Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan has appreciated Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement that insulting Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) does not count as an expression of artistic freedom but is a violation of religious freedom.

In a telephonic conversation with the Russian President, the Prime Minister said he has been regularly highlighted the appalling rise in Islamophobia and associated hatred in his addresses to the UN General Assembly, pointing towards its serious ramifications. 

The Prime Minister underscored that Pakistan's bilateral relationship with Russia is on an upward trajectory, with an increased focus on trade and economic ties and energy cooperation.

He reiterated the government's resolve for early realization of the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline Project.

Both leaders agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in different areas, increase high-level exchanges, and remain in close contact on matters relating to Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister underscored that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is pivotal for regional stability.

He said Afghanistan is facing dire humanitarian and economic challenges and support of the international community to the people of Afghanistan at this critical juncture remained vitally important.

The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of release of Afghanistan's financial assets for addressing the dire needs of the Afghan people.

Imran Khan said he looks forward to President Putin's visit to Pakistan as well as his own visit to Russia at an appropriate time.

Swat: Two children were killed and other was wounded after a hand-grenade they were playing exploded in Nimaki village of tehsil Habal on Monday, police said.

Police said the two victims were pronounced dead on the spot by paramedics, while the injured was transported to the tehsil headquarters hospital.

Police are probing the incident.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan expressed his profound grief over the deaths of kids.

He ordered the police to probe the incident and submit report to his office.

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday has confirmed 10 positive cases of COVID-19 among its staff members.

According to an official statement released by the board in this regard, five members of the PCB staff, while five ground employees have tested positive for the virus.

The infected members have been isolated after their tests came positive, the board said in the statement, adding that the tests were conducted last week.

It is pertinent to mention here that the cricket board has already administered the booster dose of the coronavirus vaccine to its staff.

The PCB has said that all coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs) will be followed and all meetings will be virtual, while the staff will strictly abide by the protocols.