successor over the weekend, but he must first enter Parliament by contesting the seat left vacant by Sharif.

In the meantime, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which enjoys a majority in Parliament, has nominated ex-oil minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as interim prime minister.&nbsp;

The top court ousted Sharif Friday after an investigation into corruption allegations against him and his family, bringing his historic third term in power to an unceremonious end.

&quot;The nomination papers --- shall be delivered to the Secretary, National Assembly by 2.00 pm, on Monday,&quot; said a notification by the National Assembly Secretariat and seen by AFP.&nbsp;

It said the assembly would meet at 3:00 pm Tuesday (1000 GMT) for the &quot;election of the Prime Minister&quot;.

The younger Sharif -- who is chief minister of the country&#39;s most populous province of Punjab -- has so far been unscathed by the corruption allegations engulfing his brother&#39;s family.&nbsp;

However he only holds only a provincial seat and therefore must be elected to the national assembly before becoming prime minister.

On Saturday the Election Commission said fresh elections would be held in Nawaz Sharif&#39;s former constituency, in the family&#39;s power base in Punjab, in a process that could take up to 45 days.&nbsp;

Abbasi is set to be rubber-stamped as placeholder in the parliamentary vote.

The opposition could also field a candidate but has little chance of securing enough votes in the 342-seat house.

Shahbaz Sharif, nominated by the ruling party as Nawaz Sharif's successor, must first enter Parliament by contesting the seat left vacant by Nawaz Sharif

Pakistan's parliament will meet on Tuesday to elect a new prime minister after the Supreme Court disqualified Nawaz Sharif following an investigation into corruption allegations against his family. The ruling party named Sharif's younger brother Shahbaz as his successor over the weekend, but he must first enter Parliament by contesting the seat left vacant by Sharif. In the meantime, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which enjoys a majority in Parliament, has nominated ex-oil minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as interim prime minister. The top court ousted Sharif Friday after an investigation into corruption allegations against him and his family, bringing his historic third term in power to an unceremonious end. "The nomination papers --- shall be delivered to the Secretary, National Assembly by 2.00 pm, on Monday," said a notification by the National Assembly Secretariat and seen by AFP. It said the assembly would meet at 3:00 pm Tuesday (1000 GMT) for the "election of the Prime Minister". The younger Sharif -- who is chief minister of the country's most populous province of Punjab -- has so far been unscathed by the corruption allegations engulfing his brother's family. However he only holds only a provincial seat and therefore must be elected to the national assembly before becoming prime minister. On Saturday the Election Commission said fresh elections would be held in Nawaz Sharif's former constituency, in the family's power base in Punjab, in a process that could take up to 45 days. Abbasi is set to be rubber-stamped as placeholder in the parliamentary vote. The opposition could also field a candidate but has little chance of securing enough votes in the 342-seat house.

Pakistan to elect new prime minister on Tuesday, Abbasi set to be rubberstamp placeholder

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is set to nominate Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as the interim prime minister following Nawaz Sharif&#39;s disqualification.

According to media reports, Abbasi&#39;s name was agreed upon in the meeting of the PML-N&#39;s advisory meeting by all members on Saturday.

The final nomination will be recognised in the party&#39;s parliamentary meeting.

After the interim prime minister is elected, a new cabinet will be formed.

Abbasi previously served as the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources in the third Sharif&#39;s ministry from 2013 to 2017 and briefly held the cabinet portfolio of Minister for Commerce and Ministry of Defence Production in the Gillani ministry in 2008.

Abbasi is an elected member of the National Assembly of Pakistan since 1988, representing Rawalpindi.

Meanwhile, the party has announced Punjab Chief Minister and Nawaz Sharif&#39;s younger brother Shehbaz Sharif as the next Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Shehbaz will steer the country until the next general elections scheduled for 2018.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court five-judge larger bench headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa unanimously announced the Panamagate verdict leading to Sharif&#39;s disqualification.

The apex court ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to file a reference against the accused in an accountability court in six weeks, directing for the trial to be concluded within six months.

It is the second time in Pakistan&#39;s 70-year history that the Supreme Court has disqualified a sitting prime minister. In 2012 then prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani was disqualified over contempt of court charges for refusing to reopen a corruption case against the sitting president Asif Ali Zardari.

Also no Pakistani prime minister has ever completed a full five-year elected term. Most tenures have been cut short by military coups.

While serving as the country&#39;s Prime Minister in 1993, Sharif was sacked by the then-president over graft allegations, while in 1999 he was ousted in a military coup.&nbsp;

Abbasi previously served as the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources in the third Sharif's ministry from 2013 to 2017 and briefly held the cabinet portfolio of Minister for Commerce and Ministry of Defence Production in the Gillani ministry in 2008

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is set to nominate Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as the interim prime minister following Nawaz Sharif's disqualification. According to media reports, Abbasi's name was agreed upon in the meeting of the PML-N's advisory meeting by all members on Saturday. The final nomination will be recognised in the party's parliamentary meeting. After the interim prime minister is elected, a new cabinet will be formed. Abbasi previously served as the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources in the third Sharif's ministry from 2013 to 2017 and briefly held the cabinet portfolio of Minister for Commerce and Ministry of Defence Production in the Gillani ministry in 2008. Abbasi is an elected member of the National Assembly of Pakistan since 1988, representing Rawalpindi. Meanwhile, the party has announced Punjab Chief Minister and Nawaz Sharif's younger brother Shehbaz Sharif as the next Prime Minister of Pakistan. Shehbaz will steer the country until the next general elections scheduled for 2018. Yesterday, the Supreme Court five-judge larger bench headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa unanimously announced the Panamagate verdict leading to Sharif's disqualification. The apex court ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to file a reference against the accused in an accountability court in six weeks, directing for the trial to be concluded within six months. It is the second time in Pakistan's 70-year history that the Supreme Court has disqualified a sitting prime minister. In 2012 then prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani was disqualified over contempt of court charges for refusing to reopen a corruption case against the sitting president Asif Ali Zardari. Also no Pakistani prime minister has ever completed a full five-year elected term. Most tenures have been cut short by military coups. While serving as the country's Prime Minister in 1993, Sharif was sacked by the then-president over graft allegations, while in 1999 he was ousted in a military coup.

Pakistan: PML-N to nominate Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as interim PM