A private bill seeking to punish those who intentionally defame, ridicule or bring disrepute to Pakistan military was introduced in country's parliament on Wednesday. The bill proposes a fine, imprisonment, or both for those found guilty of such acts.

The bill seeks&nbsp;to penalise those defaming military was introduced in the parliament in a hurry and was not even listed initially.

The bill has been moved by the head of the Standing Committee for Defence.&nbsp;

The latest bill comes amid alleged corruption case of&nbsp;Asim Bajwa, former Lieutenant General of Pakistan Army who is in focus for his alleged disproportionate assets. Asim Bajwa is also the chairperson of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) authority.&nbsp;

Asim Bajwa faced corruption allegations after an investigative report by Pakistani journalist Ahmed Noorani said that Bajwa and his family members owned properties and businesses worth crores in Pakistan and other countries.

Earlier this month, Bajwa announced that he will step down as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Imran Khan on information and broadcasting following corruption allegations against him. 
&nbsp;

A private bill seeking to punish those who intentionally defame, ridicule or bring disrepute to Pakistan military was introduced in country's parliament on Wednesday.

A private bill seeking to punish those who intentionally defame, ridicule or bring disrepute to Pakistan military was introduced in country's parliament on Wednesday. The bill proposes a fine, imprisonment, or both for those found guilty of such acts. The bill seeks to penalise those defaming military was introduced in the parliament in a hurry and was not even listed initially. The bill has been moved by the head of the Standing Committee for Defence. The latest bill comes amid alleged corruption case of Asim Bajwa, former Lieutenant General of Pakistan Army who is in focus for his alleged disproportionate assets. Asim Bajwa is also the chairperson of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) authority. Asim Bajwa faced corruption allegations after an investigative report by Pakistani journalist Ahmed Noorani said that Bajwa and his family members owned properties and businesses worth crores in Pakistan and other countries. Earlier this month, Bajwa announced that he will step down as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Imran Khan on information and broadcasting following corruption allegations against him.

Pakistan introduces bill on punishment for defaming military

A massive landslide triggered by torrential rains in central Nepal has killed at least 11 people, including seven women, and left 20 missing, an official said on Sunday.

The landslide swept away some 15 houses in Bhirkharka area of Barhabise Rural Municipality in Sindhupalchowk district, 120 kilometres east of Kathmandu, on Saturday night.

A security team comprising the Nepal Army and Nepal Police personnel have been dispatched to the incident site for carrying out search and rescue operation, the official said.

The bodies of 11 people, including seven women, have been recovered from the site and search operations have been going on to rescue the missing people, according to the home ministry.

The landslide occurred due to incessant rainfall in the area for the past couple of days. Some 247 houses have been identified as risky due to landslide in the area which lies near Nepal-Tibet border.

The incident occurred as the government failed to act promptly despite the local residents demanding that they be shifted to safer areas.

This is the second landslide that hit Barhabise rural municipality area this monsoon.

At least 249 people have lost their lives and 49 others have gone missing in different incidents of landslide in Nepal this monsoon season. 
&nbsp;

A massive landslide triggered by torrential rains in central Nepal has killed at least 11 people, including seven women, and left 20 missing, an official said on Sunday.

A massive landslide triggered by torrential rains in central Nepal has killed at least 11 people, including seven women, and left 20 missing, an official said on Sunday. The landslide swept away some 15 houses in Bhirkharka area of Barhabise Rural Municipality in Sindhupalchowk district, 120 kilometres east of Kathmandu, on Saturday night. A security team comprising the Nepal Army and Nepal Police personnel have been dispatched to the incident site for carrying out search and rescue operation, the official said. The bodies of 11 people, including seven women, have been recovered from the site and search operations have been going on to rescue the missing people, according to the home ministry. The landslide occurred due to incessant rainfall in the area for the past couple of days. Some 247 houses have been identified as risky due to landslide in the area which lies near Nepal-Tibet border. The incident occurred as the government failed to act promptly despite the local residents demanding that they be shifted to safer areas. This is the second landslide that hit Barhabise rural municipality area this monsoon. At least 249 people have lost their lives and 49 others have gone missing in different incidents of landslide in Nepal this monsoon season.

Rain-triggered landslide kills 11 people in Nepal

A new document accessed by security agencies confirms links of a terror proxy with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). As per the agencies, the letter certifies Hizbul Mujahideen Chief Syed Salahuddin as 'bona fide' official of Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI.

New document reveals links between Hizbul Chief and Pak intelligence

The death toll from a gas explosion that tore through a Bangladesh mosque has risen to 24, conditions of 13 injured people is critical while bodies of some of the injured are 70-80% burnt.

Bangladesh Mosque gas explosion death toll rises to 24, 13 in critical condition

Shaheena Shaheen Baloch, a Baloch woman journalist, was shot and killed in Kech, Balochistan. She had been getting death threats and warnings by the Baloch militants to leave her job. However, she did not submit to the threats.

Baloch female journalist shot dead by two unidentified men

An underground gas pipeline near a mosque exploded during evening prayers outside Bangladesh's capital Dhaka. At least people are 12 dead & 40 suffering serious burn injuries due to the incident.

At least 12 killed & 40 suffer serious burn injuries in explosion at Bangladesh Mosque

The first batch of Rohingyas from the cramped camps of Cox’s Bazar is set to visit Bhashan Char. The place is 123km away from Bangladesh. The team of 40 Rohingyas includes local leaders and family members of the 306 Rohingya refugees already sheltered at Bhasan Char.

First Rohingya team of 40 Muslims to visit Bhasan Char

An oil tanker burned out of control raising fears of oil spill in Indian Ocean. The ship was carrying 270,000 tonnes of crude from Kuwait to India when the engine room exploded on Thursday killing one crew member. The other 22 out of 23 crew members have been safely rescued whereas 1 died.

New oil spill fear in Indian Ocean due to fire in Sri Lanka oil tanker

Twelve worshippers including a boy died and dozens of others suffered serious burn injuries after air conditioners of a mosque burst on Friday night in Bangladesh`s central Narayanganj district, an official said on Saturday morning.

Samanta Lal Sen, the coordinator of the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, told journalists that "12 people till Saturday morning died after being admitted to the institute with major burns on their bodies."He said at least 37 injured were rushed to the institute on Friday night.&nbsp;

Most of the victims suffered from 60 to 70 per cent burns, and the health condition of 25 others is also critical.Fire officials suspected a gas leak when worshippers were about to leave the mosque after their Isha (night) prayers at around 9 pm (local time) on Friday.&nbsp;

All eight air-conditioners on the ground floor burst into flames when there were reportedly around 100 worshippers at the three-storey mosque.Shafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge of Fatullah Police Station in Narayanganj, said huge blasts caused window glasses of the mosque fly onto the street and burnt ceiling fans, wires and electric switchboards.Kamrul Ahsan, a control room official at the fire service headquarters in Dhaka, said firemen managed to bring the flames under control after hectic efforts of around half an hour.The Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence formed a committee to investigate the incident.

Twelve worshippers including a boy died and dozens of others suffered serious burn injuries after air conditioners of a mosque burst on Friday night in Bangladesh`s central Narayanganj district, an official said on Saturday morning.

Twelve worshippers including a boy died and dozens of others suffered serious burn injuries after air conditioners of a mosque burst on Friday night in Bangladesh`s central Narayanganj district, an official said on Saturday morning. Samanta Lal Sen, the coordinator of the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, told journalists that "12 people till Saturday morning died after being admitted to the institute with major burns on their bodies."He said at least 37 injured were rushed to the institute on Friday night. Most of the victims suffered from 60 to 70 per cent burns, and the health condition of 25 others is also critical.Fire officials suspected a gas leak when worshippers were about to leave the mosque after their Isha (night) prayers at around 9 pm (local time) on Friday. All eight air-conditioners on the ground floor burst into flames when there were reportedly around 100 worshippers at the three-storey mosque.Shafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge of Fatullah Police Station in Narayanganj, said huge blasts caused window glasses of the mosque fly onto the street and burnt ceiling fans, wires and electric switchboards.Kamrul Ahsan, a control room official at the fire service headquarters in Dhaka, said firemen managed to bring the flames under control after hectic efforts of around half an hour.The Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence formed a committee to investigate the incident.

12 dead, dozens suffer burn injuries in Bangladesh mosque air conditioner explosion

The Afghan Security Forces (ASF) on Monday night destroyed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) camp at the Afghanistan Pakistan border. The operation lasted for two hours from 11 PM to 1 AM and resulted in two Lashkar cadres being killed. This includes LeT commander Abu Bakar from Khyber Agency in Pakistan, whose body was left on the Afghan side.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-pak-border-sanctuary-for-terror-groups-pentagon-310240" hreflang="en">Afghan-Pak border sanctuary for terror groups: Pentagon</a>

During the action, two members of Afghan Security Forces also died and five were injured. The incidence happened close to Durand Line at Spinzara near Durbaba area of Naizan district of Nangarhar. Durand Line is the name of Afghanistan Pakistan border and the area of operation is in the eastern province of Nangarhar that borders Pakistan.

The action came after Lashkar-e-Taiba reportedly established camps in Wargah and Tordarah on the border and were launching attacks on Afghan forces from there. Members of the Taliban were also present during the operation. Sources believe that the causalities on LeT and Taliban side is much higher as the dead and injured were taken by those who were fleeing back to Pakistan in vehicles.

The development comes even as Pentagon in its report on Afghanistan said, "Afghanistan-Pakistan border region remains a sanctuary for various groups" and this includes Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT).

Last month a United Nations report said that about 6,500 Pakistanis foreign terrorist fighters are present in Afghanistan including 1,000 belonging to Pakistan based terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The report said, most of the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba fighters are co-located with Taliban fighters and are hand in glove with them.

Meanwhile, concerns have been expressed European Union heads of mission on the escalation of violence. The statement possed by EU mission in Afghanistan said, "The attacks by the Taliban against Afghan National Defence and security forces are undermining the prospect for Intra Afghan negotiation, this must end and a full-fledged ceasefire enter into force"&nbsp;

EU mission strongly condemned the "targeted killings" which have "risen sharply in recent weeks" directed against the clergy, journalist, media workers, human rights defenders. The EU said: "The violence must stop now and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire put in place" and "a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire is a subsequent step that needs to accompany the infra afghan negotiations". 
&nbsp;

The Afghan Security Forces (ASF) on Monday night destroyed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) camp at the Afghanistan Pakistan border. The operation lasted for two hours from 11 PM to 1 AM and resulted in two Lashkar cadres being killed.

The Afghan Security Forces (ASF) on Monday night destroyed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) camp at the Afghanistan Pakistan border. The operation lasted for two hours from 11 PM to 1 AM and resulted in two Lashkar cadres being killed. This includes LeT commander Abu Bakar from Khyber Agency in Pakistan, whose body was left on the Afghan side. Also read: Afghan-Pak border sanctuary for terror groups: Pentagon During the action, two members of Afghan Security Forces also died and five were injured. The incidence happened close to Durand Line at Spinzara near Durbaba area of Naizan district of Nangarhar. Durand Line is the name of Afghanistan Pakistan border and the area of operation is in the eastern province of Nangarhar that borders Pakistan. The action came after Lashkar-e-Taiba reportedly established camps in Wargah and Tordarah on the border and were launching attacks on Afghan forces from there. Members of the Taliban were also present during the operation. Sources believe that the causalities on LeT and Taliban side is much higher as the dead and injured were taken by those who were fleeing back to Pakistan in vehicles. The development comes even as Pentagon in its report on Afghanistan said, "Afghanistan-Pakistan border region remains a sanctuary for various groups" and this includes Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT). Last month a United Nations report said that about 6,500 Pakistanis foreign terrorist fighters are present in Afghanistan including 1,000 belonging to Pakistan based terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The report said, most of the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba fighters are co-located with Taliban fighters and are hand in glove with them. Meanwhile, concerns have been expressed European Union heads of mission on the escalation of violence. The statement possed by EU mission in Afghanistan said, "The attacks by the Taliban against Afghan National Defence and security forces are undermining the prospect for Intra Afghan negotiation, this must end and a full-fledged ceasefire enter into force" EU mission strongly condemned the "targeted killings" which have "risen sharply in recent weeks" directed against the clergy, journalist, media workers, human rights defenders. The EU said: "The violence must stop now and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire put in place" and "a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire is a subsequent step that needs to accompany the infra afghan negotiations".

Exclusive: Afghan forces destroy LeT camp at Af-Pak border; kill commander

Sri Lanka's twice-postponed parliamentary polls will now be held on August 5 by following the COVID-19 health guidelines, election commission chairman Mahinda Deshapriya announced on Wednesday.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on March 2 dissolved the Parliament, six months ahead of schedule, and called for snap polls on April 25. However, the election commission in mid-April postponed the elections by nearly two months to June 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak in the island nation.

The commission last month informed the apex court that the polls cannot be held on June 20 because of the raging coronavirus pandemic.

The new date was decided following a unanimous decision reached between the members of the NEC, Deshapriya told reporters on Wednesday.

"We have signed the gazette (announcing the date) and sent it to the government printer,"&nbsp;he said.

This year's election would see health guidelines such as wearing face masks and maintaining physical distance being practiced during the poll.

The election commission came under criticism from the ruling party for delaying the polls. The opposition approached the apex court to delay the elections in view of COVID-19.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court rejected all petitions challenging the gazette issued by President Rajapaksa dissolving Parliament and the June 20 date of the general elections announced by the election commission.

The petitions by Opposition parties and civil society activists argued that Rajapaksa's March 2 gazette was invalid as the Parliament could not be met within the three months period stipulated in the Constitution. The three months time during which Parliament must meet expired on June 2.

Under the country's proportional representation system of elections, candidates representing political parties and independent groups vie for parliament by seeking votes against their individual number in the candidate list. The number of candidates differs from district to district in all the 22 electoral districts.

The voters can vote for three candidates after marking their vote for the party symbol of their choice.

Some 16 million people are eligible to vote in the election to choose the 225-member parliament for a 5-year term.

The election commission this week held a mock poll in the southern Galle district to test the COVID-19 health guidelines and its preparedness for the parliamentary polls.

Sri Lanka's COVID-19 cases total increased to 1,859 on Tuesday. Eleven people have died due to COVID-19.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's twice-postponed parliamentary polls will now be held on August 5 by following the COVID-19 health guidelines, election commission chairman Mahinda Deshapriya announced on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka's twice-postponed parliamentary polls will now be held on August 5 by following the COVID-19 health guidelines, election commission chairman Mahinda Deshapriya announced on Wednesday. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on March 2 dissolved the Parliament, six months ahead of schedule, and called for snap polls on April 25. However, the election commission in mid-April postponed the elections by nearly two months to June 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak in the island nation. The commission last month informed the apex court that the polls cannot be held on June 20 because of the raging coronavirus pandemic. The new date was decided following a unanimous decision reached between the members of the NEC, Deshapriya told reporters on Wednesday. "We have signed the gazette (announcing the date) and sent it to the government printer," he said. This year's election would see health guidelines such as wearing face masks and maintaining physical distance being practiced during the poll. The election commission came under criticism from the ruling party for delaying the polls. The opposition approached the apex court to delay the elections in view of COVID-19. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court rejected all petitions challenging the gazette issued by President Rajapaksa dissolving Parliament and the June 20 date of the general elections announced by the election commission. The petitions by Opposition parties and civil society activists argued that Rajapaksa's March 2 gazette was invalid as the Parliament could not be met within the three months period stipulated in the Constitution. The three months time during which Parliament must meet expired on June 2. Under the country's proportional representation system of elections, candidates representing political parties and independent groups vie for parliament by seeking votes against their individual number in the candidate list. The number of candidates differs from district to district in all the 22 electoral districts. The voters can vote for three candidates after marking their vote for the party symbol of their choice. Some 16 million people are eligible to vote in the election to choose the 225-member parliament for a 5-year term. The election commission this week held a mock poll in the southern Galle district to test the COVID-19 health guidelines and its preparedness for the parliamentary polls. Sri Lanka's COVID-19 cases total increased to 1,859 on Tuesday. Eleven people have died due to COVID-19.

Sri Lanka sets August 5 date for parliamentary polls

Pak deploys thousands of army troops to battle locust invasion. Crops worth billions of dollar is under locust attack. Watch this video to know more.

Pak deploys thousands of army troops to battle locust invasion

While addressing the Parliament, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli blamed India for the spread of coronavirus in the neighbouring countries and said the virus from India is more lethal than the Chinese and Italian ones.

Nepal PM: Indian virus more lethal than Chinese and Italian

After #MapFixing, Nepal's Prime Minister KP Oli has blamed India for the spread of coronavirus cases in his country. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more about Nepal's latest provocation.

Gravitas: After Map Fixing, Nepal PM blames India for coronavirus spread

Nepal will publish a new political map asserting its claim over the Kalapani region that has been at the centre of a simmering territorial dispute with India.

Nepal to publish new political map

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged Tuesday to build 3,500 new settler homes in a super-sensitive area of the occupied West Bank, just a week before a tight general election.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged Tuesday to build 3,500 new settler homes in a super-sensitive area of the occupied West Bank, just a week before a tight general election. "I gave immediate instructions for a permit to deposit (plans) for the construction of 3,500 units in E1," Netanyahu said. Also Read: Netanyahu withdraws bid for immunity from corruption prosecution The international community has warned repeatedly that Jewish settlement construction in the E1 corridor would cut the West Bank in two and compromise the contiguity of a future Palestinian state. "We are building Jerusalem and Jerusalem's outskirts," Netanyahu said at a conference in remarks relayed by a spokesman. In 2013, Netanyahu had vetoed construction in the E1 corridor in the face of UN, EU and US pressure. Watch: Today Tonight: Donald Trump welcomes Benjamin Netanyahu | WION News | World News The move to advance new homes, which would constitute a new neighbourhood of Maale Adumim, a nearby settlement town, was praised by the Yesha Council, a settler lobby group, which noted that plans for homes there have existed since 2004. "Advancing the issue will enable broad and strategic construction between Maale Adumim and Jerusalem," Yesha Council head David Elhayani said in a statement. On Thursday, Netanyahu announced plans for thousands of new homes for Israelis in annexed east Jerusalem, with critics calling the move a last-minute gift to nationalist supporters ahead of a March 2 general election.

Netanyahu pledges new settler homes in West Bank corridor

Hours after the announcement of the final results of the presidential election by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Tuesday, Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive officer (CEO), announced the formation of an "inclusive government" by his Stability and Convergence campaign team, declaring his "victory" in the polls.

Hours after the announcement of the final results of the presidential election by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Tuesday, Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive officer (CEO), announced the formation of an "inclusive government" by his Stability and Convergence campaign team, declaring his "victory" in the polls. The final results of the election, according to the IEC, showed that incumbent President Ashraf Ghani had received the highest count of votes, equivalent to 50.6 per cent of the total votes polled, while Abdullah had secured 39.52 per cent of total votes, TOLOnews reported. With the commission announcing Ghani as the winner of the elections during a press conference, Abdullah was quoted as saying that the decisions on disputed votes were "illegal," adding that today's results were a coup against democracy and he does not accept them. "It was national treason," Abdullah said. Also Read: Eight civilians killed in Afghanistan air strike: Officials He said, "The Stability and Convergence team is the 'winner of the election' based on 'clean votes' and we announce our 'victory,'" adding, "We announce the formation of an inclusive government." There was a slight change in Tuesday's announcement from IEC's announcement of the preliminary elections on December 22 last year. Based on the IEC's decision, a partial audit and partial recount were conducted of the 300,000 disputed votes, and 262 votes were added to Ghani's total, while 742 votes were added to Abdullah's, and 453 votes were invalidated, according to the commission. Based on the preliminary results that were announced late last December, incumbent President Ashraf Ghani was narrowly declared the winner while Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah got 39 per cent of a total of over 1.8 million votes. Watch: Pakistan Taliban leader killed in Afghanistan Originally scheduled to be announced on October 19, the results of the presidential elections, which were held in September last year, were repeatedly delayed, with IEC officials citing technical issues, allegations of fraud and protests from candidates. Both Abdullah and Ghani shared power over the past five years in a so-called unity government formed by the United States in the wake of allegations of widespread fraud and corruption in the 2014 polls. In September's election, which was held amid Taliban threats to disrupt the process, nearly one million of the initial 2.7 million votes were purged owing to irregularities. Ultimately, only 1.8 million votes were counted - a tiny number, given Afghanistan's estimated population of 35 million and its total of 9.6 million registered voters. The final results came as the US and the Taliban, which has been fighting the US-led NATO forces in Afghanistan since the Taliban was toppled from power in 2001, appear to be close to embarking on a seven-day "reduction in violence" as a prelude to a peace deal to end the US's longest war. The deal also proposes talks between the government in Kabul and the Taliban. The armed group has so far refused to speak to the Western-backed government of Ghani, calling it a "puppet regime".

Afghan CEO rejects presidential polls' results, announces formation of 'inclusive government'

Members of the Tharus minority group on Tuesday staged a protest in Nepal's capital city of Kathmandu, demanding the release of those imprisoned during the Madhesh Movement that roiled the Himalayan nation in 2015.

Members of the Tharus minority group on Tuesday staged a protest in Nepal's capital city of Kathmandu, demanding the release of those imprisoned during the Madhesh Movement that roiled the Himalayan nation in 2015. Demonstrators gathered in the capital with the demand that the Lal Commission Report - which was formed to investigate atrocities during movement in Southern Plains in the year 2015 - be made public. The community also called for the release of Rashtriya Janata Party-Nepal lawmaker Resham Chaudhary, who was held guilty for the Tikapur carnage. "By not making the Lal Commission Report public we are denied the right to information. How did the incident of Tikapur happen? Who are the actual culprits? Are the Tharus only to be blamed? The answers to all these are there in the Lal Commission Report." Watch: Ethnic group in Nepal marks New Year with merriment The front also held a hunger strike in Dhangadhi city in Kailali District and called on for a two-day total shutdown from March 3 on self-proclaimed Tharuhat province to pressurise the Nepal government to address its demands. Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal, an amalgamation of the-then Madhesi Alliance who fought for amendment of constitution back in 2015 has long been demanding for the release of a report which was submitted to the Government of Nepal in December 2017. The report was prepared by a commission formed under the leadership of Supreme Court former judge Girish Chandra Lal in the year 2016 to investigate human rights violations in Tarai/Madhes movements. The high-level probe commission on Terai-Madhesh unrest was led by Former Justice of the Apex court of Nepal formed in the year 2016. The restive Southern Plains of Nepal witnessed bloodshed and widespread protest after the promulgation of the constitution in the year 2015.

Nepal: Tharu community stages protest in Kathmandu as demands remain unaddressed

A high-profile local Taliban figure who announced and justified the 2012 attack on teenage Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai has escaped detention, Pakistan's interior minister confirmed a few days after the militant announced his breakout on social media.

A high-profile local Taliban figure who announced and justified the 2012 attack on teenage Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai has escaped detention, Pakistan's interior minister confirmed a few days after the militant announced his breakout on social media. Former Pakistani Taliban spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan, who claimed responsibility on behalf of his group for scores of Taliban attacks, proclaimed his escape on Twitter and then in an audio message sent to Pakistani media earlier this month. The Pakistani military, which had kept Ehsan in detention for three years, has declined to comment but, asked by reporters about the report, Interior Minister Ijaz Shah, said: "That is correct, that is correct." Also Read: Taliban leader Ehsanullah Ehsan escapes Pakistan's jail Shah, a retired brigadier general, added that "you will hear good news" in response to questions about whether they had progressed in hunting down Ehsan. Ehsan later told reporters that he had already left Pakistan and arrived in Turkey together with his wife and children. He said he had surrendered to the army under a deal, and escaped only after the agreement was not honoured. He said he escaped on January 11 but did not clarify how he had broken out of a maximum-security military prison and made his way to another country. Watch: Pakistan Taliban leader killed in Afghanistan Pakistani analysts and experts on militant Islam have voiced doubt about Ehsan's claim to have escaped. They have speculated that he may have been converted into an asset by the state and that reports he was on the run could be a ruse to plant him back in the Islamist militant scene for use as an informant. After Ehsan's surrender in 2017, local Geo News TV aired an interview he gave in custody in which he asserted that the intelligence services of Pakistan's arch-rival, India, had been funding and arming Pakistani Taliban fighters. The Pakistan army pledged to put Ehsan on trial but has not done so. Taliban attacks in Pakistan have declined in recent months since the army carried out several operations against sanctuaries used by the Islamist militant groups in lawless districts along the border with Afghanistan.

Pakistan confirms escape of Taliban leader who justified Malala shooting

A policeman was killed and two others wounded Tuesday by a roadside bomb aimed at polio vaccination workers in Pakistan's restive northwest, officials said. The attack came a day after Islamabad launched a nationwide anti-polio drive, aiming to immunise tens of millions of children in Pakistan - one of only three countries, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria, where the crippling disease remains endemic.

A policeman was killed and two others wounded Tuesday by a roadside bomb aimed at polio vaccination workers in Pakistan's restive northwest, officials said. The attack came a day after Islamabad launched a nationwide anti-polio drive, aiming to immunise tens of millions of children in Pakistan - one of only three countries, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria, where the crippling disease remains endemic. Opposition to inoculations grew after the CIA organised a fake vaccination drive to help track down Al-Qaeda's former leader Osama Bin Laden in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad. According to Captain Wahid Mehmood, a district police chief, a police van monitoring the polio team was hit on the outskirts of the northwestern city of Dera Ismail Khan. "It was an IED (improvised explosive device) explosion in which one of our policemen got martyred while two others were wounded", Mehmood told reporters. Also Read: Pakistan approaches international community over Kashmir but commits genocide in Balochistan: Baloch leader adaqat Khan, a local police official, confirmed the toll. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the Pakistani Taliban and other militants have targeted polio vaccinators in the past. The nationwide polio vaccination campaign aims to vaccinate some 39 million children. Tuesday's attack follows a devastating year in Pakistan's long fight against polio, with at least 17 cases reported in 2020 so far. In 2019, the number of polio cases jumped to 144 from just 12 in 2018. Even as Pakistan has tried to eliminate polio, a new challenge has emerged in the form of a growing global movement against vaccinations. The phenomenon has attracted adherents worldwide, fuelled by medically baseless claims and proliferated on social media resulting in a resurgence of once-eradicated, highly contagious diseases.

Pakistan policeman killed as blast hits polio vaccine team

Nepal on Sunday evacuated 175 of its nationals from the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of a coronavirus outbreak, an official said, after protests by parents of students studying in the city.

Nepal on Sunday evacuated 175 of its nationals from the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of a coronavirus outbreak, an official said, after protests by parents of students studying in the city. A plane operated by state-owned Nepal Airlines carrying 134 men and 41 women, mostly students, landed at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport before dawn, Health Ministry spokesman Mahendra Shrestha said. All evacuees will be held in quarantine for two weeks in the nearby town of Bhaktapur. "They will be under the close observation of doctors in quarantine and will be allowed to join their families if found healthy after two weeks," Shrestha added. [ Officials in protective suits prepare to evacuate 175 Nepalese nationals from a Nepal Airlines Airbus A330-200 plane (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Also Read: Screening passengers at airports, Nepal border also under check: Health Minister on coronavirus Last week parents protested in front of the Health Ministry demanding that Nepali students in Wuhan be brought home sooner. The government said delays were due to the time needed to prepare buildings to keep the returnees in quarantine. Nepal has only one confirmed case of coronavirus so far.

Nepali nationals and students evacuated from Wuhan after parents protested

A resolution passed by the Upper House of Parliament of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/latest-south-asia-news-no-flights-between-china-and-pakistan-till-february-2-due-to-coronavirus-scare-277787">Pakistan expressed&nbsp;solidarity</a> with China over its fight against the novel coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

Mushahid Hussain Syed, chairman of Pakistani Senate's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, stated that the main motive behind it was&nbsp;to express "full solidarity and support"&nbsp;for China's battle with the novel coronavirus.

The resolution states that Pakistan will fully cooperate with their "Chinese brethren" in this difficult moment of "medical and health emergency."

The Pakistan Senate also expressed its "gratitude"&nbsp;to the government of China for treating Pakistani students in the central Chinese city of Wuhan which has been identified as the epicentre of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-outbreak-while-air-india-flight-lands-in-china-to-rescue-indians-pakistan-says-it-wont-evacuate-citizens-from-wuhan-277853">Coronavirus outbreak: While Air India flight lands in Wuhan to rescue Indians, Pak says it won't evacuate citizens</a>

Muslim League-Nawaz Senator Mushahid Hussain read out the resolution and stated that the Upper House acclaims the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping who is leading a very successful operation to combat the virus.

Pakistan has been a fairly mute observer during the whole outbreak even as its nationals have been trapped in Wuhan. The Imran Khan government has refused to evacuate its citizens living in China in the wake of deadly coronavirus outbreak.

Pakistan had earlier halted flights to and from China, declaring it a "precautionary measure"&nbsp;as the death toll rose but restored it later.

A resolution passed by the Upper House of Parliament of Pakistan expressed solidarity with China over its fight against the novel coronavirus outbreak. Mushahid Hussain Syed, chairman of Pakistani Senate's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, stated that the main motive behind it was to express "full solidarity and support" for China's battle with the novel coronavirus.

A resolution passed by the Upper House of Parliament of Pakistan expressed solidarity with China over its fight against the novel coronavirus outbreak. Mushahid Hussain Syed, chairman of Pakistani Senate's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, stated that the main motive behind it was to express "full solidarity and support" for China's battle with the novel coronavirus. The resolution states that Pakistan will fully cooperate with their "Chinese brethren" in this difficult moment of "medical and health emergency." The Pakistan Senate also expressed its "gratitude" to the government of China for treating Pakistani students in the central Chinese city of Wuhan which has been identified as the epicentre of the novel coronavirus outbreak. Also Read: Coronavirus outbreak: While Air India flight lands in Wuhan to rescue Indians, Pak says it won't evacuate citizens Muslim League-Nawaz Senator Mushahid Hussain read out the resolution and stated that the Upper House acclaims the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping who is leading a very successful operation to combat the virus. Pakistan has been a fairly mute observer during the whole outbreak even as its nationals have been trapped in Wuhan. The Imran Khan government has refused to evacuate its citizens living in China in the wake of deadly coronavirus outbreak. Pakistan had earlier halted flights to and from China, declaring it a "precautionary measure" as the death toll rose but restored it later.

Pakistan Parliament passes resolution backing coronavirus-hit China

More than 1,000 Pakistani students in China’s Hubei province were told by their government that it had ruled out the very possibility of their return home. The province is believed to be the epicentre of the deadly nCoV, and Pakistani nationals are being told by the government that they should <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-pak-students-plead-for-their-govts-help-279729">abandon all hope</a> of being rescued.

Despite such demoralising statements from the State, many Pakistani citizens who were studying in Wuhan are desperate to find their way home, a feeling which only compounds every day as the fear of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/inside-wuhans-quarantine-centres-wion-cgtn-exclusive-report-from-wuhan-ncov-report-279783">contracting the virulent strain</a> persists.

Some have grown increasingly critical of their government's response, especially after seeing how neighbouring nations of India and Bangladesh managed to evacuate their citizens from Hubei province including citizens of other nations, such as the Maldives.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/latest-south-asia-news-coronavirus-hit-china-gets-a-supportive-resolution-from-pakistan-279963">Pakistan Parliament passes resolution backing coronavirus-hit China</a>

Life of most students and families has been confined to indoor environments, which has increased feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression. Worsening this destructive state of mind is the fear of catching the virus and uncertainty as to how long the conditions would last.

Whatever binary slivers of hope the students from Pakistan had of returning home was crushed after the video conference call between them and Pakistan’s Health and Overseas Citizens Minister, who declined the prospect of an imminent evacuation.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
210/ My very dear students in China &amp; ur respectable family members, v r intensely discussing the situation @ highest level &amp; will make the best decision in view of all factors with ref to devastating <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> potential global pandemic. Rest assured you are our own &amp; we care!
— Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) <a href="https://twitter.com/zfrmrza/status/1226466196045926400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Reason for such negligence on Pakistan's part was justified by students who suggested that Pakistan did not have the necessary quarantine facilities. A statement was issued by the spokesperson for Zafar Mirza, saying that the Health Minister had expressed concern for the welfare of students in the call and that it was quarantine protocols in China that barred evacuation procedures, though the situation was being closely monitored.

“We are all completely disappointed with our government,” said a PhD student in Wuhan, adding that “after this call, we don’t have any hope from our government that they will evacuate students.”

More than 1,000 Pakistani students in China’s Hubei province were told by their government that it had ruled out the very possibility of their return home. The province is believed to be the epicentre of the deadly nCoV, and Pakistani nationals are being told by the government that they should abandon all hope of being rescued.

More than 1,000 Pakistani students in China’s Hubei province were told by their government that it had ruled out the very possibility of their return home. The province is believed to be the epicentre of the deadly nCoV, and Pakistani nationals are being told by the government that they should abandon all hope of being rescued. Despite such demoralising statements from the State, many Pakistani citizens who were studying in Wuhan are desperate to find their way home, a feeling which only compounds every day as the fear of contracting the virulent strain persists. Some have grown increasingly critical of their government's response, especially after seeing how neighbouring nations of India and Bangladesh managed to evacuate their citizens from Hubei province including citizens of other nations, such as the Maldives. Also Read: Pakistan Parliament passes resolution backing coronavirus-hit China Life of most students and families has been confined to indoor environments, which has increased feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression. Worsening this destructive state of mind is the fear of catching the virus and uncertainty as to how long the conditions would last. Whatever binary slivers of hope the students from Pakistan had of returning home was crushed after the video conference call between them and Pakistan’s Health and Overseas Citizens Minister, who declined the prospect of an imminent evacuation. 210/ My very dear students in China & ur respectable family members, v r intensely discussing the situation @ highest level & will make the best decision in view of all factors with ref to devastating #coronavirus potential global pandemic. Rest assured you are our own & we care! — Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) February 9, 2020 × Reason for such negligence on Pakistan's part was justified by students who suggested that Pakistan did not have the necessary quarantine facilities. A statement was issued by the spokesperson for Zafar Mirza, saying that the Health Minister had expressed concern for the welfare of students in the call and that it was quarantine protocols in China that barred evacuation procedures, though the situation was being closely monitored. “We are all completely disappointed with our government,” said a PhD student in Wuhan, adding that “after this call, we don’t have any hope from our government that they will evacuate students.”

Pakistan tells citizens in Wuhan to sit tight and face coronavirus

Former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-pakistani-cricketer-shoaib-akhtar-takes-jibe-at-virendra-sehwag-276043">Pakistan batsman</a> Nasir Jamshed has been sentenced to 17 months in prison for his role in a fixing scandal, Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) has said.

The former test opener was banned for 10 years by an anti-corruption tribunal in 2018 for his part in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psl-spot-fixing-scandal-banned-former-pakistan-cricketer-nasir-jamshed-charged-with-bribery-185537">spot-fixing scandal</a> that engulfed the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2017.

Manchester Crown Court also announced jail terms for British nationals Yousef Anwar and Mohammed Ijaz after the trio admitted their roles in the conspiracy following a covert NCA investigation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paceman-mohammad-sami-summoned-in-pakistan-super-league-spot-fixing-case-26233">Jamshed</a>, 30, played 68 international matches for Pakistan, the last being a 2015 World Cup one-day match against United Arab Emirates in Napier.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-ban-batsman-nasir-jamshed-for-10-years-for-corruption-159822">Pakistan ban batsman Nasir Jamshed for 10 years for corruption</a>

"Using an undercover officer, NCA investigators identified that the group were plotting to fix elements of the 2016 Bangladesh Premier League T20 tournament which Jamshed was due to play in," NCA said in a statement on Friday.

Next year, Anwar was captured on CCTV purchasing 28 different coloured bat handle grips which would subsequently be used by the players in PSL as the signal to show the fix was going ahead, it added.

"These men abused their privileged access to professional, international cricket to corrupt games, eroding public confidence for their own financial gain," NCA Senior Investigating Officer Ian McConnell said.

Pakistan Cricket Board slapped batsmen Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif with five-year bans last year, while paceman Mohammad Irfan and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz received shorter suspensions for their roles in the scandal.

In 2011, Pakistan cricketers Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were jailed in Britain for their role in a plot to bowl pre-arranged no-balls during a Lord's test against England in 2010.

&nbsp;

Former Pakistan batsman Nasir Jamshed has been sentenced to 17 months in prison for his role in a fixing scandal, Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) has said.

Former Pakistan batsman Nasir Jamshed has been sentenced to 17 months in prison for his role in a fixing scandal, Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) has said. The former test opener was banned for 10 years by an anti-corruption tribunal in 2018 for his part in the spot-fixing scandal that engulfed the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2017. Manchester Crown Court also announced jail terms for British nationals Yousef Anwar and Mohammed Ijaz after the trio admitted their roles in the conspiracy following a covert NCA investigation. Jamshed, 30, played 68 international matches for Pakistan, the last being a 2015 World Cup one-day match against United Arab Emirates in Napier. Also Read: Pakistan ban batsman Nasir Jamshed for 10 years for corruption "Using an undercover officer, NCA investigators identified that the group were plotting to fix elements of the 2016 Bangladesh Premier League T20 tournament which Jamshed was due to play in," NCA said in a statement on Friday. Next year, Anwar was captured on CCTV purchasing 28 different coloured bat handle grips which would subsequently be used by the players in PSL as the signal to show the fix was going ahead, it added. "These men abused their privileged access to professional, international cricket to corrupt games, eroding public confidence for their own financial gain," NCA Senior Investigating Officer Ian McConnell said. Pakistan Cricket Board slapped batsmen Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif with five-year bans last year, while paceman Mohammad Irfan and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz received shorter suspensions for their roles in the scandal. In 2011, Pakistan cricketers Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were jailed in Britain for their role in a plot to bowl pre-arranged no-balls during a Lord's test against England in 2010.

Nasir Jamshed jailed in UK; former Pakistan batsman suspected for match-fixing

Parents and family members of children who died in a 2014 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/peshawar-attack-9-suspects-arrested-25683">terror attack</a> on the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar moved the Peshawar High Court on Saturday over the escape of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) former spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan from a Pakistani jail.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/car-bomb-injured-six-people-in-pakistans-peshawar-188389">kin of victims</a> filed a petition with the court, seeking contempt of court proceedings against multiple government officials - including the Director-General of the ISI, the Army Chief as well as the federal and provincial secretaries,&nbsp;reports stated.

The petition, submitted by Shuhada APS Forum President Fazal Khan Advocate, said that the respondents had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/suicide-bomb-attack-in-peshawar-awami-national-party-leader-killed--150691">violated</a> earlier orders of the PHC barring authorities from releasing Ehsan. 
"Despite clear cut directions of this honourable court.&nbsp;Now it has come to light that (a) luxurious home (was provided to Ehsan) from which the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/remembering-the-peshawar-massacre-1504">terrorist has made his escape</a>: a fact not denied by the respondents," the petition read.

"The petitioner has been informed through reliable sources that clemency was in order of Ehsanullah Ehsan for his 'full and frank disclosure' which is not only highly deplorable but also outrightly illegal and unconstitutional," it added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-leader-ehsanullah-ehsan-responsible-for-peshawar-army-school-attack-escapes-pakistans-jail-279246">Taliban leader Ehsanullah Ehsan escapes Pakistan's jail</a>

In an audio message released on Thursday, Ehsan claimed he escaped from the jail on January 11. However, no confirmation has been made by the Pakistani Army in this regard yet.

The escape of Ehsan has created an uproar in Pakistan where the opposition is accusing the government of "sheer incompetence".

Pakistan's opposition leader and PPP member Farhatullah Babar on Friday slammed the Pakistan government and demanded an explanation over the release of 'self-confessed terrorists'.

Parents and family members of children who died in a 2014 terror attack on the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar moved the Peshawar High Court on Saturday over the escape of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) former spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan from a Pakistani jail.

Parents and family members of children who died in a 2014 terror attack on the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar moved the Peshawar High Court on Saturday over the escape of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) former spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan from a Pakistani jail. The kin of victims filed a petition with the court, seeking contempt of court proceedings against multiple government officials - including the Director-General of the ISI, the Army Chief as well as the federal and provincial secretaries, reports stated. The petition, submitted by Shuhada APS Forum President Fazal Khan Advocate, said that the respondents had violated earlier orders of the PHC barring authorities from releasing Ehsan. "Despite clear cut directions of this honourable court. Now it has come to light that (a) luxurious home (was provided to Ehsan) from which the terrorist has made his escape: a fact not denied by the respondents," the petition read. "The petitioner has been informed through reliable sources that clemency was in order of Ehsanullah Ehsan for his 'full and frank disclosure' which is not only highly deplorable but also outrightly illegal and unconstitutional," it added. Also Read: Taliban leader Ehsanullah Ehsan escapes Pakistan's jail In an audio message released on Thursday, Ehsan claimed he escaped from the jail on January 11. However, no confirmation has been made by the Pakistani Army in this regard yet. The escape of Ehsan has created an uproar in Pakistan where the opposition is accusing the government of "sheer incompetence". Pakistan's opposition leader and PPP member Farhatullah Babar on Friday slammed the Pakistan government and demanded an explanation over the release of 'self-confessed terrorists'.

Parents of Peshawar school attack victims move court over escape of Ehsanullah Ehsan from Pak jail

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Saturday constituted a new two-judge bench to hear <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/government-has-a-week-to-decide-on-maryams-request-to-be-struck-off-exit-control-list-lhc-267233">Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz</a> (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz's petition seeking removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL), Pakistani media reported.

The two-judge bench headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi will hear <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-lahore-high-court-to-hear-maryams-petition-for-removal-of-name-from-exit-control-list-today-267151">Maryam's petition</a> on February 10, Geo News reported.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lahore-high-court-to-hear-maryam-nawazs-petition-on-removal-of-name-from-ecl-on-january-15-273070">petition filed by Maryam</a> on December 21 last year seeks the removal of her name from the no-fly list as well as one-time permission to travel abroad.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imrans-government-denies-maryam-nawaz-permission-to-travel-abroad-269631">Imran's government denies Maryam Nawaz permission to travel abroad</a>

Maryam, the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who is currently undergoing treatment in London, had first approached the court with this request on December 7. The petition was disposed of two days later.

Maryam and her father were placed on the ECL on August 20, 2018. Maryam is currently free on bail in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case, in which she is a suspect, but her name remains on the no-fly list.

Nawaz Sharif, on the other hand, travelled to London in November last year after the Lahore High Court granted him permission to fly abroad on medical grounds.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Saturday constituted a new two-judge bench to hear Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz's petition seeking removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL), Pakistani media reported.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Saturday constituted a new two-judge bench to hear Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz's petition seeking removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL), Pakistani media reported. The two-judge bench headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi will hear Maryam's petition on February 10, Geo News reported. The petition filed by Maryam on December 21 last year seeks the removal of her name from the no-fly list as well as one-time permission to travel abroad. Also Read: Imran's government denies Maryam Nawaz permission to travel abroad Maryam, the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who is currently undergoing treatment in London, had first approached the court with this request on December 7. The petition was disposed of two days later. Maryam and her father were placed on the ECL on August 20, 2018. Maryam is currently free on bail in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case, in which she is a suspect, but her name remains on the no-fly list. Nawaz Sharif, on the other hand, travelled to London in November last year after the Lahore High Court granted him permission to fly abroad on medical grounds.

Lahore HC's two-judge bench to hear Maryam Nawaz's plea to be allowed to travel abroad

Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Sri Lanka's capital Colombo on the night of February 7 to watch an annual Buddhist pageant where hundreds of drummers, traditional dancers and torchbearers escort dozens of beautifully decorated elephants in a colourful parade.&nbsp;

It is the first major gathering of people in Sri Lanka since the outbreak of the coronavirus.

The pageant which starts from the Gangaramaya Buddhist temple, one of the prominent religious places in the capital of this Indian Ocean Island and has been held annually for decades.

The elephants are bathed in the early afternoon and then dressed in colourful garments.

Hundreds of dancers, drummers and torchbearers accompanied by dozens of colourfully lit up elephants paraded the three and a half kilometre route.&nbsp;

The roads were packed with locals and foreigners. 
The elephants swayed to the beat of the drums as Buddhist priests, old men and women and children stayed transfixed for nearly three hours it took the parade to pass.

The highlight is a casket carried by a tusker which Buddhists believe contain a relics of Buddha.

Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Sri Lanka's capital Colombo on the night of February 7 to watch an annual Buddhist pageant where hundreds of drummers, traditional dancers and torchbearers escort dozens of beautifully decorated elephants in a colourful parade.

Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Sri Lanka's capital Colombo on the night of February 7 to watch an annual Buddhist pageant where hundreds of drummers, traditional dancers and torchbearers escort dozens of beautifully decorated elephants in a colourful parade. It is the first major gathering of people in Sri Lanka since the outbreak of the coronavirus. The pageant which starts from the Gangaramaya Buddhist temple, one of the prominent religious places in the capital of this Indian Ocean Island and has been held annually for decades. The elephants are bathed in the early afternoon and then dressed in colourful garments. Hundreds of dancers, drummers and torchbearers accompanied by dozens of colourfully lit up elephants paraded the three and a half kilometre route. The roads were packed with locals and foreigners. The elephants swayed to the beat of the drums as Buddhist priests, old men and women and children stayed transfixed for nearly three hours it took the parade to pass. The highlight is a casket carried by a tusker which Buddhists believe contain a relics of Buddha.

Elephants paraded in annual Buddhist pageant in Sri Lanka

The two-nation theory that gave birth to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/pakistan-government-using-religion-to-create-rift-says-pok-activist-259839">Pakistan</a> is at the centre of controversy all over again. This time the one professing it is Pakistani Nuclear Physicist and Defence Analyst - Pervez Hoodbhoy who condemned Imran Khan's government.

Speaking at a cultural festival in Karachi, Nuclear Physicist Pervez Hoodbhoy criticised Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-you-want-to-tackle-terror-in-pakistan-well-send-our-army-men-there-rajnath-to-imran-khan-255637">two-nation theory</a> and the ruling government.

Lashing out on the current <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-outcry-over-kashmir-height-of-hypocrisy-shamelessness-says-baloch-activist-242681">establishment of Pakistan</a> quite vocally, Pervez said that "the basis of Pakistan as articulated by Jinnah was that there are only two nations that live on this subcontinent, they are mutually hostile and can never live in peace. The second part was that Muslims must form a nation.”

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-does-not-want-discussion-because-they-want-to-use-anti-pak-rhetoric-in-2019-elections-says-pak-pm-imran-khan-181262">India does not want discussion because it wants to use anti-Pak rhetoric in 2019 elections: Pak PM Imran</a>

He also referred to the 1971 war and creation of Bangladesh and stated, "if Muslims formed a nation which could live at peace with every part of that nation we would not have Bangladesh, we would not have separatist movements in Balochistan and we would not have PTM leadership arrested today."

This is not the first time Hoodbhoy has criticised the ruling establishment. 
He has been recorded stating that "Pakistan is in a state of confusion because it was born in a state of confusion."

The two-nation theory that gave birth to Pakistan is at the centre of controversy all over again. This time the one professing it is Pakistani Nuclear Physicist and Defence Analyst - Pervez Hoodbhoy who condemned Imran Khan's government.

The two-nation theory that gave birth to Pakistan is at the centre of controversy all over again. This time the one professing it is Pakistani Nuclear Physicist and Defence Analyst - Pervez Hoodbhoy who condemned Imran Khan's government. Speaking at a cultural festival in Karachi, Nuclear Physicist Pervez Hoodbhoy criticised Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the two-nation theory and the ruling government. Lashing out on the current establishment of Pakistan quite vocally, Pervez said that "the basis of Pakistan as articulated by Jinnah was that there are only two nations that live on this subcontinent, they are mutually hostile and can never live in peace. The second part was that Muslims must form a nation.” Also Read: India does not want discussion because it wants to use anti-Pak rhetoric in 2019 elections: Pak PM Imran He also referred to the 1971 war and creation of Bangladesh and stated, "if Muslims formed a nation which could live at peace with every part of that nation we would not have Bangladesh, we would not have separatist movements in Balochistan and we would not have PTM leadership arrested today." This is not the first time Hoodbhoy has criticised the ruling establishment. He has been recorded stating that "Pakistan is in a state of confusion because it was born in a state of confusion."

Pakistan in a state of confusion as it was born out of it: Pakistani Physicist Pervez Hoodbhoy

Nepal's Federal Socialist Party MP Pradeep Yadav on Tuesday hit out at the central government over its failure to finalise the location to set up quarantine facilities and sarcastically proposed that those to be rescued from coronavirus-hit Wuhan city in China should be sheltered in the Parliament.

Nepal's Federal Socialist Party MP Pradeep Yadav on Tuesday hit out at the central government over its failure to finalise the location to set up quarantine facilities and sarcastically proposed that those to be rescued from coronavirus-hit Wuhan city in China should be sheltered in the Parliament. "The government has said that the aircraft to evacuate them (Nepali citizens) are kept ready. Then when will they fly-off for China? It's already been 5 days that the Nepal government has been searching on for a place to keep those to-be-evacuated from China. No location has been identified until now. Should we vacate the Parliament building?" Yadav said. "Let's vacate it (the Parliament building) and keep those returning from China here. Let's move our parliamentary meeting out under the tarpaulins," he added. Also Read: Coronavirus outbreak: First case reported in Nepal, ministry of health confirms Nepal is working to evacuate its citizens from China, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak that has reported 426 deaths. As many as 180 Nepalis, including three children, have approached the country's embassy in Beijing, demanding their evacuation from the country, as per a list of names published by the embassy. The country is yet to finalise on places where the evacuees would be kept for a quarantine period of at least two weeks. Responding to Yadav in the Parliament, Bhanubhakta Dhakal, Minister of Health and Population said that the government has "surveyed many places" and "is inching closer to finalise the place where the students to be evacuated would be kept. "Some of those locations are near residential areas and the government believes that places far from the urban settlement would be appropriate," Dhakal said. Several countries, including India, have airlifted their citizens from China while more are planning the evacuation of their people.

Let's vacate Parliament to shelter evacuees: Nepali lawmaker jabs government over failure to set up quarantine facilities

Pakistan Foreign Office on Tuesday summoned a senior Indian diplomat to complain about the alleged ceasefire violation by the Indian troops along the Line of Control (LoC) a day before.

Pakistan Foreign Office on Tuesday summoned a senior Indian diplomat to complain about the alleged ceasefire violation by the Indian troops along the Line of Control (LoC) a day before. In a statement, Pakistan Foreign Office claimed that the "indiscriminate and unprovoked" firing by the Indian troops in Danna Sector of LoC resulted in serious injuries to four civilians, including two women and a child. Also Read: 2 civilians dead, 8 security personnel injured as Pakistan violates ceasefire at LoC in J&K "Due to indiscriminate and unprovoked firing by the Indian forces in Danna Sector of LoC on 3 February 2020, 22-year-old Shamim Bibi d/o Muhammad Shabbir, 10-year-old Farhaz s/o Muhammad Shabbir, 35-year-old Ansar, all three residents of village Chatargam and 17-year-old Moniza Bibi d/o Sain Noor, resident of Bagh Ali, sustained serious injuries," the statement read. New Delhi has repeatedly urged Pakistan to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement between the two countries.

Pakistan Foreign Office summons Indian diplomat over ceasefire violations along LoC

Pakistan on Friday halted flights to and from China until February 2 as a precautionary measure after the death toll due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-213-277727">coronavirus epidemic</a> spiked to 213, with the WHO declaring it a global health emergency, officials said.

The death toll rose to 213, mostly of elderly people, after 43 new deaths all but one in Hubei, the epicentre of the outbreak, China's national health authorities said, adding that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-wuhan-virus-death-toll-hits-213-in-china-nearly-10000-infected-277621">1,982 new cases had been confirmed</a>, bringing the total to 9,692.

"We have decided to suspend flights to China until February 2," Abdul Sattar Khokhar, Senior Joint Secretary of Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, told reporters here.

He said the decision would be reviewed later depending on the situation.

The step was taken after the World Health Organisation declared that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myths-and-facts-about-deadly-coronavirus-277636">coronavirus threat</a> was a global health emergency.

As part of the measures against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-man-lies-dead-on-a-street-in-china-277765">the deadly virus spread</a>, the national carrier Pakistan International Airlines on Thursday suspended its flights to Beijing.

On Thursday, Pakistan government decided not to evacuate its citizens from the coronavirus-hit Wuhan city to show "solidarity" with China though four Pakistani nationals have contracted the deadly disease in China.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-no-current-plans-to-evacuate-nationals-living-in-china-277780">Pakistan: No current plans to evacuate nationals living in China</a>

There were up to 800 Pakistanis studying in various universities in Wuhan, a city of 11 million people,&nbsp;quarantined by the Chinese authorities to stem the spread of the deadly virus that has killed 170 people and infected nearly 8,000 others.

Meanwhile, a Pakistani student who returned to Karachi from China on his own has been quarantined at a private hospital, officials said.

A top official of the Sindh Health Department said that the student Arsalan had returned privately from China as he resided in the low-income Lyari area.

"But we moved him to the private hospital and placed him in quarantine in an isolation ward on Thursday itself," the official said.

He said samples of nose fluid had been obtained from Arsalan and sent for testing to the national health organisation in Islamabad.

"If the tests of the sample come negative, Arsalan will be immediately released from the hospital but right now we can't take any risks," he said.

Pressure is growing on the Pakistan government to repatriate Pakistani students and citizens from China especially those who were in Wuhan.

Dr Qaiser Sajjad, the secretary-general of the Pakistan Medical Association, said on Friday that the students should be brought back immediately and they can be placed in quarantine in isolation wards set up in government hospitals and if their tests are negative they can be sent home.

Pakistan set up a high-level committee to suggest measures to counter the threat of coronavirus.

Several airlines from various countries have imposed a temporary ban on its operation to and from China, including Germany's Lufthansa, UK's British Airways and India's Air India and Indigo. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan on Friday halted flights to and from China until February 2 as a precautionary measure after the death toll due to coronavirus epidemic spiked to 213, with the WHO declaring it a global health emergency, officials said.

Pakistan on Friday halted flights to and from China until February 2 as a precautionary measure after the death toll due to coronavirus epidemic spiked to 213, with the WHO declaring it a global health emergency, officials said. The death toll rose to 213, mostly of elderly people, after 43 new deaths all but one in Hubei, the epicentre of the outbreak, China's national health authorities said, adding that 1,982 new cases had been confirmed, bringing the total to 9,692. "We have decided to suspend flights to China until February 2," Abdul Sattar Khokhar, Senior Joint Secretary of Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, told reporters here. He said the decision would be reviewed later depending on the situation. The step was taken after the World Health Organisation declared that the coronavirus threat was a global health emergency. As part of the measures against the deadly virus spread, the national carrier Pakistan International Airlines on Thursday suspended its flights to Beijing. On Thursday, Pakistan government decided not to evacuate its citizens from the coronavirus-hit Wuhan city to show "solidarity" with China though four Pakistani nationals have contracted the deadly disease in China. Also Read: Pakistan: No current plans to evacuate nationals living in China There were up to 800 Pakistanis studying in various universities in Wuhan, a city of 11 million people, quarantined by the Chinese authorities to stem the spread of the deadly virus that has killed 170 people and infected nearly 8,000 others. Meanwhile, a Pakistani student who returned to Karachi from China on his own has been quarantined at a private hospital, officials said. A top official of the Sindh Health Department said that the student Arsalan had returned privately from China as he resided in the low-income Lyari area. "But we moved him to the private hospital and placed him in quarantine in an isolation ward on Thursday itself," the official said. He said samples of nose fluid had been obtained from Arsalan and sent for testing to the national health organisation in Islamabad. "If the tests of the sample come negative, Arsalan will be immediately released from the hospital but right now we can't take any risks," he said. Pressure is growing on the Pakistan government to repatriate Pakistani students and citizens from China especially those who were in Wuhan. Dr Qaiser Sajjad, the secretary-general of the Pakistan Medical Association, said on Friday that the students should be brought back immediately and they can be placed in quarantine in isolation wards set up in government hospitals and if their tests are negative they can be sent home. Pakistan set up a high-level committee to suggest measures to counter the threat of coronavirus. Several airlines from various countries have imposed a temporary ban on its operation to and from China, including Germany's Lufthansa, UK's British Airways and India's Air India and Indigo.

Pakistan halts flights to and from China as coronavirus death toll rises

south-asia-news

South Asia News, News on South Asia News, stories on South Asia News, articles on South Asia News, South Asia News stories at Wion, South Asia News news, South Asia News latest news

south asia-news