A high-level delegation from Pakistan is in Australia for a three-day meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) that will review the progress made by the government to stop money laundering and terrorism financing.

The 12-member Pakistani team will explain the action plan that the government intends to follow to come into compliance with international obligations and secure an exit from the grey list of the Paris-based watchdog.

The Financial Action Task Force in its Paris meeting in June last year placed Pakistan onto its watch list in a bid to push the country to halt support for militant groups.

Pakistan on Friday dispatched a Terror Financing Risk Assessment Report electronically to FATF followed by a 12-member team led by Secretary Finance Arif Ahmed Khan to Sydney to attend the three-day meeting, beginning Saturday.

The delegation comprised representatives of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Financial Monitoring Unit.

The official said the delegation will address questions and observations of the FATF on the basis of risk assessment report transmitted to the global anti-terror financing watchdog.&nbsp;

The report highlights the implementation status of plans for various agencies of the government on the FATF's recommendations.

The report identified some key routes of the terror financing and money laundering, saying Pak-Afghan and Pak-Iran borders were two key routes of such flows, the daily said.

To address the challenge, checking and security systems at Pak-Afghan border had been strengthened with improved technology and vigilance while security had also been beefed up at Pak-Iran border, the report said.

The report said that the long coastal belt was also a source of smuggling and security was being tightened through law enforcement agencies, including through marine and coast guards.

It said the tools being used for financial transaction for terrorism included donations, cash smuggling, natural resources, drugs, non-governmental organisations and foreign agencies.

In June 2018, Pakistan made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to strengthen its AML/CFT regime and to address its strategic counter-terrorism financing-related deficiencies by implementing a 10-point action plan to accomplish these objectives.

The successful implementation of the action plan and its physical verification by the APG will lead the FATF to clear Pakistan out of its greylist or else move into the blacklist by September 2019.&nbsp;

A high-level delegation from Pakistan is in Australia for a three-day meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) that will review the progress made by the government to stop money laundering and terrorism financing.

A high-level delegation from Pakistan is in Australia for a three-day meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) that will review the progress made by the government to stop money laundering and terrorism financing. The 12-member Pakistani team will explain the action plan that the government intends to follow to come into compliance with international obligations and secure an exit from the grey list of the Paris-based watchdog. The Financial Action Task Force in its Paris meeting in June last year placed Pakistan onto its watch list in a bid to push the country to halt support for militant groups. Pakistan on Friday dispatched a Terror Financing Risk Assessment Report electronically to FATF followed by a 12-member team led by Secretary Finance Arif Ahmed Khan to Sydney to attend the three-day meeting, beginning Saturday. The delegation comprised representatives of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Financial Monitoring Unit. The official said the delegation will address questions and observations of the FATF on the basis of risk assessment report transmitted to the global anti-terror financing watchdog. The report highlights the implementation status of plans for various agencies of the government on the FATF's recommendations. The report identified some key routes of the terror financing and money laundering, saying Pak-Afghan and Pak-Iran borders were two key routes of such flows, the daily said. To address the challenge, checking and security systems at Pak-Afghan border had been strengthened with improved technology and vigilance while security had also been beefed up at Pak-Iran border, the report said. The report said that the long coastal belt was also a source of smuggling and security was being tightened through law enforcement agencies, including through marine and coast guards. It said the tools being used for financial transaction for terrorism included donations, cash smuggling, natural resources, drugs, non-governmental organisations and foreign agencies. In June 2018, Pakistan made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to strengthen its AML/CFT regime and to address its strategic counter-terrorism financing-related deficiencies by implementing a 10-point action plan to accomplish these objectives. The successful implementation of the action plan and its physical verification by the APG will lead the FATF to clear Pakistan out of its greylist or else move into the blacklist by September 2019.

Pakistan delegation in Australia for FATF meeting

India has been the target of terrorist groups for decades. The issue of Maoist and North East extremist groups are local. But bigger threats have emanated from Pakistan-sponsored attacks. And our neighbouring country remains the biggest source of trouble.

Pakistan had fought four wars against India, without winning a single one. &nbsp;After former military dictator General Zia ul Haq came to power, the policy was changed and Pakistan’s army and ISI resorted to proxy war to “bleed India by a thousand cuts”. A low-cost but potentially expensive war to inflict on an enemy, without openly challenging him in a battle field because Pakistan has seen many failures there. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The first major terrorist attack was in 1993, commonly known as the Mumbai blasts in which ISI used the smugglers’ network and Dawood Ibrahim’s gang to deadly effect. &nbsp;

In subsequent years, various terrorist attacks were organised on Indian soil and no major city in the hinterland was left untouched. Investigating agencies found out that the ISI used Indian youth and motivated workers of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) to execute these attacks. The young men, who went for Haj were scouted; vulnerable youth were targeted and lured, were taken to Pakistan and radicalised. They became easy meat for Pakistani handlers.&nbsp;

From time to time, their handlers from Pakistan provided them with explosives, improved explosive devices (IED) and other logistic support to carry out bomb blasts in Mumbai, Delhi Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Benares, Bangalore, Surat, and Pune. They were trained extensively in the use of fire arms.&nbsp;

The biggest advantage in these attacks was that the perpetrator could place the bomb at identified places and escape. He could continue to live his normal lifestyle without arousing the suspicion of his neighbours and sometimes even family members.&nbsp;

But the disadvantage was that it left a long trail of evidence and with the arrest of one culprit, the whole chain of events could be unearthed.&nbsp;

The 26/11 attacks in Mumbai were of a different magnitude and it was like a full-fledged foreign attack on Indian soil as the perpetrators came heavily armed from Pakistan.

Post 26/11, a new threat is looming large: ISIS and Syria. From India, several youths (according to some estimates, about 100) had left the country and joined the ISIS. Such has been the impact of ISIS that it was able to penetrate the radicalised minds through the Internet. Without any physical contact, there was enough vile propaganda on the net to impress gullible minds. Sitting thousands of miles away, ISIS theorists could cause a big impression on young men, sitting in several Indian cities, completely unaware of the place where their propagandists were operating in.&nbsp;

In such a situation, proxies are not too difficult to find. Many cases came to light where ISIS had recruiters sitting in Jaipur, Bangalore, and Hyderabad and many other Indian cities and everything, from recruiting to indoctrination, was happening online. &nbsp;

Though about a hundred eventually left the country to fight the war, we have no way of knowing how many got radicalised and are planning to go to Syria and other terror-hit areas of the world, presumably to meet their handlers.&nbsp;

Now that the ISIS is losing ground, can we believe that these radicalised minds will now return to a normal life? It is difficult to say and it calls for deep scrutiny and a close watch on such elements.&nbsp;

ISIS has discovered the cheapest way of carrying out terrorist attacks, which do not require big money or sophisticated weapons or explosives.&nbsp;

The terror attacks at Nice in France and other European cities are prime examples. The modus operandi is very simple. The perpetrator knows he is likely to lose his life during the attack. This is a very big deviation from earlier attacks in which the attackers would conduct recce of any targeted place and plan an escape. The new generation of terrorists are willing to take extreme risks and make the attacks look simple - and deadly.&nbsp;

When it comes to a lone wolf attacker, not much information is available. Israel has conducted some studies and some traits have been identified: such people are loners, feel victimised, frustrated, disillusioned and imbued with radical ideology, coupled with perceived injustice towards people of certain communities.&nbsp;

India is the third most terrorism-hit country in the world. But we lack any counter-terrorism policy. And it’s totally left to intelligence and security forces to deal with such threats. It is not a very sound policy.

Terrorism is also fast evolving and new and sophisticated attacks, as well as old tried and tested methods, are being adopted. Security forces prepare a response based on past attacks, but terrorists adopt and discover newer methods of carrying out destruction.&nbsp;

Therefore, there is a need to “think out of the box”. For this, we need to have a policy to fight radicalisation and terrorism. Fighting terrorism cannot be left to security forces alone; not, at least in our country. We must involve various sections of society. We also need to assign active roles to some ministries like social welfare and minority affairs to make all-out efforts to address the issue of perceived religious persecution. For potential recruiters, grouse, real or imagined, is the perfect mindset to tap young recruits. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

To counter the false propaganda of terrorist groups, the involvement of religious leaders can be very effective.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-preventing-new-terrorists-2699952">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India has been the target of terrorist groups for decades. The issue of Maoist and North East extremist groups are local. But bigger threats have emanated from Pakistan-sponsored attacks.

India has been the target of terrorist groups for decades. The issue of Maoist and North East extremist groups are local. But bigger threats have emanated from Pakistan-sponsored attacks. And our neighbouring country remains the biggest source of trouble. Pakistan had fought four wars against India, without winning a single one. After former military dictator General Zia ul Haq came to power, the policy was changed and Pakistan’s army and ISI resorted to proxy war to “bleed India by a thousand cuts”. A low-cost but potentially expensive war to inflict on an enemy, without openly challenging him in a battle field because Pakistan has seen many failures there. The first major terrorist attack was in 1993, commonly known as the Mumbai blasts in which ISI used the smugglers’ network and Dawood Ibrahim’s gang to deadly effect. In subsequent years, various terrorist attacks were organised on Indian soil and no major city in the hinterland was left untouched. Investigating agencies found out that the ISI used Indian youth and motivated workers of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) to execute these attacks. The young men, who went for Haj were scouted; vulnerable youth were targeted and lured, were taken to Pakistan and radicalised. They became easy meat for Pakistani handlers. From time to time, their handlers from Pakistan provided them with explosives, improved explosive devices (IED) and other logistic support to carry out bomb blasts in Mumbai, Delhi Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Benares, Bangalore, Surat, and Pune. They were trained extensively in the use of fire arms. The biggest advantage in these attacks was that the perpetrator could place the bomb at identified places and escape. He could continue to live his normal lifestyle without arousing the suspicion of his neighbours and sometimes even family members. But the disadvantage was that it left a long trail of evidence and with the arrest of one culprit, the whole chain of events could be unearthed. The 26/11 attacks in Mumbai were of a different magnitude and it was like a full-fledged foreign attack on Indian soil as the perpetrators came heavily armed from Pakistan. Post 26/11, a new threat is looming large: ISIS and Syria. From India, several youths (according to some estimates, about 100) had left the country and joined the ISIS. Such has been the impact of ISIS that it was able to penetrate the radicalised minds through the Internet. Without any physical contact, there was enough vile propaganda on the net to impress gullible minds. Sitting thousands of miles away, ISIS theorists could cause a big impression on young men, sitting in several Indian cities, completely unaware of the place where their propagandists were operating in. In such a situation, proxies are not too difficult to find. Many cases came to light where ISIS had recruiters sitting in Jaipur, Bangalore, and Hyderabad and many other Indian cities and everything, from recruiting to indoctrination, was happening online. Though about a hundred eventually left the country to fight the war, we have no way of knowing how many got radicalised and are planning to go to Syria and other terror-hit areas of the world, presumably to meet their handlers. Now that the ISIS is losing ground, can we believe that these radicalised minds will now return to a normal life? It is difficult to say and it calls for deep scrutiny and a close watch on such elements. ISIS has discovered the cheapest way of carrying out terrorist attacks, which do not require big money or sophisticated weapons or explosives. The terror attacks at Nice in France and other European cities are prime examples. The modus operandi is very simple. The perpetrator knows he is likely to lose his life during the attack. This is a very big deviation from earlier attacks in which the attackers would conduct recce of any targeted place and plan an escape. The new generation of terrorists are willing to take extreme risks and make the attacks look simple - and deadly. When it comes to a lone wolf attacker, not much information is available. Israel has conducted some studies and some traits have been identified: such people are loners, feel victimised, frustrated, disillusioned and imbued with radical ideology, coupled with perceived injustice towards people of certain communities. India is the third most terrorism-hit country in the world. But we lack any counter-terrorism policy. And it’s totally left to intelligence and security forces to deal with such threats. It is not a very sound policy. Terrorism is also fast evolving and new and sophisticated attacks, as well as old tried and tested methods, are being adopted. Security forces prepare a response based on past attacks, but terrorists adopt and discover newer methods of carrying out destruction. Therefore, there is a need to “think out of the box”. For this, we need to have a policy to fight radicalisation and terrorism. Fighting terrorism cannot be left to security forces alone; not, at least in our country. We must involve various sections of society. We also need to assign active roles to some ministries like social welfare and minority affairs to make all-out efforts to address the issue of perceived religious persecution. For potential recruiters, grouse, real or imagined, is the perfect mindset to tap young recruits. To counter the false propaganda of terrorist groups, the involvement of religious leaders can be very effective. (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 ISIS threat looming large, we need a policy to fight radicalisation

Former Pakistan Ambassador to the United States, Husain Haqqani opened the two-day deliberative conference titled 'Pakistan After the Elections'&nbsp;here and remarked that terrorism and international isolation are the real threats to Pakistan, however the country`s authorities refuse to recognise them.

Haqqani, while holding a discussion on 'ways of ensuring greater support for pluralist ideas, human rights, and democracy in Pakistan,'&nbsp;noted that dissent is not a real threat to Pakistan and highlighted that the authorities in Islamabad are failing to recognise the reality, reported The News International.

Asserting that the heavy-handed suppression of diverse views in Pakistan would not end the country's economic crisis, Haqqani stated that this would also negate Islamabad's purpose of projecting a positive image for the country.

"The best way to have a positive image is to build a positive reality, one that is free of the taint of terrorism, external dependence, and lack of democracy," he said.

The United States Congressman and Chairman Emeritus of the Asia subcommittee of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Brad Sherman is also scheduled to address the conference.

The conference is the third organised by the South Asians Against Terrorism and for Human Rights (SAATH), a grouping of pro-democracy Pakistanis co-hosted by Haqqani and US-based columnist Mohammad Taqi.

The SAATH congregations were earlier held in London in 2016 and 2017.

The organiser said that this year the conference was toned down as a few of the forum's Pakistani participants were "barred or intimidated by authorities from participating."

The News International reported that a few days ago, Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) member of the National Assembly, Mohsin Dawar, was detained at Peshawar airport as he was leaving Pakistan.

Dawar told the organisers that the Pakistan Government had unconstitutionally barred him from attending the gathering.

Issuing a press statement, SAATH stated that Imran Khan's government is viewed as an authoritarian rule by the pro-democracy Pakistanis, including liberals and Baloch, Sindhi, Pashtun, Seraiki and Muhajir nationalists.

"In our discussions, we hope to address questions such as where Pakistan stands in the aftermath of the 2018 elections, what are the consequences to Pakistan of mainstreaming terrorists and terror groups, and how might the weakening voices for reform and a liberal vision be strengthened," read the statement.

Taqi also reiterated that the freedom-loving Pakistanis needed to join hands "to create space for intellectual and political discourse."

Highlighting that the Pakistani press is bound in shackled, Taqi observed that the electronic media is being coerced into submission, journalists are being hounded, and the political parties have been tamed into submission.Resistance would continue against the authoritarian rule, stated Taqi. 
&nbsp;

Former Pakistan Ambassador to the United States, Husain Haqqani opened the two-day deliberative conference titled 'Pakistan After the Elections' here and remarked that terrorism and international isolation are the real threats to Pakistan, however the country`s authorities refuse to recognise them.

Former Pakistan Ambassador to the United States, Husain Haqqani opened the two-day deliberative conference titled 'Pakistan After the Elections' here and remarked that terrorism and international isolation are the real threats to Pakistan, however the country`s authorities refuse to recognise them. Haqqani, while holding a discussion on 'ways of ensuring greater support for pluralist ideas, human rights, and democracy in Pakistan,' noted that dissent is not a real threat to Pakistan and highlighted that the authorities in Islamabad are failing to recognise the reality, reported The News International. Asserting that the heavy-handed suppression of diverse views in Pakistan would not end the country's economic crisis, Haqqani stated that this would also negate Islamabad's purpose of projecting a positive image for the country. "The best way to have a positive image is to build a positive reality, one that is free of the taint of terrorism, external dependence, and lack of democracy," he said. The United States Congressman and Chairman Emeritus of the Asia subcommittee of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Brad Sherman is also scheduled to address the conference. The conference is the third organised by the South Asians Against Terrorism and for Human Rights (SAATH), a grouping of pro-democracy Pakistanis co-hosted by Haqqani and US-based columnist Mohammad Taqi. The SAATH congregations were earlier held in London in 2016 and 2017. The organiser said that this year the conference was toned down as a few of the forum's Pakistani participants were "barred or intimidated by authorities from participating." The News International reported that a few days ago, Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) member of the National Assembly, Mohsin Dawar, was detained at Peshawar airport as he was leaving Pakistan. Dawar told the organisers that the Pakistan Government had unconstitutionally barred him from attending the gathering. Issuing a press statement, SAATH stated that Imran Khan's government is viewed as an authoritarian rule by the pro-democracy Pakistanis, including liberals and Baloch, Sindhi, Pashtun, Seraiki and Muhajir nationalists. "In our discussions, we hope to address questions such as where Pakistan stands in the aftermath of the 2018 elections, what are the consequences to Pakistan of mainstreaming terrorists and terror groups, and how might the weakening voices for reform and a liberal vision be strengthened," read the statement. Taqi also reiterated that the freedom-loving Pakistanis needed to join hands "to create space for intellectual and political discourse." Highlighting that the Pakistani press is bound in shackled, Taqi observed that the electronic media is being coerced into submission, journalists are being hounded, and the political parties have been tamed into submission.Resistance would continue against the authoritarian rule, stated Taqi.

'Terrorism and international isolation threat to Pakistan,' says former Pak envoy to US

Terrorist encounter underway in Jammu & Kashmir

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Sunday said ending terrorist activities was a pre-condition for any dialogue with Pakistan as its "dual" role is unacceptable to India.

"Promoting terrorist activities and entering into a dialogue for peace cannot run together," he said when asked by reporters to explain why India is avoiding any dialogue with Pakistan.

He said either Islamabad should stop aiding terrorist activities or express its commitment against terrorism with an assurance that it would not allow it to grow in Pakistan.

"If it finds difficult to control terrorist activities, why it is not seeking help from its neighbour India?" he asked.

"If a crusade against Taliban can start in Afghanistan with the help of the US, why not commence a similar action in Pakistan? the home minister asked.

On the outcome of election results in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana, he said, "Prayas to Bhartiya Janta Party ka yahi raha hai ki hame kamyabi mile, milni bhi chahiye yeh vishwas hai, parinam ki pratiksha kijiye (Efforts of BJP has been to win, we are confident of that, wait for the results)".

He disapproved that the election in the five states was a semi-final for the 2019 Lok Sabha election, adding that "final is final".

He refused to comment on the involvement of an army personnel in Bulandshahar incident on the plea that it was a state subject and the Yogi Adityanath government is looking after that.

On the Ram temple issue, he said, "everybody wants a majestic temple of Ram in Ayodhya".&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Terming the culture of India as the best one, Singh said people feel the strength of "spiritual power" during their visit to India.

The minister said, since Lord Ram adopted values, he is worshipped, while Ravan failed to get an inch of that level, as he neglected values, even though he was more equipped with knowledge, wealth and power.&nbsp;

Singh advised the degree recipients to have broad thinking as it would not only prepare a platform for "sukh (pleasure)" to them, but their action would turn welfare-oriented.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Sunday said ending terrorist activities was a pre-condition for any dialogue with Pakistan as its "dual" role is unacceptable to India.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Sunday said ending terrorist activities was a pre-condition for any dialogue with Pakistan as its "dual" role is unacceptable to India. "Promoting terrorist activities and entering into a dialogue for peace cannot run together," he said when asked by reporters to explain why India is avoiding any dialogue with Pakistan. He said either Islamabad should stop aiding terrorist activities or express its commitment against terrorism with an assurance that it would not allow it to grow in Pakistan. "If it finds difficult to control terrorist activities, why it is not seeking help from its neighbour India?" he asked. "If a crusade against Taliban can start in Afghanistan with the help of the US, why not commence a similar action in Pakistan? the home minister asked. On the outcome of election results in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana, he said, "Prayas to Bhartiya Janta Party ka yahi raha hai ki hame kamyabi mile, milni bhi chahiye yeh vishwas hai, parinam ki pratiksha kijiye (Efforts of BJP has been to win, we are confident of that, wait for the results)". He disapproved that the election in the five states was a semi-final for the 2019 Lok Sabha election, adding that "final is final". He refused to comment on the involvement of an army personnel in Bulandshahar incident on the plea that it was a state subject and the Yogi Adityanath government is looking after that. On the Ram temple issue, he said, "everybody wants a majestic temple of Ram in Ayodhya". Terming the culture of India as the best one, Singh said people feel the strength of "spiritual power" during their visit to India. The minister said, since Lord Ram adopted values, he is worshipped, while Ravan failed to get an inch of that level, as he neglected values, even though he was more equipped with knowledge, wealth and power. Singh advised the degree recipients to have broad thinking as it would not only prepare a platform for "sukh (pleasure)" to them, but their action would turn welfare-oriented.

Ending terrorism pre-condition for dialogue with Pak: Rajnath Singh

US resolution to censure Hamas for terrorism voted down at UN

The brother of Australian cricket star Usman Khawaja was charged on Tuesday with creating what police described as fake plans for attacks against prominent people that led to the imprisonment of another man he saw as a rival for the affections of a woman.

Arsalan Tariq Khawaja was granted bail in Sydney's Parramatta Local Court on Tuesday afternoon on charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice and forgery. He was arrested in western Sydney earlier as part of a New South Wales Joint Counter Terrorism Team investigation.

Police allege 39-year-old Arsalan Khawaja created a fake document "containing plans that purported to facilitate terrorism attacks". The document led them to arrest and imprison 25-year-old Mohamed Kamer Nizamdeen in August.

Nizamdeen was released in October after it was shown his handwriting did not match that in the document, which domestic media reported included threats against then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull and others.

"We regret what happened to Mr Nizamdeen. But, really, the person who is responsible for what occurred to him is the person we're alleging manufactured this document," Assistant Police Commissioner Mick Willing told reporters in Sydney.

"We will be alleging that he was set up in a planned and calculated manner," he said.

Willing said police believed the plot was motivated by a grievance over a woman who was courted by both men.

Police said there was no actual threat related to the document they allege Khawaja fabricated.

The arrest came just two days before his brother, Usman, is expected to play for Australia in the first test match of a four-game series against India in Adelaide.

"This is a matter for the police to deal with," Usman Khawaja said a statement he read out in Adelaide on Tuesday.

"Out of respect for the process it'd be inappropriate for me to be making any further comment. I just ask for you to please respect my privacy and my family's privacy during this time," he said.

The brother of Australian cricket star Usman Khawaja was charged on Tuesday with creating what police described as fake plans for attacks against prominent people that led to the imprisonment of another man he saw as a rival for the affections of a woman.

The brother of Australian cricket star Usman Khawaja was charged on Tuesday with creating what police described as fake plans for attacks against prominent people that led to the imprisonment of another man he saw as a rival for the affections of a woman. Arsalan Tariq Khawaja was granted bail in Sydney's Parramatta Local Court on Tuesday afternoon on charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice and forgery. He was arrested in western Sydney earlier as part of a New South Wales Joint Counter Terrorism Team investigation. Police allege 39-year-old Arsalan Khawaja created a fake document "containing plans that purported to facilitate terrorism attacks". The document led them to arrest and imprison 25-year-old Mohamed Kamer Nizamdeen in August. Nizamdeen was released in October after it was shown his handwriting did not match that in the document, which domestic media reported included threats against then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull and others. "We regret what happened to Mr Nizamdeen. But, really, the person who is responsible for what occurred to him is the person we're alleging manufactured this document," Assistant Police Commissioner Mick Willing told reporters in Sydney. "We will be alleging that he was set up in a planned and calculated manner," he said. Willing said police believed the plot was motivated by a grievance over a woman who was courted by both men. Police said there was no actual threat related to the document they allege Khawaja fabricated. The arrest came just two days before his brother, Usman, is expected to play for Australia in the first test match of a four-game series against India in Adelaide. "This is a matter for the police to deal with," Usman Khawaja said a statement he read out in Adelaide on Tuesday. "Out of respect for the process it'd be inappropriate for me to be making any further comment. I just ask for you to please respect my privacy and my family's privacy during this time," he said.

Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja's brother charged for faking 'terrorism attacks'

Except for designating Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism, the United States is looking at all possible tools at its disposal to convince Islamabad that it is in its interest to crack down on terrorist group, a senior US official has said.

"The focus of the discussions has not been on designating Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism, rather how to use other tools at our disposal to convince Pakistan that it is in its interest to crack down on terrorist groups," the administration official told PTI.

"Pakistan has a stark choice: Cooperate and enjoy the benefits of close relationship with the US&nbsp;And the rest of the world, or face international isolation if it chooses not to change its behaviour," the official said in response to a question.

This past week, US President Donald Trump&nbsp;in an interview to Fox News, on twitter and in interaction with White House reporters&nbsp;accused Pakistan of doing nothing for the US in the fight against terrorism and reiterated that till the time Islamabad changes its behaviour his administration will continue to suspend all assistance to it.

"I want Pakistan to help us. We're no longer paying $ 1.3 billion to Pakistan. We're paying them nothing because that's what they've done to help us. Nothing," President Trump told reporters at the White House on November 20.

And on November 18, in an interview to Fox News, Trump alleged that people in Pakistan knew that Osama bin Laden was living in a mansion near their garrison city of Abbottabad, but they did not tell the US and kept on accepting billions of dollars in aid.

At the same time, he said that his administration hopes to have a "good relationship" with Pakistan.&nbsp;

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, his administration officials say they are looking at ways through which they can convince Pakistan to change its behaviour.

Last August when Trump announced his South Asia Policy, White House officials had listed out some of these tools, like reviewing the major non-NATO ally status, or visa ban on officials having links with designated terrorist groups, adopting a tough posture against Pakistan at major international forums like the International Monetary Fund.

In January this year, Trump had announced to suspend all its security assistance to Pakistan. Last week, Pentagon said that so far it has suspended $1.66 billion in security assistance to Pakistan after Trump's January directive.

But the United States has not been thinking about designating Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism, a demand being made by several American lawmakers including those from the ruling Republican party.&nbsp;

Currently four countries have been designated as state sponsor of terrorism. These are Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria. Recent media reports suggests that US is considering Venezuela in this list.

However, in its latest Country Report on Terrorism, the State Department listed Pakistan among countries that provide safe havens to terrorists. President Trump and top US officials have expressed their frustration over the fact that Pakistan has not been taking concrete steps in this regard.

Except for designating Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism, the United States is looking at all possible tools at its disposal to convince Islamabad that it is in its interest to crack down on terrorist group, a senior US official has said.

Except for designating Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism, the United States is looking at all possible tools at its disposal to convince Islamabad that it is in its interest to crack down on terrorist group, a senior US official has said. "The focus of the discussions has not been on designating Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism, rather how to use other tools at our disposal to convince Pakistan that it is in its interest to crack down on terrorist groups," the administration official told PTI. "Pakistan has a stark choice: Cooperate and enjoy the benefits of close relationship with the US And the rest of the world, or face international isolation if it chooses not to change its behaviour," the official said in response to a question. This past week, US President Donald Trump in an interview to Fox News, on twitter and in interaction with White House reporters accused Pakistan of doing nothing for the US in the fight against terrorism and reiterated that till the time Islamabad changes its behaviour his administration will continue to suspend all assistance to it. "I want Pakistan to help us. We're no longer paying $ 1.3 billion to Pakistan. We're paying them nothing because that's what they've done to help us. Nothing," President Trump told reporters at the White House on November 20. And on November 18, in an interview to Fox News, Trump alleged that people in Pakistan knew that Osama bin Laden was living in a mansion near their garrison city of Abbottabad, but they did not tell the US and kept on accepting billions of dollars in aid. At the same time, he said that his administration hopes to have a "good relationship" with Pakistan. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, his administration officials say they are looking at ways through which they can convince Pakistan to change its behaviour. Last August when Trump announced his South Asia Policy, White House officials had listed out some of these tools, like reviewing the major non-NATO ally status, or visa ban on officials having links with designated terrorist groups, adopting a tough posture against Pakistan at major international forums like the International Monetary Fund. In January this year, Trump had announced to suspend all its security assistance to Pakistan. Last week, Pentagon said that so far it has suspended $1.66 billion in security assistance to Pakistan after Trump's January directive. But the United States has not been thinking about designating Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism, a demand being made by several American lawmakers including those from the ruling Republican party. Currently four countries have been designated as state sponsor of terrorism. These are Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria. Recent media reports suggests that US is considering Venezuela in this list. However, in its latest Country Report on Terrorism, the State Department listed Pakistan among countries that provide safe havens to terrorists. President Trump and top US officials have expressed their frustration over the fact that Pakistan has not been taking concrete steps in this regard.

US looking at tools at its disposal to convince Pakistan to crack down on terrorist groups

WION Dispatch: Terrorism hits a new low in Kashmir; Eight abducted, two killed

The UN member states have become "guardians of the status quo" due to their inaction and inertia in the face of stark global challenges like terrorism and climate change, India has said, calling on the international community to catalyse its efforts to rejuvenate and revitalise the world body as it inches closer to completing 75 years of existence.

Participating in the UN General Assembly debate on 'Revitalisation of the Work of the General Assembly', Akbaruddin said that despite being faced with such challenges, UN member states have tended to "muddle along, holding meetings, taking some minor stabs at enhancing international cooperation at the margins, becoming guardians of the status quo.

"Today, there is a proliferation of new transnational threats such as terrorism requiring comprehensive cooperation, accelerating technological change requiring broad norm setting, and worsening environmental degradation requiring immediate climate action. Our challenges have become stark," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said here Thursday.

"Our inertia is considerable, even when it is clear that collective action is required. We steer clear from action, pleading consensus is required for change," he said. 
Akbaruddin called for nations to acknowledge that their collective record as the General Assembly is mixed.&nbsp;

"Just as generals too often refight their last war, we diplomats are struggling to overcome our legacy issues, even as the variety and intricacy of new demands for international cooperation has expanded," he said.

Given that the world is awash with new challenges, Akbaruddin said the 75th anniversary of the UN, to be marked in less than two years, is an appropriate opportunity for all nations to catalyse their efforts to rejuvenate and revitalise.&nbsp;

"The agenda for such revitalisation needs to be broad and inclusive, as well as transformative and imbued with the objective of breathing new life."

"To effectively make a difference, we need to undertake a new journey. A journey which needs to begin soon. The General Assembly, with its universal membership, can be a precious asset in this effort for change," he said.

Noting that the principal purpose of the General Assembly is not to usurp the role of sovereign states, Akbaruddin said other global institution can match its representative character and the credibility that it derives from such representativeness.

"Decision-making in the General Assembly is not a threat to sovereignty. It is an expression of sovereign equality and opportunity for all to influence global problem-solving," he said.

Emphasizing that proliferating global problems demand new narratives, the Indian envoy said if the General Assembly is not delivering all that is wanted, the solution is not to give up on it.&nbsp;

"Rather, we must make it deliver results for today," he said.

Quoting Swami Vivekananda, Akbaruddin said people reap what they sow, Akbaruddin said the revitalization agenda is a challenge for diplomacy but it is a challenge worth taking up, "if we want to maximise the prospects for a peaceful &amp; prosperous 21st century."

During the debate, delegates said that a streamlined General Assembly will protect multilateralism and increase the capacity of the United Nations to address emerging challenges.

"The need of revitalizing the Assembly the most representative United Nations organ is indispensable to responding to global challenges and achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," said Assembly President Mara Fernanda Espinosa Garces as she opened the debate.

She said efforts are taking place at a time when doubts are emerging about the multilateral system's ability to address international challenges. World leaders must look at the Assembly as the main body to discuss the most pressing global challenges, she stressed, asserting that States attach great importance to the role of the United Nations within the multilateral system.&nbsp;

The UN member states have become "guardians of the status quo" due to their inaction and inertia in the face of stark global challenges like terrorism and climate change, India has said, calling on the international community to catalyse its efforts to rejuvenate and revitalise the world body as it inches closer to completing 75 years of existence.

The UN member states have become "guardians of the status quo" due to their inaction and inertia in the face of stark global challenges like terrorism and climate change, India has said, calling on the international community to catalyse its efforts to rejuvenate and revitalise the world body as it inches closer to completing 75 years of existence. Participating in the UN General Assembly debate on 'Revitalisation of the Work of the General Assembly', Akbaruddin said that despite being faced with such challenges, UN member states have tended to "muddle along, holding meetings, taking some minor stabs at enhancing international cooperation at the margins, becoming guardians of the status quo. "Today, there is a proliferation of new transnational threats such as terrorism requiring comprehensive cooperation, accelerating technological change requiring broad norm setting, and worsening environmental degradation requiring immediate climate action. Our challenges have become stark," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said here Thursday. "Our inertia is considerable, even when it is clear that collective action is required. We steer clear from action, pleading consensus is required for change," he said. Akbaruddin called for nations to acknowledge that their collective record as the General Assembly is mixed. "Just as generals too often refight their last war, we diplomats are struggling to overcome our legacy issues, even as the variety and intricacy of new demands for international cooperation has expanded," he said. Given that the world is awash with new challenges, Akbaruddin said the 75th anniversary of the UN, to be marked in less than two years, is an appropriate opportunity for all nations to catalyse their efforts to rejuvenate and revitalise. "The agenda for such revitalisation needs to be broad and inclusive, as well as transformative and imbued with the objective of breathing new life." "To effectively make a difference, we need to undertake a new journey. A journey which needs to begin soon. The General Assembly, with its universal membership, can be a precious asset in this effort for change," he said. Noting that the principal purpose of the General Assembly is not to usurp the role of sovereign states, Akbaruddin said other global institution can match its representative character and the credibility that it derives from such representativeness. "Decision-making in the General Assembly is not a threat to sovereignty. It is an expression of sovereign equality and opportunity for all to influence global problem-solving," he said. Emphasizing that proliferating global problems demand new narratives, the Indian envoy said if the General Assembly is not delivering all that is wanted, the solution is not to give up on it. "Rather, we must make it deliver results for today," he said. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, Akbaruddin said people reap what they sow, Akbaruddin said the revitalization agenda is a challenge for diplomacy but it is a challenge worth taking up, "if we want to maximise the prospects for a peaceful & prosperous 21st century." During the debate, delegates said that a streamlined General Assembly will protect multilateralism and increase the capacity of the United Nations to address emerging challenges. "The need of revitalizing the Assembly the most representative United Nations organ is indispensable to responding to global challenges and achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," said Assembly President Mara Fernanda Espinosa Garces as she opened the debate. She said efforts are taking place at a time when doubts are emerging about the multilateral system's ability to address international challenges. World leaders must look at the Assembly as the main body to discuss the most pressing global challenges, she stressed, asserting that States attach great importance to the role of the United Nations within the multilateral system.

UN member states guardians of status quo, need for rejuvenating, revitalising UNGA: India

Russian President Vladimir Putin held his first official meeting with ASEAN leaders in Singapore on Wednesday.

This is Putin's first visit to Singapore since former president Dmitry Medvedev made a trip in 2009. The visit also comes as both countries celebrate the 50th year anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Asia-Pacific leaders are meeting heads of Southeast Asian states in Singapore to renew calls for multilateralism and fresh pledges to resolve regional conflicts ranging from the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar to tensions in the South China Sea.

US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are among those set to join leaders from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for talks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held his first official meeting with ASEAN leaders in Singapore on Wednesday. This is Putin's first visit to Singapore since former president Dmitry Medvedev made a trip in 2009.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held his first official meeting with ASEAN leaders in Singapore on Wednesday. This is Putin's first visit to Singapore since former president Dmitry Medvedev made a trip in 2009. The visit also comes as both countries celebrate the 50th year anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Asia-Pacific leaders are meeting heads of Southeast Asian states in Singapore to renew calls for multilateralism and fresh pledges to resolve regional conflicts ranging from the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar to tensions in the South China Sea. US Vice President Mike Pence, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are among those set to join leaders from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for talks.

Putin stresses cooperation against terrorism in first official meeting with ASEAN leaders

Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Dilbag Singh Monday exhorted upon the officers of the state police to give attention to “neutralising terrorism” and timely “disposal of criminal cases”.

Lauding his men for their dedication in the rescue operations launched after the recent snowfall and ensuring a smooth and hassle-free ‘Darbar Move’– a practice under which the government functions six months each in Srinagar and Jammu, the DGP said whenever faced with a challenge, the state police has come out with flying colours.

“The officers should give attention to disposal of criminal cases, curbing the bovine and narcotics smuggling and neutralising terrorism,” Singh said at a high-level meeting here.

Civil Secretariat – the seat of Jammu and Kashmir government, Raj Bhavan and other offices reopened here after functioning for six months in Srinagar during the summer season.

The DGP impressed upon the officers to continue their good work and also hailed their contribution as first responders.

“Police personnel have to help the people sometimes at the cost of their own comforts,” he said, advising the officers to work on the positions with more dedication.

After paying homage to police martyrs at a memorial here in the morning, the DGP reached police headquarters and received a ceremonial guard of honour.

“All wings are important and all jobs designated for the respective posts are important,” Singh said and impressed upon the officers to strengthen the jawans of the state police, as strong and capable constables will make the force stronger.

He asked the officers to conduct formal inspections of police stations and administrative inspections of the offices.

The DGP further highlighted that work was on to modernize the force and provide housing infrastructure, equipment and training to its personnel.

“Police is working on modernisation and up-gradation of police control room Jammu and other units,” he said, adding efforts would be made to strengthen the city, highway and border grid.

Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Dilbag Singh Monday exhorted upon the officers of the state police to give attention to “neutralising terrorism” and timely “disposal of criminal cases”.

Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Dilbag Singh Monday exhorted upon the officers of the state police to give attention to “neutralising terrorism” and timely “disposal of criminal cases”. Lauding his men for their dedication in the rescue operations launched after the recent snowfall and ensuring a smooth and hassle-free ‘Darbar Move’– a practice under which the government functions six months each in Srinagar and Jammu, the DGP said whenever faced with a challenge, the state police has come out with flying colours. “The officers should give attention to disposal of criminal cases, curbing the bovine and narcotics smuggling and neutralising terrorism,” Singh said at a high-level meeting here. Civil Secretariat – the seat of Jammu and Kashmir government, Raj Bhavan and other offices reopened here after functioning for six months in Srinagar during the summer season. The DGP impressed upon the officers to continue their good work and also hailed their contribution as first responders. “Police personnel have to help the people sometimes at the cost of their own comforts,” he said, advising the officers to work on the positions with more dedication. After paying homage to police martyrs at a memorial here in the morning, the DGP reached police headquarters and received a ceremonial guard of honour. “All wings are important and all jobs designated for the respective posts are important,” Singh said and impressed upon the officers to strengthen the jawans of the state police, as strong and capable constables will make the force stronger. He asked the officers to conduct formal inspections of police stations and administrative inspections of the offices. The DGP further highlighted that work was on to modernize the force and provide housing infrastructure, equipment and training to its personnel. “Police is working on modernisation and up-gradation of police control room Jammu and other units,” he said, adding efforts would be made to strengthen the city, highway and border grid.

Focus on neutralising terrorism: J&K top cop tells officers

Punjab police Thursday claimed to have busted a Pakistan-backed terrorist module operating in the state with the arrest of a person from Patiala.

Shabnamdeep Singh alias Maninder Lahoria was asked by his Pakistan-based handlers to target police posts and crowded places during the upcoming festival season, they said adding a pistol, a hand grenade, a motorcycle and letter pads in the name of "Khalistan Gadar Force" and other terrorist outfits were seized from his possession.

DGP Suresh Arora said Singh's arrest has exposed the nexus between Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence spy agency and Gurpatwant Singh Pannu's fringe outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) as one of his handlers had identified himself as an SFJ operative.

Arora said Singh hails from Daftari Wala Burar village in Patiala district and was out on bail in a case registered in Rajasthan.

Singh was operating a Facebook account under a pseudonym&nbsp;"Lahoria Jatt Gill". The account had a profile picture of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the DGP said.

A preliminary investigation has revealed that Singh was contacted by Javed Khan Wazir, a suspected Pakistani intelligence officer, in July 2018 and was introduced to a Pakistani Sikh, the DGP said.

Singh was then introduced to Nihal Singh, who identified himself to him as an SFJ operative, Arora said.

Nihal and Wazir communicated regularly with Singh and used to incite him to indulge in arson, he said adding they asked him to record his acts of arson and share with them the videos with details of news reports about the incidents.

Wazir shared the logo and name of "Khalistan Gadar Force" with Singh and asked him to get letter pads printed to use them for issuing statements claiming acts of arson, the DGP said.

Singh and his handlers created a Facebook page in the name of "Khalistan Gadar Force", he said.

Wazir asked Singh to carry out targeted killings and also promised him Rs 10 lakh for each act of violence, he said.

In the second week of October 2018, Singh was asked by his handlers to procure a new phone and install a new messaging application for further communication, the DGP said.

Around October 24, a pistol and grenade were delivered to Singh, the DGP said.&nbsp;

Punjab police Thursday claimed to have busted a Pakistan-backed terrorist module operating in the state with the arrest of a person from Patiala. Shabnamdeep Singh alias Maninder Lahoria was asked by his Pakistan-based handlers to target police posts and crowded places during the upcoming festival season, they said adding a pistol, a hand grenade, a motorcycle and letter pads in the name of "Khalistan Gadar Force" and other terrorist outfits were seized from his possession.

Punjab police Thursday claimed to have busted a Pakistan-backed terrorist module operating in the state with the arrest of a person from Patiala. Shabnamdeep Singh alias Maninder Lahoria was asked by his Pakistan-based handlers to target police posts and crowded places during the upcoming festival season, they said adding a pistol, a hand grenade, a motorcycle and letter pads in the name of "Khalistan Gadar Force" and other terrorist outfits were seized from his possession. DGP Suresh Arora said Singh's arrest has exposed the nexus between Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence spy agency and Gurpatwant Singh Pannu's fringe outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) as one of his handlers had identified himself as an SFJ operative. Arora said Singh hails from Daftari Wala Burar village in Patiala district and was out on bail in a case registered in Rajasthan. Singh was operating a Facebook account under a pseudonym "Lahoria Jatt Gill". The account had a profile picture of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the DGP said. A preliminary investigation has revealed that Singh was contacted by Javed Khan Wazir, a suspected Pakistani intelligence officer, in July 2018 and was introduced to a Pakistani Sikh, the DGP said. Singh was then introduced to Nihal Singh, who identified himself to him as an SFJ operative, Arora said. Nihal and Wazir communicated regularly with Singh and used to incite him to indulge in arson, he said adding they asked him to record his acts of arson and share with them the videos with details of news reports about the incidents. Wazir shared the logo and name of "Khalistan Gadar Force" with Singh and asked him to get letter pads printed to use them for issuing statements claiming acts of arson, the DGP said. Singh and his handlers created a Facebook page in the name of "Khalistan Gadar Force", he said. Wazir asked Singh to carry out targeted killings and also promised him Rs 10 lakh for each act of violence, he said. In the second week of October 2018, Singh was asked by his handlers to procure a new phone and install a new messaging application for further communication, the DGP said. Around October 24, a pistol and grenade were delivered to Singh, the DGP said.

Police claim to bust ISI-backed terror module in Punjab

Russia said it had launched a probe into terrorism after a 17-year-old blew himself up at a regional headquarters of the FSB security service on Wednesday, wounding three employees.

The bomber took an explosive device into the FSB building in the northern city of Arkhangelsk and a blast occurred inside the entrance just before 9 am (0600 GMT), the National Anti-Terror Committee said.

Authorities have cordoned off streets around the building, with police and experts combing the area for clues.

Attacks on police and security services are common in Russia's restive Northern Caucasus but are very rare in the rest of the country.

Investigators identified the bomber as a 17-year-old local resident.

"According to preliminary information, the person who came into the building took an unidentified item out of a bag which after a period of time exploded in his hands, as a result of which he sustained fatal injuries," the committee said.

Investigators said they opened a probe into terrorism and illegal possession of ammunition.

Three FSB employees were hospitalised with various injuries after the blast in the city, which is located more than 1,000 kilometres (800 miles) north of Moscow, the committee said in a statement.

"One man is in surgery," a spokeswoman for the regional FSB said.

President Vladimir Putin -- himself a former FSB officer -- was informed about the explosion, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters but declined to speculate on the cause.

Regional governor Igor Orlov, who inspected the scene, had said the explosion was not part of a drill gone wrong.

"Things are very serious," he said in comments confirmed by his spokesman to AFP.

Orlov added that the authorities were working to establish the type of the explosive used.

"We are taking measures to increase the security of all public and state buildings in Arkhangelsk region."

Russia said it had launched a probe into terrorism after a 17-year-old blew himself up at a regional headquarters of the FSB security service on Wednesday, wounding three employees.

Russia said it had launched a probe into terrorism after a 17-year-old blew himself up at a regional headquarters of the FSB security service on Wednesday, wounding three employees. The bomber took an explosive device into the FSB building in the northern city of Arkhangelsk and a blast occurred inside the entrance just before 9 am (0600 GMT), the National Anti-Terror Committee said. Authorities have cordoned off streets around the building, with police and experts combing the area for clues. Attacks on police and security services are common in Russia's restive Northern Caucasus but are very rare in the rest of the country. Investigators identified the bomber as a 17-year-old local resident. "According to preliminary information, the person who came into the building took an unidentified item out of a bag which after a period of time exploded in his hands, as a result of which he sustained fatal injuries," the committee said. Investigators said they opened a probe into terrorism and illegal possession of ammunition. Three FSB employees were hospitalised with various injuries after the blast in the city, which is located more than 1,000 kilometres (800 miles) north of Moscow, the committee said in a statement. "One man is in surgery," a spokeswoman for the regional FSB said. President Vladimir Putin -- himself a former FSB officer -- was informed about the explosion, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters but declined to speculate on the cause. Regional governor Igor Orlov, who inspected the scene, had said the explosion was not part of a drill gone wrong. "Things are very serious," he said in comments confirmed by his spokesman to AFP. Orlov added that the authorities were working to establish the type of the explosive used. "We are taking measures to increase the security of all public and state buildings in Arkhangelsk region."

Video: Russia terror probe after teen suicide attack on FSB

Pakistan will be held responsible if they do not make sincere efforts to curb terrorism on their western border with Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said.

Talking to reporters Tuesday at the State Department's Foggy Bottom headquarters, Pompeo said this was the message he had delivered to the Pakistani leadership when he travelled to Islamabad in September after Imran Khan became prime minister.

We had made clear that the US policy with respect to south-central Asia has not changed, that our expectation is that Pakistan will not provide safe harbour to terrorists on their western border, he said in response to a question on AfPak.

On September 5, Pompeo met Khan and pressed him "to do more" to rein in the terror groups operating from Pakistan's soil.

"We couldn't make that message any more clear and that Pakistan will be held accountable if they don't see about it... If they're not sincere in that effort."

"We don't believe we can get to the place that everyone wants. Everyone wants reconciliation in Afghanistan, and to achieve that you can't have a safe harbour for Taliban - for Haqqani, and for others inside of Pakistan, Pompeo said.

The Pakistani government knows that "that's our review and this administration has already made significant efforts to hold them accountable and we hope that they'll achieve the goal that we have out for them, said the Secretary of State.

He indicated that there has been no change in the Trump administration's policy with regard to suspension of security aid to Pakistan unless it takes satisfactory measures to eliminate safe terrorist safe havens.

Early this year, US President Donald Trump had suspended $300 million in security aid to Pakistan. India, too, had asked Pakistan to stop supporting and glorifying terrorists and terror activities against India and its other neighbours.

Pakistan will be held responsible if they do not make sincere efforts to curb terrorism on their western border with Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said.

Pakistan will be held responsible if they do not make sincere efforts to curb terrorism on their western border with Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said. Talking to reporters Tuesday at the State Department's Foggy Bottom headquarters, Pompeo said this was the message he had delivered to the Pakistani leadership when he travelled to Islamabad in September after Imran Khan became prime minister. We had made clear that the US policy with respect to south-central Asia has not changed, that our expectation is that Pakistan will not provide safe harbour to terrorists on their western border, he said in response to a question on AfPak. On September 5, Pompeo met Khan and pressed him "to do more" to rein in the terror groups operating from Pakistan's soil. "We couldn't make that message any more clear and that Pakistan will be held accountable if they don't see about it... If they're not sincere in that effort." "We don't believe we can get to the place that everyone wants. Everyone wants reconciliation in Afghanistan, and to achieve that you can't have a safe harbour for Taliban - for Haqqani, and for others inside of Pakistan, Pompeo said. The Pakistani government knows that "that's our review and this administration has already made significant efforts to hold them accountable and we hope that they'll achieve the goal that we have out for them, said the Secretary of State. He indicated that there has been no change in the Trump administration's policy with regard to suspension of security aid to Pakistan unless it takes satisfactory measures to eliminate safe terrorist safe havens. Early this year, US President Donald Trump had suspended $300 million in security aid to Pakistan. India, too, had asked Pakistan to stop supporting and glorifying terrorists and terror activities against India and its other neighbours.

Pakistan must make sincere efforts to curb terrorism on Afghan border: US

A global financial watchdog on Friday warned Iran to clamp down on terrorism financing by February or face a deeper squeeze on its sanctions-hit economy.

The Islamic republic, already hurt by a resumption of US sanctions over its past nuclear programme, this month approved one bill to help meet demands imposed by the international Financial Action Task Force (FATF).&nbsp;

FATF, following a meeting at its Paris headquarters this week, welcomed the legislation and extended a suspension of counter-measures that has allowed Iran to escape further isolation from international finance.

But nine of the 10 "action plan" items needed to remove Iran from an FATF blacklist have yet to be adopted by Tehran, according to Marshall Billingslea, the US assistant treasury secretary for terrorist financing.

"In our plenary, here in Paris, we expressed our disappointment that the majority of the action plan remains outstanding," said Billingslea, who currently chairs the FATF, told a news conference.

"We expect that they will have adopted all these measures by February," he said.

Billingslea said if measures were not adopted by February next year, the FATF will take further steps to protect against the risks from Iran's lack of action.

Pressing finance needs&nbsp;

For Iran, access to finance has become particularly pressing since the United States walked out of a 2015 nuclear deal earlier this year and began reimposing sanctions.&nbsp;

Iran's foreign ministry in a statement reacted favourably to the FATF decision, saying it considered the extension of the suspension of countermeasures "another victory" for Tehran's diplomacy.

However the ministry urged the financial watchdog to "resist political pressures" in its dealings with Iran.

The other parties to the deal -- Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia -- have sought to salvage the agreement and maintain trade with Iran, but have demanded that it accede to the FATF.&nbsp;

Among the further steps demanded by the FATF, originally an initiative of the G7 nations, was for Iran to identify and freeze extremist assets in line with UN Security Council resolutions.&nbsp;

Another was for Tehran to remove an exemption from its legislation that allows financing towards groups deemed to be attempting to end "foreign occupation, colonialism and racism".

Iran has long been accused by the United States, Israel and regional rivals such as Saudi Arabia of financing a web of extremist groups, including the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon.

In a statement, the FATF said it will review Iran's remaining legislation once it is in place to determine whether Tehran had met its demands.

It urged FATF members to exercise heightened checks on transactions involving Iranian businesses and nationals.&nbsp;

Iran is one of only two countries on the FATF blacklist.

The other is North Korea, and Friday's statement reiterated "serious concerns" about the Asian country's illicit activities to finance its missile and nuclear programmes.

A global financial watchdog on Friday warned Iran to clamp down on terrorism financing by February or face a deeper squeeze on its sanctions-hit economy. The Islamic republic, already hurt by a resumption of US sanctions over its past nuclear programme, this month approved one bill to help meet demands imposed by the international Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

A global financial watchdog on Friday warned Iran to clamp down on terrorism financing by February or face a deeper squeeze on its sanctions-hit economy. The Islamic republic, already hurt by a resumption of US sanctions over its past nuclear programme, this month approved one bill to help meet demands imposed by the international Financial Action Task Force (FATF). FATF, following a meeting at its Paris headquarters this week, welcomed the legislation and extended a suspension of counter-measures that has allowed Iran to escape further isolation from international finance. But nine of the 10 "action plan" items needed to remove Iran from an FATF blacklist have yet to be adopted by Tehran, according to Marshall Billingslea, the US assistant treasury secretary for terrorist financing. "In our plenary, here in Paris, we expressed our disappointment that the majority of the action plan remains outstanding," said Billingslea, who currently chairs the FATF, told a news conference. "We expect that they will have adopted all these measures by February," he said. Billingslea said if measures were not adopted by February next year, the FATF will take further steps to protect against the risks from Iran's lack of action. Pressing finance needs For Iran, access to finance has become particularly pressing since the United States walked out of a 2015 nuclear deal earlier this year and began reimposing sanctions. Iran's foreign ministry in a statement reacted favourably to the FATF decision, saying it considered the extension of the suspension of countermeasures "another victory" for Tehran's diplomacy. However the ministry urged the financial watchdog to "resist political pressures" in its dealings with Iran. The other parties to the deal -- Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia -- have sought to salvage the agreement and maintain trade with Iran, but have demanded that it accede to the FATF. Among the further steps demanded by the FATF, originally an initiative of the G7 nations, was for Iran to identify and freeze extremist assets in line with UN Security Council resolutions. Another was for Tehran to remove an exemption from its legislation that allows financing towards groups deemed to be attempting to end "foreign occupation, colonialism and racism". Iran has long been accused by the United States, Israel and regional rivals such as Saudi Arabia of financing a web of extremist groups, including the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. In a statement, the FATF said it will review Iran's remaining legislation once it is in place to determine whether Tehran had met its demands. It urged FATF members to exercise heightened checks on transactions involving Iranian businesses and nationals. Iran is one of only two countries on the FATF blacklist. The other is North Korea, and Friday's statement reiterated "serious concerns" about the Asian country's illicit activities to finance its missile and nuclear programmes.

Iran gets February deadline to fix terror financing: Watchdog

Expressing dissatisfaction over Pakistan's efforts to combat terror financing, a delegation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has asked the country to take robust steps to strengthen its legal framework if it wants to avoid being blacklisted by the anti-money laundering watchdog, according to a media report on Saturday.

Currently placed on the FATF's 'grey list', Pakistan has been scrambling in recent months to avoid being added to a list of countries deemed non-compliant with anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regulations by the Paris-based watchdog, a measure that officials here fear could further hurt its economy.

A nine-member team of the FATF's Asia-Pacific Group (APG), which visited Pakistan from October 8 to October 19 to review the progress made by it on an action plan agreed in June to address global concerns, has finalised a report with 40 recommendations for de-listing Islamabad from its 'grey list' from September 2019. 
 
However, the APG delegation has expressed dissatisfaction over Pakistan's progress to comply with international best practices against money laundering and counter-terror financing, the Dawn reported.

Quoting sources, it said the APG delegation, which shared its final findings with the authorities, has highlighted shortcomings on anti-money laundering front, control and monitoring of non-profit organisations and counter-terror financing mechanism as various institutions suffered poor interface of information sharing and action to combat these deficiencies.

Even in areas where legal framework was robust, the APG found the implementation as too weak, the report said. 
Highlighting deficiencies in law, regulations and mechanisms and weaknesses of various institutions, the delegation said with this pace, Pakistan was unlikely to get out of the grey list.

The authorities, according to sources, were told in clear terms that Pakistan would have to make robust and significant progress from now onwards and before the next on-site review in March-April if it want to move out of the grey list or else would fall into the blacklist having serious consequences.

Officials of the ministries of interior, finance, foreign affairs and law besides the State Bank of Pakistan, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, the National Counter-Terrorism Authority, the FIA, the Federal Board of Revenue, the National Accountability Bureau, the Anti-Narcotics Force, the FMU, the Central Directorate of National Savings and provincial counter-terrorism departments attended the briefings and explanations.

The APG would submit its draft report to the Pakistani authorities by November 19. The country was asked to submit its response to the findings within 15 days after the receipt of the report on the basis of which the APG would submit its interim report to the FATF in Paris.

The APG delegation will visit Pakistan again in March-April next year for another 'on-site mutual evaluation' whose report will be made public in July 2019. 
The delegation also informed Finance Minister Asad Umar that the relevant agencies during their interactions with the APG were either ill-prepared or ill-informed or were unwilling to share information.

The visiting team included Ian Collins of the United Kingdom's Scotland Yard, James Prussing of the United States Department of the Treasury, Ashraf Abdullah of the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Maldives, Bobby Wahyu Hernawan of the Indonesian Ministry of Finance, Gong Jingyan of the Peoples Bank of China and Mustafa Necmeddin Oztop of the Turkish Ministry of Justice.&nbsp;

The three members of the APG secretariat include Executive Secretary Gordon Hook, Deputy Directors Mohammad Al-Rashdan and Shannon Rutherford.

In June, Pakistan had made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF to address its strategic counter-terrorist financing-related deficiencies by implementing a 10-point action plan. The successful implementation of the action plan and its physical verification by the FATF will get Pakistan out of the 'grey list' from September 2019.&nbsp;

By January next year, Pakistan will have to identify and assess domestic and international terror financing risks to and from its system to strengthen investigations and improve inter-agency, FIA, SBP, SECP, banks, home and interior departments and associated agencies&nbsp;coordination, as well as federal and provincial coordination to combat these risks.

The government will also have to complete the profiling of terror groups or suspected terrorists and their financial assets and strengths, besides their members and their family backgrounds, and make them accessible at the inter-agency level.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Besides, Pakistan will also have to complete investigation into the widest range of terror financing activities, including appeals and calls for donations and collection of funds, and their movements and uses. The outcome will have to be published at least twice before September next year.&nbsp;

Expressing dissatisfaction over Pakistan's efforts to combat terror financing, a delegation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has asked the country to take robust steps to strengthen its legal framework if it wants to avoid being blacklisted by the anti-money laundering watchdog, according to a media report on Saturday.

Expressing dissatisfaction over Pakistan's efforts to combat terror financing, a delegation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has asked the country to take robust steps to strengthen its legal framework if it wants to avoid being blacklisted by the anti-money laundering watchdog, according to a media report on Saturday. Currently placed on the FATF's 'grey list', Pakistan has been scrambling in recent months to avoid being added to a list of countries deemed non-compliant with anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regulations by the Paris-based watchdog, a measure that officials here fear could further hurt its economy. A nine-member team of the FATF's Asia-Pacific Group (APG), which visited Pakistan from October 8 to October 19 to review the progress made by it on an action plan agreed in June to address global concerns, has finalised a report with 40 recommendations for de-listing Islamabad from its 'grey list' from September 2019. However, the APG delegation has expressed dissatisfaction over Pakistan's progress to comply with international best practices against money laundering and counter-terror financing, the Dawn reported. Quoting sources, it said the APG delegation, which shared its final findings with the authorities, has highlighted shortcomings on anti-money laundering front, control and monitoring of non-profit organisations and counter-terror financing mechanism as various institutions suffered poor interface of information sharing and action to combat these deficiencies. Even in areas where legal framework was robust, the APG found the implementation as too weak, the report said. Highlighting deficiencies in law, regulations and mechanisms and weaknesses of various institutions, the delegation said with this pace, Pakistan was unlikely to get out of the grey list. The authorities, according to sources, were told in clear terms that Pakistan would have to make robust and significant progress from now onwards and before the next on-site review in March-April if it want to move out of the grey list or else would fall into the blacklist having serious consequences. Officials of the ministries of interior, finance, foreign affairs and law besides the State Bank of Pakistan, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, the National Counter-Terrorism Authority, the FIA, the Federal Board of Revenue, the National Accountability Bureau, the Anti-Narcotics Force, the FMU, the Central Directorate of National Savings and provincial counter-terrorism departments attended the briefings and explanations. The APG would submit its draft report to the Pakistani authorities by November 19. The country was asked to submit its response to the findings within 15 days after the receipt of the report on the basis of which the APG would submit its interim report to the FATF in Paris. The APG delegation will visit Pakistan again in March-April next year for another 'on-site mutual evaluation' whose report will be made public in July 2019. The delegation also informed Finance Minister Asad Umar that the relevant agencies during their interactions with the APG were either ill-prepared or ill-informed or were unwilling to share information. The visiting team included Ian Collins of the United Kingdom's Scotland Yard, James Prussing of the United States Department of the Treasury, Ashraf Abdullah of the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Maldives, Bobby Wahyu Hernawan of the Indonesian Ministry of Finance, Gong Jingyan of the Peoples Bank of China and Mustafa Necmeddin Oztop of the Turkish Ministry of Justice. The three members of the APG secretariat include Executive Secretary Gordon Hook, Deputy Directors Mohammad Al-Rashdan and Shannon Rutherford. In June, Pakistan had made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF to address its strategic counter-terrorist financing-related deficiencies by implementing a 10-point action plan. The successful implementation of the action plan and its physical verification by the FATF will get Pakistan out of the 'grey list' from September 2019. By January next year, Pakistan will have to identify and assess domestic and international terror financing risks to and from its system to strengthen investigations and improve inter-agency, FIA, SBP, SECP, banks, home and interior departments and associated agencies coordination, as well as federal and provincial coordination to combat these risks. The government will also have to complete the profiling of terror groups or suspected terrorists and their financial assets and strengths, besides their members and their family backgrounds, and make them accessible at the inter-agency level. Besides, Pakistan will also have to complete investigation into the widest range of terror financing activities, including appeals and calls for donations and collection of funds, and their movements and uses. The outcome will have to be published at least twice before September next year.

FATF dissatisfied over Pakistan's efforts to combat terror financing: Report

After an on-site assessment of the steps taken by Pakistan to curb terror financing and money laundering, a visiting Financial Action Task Force (FATF) team has finalised a report with 40 recommendations for de-listing Islamabad from its grey list from September next year, according to a media report Friday.

Currently placed on the FATF's 'grey list', Pakistan has been scrambling in recent months to avoid being added to a list of countries deemed non-compliant with anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regulations by the Paris-based FATF, a measure that officials here fear could further hurt its economy.

A nine-member team of the FATF's Asia-Pacific Group (APG) arrived here on October 8 to review the measures as promised by Pakistan in June to tackle the concerns about money laundering and terror financing.

Dawn reported that the AGP suggested measures in its report on Thursday after the on-site assessment of prevailing legal and institutional framework during its 11 days of engagement with stakeholders, to curb terror financing and money laundering in Pakistan.

A source privy to meetings told Dawn that the report which is termed "Exit Report" will be submitted formally to the government on Friday, the last day of the stay of the global experts in Pakistan.

The report, according to the source, will be discussed at a meeting to be attended by senior officers of all leading government departments and agencies, especially the Federal Investigation Agency, the Financial Monitoring Unit, the Federal Board of Revenue and the Anti-Narcotics Force to respond to queries raised in the exit report.

The report includes 40 recommendations which were segregated in 11 outcomes performance benchmarks.

According to the source, Pakistan is compliant in more than 50 per cent of the recommendations. However, it said it was not clear whether it would be sufficient for Pakistan to come out of the grey list.

Pakistan was placed on the grey list by the FATF in June for failing to curb anti-terror financing.

In August, the APG as part of the pre-site mutual evaluation identified a series of deficiencies in Pakistan's anti-money laundering or counter-terror financing (AML/CFT) laws and mechanisms. The report was sent to Pakistan with recommendations.

In response, Pakistan has provided details of measures taken in compliance with the recommendations.

On October 5, Pakistan received another technical compliance annexure from the APG which further highlighted deficiencies in the AML/CFT measures that Islamabad needs to take.

During the current meetings, the assessment team and agency officials extensively discussed with senior Pakistani officials Islamabad's compliance with international AML/CFT measures, draft of the technical compliance annexure sent on October 5, Pakistan's response to these measures and commitment on how the country will meet core issue of the immediate outcomes.

According to the source, it has been highlighted in the last meetings that Pakistan is mostly compliant in legislation of various laws for AML/CFT but issues were mostly related to structural arrangements for the effective implementation of these laws.

Officials of the ministries of interior, finance, foreign affairs and law besides the State Bank of Pakistan, the Securities and Exchange Commission of

Pakistan, the National Counter-Terrorism Authority, the FIA, the Federal Board of Revenue, the National Accountability Bureau, the Anti-Narcotics Force, the FMU, the Central Directorate of National Savings and provincial counter-terrorism departments attended the briefings and explanations.

The purpose of the Mutual Evaluation on-site visit is to assess the effectiveness of Pakistan's anti-money laundering or counter-terror financing regime under FATF's effectiveness methodology.

The visiting team included Ian Collins of the United Kingdom's Scotland Yard, James Prussing of the United States Department of the Treasury, Ashraf Abdullah of the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Maldives, Bobby Wahyu Hernawan of the Indonesian Ministry of Finance, Gong Jingyan of the Peoples Bank of China and Mustafa Necmeddin Oztop of the Turkish Ministry of Justice.&nbsp;

The three members of the APG secretariat include Executive Secretary Gordon Hook, Deputy Directors Mohammad Al-Rashdan and Shannon Rutherford.

The APG Mutual Evaluation Assessment Team also called on Finance Minister Asad Umar on Thursday.

The team, headed by Hook, briefed the minister about the purpose of their visit and meetings with Pakistan's anti-money laundering or counter-terror financing stakeholders.

Umar reiterated the government's commitment to implement the AML/CFT standards and reaffirmed Pakistan's strong and unequivocal commitment to work with the APG/FATF in the fight against money laundering, terrorism financing and other financial crimes.

He also emphasised that Pakistan would continue to take all actions required to strengthen the country's anti-money laundering or counter-terror financing regime.&nbsp;

After an on-site assessment of the steps taken by Pakistan to curb terror financing and money laundering, a visiting Financial Action Task Force (FATF) team has finalised a report with 40 recommendations for de-listing Islamabad from its grey list from September next year, according to a media report Friday.

After an on-site assessment of the steps taken by Pakistan to curb terror financing and money laundering, a visiting Financial Action Task Force (FATF) team has finalised a report with 40 recommendations for de-listing Islamabad from its grey list from September next year, according to a media report Friday. Currently placed on the FATF's 'grey list', Pakistan has been scrambling in recent months to avoid being added to a list of countries deemed non-compliant with anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regulations by the Paris-based FATF, a measure that officials here fear could further hurt its economy. A nine-member team of the FATF's Asia-Pacific Group (APG) arrived here on October 8 to review the measures as promised by Pakistan in June to tackle the concerns about money laundering and terror financing. Dawn reported that the AGP suggested measures in its report on Thursday after the on-site assessment of prevailing legal and institutional framework during its 11 days of engagement with stakeholders, to curb terror financing and money laundering in Pakistan. A source privy to meetings told Dawn that the report which is termed "Exit Report" will be submitted formally to the government on Friday, the last day of the stay of the global experts in Pakistan. The report, according to the source, will be discussed at a meeting to be attended by senior officers of all leading government departments and agencies, especially the Federal Investigation Agency, the Financial Monitoring Unit, the Federal Board of Revenue and the Anti-Narcotics Force to respond to queries raised in the exit report. The report includes 40 recommendations which were segregated in 11 outcomes performance benchmarks. According to the source, Pakistan is compliant in more than 50 per cent of the recommendations. However, it said it was not clear whether it would be sufficient for Pakistan to come out of the grey list. Pakistan was placed on the grey list by the FATF in June for failing to curb anti-terror financing. In August, the APG as part of the pre-site mutual evaluation identified a series of deficiencies in Pakistan's anti-money laundering or counter-terror financing (AML/CFT) laws and mechanisms. The report was sent to Pakistan with recommendations. In response, Pakistan has provided details of measures taken in compliance with the recommendations. On October 5, Pakistan received another technical compliance annexure from the APG which further highlighted deficiencies in the AML/CFT measures that Islamabad needs to take. During the current meetings, the assessment team and agency officials extensively discussed with senior Pakistani officials Islamabad's compliance with international AML/CFT measures, draft of the technical compliance annexure sent on October 5, Pakistan's response to these measures and commitment on how the country will meet core issue of the immediate outcomes. According to the source, it has been highlighted in the last meetings that Pakistan is mostly compliant in legislation of various laws for AML/CFT but issues were mostly related to structural arrangements for the effective implementation of these laws. Officials of the ministries of interior, finance, foreign affairs and law besides the State Bank of Pakistan, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, the National Counter-Terrorism Authority, the FIA, the Federal Board of Revenue, the National Accountability Bureau, the Anti-Narcotics Force, the FMU, the Central Directorate of National Savings and provincial counter-terrorism departments attended the briefings and explanations. The purpose of the Mutual Evaluation on-site visit is to assess the effectiveness of Pakistan's anti-money laundering or counter-terror financing regime under FATF's effectiveness methodology. The visiting team included Ian Collins of the United Kingdom's Scotland Yard, James Prussing of the United States Department of the Treasury, Ashraf Abdullah of the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Maldives, Bobby Wahyu Hernawan of the Indonesian Ministry of Finance, Gong Jingyan of the Peoples Bank of China and Mustafa Necmeddin Oztop of the Turkish Ministry of Justice. The three members of the APG secretariat include Executive Secretary Gordon Hook, Deputy Directors Mohammad Al-Rashdan and Shannon Rutherford. The APG Mutual Evaluation Assessment Team also called on Finance Minister Asad Umar on Thursday. The team, headed by Hook, briefed the minister about the purpose of their visit and meetings with Pakistan's anti-money laundering or counter-terror financing stakeholders. Umar reiterated the government's commitment to implement the AML/CFT standards and reaffirmed Pakistan's strong and unequivocal commitment to work with the APG/FATF in the fight against money laundering, terrorism financing and other financial crimes. He also emphasised that Pakistan would continue to take all actions required to strengthen the country's anti-money laundering or counter-terror financing regime.

FATF team finalises report with recommendations for de-listing Pak from grey list in Sep'19

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he did not want to walk away from Saudi Arabia over the disappearance and alleged killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, arguing the US relies on the kingdom in the fight against terrorism.

Asked during an interview on Fox Business what action he had in mind for Riyadh if he learned it was responsible, Trump said: "Well, I hope we're going to be on the better side of the equation."

"You know we need Saudi Arabia in terms of our fight against all of the terrorism, everything that's happening in Iran and other places."

Asked if the US would not then walk away from Saudi Arabia, he said: "I do not want to do that and frankly they have a tremendous order, $110 billion." The reference was to promised US arms sales to the kingdom.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he did not want to walk away from Saudi Arabia over the disappearance and alleged killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, arguing the US relies on the kingdom in the fight against terrorism.

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he did not want to walk away from Saudi Arabia over the disappearance and alleged killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, arguing the US relies on the kingdom in the fight against terrorism. Asked during an interview on Fox Business what action he had in mind for Riyadh if he learned it was responsible, Trump said: "Well, I hope we're going to be on the better side of the equation." "You know we need Saudi Arabia in terms of our fight against all of the terrorism, everything that's happening in Iran and other places." Asked if the US would not then walk away from Saudi Arabia, he said: "I do not want to do that and frankly they have a tremendous order, $110 billion." The reference was to promised US arms sales to the kingdom.

Trump says US needs Saudi Arabia in fight against terrorism

Pakistan is committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and offered to share with member states of the SCO the expertise it gained in fighting the menace, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Friday.

Addressing a high-level meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) here in the Tajik capital, also attended by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, he said the world was in a "state of flux".

Qureshi said a global architecture for peace, security and development, that treats all sovereign states on the footings of equality and respect was required, Dawn quoted him as saying.

This was the second Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting attended by Pakistan after becoming a full member of SCO in June last year, Pakistan's Foreign Office said in a press release.

Qureshi highlighted the importance of the SCO as a vital platform to achieve the objectives of peace, security and stability across Eurasia.

In the context of SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) he pledged Pakistan's commitment in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.&nbsp;

He also offered to the SCO member states the sharing of expertise gained in fighting terrorism, the release said.

In her address, Swaraj told the SCO leaders that "terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to our common goals of development and prosperity".

As the footprint of terrorism expands, governments must assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, she said.&nbsp;

Qureshi also underscored the need of upholding peace in an increasingly tense international environment.&nbsp;

While speaking on the issue of economic development through regional connectivity, Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).&nbsp;

The CPEC is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aimed at enhancing Beijing's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects.

The Foreign Minister also emphasised on Cooperation among SCO countries in the field of multilateral trade and removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers.

&nbsp;He also supported the initiative of establishment of SCO development bank and development fund.&nbsp;

Qureshi also expressed Pakistan's full support for peace and stability in Afghanistan and assured cooperation for the SCO's initiatives towards this.

Pakistan is committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and offered to share with member states of the SCO the expertise it gained in fighting the menace, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Friday.

Pakistan is committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and offered to share with member states of the SCO the expertise it gained in fighting the menace, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Friday. Addressing a high-level meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) here in the Tajik capital, also attended by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, he said the world was in a "state of flux". Qureshi said a global architecture for peace, security and development, that treats all sovereign states on the footings of equality and respect was required, Dawn quoted him as saying. This was the second Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting attended by Pakistan after becoming a full member of SCO in June last year, Pakistan's Foreign Office said in a press release. Qureshi highlighted the importance of the SCO as a vital platform to achieve the objectives of peace, security and stability across Eurasia. In the context of SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) he pledged Pakistan's commitment in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He also offered to the SCO member states the sharing of expertise gained in fighting terrorism, the release said. In her address, Swaraj told the SCO leaders that "terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to our common goals of development and prosperity". As the footprint of terrorism expands, governments must assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, she said. Qureshi also underscored the need of upholding peace in an increasingly tense international environment. While speaking on the issue of economic development through regional connectivity, Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The CPEC is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aimed at enhancing Beijing's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects. The Foreign Minister also emphasised on Cooperation among SCO countries in the field of multilateral trade and removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers. He also supported the initiative of establishment of SCO development bank and development fund. Qureshi also expressed Pakistan's full support for peace and stability in Afghanistan and assured cooperation for the SCO's initiatives towards this.

Pak committed to root out terrorism: Foreign Minister Qureshi at SCO meeting

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged the SCO members including Pakistan to assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, saying terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to development and prosperity.

In an apparent reference to the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Swaraj said that all connectivity initiatives must be based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, consultations, good governance, transparency, viability and sustainability.

India has opposed the CPEC projects and protested to China as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

Swaraj, who is in Tajikistan's capital to attend a two-day conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)'s Council of Heads of Government (CHG), said: "terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to our common goals of development and prosperity".

As the footprint of terrorism expands, governments must assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, she said in the presence of Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

"We have all benefited from globalisation. We must further develop our trade and investment cooperation. We support an open, stable international trade regime based on centrality of the World Trade Organization," Swaraj said.

India has actively supported the SCO Qingdao Summit Leaders' "Appeal to Youth" against radicalisation of youth, she said and congratulated all her colleagues on the successful completion of the 'SCO Peace Mission 2018'.

It was the first time that India participated in these counter-terrorism exercises.

India stands committed to a peace process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled, that can help Afghanistan emerge as a peaceful, secure, stable, inclusive and economically vibrant nation, Swaraj said.

"In this context, we welcome the signing of the Protocol of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group on the sidelines of the Qingdao Summit. We would be happy to co-host with Afghanistan, the next meeting of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group in India," she said.

India is determined to work together in the SCO on environmentally friendly energy alternatives to ensure sustainable development, Swaraj said.

"India shares the desire of the SCO members for enhanced connectivity. All connectivity initiatives must be based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, consultations, good governance, transparency, viability and sustainability," she said.

The CPEC is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a pet project of President Xi Jinping aimed at enhancing China's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects.

"I am happy to note that SCO has taken a positive step in this direction by organising the first meeting of the Heads of Railways of the SCO Member States last month," she added.

It is the second CHG meeting since India became a full member of the SCO in June 2017.

India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping last year and New Delhi's entry into it is expected to increase the bloc's heft in regional geo-politics and trade negotiations besides giving it a pan-Asian hue.

Along with India, Pakistan was also granted membership of the SCO last year.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year.

The bloc currently has eight member countries which represent around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led an official delegation to the SCO Summit in Chinese city of Qingdao in June.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged the SCO members including Pakistan to assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, saying terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to development and prosperity.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged the SCO members including Pakistan to assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, saying terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to development and prosperity. In an apparent reference to the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Swaraj said that all connectivity initiatives must be based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, consultations, good governance, transparency, viability and sustainability. India has opposed the CPEC projects and protested to China as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Swaraj, who is in Tajikistan's capital to attend a two-day conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)'s Council of Heads of Government (CHG), said: "terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to our common goals of development and prosperity". As the footprint of terrorism expands, governments must assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, she said in the presence of Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. "We have all benefited from globalisation. We must further develop our trade and investment cooperation. We support an open, stable international trade regime based on centrality of the World Trade Organization," Swaraj said. India has actively supported the SCO Qingdao Summit Leaders' "Appeal to Youth" against radicalisation of youth, she said and congratulated all her colleagues on the successful completion of the 'SCO Peace Mission 2018'. It was the first time that India participated in these counter-terrorism exercises. India stands committed to a peace process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled, that can help Afghanistan emerge as a peaceful, secure, stable, inclusive and economically vibrant nation, Swaraj said. "In this context, we welcome the signing of the Protocol of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group on the sidelines of the Qingdao Summit. We would be happy to co-host with Afghanistan, the next meeting of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group in India," she said. India is determined to work together in the SCO on environmentally friendly energy alternatives to ensure sustainable development, Swaraj said. "India shares the desire of the SCO members for enhanced connectivity. All connectivity initiatives must be based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, consultations, good governance, transparency, viability and sustainability," she said. The CPEC is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a pet project of President Xi Jinping aimed at enhancing China's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects. "I am happy to note that SCO has taken a positive step in this direction by organising the first meeting of the Heads of Railways of the SCO Member States last month," she added. It is the second CHG meeting since India became a full member of the SCO in June 2017. India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region. India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping last year and New Delhi's entry into it is expected to increase the bloc's heft in regional geo-politics and trade negotiations besides giving it a pan-Asian hue. Along with India, Pakistan was also granted membership of the SCO last year. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year. The bloc currently has eight member countries which represent around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led an official delegation to the SCO Summit in Chinese city of Qingdao in June.

Terrorism remains most overwhelming threat to development: Sushma Swaraj

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged the SCO member countries to join hands to address global challenges and highlighted the need to fight terrorism, address climate change and promote connectivity and regional peace.

Swaraj, who is here to attend a two-day conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)'s Council of Heads of Government (CHG), called on Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon along with the heads of delegation from other SCO countries.

Swaraj, speaking at the Restricted Format Meeting of the SCO Heads of Government Council here, highlighted the need to join hands to fight terrorism, address climate change, promote connectivity and regional peace, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

The conclave, also attended by Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, will focus on boosting cooperation in fighting terrorism, besides deliberating on pressing regional and global issues.

The CHG meeting is also likely to review situation in Syria, Afghanistan and the Korean peninsula.

It is the second CHG meeting since India became a full member of the SCO in June 2017.

India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping last year and New Delhi's entry into it is expected to increase the bloc's heft in regional geopolitics and trade negotiations besides giving it a pan-Asian hue.

Along with India, Pakistan was also granted membership of the SCO last year.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

India and Pakistan became its members last year.

The bloc currently has eight member countries which represent around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led an official delegation to the SCO Summit in Chinese city of Qingdao in June.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged the SCO member countries to join hands to address global challenges and highlighted the need to fight terrorism, address climate change and promote connectivity and regional peace.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged the SCO member countries to join hands to address global challenges and highlighted the need to fight terrorism, address climate change and promote connectivity and regional peace. Swaraj, who is here to attend a two-day conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)'s Council of Heads of Government (CHG), called on Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon along with the heads of delegation from other SCO countries. Swaraj, speaking at the Restricted Format Meeting of the SCO Heads of Government Council here, highlighted the need to join hands to fight terrorism, address climate change, promote connectivity and regional peace, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet. The conclave, also attended by Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, will focus on boosting cooperation in fighting terrorism, besides deliberating on pressing regional and global issues. The CHG meeting is also likely to review situation in Syria, Afghanistan and the Korean peninsula. It is the second CHG meeting since India became a full member of the SCO in June 2017. India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region. India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping last year and New Delhi's entry into it is expected to increase the bloc's heft in regional geopolitics and trade negotiations besides giving it a pan-Asian hue. Along with India, Pakistan was also granted membership of the SCO last year. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year. The bloc currently has eight member countries which represent around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led an official delegation to the SCO Summit in Chinese city of Qingdao in June.

Swaraj urges SCO members to fight terrorism, address climate change and promote connectivity

US President Donald Trump unveiled a new counter-terrorism strategy which issues a tough warning to terrorist groups and their supporters that the United States will defeat its enemies with the full force of American might.

The strategy for counterterrorism focuses efforts on pursuing terrorists to their source and isolating terrorists from their support, the US administration said.

"Guided by the National Strategy for Counterterrorism, we will use all instruments of American power to protect our great nation, and we will defeat our enemies with the full force of American might," Trump said after basic contours of National Strategy for Counterterrorism were made public.

The strategy, Trump said, outlines the approach of the US to counter the increasingly complex and evolving terrorist threats and represents the nation's first fully articulated counterterrorism strategy since 2011.

"It provides the strategic guidance needed to protect the United States against all terrorist threats, while simultaneously fostering the agility to anticipate, prevent, and respond to new threats," he said.

Describing the strategy as a significant departure from the previous Obama Administration, his National Security Advisor John Bolton told reporters that the strategy focuses efforts on pursuing terrorists to their source and isolating terrorists from their support.

It also involves modernising and integrating US's counterterrorism tools, protecting infrastructure and enhancing preparedness, countering terrorist radicalisation and recruitment and strengthening the counterterrorism abilities of its international partners, he said.&nbsp;

"The strategy articulates a counterterrorism approach that is sustainable, more efficient, prioritized and less reliant on only United States' capabilities," Bolton said.&nbsp;

"Because the global threat posed by terrorist groups is more complex and diffuse than ever, this strategy provides the framework to protect the United States against all terrorists who threaten our country," he said.

As part of the strategy, the top Trump advisor said the US will not focus on a single organisation, but will counter all terrorists with the ability and intent to harm the United States, citizens, and its interests.&nbsp;

"We will place greater emphasis on targeting terrorist networks that threaten the US and our allies, and focus our efforts on disrupting and denying the ways and means terrorists use to radicalize, recruit, mobilize, finance, travel, communicate, and inspire new followers," he said.

"We will deny terrorists the freedom to travel and communicate across international borders, and take action to limit their ability to recruit and radicalize online. We will counter the violent, extreme, and twisted ideologies that purport to justify and excuse the murder of innocents," Bolton said.

Bolton asserted this strategy stresses better integration of national power, both, military and non-military, to combat terrorism and terrorist ideologies, with an increased emphasis on non-kinetic means.&nbsp;

The strategy also places greater emphasis on protecting the homeland, preventing attacks, and mitigating the impact of an attack, should one occur, he said.

This includes building strong borders, securing ports of entry, protecting critical U.S. Infrastructure, and promoting a culture of preparedness.&nbsp; 
Welcoming the new strategy, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the strategy recognises the need for all nations to equitably share the burden of confronting terrorism.

"As such, the State Department, in close coordination with other federal agencies, will continue to work with our allies and partners to implement the policies and tools necessary to eliminate our terrorist enemies and their networks of support,&nbsp;he said.

The Pentagon said, "By standing with traditional and non-traditional partners, the DoD (Department of Defense) advances shared counterterrorism efforts by employing military and non-military capabilities to disrupt and deny terrorist mobility, financing, communication and recruitment."

According to Director of National Intelligence, Daniel Coats, the strategy addresses the complex and evolving terrorism landscape in its emphasis on denying terrorists the resources and recruits to fuel their nefarious aims, and outlines the need to leverage the strong partnerships that the US has to built at home and abroad to solve this global problem.

"The strategy places America first, emphasizing strong borders, strengthening security at points of entry, protecting critical infrastructure, and facilitating preparedness. However, America First does not mean America alone.&nbsp;The new strategy commits us to expand our partnerships at home and abroad to encourage partners' assistance in counterterrorism activities,&nbsp;the White House said, adding that this includes working with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allies and partners.&nbsp;

Trump said under his leadership, the United States has accelerated efforts to defeat terrorists. Working with coalition partners, we have decimated ISIS in Syria and Iraq, he said.

"Likewise, I ended United States participation in the horrible Iran deal, which had provided a windfall for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its proxies, funding Iran's malign activities throughout the world.&nbsp;Importantly, I have also secured historic increases in defense funding to rebuild our Nation's military," said the US President.

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US President Donald Trump unveiled a new counter-terrorism strategy which issues a tough warning to terrorist groups and their supporters that the United States will defeat its enemies with the full force of American might.

US President Donald Trump unveiled a new counter-terrorism strategy which issues a tough warning to terrorist groups and their supporters that the United States will defeat its enemies with the full force of American might. The strategy for counterterrorism focuses efforts on pursuing terrorists to their source and isolating terrorists from their support, the US administration said. "Guided by the National Strategy for Counterterrorism, we will use all instruments of American power to protect our great nation, and we will defeat our enemies with the full force of American might," Trump said after basic contours of National Strategy for Counterterrorism were made public. The strategy, Trump said, outlines the approach of the US to counter the increasingly complex and evolving terrorist threats and represents the nation's first fully articulated counterterrorism strategy since 2011. "It provides the strategic guidance needed to protect the United States against all terrorist threats, while simultaneously fostering the agility to anticipate, prevent, and respond to new threats," he said. Describing the strategy as a significant departure from the previous Obama Administration, his National Security Advisor John Bolton told reporters that the strategy focuses efforts on pursuing terrorists to their source and isolating terrorists from their support. It also involves modernising and integrating US's counterterrorism tools, protecting infrastructure and enhancing preparedness, countering terrorist radicalisation and recruitment and strengthening the counterterrorism abilities of its international partners, he said. "The strategy articulates a counterterrorism approach that is sustainable, more efficient, prioritized and less reliant on only United States' capabilities," Bolton said. "Because the global threat posed by terrorist groups is more complex and diffuse than ever, this strategy provides the framework to protect the United States against all terrorists who threaten our country," he said. As part of the strategy, the top Trump advisor said the US will not focus on a single organisation, but will counter all terrorists with the ability and intent to harm the United States, citizens, and its interests. "We will place greater emphasis on targeting terrorist networks that threaten the US and our allies, and focus our efforts on disrupting and denying the ways and means terrorists use to radicalize, recruit, mobilize, finance, travel, communicate, and inspire new followers," he said. "We will deny terrorists the freedom to travel and communicate across international borders, and take action to limit their ability to recruit and radicalize online. We will counter the violent, extreme, and twisted ideologies that purport to justify and excuse the murder of innocents," Bolton said. Bolton asserted this strategy stresses better integration of national power, both, military and non-military, to combat terrorism and terrorist ideologies, with an increased emphasis on non-kinetic means. The strategy also places greater emphasis on protecting the homeland, preventing attacks, and mitigating the impact of an attack, should one occur, he said. This includes building strong borders, securing ports of entry, protecting critical U.S. Infrastructure, and promoting a culture of preparedness. Welcoming the new strategy, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the strategy recognises the need for all nations to equitably share the burden of confronting terrorism. "As such, the State Department, in close coordination with other federal agencies, will continue to work with our allies and partners to implement the policies and tools necessary to eliminate our terrorist enemies and their networks of support, he said. The Pentagon said, "By standing with traditional and non-traditional partners, the DoD (Department of Defense) advances shared counterterrorism efforts by employing military and non-military capabilities to disrupt and deny terrorist mobility, financing, communication and recruitment." According to Director of National Intelligence, Daniel Coats, the strategy addresses the complex and evolving terrorism landscape in its emphasis on denying terrorists the resources and recruits to fuel their nefarious aims, and outlines the need to leverage the strong partnerships that the US has to built at home and abroad to solve this global problem. "The strategy places America first, emphasizing strong borders, strengthening security at points of entry, protecting critical infrastructure, and facilitating preparedness. However, America First does not mean America alone. The new strategy commits us to expand our partnerships at home and abroad to encourage partners' assistance in counterterrorism activities, the White House said, adding that this includes working with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allies and partners. Trump said under his leadership, the United States has accelerated efforts to defeat terrorists. Working with coalition partners, we have decimated ISIS in Syria and Iraq, he said. "Likewise, I ended United States participation in the horrible Iran deal, which had provided a windfall for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its proxies, funding Iran's malign activities throughout the world. Importantly, I have also secured historic increases in defense funding to rebuild our Nation's military," said the US President. ×

Trump announces new National Strategy for Counterterrorism 

A Financial Action Task Force (FATF) report criticising Saudi Arabia’s anti-money laundering and terrorism finance measures puts the kingdom on the spot 17 years after the 9/11 attacks and casts a shadow over its diplomatic and economic boycott of Qatar on the grounds that the Gulf state supports militants.

In a nod to the kingdom, the international watchdog described as “understandable” the fact the kingdom’s “almost exclusive focus of authorities on domestic (terrorist financing) offences means the authorities are not prioritising disruption of support for threats outside the kingdom.”

The 246-page report contrasted starkly with US President Donald Trump’s assessment expressed in his address to the United Nations general assembly. “Following my trip to Saudi Arabia last year, the Gulf countries opened a new centre to target terrorist financing. They are enforcing new sanctions. They are working with us to identify and track terrorist networks and taking more responsibility for fighting terrorism and extremism in their own region, Trump said.

Trump, by design or default, did not take into account the flow of substantial amounts of Saudi money to militants in the Pakistani province of Balochistan that borders on Iran. Mounting indications suggest that the Islamic republic’s detractors may be moving to stir unrest among Iran’s ethnic minorities in a bid to change the regime in Tehran.

The flow of funds leaves open the possibility that the kingdom’s laxity in cracking down on funds flowing to extremists beyond its frontiers may be deliberate.

To be sure, Saudi Arabia has been strengthening its anti-money laundering and terrorism finance regime ever since the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington in which the perpetrators were primarily Saudi nationals and Al Qaeda attacks in the kingdom itself in 2003 and 2004.

Writing in Forbes, journalist Dominic Dudley noted that the FATF report may not have taken into account new anti-money laundering and terrorism finance-related laws adopted last year by Saudi Arabia. “The new laws were coming in just as the FATF was conducting its research for this report and it is too soon to judge how effective they have been,” Mr. Dudley said.

Even so, it was only with the ascendancy to the throne of King Salman in 2015 and the rise of his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, that the kingdom began to review its more than four-decades-long global funding of intolerant, anti-pluralistic, supremacist, ant-Shiite and anti-Iranian ultra-conservative Sunni Muslim groups and institutions.

While financing has been severely curtailed and funding vehicles like the Muslim World League have been refashioned to propagate moderation and inter-faith dialogue, the kingdom, as in the case of Balochistan, continues to support ultra-conservatives where it serves its geopolitical goals.

In what apparently reflected frustration with the kingdom’s progress in countering money laundering and terrorism, FATF did not mince its words in its report. “Saudi Arabia is not effectively investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in larger scale or professional (money laundering] activity” and is “not effectively confiscating the proceeds of crime,” the report said.

FATF suggested that the problem was the kingdom’s implementation of anti-money laundering and terrorism finance measures rather than its legal infrastructure. &nbsp;“Saudi Arabia has a legal framework that provides it with an adequate basis to investigate and prosecute ML (money laundering) activities… Saudi Arabia is not effectively investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in larger scale or professional ML activity. Investigations are often reactive rather than proactive, and tend to be straightforward and single layered.,” the report said.

The report’s wording left the possibility open that poor implementation was the result of either a lack of political will or the fact that there is widespread criticism of Prince Mohammed’s reforms within the bureaucracy and the kingdom’s religious establishment despite a crackdown on any form of dissent.

That possibility gains currency given the fact that FATF acknowledges that “Saudi Arabia has demonstrated an ability to respond to the dynamic terrorism threat it faces in the country. Saudi Arabian authorities have demonstrated that they have the training, experience and willingness to pursue TF (terrorism finance) investigations in conjunction with and alongside terrorism cases.”

The report noted that Saudi Arabia seldom convicted funders of political violence who were not directly involved in attacks. &nbsp;“This includes TF cases in relation to funds raised in Saudi Arabia for support of individuals affiliated with terrorist entities outside the kingdom, particularly outside the Middle-East region, which remains a risk. Saudi Arabia’s overall strategy for fighting terrorist financing mainly focuses on using law enforcement measures to disrupt terrorist threats directed at the kingdom and its immediate vicinity,” the report said.

FATF’s criticism is embarrassing for a country that ever since the 9/11 attacks has been attempting to shed its image of having fuelled militancy, position itself as a leader in the struggle against militancy and extremism, and project itself as a 21st century knowledge hub by liberalizing its strict social and cultural norms, including the recent lifting of the ban on women’s driving.

It is also awkward because the report puts Saudi Arabia in the position of the pot calling the kettle black when it comes to the 15-month-old Saudi-United Arab Emirates-led boycott of Qatar because it allegedly funds and supports militancy. Saudi Arabia’s failure to garner widespread international support for its boycott or force Qatar to concede heightens the awkwardness.

That is even more the case given that Saudi Arabia together with the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt is demanding among other things that Qatar “consent to monthly compliance audits in the first year after agreeing to the demands, followed by quarterly audits in the second year, and annual audits in the following 10 years” – something the kingdom would be unlikely to accept if hypothetically asked in the wake of the FATF report to submit to a similar regime.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A Financial Action Task Force (FATF) report criticising Saudi Arabia’s anti-money laundering and terrorism finance measures puts the kingdom on the spot 17 years after the 9/11 attacks and casts a shadow over its diplomatic and economic boycott of Qatar on the grounds that the Gulf state supports militants.

A Financial Action Task Force (FATF) report criticising Saudi Arabia’s anti-money laundering and terrorism finance measures puts the kingdom on the spot 17 years after the 9/11 attacks and casts a shadow over its diplomatic and economic boycott of Qatar on the grounds that the Gulf state supports militants. In a nod to the kingdom, the international watchdog described as “understandable” the fact the kingdom’s “almost exclusive focus of authorities on domestic (terrorist financing) offences means the authorities are not prioritising disruption of support for threats outside the kingdom.” The 246-page report contrasted starkly with US President Donald Trump’s assessment expressed in his address to the United Nations general assembly. “Following my trip to Saudi Arabia last year, the Gulf countries opened a new centre to target terrorist financing. They are enforcing new sanctions. They are working with us to identify and track terrorist networks and taking more responsibility for fighting terrorism and extremism in their own region, Trump said. Trump, by design or default, did not take into account the flow of substantial amounts of Saudi money to militants in the Pakistani province of Balochistan that borders on Iran. Mounting indications suggest that the Islamic republic’s detractors may be moving to stir unrest among Iran’s ethnic minorities in a bid to change the regime in Tehran. The flow of funds leaves open the possibility that the kingdom’s laxity in cracking down on funds flowing to extremists beyond its frontiers may be deliberate. To be sure, Saudi Arabia has been strengthening its anti-money laundering and terrorism finance regime ever since the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington in which the perpetrators were primarily Saudi nationals and Al Qaeda attacks in the kingdom itself in 2003 and 2004. Writing in Forbes, journalist Dominic Dudley noted that the FATF report may not have taken into account new anti-money laundering and terrorism finance-related laws adopted last year by Saudi Arabia. “The new laws were coming in just as the FATF was conducting its research for this report and it is too soon to judge how effective they have been,” Mr. Dudley said. Even so, it was only with the ascendancy to the throne of King Salman in 2015 and the rise of his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, that the kingdom began to review its more than four-decades-long global funding of intolerant, anti-pluralistic, supremacist, ant-Shiite and anti-Iranian ultra-conservative Sunni Muslim groups and institutions. While financing has been severely curtailed and funding vehicles like the Muslim World League have been refashioned to propagate moderation and inter-faith dialogue, the kingdom, as in the case of Balochistan, continues to support ultra-conservatives where it serves its geopolitical goals. In what apparently reflected frustration with the kingdom’s progress in countering money laundering and terrorism, FATF did not mince its words in its report. “Saudi Arabia is not effectively investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in larger scale or professional (money laundering] activity” and is “not effectively confiscating the proceeds of crime,” the report said. FATF suggested that the problem was the kingdom’s implementation of anti-money laundering and terrorism finance measures rather than its legal infrastructure. “Saudi Arabia has a legal framework that provides it with an adequate basis to investigate and prosecute ML (money laundering) activities… Saudi Arabia is not effectively investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in larger scale or professional ML activity. Investigations are often reactive rather than proactive, and tend to be straightforward and single layered.,” the report said. The report’s wording left the possibility open that poor implementation was the result of either a lack of political will or the fact that there is widespread criticism of Prince Mohammed’s reforms within the bureaucracy and the kingdom’s religious establishment despite a crackdown on any form of dissent. That possibility gains currency given the fact that FATF acknowledges that “Saudi Arabia has demonstrated an ability to respond to the dynamic terrorism threat it faces in the country. Saudi Arabian authorities have demonstrated that they have the training, experience and willingness to pursue TF (terrorism finance) investigations in conjunction with and alongside terrorism cases.” The report noted that Saudi Arabia seldom convicted funders of political violence who were not directly involved in attacks. “This includes TF cases in relation to funds raised in Saudi Arabia for support of individuals affiliated with terrorist entities outside the kingdom, particularly outside the Middle-East region, which remains a risk. Saudi Arabia’s overall strategy for fighting terrorist financing mainly focuses on using law enforcement measures to disrupt terrorist threats directed at the kingdom and its immediate vicinity,” the report said. FATF’s criticism is embarrassing for a country that ever since the 9/11 attacks has been attempting to shed its image of having fuelled militancy, position itself as a leader in the struggle against militancy and extremism, and project itself as a 21st century knowledge hub by liberalizing its strict social and cultural norms, including the recent lifting of the ban on women’s driving. It is also awkward because the report puts Saudi Arabia in the position of the pot calling the kettle black when it comes to the 15-month-old Saudi-United Arab Emirates-led boycott of Qatar because it allegedly funds and supports militancy. Saudi Arabia’s failure to garner widespread international support for its boycott or force Qatar to concede heightens the awkwardness. That is even more the case given that Saudi Arabia together with the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt is demanding among other things that Qatar “consent to monthly compliance audits in the first year after agreeing to the demands, followed by quarterly audits in the second year, and annual audits in the following 10 years” – something the kingdom would be unlikely to accept if hypothetically asked in the wake of the FATF report to submit to a similar regime. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Saudi Arabia put on the spot for lax anti-terrorism measures

Terrorism, climate change, reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Sustainable Development Goals are some of the issues that External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj is likely to touch upon during her speech at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly on Saturday evening.

On terrorism, it is expected that apart from regional and global challenges, Swaraj will also talk about issues related to Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism. EAM had raised the issue during the meeting of Foreign Ministers of SAARC countries on the sidelines of UNGA&nbsp;also where she emphasised it as "single largest threat to peace and stability" in the region.

A victim of terror attacks, India has been pushing for Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) for global cooperation in combating the menace.

CCIT will provide a legal framework to prevent global funding and safe havens to the terror groups. India had proposed CCIT in 1996 and it is, however, still under discussion.

Swaraj is also expected to touch upon the issue of much-needed reforms in the United Nations Security Council. India has been making strong diplomatic efforts for the expansion of the UN body to allow more members in Permanent and Non-Permanent category.&nbsp;

According to sources, the minister may also touch upon SDG and the recent Indian flagship initiatives to achieve these targets. India is also expected to reiterate its obligation on climate change and its commitment to address this

Terrorism, climate change, reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Sustainable Development Goals are some of the issues that External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj is likely to touch upon during her speech at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly on Saturday evening.

Terrorism, climate change, reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Sustainable Development Goals are some of the issues that External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj is likely to touch upon during her speech at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly on Saturday evening. On terrorism, it is expected that apart from regional and global challenges, Swaraj will also talk about issues related to Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism. EAM had raised the issue during the meeting of Foreign Ministers of SAARC countries on the sidelines of UNGA also where she emphasised it as "single largest threat to peace and stability" in the region. A victim of terror attacks, India has been pushing for Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) for global cooperation in combating the menace. CCIT will provide a legal framework to prevent global funding and safe havens to the terror groups. India had proposed CCIT in 1996 and it is, however, still under discussion. Swaraj is also expected to touch upon the issue of much-needed reforms in the United Nations Security Council. India has been making strong diplomatic efforts for the expansion of the UN body to allow more members in Permanent and Non-Permanent category. According to sources, the minister may also touch upon SDG and the recent Indian flagship initiatives to achieve these targets. India is also expected to reiterate its obligation on climate change and its commitment to address this

Sushma Swaraj likely to focus on terrorism, climate change at UNGA

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday claimed that terrorism was in its "last stage" in Kashmir and over 600 militants had been killed because of the government's decisive actions on the anti-terrorism front. His remarks come ahead of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's expected visit to Jammu and Kashmir next week.

"The decisive actions that the government has taken... 600 militants have been killed during the period, and this is much higher than the number of militants killed during the UPA-I and UPA-II (governments). Terrorism in the Valley is in its last stage," he told reporters here.

Replying to a question on whether the cessation of anti-terror operations be followed by talks with Pakistan and separatists, he said, "The Government of India will take a decision which will be in the interest of the country."

On talks with separatist, the Minister of State (MoS) in the Prime Minister's Office said, "Everybody is welcome to talk. Nobody has said that we are going to send an invitation to the separatists. Anybody (any Indian citizen) is welcome to meet me."

Jitendra Singh said he had met 45 delegations in Jammu and 70-75 in Srinagar. "Nobody has been barred from coming and meeting me," he said. He said Union Minister Rajnath Singh has said that anybody is welcome to meet him.

On Pakistan, he said the neighbouring country has suffered due to the decisive action by India and now the issue of cross-border terrorism will be dealt on the military and diplomatic fronts.

Jitendra Singh said countries that never heard India's point of view on Pakistan and cross-border terrorism in Kashmir, have begun to hear, respond and support the country. On the truce announced before Ramzan, he said it was a "conditional ceasefire and to that extent, the government stands vindicated".

He said that the government has been endeavouring to resolve issues with Pakistan both at the diplomatic and military levels. The Modi government has taken bold decisions such as demonetisation and implementing the GST for the development of the country, the MoS said. He reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to pay special attention to Jammu and Kashmir

"The Central government has taken a number of initiatives to address the problems of border people, including compensation and relief to the victims of Pakistani shelling," said Jitendra Singh.

On the opposition's formula of contesting forthcoming elections against the BJP under the one seat-one joint candidate formula, he said this is an experiment and is being tried by certain groups that tried to come together despite the difference in ideologies.

Replying to a question on the demand for delimitation of assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir, he said that delimitation is also part of the agenda of alliance (AoA). On the killing of a BJP worker in West Bengal, the MoS alleged there is state-ruled terror unleashed against the BJP in Bengal.

Replying to a question on whether the cessation of anti-terror operations be followed by talks with Pakistan and separatists, he said, "The Government of India will take a decision which will be in the interest of the country."

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday claimed that terrorism was in its "last stage" in Kashmir and over 600 militants had been killed because of the government's decisive actions on the anti-terrorism front. His remarks come ahead of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's expected visit to Jammu and Kashmir next week. "The decisive actions that the government has taken... 600 militants have been killed during the period, and this is much higher than the number of militants killed during the UPA-I and UPA-II (governments). Terrorism in the Valley is in its last stage," he told reporters here. Replying to a question on whether the cessation of anti-terror operations be followed by talks with Pakistan and separatists, he said, "The Government of India will take a decision which will be in the interest of the country." On talks with separatist, the Minister of State (MoS) in the Prime Minister's Office said, "Everybody is welcome to talk. Nobody has said that we are going to send an invitation to the separatists. Anybody (any Indian citizen) is welcome to meet me." Jitendra Singh said he had met 45 delegations in Jammu and 70-75 in Srinagar. "Nobody has been barred from coming and meeting me," he said. He said Union Minister Rajnath Singh has said that anybody is welcome to meet him. On Pakistan, he said the neighbouring country has suffered due to the decisive action by India and now the issue of cross-border terrorism will be dealt on the military and diplomatic fronts. Jitendra Singh said countries that never heard India's point of view on Pakistan and cross-border terrorism in Kashmir, have begun to hear, respond and support the country. On the truce announced before Ramzan, he said it was a "conditional ceasefire and to that extent, the government stands vindicated". He said that the government has been endeavouring to resolve issues with Pakistan both at the diplomatic and military levels. The Modi government has taken bold decisions such as demonetisation and implementing the GST for the development of the country, the MoS said. He reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to pay special attention to Jammu and Kashmir "The Central government has taken a number of initiatives to address the problems of border people, including compensation and relief to the victims of Pakistani shelling," said Jitendra Singh. On the opposition's formula of contesting forthcoming elections against the BJP under the one seat-one joint candidate formula, he said this is an experiment and is being tried by certain groups that tried to come together despite the difference in ideologies. Replying to a question on the demand for delimitation of assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir, he said that delimitation is also part of the agenda of alliance (AoA). On the killing of a BJP worker in West Bengal, the MoS alleged there is state-ruled terror unleashed against the BJP in Bengal.

Terrorism in its 'last stage' in Kashmir: Union Minister Jitendra Singh

The Pakistan Army is said to be 'extremely upset' with former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's alleged admission that Pakistan had a significant role to play in the terrorist attacks that took place across Mumbai between November 26 and 29, 2008, which claimed the lives of 166 persons and injured more than 300.

It may be recalled that on Saturday evening, in an interview given to the Dawn newspaper, Sharif suggested terrorists from Pakistan had "crossed the border" to attack Mumbai and added that such terror strikes could have been prevented.

In the interview, Sharif said, "Militant organisations (in Pakistan) are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can't we complete the trial?"

Sharif, however, did not name Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed or known terrorist outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamaat-ud-Dawah and Jaish-e-Mohammad that the international community clearly acknowledges as operating from Pakistan soil with impunity in the interview.

Sharif also lamented that Pakistan had isolated itself. He seemed to suggest that Islamabad should look into why its narrative that "it had been fighting terrorism had not been accepted by the international community despite sacrifices".

Sharif's statement has, according to sources, left the Pakistan Army extremely worried that "this will give more weight to India's narrative that Pakistan is not doing enough" to rein in terrorist modules operating from its soil, and particularly from areas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

According to sources, the top brass of the army is particularly concerned about "Sharif's statement tilting the balance sufficiently enough to put Pakistan in the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a Paris-based inter-governmental organisation founded in 1989 on the initiative of the Group of Seven (G-7) nations to develop policies to combat money laundering. Pakistan is already on the grey list for the last three months.

According to sources, Sharif is reportedly under pressure from his ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party and the army to retract his statement immediately or issue a clarification. However, there is no indication by the latter that he will do so.

Various media reports are saying that the Pakistan Army is expected to hold a high-level meeting on Monday to discuss what it described as a "recent misleading media statement" about the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.

The spokesman of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor said in a tweet on Sunday that the National Security Committee (NSC), consisting of Pakistan's top civil and military leadership, will meet under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi today to discuss key national issues.

"The NSC meeting suggested to Prime Minister to discuss recent misleading media statement regarding Bombay incident. Being held tomorrow morning," said Major General Ghafoor in his tweet on Sunday.

New Delhi has long held and accused the Lashkar-e-Taiba of carrying out the attacks in Mumbai in 2008 with the help of ten well-armed terrorists. These attackers arrived on boat from Karachi and according to the Indian government, carried out the violent strikes across Mumbai in coordination with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency.

The 26/11 case is being tried in an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan since 2009, but has hardly made any progress.

India maintains that Pakistan has not kept its end of the bargain and sent the case to court without really investigating the conspiracy that led to the attacks.

Islamabad, however, squarely blames New Delhi for not providing it with "solid evidence" against prime accused Hafiz Saeed and others.

"Sharif's apparently conciliatory remark on the state's role in terrorism may not result in a concrete shift in Pakistan's position.&nbsp;

Sharif had suggested, in an interview given to Dawn newspaper, that terrorists from Pakistan had 'crossed the border' to attack Mumbai. He added that such terror strikes could have been prevented.

The Pakistan Army is said to be 'extremely upset' with former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's alleged admission that Pakistan had a significant role to play in the terrorist attacks that took place across Mumbai between November 26 and 29, 2008, which claimed the lives of 166 persons and injured more than 300. It may be recalled that on Saturday evening, in an interview given to the Dawn newspaper, Sharif suggested terrorists from Pakistan had "crossed the border" to attack Mumbai and added that such terror strikes could have been prevented. In the interview, Sharif said, "Militant organisations (in Pakistan) are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can't we complete the trial?" Sharif, however, did not name Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed or known terrorist outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamaat-ud-Dawah and Jaish-e-Mohammad that the international community clearly acknowledges as operating from Pakistan soil with impunity in the interview. Sharif also lamented that Pakistan had isolated itself. He seemed to suggest that Islamabad should look into why its narrative that "it had been fighting terrorism had not been accepted by the international community despite sacrifices". Sharif's statement has, according to sources, left the Pakistan Army extremely worried that "this will give more weight to India's narrative that Pakistan is not doing enough" to rein in terrorist modules operating from its soil, and particularly from areas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to sources, the top brass of the army is particularly concerned about "Sharif's statement tilting the balance sufficiently enough to put Pakistan in the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a Paris-based inter-governmental organisation founded in 1989 on the initiative of the Group of Seven (G-7) nations to develop policies to combat money laundering. Pakistan is already on the grey list for the last three months. According to sources, Sharif is reportedly under pressure from his ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party and the army to retract his statement immediately or issue a clarification. However, there is no indication by the latter that he will do so. Various media reports are saying that the Pakistan Army is expected to hold a high-level meeting on Monday to discuss what it described as a "recent misleading media statement" about the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. The spokesman of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor said in a tweet on Sunday that the National Security Committee (NSC), consisting of Pakistan's top civil and military leadership, will meet under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi today to discuss key national issues. "The NSC meeting suggested to Prime Minister to discuss recent misleading media statement regarding Bombay incident. Being held tomorrow morning," said Major General Ghafoor in his tweet on Sunday. New Delhi has long held and accused the Lashkar-e-Taiba of carrying out the attacks in Mumbai in 2008 with the help of ten well-armed terrorists. These attackers arrived on boat from Karachi and according to the Indian government, carried out the violent strikes across Mumbai in coordination with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency. The 26/11 case is being tried in an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan since 2009, but has hardly made any progress. India maintains that Pakistan has not kept its end of the bargain and sent the case to court without really investigating the conspiracy that led to the attacks. Islamabad, however, squarely blames New Delhi for not providing it with "solid evidence" against prime accused Hafiz Saeed and others. "Sharif's apparently conciliatory remark on the state's role in terrorism may not result in a concrete shift in Pakistan's position.

Pak Army 'extremely upset' with Sharif's admission country played role in 26/11

By: Manish Shukla

Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is planning to free several Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists lodged in jails and train them to wage jihad in Jammu and Kashmir, according to intelligence agencies. 
 
The terrorists would be released on the condition that they wage 'holy war' in Kashmir valley, sources in the intelligence agencies said. 
 
As per the report, ISI has set up a new training camp in Nayali forest area in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and as many as 135 terrorists have been handed over to terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad for arms training; some of them are Pakistani Taliban. 
 
The latest intelligence input comes shortly after reports of terror threat on Amarnath Yatra in the Kashmir valley, the home ministry had called a high-level meeting to review security arrangements for the annual pilgrimage, which is scheduled to begin in the month of June. 
 
"We have foolproof security arrangements for Amarnath Yatra. Precise intel input on terror groups helped us eliminate many terrorists in the valley," CRPF director general Rajeev Bhatnagar said. 
 
According to intelligence inputs, Pakistan now trusts JeM and LeT more than Hizbul Mujaheedin. 
 
As per the report, Lashkar-e-Toiba is focussing on recruiting cadres for the terror outfit and to provide for their training. It was involved in setting up a new communication system, utilise safe infiltration routes and launched a monthly online magazine called Wyeth to attract youth. For the operational purpose, LeT has broadly divided Jammu Kashmir state into four zone.

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The terrorists would be released on the condition that they wage 'holy war' in Kashmir valley, according to intelligence inputs.

By: Manish Shukla Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is planning to free several Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists lodged in jails and train them to wage jihad in Jammu and Kashmir, according to intelligence agencies. The terrorists would be released on the condition that they wage 'holy war' in Kashmir valley, sources in the intelligence agencies said. As per the report, ISI has set up a new training camp in Nayali forest area in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and as many as 135 terrorists have been handed over to terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad for arms training; some of them are Pakistani Taliban. The latest intelligence input comes shortly after reports of terror threat on Amarnath Yatra in the Kashmir valley, the home ministry had called a high-level meeting to review security arrangements for the annual pilgrimage, which is scheduled to begin in the month of June. "We have foolproof security arrangements for Amarnath Yatra. Precise intel input on terror groups helped us eliminate many terrorists in the valley," CRPF director general Rajeev Bhatnagar said. According to intelligence inputs, Pakistan now trusts JeM and LeT more than Hizbul Mujaheedin. As per the report, Lashkar-e-Toiba is focussing on recruiting cadres for the terror outfit and to provide for their training. It was involved in setting up a new communication system, utilise safe infiltration routes and launched a monthly online magazine called Wyeth to attract youth. For the operational purpose, LeT has broadly divided Jammu Kashmir state into four zone.

Pakistan plans to free Taliban terrorists for jihad in Jammu and Kashmir: Report

Five police officials were killed and eight were injured in a third suicide bombing in Quetta on Tuesday evening, the Inter-Services Public Relations said.

A suicide bomber targeted a police van on Airport Road, martyring at least five policemen and injuring seven others, reports said.&nbsp;

As per reports, another explosion happened in Mina Gundi area close to the western bypass, targeting a Frontier Corps post.&nbsp;

The military’s media wing said that three suicide bombers attempted to attack the FC post. However, the attack was foiled by the personnel deployed at the check post, killing two attackers.

The Civil Defence DG has confirmed that all were suicide attacks. He said two suicide bombers loaded with 8 to 10 kilograms of explosives attacked the FC post.

There were also reports of intense gunfire in the wake of the explosions.

The injured security personnel have been shifted to CMH Quetta where two personnel are said to be in critical condition.

There were also reports of intense gunfire in the wake of the explosions

Five police officials were killed and eight were injured in a third suicide bombing in Quetta on Tuesday evening, the Inter-Services Public Relations said. A suicide bomber targeted a police van on Airport Road, martyring at least five policemen and injuring seven others, reports said. As per reports, another explosion happened in Mina Gundi area close to the western bypass, targeting a Frontier Corps post. The military’s media wing said that three suicide bombers attempted to attack the FC post. However, the attack was foiled by the personnel deployed at the check post, killing two attackers. The Civil Defence DG has confirmed that all were suicide attacks. He said two suicide bombers loaded with 8 to 10 kilograms of explosives attacked the FC post. There were also reports of intense gunfire in the wake of the explosions. The injured security personnel have been shifted to CMH Quetta where two personnel are said to be in critical condition.

Suicide bombers in Quetta kill 5 security personnel, injure 8

Businesses should welcome Turkey's state of emergency because it guards against terrorism and prevents workers from going out on strike, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday.

Parliament this week voted to extend the state of emergency, introduced following a failed coup in July 2016, for a further three months. It is the seventh such extension of emergency rule, which lets Erdogan and the government bypass parliament in passing new laws and allows them to suspend rights and freedoms.&nbsp

The extensions have been roundly criticised by human rights groups and Turkey's Western allies. The country's main business lobby, TUSIAD, this week renewed its call for a swift end to emergency rule.

"The state of emergency only affects terrorists. Now it's preventing labour strikes, such as the Bursa strike, which we stopped right away. It's a struggle against terrorism," Erdogan said in a speech to the DEIK business lobby, which represents Turkey's private sector overseas.

"When our business people say the state of emergency should be lifted, it upsets us... We will continue extending it for the peace of our country, yes we will, for the 10th time if necessary."

Earlier this year authorities stopped workers in the northwestern city of Bursa, home to the auto industry and a hub for textile manufacturing, from going out on strike.&nbsp

Under emergency rule, strikes, protests and displays of civil disobedience can be shut down on security grounds.

Erdogan this week set snap presidential and parliamentary elections for June, bringing them forward by more than a year in a shock move that may have left the opposition ill-prepared to credibly challenge him.

The United States this week said it had concerns about Turkey's ability to hold free and fair elections under emergency rule, comments that Ankara dismissed.

The United Nations last month called for an end to the state of emergency, saying it had led to "massive and serious" human rights violations in largely Kurdish southeastern Turkey, including killings and torture.

Turkey slammed that report as rife with unfounded allegations. Ankara says its measures are necessary, given the severity of the security threats it faces.

More than 160,000 people have been detained since the failed coup and a similar number of civil servants sacked from their jobs, the United Nations has said. Scores of media outlets have been shut and journalists and activists have been detained.

 
&nbsp

Erdogan this week set snap presidential and parliamentary elections for June

Businesses should welcome Turkey's state of emergency because it guards against terrorism and prevents workers from going out on strike, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday. Parliament this week voted to extend the state of emergency, introduced following a failed coup in July 2016, for a further three months. It is the seventh such extension of emergency rule, which lets Erdogan and the government bypass parliament in passing new laws and allows them to suspend rights and freedoms. The extensions have been roundly criticised by human rights groups and Turkey's Western allies. The country's main business lobby, TUSIAD, this week renewed its call for a swift end to emergency rule. "The state of emergency only affects terrorists. Now it's preventing labour strikes, such as the Bursa strike, which we stopped right away. It's a struggle against terrorism," Erdogan said in a speech to the DEIK business lobby, which represents Turkey's private sector overseas. "When our business people say the state of emergency should be lifted, it upsets us... We will continue extending it for the peace of our country, yes we will, for the 10th time if necessary." Earlier this year authorities stopped workers in the northwestern city of Bursa, home to the auto industry and a hub for textile manufacturing, from going out on strike. Under emergency rule, strikes, protests and displays of civil disobedience can be shut down on security grounds. Erdogan this week set snap presidential and parliamentary elections for June, bringing them forward by more than a year in a shock move that may have left the opposition ill-prepared to credibly challenge him. The United States this week said it had concerns about Turkey's ability to hold free and fair elections under emergency rule, comments that Ankara dismissed. The United Nations last month called for an end to the state of emergency, saying it had led to "massive and serious" human rights violations in largely Kurdish southeastern Turkey, including killings and torture. Turkey slammed that report as rife with unfounded allegations. Ankara says its measures are necessary, given the severity of the security threats it faces. More than 160,000 people have been detained since the failed coup and a similar number of civil servants sacked from their jobs, the United Nations has said. Scores of media outlets have been shut and journalists and activists have been detained.

Turkey's Erdogan says emergency rule good for economy as stops terrorism, strikes

More than 70 films and documentaries focusing on diverse themes of women's issues, gay rights, terrorism and youth will be showcased at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) in the month of May.&nbsp;

Bringing together artists and filmmakers from the Indian subcontinent to American audiences, the 18th annual NYIFF will run from May 7 to 12 and will showcase 78 films, documentaries and shorts in 11 languages - English, Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, Bengali and Assamese.&nbsp;

The films will "focus on the themes of women's issues, lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), terrorism and children and teenagers grappling with realities of life," Aroon Shivdasani, an Executive and Artistic Director of the not-for-profit arts organisation Indo-American Arts Council, which organises the film festival, told PTI in an interview.&nbsp;

Aseem Chhabra, NYIFF Director and author of veteran actor Shashi Kapoor's biography "Shashi Kapoor: The Householder, the Star", said the festival gives an opportunity to audiences in New York to experience cinematic excellence emanating from the subcontinent. "I am very excited with the line-up this year. There are some wonderful new directors that we have discovered and whose work we will be showcasing this year. The festival is an opportunity for people to experience some brilliant new work coming out of India," and the subcontinent, he said.

The festival will open with the US premiere of Ravi Jadhav's Marathi language film "Nude" and close with the New York premiere of director Hansal Mehta's Rajkummar Rao-starrer biopic on Islamic fundamentalist Omar Saeed Sheikh, "Omerta".

Other highlights of this year's festival include a tribute to late actor Sridevi and Shashi Kapoor, who passed away in 2017 and a retrospective of the films by producer Ismail Merchant and director James Ivory.&nbsp;

Panel discussions on the film and television market in India and shooting films in New York state have also been planned.&nbsp;

Also premiering at the festival is "Breaking the Bee", a documentary which focuses on the rise and dominance of Indian-American children in spelling bees.&nbsp;

It follows four second-generation NRI children, ages 7 to 14, over the course of a year, or "bee season", as they train to reach and win the 2017 Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Chhabra, who travels extensively to film festivals across the world, said the NYIFF showcases films that may sometimes get lost and not reach audiences. "It is exciting to get a new crop of films that we have discovered over the months and bring it to the festival," he said.

The festival will also showcase Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi films.&nbsp;

Shivdasani added that the festival has always aimed at being inclusive and diverse, showcasing a variety of work from artists hailing from India and other nations. "The NYIFF was initially an Indian diaspora film festival but it has grown over the years to become a larger festival. We hope to continue showing more relevant films from the subcontinent? on pressing issues to audiences in New York," he said.

Shivdasani called for more government support and financial assistance, in India and the US, for such film festivals, to enable the NYIFF to bring in more artists and movie makers from across the world and help them showcase their work to a global audience. 
&nbsp;

The 18th annual NYIFF will go on from May 7 until May 12. Along with Indian movies, the festival will also showcase Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi films.

More than 70 films and documentaries focusing on diverse themes of women's issues, gay rights, terrorism and youth will be showcased at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) in the month of May. Bringing together artists and filmmakers from the Indian subcontinent to American audiences, the 18th annual NYIFF will run from May 7 to 12 and will showcase 78 films, documentaries and shorts in 11 languages - English, Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, Bengali and Assamese. The films will "focus on the themes of women's issues, lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), terrorism and children and teenagers grappling with realities of life," Aroon Shivdasani, an Executive and Artistic Director of the not-for-profit arts organisation Indo-American Arts Council, which organises the film festival, told PTI in an interview. Aseem Chhabra, NYIFF Director and author of veteran actor Shashi Kapoor's biography "Shashi Kapoor: The Householder, the Star", said the festival gives an opportunity to audiences in New York to experience cinematic excellence emanating from the subcontinent. "I am very excited with the line-up this year. There are some wonderful new directors that we have discovered and whose work we will be showcasing this year. The festival is an opportunity for people to experience some brilliant new work coming out of India," and the subcontinent, he said. The festival will open with the US premiere of Ravi Jadhav's Marathi language film "Nude" and close with the New York premiere of director Hansal Mehta's Rajkummar Rao-starrer biopic on Islamic fundamentalist Omar Saeed Sheikh, "Omerta". Other highlights of this year's festival include a tribute to late actor Sridevi and Shashi Kapoor, who passed away in 2017 and a retrospective of the films by producer Ismail Merchant and director James Ivory. Panel discussions on the film and television market in India and shooting films in New York state have also been planned. Also premiering at the festival is "Breaking the Bee", a documentary which focuses on the rise and dominance of Indian-American children in spelling bees. It follows four second-generation NRI children, ages 7 to 14, over the course of a year, or "bee season", as they train to reach and win the 2017 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Chhabra, who travels extensively to film festivals across the world, said the NYIFF showcases films that may sometimes get lost and not reach audiences. "It is exciting to get a new crop of films that we have discovered over the months and bring it to the festival," he said. The festival will also showcase Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi films. Shivdasani added that the festival has always aimed at being inclusive and diverse, showcasing a variety of work from artists hailing from India and other nations. "The NYIFF was initially an Indian diaspora film festival but it has grown over the years to become a larger festival. We hope to continue showing more relevant films from the subcontinent? on pressing issues to audiences in New York," he said. Shivdasani called for more government support and financial assistance, in India and the US, for such film festivals, to enable the NYIFF to bring in more artists and movie makers from across the world and help them showcase their work to a global audience.

New York Indian Film Festival to pay tribute to Sridevi, Shashi Kapoor

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