Page 1451 - Politics
Time for Pakistan's leaders to stand up against extremists: Gabbard
It's time for Pakistan's leaders to stand up against extremists, Democratic presidential aspirant Tulsi Gabbard has said, as she slammed the country for providing terrorists with a safe haven which is causing tensions with India. Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan after the February 14 Pulwama attack claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Forty CRPF soldiers were killed in the attack. India carried out air strikes against the biggest training camp of JeM in Balakot. In the operation, the government said a several JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for suicide attacks were killed. "As long as Pakistan is providing terrorists with a safe haven, there will be heightened tensions between the two countries," Gabbard said. "It's time for Pakistan's leaders to stand up against the extremists and terrorists, said Gabbard, a former co-chair of the House Caucus for India and Indian Americans. Gabbard .
Lockheed Martin denies Pak's claims to sue India over shooting down F-16
Lockheed Martin India has rubbished claims by a senior official in Pakistan's Information Minister's office that it was going to sue India for "wrongly claiming" that an Indian Air Force MiG-21 had shot down an F-16 in a dogfight in Kashmir.The claim was made by Danyal Gilani, Director in the Information Minister's office and chairman of Pakistan's Central Film Board in a tweet."Lockheed Martin has made no such comments," tweeted the Indian subsidiary of the United States F-16 fighter aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in its March 1 reply to a tweet by Gilani, which he removed subsequently. .
Flight operations resume at Karachi, Peshawar, Islamabad, Quetta airports
Pakistan opened its airspace in phases with commercial flight operations resuming on Saturday at Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta airports, amid escalating tensions with India.Quoting sources, Geo News reported that Lahore and Multan airports will remain closed till March 4. Flights that were bound for Lahore are being diverted to Islamabad and Peshawar.Officials at Peshawar airport said that normal flight operations have resumed. They added that international flights to and from Dubai, Riyadh and Doha will arrive and depart on their stipulated times.On Friday, a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spokesperson said that the airspace was "partially re-opened", adding that it would be fully restored for commercial flight operations from March 4.The spokesperson added that flights will take off and land at Islamabad, Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta airports beginning from Friday, and the remaining airspace will re-opened "gradually."Tensions have been high between India and Pakistan ...
RCEP members must show flexibility to resolve pending issues: Prabhu
The member nations of RCEP bloc must empower their negotiators to adopt flexibility for resolving pending issues coming in the way of concluding the negotiations for the proposed mega trade agreement, Union Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu said Saturday. The proposed mega trade deal, Regional Cooperation for Economic Partner (RCEP) agreement, is being negotiated by 16 countries -- 10-member Asean group and India, Japan, China, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. "We should empower our negotiators with mandate to show flexibilities and accommodation on outstanding and pending issues," Prabhu said at the RCEP ministerial meeting at Siem Reap In Cambodia. He said that a lot of ground still needs to be covered this year. "We should be mindful of the limitations ahead, given that there are only three more rounds this year at the technical level," he said. So far 25 rounds of talks have been concluded but the members have yet to finalise the number of goods on which customs duty will ..
UK stands shoulder-to-shoulder with India in outrage over Pulwama attack: Boris Johnson
Britain stands shoulder-to-shoulder with India in outrage over the Pulwama terror attack, and in determination to work towards defeating terrorism that threatens both the countries, British MP and former foreign secretary Boris Johnson said Saturday. Speaking at a India Today Conclave in New Delhi, Johnson said India and the United Kingdom would succeed in defeating terrorism, a common threat, for their values were superior to those of terrorists and their sponsors. "I'm sure I speak for millions of people in my own country when I say we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with India in outrage at the killings in Pulwama, and in our determination to work with you to defeat the terrorist foe that threatens us both," Boris Johnson, a former mayor of London, said. "And we will succeed, and we will defeat them because in the end, it is our values that are superior to those of the terrorists, and those who sponsor them," he said. Forty CRPF personnel were killed on February 14 in Jammu and ...
It's advantage Modi, but...(Column: Political Circus)
Considering that previous governments had backed away from a military response to terrorist provocations from Pakistan -- notably in November, 2008, when a Lashkar-e-Taiba suicide squad attacked Mumbai -- the raid by Indian jets on a Jaish-e-Muhammed terror camp in Pakistan has shown that India has dropped its policy of strategic restraint.
IED blast in J&K's Awantipora
An improvised explosive device (IED) went off in a Jammu and Kashmir village in Awantipora on Saturday, barely 4 km from the February 14 Pulwama attack spot where 40 CRPF troopers lost their lives.
US, S Korea to 'discontinue' major military exercise: US official
The US military and South Korea are planning to "discontinue" annual large-scale military exercises as President Donald Trump pursues efforts to improve ties with North Korea, a US official told AFP Friday. The comment from the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, came shortly after the conclusion of Trump's second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi, which ended without a formal agreement but with both sides suggesting they will keep talking. In South Korea, a government official suggested the drills would be downgraded rather than scrapped entirely. "If we define the size of the drills solely by the number of the soldiers, then yes, the exercises will likely be smaller," the official told AFP. The two sides are still discussing the wording of a joint statement that is expected to be released in the coming days, the official added. NBC News first reported that the Foal Eagle drills -- which usually take place in the spring -- would be scrapped, citing two ..
N. Korean-backed bank hacking on rise: US officials
The North Korean government's desperation for cash is driving a surge in cyber-attacks targeting banks and other businesses in the US and around the world, American officials told CNN.
UN chief welcomes IAF pilot's return to India from Pak captivity
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the return of Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthman from captivity in Pakistan and called on the two countries to sustain the "positive momentum" and engage in further constructive dialogue. The IAF Wing Commander returned to India from Pakistan on Friday to a hero's welcome, nearly 60 hours after he was captured following a dogfight when his MiG 21 was shot down. "UN chief Guterres welcomes the news of the release of the Indian pilot by Pakistani authorities," his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told PTI when asked about the Secretary-General's response to the development. "The Secretary-General calls on both parties to sustain this positive momentum and engage in further constructive dialogue. His good offices remain available should both sides agree," Dujarric said. Varthaman's release was being watched with bated breath across India as the IAF pilot was accorded a hero's welcome as he crossed onto India through the Wagah ...
After Centre ban, several properties linked to JeI leaders sealed in Kashmir: police
Authorities in Kashmir have sealed several properties belonging to Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), including residences of some of its activists, police said Saturday, days after the Centre banned the outfit on grounds that it was "in close touch" with militant groups and was likely to "escalate secessionist movement". Several properties, including residential houses, belonging to various JeI leaders and activists were sealed in many areas of the city and elsewhere in the Valley Friday night, a police official said. He said bank accounts of JeI leaders have also been freezed. Various district magistrates have also sought list of moveable and immovable properties of the Jamaat leaders, he said. However, it was not clear if the move was linked to the ban on JeI or was done by NIA in connection with its probe into money-laundering cases. The Centre Thursday banned Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir for five years under anti-terror law on grounds that it was "in close touch" with militant outfits .
House Democrats demand security clearances information from White House
A Democratic House committee chairman has demanded key documents and interview potential witnesses from the White House in the wake of a report that President Donald Trump personally intervened to grant his son-in-law a top-secret clearance despite legal and national security concerns.
Amid tensions, Thar Express from India departs for Pakistan on right time
In the wake of soaring tensions between India and Pakistan, the Thar Express, which plies between Jodhpur and Munabao in Barmer, the last station of India and connects finally with Karachi in Pakistan through Khokhrapar, the first station in Pakistan departed on Friday on its usual time.The train leaves from Jodhpur's suburban station Bhagat ki Kothi every Friday night at 12.50 am.This Friday, with around 300 passengers, the train departed amid the prevailing tensions between the two neighbouring countries as there were speculations that just like Samjhauta Express, the Thar Express might get suspended.Speaking to ANI, Mohd Ismail, a resident from Pakistan's Karachi appealed both the neighbouring countries to maintain peace instead of resorting to war."Citizens of both India and Pakistan want brotherhood. We felt very good here. We appeal to both nations to live with love and peace. War will only bring loss of lives and properties for both the nations. We felt safe in India. We did ...
Russia offers to mediate between India-Pak tensions
Russia on Friday offered help to reduce the escalating tension between India and Pakistan while adding that there can be a no better alternative to resolve all issues other than 'dialogue and peaceful means'.According to a press statement released by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke to his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on a telephone to discuss the regional situation."Foreign Minister Qureshi appreciated Russia's balanced and constructive role in de-escalation of tensions in the region. The Russian Foreign Minister encouraged Pakistan and India to resolve all issues through dialogue and peaceful means.""Foreign Minister Lavrov reiterated Russia's offer of mediation and provision of a venue for the talks between India and Pakistan. The Foreign Minister welcomed the Russian offer and added that he had acknowledged Russia's constructive role from the floor of the Joint Session of Parliament earlier in the day, which was ...
Kim Jong-un proposes wide-ranging cooperation with Vietnam
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has expressed his willingness to intensify bilateral cooperation "in all areas", during his official visit to Vietnam, Pyongyang state media reported on Saturday.
UNSC blacklists Osama bin Laden's son, seen as successor of Al Qaida leader al-Zawahiri
The UN Security Council has designated Hamza bin Laden, the son of slain Al Qaida chief Osama bin Laden, under its sanctions list, subjecting him to a travel ban, assets freeze and an arms embargo as it described him as being seen as the "most probable successor" of the group's current leader Aiman al-Zawahiri. The UN Security Council's 1267 ISIS and Al Qaida Sanctions Committee listed 29-year old Hamza bin Laden on Thursday, the day the US announced a reward of up to one million dollars for information about him. Saudi Arabia also announced Friday it had revoked the citizenship of Hamza bin Laden via a royal decree in November. A Security Council press release said al-Zawahiri has announced that the Saudi Arabia-born Hamza bin Laden is an official member of Al Qaida. Hamza bin Laden has called for followers of Al-Qaida to commit terror attacks. Is seen as the most probable successor of al-Zawahiri, the powerful 15-member Council said. An assets freeze under the Sanctions Committee ...
US, S. Korea to 'discontinue' major military exercise: US official
The US military and South Korea are planning to "discontinue" annual large-scale military exercises as President Donald Trump pursues efforts to improve ties with North Korea, a US official told AFP Friday. The comment from the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, came shortly after the conclusion of Trump's second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi, which ended without a formal agreement but with both sides suggesting they will keep talking. NBC News first reported that the Foal Eagle drills -- which usually take place in the spring -- would be scrapped, citing two unnamed US defense officials. Foal Eagle is the biggest of the regular joint exercises held by the allies, and has always infuriated Pyongyang, which condemned it as preparations for invasion. In the past, it has involved 200,000 South Korean forces and some 30,000 US soldiers. It overlaps with the Key Resolve exercise. Since Trump's first summit with Kim last year in Singapore, the US and Seoul
Trump argues to be 'misinterpreted' regarding Otto Warmbier's death
United States President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) argued that he was 'misinterpreted' regarding the death of Otto Warmbier, an American college student, who was arrested in North Korea last year for allegedly removing a political propaganda poster from a Pyongyang hotel.In a midnight tweet, President Trump wrote: "I never like being misinterpreted, but especially when it comes to Otto Warmbier and his great family. Remember, I got Otto out along with three others. The previous Administration did nothing, and he was taken on their watch.""Of course I hold North Korea responsible for Otto's mistreatment and death. Most important, Otto Warmbier will not have died in vain. Otto and his family have become a tremendous symbol of strong passion and strength, which will last for many years into the future. I love Otto and think of him often!" Trump added.The statement by the US President came after the parents of Otto, on Thursday, accused Trump of siding with North Korean leader ...
FIR must be lodged against Mamata Banerjee for 'pro-Pakistan remark': Kailash Vijayvargiya
BJP General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya has demanded an FIR to be lodged against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for raising "doubts" over the air strike by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at training camps of terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) at Balakot in Pakistan.Labelling Banerjee's comments as "pro-Pakistan remark", Vijayvargiya said: "It is saddening to hear West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's remark that she needs proof (of operation by security forces). The BJP condemns this pro-Pakistan remark that raises questions on our security forces. An FIR must be lodged against her. Such people must be taught a lesson in upcoming polls."On Thursday, Banerjee had asked the government to spell out "details" of the exact place where the air raid was carried out and the casualties inflicted as the international media has claimed that there was no damage in the strike."We, as the Opposition, want to know the details of the air strike. Where were the bombs dropped? How ..
UN chief lauds Pak PM for freeing IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lauded the decision of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to free Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, a move easing the escalating tension between India and Pakistan, on Friday."The report of the release of the Indian pilot by the Pakistani authorities would be very much a welcome step," the spokesperson of UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric was quoted as saying by Geo News."We would encourage both parties to do whatever they can to deescalate the situation and this is the message that has been passed on by the United Nations and, I think, by the international community as a whole," the spokesperson added.Dujarric further stated that Guterres was in touch with both India and Pakistan at various levels.IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman returned home from Pakistan on Friday, two days after he was taken into custody by the Pakistan army when his MiG 21 fell in PoK while he was chasing Pakistani F-16 fighters which had ..