Pakistan’s desperation to engage India in talks is palpable. It is not just geo-strategic compulsions prompting its leadership to restart diplomatic parleys, but that country’s collapsing economy that has triggered this response. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on the sidelines of the SCO summit, Pakistan had tried to use Chinese President Xi Jinping to persuade India for holding bilateral talks but Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not budge from the official Indian position of not holding talks until Pakistan dismantles its terrorist infrastructure.

Already, tottering under unprecedented economic crisis, Pakistan cannot afford international sanctions against it. FATF has kept it on its watch list and any terrorist action will weaken its case.&nbsp;

The IAF strike on the Balakot terrorist training camp represents a paradigm shift in the Indian policy of dealing with Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.&nbsp;

Since the creation of Pakistan, that country has been trying to snatch Jammu and Kashmir by all means possible. It sent its armed forces personnel in the garb of tribals in 1947, repeated the act code-named Operation Gibraltar in 1965 followed by a full-fledged war. However, with 1971’s decisive defeat and dismemberment, it changed its policy towards India. Pakistan devised a two-pronged strategy to implement its agenda of breaking India.&nbsp;

Its infamous spy agency ISI started training and arming terrorist outfits to foment trouble in Punjab and Jammu &amp; Kashmir in particular and other states in general.&nbsp;

Simultaneously, it created a nuclear bogey to threaten India. Any talk of a befitting response to Pakistani terrorist activities was met with the Generals and their puppet civilian rulers saying that the nuclear arsenal has not been kept for use in Shab-e-Baraat!&nbsp;

Unfortunately, India’s erstwhile political leadership could not adequately counter Pakistan’s hollow threats. Today, Pakistan masterminding terrorist strikes on Indian soil, using threats of using nuclear blackmail, has changed forever.&nbsp;

When the IAF crossed the LoC and bombed Balakot’s terrorist hub, the message had been delivered loud and clear: the days when the blood of Indian patriots were spilled every now and then, was over; henceforth the response will be befitting.&nbsp;

PM Narendra Modi, in unambiguous terms, told Pakistan that India’s nuclear weapons have not been kept to be used as crackers on Diwali! In all practical terms, the Rubicon had been crossed.&nbsp;

Pakistan is not likely to roll back its terrorist grooming programme. From the Pakistani perspective, covert warfare is the best tool to deal with India.

On a cost-benefit analysis, creating and maintaining jihadis and ultras come at almost no cost. It just needs to provide political support and rest everything is taken care of by the groups themselves.

Ideological training is provided in the religious seminaries or tanzeems, which are funded by raising donations from the public. Billions of Pakistani rupees are raised by these tanzeems and the funds are channelised for training camps and to buy arms.

Finding fidayeen volunteers in Jammu &amp; Kashmir is going to be increasingly difficult for Pakistan’s ISI because of the Modi government’s no-nonsense Kashmir policy.

Saraiki-speaking southern areas of Pakistani Punjab, namely Multan and Jhang are flush with seminaries, which are imparting religious training to indoctrinate the youth. &nbsp;

These areas, historically, have been ideal hunting ground for jihadi tanzeems. Unless there is a conscientious check on them, thoughts of reining in terrorist outfits, are a pipedream.&nbsp;

Steps taken by the Pakistani government to show that it is winding up its terrorist infrastructure are cosmetic. The country is in dire economic straits and needs IMF funds. Naturally, it has to portray its clean image to the world.&nbsp;

Given Pakistan’s strategic over-reliance on jihadi terrorism, India should continue with its policy of no-talks until tangible results of winding up of terror infrastructure are visible.&nbsp;

Indian diplomats have left no stone unturned, in the past few years, to internationally isolate Pakistan on the terror front. Today, any talks, however small, will negate diplomatic benefits.

Pakistan has always tried to discuss only Kashmir, whenever bilateral talks have taken place between the two countries in the past. When Jammu &amp; Kashmir is an integral part of this country, what is there to discuss?

If Kashmir is ever discussed in the future - only after Pakistan’s sincerity towards winding up its terrorist agenda is visible - India should only discuss the issue of getting back its territories under Pakistan’s illegal occupation, which have been handed over to China, like Gilgit, Hunza and Baltistan, through which runs the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. 
 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-don-t-talk-to-pakistan-until-it-dismantles-terror-facilities-2772031">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Pakistan’s desperation to engage India in talks is palpable. It is not just geo-strategic compulsions prompting its leadership to restart diplomatic parleys, but that country’s collapsing economy that has triggered this response.

Pakistan’s desperation to engage India in talks is palpable. It is not just geo-strategic compulsions prompting its leadership to restart diplomatic parleys, but that country’s collapsing economy that has triggered this response. In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on the sidelines of the SCO summit, Pakistan had tried to use Chinese President Xi Jinping to persuade India for holding bilateral talks but Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not budge from the official Indian position of not holding talks until Pakistan dismantles its terrorist infrastructure. Already, tottering under unprecedented economic crisis, Pakistan cannot afford international sanctions against it. FATF has kept it on its watch list and any terrorist action will weaken its case. The IAF strike on the Balakot terrorist training camp represents a paradigm shift in the Indian policy of dealing with Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Since the creation of Pakistan, that country has been trying to snatch Jammu and Kashmir by all means possible. It sent its armed forces personnel in the garb of tribals in 1947, repeated the act code-named Operation Gibraltar in 1965 followed by a full-fledged war. However, with 1971’s decisive defeat and dismemberment, it changed its policy towards India. Pakistan devised a two-pronged strategy to implement its agenda of breaking India. Its infamous spy agency ISI started training and arming terrorist outfits to foment trouble in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir in particular and other states in general. Simultaneously, it created a nuclear bogey to threaten India. Any talk of a befitting response to Pakistani terrorist activities was met with the Generals and their puppet civilian rulers saying that the nuclear arsenal has not been kept for use in Shab-e-Baraat! Unfortunately, India’s erstwhile political leadership could not adequately counter Pakistan’s hollow threats. Today, Pakistan masterminding terrorist strikes on Indian soil, using threats of using nuclear blackmail, has changed forever. When the IAF crossed the LoC and bombed Balakot’s terrorist hub, the message had been delivered loud and clear: the days when the blood of Indian patriots were spilled every now and then, was over; henceforth the response will be befitting. PM Narendra Modi, in unambiguous terms, told Pakistan that India’s nuclear weapons have not been kept to be used as crackers on Diwali! In all practical terms, the Rubicon had been crossed. Pakistan is not likely to roll back its terrorist grooming programme. From the Pakistani perspective, covert warfare is the best tool to deal with India. On a cost-benefit analysis, creating and maintaining jihadis and ultras come at almost no cost. It just needs to provide political support and rest everything is taken care of by the groups themselves. Ideological training is provided in the religious seminaries or tanzeems, which are funded by raising donations from the public. Billions of Pakistani rupees are raised by these tanzeems and the funds are channelised for training camps and to buy arms. Finding fidayeen volunteers in Jammu & Kashmir is going to be increasingly difficult for Pakistan’s ISI because of the Modi government’s no-nonsense Kashmir policy. Saraiki-speaking southern areas of Pakistani Punjab, namely Multan and Jhang are flush with seminaries, which are imparting religious training to indoctrinate the youth. These areas, historically, have been ideal hunting ground for jihadi tanzeems. Unless there is a conscientious check on them, thoughts of reining in terrorist outfits, are a pipedream. Steps taken by the Pakistani government to show that it is winding up its terrorist infrastructure are cosmetic. The country is in dire economic straits and needs IMF funds. Naturally, it has to portray its clean image to the world. Given Pakistan’s strategic over-reliance on jihadi terrorism, India should continue with its policy of no-talks until tangible results of winding up of terror infrastructure are visible. Indian diplomats have left no stone unturned, in the past few years, to internationally isolate Pakistan on the terror front. Today, any talks, however small, will negate diplomatic benefits. Pakistan has always tried to discuss only Kashmir, whenever bilateral talks have taken place between the two countries in the past. When Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of this country, what is there to discuss? If Kashmir is ever discussed in the future - only after Pakistan’s sincerity towards winding up its terrorist agenda is visible - India should only discuss the issue of getting back its territories under Pakistan’s illegal occupation, which have been handed over to China, like Gilgit, Hunza and Baltistan, through which runs the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Don’t talk to Pakistan until it dismantles terror facilities

Activist Heckles Pakistan Foreign Minister In London, Says Pakistan Forced His Tweets To Be Deleted. You don't have to be a journalist in Pakistan to be targetted by Imran Khan's dictatorial regime. An activist from Canada heckles Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in London. The exchange goes viral and raises several questions about the state of democracy and free press in Pakistan. Palki summarises.

Gravitas: Activist heckles Pak foreign minister, shows a mirror to Imran Khan govt

The Lok Sabha on Monday took up the discussion on an amendment bill that seeks to strengthen the National Investigation Agency (NIA) by empowering it to probe offences committed outside India against Indian citizens or affecting the interests of India.

Moving the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-attaches-properties-of-kashmiri-separatist-leader-asiya-andrabi-in-srinagar-234540"> National Investigation Agency</a> (Amendment) Bill, 2019 for consideration and passage in the House, Minister of State for Home G&nbsp;Kishan Reddy said that terrorism is a dangerous problem and senior leaders have been victims.

The Bill seeks to amend the NIA Act, 2008.

Reddy said that terrorists outside India had been making efforts to target India.

He said that there should be an agency to probe cases if Indian embassies, its flights or non-resident Indians are targetted by terrorists and the Bill seeks to provide such powers to NIA.

The minister said that NIA probes have yielded good results and out of the 272 cases registered, judgment has been delivered in 52 cases, while there is a conviction in 46 other cases.

"There has been a conviction in big cases. There have been 90 per cent conviction," Reddy said.

The union minister said that special courts have been constituted to decide cases probed by NIA but there is some delay if a judge is transferred, promoted or retires.

&nbsp;He added that the process is being simplified to avoid delay and expedite the trial process.

The Bill also seeks to strengthen powers of NIA in cases involving explosives and the responsibility in cases of human trafficking will be given to the investigation agency, Reddy said.

He stressed that the agency will be empowered to probe cases involving `prohibited arms` and powers in handling cases of cyber-terrorism will be strengthened.

Reddy said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed that there will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/infiltration-in-jammu-and-kashmir-reduced-by-43-after-balakot-airstrike-says-government-234382">zero tolerance in terrorism cases</a>.

Urging members to support the Bill, the union minister said it has been brought in the interests of the country.&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha on Monday took up the discussion on an amendment bill that seeks to strengthen the National Investigation Agency (NIA) by empowering it to probe offences committed outside India against Indian citizens or affecting the interests of India.

The Lok Sabha on Monday took up the discussion on an amendment bill that seeks to strengthen the National Investigation Agency (NIA) by empowering it to probe offences committed outside India against Indian citizens or affecting the interests of India. Moving the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019 for consideration and passage in the House, Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said that terrorism is a dangerous problem and senior leaders have been victims. The Bill seeks to amend the NIA Act, 2008. Reddy said that terrorists outside India had been making efforts to target India. He said that there should be an agency to probe cases if Indian embassies, its flights or non-resident Indians are targetted by terrorists and the Bill seeks to provide such powers to NIA. The minister said that NIA probes have yielded good results and out of the 272 cases registered, judgment has been delivered in 52 cases, while there is a conviction in 46 other cases. "There has been a conviction in big cases. There have been 90 per cent conviction," Reddy said. The union minister said that special courts have been constituted to decide cases probed by NIA but there is some delay if a judge is transferred, promoted or retires. He added that the process is being simplified to avoid delay and expedite the trial process. The Bill also seeks to strengthen powers of NIA in cases involving explosives and the responsibility in cases of human trafficking will be given to the investigation agency, Reddy said. He stressed that the agency will be empowered to probe cases involving `prohibited arms` and powers in handling cases of cyber-terrorism will be strengthened. Reddy said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed that there will be zero tolerance in terrorism cases. Urging members to support the Bill, the union minister said it has been brought in the interests of the country.

Lok Sabha takes up Bill seeking to strengthen powers of National Investigation Agency

Home-made explosives found on the day the Tour de France was launched in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-building-in-brussels-evacuated-over-bomb-threat-204327">Brussels</a> belonged to an "unstable" former Russian soldier who died in 2011, prosecutors said Thursday.

A worker found a stash of weapons Saturday in the step of a stairway of a building near where cyclists raced.

"The bag containing explosives, knives, and brass knuckles belonged to a man, G.A., a former Russian soldier who was born in 1965 and died in 2011," the Brussels prosecutor's office said.

It said the stash was found in the first step of the stairway leading to the landing where the Russian's apartment was located in the Anderlecht neighborhood.

The building's owner told investigators that the Russian was known to possess knives in the 2000s and was "mentally unstable and inclined to paranoia," the prosecutors said.

Fingerprints of the man, who was only identified by his initials, were also found on the cellophane tape covering one of the knives, they added.

The prosecutor's office said it intended to close the case given that the man died in 2011.&nbsp;

It added there was no link to the "festive events" at the weekend or to the country's terrorism cases. &nbsp;

Belgium has been hit by several Islamist extremist attacks, the worst being suicide bombings on March 22, 2016, at Brussels airport and a city metro station that killed 32 people and wounded hundreds of others.

Security was high for the Tour de France, an epic three-week cycling competition around France, which was launched from the cobbled streets of Brussels on Saturday.

Home-made explosives found on the day the Tour de France was launched in Brussels belonged to an "unstable" former Russian soldier who died in 2011, prosecutors said Thursday.

Home-made explosives found on the day the Tour de France was launched in Brussels belonged to an "unstable" former Russian soldier who died in 2011, prosecutors said Thursday. A worker found a stash of weapons Saturday in the step of a stairway of a building near where cyclists raced. "The bag containing explosives, knives, and brass knuckles belonged to a man, G.A., a former Russian soldier who was born in 1965 and died in 2011," the Brussels prosecutor's office said. It said the stash was found in the first step of the stairway leading to the landing where the Russian's apartment was located in the Anderlecht neighborhood. The building's owner told investigators that the Russian was known to possess knives in the 2000s and was "mentally unstable and inclined to paranoia," the prosecutors said. Fingerprints of the man, who was only identified by his initials, were also found on the cellophane tape covering one of the knives, they added. The prosecutor's office said it intended to close the case given that the man died in 2011. It added there was no link to the "festive events" at the weekend or to the country's terrorism cases. Belgium has been hit by several Islamist extremist attacks, the worst being suicide bombings on March 22, 2016, at Brussels airport and a city metro station that killed 32 people and wounded hundreds of others. Security was high for the Tour de France, an epic three-week cycling competition around France, which was launched from the cobbled streets of Brussels on Saturday.

Explosives found in Brussels belonged to ex-Russian soldier: Official

Terrorists shot at a civilian in the Chandhara area in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-terrorists-attack-police-station-in-pulwama-civilians-injured-228416">Awantipora</a> here on Monday evening.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-based-terrorists-joining-hands-with-afghan-outfits-after-balakot-strike-sources-233866">Terrorists</a> fired on a civilian identified as Mohammad Rafiq Rather, son of Ghulam Mohammad resident of Chandhara.

He received gunshot injuries in this incident and was evacuated to the hospital for medical treatment.

Police have registered a case.

Officers from the local police unit arrived at the spot and are investigating the circumstances of this terror crime. 
&nbsp;

Terrorists shot at a civilian in the Chandhara area in Awantipora here on Monday evening. Terrorists fired on a civilian identified as Mohammad Rafiq Rather, son of Ghulam Mohammad resident of Chandhara.

Terrorists shot at a civilian in the Chandhara area in Awantipora here on Monday evening. Terrorists fired on a civilian identified as Mohammad Rafiq Rather, son of Ghulam Mohammad resident of Chandhara. He received gunshot injuries in this incident and was evacuated to the hospital for medical treatment. Police have registered a case. Officers from the local police unit arrived at the spot and are investigating the circumstances of this terror crime.

Civilian shot at by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir

Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik on Wednesday informed the Lok Sabha that the country's armed forces were in all readiness to deal with any challenges.

The minister, who was responding to questions in the Lok Sabha, said: "Based on threat assessment and security imperatives, the government constantly reviews the national security scenario and takes steps to induct appropriate defence."

"The equipment procurement is a continuous process. Highest priority is accorded to optimally equip the armed forces and keep them in a state of readiness," he said.

Naik was responding to questions asked by Members of Parliament Khagen Murmu and Dr Sukanta Majumdar.

They wanted to know if the US has approved the sale of armed drones to India and if the US has also offered integrated air and missile defence systems to India. They had also asked if a deal for the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS-II) with the US were also underway.

Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik on Wednesday informed the Lok Sabha that the country's armed forces were in all readiness to deal with any challenges.

Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik on Wednesday informed the Lok Sabha that the country's armed forces were in all readiness to deal with any challenges. The minister, who was responding to questions in the Lok Sabha, said: "Based on threat assessment and security imperatives, the government constantly reviews the national security scenario and takes steps to induct appropriate defence." "The equipment procurement is a continuous process. Highest priority is accorded to optimally equip the armed forces and keep them in a state of readiness," he said. Naik was responding to questions asked by Members of Parliament Khagen Murmu and Dr Sukanta Majumdar. They wanted to know if the US has approved the sale of armed drones to India and if the US has also offered integrated air and missile defence systems to India. They had also asked if a deal for the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS-II) with the US were also underway.

Facilitating armed forces' readiness is top priority of government: MoS for Defence Naik

A total of 800 terrorists were eliminated by the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir during 2014-18, the Central government informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

"The security forces are combating the terrorist activities both along the LoC by eliminating the infiltration bids and in the hinterland by carrying out counterterrorist operations and responding to terrorist initiated incidents," 
 
Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik said in reply to the question of BJP MP Nitesh Ganga Deb.&nbsp;

Giving details of the number of terrorists eliminated in different years, the minister said that 104 terrorists were killed in 2014, 97 in 2015, 140 in 2016, 210 in 2017, and 249 in 2018. 
 
"Sustained synergised operations conducted by security forces have resulted in the elimination of a large number of terrorists," he said. 
 
This year too, in the first six months, security forces have eliminated more than 100 terrorists in the hinterland.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A total of 800 terrorists were eliminated by the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir during 2014-18, the Central government informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

A total of 800 terrorists were eliminated by the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir during 2014-18, the Central government informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. "The security forces are combating the terrorist activities both along the LoC by eliminating the infiltration bids and in the hinterland by carrying out counterterrorist operations and responding to terrorist initiated incidents," Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik said in reply to the question of BJP MP Nitesh Ganga Deb. Giving details of the number of terrorists eliminated in different years, the minister said that 104 terrorists were killed in 2014, 97 in 2015, 140 in 2016, 210 in 2017, and 249 in 2018. "Sustained synergised operations conducted by security forces have resulted in the elimination of a large number of terrorists," he said. This year too, in the first six months, security forces have eliminated more than 100 terrorists in the hinterland.

800 terrorists killed in last five years in J&K: Government

Even by diplomatic standards, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-puts-forward-five-point-approach-to-tackle-challenges-like-unilateralism-protectionism-at-g20-summit-in-japans-osaka-231060">the first day of the G20 Summit</a> was not only hectic but showed how India was a sought after country at the event in Osaka.

The two trilaterals - JAI - between Japan, America, India and RIC - between Russia, India, China showed how India was the common factor in the two groupings.

The JAI meeting, that happened in the morning, saw PM Modi talking about the Indo Pacific region. PM said, " JAI means victory... we have a common interest on the Indo Pacific".

This is the second meet of JAI, the first happened in Argentina last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

The RIC meeting saw PM recalling the RIC foreign ministers' meet earlier this year where the focus was on "counter-terrorism, international hot-spot issues, reformed multilateralism, climate change".

RIC discussed global trading regimes and need for rules-based trading order and support for the WTO reforms while slamming protectionism. Remember, two members of the RIC, India and China, have faced Washington's heat on the trade issue.

Other than PM's much-touted bilateral with US President Donald Trump, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/saudi-arabia-raises-indias-haj-quota-by-30000-231128">PM met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-south-korean-president-moon-jae-in-at-g20-summit-in-japans-osaka-231099">South Korean President Moon Jae-in</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-german-chancellor-angela-merkel-at-g20-summit-discusses-ways-to-deepen-indo-german-ties-231118">German Chancellor Angela Merkel</a>.

With the Saudi Crown Prince, PM discussed the current situation in the Gulf.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-400-missile-deal-not-discussed-by-pm-modi-and-trump-at-g20-summit-says-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-231037">Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said</a>, "They discussed the situation in the Gulf and the prime minister said that this could impact oil prices which is important for India. The PM appreciated the efforts by Saudi Arabia in ensuring oil supplies have remained stable and oil prices have remained predictable in the last few months".

"Iran wasn't discussed especially," the Foreign Secretary added.

The crown prince has invited the Indian PM for a conference in his country which will happen later this year. The Haj quota has also been increased for Indians from 170,000 to 200,000.

While with Merkel PM Modi discussed artificial intelligence and railway modernisation, with South Korea the focus was on improving visa regime between the two countries. South Korea has recently liberalized group visas for Indian tourists.

PM also had pull-aside meetings Vietnamese PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and World Bank President &nbsp;David Malpass. He met several world leaders such as Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.

Even by diplomatic standards, the first day of the G20 Summit was not only hectic but showed how India was a sought after country at the event in Osaka. The two trilaterals - JAI - between Japan, America, India and RIC - between Russia, India, China showed how India was the common factor in the two groupings.

Even by diplomatic standards, the first day of the G20 Summit was not only hectic but showed how India was a sought after country at the event in Osaka. The two trilaterals - JAI - between Japan, America, India and RIC - between Russia, India, China showed how India was the common factor in the two groupings. The JAI meeting, that happened in the morning, saw PM Modi talking about the Indo Pacific region. PM said, " JAI means victory... we have a common interest on the Indo Pacific". This is the second meet of JAI, the first happened in Argentina last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The RIC meeting saw PM recalling the RIC foreign ministers' meet earlier this year where the focus was on "counter-terrorism, international hot-spot issues, reformed multilateralism, climate change". RIC discussed global trading regimes and need for rules-based trading order and support for the WTO reforms while slamming protectionism. Remember, two members of the RIC, India and China, have faced Washington's heat on the trade issue. Other than PM's much-touted bilateral with US President Donald Trump, PM met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, German Chancellor Angela Merkel. With the Saudi Crown Prince, PM discussed the current situation in the Gulf. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "They discussed the situation in the Gulf and the prime minister said that this could impact oil prices which is important for India. The PM appreciated the efforts by Saudi Arabia in ensuring oil supplies have remained stable and oil prices have remained predictable in the last few months". "Iran wasn't discussed especially," the Foreign Secretary added. The crown prince has invited the Indian PM for a conference in his country which will happen later this year. The Haj quota has also been increased for Indians from 170,000 to 200,000. While with Merkel PM Modi discussed artificial intelligence and railway modernisation, with South Korea the focus was on improving visa regime between the two countries. South Korea has recently liberalized group visas for Indian tourists. PM also had pull-aside meetings Vietnamese PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and World Bank President David Malpass. He met several world leaders such as Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.

In talks with world leaders at G20, PM Modi discusses Indo-Pacific, terrorism, situation in Gulf

Leaders spoke on the need for a Multilateral Solution in the RIC meeting in the G20 summit.

RIC Meeting: Leaders spoke on the need for a Multilateral Solution

Ahead of the G20 Summit in Japan, ambassadors from several countries joined WION to discuss the measures required to counter growing terrorism in the world.

Speaking at the&nbsp;WION World Order, Argentina Ambassador Daniel Chuburu said G20 is not the organisation through which we could implement anything. There have been appropriate bodies and other specific forums in other organisation where discussions on minimising terrorism have taken place. Those organisations implement measures that concern terrorism, it is done through those organisation or bilateral agreement or cooperation in that field.

"We are doing as much possible through G20," he said.

Adding that global problems require global answers he said, " there is no way if you do not cooperate on those field".

Meanwhile, the German ambassador to India&nbsp;Walter J Lindner said the financial aspects of terrorism like money laundering, truck dealing should also be checked upon adding that we need to take measures to minimise this in future.

He&nbsp;said all G20 countries have been a victim of terrorism and&nbsp;we have to find a way to protect our citizens and find&nbsp;right answers to terrorism.

He added that the youth should not be radicalised and stressed&nbsp;that unemployment and other means should be eradicated to minimise terrorism.

"We need to take wide variety of&nbsp;measures to prevent that others are not radicalised, "he said.

&nbsp;

Ahead of the G20 Summit in Japan, ambassadors from several countries joined WION to discuss the measures required to counter growing terrorism in the world. Speaking at the WION World Order, Argentina Ambassador Daniel Chuburu said G20 is not the organisation through which we could implement anything.

Ahead of the G20 Summit in Japan, ambassadors from several countries joined WION to discuss the measures required to counter growing terrorism in the world. Speaking at the WION World Order, Argentina Ambassador Daniel Chuburu said G20 is not the organisation through which we could implement anything. There have been appropriate bodies and other specific forums in other organisation where discussions on minimising terrorism have taken place. Those organisations implement measures that concern terrorism, it is done through those organisation or bilateral agreement or cooperation in that field. "We are doing as much possible through G20," he said. Adding that global problems require global answers he said, " there is no way if you do not cooperate on those field". Meanwhile, the German ambassador to India Walter J Lindner said the financial aspects of terrorism like money laundering, truck dealing should also be checked upon adding that we need to take measures to minimise this in future. He said all G20 countries have been a victim of terrorism and we have to find a way to protect our citizens and find right answers to terrorism. He added that the youth should not be radicalised and stressed that unemployment and other means should be eradicated to minimise terrorism. "We need to take wide variety of measures to prevent that others are not radicalised, "he said.

WION World Order: We are doing as much possible through G20 on terrorism, says Argentina Ambassador Daniel Chuburu

In this segment of WION World Order, the concern is G20 summit and its outcomes. Well while asked to the Ambassador of Argentina to India Ambassador Daniel Chuburu about the issue of terrorism see what he says.

WION World Order: Don't know who is winning the war against terrorism: Ambassador Daniel Chuburu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that progress achieved in combating global challenges like terrorism and climate change will be discussed at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-leave-for-g20-summit-today-first-bilateral-meeting-with-japan-pm-shinzo-abe-230584">G20 Summit in Japan</a> and it will also be a platform to share India's development experience of the past five years.

In his departure statement ahead of his visit to Osaka in Japan for the G20 Summit, PM Modi said he looked forward to discussing major challenges and opportunities faced by the world with other global leaders.

"Women empowerment, issues related to digitalisation and artificial intelligence, and progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and in our common efforts to address major global challenges such as terrorism and climate change form the rich agenda of the Summit," he said.

The prime minister said that the summit will provide an important opportunity to reinforce India's strong support to "reformed multilateralism", which is crucial for preserving rule-based international&nbsp;order in the fast-changing world.

Watch:&nbsp;What awaits India at the G-20 summit in Japan&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-awaits-india-at-the-g-20-summit-in-japan-230696/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The summit will also be a platform for sharing India's strong developmental experience of the last five years, which provided the basis for a resounding mandate by the people to the government to continue on the path to progress and stability," he said.

PM Modi said Osaka Summit will also be an important stepping stone for India hosting the G-20 Summit in 2022, when a 'New India' will be ushered in, in the 75th anniversary year of Independence.

The prime minister, who will have several meetings on the sidelines of the summit, said he looked forward to engaging with leaders of India's major partner countries on important issues of bilateral and global importance.

"I also look forward to host the next Russia, India and China (RIC) Informal Summit on the sidelines and also to participate in the next informal meetings of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and JAI (Japan, America and India) leaders," he said. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that progress achieved in combating global challenges like terrorism and climate change will be discussed at the G20 Summit in Japan and it will also be a platform to share India's development experience of the past five years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that progress achieved in combating global challenges like terrorism and climate change will be discussed at the G20 Summit in Japan and it will also be a platform to share India's development experience of the past five years. In his departure statement ahead of his visit to Osaka in Japan for the G20 Summit, PM Modi said he looked forward to discussing major challenges and opportunities faced by the world with other global leaders. "Women empowerment, issues related to digitalisation and artificial intelligence, and progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and in our common efforts to address major global challenges such as terrorism and climate change form the rich agenda of the Summit," he said. The prime minister said that the summit will provide an important opportunity to reinforce India's strong support to "reformed multilateralism", which is crucial for preserving rule-based international order in the fast-changing world. Watch: What awaits India at the G-20 summit in Japan "The summit will also be a platform for sharing India's strong developmental experience of the last five years, which provided the basis for a resounding mandate by the people to the government to continue on the path to progress and stability," he said. PM Modi said Osaka Summit will also be an important stepping stone for India hosting the G-20 Summit in 2022, when a 'New India' will be ushered in, in the 75th anniversary year of Independence. The prime minister, who will have several meetings on the sidelines of the summit, said he looked forward to engaging with leaders of India's major partner countries on important issues of bilateral and global importance. "I also look forward to host the next Russia, India and China (RIC) Informal Summit on the sidelines and also to participate in the next informal meetings of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and JAI (Japan, America and India) leaders," he said. (ANI)

G20 Summit to discuss progress in tackling terrorism, climate change: PM Modi

The Iranian embassy in India reacted to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's allegation against Iran's role in sponsoring terrorism. Pompeo made the remarks during his India visit earlier this week.

Iran slams Mike Pompeo's remarks against the country's role in sponsoring terrorism

When the Air Force sent its package of 12 Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft to attack the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in Balakot on February 26, it code-named it 'Operation Bandar (Monkey)', to maintain secrecy.

India Watch: Balakot airstrikes: The inside story

Mike Pompeo's visit to India comes ahead of a meeting between Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in Japan. Watch full video to know more.

Pompeo meets S Jaishankar: India-US joint statement likely at 2 PM

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/sri-lanka-has-a-history-of-conflict-but-the-recent-attacks-appear-different-212826">Sri Lanka</a>'s sacked top defence ministry official will face criminal investigation for his alleged failure to prevent the Easter Sunday bombings that killed 258 people and injured over 500, an official said on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-terror-attacks-defence-secretary-hemasiri-fernando-quits-213465">Hemasiri Fernando</a>, who was asked by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-mps-defy-president-maithripala-sirisena-to-resume-easter-attack-probe-226346">President Maithripala Sirisena</a> to resign, told a parliamentary panel that it was difficult for him to meet Sirisena during the time he served as the top bureaucrat of the ministry.

The Attorney General (AG) has instructed the acting police chief to institute criminal action against Fernando following recommendations by a special panel to probe the April 21 attacks.

India had shared intelligence inputs with Sri Lanka about possible attacks weeks before the bombings.

Last week, it was announced that a group of senior police officials were to face criminal negligence charges over their alleged failure to prevent the attacks on the recommendations of the same panel.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police (Colombo), Deputy Inspector General of Police (Western North), Deputy Inspector General of Police (SPR), Senior Superintendent of Police (Negombo), Superintendent of Police (Colombo North), Assistant Superintendent of Police (Negombo III), Assistant Superintendent of Police (Negombo IV), Officer in Charge of the Katana Police Station and Officer in Charge of the Jampettah Police Post were named by the AG in his instructions issued to the acting police chief.

The then police chief Pujith Jayasundera, who was sent on compulsory leave for his alleged negligence, has already moved the Supreme Court against what he termed as illegal dismissal.

Nine suicide bombers carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa, and three high-end hotels frequented by tourists in the country's deadliest violence since the devastating civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ended in 2009.

The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaath for the bombings which killed 258 people, including 11 Indians, and injured nearly 500 others.

Sri Lanka's sacked top defence ministry official will face criminal investigation for his alleged failure to prevent the Easter Sunday bombings that killed 258 people and injured over 500, an official said on Monday.

Sri Lanka's sacked top defence ministry official will face criminal investigation for his alleged failure to prevent the Easter Sunday bombings that killed 258 people and injured over 500, an official said on Monday. Hemasiri Fernando, who was asked by President Maithripala Sirisena to resign, told a parliamentary panel that it was difficult for him to meet Sirisena during the time he served as the top bureaucrat of the ministry. The Attorney General (AG) has instructed the acting police chief to institute criminal action against Fernando following recommendations by a special panel to probe the April 21 attacks. India had shared intelligence inputs with Sri Lanka about possible attacks weeks before the bombings. Last week, it was announced that a group of senior police officials were to face criminal negligence charges over their alleged failure to prevent the attacks on the recommendations of the same panel. The Deputy Inspector General of Police (Colombo), Deputy Inspector General of Police (Western North), Deputy Inspector General of Police (SPR), Senior Superintendent of Police (Negombo), Superintendent of Police (Colombo North), Assistant Superintendent of Police (Negombo III), Assistant Superintendent of Police (Negombo IV), Officer in Charge of the Katana Police Station and Officer in Charge of the Jampettah Police Post were named by the AG in his instructions issued to the acting police chief. The then police chief Pujith Jayasundera, who was sent on compulsory leave for his alleged negligence, has already moved the Supreme Court against what he termed as illegal dismissal. Nine suicide bombers carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa, and three high-end hotels frequented by tourists in the country's deadliest violence since the devastating civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ended in 2009. The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaath for the bombings which killed 258 people, including 11 Indians, and injured nearly 500 others.

Sri Lanka's sacked top defence ministry official to face charges for criminal negligence over Easter bombings

Pakistan has failed to complete its action plan on terror financing, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) said, warning Islamabad to meet its commitment by October or face action, which could possibly lead to the country's blacklisting

FATF comes down strongly on Pakistan

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has claimed that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-fails-to-complete-points-given-by-terror-financing-watchdog-fatf-report-227563">country is doing its best </a>and utilising all available sources to eliminate terrorism from its soil, adding that Islamabad has been moving towards attaining sustainable peace and stability.

Bajwa, while speaking at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London on Friday, suggested that all countries should come forward and cooperate with each other in "wiping out terrorism" as it is a common enemy for all.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-tells-pakistan-to-take-credible-verifiable-irreversible-measures-on-terror-financing-after-fatf-relief-229407">India tells Pakistan to take 'credible' measures on terror financing after FATF rap&nbsp;</a>

"We are doing our best, utilising all available sources to wipe out the enemies of peace and prosperity but it is fact that peace and stability in South Asia was dependent on the resolution of conflicts and disputes in the region", The Nation quoted Bajwa.

"We suggest to all countries especially our neighbouring nations that come forward and cooperate with each other in wiping out terrorism as it is a common enemy. We have suffered a lot in the past and would not like to be suffered in future. We are pleased to let you know at this platform that Pakistan has been moving towards attaining sustainable peace and stability," Bajwa said while accepting that Pakistan has suffered in the past due to terrorism.

He opined, "Improved security offers foreign investment in Pakistan, a pivot to regional connectivity. However, the future of enduring peace and stability in South Asia hinges on the ability to resolve issues and long pending disputes within the region."

Bajwa, who is on a five-day visit in London, said, "A better security will pave the way for foreign investment in Pakistan and in fact, the foreign investment plays a pivotal role for regional coordination."

The Pakistan Army Chief`s comments come a day after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-gets-fatf-rap-after-failing-to-meet-deadline-twice-stays-on-greylist-229332">Financial Action Task Force (FATF) </a>on told the country to "swiftly" complete its action plan to curb terror financing by October or face consequences. The warning was made in a statement issued by the financial watchdog following a plenary meeting in Orlando.

Pakistan is currently on the "grey list" of countries that have been inadequate in curbing money laundering and terror financing.

The country has already missed two prior deadlines -- in January and May 2019 -- to complete their action plan.

"Pakistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies. FATF expresses concern that not only did Pakistan fail to complete its action plan items with January deadlines, it also failed to complete its action plan items due May 2019," a statement issued by FATF outlined.

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has claimed that the country is doing its best and utilising all available sources to eliminate terrorism from its soil, adding that Islamabad has been moving towards attaining sustainable peace and stability.

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has claimed that the country is doing its best and utilising all available sources to eliminate terrorism from its soil, adding that Islamabad has been moving towards attaining sustainable peace and stability. Bajwa, while speaking at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London on Friday, suggested that all countries should come forward and cooperate with each other in "wiping out terrorism" as it is a common enemy for all. Also read: India tells Pakistan to take 'credible' measures on terror financing after FATF rap "We are doing our best, utilising all available sources to wipe out the enemies of peace and prosperity but it is fact that peace and stability in South Asia was dependent on the resolution of conflicts and disputes in the region", The Nation quoted Bajwa. "We suggest to all countries especially our neighbouring nations that come forward and cooperate with each other in wiping out terrorism as it is a common enemy. We have suffered a lot in the past and would not like to be suffered in future. We are pleased to let you know at this platform that Pakistan has been moving towards attaining sustainable peace and stability," Bajwa said while accepting that Pakistan has suffered in the past due to terrorism. He opined, "Improved security offers foreign investment in Pakistan, a pivot to regional connectivity. However, the future of enduring peace and stability in South Asia hinges on the ability to resolve issues and long pending disputes within the region." Bajwa, who is on a five-day visit in London, said, "A better security will pave the way for foreign investment in Pakistan and in fact, the foreign investment plays a pivotal role for regional coordination." The Pakistan Army Chief`s comments come a day after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on told the country to "swiftly" complete its action plan to curb terror financing by October or face consequences. The warning was made in a statement issued by the financial watchdog following a plenary meeting in Orlando. Pakistan is currently on the "grey list" of countries that have been inadequate in curbing money laundering and terror financing. The country has already missed two prior deadlines -- in January and May 2019 -- to complete their action plan. "Pakistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies. FATF expresses concern that not only did Pakistan fail to complete its action plan items with January deadlines, it also failed to complete its action plan items due May 2019," a statement issued by FATF outlined.

Day after FATF warning, Pakistan Army Chief claims 'country doing best to wipe out terrorism'

A multinational task force said Friday it is keeping Iran on a financial blacklist for failing to take action to head off funds flowing to terrorists.

The 38-nation Financial Action Task Force (FATF) said it will require more onerous financial oversight if Tehran fails to meet an October deadline for improving its controls.

"The FATF expects Iran to proceed swiftly in the reform path to ensure that it addresses all of the remaining items," according to the statement while welcoming "high-level political commitment" to repair the deficiencies.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in a speech Friday called out Iran's "willful failure to address its systemic money laundering and terrorist financing deficiencies."&nbsp;

The country has faced a growing series of US economic sanctions over the past year, as Treasury has blacklisted numerous firms and officials to choke off their access to funds following President Donald Trump's decision to abandon the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by his predecessor.

Amid rising tensions in recent days after Iran shot down an American drone, Trump early Friday appeared to preview the tougher stance, saying on Twitter that "Sanctions are biting &amp; more added last night."

However, no sanctions were announced.

The FATF said steps that Iran still must take include "adequately criminalizing terrorist financing," "identifying and freezing terrorist assets," and ensuring financial institutions verify wire transfer information.

The task force also called upon all members "to require an increased supervisory examination for branches and subsidiaries of financial institutions based in Iran."

A multinational task force said Friday it is keeping Iran on a financial blacklist for failing to take action to head off funds flowing to terrorists. The 38-nation Financial Action Task Force (FATF) said it will require more onerous financial oversight if Tehran fails to meet an October deadline for improving its controls.

A multinational task force said Friday it is keeping Iran on a financial blacklist for failing to take action to head off funds flowing to terrorists. The 38-nation Financial Action Task Force (FATF) said it will require more onerous financial oversight if Tehran fails to meet an October deadline for improving its controls. "The FATF expects Iran to proceed swiftly in the reform path to ensure that it addresses all of the remaining items," according to the statement while welcoming "high-level political commitment" to repair the deficiencies. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in a speech Friday called out Iran's "willful failure to address its systemic money laundering and terrorist financing deficiencies." The country has faced a growing series of US economic sanctions over the past year, as Treasury has blacklisted numerous firms and officials to choke off their access to funds following President Donald Trump's decision to abandon the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by his predecessor. Amid rising tensions in recent days after Iran shot down an American drone, Trump early Friday appeared to preview the tougher stance, saying on Twitter that "Sanctions are biting & more added last night." However, no sanctions were announced. The FATF said steps that Iran still must take include "adequately criminalizing terrorist financing," "identifying and freezing terrorist assets," and ensuring financial institutions verify wire transfer information. The task force also called upon all members "to require an increased supervisory examination for branches and subsidiaries of financial institutions based in Iran."

Financial Action Task Force tightening scrutiny of Iran over terror financing

Military Is The Biggest Business Conglomerate In Pakistan. It Runs Over 50 Commercial Entities Over 50 commerical entities worth $20 Billion, Pakistan's military has its fingers in every pie. In fact, the military is the biggest business conglomerate in the country. Palki decodes the extending reach of Pakistan's army

Gravitas: From bread to real estates: The extending reach of Pakistan army

Evolution Of Pakistan's Military Is it an army or a corporate? Pakistan army's business interests exceed $100 Billion. Here's a report charting the evolution of Pakistani army as the biggest economic and political force in the country.

Gravitas: Pakistani army is like a corporate

Pakistan Attempts To Prove That It's Acting Against Terror Financing In its bid to appease FATF, Pakistan decides to shift students from schools run by terrorist Hafiz Saeed to government institutions. The government had funded the very same institutions in the recent past. Is this a cosmetic step meant to convince FATF? Will such efforts even work? Palki explains

Gravitas: Pakistan tries to mollify FATF

Imran Khan Promised Naya Pakistan During The Elections. Now After 11 Months As PM, Pakistan Is Going Through A Period Of Economic Crisis & Absolute Chaos Here's a brief look at the 11 chaotic months for Pakistan under the rule of Imran Khan

Gravitas: 11 months of chaos: A look at Imran Khan's tenure

Terrorism, radicalisation and extremism are very real factors in the #BIMSTEC region and so, information sharing is a strengthening factor, Professor and Ambassador Veena Sikri said on WION World Order.

WION World Order: Terrorism very real factor in BIMSTEC, information sharing will help: Professor & Ambassador Veena Sikri

More than 100 militants have been killed in around 50 encounters in the state of Jammu and Kashmir since January 2019. However, terror attacks continue to take place in the Valley. To put an end to this and to ensure concerted action against terror groups, the Ministry of Home Affairs has constituted a 'terror monitoring group'.

MHA constitutes 'terror monitoring group' for J&K

Pakistan has failed to complete 25 of the 27 action points given by the international <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-stay-on-fatfs-grey-list-official-to-wion-222508">terror financing watchdog FATF</a> to check funding to terrorist groups such as LeT and JeM and frontal groups like Jamat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation.

With this, multilateral lenders like the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-currency-reaches-all-time-low-against-us-dollar-219221"> IMF</a>, the World Bank and the EU may continue downgrading Pakistan, making its financial situation more precarious.

The Paris-headquartered Financial Action Task Force has asked Pakistan to explain whether it has launched any investigation into the seven million US dollars allocated to maintain schools, madrasas, clinics and ambulances originally operated by terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-three-jem-terrorists-shot-in-pulwama-encounter-soldier-civilian-also-killed-219169">Jaish-e-Mohammed</a>, and LeT fronts Jamat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation.

JuD and FIF are founded by terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed.

LeT is responsible for a number of terrorist strikes in India, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the hijacking of an Indian Airlines aircraft to Afghanistan in 1999.

Most recently, it attacked a CRPF bus in Pulwama in Feb this year, killing 40 soldiers.

Pakistan is in deep trouble at the FATF meeting beginning Sunday in Florida in the US, people aware of the development said.

"It has been unable to complete 25 of its 27 action points. It has one last chance, till its 15-month deadline ends in October 2019, when the FATF Plenary will be held," one of them added.

In June 2018, Pakistan was placed in the 'Gray' list and given a 27-point action plan by FATF. This plan was reviewed at the last plenary in October 2018 and for the second time in February this year, when the country was again put into the 'Gray' list after India submitted new information about Pakistan-based terrorist groups.

The FATF continuing Pakistan in the 'Gray' list means its downgrading by IMF, World Bank, ADB, EU and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&amp;P and Fitch.

This will add to the financial problems of Pakistan, which is seeking aid from all possible international avenues.

In a bid to bluff the financial watchdog, Pakistani authorities have shown arrests of LeT, JeM, JuD and FiF cadres. But all were apprehended under its Maintenance of Public Order Act and not under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

Under the MPO Act, authorities cannot hold a detainee beyond 60 days.

Pakistan has detained JeM founder Masood Azhar and LeT founder Hafiz Saeed mostly under the laws that provide for detention for the apprehension of breach of peace; they have never been prosecuted under anti-terror laws.

The FATF implements UN designations, which do not warrant arrest. They ask only for the freeze of funds, denial of access to weapons and travel embargo. The financial watchdog also wants nations to impose penalties that are proportionate and dissuasive.

The MPO Act is not seen as satisfying either of the two conditions. Therefore, none of these arrests will satisfy the FATF or the UN Designations Committee.

Pakistan has also seized several hundred properties of LeT, JuD, FiF and JeM, including schools and madrasas.

However, these properties are now being run by its provincial governments.

The Punjab provincial government has allocated $2 million (Pakistani Rs 30 crore or Indian Rs 14 crore) per annum for their upkeep. Similarly, other provinces have allocated&nbsp;5 million US dollars.

The annual expense allocated by Pakistan totals $7 million (Pakistani Rs 105 or Indian Rs 49 crore).

The FATF has now asked Pakistan to explain whether there are any terror-funding investigations to unearth the sources and entities that funded these organisations with $7 million per annum for the past several years.

The FATF currently has 35 members and two regional organisations,&nbsp;the European Commission and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

In the last meeting of the FATF in Paris, the FATF said Pakistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies, including by adequately demonstrating its proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by the terrorist groups and conducting supervision on a risk-sensitive basis, demonstrating that remedial actions and sanctions are applied in cases of Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism violations and that these actions have an effect on AML/CFT compliance by financial institutions.

Pakistan, it said, should demonstrate that competent authorities are cooperating and taking action to identify and take enforcement action against illegal money or value transfer services, demonstrating that authorities are identifying cash couriers and enforcing controls on illicit movement of currency and understanding the risk of cash couriers being used for terror financing (TF), improving inter-agency coordination including between provincial and federal authorities on combating TF risks besides others.

Pakistan has failed to complete 25 of the 27 action points given by the international terror financing watchdog FATF to check funding to terrorist groups such as LeT and JeM and frontal groups like Jamat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation.

Pakistan has failed to complete 25 of the 27 action points given by the international terror financing watchdog FATF to check funding to terrorist groups such as LeT and JeM and frontal groups like Jamat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation. With this, multilateral lenders like the IMF, the World Bank and the EU may continue downgrading Pakistan, making its financial situation more precarious. The Paris-headquartered Financial Action Task Force has asked Pakistan to explain whether it has launched any investigation into the seven million US dollars allocated to maintain schools, madrasas, clinics and ambulances originally operated by terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and LeT fronts Jamat-ud-Dawah and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation. JuD and FIF are founded by terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed. LeT is responsible for a number of terrorist strikes in India, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the hijacking of an Indian Airlines aircraft to Afghanistan in 1999. Most recently, it attacked a CRPF bus in Pulwama in Feb this year, killing 40 soldiers. Pakistan is in deep trouble at the FATF meeting beginning Sunday in Florida in the US, people aware of the development said. "It has been unable to complete 25 of its 27 action points. It has one last chance, till its 15-month deadline ends in October 2019, when the FATF Plenary will be held," one of them added. In June 2018, Pakistan was placed in the 'Gray' list and given a 27-point action plan by FATF. This plan was reviewed at the last plenary in October 2018 and for the second time in February this year, when the country was again put into the 'Gray' list after India submitted new information about Pakistan-based terrorist groups. The FATF continuing Pakistan in the 'Gray' list means its downgrading by IMF, World Bank, ADB, EU and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&P and Fitch. This will add to the financial problems of Pakistan, which is seeking aid from all possible international avenues. In a bid to bluff the financial watchdog, Pakistani authorities have shown arrests of LeT, JeM, JuD and FiF cadres. But all were apprehended under its Maintenance of Public Order Act and not under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. Under the MPO Act, authorities cannot hold a detainee beyond 60 days. Pakistan has detained JeM founder Masood Azhar and LeT founder Hafiz Saeed mostly under the laws that provide for detention for the apprehension of breach of peace; they have never been prosecuted under anti-terror laws. The FATF implements UN designations, which do not warrant arrest. They ask only for the freeze of funds, denial of access to weapons and travel embargo. The financial watchdog also wants nations to impose penalties that are proportionate and dissuasive. The MPO Act is not seen as satisfying either of the two conditions. Therefore, none of these arrests will satisfy the FATF or the UN Designations Committee. Pakistan has also seized several hundred properties of LeT, JuD, FiF and JeM, including schools and madrasas. However, these properties are now being run by its provincial governments. The Punjab provincial government has allocated $2 million (Pakistani Rs 30 crore or Indian Rs 14 crore) per annum for their upkeep. Similarly, other provinces have allocated 5 million US dollars. The annual expense allocated by Pakistan totals $7 million (Pakistani Rs 105 or Indian Rs 49 crore). The FATF has now asked Pakistan to explain whether there are any terror-funding investigations to unearth the sources and entities that funded these organisations with $7 million per annum for the past several years. The FATF currently has 35 members and two regional organisations, the European Commission and the Gulf Cooperation Council. In the last meeting of the FATF in Paris, the FATF said Pakistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies, including by adequately demonstrating its proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by the terrorist groups and conducting supervision on a risk-sensitive basis, demonstrating that remedial actions and sanctions are applied in cases of Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism violations and that these actions have an effect on AML/CFT compliance by financial institutions. Pakistan, it said, should demonstrate that competent authorities are cooperating and taking action to identify and take enforcement action against illegal money or value transfer services, demonstrating that authorities are identifying cash couriers and enforcing controls on illicit movement of currency and understanding the risk of cash couriers being used for terror financing (TF), improving inter-agency coordination including between provincial and federal authorities on combating TF risks besides others.

Pakistan fails to complete points given by terror financing watchdog FATF: Report

Imran Khan Blames Islamophobia For Pakistan's Isolation. Imran Khan Blames Islamophobia For Pakistan's Isolation And Promotes Tourism At The SCO Summit? Did Imran Khan 'Deliberately' Forget Pakistan's Dodgy Record On Terrorism? And Why Is Diverting The Attention From Terrorism? Is Naya Pakistan Full Of Same Old Lies?

Gravitas: Naya Pakistan, Same Old Lies

Bishkek Declaration Urges International Community To Strengthen Global Efforts Against Terrorism. SCO Members Sign A Joint Declaration To Fight Terrorism Through A Bishkek Declaration?

Gravitas: What Is The Bishkek Declaration?

A day after PM Modi strongly raised the issue of terror at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called it the " gravest threat" that "we face in Asia today" at a summit in neighbouring Tajikistan.

Speaking at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia or CICA Summit in Tajik capital Dushanbe, EAM said, "Many CICA members are victims of terrorism and should be clear that terrorists and their victims must never be equated".

At the summit, New Delhi called for early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism or CCIT which was proposed by India in 2016 and calls for a common definition on terror.

On regional connectivity initiatives, India reiterated that connectivity projects should be "inclusive, sustainable, transparent and respect the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity", a message for Bejing, whose CPEC or China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).&nbsp;

CPEC is part of China's mega connectivity plan - Belt and Road Initiative which plans to connect China with the rest of Asia and beyond.

CICA is a 26 member grouping based in Kazakhstan.

On Afghanistan, New Delhi said, "all initiatives and processes must include all sections of Afghan society, including the legitimately elected government", a statement which shows India's continued support to President Ashraf Ghani-led government who seems to be isolated in US-Taliban talks and Russian initiatives on Afghanistan.

On the sidelines of the CICA summit, EAM Jaishankar met Vice President of Vietnam Mme Đặng Thị Ngọc Thịnh, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Khalid Al Khalifa, Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and Bangladesh's AK Abdul Momen.&nbsp;

A day after PM Modi strongly raised the issue of terror at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called it the " gravest threat" that "we face in Asia today" at a summit in neighbouring Tajikistan.

A day after PM Modi strongly raised the issue of terror at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called it the " gravest threat" that "we face in Asia today" at a summit in neighbouring Tajikistan. Speaking at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia or CICA Summit in Tajik capital Dushanbe, EAM said, "Many CICA members are victims of terrorism and should be clear that terrorists and their victims must never be equated". At the summit, New Delhi called for early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism or CCIT which was proposed by India in 2016 and calls for a common definition on terror. On regional connectivity initiatives, India reiterated that connectivity projects should be "inclusive, sustainable, transparent and respect the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity", a message for Bejing, whose CPEC or China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). CPEC is part of China's mega connectivity plan - Belt and Road Initiative which plans to connect China with the rest of Asia and beyond. CICA is a 26 member grouping based in Kazakhstan. On Afghanistan, New Delhi said, "all initiatives and processes must include all sections of Afghan society, including the legitimately elected government", a statement which shows India's continued support to President Ashraf Ghani-led government who seems to be isolated in US-Taliban talks and Russian initiatives on Afghanistan. On the sidelines of the CICA summit, EAM Jaishankar met Vice President of Vietnam Mme Đặng Thị Ngọc Thịnh, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Khalid Al Khalifa, Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and Bangladesh's AK Abdul Momen.

Terrorism is gravest threat in Asia: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at CICA Summit

The Maldives Saturday called for international help to rehabilitate up to 160 of its nationals languishing in Syrian detention camps after the defeat of the Islamic State group.

Speaker Mohamed Nasheed said the Maldives kept a close tab on citizens who had joined the militant group, but that the island nation was not ready to accept them back without an internationally supervised reintegration programme.

Visiting neighbouring Sri Lanka where 258 people were killed in jihadi attacks recently, Nasheed said the question of foreign IS fighters in Syria should be addressed as a global issue.

As many as 160 Maldivians are thought to be held in detention camps after the fall of IS in March.

"We do not know the situation they have gone through. We don’t have the capacity to rehabilitate these people to the extent that they will not have a further impact on society," Nasheed said.

"I think the international community should join together and decide what we should do to the returnees. Hopefully, there is an international arrangement where they are first received, not necessarily to their countries of origin or nationality."

He said the Maldives was concerned about the 30 to 40 children said to be of Maldivian parents now living in detention camps in Syria, but insisted that there should be international involvement to screen the parents.

"I don't think we should say they can come back in the first flight they can catch," he added.

Nasheed said the nation of 340,000 Sunni Muslims was keeping a close watch on any attempt to radicalise its population, which is known to practise a liberal form of Islam -- and relies heavily on luxury tourism.

More than two-thirds of the Maldivian parliament was spending a three-day holiday in Sri Lanka, to demonstrate it was safe for foreigners to visit the island after the deadly Easter Sunday attacks, Nasheed said.

In a chilling warning of the impact of terrorism on tourism, Sri Lanka's thriving tourism sector is projected to lose at least $1.5 billion revenue this year with a 30 per cent slump in the number of holidaymakers visiting the island.

Nasheed and his legislators were staying at the luxury Cinnamon Grand -- one of the three hotels hit by a local jihadi group which pledged allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi -- to show Sri Lanka was still a safe tourist destination.&nbsp;

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew to Sri Lanka last week, the first world leader to visit the island after the Easter attacks.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan authorities say they have arrested all those who were involved in the April 21 attacks that also hit three Christian churches.

The Maldives Saturday called for international help to rehabilitate up to 160 of its nationals languishing in Syrian detention camps after the defeat of the Islamic State group.

The Maldives Saturday called for international help to rehabilitate up to 160 of its nationals languishing in Syrian detention camps after the defeat of the Islamic State group. Speaker Mohamed Nasheed said the Maldives kept a close tab on citizens who had joined the militant group, but that the island nation was not ready to accept them back without an internationally supervised reintegration programme. Visiting neighbouring Sri Lanka where 258 people were killed in jihadi attacks recently, Nasheed said the question of foreign IS fighters in Syria should be addressed as a global issue. As many as 160 Maldivians are thought to be held in detention camps after the fall of IS in March. "We do not know the situation they have gone through. We don’t have the capacity to rehabilitate these people to the extent that they will not have a further impact on society," Nasheed said. "I think the international community should join together and decide what we should do to the returnees. Hopefully, there is an international arrangement where they are first received, not necessarily to their countries of origin or nationality." He said the Maldives was concerned about the 30 to 40 children said to be of Maldivian parents now living in detention camps in Syria, but insisted that there should be international involvement to screen the parents. "I don't think we should say they can come back in the first flight they can catch," he added. Nasheed said the nation of 340,000 Sunni Muslims was keeping a close watch on any attempt to radicalise its population, which is known to practise a liberal form of Islam -- and relies heavily on luxury tourism. More than two-thirds of the Maldivian parliament was spending a three-day holiday in Sri Lanka, to demonstrate it was safe for foreigners to visit the island after the deadly Easter Sunday attacks, Nasheed said. In a chilling warning of the impact of terrorism on tourism, Sri Lanka's thriving tourism sector is projected to lose at least $1.5 billion revenue this year with a 30 per cent slump in the number of holidaymakers visiting the island. Nasheed and his legislators were staying at the luxury Cinnamon Grand -- one of the three hotels hit by a local jihadi group which pledged allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi -- to show Sri Lanka was still a safe tourist destination. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew to Sri Lanka last week, the first world leader to visit the island after the Easter attacks. Sri Lankan authorities say they have arrested all those who were involved in the April 21 attacks that also hit three Christian churches.

Maldives seek foreign help to deal with Islamic State fighters

A senior US general has called the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-defeated-caliphate-eliminated-says-us-ally-in-syria-205079">Islamic State</a>(IS) in Afghanistan as a serious threat, adding that the IS terrorist organisation&nbsp;aspires to attack the United States.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-next-islamic-state-battlefield-will-be-in-south-asia-216301">ISIS</a> in Afghanistan certainly has aspirations to attack the United States. It is our clear judgment that as long as we maintain pressure on them it will be hard for them to do that, " Marine General&nbsp;Frank McKenzie said.

Further calling the IS "very worrisome in eastern Afghanistan", McKenzie added, "combat operations have failed to reduce the group's fighting ranks. Others have said they are thought to number in the thousands".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/islamic-state-is-focusing-on-subcontinent-and-india-in-particular-219555">Islamic State is focusing on subcontinent and India in particular</a>

Associated Press had earlier reported that the Islamic State was expanding its footprints across Afghanistan. Citing US and Afghan security officials, the report claimed&nbsp;that the terror group was recruiting new fighters and plotting attacks on the United States and other western countries.

General McKenzie is the head of US Central Command and manages the country's military operations across the greater Middle East.

Watch: Wounded and alone, children emerge from last Islamic State enclave in Baghouz

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The Islamic State grew in Afghanistan with the emergence of the jihadist militant group in Syria and Iraq in&nbsp;early 2014.

The IS in Afghanistan calls itself as the Khorasan Province, a name applied to parts of Afghanistan, Iran and central Asia in the Middle Ages.

Besides assisting the Afghan defence forces against the Taliban, the US forces in Afghanistan are combatting the Islamic State group separately.&nbsp;

A senior US general has called the Islamic State(IS) in Afghanistan as a serious threat, adding that the IS terrorist organisation aspires to attack the United States.

A senior US general has called the Islamic State(IS) in Afghanistan as a serious threat, adding that the IS terrorist organisation aspires to attack the United States. "ISIS in Afghanistan certainly has aspirations to attack the United States. It is our clear judgment that as long as we maintain pressure on them it will be hard for them to do that, " Marine General Frank McKenzie said. Further calling the IS "very worrisome in eastern Afghanistan", McKenzie added, "combat operations have failed to reduce the group's fighting ranks. Others have said they are thought to number in the thousands". Also read: Islamic State is focusing on subcontinent and India in particular Associated Press had earlier reported that the Islamic State was expanding its footprints across Afghanistan. Citing US and Afghan security officials, the report claimed that the terror group was recruiting new fighters and plotting attacks on the United States and other western countries. General McKenzie is the head of US Central Command and manages the country's military operations across the greater Middle East. Watch: Wounded and alone, children emerge from last Islamic State enclave in Baghouz × The Islamic State grew in Afghanistan with the emergence of the jihadist militant group in Syria and Iraq in early 2014. The IS in Afghanistan calls itself as the Khorasan Province, a name applied to parts of Afghanistan, Iran and central Asia in the Middle Ages. Besides assisting the Afghan defence forces against the Taliban, the US forces in Afghanistan are combatting the Islamic State group separately.

Islamic State in Afghanistan aspires to attack US: Marine General Frank McKenzie

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