The United States President Donald Trump-led administration has taken a tough stand against Pakistan for its "unacceptable support" for terrorism in the region, said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

"Under President Trump, we have taken our defence cooperation to new heights solidifying our common vision in Indo Pacific and has taken a far tougher stand on Pakistan unacceptable support for terrorism," said Pompeo during India Ideas Summit Washington on Wednesday.

The remarks come days after Washington had announced that it has withdrawn its tax exemption programme for Pakistani diplomats.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modi-hai-to-mumkin-hai-says-pompeo-ahead-of-india-visit-226682">Modi 'hai to mumkin hai', says Pompeo ahead of India visit</a>

The US has already barred Pakistani diplomats working in Washington from travelling outside a 25-kilometre radius around the city without approval.

Last year, Trump suspended US $1.3 billion annual security aid which was given to Pakistan, condemning it over its inaction on the terrorism front.

Focussing on India -US ties under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pompeo asserted that New Delhi and Washington have a unique opportunity to take advantage of it "special partnership".

"When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United States in 2017, President Trump and Modi shared few hugs and goodwill. PM Modi said it is in Indian interest lies in strong prosperous and successful America. In similar ways India`s development and its growing role at the international level are in the United States of America`s interest as well," he added.

Pompeo`s visit will take place as the two countries get ready for a meeting between Modi and Trump during the G-20 Summit on June 28 and 29 in Osaka, Japan.

Pompeo also said that the US is open for a dialogue to resolve trade differences with India."It`s a partnership of equals is how we see it. In my upcoming visit, we will probably discuss the GSP decision," Pompeo said.&nbsp;

The United States President Donald Trump-led administration has taken a tough stand against Pakistan for its "unacceptable support" for terrorism in the region, said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The United States President Donald Trump-led administration has taken a tough stand against Pakistan for its "unacceptable support" for terrorism in the region, said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. "Under President Trump, we have taken our defence cooperation to new heights solidifying our common vision in Indo Pacific and has taken a far tougher stand on Pakistan unacceptable support for terrorism," said Pompeo during India Ideas Summit Washington on Wednesday. The remarks come days after Washington had announced that it has withdrawn its tax exemption programme for Pakistani diplomats. Also read: Modi 'hai to mumkin hai', says Pompeo ahead of India visit The US has already barred Pakistani diplomats working in Washington from travelling outside a 25-kilometre radius around the city without approval. Last year, Trump suspended US $1.3 billion annual security aid which was given to Pakistan, condemning it over its inaction on the terrorism front. Focussing on India -US ties under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pompeo asserted that New Delhi and Washington have a unique opportunity to take advantage of it "special partnership". "When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United States in 2017, President Trump and Modi shared few hugs and goodwill. PM Modi said it is in Indian interest lies in strong prosperous and successful America. In similar ways India`s development and its growing role at the international level are in the United States of America`s interest as well," he added. Pompeo`s visit will take place as the two countries get ready for a meeting between Modi and Trump during the G-20 Summit on June 28 and 29 in Osaka, Japan. Pompeo also said that the US is open for a dialogue to resolve trade differences with India."It`s a partnership of equals is how we see it. In my upcoming visit, we will probably discuss the GSP decision," Pompeo said.

Trump took tough stand against Pak's unacceptable support for terrorism: Pompeo

Pakistan has taken some "important" steps against terror groups post Pulwama attack but they are still reversible, a top US official said Wednesday, urging the Pakistani leadership to take sustained actions against terrorists operating in the country.

Terrorist organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) will continue to pose a grave risk to international peace as long as they are able to operate freely in Pakistan, Alice G Wells, Senior State Department Official for South and Central Asian Affairs told House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation.

"On the broader issue of counter-terrorism, the Pulwama terrorist attack in February that sparked a crisis between India and Pakistan underscored the importance and immediate need to halt terrorist activity in the region," she said in a prepared statement.

The sub-committee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing US Interests in South Asia and the FY 2020 Budget on Thursday.&nbsp;

"We continue to urge Pakistan's leaders to make good on their pledges to take sustained and irreversible actions against terrorist groups operating within the country's borders, which is necessary for the long-term stability and prosperity of the region," she said.&nbsp;

"In recent months, we have seen Pakistan detain some militants and seize assets belonging to front organisations raising funds for terrorist groups. While these steps are important, they are still reversible," she told the lawmakers.&nbsp;

She asserting that Pakistan must sustain these measures and expand upon them, including by prosecuting terrorist leaders.

"On a multilateral level, we succeeded on May 1 in listing JeM leader Masood Azhar at the UN 1267 Sanctions Committee" an achievement 10 years in the making. His listing sends an important message that the international community will not tolerate terrorism," she said.

Wells said that US relationship with Pakistan remains one of its most complex and most consequential.&nbsp;

In line with the Trump administration's South Asia strategy, its approach to Pakistan has focused largely on securing Islamabad's support for the Afghan peace process and for Pakistan to follow through on its pledges to take sustained and irreversible actions against all militant groups operating from within its territory, she said.&nbsp;

"Our engagement with Pakistan on nonproliferation issues is also crucial. The US and Pakistan both attach high importance to preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We remain concerned, however, about Pakistan's development of certain categories of nuclear weapons and delivery systems," Wells said.&nbsp;

On Afghanistan reconciliation, she said, "We recognise that Pakistan has taken steps to encourage Taliban participation in peace negotiations, which has been important to the progress we have made thus far."

"However, there is much more work to be done to achieve our ultimate goal of a peaceful Afghanistan free of terrorist groups," she said.&nbsp;

"Pakistani officials are correct when they say that no other country will benefit more from a peaceful Afghanistan than Pakistan, and we expect Pakistan to continue to play a constructive role in reconciliation efforts," she added.&nbsp;

Wells said that sustained progress on these two issues "reconciliation and counterterrorism " will lie at the heart of a renewed bilateral relationship.

"We believe in the potential of the US-Pakistan relationship to foster regional stability and economic prosperity," she said.&nbsp;

In the next year's budget, she said the Trump administration will focus civilian assistance programming on priority areas such as building capacity to deter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; building law enforcement capacity to fight crime and terrorism; and supporting economic development that can expand US business ties with Pakistan.

It will also focus on addressing communicable diseases that threaten both the countries; supporting civil society and religious freedom; and working with Pakistan to ensure that communities in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region are stable and cannot be used as a base by terrorists, she said.&nbsp;

"The request reflects the trajectory of our relationship away from an assistance focus and toward a more trade-based one, and the bright economic future we believe a more robust US-Pakistan partnership can bring for Pakistan and the region, should Pakistan follow through on its pledges to fight terrorism and promote peace in Afghanistan," Wells said.

Pakistan has taken some "important" steps against terror groups post Pulwama attack but they are still reversible, a top US official said Wednesday, urging the Pakistani leadership to take sustained actions against terrorists operating in the country.

Pakistan has taken some "important" steps against terror groups post Pulwama attack but they are still reversible, a top US official said Wednesday, urging the Pakistani leadership to take sustained actions against terrorists operating in the country. Terrorist organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) will continue to pose a grave risk to international peace as long as they are able to operate freely in Pakistan, Alice G Wells, Senior State Department Official for South and Central Asian Affairs told House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation. "On the broader issue of counter-terrorism, the Pulwama terrorist attack in February that sparked a crisis between India and Pakistan underscored the importance and immediate need to halt terrorist activity in the region," she said in a prepared statement. The sub-committee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing US Interests in South Asia and the FY 2020 Budget on Thursday. "We continue to urge Pakistan's leaders to make good on their pledges to take sustained and irreversible actions against terrorist groups operating within the country's borders, which is necessary for the long-term stability and prosperity of the region," she said. "In recent months, we have seen Pakistan detain some militants and seize assets belonging to front organisations raising funds for terrorist groups. While these steps are important, they are still reversible," she told the lawmakers. She asserting that Pakistan must sustain these measures and expand upon them, including by prosecuting terrorist leaders. "On a multilateral level, we succeeded on May 1 in listing JeM leader Masood Azhar at the UN 1267 Sanctions Committee" an achievement 10 years in the making. His listing sends an important message that the international community will not tolerate terrorism," she said. Wells said that US relationship with Pakistan remains one of its most complex and most consequential. In line with the Trump administration's South Asia strategy, its approach to Pakistan has focused largely on securing Islamabad's support for the Afghan peace process and for Pakistan to follow through on its pledges to take sustained and irreversible actions against all militant groups operating from within its territory, she said. "Our engagement with Pakistan on nonproliferation issues is also crucial. The US and Pakistan both attach high importance to preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We remain concerned, however, about Pakistan's development of certain categories of nuclear weapons and delivery systems," Wells said. On Afghanistan reconciliation, she said, "We recognise that Pakistan has taken steps to encourage Taliban participation in peace negotiations, which has been important to the progress we have made thus far." "However, there is much more work to be done to achieve our ultimate goal of a peaceful Afghanistan free of terrorist groups," she said. "Pakistani officials are correct when they say that no other country will benefit more from a peaceful Afghanistan than Pakistan, and we expect Pakistan to continue to play a constructive role in reconciliation efforts," she added. Wells said that sustained progress on these two issues "reconciliation and counterterrorism " will lie at the heart of a renewed bilateral relationship. "We believe in the potential of the US-Pakistan relationship to foster regional stability and economic prosperity," she said. In the next year's budget, she said the Trump administration will focus civilian assistance programming on priority areas such as building capacity to deter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; building law enforcement capacity to fight crime and terrorism; and supporting economic development that can expand US business ties with Pakistan. It will also focus on addressing communicable diseases that threaten both the countries; supporting civil society and religious freedom; and working with Pakistan to ensure that communities in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region are stable and cannot be used as a base by terrorists, she said. "The request reflects the trajectory of our relationship away from an assistance focus and toward a more trade-based one, and the bright economic future we believe a more robust US-Pakistan partnership can bring for Pakistan and the region, should Pakistan follow through on its pledges to fight terrorism and promote peace in Afghanistan," Wells said.

Pakistan's action against terror groups post Pulwama attack still reversible: US

PM Modi has always stood tough as far as terrorism is concerned. 'Talks parallel terrorism is not entertained' is always Modi govt's priority. This time too PM Modi's cabinet 2.0 maintaining its legacy to not indulge with any kind of conversation with Pakistan at SCO summit scheduled in Bishkek on 14th June.

SCO 2019: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan

ISIS Is Down Not Out Yet. Reports Show That The Terror Group Is Alive & Kicking In NorthEast Afghanistan 3 months ago, the U.S. President proclaimed the end of ISIS in Syria... Now reports show that ISIS is rapidly gained ground in Afghanistan. Palki gets us the latest updates

Gravitas: ISIS expands footprint in Afghanistan

A Brief Summary Of The Rise Of ISIS In Afghanistan. Here's how and why Afghanistan became a breeding ground for ISIS in the region.

Gravitas: Why is Afghanistan a fertile ground for ISIS?

Scott Perry, a member of the US Congress from Pennsylvania, reaffirmed support to the religious and ethnic minorities, who came together on Tuesday to stop religious radicalism in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan.

Scores of South Asian experts, members of the US Senate and House of representatives flocked the Capitol Hill to discuss and urge Pakistan to stop the persecution of ethnic and religious groups.

While speaking to ANI, Perry said, "Pakistan needs to be isolated among the community of nations if they continue to harbour terrorism."

Perry also highlighted the plight of all suffering ethnic and religious groups and how Pakistan has not yet taken any strong action against the terrorism operating from its soil.

"We don`t support the fact that minorities are being suppressed anywhere for their religious beliefs or otherwise, and this is one of the reasons why the United States-Pakistan relations remain strenuous because we cannot accept that," Perry told ANI.

Earlier this year, the lawmaker introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives demanding action by Pakistan on eliminating safe haven to terrorists.&nbsp;

The resolution also condemned the Pulwama terror attack carried out by Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on February 14 that killed 40 Indian security personnel.

"Pakistan has to understand that there is no upside gain in allowing this (terror), whether they support it or allow it. They may not be committing it but these are crimes of omission which allows it to occur and then turn your face as it occurs. There can be no upsides or no profits for Pakistan on allowing terror," the lawmaker added.

Echoing Perry`s contention, representatives of Mohajirs, Pashtun and Baloch communities on Tuesday briefed the gathering about the human rights violation and discrimination being faced by their communities in Pakistan.

The group was led by the Voice of Karachi and South Asia Minorities Alliance foundation chairman Nadeem Nusrat.&nbsp;

He particularly pointed out the devastating effects that every ethnic and religious group in Pakistan is suffering.

"There are ways to put pressure on Pakistan, either through sanctions or involving the European countries, in order to provide relief to the minorities. We are not demanding any charity. As citizens we have rights but Pakistan has only guaranteed those on papers," Nusrat noted.

"We raised the issue of Karachi and other urban parts of Pakistan, where human rights violations have been taking place on a massive scale. While we bring to light the plight of religious minorities, we also talk about the persecution of ethnic minorities in Pakistan," he further said.

Scott Perry, a member of the US Congress from Pennsylvania, reaffirmed support to the religious and ethnic minorities, who came together on Tuesday to stop religious radicalism in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan.

Scott Perry, a member of the US Congress from Pennsylvania, reaffirmed support to the religious and ethnic minorities, who came together on Tuesday to stop religious radicalism in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan. Scores of South Asian experts, members of the US Senate and House of representatives flocked the Capitol Hill to discuss and urge Pakistan to stop the persecution of ethnic and religious groups. While speaking to ANI, Perry said, "Pakistan needs to be isolated among the community of nations if they continue to harbour terrorism." Perry also highlighted the plight of all suffering ethnic and religious groups and how Pakistan has not yet taken any strong action against the terrorism operating from its soil. "We don`t support the fact that minorities are being suppressed anywhere for their religious beliefs or otherwise, and this is one of the reasons why the United States-Pakistan relations remain strenuous because we cannot accept that," Perry told ANI. Earlier this year, the lawmaker introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives demanding action by Pakistan on eliminating safe haven to terrorists. The resolution also condemned the Pulwama terror attack carried out by Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on February 14 that killed 40 Indian security personnel. "Pakistan has to understand that there is no upside gain in allowing this (terror), whether they support it or allow it. They may not be committing it but these are crimes of omission which allows it to occur and then turn your face as it occurs. There can be no upsides or no profits for Pakistan on allowing terror," the lawmaker added. Echoing Perry`s contention, representatives of Mohajirs, Pashtun and Baloch communities on Tuesday briefed the gathering about the human rights violation and discrimination being faced by their communities in Pakistan. The group was led by the Voice of Karachi and South Asia Minorities Alliance foundation chairman Nadeem Nusrat. He particularly pointed out the devastating effects that every ethnic and religious group in Pakistan is suffering. "There are ways to put pressure on Pakistan, either through sanctions or involving the European countries, in order to provide relief to the minorities. We are not demanding any charity. As citizens we have rights but Pakistan has only guaranteed those on papers," Nusrat noted. "We raised the issue of Karachi and other urban parts of Pakistan, where human rights violations have been taking place on a massive scale. While we bring to light the plight of religious minorities, we also talk about the persecution of ethnic minorities in Pakistan," he further said.

Isolate Pakistan if it harbours terrorism: US Congressman

The Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday said coastal guard vessels and personnel have been alerted following reports of boats allegedly carrying 15 local Islamic State (IS) members had<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-coast-on-high-alert-after-is-boat-reportedly-sets-off-from-sri-lanka-221651"> set off for India's Lakshadweep islands</a>.

A top official source of the Kerala Police Saturday said that the state's coastal police stations and the police chiefs of the coastal districts have been alerted following intelligence reports that boats allegedly carrying 15 IS terrorists had set off from Sri Lanka to the Lakshadweep islands.

"The Navy has come to know through the reports in local and Indian media that some 15 local IS members were moving to India's Lakshadweep islands through the sea route," Sri Lankan Navy spokesman Isuru Suriyabandara said.

"We have alerted all our coastal guard vessels and personnel," he added.

The spokesperson also said the Navy had not received any official information in this regard.

"The possibility of the local Jihadi group members moving to India, however, had not been communicated to the Navy through the official channels," Suriyabandara said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/leave-my-country-alone-sri-lankan-president-sirisena-tells-islamic-state-215011">Sri Lanka witnessed the worst terror attacks on its soil</a>, when nine suicide bombers carried out a series devastating blasts that tore through three churches and as many luxury hotels on April 21, killing around 260 people, including over 40 foreigners, and injuring 500 others.

The IS claimed responsibility for the blasts but Sri Lanka government said it was carried out by a local jihadi group, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lankan-parliament-official-among-six-arrested-for-alleged-links-with-ntj-220181">National Thoweed Jamaath</a> (NTJ).

Since the April 21 suicide attacks, the Sri Lanka Army has launched an island-wide operation to search for people having links with the NTJ. During which, one of the associate of NTJ leader Zahran Cassim, who blew himself up at one of the hotels during the Easter Sunday attacks, was arrested.

The Sri Lanka Army Sunday said it continued with its operations to search for the local network of the IS in the district of Colombo and its suburbs.

"Around 120 people had been arrested during four days of cordon-and-search operations. During the drive, some explosives, ammunition, military-like uniforms were recovered from them," the Army officials said, adding some of them were arrested for possessing drugs.

Meanwhile, a group of Buddist monks have accused a cabinet minister and a provincial governor of aiding and abetting the NTJ and lodged a complaint with the police, which has referred to it to the Crime Investigation Department.

The monks have accused Industry and Trade Minister Rishath Bathiyutheen and Governor of the Eastern Province M L A M Hizbullah of aiding and abetting NTJ, the group responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks.&nbsp;

"The complaint has been referred to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation," police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said.&nbsp;

Also read: Was Saudi Arabia aware of Sri Lanka attacks?

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The Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday said coastal guard vessels and personnel have been alerted following reports of boats allegedly carrying 15 local Islamic State (IS) members had set off for India's Lakshadweep islands.

The Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday said coastal guard vessels and personnel have been alerted following reports of boats allegedly carrying 15 local Islamic State (IS) members had set off for India's Lakshadweep islands. A top official source of the Kerala Police Saturday said that the state's coastal police stations and the police chiefs of the coastal districts have been alerted following intelligence reports that boats allegedly carrying 15 IS terrorists had set off from Sri Lanka to the Lakshadweep islands. "The Navy has come to know through the reports in local and Indian media that some 15 local IS members were moving to India's Lakshadweep islands through the sea route," Sri Lankan Navy spokesman Isuru Suriyabandara said. "We have alerted all our coastal guard vessels and personnel," he added. The spokesperson also said the Navy had not received any official information in this regard. "The possibility of the local Jihadi group members moving to India, however, had not been communicated to the Navy through the official channels," Suriyabandara said. Sri Lanka witnessed the worst terror attacks on its soil, when nine suicide bombers carried out a series devastating blasts that tore through three churches and as many luxury hotels on April 21, killing around 260 people, including over 40 foreigners, and injuring 500 others. The IS claimed responsibility for the blasts but Sri Lanka government said it was carried out by a local jihadi group, the National Thoweed Jamaath (NTJ). Since the April 21 suicide attacks, the Sri Lanka Army has launched an island-wide operation to search for people having links with the NTJ. During which, one of the associate of NTJ leader Zahran Cassim, who blew himself up at one of the hotels during the Easter Sunday attacks, was arrested. The Sri Lanka Army Sunday said it continued with its operations to search for the local network of the IS in the district of Colombo and its suburbs. "Around 120 people had been arrested during four days of cordon-and-search operations. During the drive, some explosives, ammunition, military-like uniforms were recovered from them," the Army officials said, adding some of them were arrested for possessing drugs. Meanwhile, a group of Buddist monks have accused a cabinet minister and a provincial governor of aiding and abetting the NTJ and lodged a complaint with the police, which has referred to it to the Crime Investigation Department. The monks have accused Industry and Trade Minister Rishath Bathiyutheen and Governor of the Eastern Province M L A M Hizbullah of aiding and abetting NTJ, the group responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks. "The complaint has been referred to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation," police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said. Also read: Was Saudi Arabia aware of Sri Lanka attacks? ×

Sri Lanka Navy puts its vessels on alert after reports of Islamic State terrorists setting off to India

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will travel to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyz Republic, on Tuesday to take part in the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

India at SCO Foreign Ministers meet; likely to raise issue of terrorism

The man accused of shooting dead 51 Muslim worshippers in the Christchurch mosque attacks was formally charged with terrorism for the first time on Tuesday, New Zealand police said.

In addition to the terror charge, Brenton Tarrant also faces 51 charges of murder and 40 of attempted murder over the March 15 attacks.

"The charge will allege that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-begins-judicial-inquiry-into-christchurch-mosque-shooting-218267">a terrorist act was carried out in Christchurch</a>," police said in a statement.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has characterised the mosque killings a well-planned "terrorist attack" since the day Tarrant, a self-described white supremacist, allegedly carried them out.

But until now the charges against him were less expansive, as New Zealand's Terrorism Suppression Act was only introduced in 2002 and is untested in the courts.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/this-could-have-been-us-survivor-of-christchurch-shooting-speaks-of-aftermath-204841/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Police said the decision to lay the terror charge was made after consultations with prosecutors and government legal experts.

Tarrant, a 28-year-old Australian, is currently in a high-security prison undergoing tests to determine if he is mentally fit to stand trial.

He next court appearance is scheduled for June 14.

Police said they had met survivors and victims' families Tuesday to explain the additional charges.

"Police are committed to providing all the support necessary for what will be a challenging and emotional court process to come for the victim’s families and survivors of the attack," they said.

The man accused of shooting dead 51 Muslim worshippers in the Christchurch mosque attacks was formally charged with terrorism for the first time on Tuesday, New Zealand police said.

The man accused of shooting dead 51 Muslim worshippers in the Christchurch mosque attacks was formally charged with terrorism for the first time on Tuesday, New Zealand police said. In addition to the terror charge, Brenton Tarrant also faces 51 charges of murder and 40 of attempted murder over the March 15 attacks. "The charge will allege that a terrorist act was carried out in Christchurch," police said in a statement. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has characterised the mosque killings a well-planned "terrorist attack" since the day Tarrant, a self-described white supremacist, allegedly carried them out. But until now the charges against him were less expansive, as New Zealand's Terrorism Suppression Act was only introduced in 2002 and is untested in the courts. Police said the decision to lay the terror charge was made after consultations with prosecutors and government legal experts. Tarrant, a 28-year-old Australian, is currently in a high-security prison undergoing tests to determine if he is mentally fit to stand trial. He next court appearance is scheduled for June 14. Police said they had met survivors and victims' families Tuesday to explain the additional charges. "Police are committed to providing all the support necessary for what will be a challenging and emotional court process to come for the victim’s families and survivors of the attack," they said.

Christchurch attacker who killed 51 charged with terrorism: Police

Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) leader Abdul Rehman Makki has been taken into custody for making hate speeches and criticizing the government’s action against banned outfits.

Who is Abdul Rehman Makki? why is his arrest significant?

Donald Trump hosted an Iftaar dinner for Muslim members from his administration and top diplomats from various countries at the White House on Monday night. During the gathering, Donald Trump resolved to defeat the evils of terrorism and religious persecution so that all people can worship without fear, pray without danger and live by the faith that flows from their heart.

Donald Trump hosts iftar at White House to mark Ramadan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-sirisena-appeals-to-international-community-to-lift-travel-warnings-216806">Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena</a> on Saturday said he won't step down and leave or be intimidated in crushing the terrorism from the country and those responsible for the April 21 bomb blasts, in which over 250 people were killed, would be brought to justice.

Speaking at a public event in the eastern district of Ampara, he also said that after receiving the interim report on the lapses by the officials that led to the Easter Sunday blasts, he suspended the police chief and also replaced the Secretary to the Defence Ministry.

Over 250 people, including 44 foreigners 10 of whom were Indians, were killed and 500 others injured in the blasts in three churches and as many hotels on April 21. The Islamic State terror group claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ).

Sri Lanka banned the NTJ and arrested over 100 people in connection with the blasts. A state of emergency was imposed in the country since the attacks and sweeping powers were given to soldiers and police to arrest and detain suspects for long periods.

"I won't resign, I won't go home or be intimidated, I will not rest until I crush terrorism," he said addressing a public event in the eastern district of&nbsp; 
Ampara today.

Attacking the Opposition demanding his resignation following the blasts, Sirisena said almost all European capitals were attacked by the ISIS terrorists but "people in those countries never asked their leaders to step down or resign."

Sirisena came under sharp criticism for failing to prevent the terror attack by the NJT as the Minister of Defense and the Commander-in-Chief of the defence forces, despite receiving tip-off from Indian intelligence agencies.

The lapse was also blamed on the power struggle within the government where Sirisena and prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe do not see eye to eye.

Sirisena said that the security forces have almost crushed the threat from the Jihadists and asked the people to carry out their normal business.&nbsp;

The President said he effected a revamp of the security establishment after the attacks and appointed a new secretary to the defence ministry in addition to suspending the police chief.

The Committee, headed by a Supreme Court judge, is expected to submit a report next week, to fix the alleged negligence by the officials.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday said he won't step down and leave or be intimidated in crushing the terrorism from the country and those responsible for the April 21 bomb blasts, in which over 250 people were killed, would be brought to justice.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday said he won't step down and leave or be intimidated in crushing the terrorism from the country and those responsible for the April 21 bomb blasts, in which over 250 people were killed, would be brought to justice. Speaking at a public event in the eastern district of Ampara, he also said that after receiving the interim report on the lapses by the officials that led to the Easter Sunday blasts, he suspended the police chief and also replaced the Secretary to the Defence Ministry. Over 250 people, including 44 foreigners 10 of whom were Indians, were killed and 500 others injured in the blasts in three churches and as many hotels on April 21. The Islamic State terror group claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ). Sri Lanka banned the NTJ and arrested over 100 people in connection with the blasts. A state of emergency was imposed in the country since the attacks and sweeping powers were given to soldiers and police to arrest and detain suspects for long periods. "I won't resign, I won't go home or be intimidated, I will not rest until I crush terrorism," he said addressing a public event in the eastern district of Ampara today. Attacking the Opposition demanding his resignation following the blasts, Sirisena said almost all European capitals were attacked by the ISIS terrorists but "people in those countries never asked their leaders to step down or resign." Sirisena came under sharp criticism for failing to prevent the terror attack by the NJT as the Minister of Defense and the Commander-in-Chief of the defence forces, despite receiving tip-off from Indian intelligence agencies. The lapse was also blamed on the power struggle within the government where Sirisena and prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe do not see eye to eye. Sirisena said that the security forces have almost crushed the threat from the Jihadists and asked the people to carry out their normal business. The President said he effected a revamp of the security establishment after the attacks and appointed a new secretary to the defence ministry in addition to suspending the police chief. The Committee, headed by a Supreme Court judge, is expected to submit a report next week, to fix the alleged negligence by the officials.

Sri Lanka: Sirisena says won't step down, leave or be intimidated till I crush terrorism

Together with Facebook and Google, Twitter is under pressure from regulators and governments worldwide to remove extremist content more rapidly or face more heavy-handed legislation.

Twitter suspends more than 166,000 terrorist accounts

Micro-blogging website Twitter blocked more than 166,000 accounts between July and December 2018, for violations related to the promotion of terrorism. The company also said that there is a steady decrease in terrorist groups trying to use the platform owing to its "zero-tolerance policy enforcement".

The rate of suspension was down by 19 per cent compared to the previous period (January-June 2018), Twitter announced in a blog post highlighting details of its transparency report.

Twitter has suspended over 1.4 million accounts since August 2015 for promoting terrorism.

The company said its methodology to bring down the terror accounts were producing results - nearly 91 per cent of accounts promoting terrorism related content were proactively removed by its internal technology. Twitter said that in the majority of cases, it took action at the account setup stage - before the account even tweets.

The greater threat for social media giants such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-facebook-twitter-have-to-do-more-to-fight-fake-news-european-union-212915">Facebook, Google and Twitter</a> is the pressure from regulatory and government bodies worldwide to remove extremist content more rapidly or face heavy-handed legislation. Many times, these organisations have failed over the years as several men and women joined terror organisations with the help of their Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Due to sheer convenience, affordability and broad reach of numerous social media platforms, terrorist groups have increasingly used social media to propagate hatred and recruit new members into their organisation.

Though Twitter says that the sharp decrease in the number of accounts suspended is indicative of a larger trend, it is now observing that year-on-year the numbers of terrorist organisations attempting to use their service is reducing.

In the past, Twitter has taken down the official pages of terror groups and disqualified their accounts, but many of them have been able to propagate their messages by asking their followers to publish pictures and videos.

Twitter also said that it received eight per cent fewer global requests to remove content, though the US topped the chart with 30 per cent of global government information requests. Requests from the UK (13 per cent), India (6 per cent), Germany (6 per cent) and France (5 per cent) together account for 30 per cent of all global information requests, and 29 per cent of all global accounts specified, the company said.

Micro-blogging website Twitter blocked more than 166,000 accounts between July and December 2018, for violations related to the promotion of terrorism. The company also said that there is a steady decrease in terrorist groups trying to use the platform owing to its "zero-tolerance policy enforcement".

Micro-blogging website Twitter blocked more than 166,000 accounts between July and December 2018, for violations related to the promotion of terrorism. The company also said that there is a steady decrease in terrorist groups trying to use the platform owing to its "zero-tolerance policy enforcement". The rate of suspension was down by 19 per cent compared to the previous period (January-June 2018), Twitter announced in a blog post highlighting details of its transparency report. Twitter has suspended over 1.4 million accounts since August 2015 for promoting terrorism. The company said its methodology to bring down the terror accounts were producing results - nearly 91 per cent of accounts promoting terrorism related content were proactively removed by its internal technology. Twitter said that in the majority of cases, it took action at the account setup stage - before the account even tweets. The greater threat for social media giants such as Facebook, Google and Twitter is the pressure from regulatory and government bodies worldwide to remove extremist content more rapidly or face heavy-handed legislation. Many times, these organisations have failed over the years as several men and women joined terror organisations with the help of their Twitter and Facebook accounts. Due to sheer convenience, affordability and broad reach of numerous social media platforms, terrorist groups have increasingly used social media to propagate hatred and recruit new members into their organisation. Though Twitter says that the sharp decrease in the number of accounts suspended is indicative of a larger trend, it is now observing that year-on-year the numbers of terrorist organisations attempting to use their service is reducing. In the past, Twitter has taken down the official pages of terror groups and disqualified their accounts, but many of them have been able to propagate their messages by asking their followers to publish pictures and videos. Twitter also said that it received eight per cent fewer global requests to remove content, though the US topped the chart with 30 per cent of global government information requests. Requests from the UK (13 per cent), India (6 per cent), Germany (6 per cent) and France (5 per cent) together account for 30 per cent of all global information requests, and 29 per cent of all global accounts specified, the company said.

Twitter suspends over 166,000 accounts for promoting terrorism

Did India concede ground to ensure China dropped its objection to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) listing Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist? &nbsp;The finger of suspicion points at the imminent proceedings of the Paris-based Financial Action Task force (FATF).&nbsp;

China’s Xiangming Liu takes over as president of the FATF on July 1, 2019 – just in time to save Pakistan from being blacklisted. Did China, Pakistan’s all-weather ally, drive a bargain at the UNSC last week to keep Pakistan out of the blacklist at the FATF’s scheduled October 2019 meeting in return for Masood Azhar’s listing?&nbsp;

The FATF’s Asian affiliate will later this month evaluate the progress Pakistan has made in 29 specific areas of terror financing and money laundering where the FATF says Pakistan is in violation of its guidelines.

The Imran Khan government says “Naya” Pakistan is determined to root out terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil and that most of FATF’s concerns have been taken care of.&nbsp;

No one in the FATF — or in Pakistan itself — believes that. Terror financing continues unabated. Money laundering through routes in Afghanistan and the Middle East to fund terror groups has not reduced. The listing of JeM’s Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC is merely symbolic. The Lashkar-e-Toiba’s Hafiz Saeed was designated a global terrorist by the UNSC way back in 2001. He has been untouched by the Pakistani authorities and continues to preach jihad against India.

Masood Azhar is currently under the protection of the Pakistani army’s ISI. Islamabad says the UNSC listing will be implemented in all key areas, including imposing an arms embargo on Azhar and freezing his assets.&nbsp;

Since the JeM’s weaponry and funds come surreptitiously from the Pakistani Army, neither the arms embargo nor the asset freeze will alter the status quo. For the JeM, it is terror as usual.&nbsp;

Pakistan’s real fear is not the occasional UNSC listing of the terrorists it arms, funds and protects. Its real fear is blacklisting by the FATF. Already on the greylist, Pakistan simply cannot afford to be blacklisted. The only two countries currently on the FATF’s blacklist are Iran and North Korea. Blacklisting of a country cuts off all global financial aid and loans, imposes sanctions on the country’s banks, and cripples its economy. Iran and North Korea are examples of how FATF blacklisting (along with other US-specific sanctions) have devastated their economies.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been warned by the FATF that unless it shows real progress on ending terror financing, blacklisting by the watchdog body at its October 2019 meeting could follow. Pakistan’ fragile economy, already beset by low foreign exchange reserves, a depreciating rupee and a bloated current account deficit, could collapse if FATF blacklisted it. Islamabad has, therefore, spent the past several months working on a strategy to avoid this financial Armaggedon. The strategy has two prongs.&nbsp;

First, package “Naya” Pakistan as a break from the past. Prime Minister Imran Khan has promised action against all terror groups operating from Pakistan. Shortly after Masood Azhar was designated a global terrorist, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal declared piously: “The UNSC decision entails travel restrictions, asset freeze and arms embargo. Pakistan is a responsible state and we will take responsible action.”&nbsp;

This charm offensive is aimed squarely at the FATF and the United States. Talks between US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalizad and the Pakistan-created Taliban terror organisation have recently run into a wall.&nbsp;

This is the second prong of Pakistan’s strategy: leverage its influence over the Taliban to reboot negotiations and offer US President Donald Trump a rapid exit from Afghanistan he seeks for US and NATO troops.&nbsp;

The two-pronged strategy thus relies on deception and blackmail. Deception because “Naya” Pakistan is a mirage. Blackmail because the Taliban is Pakistan’s bargaining chip with a US President desperate to end the country’s 18-year war in Afghanistan. Will the Pakistani strategy work? In the short term, yes. In the medium and long term, no.&nbsp;

Consider why: China will shortly head the FATF and sell the false “Naya” Pakistan narrative to members of the FATF to ensure Islamabad is not blacklisted in October. This though, will prove a pyrrhic victory for both Pakistan and China. Lulled into complacency by the China-headed FATF’s enforced generosity, terror groups in Pakistan will attack targets in India and Afghanistan with renewed vigour.&nbsp;

The drawdown of US and NATO troops will allow the Taliban free rein. If it is part of the new Afghan government following elections scheduled for later this year, Afghanistan will join a select group of countries ruled by a terror group.&nbsp;

For Pakistan, a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan constitutes the “strategic depth” it craves. But habits die hard. And bad habits die harder. Ordinary Afghans haven’t forgotten the last time the Taliban was part of the government in 1996-2001. They despise the Taliban and Pakistan in equal measure. India hasn’t forgotten Taliban rule either. In 1999, the Taliban played a venal role in helping the ISI-backed Harkat-ul-Mujahideen hijackers of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in Kandahar to free Masood Azhar from an Indian jail. &nbsp;

A return to “old” Pakistan is therefore guaranteed with help from its Taliban terror partners. The reprieve for Pakistan from the FATF could prove both temporary and illusory.&nbsp; 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-fatf-pakistan-s-achilles-heel-2747319">original article)</a>

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Did India concede ground to ensure China dropped its objection to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) listing Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist?

Did India concede ground to ensure China dropped its objection to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) listing Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist? The finger of suspicion points at the imminent proceedings of the Paris-based Financial Action Task force (FATF). China’s Xiangming Liu takes over as president of the FATF on July 1, 2019 – just in time to save Pakistan from being blacklisted. Did China, Pakistan’s all-weather ally, drive a bargain at the UNSC last week to keep Pakistan out of the blacklist at the FATF’s scheduled October 2019 meeting in return for Masood Azhar’s listing? The FATF’s Asian affiliate will later this month evaluate the progress Pakistan has made in 29 specific areas of terror financing and money laundering where the FATF says Pakistan is in violation of its guidelines. The Imran Khan government says “Naya” Pakistan is determined to root out terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil and that most of FATF’s concerns have been taken care of. No one in the FATF — or in Pakistan itself — believes that. Terror financing continues unabated. Money laundering through routes in Afghanistan and the Middle East to fund terror groups has not reduced. The listing of JeM’s Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC is merely symbolic. The Lashkar-e-Toiba’s Hafiz Saeed was designated a global terrorist by the UNSC way back in 2001. He has been untouched by the Pakistani authorities and continues to preach jihad against India. Masood Azhar is currently under the protection of the Pakistani army’s ISI. Islamabad says the UNSC listing will be implemented in all key areas, including imposing an arms embargo on Azhar and freezing his assets. Since the JeM’s weaponry and funds come surreptitiously from the Pakistani Army, neither the arms embargo nor the asset freeze will alter the status quo. For the JeM, it is terror as usual. Pakistan’s real fear is not the occasional UNSC listing of the terrorists it arms, funds and protects. Its real fear is blacklisting by the FATF. Already on the greylist, Pakistan simply cannot afford to be blacklisted. The only two countries currently on the FATF’s blacklist are Iran and North Korea. Blacklisting of a country cuts off all global financial aid and loans, imposes sanctions on the country’s banks, and cripples its economy. Iran and North Korea are examples of how FATF blacklisting (along with other US-specific sanctions) have devastated their economies. Pakistan has been warned by the FATF that unless it shows real progress on ending terror financing, blacklisting by the watchdog body at its October 2019 meeting could follow. Pakistan’ fragile economy, already beset by low foreign exchange reserves, a depreciating rupee and a bloated current account deficit, could collapse if FATF blacklisted it. Islamabad has, therefore, spent the past several months working on a strategy to avoid this financial Armaggedon. The strategy has two prongs. First, package “Naya” Pakistan as a break from the past. Prime Minister Imran Khan has promised action against all terror groups operating from Pakistan. Shortly after Masood Azhar was designated a global terrorist, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal declared piously: “The UNSC decision entails travel restrictions, asset freeze and arms embargo. Pakistan is a responsible state and we will take responsible action.” This charm offensive is aimed squarely at the FATF and the United States. Talks between US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalizad and the Pakistan-created Taliban terror organisation have recently run into a wall. This is the second prong of Pakistan’s strategy: leverage its influence over the Taliban to reboot negotiations and offer US President Donald Trump a rapid exit from Afghanistan he seeks for US and NATO troops. The two-pronged strategy thus relies on deception and blackmail. Deception because “Naya” Pakistan is a mirage. Blackmail because the Taliban is Pakistan’s bargaining chip with a US President desperate to end the country’s 18-year war in Afghanistan. Will the Pakistani strategy work? In the short term, yes. In the medium and long term, no. Consider why: China will shortly head the FATF and sell the false “Naya” Pakistan narrative to members of the FATF to ensure Islamabad is not blacklisted in October. This though, will prove a pyrrhic victory for both Pakistan and China. Lulled into complacency by the China-headed FATF’s enforced generosity, terror groups in Pakistan will attack targets in India and Afghanistan with renewed vigour. The drawdown of US and NATO troops will allow the Taliban free rein. If it is part of the new Afghan government following elections scheduled for later this year, Afghanistan will join a select group of countries ruled by a terror group. For Pakistan, a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan constitutes the “strategic depth” it craves. But habits die hard. And bad habits die harder. Ordinary Afghans haven’t forgotten the last time the Taliban was part of the government in 1996-2001. They despise the Taliban and Pakistan in equal measure. India hasn’t forgotten Taliban rule either. In 1999, the Taliban played a venal role in helping the ISI-backed Harkat-ul-Mujahideen hijackers of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in Kandahar to free Masood Azhar from an Indian jail. A return to “old” Pakistan is therefore guaranteed with help from its Taliban terror partners. The reprieve for Pakistan from the FATF could prove both temporary and illusory. (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.)

Pakistan banking on a Chinese incumbent to keep itself off the blacklist

Pakistan continues to sponsor terror outfits that launched deadly attacks in India because Islamabad has "paid no price for its perfidy", a prominent think-tank expert has told American lawmakers.

Pakistan continues to sponsor terrorist groups that launched deadly attacks in India. It has paid no price for its perfidy," Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing early this week.

"We must continue to combat state sponsors of terror and make hard decisions about countries such as Pakistan,"&nbsp;he added.&nbsp;

Referring to Pakistan's "unwavering support" to Taliban, much to the detriment of the US in Afghanistan, Roggio also disapproved the US move to withdraw troops from there.&nbsp;

"Its support for the Taliban has been unwavering and is leading us to defeat in Afghanistan. I would argue that we have already lost Afghanistan. We are merely attempting to negotiate the terms of our exit,"&nbsp;he told the members of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa and International Terrorism.

The United States disengaging itself from the battlefronts would lead to an easy victory of its enemies, he cautioned.

"As our enemies have expanded their base of operations and remain committed to the fight, our will has faltered,"&nbsp;he said.

"This is a long war and commitment is key. If we hope to end this threat, we must renew our commitment and to present a united front,"&nbsp;he asserted. 
In his deposition to the panel, Roggio called for "hard decisions" by the US.

"We must rethink our goals and strategy and recognise our enemies' goals and strategy. We have to figure out a way to effectively fight our enemies both in the military sphere and the sphere of ideas," he said.

"We must continue to combat state sponsors of terror and make hard decisions about countries such as Pakistan,"&nbsp;he added. 
Roggio also accused Iran of trying to establish an Islamic state.

Iran, which alongside Pakistan, is amongst the biggest state sponsors of terrorism, also seeks to establish an Islamic state, he said.&nbsp;

"It backs loyal militias in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. These militias are organised and trained along the same lines as has been law. The long-term impact of these militias is still not fully understood," said the anti-terror strategy and security expert.

While Iran primarily backs Shia groups, it has openly battled the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and is not opposed to forming alliances with Sunni jihadists, said Roggio.

"This secret deal was documented by the US Treasury Department in 2011 and several times since. Pakistan also continues to harbour numerous terrorist groups and uses them as a tool of its foreign policy,"&nbsp;Roggio said.

Pakistan continues to sponsor terror outfits that launched deadly attacks in India because Islamabad has "paid no price for its perfidy", a prominent think-tank expert has told American lawmakers.

Pakistan continues to sponsor terror outfits that launched deadly attacks in India because Islamabad has "paid no price for its perfidy", a prominent think-tank expert has told American lawmakers. Pakistan continues to sponsor terrorist groups that launched deadly attacks in India. It has paid no price for its perfidy," Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing early this week. "We must continue to combat state sponsors of terror and make hard decisions about countries such as Pakistan," he added. Referring to Pakistan's "unwavering support" to Taliban, much to the detriment of the US in Afghanistan, Roggio also disapproved the US move to withdraw troops from there. "Its support for the Taliban has been unwavering and is leading us to defeat in Afghanistan. I would argue that we have already lost Afghanistan. We are merely attempting to negotiate the terms of our exit," he told the members of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa and International Terrorism. The United States disengaging itself from the battlefronts would lead to an easy victory of its enemies, he cautioned. "As our enemies have expanded their base of operations and remain committed to the fight, our will has faltered," he said. "This is a long war and commitment is key. If we hope to end this threat, we must renew our commitment and to present a united front," he asserted. In his deposition to the panel, Roggio called for "hard decisions" by the US. "We must rethink our goals and strategy and recognise our enemies' goals and strategy. We have to figure out a way to effectively fight our enemies both in the military sphere and the sphere of ideas," he said. "We must continue to combat state sponsors of terror and make hard decisions about countries such as Pakistan," he added. Roggio also accused Iran of trying to establish an Islamic state. Iran, which alongside Pakistan, is amongst the biggest state sponsors of terrorism, also seeks to establish an Islamic state, he said. "It backs loyal militias in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. These militias are organised and trained along the same lines as has been law. The long-term impact of these militias is still not fully understood," said the anti-terror strategy and security expert. While Iran primarily backs Shia groups, it has openly battled the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and is not opposed to forming alliances with Sunni jihadists, said Roggio. "This secret deal was documented by the US Treasury Department in 2011 and several times since. Pakistan also continues to harbour numerous terrorist groups and uses them as a tool of its foreign policy," Roggio said.

Pakistan backs anti-India terror groups, has paid no price for its perfidy: US think-tank

President Donald Trump is working to designate the Muslim Brotherhood a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), the White House said on Tuesday, which would bring sanctions against Egypt's oldest Islamist movement.

Trump weighs labeling Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group

As Sri Lanka reels in the aftermath of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-plotters-planning-more-attacks-us-ambassador-teplitz-214704">suicide attacks</a>, PM Wickremesinghe in a candid interview to WION conceded that the country needs to "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-airs-video-purporting-to-be-leader-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-214624">face up to terrorism</a>" and ensure "it doesn't drag on for too long" while adding that intelligence related to the attack didn't "flow up" which could have helped to prevent the blasts.

"There have been some shortcomings in the security establishment. Let's see who is responsible," the Lankan prime minister said while informing that those responsible for the lapses will be held accountable.

"We could have prevented all the blasts or many other blasts, that is where our fault lies," he said.

The April 21st Easter bombings shook the island nation as it reverberated around the world. Authorities have said at least 253 people have died so far, the toll could still rise further as several are still critically injured.

The Lankan prime minister said there were "shortcomings" in the security establishment. President Sirisena tried has tried to shake up the security agencies in the past week by asking police chief Pujith Jayasundara and defence secretary Hemasiri Fernando to quit to pave the way for a probe and put a new structure in place.

PM &nbsp;Ranil Wickremesinghe felt let down by the fact that no one acted on the impending threat and he too was left out of the loop.

"The problem is there are dead bodies, people have died, the economy has suffered and there was information which wasn't acted upon, that's really the issue," he said.

After the blasts there have been several angles linking the attacks, some said there was a "political conspiracy". The prime minister said if there was any evidence of a conspiracy, it will be probed.

The prime minister said the political backlash was expected after the magnitude of the attack comparing it to the LTTE era in the 80s.

"We are entering a new phase in global terrorism as against homegrown terrorism which was on domestic political issues," he said, adding, "this is internal jihad, can we tackle it? That will be answered in the coming few weeks."

The prime minister said the confidence of the people can now only be restored on the basis of how the government tackles various issues including the economy and bringing back normalcy in the country scarred by the attack.

As Sri Lanka reels in the aftermath of the suicide attacks, PM Wickremesinghe in a candid interview to WION conceded that the country needs to "face up to terrorism" and ensure "it doesn't drag on for too long" while adding that intelligence related to the attack didn't "flow up" which could have helped to prevent the blasts.

As Sri Lanka reels in the aftermath of the suicide attacks, PM Wickremesinghe in a candid interview to WION conceded that the country needs to "face up to terrorism" and ensure "it doesn't drag on for too long" while adding that intelligence related to the attack didn't "flow up" which could have helped to prevent the blasts. "There have been some shortcomings in the security establishment. Let's see who is responsible," the Lankan prime minister said while informing that those responsible for the lapses will be held accountable. "We could have prevented all the blasts or many other blasts, that is where our fault lies," he said. The April 21st Easter bombings shook the island nation as it reverberated around the world. Authorities have said at least 253 people have died so far, the toll could still rise further as several are still critically injured. The Lankan prime minister said there were "shortcomings" in the security establishment. President Sirisena tried has tried to shake up the security agencies in the past week by asking police chief Pujith Jayasundara and defence secretary Hemasiri Fernando to quit to pave the way for a probe and put a new structure in place. PM Ranil Wickremesinghe felt let down by the fact that no one acted on the impending threat and he too was left out of the loop. "The problem is there are dead bodies, people have died, the economy has suffered and there was information which wasn't acted upon, that's really the issue," he said. After the blasts there have been several angles linking the attacks, some said there was a "political conspiracy". The prime minister said if there was any evidence of a conspiracy, it will be probed. The prime minister said the political backlash was expected after the magnitude of the attack comparing it to the LTTE era in the 80s. "We are entering a new phase in global terrorism as against homegrown terrorism which was on domestic political issues," he said, adding, "this is internal jihad, can we tackle it? That will be answered in the coming few weeks." The prime minister said the confidence of the people can now only be restored on the basis of how the government tackles various issues including the economy and bringing back normalcy in the country scarred by the attack.

Global terrorism has entered Sri Lanka, PM Wickremesinghe tells WION

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Ibrahim Kalin, senior adviser to Erdogan reacts on Pulwama attack and said that Terrorism cannot be condoned. Watch full video to know more.

WION Exclusive: Terrorism cannot be condoned, says Erdogan Adviser

Saudi Arabia said it executed 37 of its citizens on Tuesday after they were convicted of "terrorism" in the kingdom, which is one of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rights-groups-condemn-saudi-arabia-over-trial-of-women-activists-200733">world's top executioners</a>.

The sentences were carried out in Riyadh, the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina, central Qassim province and Eastern Province, home to the country's Shiite minority.

The men were executed "for adopting terrorist and extremist thinking and for forming terrorist cells to corrupt and destabilise security", a statement published by the official Saudi Press Agency said.

It said that one person was crucified after his execution, a punishment reserved for particularly serious crimes.&nbsp;

Executions in the ultra-conservative kingdom are usually carried out by beheading.&nbsp;

At least 100 people have been executed in Saudi Arabia since the beginning of the year, according to a count based on official data released by SPA.

Last year, the oil-rich Gulf state carried out the death sentences of 149 people, according to Amnesty International, which said only Iran was known to have executed more people.

Rights experts have repeatedly raised concerns about the fairness of trials in Saudi Arabia, governed under a strict form of Islamic law.

People convicted of terrorism, homicide, rape, armed robbery and drug trafficking face the death penalty, which the government says is a deterrent for further crime.

Saudi Arabia said it executed 37 of its citizens on Tuesday after they were convicted of "terrorism" in the kingdom, which is one of the world's top executioners.

Saudi Arabia said it executed 37 of its citizens on Tuesday after they were convicted of "terrorism" in the kingdom, which is one of the world's top executioners. The sentences were carried out in Riyadh, the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina, central Qassim province and Eastern Province, home to the country's Shiite minority. The men were executed "for adopting terrorist and extremist thinking and for forming terrorist cells to corrupt and destabilise security", a statement published by the official Saudi Press Agency said. It said that one person was crucified after his execution, a punishment reserved for particularly serious crimes. Executions in the ultra-conservative kingdom are usually carried out by beheading. At least 100 people have been executed in Saudi Arabia since the beginning of the year, according to a count based on official data released by SPA. Last year, the oil-rich Gulf state carried out the death sentences of 149 people, according to Amnesty International, which said only Iran was known to have executed more people. Rights experts have repeatedly raised concerns about the fairness of trials in Saudi Arabia, governed under a strict form of Islamic law. People convicted of terrorism, homicide, rape, armed robbery and drug trafficking face the death penalty, which the government says is a deterrent for further crime.

Saudi Arabia executes 37 citizens for 'adopting terrorist and extremist thinking'

"We cannot bring lives back," said an utterly helpless Chaminda Vaas Tuesday as thoughts of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/west-asia/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-sri-lanka-bombings-212899">multiple blasts that killed nearly 300</a> and shattered Sri Lanka's tranquillity, crossed the former cricket star's mind.&nbsp;

Yearning for normalcy, Vaas and his colleague Rangana Herath said the need of the hour is to stay strong and united.

"So sad to see. We never thought these kinds of things will happen in Sri Lanka. It is a lovely country and hospitable. People are very friendly. It is so tragic to see such things happen," Vaas told reporters here.

"We need to rebuild. We can rebuild churches or hotels but we can't bring lives back. I am sure the Sri Lankan government and the people will be very united this time and make sure that we stick together," said the former left-arm pacer with 400 ODI and 355 Test wickets. Hearth has 433 Test wickets.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cctv-video-shows-suspected-suicide-bomber-entering-sri-lankan-church-moments-before-blast-212866">CCTV video shows suspected suicide bomber entering Sri Lankan church moments before blast</a>

Sri Lankan authorities arrested 24 people in connection with the blasts targeting churches and luxury hotels in the island nation on Easter Sunday, killing over 290 people and injuring around 500 others.

Vaas and his former teammate Herath were in the city to inaugurate a local T20 cricket tournament organised by Jwala Singh. 
Herath, one of the best left-arm spinners of his time, said his country needs to stay strong during such times.

"We need to convey our deepest sympathies and condolences. As Chaminda said, we are a united country. We kind of have a panic situation but (we are sure that) we (will) become a strong country," he added.

Vaas expressed confidence that the situation would be normal again in Sri Lanka.

"This attack can happen anywhere in the world. We saw in New Zealand recently as well. These people don't have simply one place (and) they can attack anywhere in the world. I am pretty sure that things will go back to normal," Vaas remarked.

"We cannot bring lives back," said an utterly helpless Chaminda Vaas Tuesday as thoughts of the multiple blasts that killed nearly 300 and shattered Sri Lanka's tranquillity, crossed the former cricket star's mind.

"We cannot bring lives back," said an utterly helpless Chaminda Vaas Tuesday as thoughts of the multiple blasts that killed nearly 300 and shattered Sri Lanka's tranquillity, crossed the former cricket star's mind. Yearning for normalcy, Vaas and his colleague Rangana Herath said the need of the hour is to stay strong and united. "So sad to see. We never thought these kinds of things will happen in Sri Lanka. It is a lovely country and hospitable. People are very friendly. It is so tragic to see such things happen," Vaas told reporters here. "We need to rebuild. We can rebuild churches or hotels but we can't bring lives back. I am sure the Sri Lankan government and the people will be very united this time and make sure that we stick together," said the former left-arm pacer with 400 ODI and 355 Test wickets. Hearth has 433 Test wickets. Also Read: CCTV video shows suspected suicide bomber entering Sri Lankan church moments before blast Sri Lankan authorities arrested 24 people in connection with the blasts targeting churches and luxury hotels in the island nation on Easter Sunday, killing over 290 people and injuring around 500 others. Vaas and his former teammate Herath were in the city to inaugurate a local T20 cricket tournament organised by Jwala Singh. Herath, one of the best left-arm spinners of his time, said his country needs to stay strong during such times. "We need to convey our deepest sympathies and condolences. As Chaminda said, we are a united country. We kind of have a panic situation but (we are sure that) we (will) become a strong country," he added. Vaas expressed confidence that the situation would be normal again in Sri Lanka. "This attack can happen anywhere in the world. We saw in New Zealand recently as well. These people don't have simply one place (and) they can attack anywhere in the world. I am pretty sure that things will go back to normal," Vaas remarked.

We can't bring lives back, says former cricketer Chaminda Vaas on Lankan blasts

Prime Minister Imran Khan paid a high-level visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran from April 21-22 2019, on the invitation Iranian President Dr. Hassan Rouhani.

Imran khan admits terror groups in Pakistan; Watch debate

The US has advised its citizens to reconsider their travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and asked them not to travel to restive Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), identified as the most dangerous areas due to terror attacks.

While Pakistan, in general, has been placed in "Level Three" category in the latest travel advisory issued by the US on Monday, several parts of the country, including Balochistan, KPK province, PoK and India-Pakistan border, have been placed in the most dangerous "Level Four" category, in which US citizens are asked not to travel due to high-risk areas.

"Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or near Pakistan, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR),” the State Department said in the travel advisory.

Asserting that terror groups continue plotting possible attacks in Pakistan, the State Department said that terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist locations, schools, hospitals, places of worship and government facilities.

"Terrorists have targeted US diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past, and information suggests they continue to do so,” it said.

Terrorist attacks continue to happen across Pakistan, with most occurring in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in hundreds of casualties, it said.

“Do not travel to Balochistan province,” the State Department said, adding that active terrorist groups, an active separatist movement, sectarian conflicts and deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, government offices and security forces destabilise the province.

Similarly, in the PoK, it warned that militant groups are known to operate in the area and the threat of armed conflict between India and Pakistan remains. "Indian and Pakistani military forces periodically exchange gun and artillery fire across the Line of Control (LoC),” it said.

Noting that India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border, the travel advisory said the only official Pakistan-India border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the province of Punjab between Wagah and Attari.

“Do not travel to KPK province, which includes the former FATA,” the advisory said.

Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government offices, and security forces. “These groups historically have not discriminated between government officials and civilians. Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common, including the targeting of polio eradication teams,” it said.&nbsp;

The US has advised its citizens to reconsider their travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and asked them not to travel to restive Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), identified as the most dangerous areas due to terror attacks.

The US has advised its citizens to reconsider their travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and asked them not to travel to restive Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), identified as the most dangerous areas due to terror attacks. While Pakistan, in general, has been placed in "Level Three" category in the latest travel advisory issued by the US on Monday, several parts of the country, including Balochistan, KPK province, PoK and India-Pakistan border, have been placed in the most dangerous "Level Four" category, in which US citizens are asked not to travel due to high-risk areas. "Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or near Pakistan, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR),” the State Department said in the travel advisory. Asserting that terror groups continue plotting possible attacks in Pakistan, the State Department said that terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist locations, schools, hospitals, places of worship and government facilities. "Terrorists have targeted US diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past, and information suggests they continue to do so,” it said. Terrorist attacks continue to happen across Pakistan, with most occurring in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in hundreds of casualties, it said. “Do not travel to Balochistan province,” the State Department said, adding that active terrorist groups, an active separatist movement, sectarian conflicts and deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, government offices and security forces destabilise the province. Similarly, in the PoK, it warned that militant groups are known to operate in the area and the threat of armed conflict between India and Pakistan remains. "Indian and Pakistani military forces periodically exchange gun and artillery fire across the Line of Control (LoC),” it said. Noting that India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border, the travel advisory said the only official Pakistan-India border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the province of Punjab between Wagah and Attari. “Do not travel to KPK province, which includes the former FATA,” the advisory said. Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government offices, and security forces. “These groups historically have not discriminated between government officials and civilians. Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common, including the targeting of polio eradication teams,” it said.

Terrorists may attack, reconsider travel to Pakistan: US urges its citizens in advisory

The US has advised its citizens to reconsider their travel to Pakistan due to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-calls-on-pakistan-to-immediately-end-support-to-all-terrorist-groups-white-house-197523&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwislMOpktThAhUKVH0KHZROC-QQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2sk0PxTtDwaqCm3uklHkfh">terrorism </a>and asked them not to travel to restive Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), identified as the most dangerous areas due to terror attacks.

While Pakistan, in general, has been placed in "Level Three" category in the latest travel advisory issued by the US on Monday, several parts of the country, including Balochistan, KPK province, PoK and India-Pakistan border, have been placed in the most dangerous "Level Four" category, in which US citizens are asked not to travel due to high-risk areas.

"Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or near Pakistan, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR)'' the State Department said in the travel advisory.

Asserting that terror groups continue plotting possible attacks in Pakistan, the State Department said that terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist locations, schools, hospitals, places of worship and government facilities.

"Terrorists have targeted US diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past, and information suggests they continue to do so, it said.&nbsp;

Terrorist attacks continue to happen across Pakistan, with most occurring in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in hundreds of casualties, it said.

Do not travel to Balochistan province the State Department said, adding that active terrorist groups, an active separatist movement, sectarian conflicts and deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, government offices and security forces destabilise the province.&nbsp;

Similarly, in the PoK, it warned that militant groups are known to operate in the area and the threat of armed conflict between India and Pakistan remains. "Indian and Pakistani military forces periodically exchange gun and artillery fire across the Line of Control (LoC), it said.

Noting that India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border, the travel advisory said the only official Pakistan-India border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the province of Punjab between Wagah and Attari.&nbsp;

Do not travel to KPK province, which includes the former FATA, the advisory said.

Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government offices, and security forces.

These groups historically have not discriminated between government officials and civilians. Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common, including the targeting of polio eradication teams, it said.

The US has advised its citizens to reconsider their travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and asked them not to travel to restive Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), identified as the most dangerous areas due to terror attacks. While Pakistan, in general, has been placed in "Level Three" category in the latest travel advisory issued by the US on Monday, several parts of the country, including Balochistan, KPK province, PoK and India-Pakistan border, have been placed in the most dangerous "Level Four" category, in which US citizens are asked not to travel due to high-risk areas. "Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or near Pakistan, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR)'' the State Department said in the travel advisory. Asserting that terror groups continue plotting possible attacks in Pakistan, the State Department said that terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist locations, schools, hospitals, places of worship and government facilities. "Terrorists have targeted US diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past, and information suggests they continue to do so, it said. Terrorist attacks continue to happen across Pakistan, with most occurring in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in hundreds of casualties, it said. Do not travel to Balochistan province the State Department said, adding that active terrorist groups, an active separatist movement, sectarian conflicts and deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, government offices and security forces destabilise the province. Similarly, in the PoK, it warned that militant groups are known to operate in the area and the threat of armed conflict between India and Pakistan remains. "Indian and Pakistani military forces periodically exchange gun and artillery fire across the Line of Control (LoC), it said. Noting that India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border, the travel advisory said the only official Pakistan-India border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the province of Punjab between Wagah and Attari. Do not travel to KPK province, which includes the former FATA, the advisory said. Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government offices, and security forces. These groups historically have not discriminated between government officials and civilians. Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common, including the targeting of polio eradication teams, it said.

US asks its citizens to reconsider travel plans to Pakistan due to terrorism

There are four power centres in Pakistan. Sitting atop the other three is the military, which controls one-third of Pakistan’s economy and almost all its terror groups. The other three centres of quasi-power are the government, the judiciary and the mullahs. The media is powerless. Civil society has no voice.&nbsp;

The Pakistani army is obsessed with India for one overriding reason: it justifies the army’s indispensability to the country and is good for business. The Pakistani army is run like a private limited company. Indian strategists working on counter-terror operations make the mistake of thinking that Pakistan’s “deep state” is responsible for Islamabad’s malignant behaviour. &nbsp;

There is no deep state in Pakistan. The army is the deep state and its tactics are open, even brazen. The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) makes no secret of its subversive role. Its public relations division (ISPR) is run by Major General Asif Ghafoor, who deals daily in Goebbelsian propaganda.&nbsp;

The Pakistani army’s Fauji Foundation owns businesses across Pakistan. In a written reply to Pakistan’s Senate in 2016, a glimpse of the army’s business holdings was revealed. As Dawn reported: “There were nearly 50 projects and units functioning in the country under the administrative control of Fauji Foundation, Shaheen Foundation, Bahria Foundation, Army Welfare Trust (AWT) and Defence Housing Authorities (DHAs).&nbsp;

According to the details provided in the reply, eight DHAs were established in major cities. These DHAs — mostly created through ordinances — are in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Peshawar and Quetta. Besides, there are 16 projects/units functioning under the AWT, 15 under the Fauji Foundation and 11 under the Shaheen Foundation.”

Projects under the Fauji Foundation include plants manufacturing everything from cement and fertiliser to energy and cereal. The Fauji Foundation itself claims on its website that it runs 18 industries. Quite apart from official holdings, the Pakistani army controls benami land and foreign bank accounts.&nbsp;

The country’s defence budget at $10 billion is 3.5 per cent of Pakistan’s GDP —nearly double India’s (1.8 per cent) as a ratio of GDP. Few countries spend more on defence as a percentage of GDP than Pakistan. China’s defence budget is 1.4 per cent of GDP. A significant portion of Pakistan’s defence budget is siphoned off by the army’s top brass. There is little oversight.&nbsp;

To keep the defence budget high and the illicit money machine ticking over, the Pakistani army needs an enemy. India fits the bill. The Pakistani army is not interested in Kashmir. It uses the state to prosecute a low-cost, low-intensity proxy conflict with India, deploying its terrorist arms to attack India and keep tensions simmering just below boiling point.&nbsp;

A key part of this strategy is to maintain a facade of seeking talks with India. For the Pakistani military, talks and terror go together. Structured &nbsp;dialogue with India gives Islamabad respectability in the eyes of the international community, diluting the impression that it is a pariah state. But the Pakistani army has no intention of allowing talks, when they do take place, to actually succeed in resolving the Kashmir issue. A resolution would end the conflict. The army’s role in Pakistan would diminish. So would the Fauji Foundation’s fortunes.&nbsp;

India’s peace lobby comprises several well-meaning activists. The Pakistani army’s civil society proxies engage in endless track two meetings with them. The purpose: build a bridge to eventually open a dialogue between India and Pakistan at the political level. Meanwhile, the Pakistani army’s terror proxies — Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen — launch periodic attacks on Indian targets to ensure that the low-intensity conflict continues.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force’s Balakot strike deep inside Pakistan changed the low-cost terror business model that the Pakistani army had perfected over years. Suddenly, the cost had risen. The loss of hundreds of terrorists and several Pakistani army officers in Balakot was just one blow.&nbsp;

An equally punishing one could be lying around the corner: blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The Paris-based body monitors money laundering and terror financing globally. The Pakistani establishment engages copiously in both. If the FATF blacklists Pakistan, it could severely damage that country’s already fragile economy.&nbsp;

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistan’s foreign minister, was so rattled by the possibility of blacklisting that he told journalists at a recent press conference in Lahore: “The Foreign Office is calculating the annual loss if Pakistan is pushed in the blacklist by the FATF as India is lobbying for this.”&nbsp;

Indian foreign policymakers have been ambivalent over Pakistan. Diplomatic relations remain unchanged. A private member’s bill to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism has been shelved. Cross-border trade continues as before, notwithstanding the withdrawal of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status. Even the ludicrous retreat ceremony at the Wagah border post between BSF jawans and Pakistani Rangers goes on unabated daily. Pakistan craves equivalence with India. Indian policymakers give it far too many opportunities to claim false equivalence.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Pakistani army keeps a beady eye on India, obsessing over every Pakistani rupee it can extract from the longest geopolitical fraud it has pulled off for decades through its proxy war of terror against &nbsp;India. The new Indian government, whichever alliance forms it, must end the charade that enriches the Pakistani army at the cost of Indian lives.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-pakistan-army-private-limited-2738313">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

There are four power centres in Pakistan. Sitting atop the other three is the military, which controls one-third of Pakistan’s economy and almost all its terror groups.

There are four power centres in Pakistan. Sitting atop the other three is the military, which controls one-third of Pakistan’s economy and almost all its terror groups. The other three centres of quasi-power are the government, the judiciary and the mullahs. The media is powerless. Civil society has no voice. The Pakistani army is obsessed with India for one overriding reason: it justifies the army’s indispensability to the country and is good for business. The Pakistani army is run like a private limited company. Indian strategists working on counter-terror operations make the mistake of thinking that Pakistan’s “deep state” is responsible for Islamabad’s malignant behaviour. There is no deep state in Pakistan. The army is the deep state and its tactics are open, even brazen. The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) makes no secret of its subversive role. Its public relations division (ISPR) is run by Major General Asif Ghafoor, who deals daily in Goebbelsian propaganda. The Pakistani army’s Fauji Foundation owns businesses across Pakistan. In a written reply to Pakistan’s Senate in 2016, a glimpse of the army’s business holdings was revealed. As Dawn reported: “There were nearly 50 projects and units functioning in the country under the administrative control of Fauji Foundation, Shaheen Foundation, Bahria Foundation, Army Welfare Trust (AWT) and Defence Housing Authorities (DHAs). According to the details provided in the reply, eight DHAs were established in major cities. These DHAs — mostly created through ordinances — are in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Peshawar and Quetta. Besides, there are 16 projects/units functioning under the AWT, 15 under the Fauji Foundation and 11 under the Shaheen Foundation.” Projects under the Fauji Foundation include plants manufacturing everything from cement and fertiliser to energy and cereal. The Fauji Foundation itself claims on its website that it runs 18 industries. Quite apart from official holdings, the Pakistani army controls benami land and foreign bank accounts. The country’s defence budget at $10 billion is 3.5 per cent of Pakistan’s GDP —nearly double India’s (1.8 per cent) as a ratio of GDP. Few countries spend more on defence as a percentage of GDP than Pakistan. China’s defence budget is 1.4 per cent of GDP. A significant portion of Pakistan’s defence budget is siphoned off by the army’s top brass. There is little oversight. To keep the defence budget high and the illicit money machine ticking over, the Pakistani army needs an enemy. India fits the bill. The Pakistani army is not interested in Kashmir. It uses the state to prosecute a low-cost, low-intensity proxy conflict with India, deploying its terrorist arms to attack India and keep tensions simmering just below boiling point. A key part of this strategy is to maintain a facade of seeking talks with India. For the Pakistani military, talks and terror go together. Structured dialogue with India gives Islamabad respectability in the eyes of the international community, diluting the impression that it is a pariah state. But the Pakistani army has no intention of allowing talks, when they do take place, to actually succeed in resolving the Kashmir issue. A resolution would end the conflict. The army’s role in Pakistan would diminish. So would the Fauji Foundation’s fortunes. India’s peace lobby comprises several well-meaning activists. The Pakistani army’s civil society proxies engage in endless track two meetings with them. The purpose: build a bridge to eventually open a dialogue between India and Pakistan at the political level. Meanwhile, the Pakistani army’s terror proxies — Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen — launch periodic attacks on Indian targets to ensure that the low-intensity conflict continues. The Indian Air Force’s Balakot strike deep inside Pakistan changed the low-cost terror business model that the Pakistani army had perfected over years. Suddenly, the cost had risen. The loss of hundreds of terrorists and several Pakistani army officers in Balakot was just one blow. An equally punishing one could be lying around the corner: blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The Paris-based body monitors money laundering and terror financing globally. The Pakistani establishment engages copiously in both. If the FATF blacklists Pakistan, it could severely damage that country’s already fragile economy. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistan’s foreign minister, was so rattled by the possibility of blacklisting that he told journalists at a recent press conference in Lahore: “The Foreign Office is calculating the annual loss if Pakistan is pushed in the blacklist by the FATF as India is lobbying for this.” Indian foreign policymakers have been ambivalent over Pakistan. Diplomatic relations remain unchanged. A private member’s bill to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism has been shelved. Cross-border trade continues as before, notwithstanding the withdrawal of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status. Even the ludicrous retreat ceremony at the Wagah border post between BSF jawans and Pakistani Rangers goes on unabated daily. Pakistan craves equivalence with India. Indian policymakers give it far too many opportunities to claim false equivalence. Meanwhile, the Pakistani army keeps a beady eye on India, obsessing over every Pakistani rupee it can extract from the longest geopolitical fraud it has pulled off for decades through its proxy war of terror against India. The new Indian government, whichever alliance forms it, must end the charade that enriches the Pakistani army at the cost of Indian lives. (This article was originally published on 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.)

Pakistan army is obsessed with India because it justifies its indispensability

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-denied-acting-against-pulwama-terror-attack-demands-more-proof-206082">Pakistan</a> on Thursday said it has examined 22 "pin locations" shared by India but found no terror camps and claimed that there are no links to nail 54 people detained in connection with the Pulwama terror attack as it shared the "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sought-further-evidence-from-india-on-pulwama-terror-attack-pakistan-foreign-ministry-206076">preliminary findings</a>" with New Delhi.

Pakistan is willing to allow visits, on request, to these locations, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement.

"While 54 detained individuals are being investigated, no details linking them to Pulwama have been found so far," it said.

"Similarly, the 22 pin locations shared by India have been examined. No such camps exist. Pakistan is willing to allow visits, on request, to these locations," the FO said.

It said that in consistent with its commitment to cooperate, Pakistan on Wednesday shared "preliminary findings" of its investigations with India along with a set of questions.

"Subsequently, the diplomatic corps in Islamabad was briefed as well," the FO said.

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India handed over the dossier to the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan in New Delhi on February 27 with specific details of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)'s complicity in the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel on February 14 and the presence of JeM terror camps and its leadership in Pakistan.

The FO said soon after receiving the dossier, Pakistan constituted an investigation team, detained a number of people for investigation and initiated work on the technical aspects of social media content, a main basis of the Indian documents.

The Indian dossier contains 91 pages and six parts, out of which only part two and three pertain to the Pulwama attack, it said.

"Other parts are generalised allegations. Pakistan is focusing on those parts which relate to Pulwama incident," it said.

The FO claimed that during the course of investigations, all aspects of the information provided by India have been thoroughly examined including the "confessional" video of Adil Dar, "claim" of responsibility for the attack, Whatsapp and Telegram numbers used to share videos and messages in support of the Pulwama attack, list of 90 individuals suspected of belonging to a proscribed organisation and 22 pin locations of alleged training camps.

Service Providers have been requested for data including relevant details of activities and contacts of the GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) number provided by India, it said.

A request for assistance from Whatsapp has also been made to the US government, it said, adding that the said additional information and documents from India would be essential to continue the process of investigations.

"Pakistan remains committed to taking this process to its logical conclusion," the FO added.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the suicide bomber of JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

India launched a counter-terror operation against a JeM training camp in Balakot. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

Pakistan on Thursday said it has examined 22 "pin locations" shared by India but found no terror camps and claimed that there are no links to nail 54 people detained in connection with the Pulwama terror attack as it shared the "preliminary findings" with New Delhi.

Pakistan on Thursday said it has examined 22 "pin locations" shared by India but found no terror camps and claimed that there are no links to nail 54 people detained in connection with the Pulwama terror attack as it shared the "preliminary findings" with New Delhi. Pakistan is willing to allow visits, on request, to these locations, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement. "While 54 detained individuals are being investigated, no details linking them to Pulwama have been found so far," it said. "Similarly, the 22 pin locations shared by India have been examined. No such camps exist. Pakistan is willing to allow visits, on request, to these locations," the FO said. It said that in consistent with its commitment to cooperate, Pakistan on Wednesday shared "preliminary findings" of its investigations with India along with a set of questions. "Subsequently, the diplomatic corps in Islamabad was briefed as well," the FO said. × India handed over the dossier to the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan in New Delhi on February 27 with specific details of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)'s complicity in the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel on February 14 and the presence of JeM terror camps and its leadership in Pakistan. The FO said soon after receiving the dossier, Pakistan constituted an investigation team, detained a number of people for investigation and initiated work on the technical aspects of social media content, a main basis of the Indian documents. The Indian dossier contains 91 pages and six parts, out of which only part two and three pertain to the Pulwama attack, it said. "Other parts are generalised allegations. Pakistan is focusing on those parts which relate to Pulwama incident," it said. The FO claimed that during the course of investigations, all aspects of the information provided by India have been thoroughly examined including the "confessional" video of Adil Dar, "claim" of responsibility for the attack, Whatsapp and Telegram numbers used to share videos and messages in support of the Pulwama attack, list of 90 individuals suspected of belonging to a proscribed organisation and 22 pin locations of alleged training camps. Service Providers have been requested for data including relevant details of activities and contacts of the GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) number provided by India, it said. A request for assistance from Whatsapp has also been made to the US government, it said, adding that the said additional information and documents from India would be essential to continue the process of investigations. "Pakistan remains committed to taking this process to its logical conclusion," the FO added. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the suicide bomber of JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. India launched a counter-terror operation against a JeM training camp in Balakot. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

No terror camps exist on 22 locations shared by India: Pak on Pulwama attack

The Balakot air attack on February 26 by the Indian Air Force on Pakistan-based terror camps, which killed terrorists and destroyed their training facilities, has now become a watershed in the fight against terror. It required political leadership, military preparedness, combative skill and planning along with superior air strike capability. &nbsp;These aspects will be analysed for long. As it took place on the crucial 2019 election eve, its political impact is of more immediate significance.&nbsp;

There are clear indications that the air strike has ignited the spirit of nationalism throughout the country. The image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the national icon has been reinforced. That the world has rallied around India and Pakistan was demonstrably isolated has proved the big diplomatic strides India has taken with Modi-Sushma Swaraj in the last five years.&nbsp;

What are the big takeaways of the strike in the political, diplomatic and defence front? It has fired up the national psyche and thus changed the political narrative. &nbsp;For four decades India was seen as a helpless victim of Islamic terror, sponsored, promoted, guided and defended by Pakistan. No other country in the world has suffered for so long and so heavy as India. Indian response till Narendra Modi took office was one of pleading to the world for sympathies and cajoling Pakistan, if not propitiating it with endless comprehensive peace talks and track two diplomacy. Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh described Pakistan as a victim of terror. After 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai, the Indian security establishment had suggested an appropriate retaliatory response against Pakistan. But the UPA leadership had taken a pusillanimous approach. They characterised it as an attempt to derail the peace process. Every terror attack on India was described as such. Modi changed it all. He knew that Pakistan was waging a proxy war on India and using terror outfits as strategic assets. Now Modi is determined to end terror attacks on India permanently.&nbsp;

Modi was not looking for easy options. He has evolved a new security doctrine. This is going to be the most decisive aspect of the 2019 election. Let’s see how Modi has scripted the new narrative. First through his persistent initiatives convinced the world community that terrorism in any form, anywhere, against any country by any outfit is a threat to humanity. The world recognised that Pakistan was the main source of terror export and that it was on an asymmetric war with India.

After the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 in which 41 CRPF soldiers were killed, the whole world in one voice condemned it and stood with India in its right to retaliate. For the first time, the US publicly acknowledged India’s right to revenge. So far Pakistan used to blackmail India with its nuclear arsenal which it threatened to use against India if it reacted. With the Air Force strike, Modi called the neighbour’s nuclear bluff.&nbsp;

All this was hailed and supported by the world leaders. Even China had to tone down its support to Pakistan and cautioned it against escalation. The UN Security Council members except China on their own moved to act against Pakistan harbouring terror outfits and wanted to declare Masood Azhar a wanted terrorist. Internally India acted withdrawing MFN status to Pakistan, imposing high duty on imports from there and banning Jamaat-e-Islami and removing security cover to separatist leaders.&nbsp;

The nation cheered all this. India’s unprecedented diplomatic outreach paid off. The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was honoured at OIC, much to Pakistan’s dismay, wherein a sterling performance she swayed the hosts presenting Indian position. She could persuade China to take a neutral stand and be counted on fight against terror. On the election eve, by speaking the language that found echoed in Pakistan the anti-Modi Opposition lost the plot. As Modi is being hailed as the best guarantee for preserving national unity and integrity the Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi are talking as if they have no stake in national security. After initially supporting the Air Force strike, within hours they started questioning the veracity and proof. After denying bullet-proof jackets to Indian Army and advanced combat aircraft to Air Force for ten years, the UPA’s attack on Rafale sounded ill-timed and motivated. The fact Opposition criticism of Modi is being cited by Pakistan leaders to defend themselves have spoiled their case in India.&nbsp;

Modi has an enviable record of achievements in the last five years. His welfare schemes have brought an entirely new constituency of vote base for BJP. Only on development plank, he can vow the voters. But this round after the air strike the electoral narrative has entirely changed. In whose hands India is safe? Whom Pakistan and terrorists fear the most? Whom Pakistan and Imran Khan would like to see defeated in Indian polls? Who can take India forward and rally the world behind? These are the questions being debated after Balakot.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-heart-of-darkness-pierced-2731781">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

The Balakot air attack on February 26 by the Indian Air Force on Pakistan-based terror camps, which killed terrorists and destroyed their training facilities, has now become a watershed in the fight against terror.

The Balakot air attack on February 26 by the Indian Air Force on Pakistan-based terror camps, which killed terrorists and destroyed their training facilities, has now become a watershed in the fight against terror. It required political leadership, military preparedness, combative skill and planning along with superior air strike capability. These aspects will be analysed for long. As it took place on the crucial 2019 election eve, its political impact is of more immediate significance. There are clear indications that the air strike has ignited the spirit of nationalism throughout the country. The image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the national icon has been reinforced. That the world has rallied around India and Pakistan was demonstrably isolated has proved the big diplomatic strides India has taken with Modi-Sushma Swaraj in the last five years. What are the big takeaways of the strike in the political, diplomatic and defence front? It has fired up the national psyche and thus changed the political narrative. For four decades India was seen as a helpless victim of Islamic terror, sponsored, promoted, guided and defended by Pakistan. No other country in the world has suffered for so long and so heavy as India. Indian response till Narendra Modi took office was one of pleading to the world for sympathies and cajoling Pakistan, if not propitiating it with endless comprehensive peace talks and track two diplomacy. Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh described Pakistan as a victim of terror. After 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai, the Indian security establishment had suggested an appropriate retaliatory response against Pakistan. But the UPA leadership had taken a pusillanimous approach. They characterised it as an attempt to derail the peace process. Every terror attack on India was described as such. Modi changed it all. He knew that Pakistan was waging a proxy war on India and using terror outfits as strategic assets. Now Modi is determined to end terror attacks on India permanently. Modi was not looking for easy options. He has evolved a new security doctrine. This is going to be the most decisive aspect of the 2019 election. Let’s see how Modi has scripted the new narrative. First through his persistent initiatives convinced the world community that terrorism in any form, anywhere, against any country by any outfit is a threat to humanity. The world recognised that Pakistan was the main source of terror export and that it was on an asymmetric war with India. After the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 in which 41 CRPF soldiers were killed, the whole world in one voice condemned it and stood with India in its right to retaliate. For the first time, the US publicly acknowledged India’s right to revenge. So far Pakistan used to blackmail India with its nuclear arsenal which it threatened to use against India if it reacted. With the Air Force strike, Modi called the neighbour’s nuclear bluff. All this was hailed and supported by the world leaders. Even China had to tone down its support to Pakistan and cautioned it against escalation. The UN Security Council members except China on their own moved to act against Pakistan harbouring terror outfits and wanted to declare Masood Azhar a wanted terrorist. Internally India acted withdrawing MFN status to Pakistan, imposing high duty on imports from there and banning Jamaat-e-Islami and removing security cover to separatist leaders. The nation cheered all this. India’s unprecedented diplomatic outreach paid off. The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was honoured at OIC, much to Pakistan’s dismay, wherein a sterling performance she swayed the hosts presenting Indian position. She could persuade China to take a neutral stand and be counted on fight against terror. On the election eve, by speaking the language that found echoed in Pakistan the anti-Modi Opposition lost the plot. As Modi is being hailed as the best guarantee for preserving national unity and integrity the Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi are talking as if they have no stake in national security. After initially supporting the Air Force strike, within hours they started questioning the veracity and proof. After denying bullet-proof jackets to Indian Army and advanced combat aircraft to Air Force for ten years, the UPA’s attack on Rafale sounded ill-timed and motivated. The fact Opposition criticism of Modi is being cited by Pakistan leaders to defend themselves have spoiled their case in India. Modi has an enviable record of achievements in the last five years. His welfare schemes have brought an entirely new constituency of vote base for BJP. Only on development plank, he can vow the voters. But this round after the air strike the electoral narrative has entirely changed. In whose hands India is safe? Whom Pakistan and terrorists fear the most? Whom Pakistan and Imran Khan would like to see defeated in Indian polls? Who can take India forward and rally the world behind? These are the questions being debated after Balakot. (This article was originally published on 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.)

With Balakot air strike, Narendra Modi government has evolved new security doctrine

India asks Pakistan to expedite Mumbai 26/11 terror attack probe

US: Need sustained action from Pakistan against the perpetrators of terrorism

Talking tough with Pakistan, India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has said strong action against terrorism will continue including those who support terror.

Speaking at the 80th Raising Day celebrations of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Gurugram, where he was the chief guest, Doval said, "India will continue to act against terrorism and supporters of terrorist and the time and location will be decided by the leadership".

Paying homage to the CRPF security personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack, Doval said, "the country will never forget the sacrifices made by them".

Pakistan-based, United Nations-listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for the Pulwama attack which is being described as the worst on Indian security personnel in the last 2 decades. Over 40 CRPF personnel died in the terror attack.

This is the first time Doval spoke at a public event since the Pulwama terror attack. There wasn't any cultural programme at the Raising Day celebrations this time as a mark of respect to the Pulwama martyrs.

Since the Pulwama attack, India has withdrawn Most Favoured Nation status from Pakistan, increasing customs duty on Pak goods by 200 per cent. India also carried out a non-military, counter-terror strike on JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan. 
&nbsp;

Talking tough with Pakistan, India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has said strong action against terrorism will continue including those who support terror.

Talking tough with Pakistan, India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has said strong action against terrorism will continue including those who support terror. Speaking at the 80th Raising Day celebrations of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Gurugram, where he was the chief guest, Doval said, "India will continue to act against terrorism and supporters of terrorist and the time and location will be decided by the leadership". Paying homage to the CRPF security personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack, Doval said, "the country will never forget the sacrifices made by them". Pakistan-based, United Nations-listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for the Pulwama attack which is being described as the worst on Indian security personnel in the last 2 decades. Over 40 CRPF personnel died in the terror attack. This is the first time Doval spoke at a public event since the Pulwama terror attack. There wasn't any cultural programme at the Raising Day celebrations this time as a mark of respect to the Pulwama martyrs. Since the Pulwama attack, India has withdrawn Most Favoured Nation status from Pakistan, increasing customs duty on Pak goods by 200 per cent. India also carried out a non-military, counter-terror strike on JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan.

NSA Doval talks tough with Pakistan, says India will continue acting against terrorism and its supporters 

What could prompt a person to mow down Muslim worshippers in a mosque who had congregated there for the Friday prayer? Sheer hatred is the answer. But, where does or did this hatred come from? Through context and “subterranean” currents and winds. The obvious reference here is to the killing of many Muslim worshippers in New Zealand. That the carnage occurred in this country is not only surprising but also alarming. New Zealand, in almost all indices, score(d) high intolerance, integration of minorities into the body politic and society and general interfaith peace and amity that obtained in the country. But, it is now witnessed to the carnage that is not only unprecedented but horrendous.

The very fact that the carnage occurred in New Zealand must make powers that be, across the Western world introspect. There is a severe problem within that must be addressed before it assumes disastrous proportions. The problem is Islamophobia which roughly means “hatred, prejudice and bias toward Muslims and Islam”. The Christchurch Mosque shootings are but one manifestation of this scourge and blight. This noxious concept or idea is not novel; it actually harks backs to the Crusades when Islam and the West entered into a&nbsp;centuries-long confrontation of a political and military nature. The dynamic of the Crusades was such that both Islam and the West defined themselves against each other. That is, each held the other to be its “Other”.&nbsp;

In the ensuing melee, what may called “narrational” or narrative and discursive war ensued that sought a toxic denigration of either? Narrative and discourse, especially the noxious variety, are not innocent; neither are these ephemeral. These are long duree in nature and can shape the historical memory and consciousness of a given people. It is this centuries-old discourse and narrative that could be said to determine the tenor of relations between Islam and the West. And, it is these twin themes, given impetus by events and developments across the world, that could be held to be the incubus of the shooting and killings in New Zealand.&nbsp;

It is then context that bred the killer responsible for the killings. This is not to exonerate the murderer and his cowardly act but to put matters into perspective. &nbsp;The brutal coward is, in the final analysis, a foot soldier and executor of an idea or noxious ideology that denigrates, hates, and wants Muslims exterminated. While, in the realm of immediacy, the man and his accomplices must face the full force of law, but the larger and the more compelling challenge is to check the evil and noxious theme of Islamophobia in the West.&nbsp;

Be it Trump’s the United States, or Marie le Pen’s France or the growing salience of right-wing parties in Europe, all seek to use Muslims as the “Other” to push their nasty and noxious political agendas. In this sense then, a ghastly event like the New Zealand carnage was perhaps waiting to happen. While there have been condemnations of the terror attack, but these are tepid and not enough. It is the context and the climate that Islamophobia generates that must be dealt with, firmly and strenuously. First and foremost, the attack must be called and dealt with as a pure act of terrorism. And, then the toxicity of the underlying ideologies that incubate it in the Western world must be taken on.&nbsp;

All this becomes salient and poignant in a world where, despite the derailing of the momentum of globalisation, which entails movement of diverse peoples across the world, Islam and the West meet again, albeit in a different context, scale and scope. A fearful minority within the West is neither salubrious nor called for. Islam and Muslims within the West are a reality that cannot be wished away. They are there to stay. It is then incumbent upon powers that be in the West to make Muslims within feel safe and secure. Moreover, it is in the nature of an imperative for the West to introspect and actually hark back to the principles and philosophies that are its defining features, tolerance and countenancing diversity being salient ones. The starting point of this review would be confronted Islamophobia and the toxic forces that give rise to it.&nbsp;

Last but not least, Muslims within the West and across the world must not tar Westerners with the same brush and hold them to be the equivalent of the Christchurch killer. This would amount to giving in and caving to the real agendas of those who are behind the killings. We, Muslims, across the world, must demonstrate grace, poise, the expansiveness of vision and belief, which correspond and mesh with the great and holy principles of Islam. Our reaction, as our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the odious and horrendous attack must be measured and sober. We must not give ammunition to the detractors and ill-wishers of our faith and religion. Let peace prevail. Salaam!&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

What could prompt a person to mow down Muslim worshippers in a mosque who had congregated there for the Friday prayer? Sheer hatred is the answer. But, where does or did this hatred come from?

What could prompt a person to mow down Muslim worshippers in a mosque who had congregated there for the Friday prayer? Sheer hatred is the answer. But, where does or did this hatred come from? Through context and “subterranean” currents and winds. The obvious reference here is to the killing of many Muslim worshippers in New Zealand. That the carnage occurred in this country is not only surprising but also alarming. New Zealand, in almost all indices, score(d) high intolerance, integration of minorities into the body politic and society and general interfaith peace and amity that obtained in the country. But, it is now witnessed to the carnage that is not only unprecedented but horrendous. The very fact that the carnage occurred in New Zealand must make powers that be, across the Western world introspect. There is a severe problem within that must be addressed before it assumes disastrous proportions. The problem is Islamophobia which roughly means “hatred, prejudice and bias toward Muslims and Islam”. The Christchurch Mosque shootings are but one manifestation of this scourge and blight. This noxious concept or idea is not novel; it actually harks backs to the Crusades when Islam and the West entered into a centuries-long confrontation of a political and military nature. The dynamic of the Crusades was such that both Islam and the West defined themselves against each other. That is, each held the other to be its “Other”. In the ensuing melee, what may called “narrational” or narrative and discursive war ensued that sought a toxic denigration of either? Narrative and discourse, especially the noxious variety, are not innocent; neither are these ephemeral. These are long duree in nature and can shape the historical memory and consciousness of a given people. It is this centuries-old discourse and narrative that could be said to determine the tenor of relations between Islam and the West. And, it is these twin themes, given impetus by events and developments across the world, that could be held to be the incubus of the shooting and killings in New Zealand. It is then context that bred the killer responsible for the killings. This is not to exonerate the murderer and his cowardly act but to put matters into perspective. The brutal coward is, in the final analysis, a foot soldier and executor of an idea or noxious ideology that denigrates, hates, and wants Muslims exterminated. While, in the realm of immediacy, the man and his accomplices must face the full force of law, but the larger and the more compelling challenge is to check the evil and noxious theme of Islamophobia in the West. Be it Trump’s the United States, or Marie le Pen’s France or the growing salience of right-wing parties in Europe, all seek to use Muslims as the “Other” to push their nasty and noxious political agendas. In this sense then, a ghastly event like the New Zealand carnage was perhaps waiting to happen. While there have been condemnations of the terror attack, but these are tepid and not enough. It is the context and the climate that Islamophobia generates that must be dealt with, firmly and strenuously. First and foremost, the attack must be called and dealt with as a pure act of terrorism. And, then the toxicity of the underlying ideologies that incubate it in the Western world must be taken on. All this becomes salient and poignant in a world where, despite the derailing of the momentum of globalisation, which entails movement of diverse peoples across the world, Islam and the West meet again, albeit in a different context, scale and scope. A fearful minority within the West is neither salubrious nor called for. Islam and Muslims within the West are a reality that cannot be wished away. They are there to stay. It is then incumbent upon powers that be in the West to make Muslims within feel safe and secure. Moreover, it is in the nature of an imperative for the West to introspect and actually hark back to the principles and philosophies that are its defining features, tolerance and countenancing diversity being salient ones. The starting point of this review would be confronted Islamophobia and the toxic forces that give rise to it. Last but not least, Muslims within the West and across the world must not tar Westerners with the same brush and hold them to be the equivalent of the Christchurch killer. This would amount to giving in and caving to the real agendas of those who are behind the killings. We, Muslims, across the world, must demonstrate grace, poise, the expansiveness of vision and belief, which correspond and mesh with the great and holy principles of Islam. Our reaction, as our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the odious and horrendous attack must be measured and sober. We must not give ammunition to the detractors and ill-wishers of our faith and religion. Let peace prevail. Salaam! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The psychology of fear and hate: Christchurch attacks must be dealt with as pure act of terrorism

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