China snubs Pakistan at UN: You are on your own in fight with India over Kashmir
China on Friday reiterated its stand that the Kashmir issue was for India and Pakistan to solve bilaterally, declining to back its “all-weather ally”, which has been attempting to raise the dispute at several United Nations fora this past week. Asked about the OIC’s backing to Pakistan’s calls for UN involvement, China on Friday offered no support, instead reiterating its long-held stated position that the matter was for India and Pakistan to resolve. “China’s position on the Kashmir issue is clear-cut,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said. “The Kashmir issue is an issue leftover from history. China hopes India and Pakistan can increase dialogue and communication, and properly handle relevant issues and jointly safeguard peace and stability.”
Pakistan “export factory” for terrorism, India tells UNGA
India’s foreign minister took a swipe at Pakistan Saturday, telling the United Nations that Islamabad had given the world “terrorists” while India was producing top-notch doctors and engineers.
“Why is it today India is a recognised IT superpower in the world, and Pakistan is recognised only as the pre-eminent export factory for terror?” Sushma Swaraj told the General Assembly. “We produced scholars, doctors, engineers. What have you produced? You have produced terrorists.” A day earlier, Pakistani prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi called for an international investigation into Indian atrocities in held Kashmir, and warned of escalation along the Line of Control (LoC).
“Pakistan has acted with restraint. But if India does venture across the LoC, or acts upon its doctrine of limited war against Pakistan, it will evoke a strong and matching response,” he said while addressing the UNGA.
PTI says party might challenge Senate Election Bill 2017
The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf on Saturday announced its intention to challenge the Election Bill 2017 in court, with PTI Vice President Shah Mahmood Qureshi saying the party would make a final decision on challenging the bill after consultations. The Election Bill 2017 was passed earlier this week, paving the way for ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to regain control of his PML(N) party. Qureshi claimed that Nawaz Sharif is in touch with Ex-President Asif Zadari as the latter feared disqualification as well. Consequently, there was a fear that disqualified members could potentially come to power through collusion, Qureshi said.
Man kills two daughters in the latest case of honour killing in Peshawar
Two young women were killed by their father “in the name of honour” in Peshawar’s Achar Kali area on September 20, said Bala Mani Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
According to DSP Fazal Wahid, Abdul Ghani killed his daughters — 20-year-old Shamim and 10-year-old Noreen — and confessed to the crime upon his arrest, claiming he was upset with them for leaving the house during late hours. The crime was initially reported by Ghani’s son, which led to the police conducting several raids on the house, before the accused was finally arrested two days later from Mosam Ghari area in Peshawar. The incident occurred over one year after Pakistani social media sensation Qandeel Baloch was murdered by her brother in an honour killing. Read this Guardian long-read about her life and death here.
Former first lady Kulsoom Nawaz discharged from hospital in London
Kulsoom Nawaz, the wife of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, has been discharged from the hospital after successful completion of her third surgery, Geo News reported on Friday. Kulsoom Nawaz stayed in the hospital for two nights and was accompanied by her husband and son Hasan Nawaz. Speaking about his wife’s health, Nawaz thanked the people for the support. Her daughter Maryam Nawaz Sharif tweeted: “Just brought Ami home. She is Alhamdolillah recovering well after her 3rd surgery. Jazak’Allah for your valuable prayers.”
Twenty-two-year-old army officer martyred in militant attack
An officer of the Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom during firing by militants from across the border in Rajgal, Khyber Agency, a statement by the army’s media wing said on Saturday. Terrorists fired from across the border on the newly established Pakistani border post in Rajgal, martyring Lieutenant Arsalan Alam, who was commanding the post when he got hit, the ISPR said. Lieutenant Arsalan Alam was 22 years old, the statement said.
