A few generals, and not Pak Army, initiated Kargil War: Nawaz Sharif

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif

Quetta [Pakistan], October 25 (ANI): While addressing the third anti-government rally of Pakistan opposition's 11 -party alliance, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif said that a few generals, were behind the 1999 Kargil war between India and Pakistan, and not the army.

"The task of initiating the Kargil war, which witnessed the deaths of our brave soldiers, and disgraced Pakistan in front of the world, was not done by the Army, but by a few generals. They threw not only the Army but the country and community in the war in such a place, that nothing could be achieved from it. The moment was painful for me when I learnt that our brave soldiers lamented that when they were sent to the peaks, without food. They did not even have weapons. They sacrificed their lives. But what did the country or community achieve?" said Sharif, who spoke through a video link from London.

He said these generals, who were behind the Kargil war, were also the ones who plotted a coup on October 12, 1999 and declared martial law to hide their actions and escape punishment.

"Pervez Musharraf and his companions used the Army for personal gains, and disgraced them," he added.

Sharif said the PDM has risen against unconstitutional power "that has made Pakistan hollow from inside and out", reported Dawn.

"Looking at this enthusiasm, I am sure that no one will be able to violate the respect for the vote now. I saw this enthusiasm in Gujranwala and Karachi, and now I'm seeing it in Quetta," said the former Prime Minister from London.

He criticised the PTI government's performance and claimed that he was disqualified as premier over a "flimsy charge", according to Dawn.

In his speech, Sharif also addressed the arrest of PML-N leader retired Captain Mohammad Safdar, stating that it was "shameful" how police officials barged into the room and violated the privacy of his daughter Maryam Nawaz Sharif and her husband.

"On whose order is the privacy of people violated? On whose orders are doors broken down. If even the province's chief minister doesn't know, then who is behind it?" he said.

The third anti-government rally of Pakistan opposition's 11-party alliance, PDM, took place in Quetta, Balochistan on Sunday.

PDM had earlier organised two mammoth rallies in Gujranwala and Karachi as part of countrywide agitations, calling for the resignation of Imran Khan.

Earlier, the police had "arrested" Safdar Awan, from the hotel they were staying in Karachi, hours after the PML-N vice-president had lashed out at Prime Minister Imran Khan and the PTI government at the second power show of PDM.

"Police broke my room door at the hotel I was staying at in Karachi and arrested Capt. Safdar," Maryam tweeted early Monday.

Several police officers on Tuesday applied for leave in order to "come out of the [...] shock" caused by the registration of an FIR and arrest of Safdar, according to Dawn. (ANI)

No one should dare to occupy Sindh, Balochistan provinces: Fazlur Rehman

Jamiat Ulema-e Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman speaking during anti-government rally on Sunday at Quetta. (Photo: ANI)

Quetta [Pakistan], October 25 (ANI): Jamiat Ulema-e Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday said that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan should not "dare" to occupy Sindh or Balochistan provinces.

Speaking at the Sunday's anti-government rally at Ayub stadium in Quetta, Rehman said, "No one should think that they can usurp the resources of smaller provinces, make changes to the 18th Amendment or reduce the National Finance Commission Award."

"Let me add to this today that be it Sindh or Balochistan, it is the right of the people to their islands. No one should dare think that they can occupy the property of these provinces," he further said.

Rehman slammed the Pakistan government of isolating the country in the international arena.

"Today even Afghanistan is not talking about you...There was a time when it was under discussion that a gas pipeline from Iran to India should go via Pakistan. You have turned those projects to dust," he said.

"Today Afghanistan doesn't have any interest in you. Nor Iran. Today it is in India's camp. China has also gone away from you. It means that you do not have a foreign policy," he added.

During the rally, Rehman condemned the arrest of PML-N leader Safdar Awan and the detention of Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) leader Mohsin Dawar at the Quetta airport.

Detention of Dawar was "contrary to Balochistan's traditions", he said.

This is the third power show of the 11-party opposition alliance PDM (Pakistan Democratic Movement). Similar rallies were held in Karachi and Gujranwala. (ANI)

Nawaz Sharif asks Pak Army Chief to answer for country's situation

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (File Photo)

Quetta [Pakistan], October 25 (ANI): Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif on Sunday asked Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to answer for the country's current situation, reported Dawn.

While addressing the third rally of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) via a video link from London, Sharif said: "Gen Bajwa, you will have to answer for record rigging in the 2018 elections, for horse-trading in the Parliament, for making Imran Niazi prime minister against people's wishes and by tearing apart the Constitution and laws, for pushing people towards poverty and hunger."

The PML-N supremo said that he names individuals because he does not want his army to be defamed, according to Dawn.

He further accused Inter-Services Intelligence Director General Lt Gen Faiz Hameed of "interfering in politics for several years with impunity" in violation of his oath.

The third anti-government rally of Pakistan opposition's 11-party alliance, PDM, took place in Quetta, Balochistan on Sunday.

Earlier, PDM had organised two mammoth rallies in Gujranwala and Karachi as part of countrywide agitations, calling for the resignation of Imran Khan. (ANI)

Turkey extends geological exploration mission in Eastern Mediterranean until November 4

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan

Ankara [Turkey], October 25 (ANI/Sputnik): The Turkish research vessel Oruc Reis will conduct geological exploration of hydrocarbon deposits in disputed areas of Eastern Mediterranean until November 4, the Office of Navigation, Hydrography and Oceanography of the Turkish Naval Forces said on Sunday.

Turkey issued a new international Navtex alert, according to which the Oruc Reis vessel will conduct research with the Ataman and Cengizhan vessels south of the Greek island of Kastelorizo.

On October 11, Turkey announced that Oruc Reis will conduct research with the Ataman and Cengizhan vessels south of Kastelorizo from October 12 to 22. The mission was later extended until October 27. The Greek Foreign Ministry said that the area belongs to the Greek continental shelf and is located just 6.5 nautical miles from the coast of Kastelorizo.

The territorial waters of the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea are defined at six nautical miles. Ankara said the vessel operates exclusively on the Turkish continental shelf 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) off the coast of Turkey and 425 kilometers (264 miles) off the coast of Greece. (ANI/Sputnik)

15 men accused of raping teen sisters for 6 days in Pakistan's Faisalabad

15 men accused of raping teen sisters for 6 days in Pakistan's Faisalabad. (Photo: ANI)

Faisalabad [Pakistan], October 25 (ANI): Fifteen men have been accused of raping teenage sisters in Pakistan's Faisalabad for six days.

Citing a report from Jang, Geo News reported that a complaint has been filed on behalf of the victims' mother, who states that her two daughters, one aged 17-years-old and the other 15, were kidnapped on September 11 by a group of persons.

According to the complaint, the victims were taken to different locations for six days where they were gang-raped after allegedly been intoxicated. The suspects also allegedly took photos and recorded videos of the girls.

The mother further said in the FIR that while the suspects dropped off her elder daughter at Faisalabad's Jhang Bazar, her sister was left at Gujranwala before the suspects fled.

However, the family did not file a complaint against the suspects due to their poor financial status and preferred to leave their residence and settle somewhere else.

Geo News reported that the suspects did not leave the family alone and continued to catcall and record videos of the teenage sisters wherever they went.

The mother stated that the suspects had again recorded videos of her girls six days ago when the family was travelling on Millat Road.

On being asked not to do so, the suspects assaulted the mother and her daughters before fleeing the scene. (ANI)

Former legislator, various public delegations call on J-K Lt Governor for early redressal of their issues

A visual of the metting with Lt Governor Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha. (Photo: ANI)

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 25 (ANI): Former Legislator and various public delegations on Sunday called on the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha here at the Raj Bhavan and sought his intervention in early redressal of their issues and grievances.

According to a press statement from the Raj Bhavan, "A delegation of all J&K Mobile Seasonal Teachers Forum led by its President, Shabir Chowdhary apprised the Lt Governor about the issues of the Mobile/ Seasonal Centres."

"They requested the Lt Governor for converting Mobile/Seasonal centres into permanent Mobile Primary Schools, especially for Gujjar and Bakerwal community; regularization of seasonal EV (Teachers); provision of mid-day meal, bags, books, and other facilities in the mobile centres; enhancement of salaries; First Aid Training to Seasonal Mobile Teachers, the press statement read.

Abid Hussain Ansari, former MLA, drew Lt Governor's attention towards various developmental issues of Zadibal constituency. He also projected several welfare issues of the Shia Community, as per the press statement.

Faculty Forum SKIMS Medical College-Hospital headed by its President Prof. Naseer A Mir also met the Lt Governor and apprised him of the Administrative issues of SKIMS Medical College.

The Lt Governor enquired about COVID care facilities; bed capacity; ventilators and oxygen supplies, besides other basic Medicare facilities available in the Hospital.

A delegation of All J&K Plus-2 PSC Lecturers' Association also called on the Lt Governor and projected their concerning issues pertaining to assured career progression, and time-bound promotion.

While interacting with the members of the delegations, the Lt Governor observed that the J&K Government is committed to reaching out to the people with responsive and accountable governance and is taking comprehensive measures for ensuring prompt and speedy disposal of their grievances. UT Administration is dedicated towards equitable development and welfare of all sections of the society without discrimination, he added.

He assured the members of the delegations that all their genuine issues would be looked into meticulously and taken up for redressal. (ANI)

4 children killed, 15 injured in armed attack at Cameroon school

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Yaounde [Cameroon], October 25 (ANI): Armed men attacked a school in the town of Kumba in Cameroon on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least four children, and wounding at least 15 others.

The Cameroon government has blamed separatists for the attack, who had ordered schools in the area to be closed, reported Voice of America.

Chamberlin Ntouou Ndong, the most senior government official in the Meme administrative unit where Kumba is located, said four children were killed on the spot.

He further informed that seven of the wounded had been rushed to hospitals and were in critical condition.

"Let me seize this opportunity not only to condemn what has happened but to tell them that we are going to do our best," he said. " ... Let me also seize this opportunity to talk to all the parents. I cannot understand that during the day, the Amba boys are attacking innocent children and the surrounding populations are there witnessing without doing anything," VOA quoted Ndong.

Patrick Ebale, 17, said that students in the school ran in all directions as the gunmen fired indiscriminately into the air.

According to VOA, in September, some separatist fighters on social media warned against reopening of schools in Cameroon's English-speaking western regions.

The fighters said they could not guarantee children's safety at schools and asked the central government in Yaounde to withdraw the military if they wanted schools to reopen.

Schools had reopened across Cameroon on October 5 after a six-month break triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Cameroon government said that 30,000 English-speaking children had returned to schools despite the lingering threat of violence. (ANI)

Syrian foreign minister, UN envoy discuss resumption of Constitution talks

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Damascus [Syria], October 25 (ANI/Sputnik): Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem held a meeting on Sunday with UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen to discuss the resumption of the Syrian Constitutional Committee's small group talks in Geneva, a diplomatic source told Sputnik.

"The sides discussed the resumption of meetings of the small group of the Syrian Constitutional Committee in Geneva in the near future ... The meeting was attended by Ahmad Kuzbari, the head of the delegation representing the government of Syria," the source said.

Pederson arrived in Damascus on a three-day visit on Saturday, the source said, adding that the diplomat plans to submit a report on the constitutional committee to the UN Security Council on October 27.

The UN-backed Syrian constitutional committee is a product of long-standing efforts by international mediators to reconcile the Syrian government and opposition. The 150-member body with equal representation of the government, opposition and civil society was launched on October 30, 2019 to work toward drafting a new constitution of Syria.

It has a smaller committee within it consisting of 45 members -- 15 from each of the three represented groups -- that is engaged in preparing constitutional initiatives. The larger body is responsible for adopting them.

The most recent session of the commission took place late in August in Geneva. Pedersen then said the sides had some strong differences but had been able to find areas of commonalities and show flexibility. (ANI/Sputnik)

TSRTC starts 3,000 special buses for intra-state travel in Telangana for Dussehra

As many as 3,000 special buses have been introduced during the festive season in Hyderabad, Telangana. (Photo/ANI)

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], October 25 (ANI): The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) has started 3,000 special buses to enable people to reach their home towns during Dussehra.

People expressed happiness at the TSRTC initiative. The TSRTC management has taken precautions and implemented the Covid-19 guidelines.

"Due to this pandemic situation, most of us have been away from our homes in the festive season of Navratri, but TSRTC has provided us over 3,000 special buses to reach different parts of the state. Bus service is more convenient than railways. It helps people get back to their families during this festival season," Pawan, a passenger, told ANI.

"All precautionary measures are being followed by TSRTC for safe travel. Even the public is following all the COVID-19 precautionary steps like wearing masks, maintaining social distancing," Pawan added.

Sai, another passenger, told ANI, "It's good to see that the public transportation authorities have come forward to help the general public to go back to their families this Dussehra. The TSRTC management and the public are following all safety measures."

Vinod, another passenger, said, "We had not expected to see our family this Dussehra because of the pandemic but TSRTC has been pivotal in providing us transport facilities just in time for us to go back to our native places." (ANI)

Opposition slams Imran Khan-led government for failing to exit Pakistan from FATF grey list

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Islamabad [Pakistan], October 25 (ANI): The opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) slammed the Imran Khan-led government for its failure to remove Pakistan from the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) alleged that the FATF decision was the result of the "slipshod and obviously done in" law drafting and lack of homework, reported Dawn.

Slamming the government over its failure, PPP parliamentary leader in the Senate Sherry Rehman said, "Why did they (the government functionaries) not get their homework done on time? The news from FATF insiders is that the law drafting is slipshod and obviously done in. Why did they not look at everything in a good time? They were too busy managing a constant anti-opposition narrative which seems to be their only task."

The FATF announced on Friday that Pakistan would continue to remain on its grey list for another four months till February 2021 for six out of 27 unmet action plan targets on AML/CFT, Dawn reported.

Taking a jibe at the misgovernance and inefficiency of the present government, Rehman reminded them of the fact that the Paris-led organisation had removed Pakistan from the grey list earlier when terrorism was a bigger threat in the region.

"It really is not rocket science. It's been done before quite smoothly and could have been done again if only the government (functionaries) did not look and behave like the governance amateurs they are," added Rehman.

The FATF had placed Pakistan on the grey list in June 2018 due to 'strategic deficiencies' in its Anti Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime after a push from India supported by the US, the UK, and some other European countries. Pakistan then committed to a 27-point action plan but failed to meet deadlines.

The global watchdog had asked the government to implement a plan of action by the end of 2019, which was later extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (ANI)

Boko Haram gunmen attack community in NE Nigeria

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Lagos [Nigeria], October 25 (ANI/Xinhua): Suspected members of the Boko Haram on Saturday attacked a community in Yobe state, northeastern Nigeria, according to local police Sunday.

The state spokesperson Dungus Abdulkarim told Xinhua in Damaturu, the state's capital, that the gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members attacked the Babangida community around 4 p.m. (1500 GMT) local time in the Tarmuwa area of the state.

Abdulkarim said casualties of the incident are not known yet but will be made public when details are fully confirmed.

Boko Haram militants attacked the same community in October 2019, torching a section of the palace of the traditional ruler.

Boko Haram has been trying to establish an Islamist state in northeastern Nigeria since 2009, extending its attacks to countries in the Lake Chad Basin. (ANI/Xinhua)

Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa extends wishes on Vijayadashami

Sri Lankan Prime Minsiter Mahinda Rajapaksa. (Photo: ANI)

Colombo [Sri Lanka], October 25 (ANI): Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa extended wishes on Vijayadashami (Dussehra) to his countrymen and other people celebrating around the globe on Sunday.

In a Twitter post, Rajapaksa wished people celebrating the festival a peaceful, prosperous year ahead.

"As we come to the end of the 9 days long Navarathri festival by celebrating #Vijayadashami, I wish all #Sri Lankans and those celebrating around the globe, a peaceful, prosperous and fruitful year ahead," Mahinda Rajapaksa tweeted.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended wishes to his countrymen on Mahanavami, the ninth day of Navratri festival.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, festivities across the world have been muted. (ANI)

Mike Pence's chief of staff tests positive for COVID-19

US Vice President Mike Pence. (Photo: ANI)

Washington DC [US], October 25 (ANI/Sputnik): US Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff Marc Short has tested positive for the coronavirus, shortly after it was reported that the vice president's political aide Marty Obst had tested positive.

Pence's spokesperson Devin O'Malley said on Saturday, as quoted by ABC News, that "in consultation with the White House Medical Unit, the Vice President will maintain his schedule in accordance with the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidelines for essential personnel."

O'Malley said that both Pence and his wife Karen Pence tested negative for COVID-19 on Saturday, while Marc Short and Marty Obst tested positive, according to ABC News. Since Short is a "close contact," Pence is now required, under CDC guidelines, to wear a facemask around people and to be closely monitored for any coronavirus symptoms.

Marty Obst tested positive for the coronavirus last week, multiple sources familiar with the matter told ABC News on Saturday.

According to ABC, Obst is an outside adviser and not a government employee. He was last seen at a fundraiser event attended by both Pence and US President Donald Trump on October 15.

Trump was hospitalized with COVID-19 at the Walter Reed Military Medical Center on October 2, not long after announcing on Twitter that he and his wife Melania had tested positive for the coronavirus.

That same week, Pence and second lady Karen Pence tested negative for the coronavirus, according to Pence's spokesman Devin O'Malley.

White House Physician, Dr. Sean Conley, announced on October 12 that Trump had tested negative for COVID-19 on consecutive days.

First Lady Melania Trump announced last week that the First Family's son Barron, 14, had contracted COVID-19 but exhibited no symptoms and subsequently tested negative. (ANI/Sputnik)

Pakistan is at war with itself: PoK activist

Dr Amjad Mirza, a political activist from Pakistan occupied Kashmir. (Photo: AN)

Glasglow [Scotland], October 25 (ANI): Amid the anti-government movement in the country, a political activist from Mirpur in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) has slammed the Imran Khan government over the state of affairs in the country, saying it is "at war with itself."

Activist Amjad Ayub Mirza wrote on his Facebook page on Saturday that "3 days ago, IG Sindh was abducted. Last night Ali Imran was abducted. Today, MNA Mohsin Dawar has been abducted. The Pakistani state is at war with itself."

Mirza's statement comes after Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) leader Mohsin Dawar was barred from leaving the airport as soon as he arrived in Quetta on Saturday in a bid to prevent him from participating in the third rally of the opposition's Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) in Quetta on Sunday.

In a Twitter post, Mohsin said that he will not be intimidated and will not keep mum.

Apart from Mohsin Dawar detention, the PoK activist Amjad Mirza also called out the abduction of journalist Ali Imran Syed, who is credited with obtaining footage arrest of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) the leader Captain (retd) Safdar Awan on October 19.

Safdar Awan, who is the husband of PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz, was arrested from his hotel room after a PMD rally. Thereafter, the IGP Sindh, Mushtaq Mehr, was 'kidnapped' by Rangers who forced him to file an FIR for Safdar's arrest.

The development caused extreme bitterness among the police officers who retaliated by submitting leave of absence.

Almost the entire top brass of the police, including three Additional IGs, 25 DIGs, 30 SSPs and dozens of SPs, DSPs and SHOs across Sindh, tendered leave applications, as a protest against the "resentment and heartache caused to all ranks of the force" by the unfortunate incident of October 18 and 19.

The incident sent shockwaves in top Army brass with Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa himself stepped in and order an inquiry into the 'Karachi incident'.

Earlier this week, the Sindh Bar Council had passed a resolution on Wednesday urging the Pakistan Chief Justice to take suo motu notice of Army interference in affairs after the abduction of IG of Sindh Police and the subsequent arrest of Capt Safdar Awan. (ANI)

12 children killed in Takhar airstrike, independent rights commission confirms: Zalmay Khalilzad

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad.. (Photo: ANI)

Kabul [Afghanistan], October 25 (ANI/Sputnik): Afghanistan's Independent Human Rights Commission has confirmed that 12 children were killed and many more injured in an airstrike by Afghan government forces carried out in the northeastern province of Takhar, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad said.

"This is a terrible tragedy. Unfortunately, tragedy is not limited to Takhar. Civilians are victims of car bombs, IEDs [improvised explosive devices], and targeted killings perpetrated by the Taliban. Civilians have been forced to flee fighting in Lashkar Gah and other areas. We offer our condolences to all the families of those killed and injured," Khalilzad wrote on Twitter.

The US special representative called for a speedy reduction of violence in Afghanistan and for an acceleration of a political settlement.

"The United States is singularly focused on this goal and is pressing both parties to reduce violence and find a path to peace as soon as possible," Khalilzad said.

Earlier this week, an Afghan military air raid targeting Taliban fighters was carried out in the northeastern province of Takhar, in the vicinity of a religious school and mosque.

Afghan media reported on Wednesday that at least 47 members of Afghan security forces were killed in a Taliban ambush in Takhar. The air raid was carried out in the area after information was received that the Taliban fighters who were involved in the attack were hiding at a mosque in Takhar.

Clashes between the Afghan forces and the Taliban militants continue despite the ongoing peace talks in Qatar, which began in September after the United States and the Taliban movement signed a peace deal in Doha. (ANI/Sputnik)

Bhumi Pednekar celebrates 1 year of 'Saand Ki Aankh,' terms it her 'most cherished film'

A still from the video (Image courtesy: Instagram)

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 25 (ANI): Cherishing the 'pure happy memories' associated with Taapsee Pannu co-starrer film - 'Saand Ki Aankh', actor Bhumi Pednekar on Sunday celebrated 1 year of the movie by calling it 'my most cherished film.'

The 31-year-old star marked the one-year anniversary of the biographical drama, by sharing a post on Instagram. The clip chronicles the lead characters of the film - Bhumi and Taapsee who essayed the role of octogenarian sharpshooters. The clip features their journey from the fields in Haryana to become national level sharpshooters, as the title song 'Udta Teetar' plays in the backdrop.

Alongside the video, the 'Thappad' star wrote, "Been a year to my most cherished film [?] #SaandKiAankh.Pure happy memories."

Directed by Tushar Hiranandani, the film revolves around the grannies - Chandro and Prakashi - who take up shooting at the age of 60 to encourage their daughters towards a bright future as they did not want their daughters to go through a lifetime of suppression. What unfolded was nothing short of miraculous, as they discovered their skill of being exceptional shooters.

Despite all odds, they won 352 medals each in the course of their professional life as shooters.

The film, which also stars Prakash Jha, Vineet Kumar, and Shaad Randhawa, is produced by Anurag Kashyap and Nidhi Parmar. (ANI)

Indian diaspora in Canada holds protest against Pakistan sponsored terrorism

Indian Diaspora on Saturday staged a protest outside Pakistan Consulate, Toronto Canada to register their dismay over Pakistan's attack and invasion on October 22, 1947. (Photo: ANI)

Toronto [Canada], October 25 (ANI): Indian diaspora on Saturday staged a protest outside Pakistan Consulate, Toronto Canada to register their protest over Pakistan's attack and invasion on October 22, 1947.

The diaspora called this day a Black Day in humanity's history. The protesters chanted 'Band Kero Band Kero, Pakistan Dehshat Gardi Band Kero" (Pakistan! Stop Terrorism), "Kashmir Gilgit Baltistan - Sab hei Hindustan." They urged the Pakistani government to end terrorism.

"We are gathered here to protest against the genocide committed upon the people of Kashmir in 1947 by the terrorist state of Pakistan. On October 22, Pakistan army and its tribal force organised gathered forces, led by a Pakistani major that invaded into Kashmir, a peaceful Kashmir where there was no provocation against the Pakistani state and its people," a protestor said.

"The tribal militia committed genocide and raped women and plundered the peaceful land of Kashmir," he added.

Another protestor said, "Today, on October 24, we are protesting in front of the Toronto consulate so that Pakistan government realises that terrorism is not alright."

The members of the Baloch Human Rights Council Canada also participated in the protest to show their solidarity with the Indian diaspora.

The Protest was arranged by Hindu Forum Canada and Indo-Canadian Kashmir Forum. The members of 'Canadians for Human Rights Watch', 'Canada India Global Forum' and NIMITTEKAM CANADA also participated in this protest. (ANI)

Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee dies at 78

Chairman of Samsung Electronics Co. Lee Kun-hee (Photo Credit: Lee Kun-hee Facebook)

Seoul [South Korea], October 25 (ANI/Sputnik): Chairman of Samsung Electronics Co. Lee Kun-hee has died at the age of 78, the company announced in a statement.

"Chairman Lee passed away on October 25 with his family, including Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee, by his side. Chairman Lee was a true visionary who transformed Samsung into the world-leading innovator and industrial powerhouse from a local business," Samsung said in a statement, as quoted by the South Korean Yonhap news agency on Sunday.

According to Yonhap, Lee Kun-hee died at a hospital in Seoul on Sunday after being hospitalized for years following a heart attack in 2014.

Lee is survived by his wife, Hong Ra-hee, two daughters and only son, Jae-yong, who has been at the helm of Samsung Electronics since his father's 2014 heart attack.

The company is crucial to the economic well-being of South Korea, as its overall turnover is equivalent to a fifth of the country's GDP. (ANI/Sputnik)

We will not be intimidated: PTM's Mohsin Dawar

Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) leader Mohsin Dawar. (Photo: ANI)

Quetta [Pakistan], October 25 (ANI): After Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) leader Mohsin Dawar was barred from leaving the airport as soon as he arrived in Quetta on Saturday, scores of PTM activists staged a protest in the city.

Mohsin's detention on Saturday came a day ahead of the third anti-government rally of the opposition's 11-party alliance -- Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). In a Twitter post, he said that they will not be intimidated and will not keep mum.

"Once again our rights are being violated by the state above state. I've been detained at Quetta airport with Nadeem Askar, I am told its because of security risks. Why are these risks limited to me only? We refuse to be silenced like this. We will not be intimidated," Mohsin tweeted.

Dawn has reported that other opposition leaders like PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz and other PDM leaders arrived in the city on Saturday and were provided bullet-proof cars and security.

Sunday's rally in Quetta will be third by the newly formed alliance. Earlier, PDM had organized two mammoth rallies in Gujranwala and Karachi as part of countrywide agitations, calling for the resignation of Imran Khan.

During the rally in Karachi last week, Mohsin Dawar had termed the opposition's joint PDM as a "beginning for real democracy and civilian supremacy" while terming the Imran Khan government as "worse than a dictatorship".

Dawar had criticized the incumbent government for filing "baseless cases" against political workers, whether they were from Waziristan, Gilgit Baltistan, Balochistan or Sindh. The cases, the PTM leader said, were filed due to political differences, adding that the current regime was "worse than a dictatorship", Dawn reported.

"I consider this government to be worse than a dictatorship because they have even placed a prime minister as a punching bag. In reality, the decision-makers are Pakistan Army and its agencies," he declared. (ANI)

India will continue to play its part for world peace, development: TS Tirumurti

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti. 

New York [US], October 25 (ANI): On the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, permanent representative TS Tirumurti has said that India has and will always continue to play its part for world peace and development.

"UN@75: India congratulates UN. The Empire State lights up in blue this evening. But is UN itself greying@75? It's up to us, member states, to make sure it remains blue. India has and will always continue to play its part for world peace and development. Are you also ready?" Tirumurti tweeted on Saturday (local time).

Landmarks around the world were seen lit in blue to mark the day.

"From New York to Dubai, from Petra to Vienna, as the UN turned 75, landmarks around the world turned blue for Saturday's #UNDay," United Nations tweeted.

The United Nations came into existence on October 24, 1945, when the Charter had been ratified by permanent five members and by a majority of other signatories.

United Nations Day is celebrated on October 24 each year. (ANI)

Nikki Haley interacts with Indian Americans, highlights strong India-US relations, Chinese aggression

Indian-American Republican politician Nikki Haley (Center)

Philadelphia [US], October 25 (ANI): Addressing the Indian American community here ahead of US elections, Nikki Haley, a prominent Indian American Republican politician, on Saturday touched upon a range of issues including Indian and US relationship under President Donald Trump presidency, his foreign policies, handling of China and stopping financial aid to Pakistan.

Speaking at the event titled 'Indian voices for Trump fireside chat', Haley said that the foreign policy of President Trump has been "gangbusters over any other president".

Haley, a former US envoy to the United Nations, said that Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi get "along so well" and the two countries are partnering in defence, trade and other sectors.

The two-term governor of South Carolina, Haley was the first Cabinet-ranking Indian-American in any presidential administration. She is now campaigning for Trump ahead of the US election.

Speaking to ANI, Haley, in the message for all Indian Americans, said that she wants the community to remember that President Trump has given us the lowest unemployment rate and allowed for businesses to thrive.

"The Indian American community contributes a lot to the United States, and it is the best country in the world but we have to protect them. So we need the American community to remember that President Trump was given us the lowest unemployment has allowed for businesses to thrive," Haley said.

"It's really allowed us the opportunity to excel in every field and every direction we need to go and continue to support him so that we can continue doing that for our children, our grandchildren right," she added.

Haley said in the aftermath of the coronavirus, there is more of a coalition that the United States is bringing in India along with Australia and Japan.

"...The relationship with India has never been stronger ever. India is the largest democracy that shares our values. And President Trump and Prime Minister Modi get along so well. But now we are actually partnering with them on defense and trade and other areas," she said.

"And with COVID-19 coming from China. There's more of a coalition that the United States is bringing in India, along with Australia and Japan. And so, really, the foreign policy of President Trump has been gangbusters over any other president that we have had in decades, and that affects every one of us from national security," she added.

Speaking about China in view of national security threat, Haley said that Beijing is the United States' "absolute number one" national security threat adding that US President Donald Trump has made sure China does not steal American intellectual property.

The former US Ambassador to the UN said President Trump has "put China on notice"."China is our absolute number one threat right now, a huge national security threat. With the trade deal that the President did, not only did he get a better trade deal for us, he put China on notice with intellectual property." "He has made sure that they know that they can not turn around and steal intellectual property. They cannot go and spy on our universities, and that we are going to hold them accountable as we go forward," she added.

Further talking about terrorism, Haley said that Trump has stopped providing "billion dollars" in military aid to Pakistan as it harbours terrorists who were trying to kill American soldiers, said Indian-American Republican politician Nikki Haley on Saturday.

Also speaking during the event, Al Mason, co-chair of the Trump Victory Indian American Finance Committee, who introduced Ambassador Haley. Manson said that US President Donald Trump has stood up to China amid threat of armed conflict between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control and that US President Trump visited India in February in front of Beijing and conveyed that America will always be a "faith-full and loyal friend" to the Indian people.

"Every Indian American in the U.S has a family member back home, like old parents, brother, sister friend, business - they want India to be respected and protected from China-.which is what President Trump can provide. They fear that without Trump, China would start a war with India. Trump has stood up to China and will do so," he said.

"Trump is the only U.S President to go to India and in front of India's neighbour China say that America loves India, America respects India. America respects India and America will always be a faith-full and loyal friend to the Indian people. The 4 million Indian American people back home in America are truly spectacular people," he added. (ANI)

Toll from Kabul suicide attack rises to 30

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Kabul [Afghanistan], October 25 (ANI/Sputnik): The death toll from the suicide bomb attack near an education center in the Afghan capital has gone up to 30, while at least 70 others were injured, a security source told Sputnik.

Meanwhile, a source in the Afghan Ministry of Health told Sputnik that the death toll from the blast stood at 18, with another 50 people having been injured. According to the source, 37 of the wounded have been taken to Jinnah Hospital in Kabul.

On Saturday, a suicide attacker detonated a bomb near the Kawsar e-Danish education center in the Pul-e-Khoshk area of Kabul's western Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood. The Interior Ministry put the death toll from the attack at 13 on Saturday, saying that another 30 people were injured.

According to Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security, the attacker was attempting to enter the education center.

The Islamic State terrorist organization has taken responsibility for the Saturday attack in Kabul. Earlier, the Taliban rejected any connection with the attack. (ANI/Sputnik)

PM Modi, Trump get along so well, says Nikki Haley

Nikki Haley, American former envoy to United Nations. (Photo: ANI)

Philadelphia [US], October 25 (ANI): US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi get "along so well" and the two countries are partnering in defence, trade and other sectors, said Nikki Haley, American former envoy to United Nations, on Saturday.

Speaking during an event here, Haley, Indian-American Republican politician, said in the aftermath of the coronavirus, there is more of a coalition that the United States is bringing in India along with Australia and Japan.

"...The relationship with India has never been stronger ever. India is the largest democracy that shares our values. And President Trump and Prime Minister Modi get along so well. But now we are actually partnering with them on defense and trade and other areas," she said at a fireside chat event organised by the Indian Voices for Trump in the battleground state of Philadelphia.

"And with COVID-19 coming from China. There's more of a coalition that the United States is bringing in India, along with Australia and Japan. And so, really, the foreign policy of President Trump has been gangbusters over any other president that we have had in decades, and that affects every one of us from national security," she added.

Haley, the two-term governor of South Carolina, was the first Cabinet-ranking Indian-American in any presidential administration. She is now campaigning for Trump ahead of the US election.

In a message for all Indian Americans, Haley told ANI: "The Indian American community contributes a lot to the United States, and it is the best country in the world but we have to protect them. So we need the American community to remember that President Trump was given us the lowest unemployment has allowed for businesses to thrive."

"It's really allowed us the opportunity to excel in every field and every direction we need to go and continue to support him so that we can continue doing that for our children, our grandchildren right," she added.

Speaking about China in view of national security threat, Haley said that Beijing is the United States' "absolute number one" national security threat adding that US President Donald Trump has made sure China does not steal American intellectual property.

Haley, former US Ambassador to the UN, said President Trump has "put China on notice"."China is our absolute number one threat right now, a huge national security threat. With the trade deal that the President did, not only did he get a better trade deal for us, he put China on notice with intellectual property."

"He has made sure that they know that they can not turn around and steal intellectual property. They cannot go and spy on our universities, and that we are going to hold them accountable as we go forward," she added. (ANI)

18 killed, 48 injured in explosion outside educational centre in Kabul

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Kabul [Afghanistan], October 25 (ANI): At least 18 people were killed and 48 others sustained injuries in an explosion that took place outside an educational centre in Pul-e-Khoshk area of Dasht-e-Barchi in the west of Kabul on Saturday evening, the Afghan government said.

The interior ministry said that the suicide bomber was recognised by security guards of the educational centre and detonated his explosives before reaching the target, Tolo News reported.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The suicide bomber who was trying to enter the Kawsar educational centre, which is located in a narrow street, was reportedly recognised in the middle of the street in the west of Kabul, according to eyewitnesses.

Eyewitnesses said dozens of students were in their classes when the attack happened. Videos on social media following the attack showed many teenagers who sustained injuries in the explosion.

Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High Council of National Reconciliation in a statement condemned the suicide attack on a training centre in Kabul, saying it is inhuman and against Islamic principles and values.

Sharhzad Akbar, the chairperson of Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission said: "After a week of horrific violence across Afghanistan" the news on the attack "drains every last ounce of energy and hope." (ANI)