A textbook in the UK has attacked Hinduism and India. The book claims that Hindus turn to terrorism to defend faith and that apparently Hinduism justifies self-defence and&nbsp;that is the reason why India has nuclear weapons.

If this sounds too much, wait till you read ahead.

Terror is an understatement when describing British colonialism.

In the year 1943, the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill starved four million Indians to death which was termed as "the bengal famine". Then, in 1919, in the Jalianwala Bagh massacre, over 1,000 Indians were killed in cold blood by one British general, Reginald Dyer

In the years 1951 to 1960, during the Mau Mau uprising, Kenyans were raped and tortured in concentration camps. At least 100,000 of them are estimated to have died.

If these aren't instances of terror, what are they? The British students will not be able to answer this question because their textbooks do not get the meaning of terror. How else do you explain one British schoolbook linking Hinduism to terrorism?

A book on religious studies claims that Hinduism justifies self-defence. It says Hindus will take up arms and that's the reason why India has nuclear weapons.

Our question, then, is that why does the UK have nuclear weapons? Last we checked, it was not governed by Hindu laws, and neither is secular India.

We are still unsure if linking&nbsp;Hinduism to terrorism is weirder or&nbsp;linking Hindu scriptures to India's nuclear arsenal. This is just one of the many things wrong with the British education system. It is misleading, myopic&nbsp;and custom-made to glorify Britons vis-a-vis others.

British schools also exclude British colonialism from their syllabus. School students are not taught about the terror called British Raj.&nbsp;Their textbooks go on and on about the Nazi concentration camps, the American Civil war,&nbsp;Victorian England, episodes like the plague, the great fire of London.&nbsp;

However, the British East India company, Boer war, Jalianwala Bagh, Bengal famile and such episodes are missing from the textbooks.

These are things too uncomfortable to discuss. So, they whitewash the history and&nbsp;keep an entire country in the dark. Nearly 32 per cent of Britons are proud of their former empire,&nbsp;33 per cent think British colonies were better-off colonised and 27 per cent&nbsp;of them wish Britain still had its empire.

A textbook in the UK has attacked Hinduism and India. The book claims that Hindus turn to terrorism to defend faith and that apparently Hinduism justifies self-defence and that is the reason why India has nuclear weapons.

A textbook in the UK has attacked Hinduism and India. The book claims that Hindus turn to terrorism to defend faith and that apparently Hinduism justifies self-defence and that is the reason why India has nuclear weapons. If this sounds too much, wait till you read ahead. Terror is an understatement when describing British colonialism. In the year 1943, the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill starved four million Indians to death which was termed as "the bengal famine". Then, in 1919, in the Jalianwala Bagh massacre, over 1,000 Indians were killed in cold blood by one British general, Reginald Dyer In the years 1951 to 1960, during the Mau Mau uprising, Kenyans were raped and tortured in concentration camps. At least 100,000 of them are estimated to have died. If these aren't instances of terror, what are they? The British students will not be able to answer this question because their textbooks do not get the meaning of terror. How else do you explain one British schoolbook linking Hinduism to terrorism? A book on religious studies claims that Hinduism justifies self-defence. It says Hindus will take up arms and that's the reason why India has nuclear weapons. Our question, then, is that why does the UK have nuclear weapons? Last we checked, it was not governed by Hindu laws, and neither is secular India. We are still unsure if linking Hinduism to terrorism is weirder or linking Hindu scriptures to India's nuclear arsenal. This is just one of the many things wrong with the British education system. It is misleading, myopic and custom-made to glorify Britons vis-a-vis others. British schools also exclude British colonialism from their syllabus. School students are not taught about the terror called British Raj. Their textbooks go on and on about the Nazi concentration camps, the American Civil war, Victorian England, episodes like the plague, the great fire of London. However, the British East India company, Boer war, Jalianwala Bagh, Bengal famile and such episodes are missing from the textbooks. These are things too uncomfortable to discuss. So, they whitewash the history and keep an entire country in the dark. Nearly 32 per cent of Britons are proud of their former empire, 33 per cent think British colonies were better-off colonised and 27 per cent of them wish Britain still had its empire.

White-washing history: British school book claims Hindus justify terrorism

Switzerland has arrested four people on suspicions of links with the Jihadist organisations&nbsp;Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) group.

The four suspects, three men and one woman, were arrested while the authorities were conducting sear operations in the&nbsp;canton of Fribourg in western Switzerland.

Out of the four, three are from Kosovo and one is from&nbsp;Macedonia. None of them have been identified in the public by the authorities yet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-arrests-10th-suspected-al-qaeda-terrorist-from-bengals-murshidabad-330587">Also read:&nbsp;NIA arrests 10th suspected Al-Qaeda terrorist from Bengal’s Murshidabad</a>

The attorney general's office, or MPC, said that due to the high risk of collusion, "the house searches and arrests were all carried out simultaneously."

The four suspects were arrested on the charges of defying the law which prohibits locals from establishing any ties with&nbsp;both Al-Qaeda and IS and related organisations, as well as supporting or being members of a criminal organisation.

The news broke out after the four suspects had already been questions, and two of them — the 28-year-old Kosovar woman and the 29-year-old Macedonian man — had been released. However,&nbsp;a 26-year-old Kosovar man and a 29-year old Swiss-Kosovar dual national are still in custody of the authorities.

Switzerland has arrested four people on suspicions of links with the Jihadist organisations Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) group. The four suspects, three men and one woman, were arrested while the authorities were conducting sear operations in the canton of Fribourg in western Switzerland.

Switzerland has arrested four people on suspicions of links with the Jihadist organisations Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) group. The four suspects, three men and one woman, were arrested while the authorities were conducting sear operations in the canton of Fribourg in western Switzerland. Out of the four, three are from Kosovo and one is from Macedonia. None of them have been identified in the public by the authorities yet. Also read: NIA arrests 10th suspected Al-Qaeda terrorist from Bengal’s Murshidabad The attorney general's office, or MPC, said that due to the high risk of collusion, "the house searches and arrests were all carried out simultaneously." The four suspects were arrested on the charges of defying the law which prohibits locals from establishing any ties with both Al-Qaeda and IS and related organisations, as well as supporting or being members of a criminal organisation. The news broke out after the four suspects had already been questions, and two of them — the 28-year-old Kosovar woman and the 29-year-old Macedonian man — had been released. However, a 26-year-old Kosovar man and a 29-year old Swiss-Kosovar dual national are still in custody of the authorities.

Switzerland questions four with suspected links to Al-Qaeda, IS; two released

Afghan government's top negotiator for intra-Afghan talks Dr Abdullah Abdullah will be visiting India from October 6 for four days. He, as the Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation represents the Afghan govt in talks with Taliban which started in September in Doha.

This is his first visit to New Delhi in the current position and he expected to meet top officials of the Indian government. Joint Secretary, PAI or Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran division of Ministry of External Affairs, JP Singh had met him on the sidelines of the beginning of intra-Afghan ceremony on September 12 September in Doha.

At the ceremony India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had said, "Interests of minorities, women and vulnerable sections of society must be preserved and the issue of violence across the country and its neighbourhood has to be effectively addressed."&nbsp;

India was present along with around 30 countries at the ceremony.&nbsp;

India's policy towards the Afghan peace process is that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled and "respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-peace-official-sees-little-change-in-us-policy-regardless-of-election-result-331565">Afghan peace official sees little change in US policy regardless of election result</a>

Even as peace talks in Afghanistan has gained momentum, India has increased its reach out to a number of stakeholders in the country. September saw a visit by Afghan leader Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum, during which he met External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla.

New Delhi is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number of infrastructure projects in the country like India-Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat &amp; the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul. &nbsp;

Afghan government's top negotiator for intra-Afghan talks Dr Abdullah Abdullah will be visiting India from October 6 for four days. He, as the Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation represents the Afghan govt in talks with Taliban which started in September in Doha.

Afghan government's top negotiator for intra-Afghan talks Dr Abdullah Abdullah will be visiting India from October 6 for four days. He, as the Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation represents the Afghan govt in talks with Taliban which started in September in Doha. This is his first visit to New Delhi in the current position and he expected to meet top officials of the Indian government. Joint Secretary, PAI or Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran division of Ministry of External Affairs, JP Singh had met him on the sidelines of the beginning of intra-Afghan ceremony on September 12 September in Doha. At the ceremony India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had said, "Interests of minorities, women and vulnerable sections of society must be preserved and the issue of violence across the country and its neighbourhood has to be effectively addressed." India was present along with around 30 countries at the ceremony. India's policy towards the Afghan peace process is that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled and "respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan". Also Read | Afghan peace official sees little change in US policy regardless of election result Even as peace talks in Afghanistan has gained momentum, India has increased its reach out to a number of stakeholders in the country. September saw a visit by Afghan leader Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum, during which he met External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla. New Delhi is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number of infrastructure projects in the country like India-Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat & the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul.

Afghan govt's top negotiator Abdullah Abdullah to visit India on October 6

The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) has constituted a seven-member committee to protect the rights of journalists amidst the perception of a fast-shrinking space for dissent in the country, a media report said on Thursday.

The Journalistic Defence Committee was set up on Tuesday by the PBC, which itself is a mother institution regulating the affairs of the legal fraternity.

Dawn reported that the committee was formed in view of the alleged policies of the government undermining the freedom of expression through a draconian cybercrime law, particularly making it increasingly difficult for journalists to discharge and perform their duties independently in accordance with the demand of their professional obligations and journalistic practices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-government-to-push-for-nawaz-sharifs-deportation-from-uk-331398">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan government to push for Nawaz Sharif's deportation from UK</a>

The committee formed by PBC vice chairman Abid Saqi will provide legal assistance and services to journalists and their elected bodies in the courts of law at Islamabad/Rawalpindi for protecting their rights.

Headed by Barrister Jahangir Jadoon, the committee consists of advocates Mohammad Usman Warraich, retired Col Inam-ur-Raheem, Sajid Tanoli, Babar Hayat Samoor, Umer Gillani and Haider Imtiaz.

The PBC announced that any aggrieved journalist in need of legal aid or services could approach the committee.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists had at a recent meeting in Quetta accused Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government of denying press freedom, and freedom of speech and expression in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-targets-india-at-unga-terms-it-state-sponsor-of-islamophobia-330309">Also read:&nbsp;Pak PM targets India at UNGA, terms it 'state sponsor' of Islamophobia</a>

Kidnapping of journalists, harassment of women journalists and the prolonged incarceration of Jang Group editor-in-chief Mir Shakeelur Rehman caught in the accountability cycle have alarmed not only the media but also the lawyers' community.

Speaking at an oath-taking ceremony of the Press Association of the Supreme Court on Monday, Justice Qazi Faez Isa also mentioned the World Press Freedom Index published by the Reporters Without Frontiers that evaluates 180 countries and ranks them according to the prevalence of press freedom.

According to Justice Isa, it ranked Pakistan at a very low position of 139 in terms of the freedom index in 2017-18, which then slipped to 142nd position in 2019 and then took the plunge to a shameful 145th.

The Supreme Court judge also stated that when citizens fight for press freedom, they fight for their own rights. 
If people surrender their right to free speech and expression or permit the censorship of the press, it will not be long before other guaranteed freedoms are taken away, he added.

The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) has constituted a seven-member committee to protect the rights of journalists amidst the perception of a fast-shrinking space for dissent in the country, a media report said on Thursday.

The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) has constituted a seven-member committee to protect the rights of journalists amidst the perception of a fast-shrinking space for dissent in the country, a media report said on Thursday. The Journalistic Defence Committee was set up on Tuesday by the PBC, which itself is a mother institution regulating the affairs of the legal fraternity. Dawn reported that the committee was formed in view of the alleged policies of the government undermining the freedom of expression through a draconian cybercrime law, particularly making it increasingly difficult for journalists to discharge and perform their duties independently in accordance with the demand of their professional obligations and journalistic practices. Also read: Pakistan government to push for Nawaz Sharif's deportation from UK The committee formed by PBC vice chairman Abid Saqi will provide legal assistance and services to journalists and their elected bodies in the courts of law at Islamabad/Rawalpindi for protecting their rights. Headed by Barrister Jahangir Jadoon, the committee consists of advocates Mohammad Usman Warraich, retired Col Inam-ur-Raheem, Sajid Tanoli, Babar Hayat Samoor, Umer Gillani and Haider Imtiaz. The PBC announced that any aggrieved journalist in need of legal aid or services could approach the committee. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists had at a recent meeting in Quetta accused Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government of denying press freedom, and freedom of speech and expression in the country. Also read: Pak PM targets India at UNGA, terms it 'state sponsor' of Islamophobia Kidnapping of journalists, harassment of women journalists and the prolonged incarceration of Jang Group editor-in-chief Mir Shakeelur Rehman caught in the accountability cycle have alarmed not only the media but also the lawyers' community. Speaking at an oath-taking ceremony of the Press Association of the Supreme Court on Monday, Justice Qazi Faez Isa also mentioned the World Press Freedom Index published by the Reporters Without Frontiers that evaluates 180 countries and ranks them according to the prevalence of press freedom. According to Justice Isa, it ranked Pakistan at a very low position of 139 in terms of the freedom index in 2017-18, which then slipped to 142nd position in 2019 and then took the plunge to a shameful 145th. The Supreme Court judge also stated that when citizens fight for press freedom, they fight for their own rights. If people surrender their right to free speech and expression or permit the censorship of the press, it will not be long before other guaranteed freedoms are taken away, he added.

Pakistan Bar Council forms 7-member committee to protect journalists' rights

India on Tuesday rejected Pakistan’s contention that the Kashmir issue is one of the most long-standing disputes at the United Nations

India slams Pakistan for raising J&k issue at UN

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday ordered attaching of a property of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Irshad Ahmed Reshi, who was arrested by the agency in connection with an attack on a CRPF Group Centre in south Kashmir in 2017

The property, which is a house, is in the name of Irshad Reshi's father Nazir Ahmad Reshi in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The house along with 17 marlas of land, situated in Ratnipora village of Kakapora area in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, was attached as a property that represents proceeds of terrorism and that which has been used for furtherance of activities of the JeM terrorist organisation, an NIA spokesperson said in a statement.

The attaching of the property has been made in exercise of powers granted under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.

The accused, Irshad Reshi, was an active Over Ground Worker (OGW) of the JeM militant group. He was also a close associate of slain militant and JeM commander Noor Mohammad Tantray alias Noor Trali.

The attack on the CRPF Group Centre at Lethpora in south Kashmir was executed under a conspiracy to avenge the death of Noor Trali, who was killed in an encounter with security forces in December 2017.

Irshad Reshi, who was arrested by the NIA in April 2019, was a key conspirator who provided logistic support like shelter and transport to the militants and conducted reconnaissance of the CRPF Group Centre before the attack.

Five CRPF personnel were killed when JeM terrorists carried out the attack on the CRPF Group Centre during the intervening night of December 30 and 31, 2017.

Three terrorists were killed retaliatory fire.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday ordered attaching of a property of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Irshad Ahmed Reshi, who was arrested by the agency in connection with an attack on a CRPF Group Centre in south Kashmir in 2017 The property, which is a house, is in the name of Irshad Reshi's father Nazir Ahmad Reshi in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday ordered attaching of a property of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Irshad Ahmed Reshi, who was arrested by the agency in connection with an attack on a CRPF Group Centre in south Kashmir in 2017 The property, which is a house, is in the name of Irshad Reshi's father Nazir Ahmad Reshi in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. The house along with 17 marlas of land, situated in Ratnipora village of Kakapora area in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, was attached as a property that represents proceeds of terrorism and that which has been used for furtherance of activities of the JeM terrorist organisation, an NIA spokesperson said in a statement. The attaching of the property has been made in exercise of powers granted under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The accused, Irshad Reshi, was an active Over Ground Worker (OGW) of the JeM militant group. He was also a close associate of slain militant and JeM commander Noor Mohammad Tantray alias Noor Trali. The attack on the CRPF Group Centre at Lethpora in south Kashmir was executed under a conspiracy to avenge the death of Noor Trali, who was killed in an encounter with security forces in December 2017. Irshad Reshi, who was arrested by the NIA in April 2019, was a key conspirator who provided logistic support like shelter and transport to the militants and conducted reconnaissance of the CRPF Group Centre before the attack. Five CRPF personnel were killed when JeM terrorists carried out the attack on the CRPF Group Centre during the intervening night of December 30 and 31, 2017. Three terrorists were killed retaliatory fire.

NIA orders attaching house belonging to arrested JeM terrorist

Two associates of militants were arrested in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir and incriminating material was seized from their possession, police said on Saturday.

The two were arrested from Awantipora and Khrew areas of the south Kashmir district, a police spokesman said, without disclosing their names.

He said incriminating material of outfits Hizb-ul-Mujahdeen and Al-Badr was seized from the possession of the militant associates.

Cases have been registered and investigations initiated, the spokesman said.

Two associates of militants were arrested in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir and incriminating material was seized from their possession, police said on Saturday.

Two associates of militants were arrested in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir and incriminating material was seized from their possession, police said on Saturday. The two were arrested from Awantipora and Khrew areas of the south Kashmir district, a police spokesman said, without disclosing their names. He said incriminating material of outfits Hizb-ul-Mujahdeen and Al-Badr was seized from the possession of the militant associates. Cases have been registered and investigations initiated, the spokesman said.

Two terrorist associates held in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama

Prosecutors in Washington have charged a US citizen for joining the so-called Islamic State group in Syria, according to a statement from the Justice Department Wednesday.&nbsp;

The charges allege that Lirim Sylejmani conspired to provide and provided material support to IS, which the United States has classified as a terrorist organization, between 2015 and 2019.&nbsp;

The department also claimed he received military training from the self-styled caliphate.&nbsp;

"The defendant is a US citizen who abandoned the country that welcomed him to join ISIS in Syria," acting US Attorney Sherwin said in the statement of Sylejmani, who was born in Kosovo. "He will now be held accountable for his actions in an American courtroom."

Sylejmani was captured by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) last year, according to the statement, before facing investigation by the FBI's Washington Field Office Joint Terrorism Task Force.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-brings-back-child-trapped-in-syria-dominic-raab-327904">Also read| UK brings back child trapped in Syria: Dominic Raab</a>

The question of how to handle captured foreign IS fighters has vexed Western governments, with the US vying for European countries to repatriate and try their own citizens.&nbsp;

Nations such as France and Britain reject the return of battle-hardened supporters of the ultra-violent IS group, which has claimed responsibility for a slew of grisly attacks against civilians.

Some European governments, including Britain, have revoked the citizenship of a number of citizens over alleged IS links.&nbsp;

But the US has pushed back against these approaches.&nbsp;

"Leaving them in the desert is not an effective solution. It makes it more likely they're going to find their way back to the battlefield, and accepting that risk is not being tough on terrorism," the US State Department's counterterrorism coordinator Nathan Sales told a meeting in Brussels last year.&nbsp;

Plus, it could put an undue burden on Middle Eastern countries already dealing with their own former IS-fighter citizens, according to the US.&nbsp;

The EU-backed Genocide Network this spring advocated that returning IS foreign fighters should be charged with war crimes under international law — such as genocide or crimes against humanity — in addition to whatever terrorism charges they may face at home.&nbsp;

As of May, some 2,000 fighters were still detained by Syrian forces and another 1,000 were in detention in Iraq, many of them European citizens mainly from France, Britain and Germany.

Prosecutors in Washington have charged a US citizen for joining the so-called Islamic State group in Syria, according to a statement from the Justice Department Wednesday.

Prosecutors in Washington have charged a US citizen for joining the so-called Islamic State group in Syria, according to a statement from the Justice Department Wednesday. The charges allege that Lirim Sylejmani conspired to provide and provided material support to IS, which the United States has classified as a terrorist organization, between 2015 and 2019. The department also claimed he received military training from the self-styled caliphate. "The defendant is a US citizen who abandoned the country that welcomed him to join ISIS in Syria," acting US Attorney Sherwin said in the statement of Sylejmani, who was born in Kosovo. "He will now be held accountable for his actions in an American courtroom." Sylejmani was captured by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) last year, according to the statement, before facing investigation by the FBI's Washington Field Office Joint Terrorism Task Force. Also read| UK brings back child trapped in Syria: Dominic Raab The question of how to handle captured foreign IS fighters has vexed Western governments, with the US vying for European countries to repatriate and try their own citizens. Nations such as France and Britain reject the return of battle-hardened supporters of the ultra-violent IS group, which has claimed responsibility for a slew of grisly attacks against civilians. Some European governments, including Britain, have revoked the citizenship of a number of citizens over alleged IS links. But the US has pushed back against these approaches. "Leaving them in the desert is not an effective solution. It makes it more likely they're going to find their way back to the battlefield, and accepting that risk is not being tough on terrorism," the US State Department's counterterrorism coordinator Nathan Sales told a meeting in Brussels last year. Plus, it could put an undue burden on Middle Eastern countries already dealing with their own former IS-fighter citizens, according to the US. The EU-backed Genocide Network this spring advocated that returning IS foreign fighters should be charged with war crimes under international law — such as genocide or crimes against humanity — in addition to whatever terrorism charges they may face at home. As of May, some 2,000 fighters were still detained by Syrian forces and another 1,000 were in detention in Iraq, many of them European citizens mainly from France, Britain and Germany.

US charges citizen with providing support to IS

Pakistan is home to nearly 40,000 terrorists -- 16 of whom are blacklisted by the United Nations. India's neighbour is home to nearly 40,000 terrorists -- 16 of whom are blacklisted by the United Nations. India slammed Pakistan, Turkey and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at United Nation's Human Rights Council (UNHRC) after they raked the Kashmir matter at the Geneva-based body.

WION Dispatch: Pakistan creates smokescreen of sanctions before FATF

As many as 111 infiltration attempts from across the border to Jammu and Kashmir have been successful in the last one year, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy also said 138 terrorists were killed by security forces between March and August this year.

There were 176 attempts of infiltration from across the border to Jammu and Kashmir from August 2019 to July 2020 and 111 of these were successful, he said in a written reply.

Reddy said Jammu and Kashmir has been affected by terrorism, which is sponsored and supported from across the border, for more than the last three decades.

He said the government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, and security forces are taking effective and continuous action in countering terrorism.

"As a result, 138 terrorists have been neutralised in Jammu and Kashmir from March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020. During this period of six months, 50 security force personnel attained martyrdom in terrorist-related incidents, ceasefire violations and cross border firings in Jammu and Kashmir," the minister added.

As many as 111 infiltration attempts from across the border to Jammu and Kashmir have been successful in the last one year, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

As many as 111 infiltration attempts from across the border to Jammu and Kashmir have been successful in the last one year, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday. Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy also said 138 terrorists were killed by security forces between March and August this year. There were 176 attempts of infiltration from across the border to Jammu and Kashmir from August 2019 to July 2020 and 111 of these were successful, he said in a written reply. Reddy said Jammu and Kashmir has been affected by terrorism, which is sponsored and supported from across the border, for more than the last three decades. He said the government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, and security forces are taking effective and continuous action in countering terrorism. "As a result, 138 terrorists have been neutralised in Jammu and Kashmir from March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020. During this period of six months, 50 security force personnel attained martyrdom in terrorist-related incidents, ceasefire violations and cross border firings in Jammu and Kashmir," the minister added.

111 successful attempts of infiltration to J&K in last one year: Centre in Lok Sabha

Venezuela government has said that the US spy, who was captured while spying on the largest refining complex in the country, will be charged with "terrorism.”

Venezuela is going through a severe fuel shortage crisis.

Earlier on September 12, President Maduro had said a man was arrested in the north-west state of Falcon where he was spying on the Amuay and Cardon oil refineries.

Maduro said the man was a US marine who had previously served "at CIA bases in Iraq."

Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab announced on Monday that "All the Venezuelan citizens are going to be charged with the crimes of treason, terrorism, illicit traffic of weapons and association (to commit crimes), while the US citizen is going to be charged with terrorism, illicit traffic of weapons and association,".

Last month two former US soldiers, Luke Alexander Denman, 34, and Airan Berry, 41, were sentenced to 20 years in prison in Venezuela on charges including terrorism, after a failed bid to invade the Caribbean country last May.

Just hours before Friday's announcement, the Venezuelan government said it was establishing an "emergency plan" intended to regulate "fuel distribution" in light of severe gasoline shortages in the country, where people wait in lines stretching miles to fuel up their vehicles.

(With inputs from AFP)

Venezuela government has said that the US spy, who was captured while spying on the largest refining complex in the country, will be charged with "terrorism.” Venezuela is going through a severe fuel shortage crisis.

Venezuela government has said that the US spy, who was captured while spying on the largest refining complex in the country, will be charged with "terrorism.” Venezuela is going through a severe fuel shortage crisis. Earlier on September 12, President Maduro had said a man was arrested in the north-west state of Falcon where he was spying on the Amuay and Cardon oil refineries. Maduro said the man was a US marine who had previously served "at CIA bases in Iraq." Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab announced on Monday that "All the Venezuelan citizens are going to be charged with the crimes of treason, terrorism, illicit traffic of weapons and association (to commit crimes), while the US citizen is going to be charged with terrorism, illicit traffic of weapons and association,". Last month two former US soldiers, Luke Alexander Denman, 34, and Airan Berry, 41, were sentenced to 20 years in prison in Venezuela on charges including terrorism, after a failed bid to invade the Caribbean country last May. Just hours before Friday's announcement, the Venezuelan government said it was establishing an "emergency plan" intended to regulate "fuel distribution" in light of severe gasoline shortages in the country, where people wait in lines stretching miles to fuel up their vehicles. (With inputs from AFP)

US 'spy' captured near an oil refinery, to be charged with terrorism: Venezuela

Pakistan in holding a joint session of the Parliament to pass two bills related to the financial action task force or the FATF.

WION Dispatch: PM Imran Khan plays politics with Oppn. as FATF verdict hangs over Pak

Pakistan is turning out to be an experiment gone wrong. We bring to you five stories that serve as testimony to this claim:&nbsp;

1.&nbsp; A former Pakistani lawmaker has been acquitted in a hit-and-run case. Abdul Majeed Khan Achakzai is a member of the Milli Awam Party. He has also been an influential member of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly. In 2017, CCTV footage of this lawmaker running over a traffic police warden emerged

This happened in Quetta, and the warden died on the spot. The police registered a case of manslaughter against the lawmaker. He later confessed to his crime on live television.

Three years on, and Majeed Achakzai has been given a clean chit. The court says there's not enough evidence but the victim's family is planning to challenge this verdict.

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2. A Pakistani journalist was recently shot dead in Turbat, a city in Balochistan. The journalist's name was Shaheena Shaheen, and she was 25. She had just started her career at Pakistan's state-owned broadcaster, PTV.

Shaheen was killed outside her residence by unidentified suspects. The local police says that her killing was the result of troubled marriage.

Shaheen is said to have been a victim of domestic violence, and police are on the hunt for her husband, who was allegedly present at the crime scene.

3. Sajid Gondal, a top official at Pakistan's Security Exchange Commission in Islamabad is still missing. His disappearance is being linked to a recent corruption scam involving a military general.

Imran Khan's key aide, Asim Saleem Bajwa is being accused of shady financial dealings. Sajid went missing just days after the details came out. His family claims no government officials have approached them regarding the case.

Sajid Gondal has four kids, and his wife says she is done lying to her kids about their father's whereabouts.

4. A Christian man has been sentenced to death by the Lahore High Court for sending 'blasphemous text messages' to somebody in 2013. Blasphemy is increasingly becoming a pretext for crimes against minorities in Pakistan.

5. An FIR as been registered against a 3-year-old in Pakistan's Punjab province, whose father is a Shia Muslim.

He has charged with acting as a patron to his father during a religious gathering. Since the beginning of the month of Muharram, there has been an increase in hate campaigns against the Shias in Pakistan.

A number of Shia families are being targeted for their practices during this month. Now, a child has been charged with disrupting public order, while terrorists in Pakistan enjoy state protection and roam freely.

Pakistan is turning out to be an experiment gone wrong. We bring to you five stories that serve as testimony to this claim: 1. A former Pakistani lawmaker has been acquitted in a hit-and-run case.

Pakistan is turning out to be an experiment gone wrong. We bring to you five stories that serve as testimony to this claim: 1. A former Pakistani lawmaker has been acquitted in a hit-and-run case. Abdul Majeed Khan Achakzai is a member of the Milli Awam Party. He has also been an influential member of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly. In 2017, CCTV footage of this lawmaker running over a traffic police warden emerged This happened in Quetta, and the warden died on the spot. The police registered a case of manslaughter against the lawmaker. He later confessed to his crime on live television. Three years on, and Majeed Achakzai has been given a clean chit. The court says there's not enough evidence but the victim's family is planning to challenge this verdict. × 2. A Pakistani journalist was recently shot dead in Turbat, a city in Balochistan. The journalist's name was Shaheena Shaheen, and she was 25. She had just started her career at Pakistan's state-owned broadcaster, PTV. Shaheen was killed outside her residence by unidentified suspects. The local police says that her killing was the result of troubled marriage. Shaheen is said to have been a victim of domestic violence, and police are on the hunt for her husband, who was allegedly present at the crime scene. 3. Sajid Gondal, a top official at Pakistan's Security Exchange Commission in Islamabad is still missing. His disappearance is being linked to a recent corruption scam involving a military general. Imran Khan's key aide, Asim Saleem Bajwa is being accused of shady financial dealings. Sajid went missing just days after the details came out. His family claims no government officials have approached them regarding the case. Sajid Gondal has four kids, and his wife says she is done lying to her kids about their father's whereabouts. 4. A Christian man has been sentenced to death by the Lahore High Court for sending 'blasphemous text messages' to somebody in 2013. Blasphemy is increasingly becoming a pretext for crimes against minorities in Pakistan. 5. An FIR as been registered against a 3-year-old in Pakistan's Punjab province, whose father is a Shia Muslim. He has charged with acting as a patron to his father during a religious gathering. Since the beginning of the month of Muharram, there has been an increase in hate campaigns against the Shias in Pakistan. A number of Shia families are being targeted for their practices during this month. Now, a child has been charged with disrupting public order, while terrorists in Pakistan enjoy state protection and roam freely.

Five stories from South Asia's failed experiment, Pakistan

A special NIA court here has sentenced four militants of the banned Jamat-ul-Mujaheedin of Bangladesh (JMB) terror group to seven years imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each for their involvement in the Burdwan blast case of 2014.

Ziaul Hoque, Motiur Rahaman, Mohammad Yusuf and Jahirul Sheikh have been jailed for seven years and fined Rs 5,000 by the court which delivered the judgement on Tuesday, an NIA spokesperson said.

On October 2, 2014, a powerful blast caused by an improvised explosive devise (IED) took place at the first floor of a rented house in the busy Khagragarh locality of West Bengal's Burdwan.

The IED had accidentally gone off at the time of its fabrication by members of the Bangladesh-based banned terrorist organisation JMB.

The rented house was occupied by JMB members for the nefarious activity of bomb making, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) official said.

Two terrorists had succumbed to their injuries caused due to the bomb blast and another survived with grievous injuries.

The case was initially registered by the West Bengal police and was subsequently taken over by the NIA on October 10, 2014.

The JMB conspired to radicalise, recruit and provide training in arms and explosives to its members in India as well as to commit terrorist acts and wage a war against the democratically-established governments of India and Bangladesh, the official said.

A large number of IEDs, explosives, hand grenades, training videos were recovered during the investigation of the case.

A total of 33 accused were charge-sheeted for various offences in this case, out of which 31 were arrested.

Earlier on August 30 last year, as many as 19 accused and on January 15 last year five accused were convicted and sentenced for various terms by the NIA special court.

The trial against the remaining three arrested and two absconding charge sheeted accused will continue.

 
&nbsp;

A special NIA court here has sentenced four militants of the banned Jamat-ul-Mujaheedin of Bangladesh (JMB) terror group to seven years imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each for their involvement in the Burdwan blast case of 2014.

A special NIA court here has sentenced four militants of the banned Jamat-ul-Mujaheedin of Bangladesh (JMB) terror group to seven years imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each for their involvement in the Burdwan blast case of 2014. Ziaul Hoque, Motiur Rahaman, Mohammad Yusuf and Jahirul Sheikh have been jailed for seven years and fined Rs 5,000 by the court which delivered the judgement on Tuesday, an NIA spokesperson said. On October 2, 2014, a powerful blast caused by an improvised explosive devise (IED) took place at the first floor of a rented house in the busy Khagragarh locality of West Bengal's Burdwan. The IED had accidentally gone off at the time of its fabrication by members of the Bangladesh-based banned terrorist organisation JMB. The rented house was occupied by JMB members for the nefarious activity of bomb making, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) official said. Two terrorists had succumbed to their injuries caused due to the bomb blast and another survived with grievous injuries. The case was initially registered by the West Bengal police and was subsequently taken over by the NIA on October 10, 2014. The JMB conspired to radicalise, recruit and provide training in arms and explosives to its members in India as well as to commit terrorist acts and wage a war against the democratically-established governments of India and Bangladesh, the official said. A large number of IEDs, explosives, hand grenades, training videos were recovered during the investigation of the case. A total of 33 accused were charge-sheeted for various offences in this case, out of which 31 were arrested. Earlier on August 30 last year, as many as 19 accused and on January 15 last year five accused were convicted and sentenced for various terms by the NIA special court. The trial against the remaining three arrested and two absconding charge sheeted accused will continue.

4 JMB terrorists jailed for 7 years in Burdwan blast case

It's no secret that Pakistan shelters terrorists and foments terrorist activities in South Asia and beyond. But it has long been denying active involvement of government agencies. Now, a Pakistani document procured by Indian intelligence has yet again made the claim hollow. The document issued by Directorate of Intelligence of Pakistan government has a mention that Syed Salahuddin, chief of terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen indeed works for Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). ISI has been found by Indian intelligence agencies to be facilitating terror activities.

What's mentioned in the document?

The document mentions that Syed Salahuddin was the bonafide official of Directorate of Intelligence. The letter also mentions that Syed Salahuddin worked for the ISI. This establishes clear link between terrorists and ISI.

The document says that Syed Salahuddin had been "security cleared" and that he should not be "unnecessarily" stopped at checkpoints.

Does this create more trouble for Pakistan globally?

It most certainly will make Pakistan's position weak at Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is global money laundering and terror financing watchdog. It has its eyes set on Pakistan due to its track record of financing terrorism.

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Pakistan is already in the Grey-list of FATF and faces inclusion in the Black-list. Inclusion in Black-list will put many tough economic sanctions on Pakistan. The country cannot afford to get black-listed as such economic sanctions will drag its already weak economy into deeper trouble.

Pakistan's performance in plugging terror financing channels will be up for review in October. The revelation about Syed Salahuddin and Pakistan's own admission of international terrorist Dawood Ibrahim staying in Karachi is sure to make its position in the eyes of FATF.

It's no secret that Pakistan shelters terrorists and foments terrorist activities in South Asia and beyond. But it has long been denying active involvement of government agencies.

It's no secret that Pakistan shelters terrorists and foments terrorist activities in South Asia and beyond. But it has long been denying active involvement of government agencies. Now, a Pakistani document procured by Indian intelligence has yet again made the claim hollow. The document issued by Directorate of Intelligence of Pakistan government has a mention that Syed Salahuddin, chief of terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen indeed works for Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). ISI has been found by Indian intelligence agencies to be facilitating terror activities. What's mentioned in the document? The document mentions that Syed Salahuddin was the bonafide official of Directorate of Intelligence. The letter also mentions that Syed Salahuddin worked for the ISI. This establishes clear link between terrorists and ISI. The document says that Syed Salahuddin had been "security cleared" and that he should not be "unnecessarily" stopped at checkpoints. Does this create more trouble for Pakistan globally? It most certainly will make Pakistan's position weak at Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is global money laundering and terror financing watchdog. It has its eyes set on Pakistan due to its track record of financing terrorism. × Pakistan is already in the Grey-list of FATF and faces inclusion in the Black-list. Inclusion in Black-list will put many tough economic sanctions on Pakistan. The country cannot afford to get black-listed as such economic sanctions will drag its already weak economy into deeper trouble. Pakistan's performance in plugging terror financing channels will be up for review in October. The revelation about Syed Salahuddin and Pakistan's own admission of international terrorist Dawood Ibrahim staying in Karachi is sure to make its position in the eyes of FATF.

Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin works for ISI, Pakistan admits on paper

A Saudi court has sentenced three people to death for their involvement in an attack in Jeddah when two men blew themselves up after a shootout with police, state-run Al Ekhbariya television said on Sunday.

In 2017, Saudi security forces surrounded a house in Jeddah and exchanged fire with two men with ties to Islamic State, who blew themselves up.

The court convicted the three on terrorism-related charges including possessing explosives, Ekhbariya said.

The ruling said the defendants supported Islamic State and planned to kill members of the security forces, Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV reported.

Sunni militants have carried out many shootings and bombings in Saudi Arabia since 2014, soon after then-Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi summoned Saudi supporters to mount attacks at home instead of abroad in wars in Syria and Iraq.

Most of the attacks targeted minority Saudi Shi'ites or state security officers and were carried out by people who had sworn allegiance to Islamic State or were claimed by the militant group in online postings, Saudi authorities said.

Saudi Arabia had earlier barred its citizens from going to wage jihad (holy war) abroad, used its Sunni clergy to denounce Islamic State, imposed prison terms for supporting the group and joined U.S.-led air strikes against IS in Syria.

A Saudi court has sentenced three people to death for their involvement in an attack in Jeddah when two men blew themselves up after a shootout with police, state-run Al Ekhbariya television said on Sunday.

A Saudi court has sentenced three people to death for their involvement in an attack in Jeddah when two men blew themselves up after a shootout with police, state-run Al Ekhbariya television said on Sunday. In 2017, Saudi security forces surrounded a house in Jeddah and exchanged fire with two men with ties to Islamic State, who blew themselves up. The court convicted the three on terrorism-related charges including possessing explosives, Ekhbariya said. The ruling said the defendants supported Islamic State and planned to kill members of the security forces, Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV reported. Sunni militants have carried out many shootings and bombings in Saudi Arabia since 2014, soon after then-Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi summoned Saudi supporters to mount attacks at home instead of abroad in wars in Syria and Iraq. Most of the attacks targeted minority Saudi Shi'ites or state security officers and were carried out by people who had sworn allegiance to Islamic State or were claimed by the militant group in online postings, Saudi authorities said. Saudi Arabia had earlier barred its citizens from going to wage jihad (holy war) abroad, used its Sunni clergy to denounce Islamic State, imposed prison terms for supporting the group and joined U.S.-led air strikes against IS in Syria.

Saudi Arabia sentences three to death over links to 2017 Jeddah attack

Thousands of Islamist protestors rallied in anti-france demonstrations across Pakistan against French satirical paper.

Charlie Hebdo protest across Pak as French paper reprints Prophet's caricatures

Pakistani security forces on Saturday foiled a terror bid by defusing a 5.5 kg bomb planted on a roadside in northwest Pakistan.

The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) after an intelligence information recovered a remote-controlled bomb planted on a roadside in Janikhel area of Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and neutralised the explosive.

The bomb was planted for a big terror activity by unknown terrorists, however quick action by the security forces averted the sabotage attempt, police said.

The improvised explosive device weighing 5.5 kg was also filled with Shrapnel to cause maximum damage.&nbsp;

Pakistani security forces on Saturday foiled a terror bid by defusing a 5.5 kg bomb planted on a roadside in northwest Pakistan. The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) after an intelligence information recovered a remote-controlled bomb planted on a roadside in Janikhel area of Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and neutralised the explosive.

Pakistani security forces on Saturday foiled a terror bid by defusing a 5.5 kg bomb planted on a roadside in northwest Pakistan. The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) after an intelligence information recovered a remote-controlled bomb planted on a roadside in Janikhel area of Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and neutralised the explosive. The bomb was planted for a big terror activity by unknown terrorists, however quick action by the security forces averted the sabotage attempt, police said. The improvised explosive device weighing 5.5 kg was also filled with Shrapnel to cause maximum damage.

Terror-bid foiled in Pak, 5.5 kg bomb defused

Near-record violence in Afghanistan in the last few weeks creates an atmosphere of mistrust and risks derailing the peace negotiations set to begin soon between the Afghan government and the Taliban, according to a top UN official in the war-ravaged country.

The planned negotiations stem from a landmark pact the US signed with the Taliban in February to promote a peaceful settlement to the Afghan war, the longest overseas military intervention by the American military.

"As I speak, Afghans representing the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan are preparing to sit with other Afghans representing the Taliban to discuss, at long last, a political settlement to the conflict. This is truly a historic moment," Deborah Lyons, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, said in a briefing to the UN Security Council on Thursday.

"After four decades of war, the people of Afghanistan have more reason than ever to hope that this devastating conflict, which has brought so much suffering, may finally come to an end,? Lyons, also the Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), said.

She, however, warned that this will be a long and challenging process and already, the pre-talks phase has raised difficult issues related to prisoner releases, which have taken five months to resolve.

Eventually the negotiations will have to tackle a range of profound questions about the kind of country Afghans want. These can only be addressed by Afghans talking with other Afghans. Solutions will not be found on the battlefield, we know this, nor can they be imposed from the outside,? she said.

Lyons cautioned that despite the air of cautious optimism, the level of violence on the battlefield remains deeply worrying and the last few weeks have seen near-record numbers of security incidents, including egregious attacks by spoilers targeting civilians involved in the peace process.

"We must keep in mind the terrible consequences of this violence. The conflict continues to kill and injure hundreds of Afghans every week.And as we look towards the peace talks this violence also creates an atmosphere of mistrust that risks derailing negotiations," she said.

With the negotiations, hosted by Qatar, set to launch soon, she exhorted parties to place a humanitarian ceasefire atop the agenda, and pressed all countries to amplify this call.

"The coming days will hopefully bring the formal launch of intra-Afghan negotiations. I said the coming days, not the coming weeks," she said thanking member states, including Qatar and the United States as well as many others who have engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts to get us to this point.

For our part, the UN will be working with international partners to support both parties and the host countries throughout the process.

She added that a peace process, and even a peace agreement, does not peace make.

All of us must do our part to create a conducive environment for peace talks. In parallel, we must ensure that the ground is prepared for peace to flourish once an agreement is reached, she said.

"Women's rights are also emerging as among the most difficult issues confronting the parties as they enter negotiations and one around which any compromises will pose a difficult dilemma for member states," she said.

This issue will be more central in the Afghan peace process than we have ever seen in any other peace negotiation in recent memory, she added.

Lyons said she has initiated a series of meetings with a countrywide network of Afghan women on the peace process, which is giving the UN important insights into their concerns, as well as possible avenues for greater engagement.

But we all know that it is women's representation at the peace table that offers the best opportunity to ensure that their own rights are upheld, and that their vision for elements of a peaceful Afghanistan is reflected in all aspects of the talks, she said.

Lyons commended the women members of the Afghan negotiating team and other peace structures for their energetic outreach and substantive preparations for intra-Afghan talks.

"As of this moment, we are not yet aware of any women's representation on the Taliban side, but we remain hopeful that they, too, will find a way of meaningfully including women, the other 50 per cent of the population, in their negotiation team," she said. 
&nbsp;

Near-record violence in Afghanistan in the last few weeks creates an atmosphere of mistrust and risks derailing the peace negotiations set to begin soon between the Afghan government and the Taliban, according to a top UN official in the war-ravaged country.

Near-record violence in Afghanistan in the last few weeks creates an atmosphere of mistrust and risks derailing the peace negotiations set to begin soon between the Afghan government and the Taliban, according to a top UN official in the war-ravaged country. The planned negotiations stem from a landmark pact the US signed with the Taliban in February to promote a peaceful settlement to the Afghan war, the longest overseas military intervention by the American military. "As I speak, Afghans representing the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan are preparing to sit with other Afghans representing the Taliban to discuss, at long last, a political settlement to the conflict. This is truly a historic moment," Deborah Lyons, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, said in a briefing to the UN Security Council on Thursday. "After four decades of war, the people of Afghanistan have more reason than ever to hope that this devastating conflict, which has brought so much suffering, may finally come to an end,? Lyons, also the Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), said. She, however, warned that this will be a long and challenging process and already, the pre-talks phase has raised difficult issues related to prisoner releases, which have taken five months to resolve. Eventually the negotiations will have to tackle a range of profound questions about the kind of country Afghans want. These can only be addressed by Afghans talking with other Afghans. Solutions will not be found on the battlefield, we know this, nor can they be imposed from the outside,? she said. Lyons cautioned that despite the air of cautious optimism, the level of violence on the battlefield remains deeply worrying and the last few weeks have seen near-record numbers of security incidents, including egregious attacks by spoilers targeting civilians involved in the peace process. "We must keep in mind the terrible consequences of this violence. The conflict continues to kill and injure hundreds of Afghans every week.And as we look towards the peace talks this violence also creates an atmosphere of mistrust that risks derailing negotiations," she said. With the negotiations, hosted by Qatar, set to launch soon, she exhorted parties to place a humanitarian ceasefire atop the agenda, and pressed all countries to amplify this call. "The coming days will hopefully bring the formal launch of intra-Afghan negotiations. I said the coming days, not the coming weeks," she said thanking member states, including Qatar and the United States as well as many others who have engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts to get us to this point. For our part, the UN will be working with international partners to support both parties and the host countries throughout the process. She added that a peace process, and even a peace agreement, does not peace make. All of us must do our part to create a conducive environment for peace talks. In parallel, we must ensure that the ground is prepared for peace to flourish once an agreement is reached, she said. "Women's rights are also emerging as among the most difficult issues confronting the parties as they enter negotiations and one around which any compromises will pose a difficult dilemma for member states," she said. This issue will be more central in the Afghan peace process than we have ever seen in any other peace negotiation in recent memory, she added. Lyons said she has initiated a series of meetings with a countrywide network of Afghan women on the peace process, which is giving the UN important insights into their concerns, as well as possible avenues for greater engagement. But we all know that it is women's representation at the peace table that offers the best opportunity to ensure that their own rights are upheld, and that their vision for elements of a peaceful Afghanistan is reflected in all aspects of the talks, she said. Lyons commended the women members of the Afghan negotiating team and other peace structures for their energetic outreach and substantive preparations for intra-Afghan talks. "As of this moment, we are not yet aware of any women's representation on the Taliban side, but we remain hopeful that they, too, will find a way of meaningfully including women, the other 50 per cent of the population, in their negotiation team," she said.

Near-record violence risks derailing peace negotiations between Afghan govt, Taliban: top UN official

Pakistan has failed to list two Indians as United Nations listed international terrorist under the 1267 committee of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The listing was blocked by 5 UNSC countries--UK, USA, France, Germany and Belgium after no evidence was found to substantiate Pakistani claim. Pakistan was keen to list Indian nationals Gobinda Patnaik, and Angara Appaji as UN terrorist.&nbsp;

UNSC members gave Pakistan time to provide evidence but Islamabad could not provide it. A hold was put for Pakistan to come up with evidence but the country failed.

India's envoy to UN T. S. Tirumurti tweeted, "Pakistan’s blatant attempt to politicize 1267 special procedure on terrorism by giving it a religious colour, has been thwarted by UN Security Council. We thank all those Council members who have blocked Pakistan’s designs."

Earlier, it attempted to list two other Indians-- Venumadhav Dongara, Ajoy Mistry as a terrorist, but the bid failed. Pakistani foreign ministry in a statement in June had expressed its "disappointment" for not able to list Dongar. It alleged that these Indians were backing groups like Jamaat-ul-Ahrar etc.

The move was considered a quid pro quo move by Pakistan for India able to get Masood Azhar listed as a UN terrorist last year. Azhar is the chief of Pakistan-based UN listed terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed responsible for Pulwama terror attack, among other attacks in India.

Pakistani nationals are listed in the largest number at the UN terror list.

Pakistan has failed to list two Indians as United Nations listed international terrorist under the 1267 committee of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The listing was blocked by 5 UNSC countries--UK, USA, France, Germany and Belgium after no evidence was found to substantiate Pakistani claim.

Pakistan has failed to list two Indians as United Nations listed international terrorist under the 1267 committee of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The listing was blocked by 5 UNSC countries--UK, USA, France, Germany and Belgium after no evidence was found to substantiate Pakistani claim. Pakistan was keen to list Indian nationals Gobinda Patnaik, and Angara Appaji as UN terrorist. UNSC members gave Pakistan time to provide evidence but Islamabad could not provide it. A hold was put for Pakistan to come up with evidence but the country failed. India's envoy to UN T. S. Tirumurti tweeted, "Pakistan’s blatant attempt to politicize 1267 special procedure on terrorism by giving it a religious colour, has been thwarted by UN Security Council. We thank all those Council members who have blocked Pakistan’s designs." Earlier, it attempted to list two other Indians-- Venumadhav Dongara, Ajoy Mistry as a terrorist, but the bid failed. Pakistani foreign ministry in a statement in June had expressed its "disappointment" for not able to list Dongar. It alleged that these Indians were backing groups like Jamaat-ul-Ahrar etc. The move was considered a quid pro quo move by Pakistan for India able to get Masood Azhar listed as a UN terrorist last year. Azhar is the chief of Pakistan-based UN listed terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed responsible for Pulwama terror attack, among other attacks in India. Pakistani nationals are listed in the largest number at the UN terror list.

Five countries block Pakistan's move to list Indians as terrorist at UN

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have both been known to&nbsp;finance terrorists, providing&nbsp;them safe havens. Both the countries are also linked to major terror attacks - &nbsp; 9/11 in the US and 26/11 in Mumbai. And now both these countries may be controlling the United Nations office for counter-terrorism.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have an illustrious record when it comes to terrorism. And now they control the UN office that is supposed to ensure international cooperation against terrorism.

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A new report claims that Saudi Arabia wants to influence counter-terrorism efforts at the United Nations through big donations, and that an international civil servant of Pakistani origin, Jehangir Khan is the director of this branch of the UN.

In 2011, the UN created the counter-terrorism centre to promote cooperation for anti-terrorism efforts and support member states. From day one, Saudi Arabia has been the biggest donor to this centre. It started with 10 million Dollars. Three years later, it increased its contribution by 10 times. Saudi Arabia donated 100 million Dollars to the counter-terrorism centre.

This centre survives on donation because what it gets from the UN budget covers only 4 per cent of its expenses, while the rest of the money comes from member states. And Saudi cash makes up 47 per cent of the entire fund.

So why does Riyadh spend so much money on it?&nbsp;

The report also says Saudi Arabia's influence and power is hard to measure. For instance, Saudi Arabia decides who will be in-charge. Its ambassador to the UN has been the chair of this centre's advisory board since 2012. Saudi Arabia decides where meetings will be held, and at least two board meetings of this centre have taken place in Riyadh. One meeting that took place in 2018 was attended by Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Saudi Arabia also decides how the money will be spent. In 2018, the UN conducted an internal audit of the centre, which the Saudis did not like. Another audit was then ordered. A proposal in the original audit report recommended a new system of functioning which would have limited Saudi Arabia's influence. It said that the role, membership and working methods of the centre should be reviewed and that its funding should be diversified.

The Pakistan connection

An insider in the ruling Saudi elite feels that Riyadh doesn't "get much" from the UN centre for its money. And this is where Pakistan comes in. Jehangir Khan is the director of the United Nations counter-terrorism centre. He is said to have close ties to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The report calls him "the Saudi whisperer". However, there is no direct evidence against Jehangir Khan which says that he's influencing the UN counter-terrorism efforts on behalf of Saudi Arabia or Pakistan.

Jehangir Khan started his career as an international diplomat with the Saudi Arabian mission to the UN, and has now completed 20 years in the organisation.

According to one claim Khan is goal oriented but secretive. Another person says he takes over projects that will "satisfy the Saudis". High level UN staff members are required to file a financial disclosure form. But it’s upto them whether they want to make it public or not.

Jehangir Khan has kept his financial disclosures private. As a UN servant Jehangir Khan was able to purchase two apartments in the Trump world tower at the UN Plaza, properties worth well over three million Dollars. Khan denies all charges of impropriety.&nbsp;

In 2016 the former UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon made a very serious accusation and said that Saudi Arabia was exerting unacceptable and undue pressure on the UN.&nbsp;This was after the Saudi led military coalition for Yemen was blacklisted. When the Saudi coalition was found responsible for the deaths of hundreds of children in the war, Riyadh threatened to cut funding to UN programmes. Owing to this, UN removed the Saudi-led coalition from the blacklist.

As of July this year Saudi Arabia is the world's largest donor to the UN counter-terrorism office. A few years back, Saudi Arabia was also the head of the UN Human Rights Council.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have both been known to finance terrorists, providing them safe havens. Both the countries are also linked to major terror attacks - 9/11 in the US and 26/11 in Mumbai.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have both been known to finance terrorists, providing them safe havens. Both the countries are also linked to major terror attacks - 9/11 in the US and 26/11 in Mumbai. And now both these countries may be controlling the United Nations office for counter-terrorism. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have an illustrious record when it comes to terrorism. And now they control the UN office that is supposed to ensure international cooperation against terrorism. A new report claims that Saudi Arabia wants to influence counter-terrorism efforts at the United Nations through big donations, and that an international civil servant of Pakistani origin, Jehangir Khan is the director of this branch of the UN. In 2011, the UN created the counter-terrorism centre to promote cooperation for anti-terrorism efforts and support member states. From day one, Saudi Arabia has been the biggest donor to this centre. It started with 10 million Dollars. Three years later, it increased its contribution by 10 times. Saudi Arabia donated 100 million Dollars to the counter-terrorism centre. This centre survives on donation because what it gets from the UN budget covers only 4 per cent of its expenses, while the rest of the money comes from member states. And Saudi cash makes up 47 per cent of the entire fund. So why does Riyadh spend so much money on it? The report also says Saudi Arabia's influence and power is hard to measure. For instance, Saudi Arabia decides who will be in-charge. Its ambassador to the UN has been the chair of this centre's advisory board since 2012. Saudi Arabia decides where meetings will be held, and at least two board meetings of this centre have taken place in Riyadh. One meeting that took place in 2018 was attended by Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Saudi Arabia also decides how the money will be spent. In 2018, the UN conducted an internal audit of the centre, which the Saudis did not like. Another audit was then ordered. A proposal in the original audit report recommended a new system of functioning which would have limited Saudi Arabia's influence. It said that the role, membership and working methods of the centre should be reviewed and that its funding should be diversified. The Pakistan connection An insider in the ruling Saudi elite feels that Riyadh doesn't "get much" from the UN centre for its money. And this is where Pakistan comes in. Jehangir Khan is the director of the United Nations counter-terrorism centre. He is said to have close ties to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The report calls him "the Saudi whisperer". However, there is no direct evidence against Jehangir Khan which says that he's influencing the UN counter-terrorism efforts on behalf of Saudi Arabia or Pakistan. Jehangir Khan started his career as an international diplomat with the Saudi Arabian mission to the UN, and has now completed 20 years in the organisation. According to one claim Khan is goal oriented but secretive. Another person says he takes over projects that will "satisfy the Saudis". High level UN staff members are required to file a financial disclosure form. But it’s upto them whether they want to make it public or not. Jehangir Khan has kept his financial disclosures private. As a UN servant Jehangir Khan was able to purchase two apartments in the Trump world tower at the UN Plaza, properties worth well over three million Dollars. Khan denies all charges of impropriety. In 2016 the former UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon made a very serious accusation and said that Saudi Arabia was exerting unacceptable and undue pressure on the UN. This was after the Saudi led military coalition for Yemen was blacklisted. When the Saudi coalition was found responsible for the deaths of hundreds of children in the war, Riyadh threatened to cut funding to UN programmes. Owing to this, UN removed the Saudi-led coalition from the blacklist. As of July this year Saudi Arabia is the world's largest donor to the UN counter-terrorism office. A few years back, Saudi Arabia was also the head of the UN Human Rights Council.

How Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are influencing UN's counter-terrorism wing

The Islamist gunmen who struck the Charlie Hebdo magazine and a Jewish store, killing 17, are dead but on Wednesday, five years after the attack that marked the onset of a wave of Islamist violence in France, their alleged accomplices face trial.

Fourteen defendants, three of whom will be tried in absentia and may be dead, face charges including financing terrorism, membership in a terrorist organisation and supplying weapons to the perpetrators: Said and Cherif Kouachi and Amedy Coulibaly.

On Jan. 7, 2015, the Kouachi brothers went on a killing spree in the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo, whose satire on race, religion and politics tested the limits of what society would accept in the name of free speech.

They killed 12 in an attack claimed by al Qaeda.

The following day, Coulibaly, an acquaintance of Cherif Kouachi, killed a female police officer. On Jan. 9, he killed four Jewish men at a kosher supermarket. In a video, he said he acted in the name of Islamic State. 
More than 250 people have been killed in France in Islamist violence since the attacks and countering the threat remains a government priority, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin says.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/we-have-freedom-of-the-press-says-macron-on-charlie-hebdo-row-324656">We have freedom of the press, says Macron on Charlie Hebdo row</a>

Al Qaeda`s Yemen branch placed Charlie Hebdo`s then-director on its "wanted list" after the weekly published caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad, including one of him in a bomb-shaped turban.

The magazine plans to re-publish the cartoons to coincide with the trial.

"We will never lie down. We will never give up," editor Laurent "Riss" Sourisseau wrote.

President Emmanuel Macron said it was not for him to pass comment on the magazine`s editorial judgement and that the freedom to blaspheme went in hand in hand with the freedom of belief in France.

"Satire is not a discourse of hate," the president told a news conference in Beirut.

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Among those charged are Hayat Boumedienne, Coulibaly`s partner at the time of the attacks, and brothers Mohamed and Mehdi Belhoucine. All three travelled to areas of Syria under Islamic State`s control days before the attacks and may be dead.

The trial, which will run for 10 weeks and be filmed throughout, is likely to evoke painful memories.

Chloe Verlhac lost her husband, cartoonist Bernard Verlhac, known as "Tignous", in the attack.

"He literally died with his felt-tip in his hand," she told RTL radio. "He never let go."

The Islamist gunmen who struck the Charlie Hebdo magazine and a Jewish store, killing 17, are dead but on Wednesday, five years after the attack that marked the onset of a wave of Islamist violence in France, their alleged accomplices face trial.

The Islamist gunmen who struck the Charlie Hebdo magazine and a Jewish store, killing 17, are dead but on Wednesday, five years after the attack that marked the onset of a wave of Islamist violence in France, their alleged accomplices face trial. Fourteen defendants, three of whom will be tried in absentia and may be dead, face charges including financing terrorism, membership in a terrorist organisation and supplying weapons to the perpetrators: Said and Cherif Kouachi and Amedy Coulibaly. On Jan. 7, 2015, the Kouachi brothers went on a killing spree in the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo, whose satire on race, religion and politics tested the limits of what society would accept in the name of free speech. They killed 12 in an attack claimed by al Qaeda. The following day, Coulibaly, an acquaintance of Cherif Kouachi, killed a female police officer. On Jan. 9, he killed four Jewish men at a kosher supermarket. In a video, he said he acted in the name of Islamic State. More than 250 people have been killed in France in Islamist violence since the attacks and countering the threat remains a government priority, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin says. Also Read: We have freedom of the press, says Macron on Charlie Hebdo row Al Qaeda`s Yemen branch placed Charlie Hebdo`s then-director on its "wanted list" after the weekly published caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad, including one of him in a bomb-shaped turban. The magazine plans to re-publish the cartoons to coincide with the trial. "We will never lie down. We will never give up," editor Laurent "Riss" Sourisseau wrote. President Emmanuel Macron said it was not for him to pass comment on the magazine`s editorial judgement and that the freedom to blaspheme went in hand in hand with the freedom of belief in France. "Satire is not a discourse of hate," the president told a news conference in Beirut. × Among those charged are Hayat Boumedienne, Coulibaly`s partner at the time of the attacks, and brothers Mohamed and Mehdi Belhoucine. All three travelled to areas of Syria under Islamic State`s control days before the attacks and may be dead. The trial, which will run for 10 weeks and be filmed throughout, is likely to evoke painful memories. Chloe Verlhac lost her husband, cartoonist Bernard Verlhac, known as "Tignous", in the attack. "He literally died with his felt-tip in his hand," she told RTL radio. "He never let go."

Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack accomplices go on trial today

French President Emmanuel Macron said that&nbsp;"it’s never the place of a president of the Republic to pass judgment on the editorial choice of a journalist or newsroom" amid the controversy surrounding French magazine Charlie Hebdo.

His comments assume significance as accomplices of Charlie Hebdo attackers&nbsp;are due to go on trial on Wednesday (September 2).&nbsp;

“It’s never the place of a president of the Republic to pass judgment on the editorial choice of a journalist or newsroom, never. Because we have freedom of the press,” Macron said. He was quoted by Reuters.

Macron also said&nbsp;that French citizens should be respectful to each other.

Charlie Hebdo's publication of a&nbsp;cartoon on&nbsp;Prophet Mohammed&nbsp;had led to a terror attack on its&nbsp;office in 2015 that left 12 people dead. Eight of them were journalists.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/charlie-hebdo-terrorist-attack-accomplices-go-on-trial-today-324640">Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack accomplices go on trial today</a> 
 
Charlie Hebdo republished the cartoon of Prophet Mohammed on Tuesday, just a day before accomplices of the attackers were to go on trial.

Fourteen defendants, three of whom will be tried in absentia and may be dead, face charges including financing terrorism, membership in a terrorist organisation and supplying weapons to the perpetrators.

The terror attack:

The cartoon of Prophet Mohammed, printed as a satire by Charlie Hebdo, did not go down well with many people across the world and strongest of the reactions came from the Muslim quarters.

On Jan. 7, 2015, the Kouachi brothers went on a killing spree in the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo

Responsibility of the attack was claimed by Al-Qaeda.

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The gunmen barged into Charlie Hebdo office as a weekly editorial meet was ongoing. The firing killed eight journalists. A guest at the editorial meet was killed as well.

"Satire is not a discourse of hate,"

Reuters has quoted Macron as he said that satire did not necessarily convey hate. He made the statement in Beirut, Lebanon.

France on high alert:

Following Charlie Hebdo's decision to re-publish the controversial cartoon, French security agencies have given a high alert. Security forces across France are on the lookout for movements and activities that may lead to violent and even terrorist incidents.

(With inputs&nbsp;from Reuters)

French President Emmanuel Macron said that "it’s never the place of a president of the Republic to pass judgment on the editorial choice of a journalist or newsroom" amid the controversy surrounding French magazine Charlie Hebdo.

French President Emmanuel Macron said that "it’s never the place of a president of the Republic to pass judgment on the editorial choice of a journalist or newsroom" amid the controversy surrounding French magazine Charlie Hebdo. His comments assume significance as accomplices of Charlie Hebdo attackers are due to go on trial on Wednesday (September 2). “It’s never the place of a president of the Republic to pass judgment on the editorial choice of a journalist or newsroom, never. Because we have freedom of the press,” Macron said. He was quoted by Reuters. Macron also said that French citizens should be respectful to each other. Charlie Hebdo's publication of a cartoon on Prophet Mohammed had led to a terror attack on its office in 2015 that left 12 people dead. Eight of them were journalists. Also Read: Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack accomplices go on trial today Charlie Hebdo republished the cartoon of Prophet Mohammed on Tuesday, just a day before accomplices of the attackers were to go on trial. Fourteen defendants, three of whom will be tried in absentia and may be dead, face charges including financing terrorism, membership in a terrorist organisation and supplying weapons to the perpetrators. The terror attack: The cartoon of Prophet Mohammed, printed as a satire by Charlie Hebdo, did not go down well with many people across the world and strongest of the reactions came from the Muslim quarters. On Jan. 7, 2015, the Kouachi brothers went on a killing spree in the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo Responsibility of the attack was claimed by Al-Qaeda. × The gunmen barged into Charlie Hebdo office as a weekly editorial meet was ongoing. The firing killed eight journalists. A guest at the editorial meet was killed as well. "Satire is not a discourse of hate," Reuters has quoted Macron as he said that satire did not necessarily convey hate. He made the statement in Beirut, Lebanon. France on high alert: Following Charlie Hebdo's decision to re-publish the controversial cartoon, French security agencies have given a high alert. Security forces across France are on the lookout for movements and activities that may lead to violent and even terrorist incidents. (With inputs from Reuters)

We have freedom of the press, says Macron on Charlie Hebdo row

On Jan. 7, 2015, the Kouachi brothers went on a killing spree in the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo, whose satire on race, religion and politics tested the limits of what society would accept in the name of free speech.

Trial of suspected Charlie Hebdo attack accomplices begins

For the first time, a female IPS officer has been appointed as Inspector General (IG) of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Srinagar sector, one of the terrorist-affected areas in Jammu and Kashmir.

Charu Sinha, IPS officer of the 1996-batch Telangana cadre, will now be heading the Srinagar sector for CRPF as the Inspector General. This is not the first time when she has been assigned such a tough task, earlier also, she had worked as IG, the Bihar sector in CRPF and has dealt with Naxals.

Under her leadership, various anti-Naxals operations were carried out. Later, she was transferred to IG Jammu in CRPF where she spent a long and successful tenure. On Monday, a fresh order came appointing her as the IG Srinagar sector.Current Director-General CRPF AP Maheshwari headed the Srinagar sector as IG in 2005.

The sector, which started functioning in 2005 never had a female officer at the IG level. This sector involved in anti-terror operations and closely work with the Indian Army along with Jammu and Kashmir police.

"Srinagar sector is located at Brein Nishat, Srinagar (J-K). It started functioning in 2005. Srinagar Sector has operational jurisdiction over three districts of J-K- Budgam, Ganderbal, and Srinagar and Union Territory of Ladakh," the CRPF said.

"It includes 2 ranges, 22 executive units, and 3 Mahila companies. Apart from it, Srinagar Sector has administrative control on Group Centre-Srinagar," the paramilitary force added.

Sinha will also be heading all operations involved in this sector.Besides this, 6 IPS officers and 4 senior cadre officers have also been transferred or inducted in CRPF. IPS officers Maheshwar Dayal (Jharkhand sector), PS Ranpise (Jammu sector), Raju Bhargava (Work) have been inducted into the CRPF.

PS Ranpise will replace Charu Sinha as head of the Jammu sector.Similarly, Rajesh Kumar who was heading operations Kashmir in the J-K zone has been transferred and Sanjay Kaushik will head the Dehradun sector.Others who have been transferred are Rakesh Kumar Yadav, RNS Bahad, and Pramod Kumar Pandey.&nbsp;

For the first time, a female IPS officer has been appointed as Inspector General (IG) of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Srinagar sector, one of the terrorist-affected areas in Jammu and Kashmir.

For the first time, a female IPS officer has been appointed as Inspector General (IG) of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Srinagar sector, one of the terrorist-affected areas in Jammu and Kashmir. Charu Sinha, IPS officer of the 1996-batch Telangana cadre, will now be heading the Srinagar sector for CRPF as the Inspector General. This is not the first time when she has been assigned such a tough task, earlier also, she had worked as IG, the Bihar sector in CRPF and has dealt with Naxals. Under her leadership, various anti-Naxals operations were carried out. Later, she was transferred to IG Jammu in CRPF where she spent a long and successful tenure. On Monday, a fresh order came appointing her as the IG Srinagar sector.Current Director-General CRPF AP Maheshwari headed the Srinagar sector as IG in 2005. The sector, which started functioning in 2005 never had a female officer at the IG level. This sector involved in anti-terror operations and closely work with the Indian Army along with Jammu and Kashmir police. "Srinagar sector is located at Brein Nishat, Srinagar (J-K). It started functioning in 2005. Srinagar Sector has operational jurisdiction over three districts of J-K- Budgam, Ganderbal, and Srinagar and Union Territory of Ladakh," the CRPF said. "It includes 2 ranges, 22 executive units, and 3 Mahila companies. Apart from it, Srinagar Sector has administrative control on Group Centre-Srinagar," the paramilitary force added. Sinha will also be heading all operations involved in this sector.Besides this, 6 IPS officers and 4 senior cadre officers have also been transferred or inducted in CRPF. IPS officers Maheshwar Dayal (Jharkhand sector), PS Ranpise (Jammu sector), Raju Bhargava (Work) have been inducted into the CRPF. PS Ranpise will replace Charu Sinha as head of the Jammu sector.Similarly, Rajesh Kumar who was heading operations Kashmir in the J-K zone has been transferred and Sanjay Kaushik will head the Dehradun sector.Others who have been transferred are Rakesh Kumar Yadav, RNS Bahad, and Pramod Kumar Pandey.

In a first, female IPS officer to head terrorist-hit Srinagar sector for CRPF

The trial for the January 2015 attacks on satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, police officers and a kosher supermarket opens in a Paris court Wednesday

5 years on, France to try suspects in Charlie Hebdo killings

Dawood Ibrahim is a designated international terrorist. He is the mastermind of 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts that killed 250 people. He runs huge racket of narcotics, betting, hawala and more. He is among most wanted criminals in India.

Even after all this, Dawood Ibrahim has evaded clutches of Indian agencies for decades. But had it not been for Pakistan's support, he would have been brought to justice long time ago. Indian agencies had detected long ago that Dawood stayed in a posh area of Karachi. He even enjoyed support and security from Pakistani Government. However, Pakistani Government has been falsely denying this.

Pakistan had to finally admit the obvious. And even the proof is out now. WION&nbsp;is in possession of information that irrefutably proves that Dawood lives in Karachi indeed.

Pakistan issues CNIC number to its citizens. CNIC number represents unique identity of each Pakistani. It is similar to Aadhaar number issued to Indians by Unique Identity Authority of India.

Dawood's CNIC number is 4 2 3 0 1-2 7 3 9 0 9 0 9.

What does Dawood's CNIC number signify?

Pakistan's CNIC number yields a lot of information. The first digit denotes the region where a person lives.

Number 1 denotes that the person stays in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Number 2 means that the citizen lives in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA)

Number 3 means the person lives in Punjab.

Number 4 means the CNIC card holder lives in Sindh (Karachi is capital of Sindh)

The numbers 5, 6 and 7 point towards residence in Baluchistan, Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Dawood's CNIC number starts with the digit 4. This puts him in Sindh province.

Second digit of the CNIC number denotes the division in the province. The third digit gives an idea about the Tehsil in the division and fourth tells us about the local union council the jurisdiction under which home of the person is located.

One glance at the CNIC number and we can easily determine that Dawood Ibrahim, the dreaded gangster and an international terrorist indeed has been residing in Karachi.

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Dawood Ibrahim's home address&nbsp;is D-13, Block 4, KDA Scheme 5, Clifton Karachi, Pakistan.

It is located in the Defence Housing Authority area in Karachi. The area is considered very safe as many high ranking Pakistan Army officials stay here. His house has been barricaded and even a defence pickett is located in the premises. This means Dawood has been living in complete security.

This has exposed lies of Pakistani establishment that claimed for decades that Dawood Ibrahim did not stay in Pakistan and that it did not ensure that he remained safe.

 
What forced Pakistan to admit?

Pakistan is already in the cross-hairs of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global watchdog that keeps an eye on terror financing. FATF has powers to impose sanctions.

It is well-known that Pakistan provides all sort of support to terrorists and their organisations. These terror outfits then wreak havoc in places like Jammu and Kashmir.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/pakistan-confirms-putting-dawood-ibrahims-name-in-new-terror-sanctions-322540">Pakistan confirms putting Dawood Ibrahim's name in new terror sanctions</a>

Pakistani activities brought it under the lens of FATF who put it under Grey List and asked it to take action against terrorists.

But Pakistan has famously been reluctant to eliminate terror network which it uses as 'tool of foreign policy'.

This compelled FATF to threaten Pakistan's inclusion in Black List that would have imposed economic sanctions on the country. This would have proved disastrous to Pakistani economy.

The cumulative pressure <a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/fatf-effect-pakistan-admits-1993-mumbai-serial-blasts-mastermind-dawood-ibrahim-resides-in-karachi-322451">forced Pakistan to admit</a> that Dawood stayed in Karachi.

The D-Company :

Dawood has been declared an international terrorist by India and the US. Dawood and his associates are masterminds of 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts that killed 250 people.

Dawood's empire is believed to be spread in West Asia, Europe to name few global regions. The D-Company has an extensive presence in international betting rackets, hawala transactions, money laundering and other illegal activities that even involve contract killings.

Law catches up with Dawood:

British authorities arrested some of Dawood's associates in 2018-2019. This included Haroon Aleem Yusuf, Ranjeet Singh Bindra and Jabeer Motiwala.

There is a possibility that the UK may extradite Jaber Motiwala to the US as he ran drug cartel and money laundering racket. A lower court has even ordered Motiwala's extradition.

WION has obtained exclusive information from questioning of Dawood's associates by British authorities. Even these exclusive bits of information say that Dawood has been living in Karachi and has been enjoying protection from Pakistan.

In spite of all this, Pakistan has not included Dawood's name in its list of terrorists. Pakistan's National Counter Terrorism Authority, which reports to Imran Khan, has not included Dawood in this list.

 
More proof of Dawood's stay in Pakistan :

WION has obtained details of properties and bank accounts of Dawood Ibrahim and his family. Dawood Ibrahim has a number of passports issued under various aliases.

Though the names change, all passports mention that Dawood stayed in Pakistan.

Another proof is Dawood's wife's passport. The don's wife Mahjabeen Shaikh looks after his business. Shaikh's passport has her CNIC number which again, is associated with Dawood's house in Clifton Karachi.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Dawood Ibrahim is a designated international terrorist. He is the mastermind of 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts that killed 250 people. He runs huge racket of narcotics, betting, hawala and more.

Dawood Ibrahim is a designated international terrorist. He is the mastermind of 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts that killed 250 people. He runs huge racket of narcotics, betting, hawala and more. He is among most wanted criminals in India. Even after all this, Dawood Ibrahim has evaded clutches of Indian agencies for decades. But had it not been for Pakistan's support, he would have been brought to justice long time ago. Indian agencies had detected long ago that Dawood stayed in a posh area of Karachi. He even enjoyed support and security from Pakistani Government. However, Pakistani Government has been falsely denying this. Pakistan had to finally admit the obvious. And even the proof is out now. WION is in possession of information that irrefutably proves that Dawood lives in Karachi indeed. Pakistan issues CNIC number to its citizens. CNIC number represents unique identity of each Pakistani. It is similar to Aadhaar number issued to Indians by Unique Identity Authority of India. Dawood's CNIC number is 4 2 3 0 1-2 7 3 9 0 9 0 9. What does Dawood's CNIC number signify? Pakistan's CNIC number yields a lot of information. The first digit denotes the region where a person lives. Number 1 denotes that the person stays in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Number 2 means that the citizen lives in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) Number 3 means the person lives in Punjab. Number 4 means the CNIC card holder lives in Sindh (Karachi is capital of Sindh) The numbers 5, 6 and 7 point towards residence in Baluchistan, Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan. Dawood's CNIC number starts with the digit 4. This puts him in Sindh province. Second digit of the CNIC number denotes the division in the province. The third digit gives an idea about the Tehsil in the division and fourth tells us about the local union council the jurisdiction under which home of the person is located. One glance at the CNIC number and we can easily determine that Dawood Ibrahim, the dreaded gangster and an international terrorist indeed has been residing in Karachi. × Dawood Ibrahim's home address is D-13, Block 4, KDA Scheme 5, Clifton Karachi, Pakistan. It is located in the Defence Housing Authority area in Karachi. The area is considered very safe as many high ranking Pakistan Army officials stay here. His house has been barricaded and even a defence pickett is located in the premises. This means Dawood has been living in complete security. This has exposed lies of Pakistani establishment that claimed for decades that Dawood Ibrahim did not stay in Pakistan and that it did not ensure that he remained safe. What forced Pakistan to admit? Pakistan is already in the cross-hairs of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global watchdog that keeps an eye on terror financing. FATF has powers to impose sanctions. It is well-known that Pakistan provides all sort of support to terrorists and their organisations. These terror outfits then wreak havoc in places like Jammu and Kashmir. Also Read: Pakistan confirms putting Dawood Ibrahim's name in new terror sanctions Pakistani activities brought it under the lens of FATF who put it under Grey List and asked it to take action against terrorists. But Pakistan has famously been reluctant to eliminate terror network which it uses as 'tool of foreign policy'. This compelled FATF to threaten Pakistan's inclusion in Black List that would have imposed economic sanctions on the country. This would have proved disastrous to Pakistani economy. The cumulative pressure forced Pakistan to admit that Dawood stayed in Karachi. The D-Company : Dawood has been declared an international terrorist by India and the US. Dawood and his associates are masterminds of 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts that killed 250 people. Dawood's empire is believed to be spread in West Asia, Europe to name few global regions. The D-Company has an extensive presence in international betting rackets, hawala transactions, money laundering and other illegal activities that even involve contract killings. Law catches up with Dawood: British authorities arrested some of Dawood's associates in 2018-2019. This included Haroon Aleem Yusuf, Ranjeet Singh Bindra and Jabeer Motiwala. There is a possibility that the UK may extradite Jaber Motiwala to the US as he ran drug cartel and money laundering racket. A lower court has even ordered Motiwala's extradition. WION has obtained exclusive information from questioning of Dawood's associates by British authorities. Even these exclusive bits of information say that Dawood has been living in Karachi and has been enjoying protection from Pakistan. In spite of all this, Pakistan has not included Dawood's name in its list of terrorists. Pakistan's National Counter Terrorism Authority, which reports to Imran Khan, has not included Dawood in this list. More proof of Dawood's stay in Pakistan : WION has obtained details of properties and bank accounts of Dawood Ibrahim and his family. Dawood Ibrahim has a number of passports issued under various aliases. Though the names change, all passports mention that Dawood stayed in Pakistan. Another proof is Dawood's wife's passport. The don's wife Mahjabeen Shaikh looks after his business. Shaikh's passport has her CNIC number which again, is associated with Dawood's house in Clifton Karachi.

Exclusive: Here's the proof that Mumbai blasts mastermind Dawood Ibrahim lives in Pakistan

In a major setback to Prime Minister Imran Khan, the US&nbsp;is probing Pakistanis who were fighting for the Islamic State in Syria.

At least 29 Pakistanis have been caught by the US-backed Kurdish-Syrian democratic forces, and nine of them are women. They are all being interrogated by the US.

The interrogations will focus on&nbsp;who sent them to fight for the Islamic State, their previous affiliations&nbsp;with terror groups in Pakistan and if they have links with Pakistan's secret agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/flash-floods-ravage-region-around-kabul-at-least-46-dead-in-afghanistan-323178">Also read:&nbsp;Flash floods ravage region around Kabul, at least 46 dead in Afghanistan</a>

For Prime Minister Imran Khan, this is another embarrassment and&nbsp;it has come at the worst possible time. In October, the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) is set to review Pakistan's record.

The FATF is a terror financing watchdog, and Pakistan has been on its grey list. It should be in the black list, but countries such as China, Turkey and Malaysia save Pakistan from that, so it remains in the grey list.

Pakistan wants to step out of this grey list but&nbsp;revelations like these&nbsp;will make sure it stays where it is.

Meanwhile, the people of Pakistan are worried as the floods are destroying their houses and resources. Heavy rains have killed at least 90 people and damaged 1,000 homes across the country. The city of Karachi is living under water. The locals are frustratedwith the government as this happens&nbsp;every monsoon season.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/heavy-monsoon-rains-trigger-flash-floods-in-afghanistan-and-pakistan-323241">Have a look:&nbsp;Heavy monsoon rains trigger flash floods in Afghanistan and Pakistan</a>

Three days of monsoon rains have left Pakistan flooded with more than 90 fatalities, and thousands of homes destroyed.

Nearly 23 people have been declared dead in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,&nbsp;15 are dead in Baluchistan, eight have died&nbsp;in Pakistan's Punjab, and&nbsp;13 reported dead elsewhere in Pakistan, including three in Pak-occupied Kashmir.

The province of Sindh is the worst affected where 31 have been declared dead.

31 dead --- in the annual monsoon deluge.

"You can see there is havoc. People are so annoyed. No vehicle can pass through the streets as all ways are inundated. We appeal to the government that must do something and clean storm nullahs (storm water drains) so the people would take a breath of relief," a local said.

At least eight people have died in Karachi alone, mostly due to electrocution and drowning.

To top this, now, sewage water is flooding homes in low-lying areas. Earlier this month, troops helped pump out rainwater, and this time disaster relief is yet to arrive.

Locals have alleged that the residents have had to save their homes, resources and their families on their own with no help from the government.

Every year, many cities 'go under' after heavy rains due to poor city planning. In the case of Karachi, it is due to outdated sewage systems.

In a major setback to Prime Minister Imran Khan, the US is probing Pakistanis who were fighting for the Islamic State in Syria. At least 29 Pakistanis have been caught by the US-backed Kurdish-Syrian democratic forces, and nine of them are women.

In a major setback to Prime Minister Imran Khan, the US is probing Pakistanis who were fighting for the Islamic State in Syria. At least 29 Pakistanis have been caught by the US-backed Kurdish-Syrian democratic forces, and nine of them are women. They are all being interrogated by the US. The interrogations will focus on who sent them to fight for the Islamic State, their previous affiliations with terror groups in Pakistan and if they have links with Pakistan's secret agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Also read: Flash floods ravage region around Kabul, at least 46 dead in Afghanistan For Prime Minister Imran Khan, this is another embarrassment and it has come at the worst possible time. In October, the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) is set to review Pakistan's record. The FATF is a terror financing watchdog, and Pakistan has been on its grey list. It should be in the black list, but countries such as China, Turkey and Malaysia save Pakistan from that, so it remains in the grey list. Pakistan wants to step out of this grey list but revelations like these will make sure it stays where it is. Meanwhile, the people of Pakistan are worried as the floods are destroying their houses and resources. Heavy rains have killed at least 90 people and damaged 1,000 homes across the country. The city of Karachi is living under water. The locals are frustratedwith the government as this happens every monsoon season. Have a look: Heavy monsoon rains trigger flash floods in Afghanistan and Pakistan Three days of monsoon rains have left Pakistan flooded with more than 90 fatalities, and thousands of homes destroyed. Nearly 23 people have been declared dead in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 15 are dead in Baluchistan, eight have died in Pakistan's Punjab, and 13 reported dead elsewhere in Pakistan, including three in Pak-occupied Kashmir. The province of Sindh is the worst affected where 31 have been declared dead. 31 dead --- in the annual monsoon deluge. "You can see there is havoc. People are so annoyed. No vehicle can pass through the streets as all ways are inundated. We appeal to the government that must do something and clean storm nullahs (storm water drains) so the people would take a breath of relief," a local said. At least eight people have died in Karachi alone, mostly due to electrocution and drowning. To top this, now, sewage water is flooding homes in low-lying areas. Earlier this month, troops helped pump out rainwater, and this time disaster relief is yet to arrive. Locals have alleged that the residents have had to save their homes, resources and their families on their own with no help from the government. Every year, many cities 'go under' after heavy rains due to poor city planning. In the case of Karachi, it is due to outdated sewage systems.

Monsoon floods, Pakistani terrorists in Syria: Troubles for Imran Khan increase

The United States has started investigating Pakistani's role in the Islamic State movement in Syria after the&nbsp;Kurd Syrian Democratic Forces released a list of 29 names of Paksitanis are in custody.

This can, as per experts, complicate things for the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who is already stuck in the damage caused by his unsuccessful attempt to get two important FATF-linked legislations enacted

The list includes names of four Pakistanis who claim to have citizenship of countries such as Turkey and Sudan.&nbsp;Nine out of the 29 terrorists are women fighters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-urges-taliban-leaders-to-start-peace-talks-323092">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan urges Taliban leaders to start peace talks</a>

The terrorists are being interrogated about their mission and their past connections with various terrorist groups.&nbsp;“The American security forces are currently interrogating these Pakistani nationals including who sent them to fight for IS in Syria and their past affiliations with terrorist groups like the Al Qaida or any other pan-Islamic group based in Pakistan. As the Pakistani deep state is involved with the so-called Islamic State of Khorasan Province in Afghanistan, the interrogation will also reveal its role if any,” said a counter-terror official in know of the list.

The terrorists were in Syria to fight for the so-called Islamic State, which is an ultra-onservative radical Sunni movement in Iraq and Syria, and has increased in the past decade.

Reports claim the terrorists are freelancers as the Islamic State does not hold any territory&nbsp;in Iraq or Syria.

The United States has started investigating Pakistani's role in the Islamic State movement in Syria after the Kurd Syrian Democratic Forces released a list of 29 names of Paksitanis are in custody.

The United States has started investigating Pakistani's role in the Islamic State movement in Syria after the Kurd Syrian Democratic Forces released a list of 29 names of Paksitanis are in custody. This can, as per experts, complicate things for the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who is already stuck in the damage caused by his unsuccessful attempt to get two important FATF-linked legislations enacted The list includes names of four Pakistanis who claim to have citizenship of countries such as Turkey and Sudan. Nine out of the 29 terrorists are women fighters. Also read: Pakistan urges Taliban leaders to start peace talks The terrorists are being interrogated about their mission and their past connections with various terrorist groups. “The American security forces are currently interrogating these Pakistani nationals including who sent them to fight for IS in Syria and their past affiliations with terrorist groups like the Al Qaida or any other pan-Islamic group based in Pakistan. As the Pakistani deep state is involved with the so-called Islamic State of Khorasan Province in Afghanistan, the interrogation will also reveal its role if any,” said a counter-terror official in know of the list. The terrorists were in Syria to fight for the so-called Islamic State, which is an ultra-onservative radical Sunni movement in Iraq and Syria, and has increased in the past decade. Reports claim the terrorists are freelancers as the Islamic State does not hold any territory in Iraq or Syria.

US starts investigating 9 Pakistani terrorists held in Syria

Sudan's government officials said on Sunday that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit the African country in coming days. Also read: Trump's sister calls him 'cruel' in audio recorded by niece, says report Since overthrowing its former leader Omar al-Bashir in April 2019, Sudan has been trying to improve its ties with the United States.

Sudan's government officials said on Sunday that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit the African country in coming days. Also read: Trump's sister calls him 'cruel' in audio recorded by niece, says report Since overthrowing its former leader Omar al-Bashir in April 2019, Sudan has been trying to improve its ties with the United States. However, the African country still seeks removal from a list of countries the US considers as state sponsors of terrorism. Mike Pompeo is due to visit Israel and the United Arab Emirates on Monday and Tuesday following a peace accord between the two countries this month to forge full relations. Also read: 'America loves India': Trump campaign releases commercial for Indian-Americans The Sudanese official who chose to stay anonymous refused to give details of Pompeo's visit. Sudan's transitional military-civilian ruling council and the government of technocrats have kept ending terrorism listing as its top priority. Sudan has been listed since 1993 that makes the country, struggling with a deep economic crisis, technically ineligible for debt relief and financing from international lenders. According to a senior government source, significant progress was expected on the issue in the coming weeks. In February, the head of Sudan's ruling council met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but cast doubt on any rapid normalisation of ties. Sudan sacked its foreign ministry spokesman this week after he called the UAE's decision to become the third Arab country to normalise relations with Israel "a brave and bold step". (Inputs from Reuters)

Mike Pompeo to visit Sudan in coming days: Sudanese government officials

Afghanistan started releasing Taliban prisoners on Friday the final hurdle in long-delayed peace talks between the two warring sides, even as President Ashraf Ghani warned they were a "danger to the world".

The "loya jirga" — the traditional gathering of tribal elders and other prominent citizens called by Ghani — approved the release to pave the way for talks and a possible ceasefire. 
The list of prisoners being released consists of few of very "high-profile" criminals who are guilty of some of the biggest tragedies of the world.

Considering such cases, France has objected to and protested against the release of three men who were jailed for the murders of French nationals in Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-authorities-begin-release-of-dangerous-taliban-prisoners-320396">Also read:&nbsp;Afghan authorities begin release of 'dangerous' Taliban prisoners</a>

The group of prisoners being released include two men who murdered a French national&nbsp;Bettina Goislard, an employee of the UN refugee agency, in the eastern city of Ghazni on November 16, 2003, and a former Afghan soldier who killed five French troops and injured 13 others in 2012 in Kapisa province.

France's Foreign Ministry issued a statement that said France is "firmly opposed to the liberation of individuals sentenced for crimes against French nationals, especially soldiers and humanitarian workers who served with dedication at the side of our Afghan partners for the security and assistance of people in need."&nbsp;

"We have consequently asked Afghan authorities not to proceed with the liberation of these terrorists," the statement continued.

Bettina Goislard's family also opposed the move.

The Taliban and Afghan government will be meeting days few days after the prisoner release is completed. The Afghan government faced huge criticism for the decision of releasing Talibani prisoners involved in attacks&nbsp;that killed scores of Afghans and foreigners.

Afghanistan started releasing Taliban prisoners on Friday the final hurdle in long-delayed peace talks between the two warring sides, even as President Ashraf Ghani warned they were a "danger to the world".

Afghanistan started releasing Taliban prisoners on Friday the final hurdle in long-delayed peace talks between the two warring sides, even as President Ashraf Ghani warned they were a "danger to the world". The "loya jirga" — the traditional gathering of tribal elders and other prominent citizens called by Ghani — approved the release to pave the way for talks and a possible ceasefire. The list of prisoners being released consists of few of very "high-profile" criminals who are guilty of some of the biggest tragedies of the world. Considering such cases, France has objected to and protested against the release of three men who were jailed for the murders of French nationals in Afghanistan. Also read: Afghan authorities begin release of 'dangerous' Taliban prisoners The group of prisoners being released include two men who murdered a French national Bettina Goislard, an employee of the UN refugee agency, in the eastern city of Ghazni on November 16, 2003, and a former Afghan soldier who killed five French troops and injured 13 others in 2012 in Kapisa province. France's Foreign Ministry issued a statement that said France is "firmly opposed to the liberation of individuals sentenced for crimes against French nationals, especially soldiers and humanitarian workers who served with dedication at the side of our Afghan partners for the security and assistance of people in need." "We have consequently asked Afghan authorities not to proceed with the liberation of these terrorists," the statement continued. Bettina Goislard's family also opposed the move. The Taliban and Afghan government will be meeting days few days after the prisoner release is completed. The Afghan government faced huge criticism for the decision of releasing Talibani prisoners involved in attacks that killed scores of Afghans and foreigners.

Paris protests release of Taliban prisoners who killed French nationals

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