 KARACHI : Government has decided to reopen all the universities in Sindh from tomorrow,.According to the reporter, it has been decided today in a meeting of the vice-chancellors of universities with Governor Sindh Ishrat-ul-Ibad in chair that all the universities in Sindh will reopen from tomorrow.Meanwhile, law-enforcement officials also attended the meeting, which aimed to decide a uniform security policy for the educational institutions. | ||
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
All universities of Sindh to reopen from tomorrow
بھارتی مداخلت کے کچھ ثبوت ملے ہیں، قریشی
اسلام آباد
وزیر خارجہ شاہ محمود قریشی نے کہاہے کہ بلوچستان میں بھارتی مداخلت کے کچھ ثبوت ملے ہیں اور بیک ڈور چینل کے ذریعے اس پر کام کررہے ہیں۔آج نیوز کے پروگرام بولتا پاکستان میں بات چیت کرتے ہوئے شاہ محمود قریشی نے کہا کہ کچھ ایسی اطلاعات ہیں کہ بلوچستان میں بھارتی مداخلت کے ثبوت ملے ہیں تاہم وہ اس کی تصدیق نہیں کرسکتے۔شاہ محمود قریشی نے کہا کہ امریکا سے تعلقات پاکستان کے مفاد میں ہیں۔ کیری لوگر بل پر پاکستان کے خدشات سے امریکی انتظامیہ کو آگاہ کیا۔ ایک سوال پر وزیر خارجہ نے بتایا کہ ان کا بیٹا جان کیری کا ملازم نہیں بلکہ ان کی کمپنی انٹرن شپ کررہاتھا۔پاک ایران تعلقات پر وزیر خارجہ نے کہا کہ دہشتگردی کیخلاف پاک ایران تعاون پر یقین رکھتے ہیں
امریکی سینیٹر لوگر بل پر مطمئن نہیں کرسکے، نواز
لاہور
مسلم لیگ ن کے قائد نواز شریف نے کہا ہے کہ امریکی سینیٹر جان کیری انہیں کیری لوگر بل پر مطمئن نہیں کر سکے۔ لاہور میں شاہی قلعہ کی تزئین و آرائش کا معائنہ کرنے کے بعد میڈیا سے گفتگو کرتے ہوئے انہوں نے کہا کہ امریکی سینیٹر کیری لوگر بل پر انکے تحفظات دور نہیں کرسکے۔نواز شریف کا کہنا تھا کہ لاہور کے مضافات میں نیشنل پارک تعمیر کیا جا رہا ہے جہاں عوام کو تفریح کی بہتر سہولیات میسر ہوں گی جبکہ اسی طرز پر دوسرے اضلاع میں بھی نیشنل پارکس بنائے جائیں گے۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ امن و امان کی صورتحال اپنی جگہ لیکن عوامی تفریح کے مقامات کی بحالی کے کاموں کو نہیں روکا جاسکتا۔ مسلم لیگ ن کے رہنما نے کہا کہ لاہور تاریخی پس منظر کا شہر ہے اور ثقافتی ورثے کی حفاظت حکومت کی اولین ترجیح ہونی چاہیئے تاکہ عوام کو بہتر تفریحی سہولیات میسر ہو سکیں۔
عازمین حج کی سعودی عرب روانگی شروع
فیصل آباد
پاکستان سے عازمین حج کی حجاز مقدس روانگی کا سلسلہ شروع ہوگیا۔اسلام آباد سے پہلی حج پرواز چار سو اڑسٹھ عازمین حج کو لے کر روانہ ہوئی۔ پی آئی اے کی پرواز پی کے نائن ایٹ زیرو ون فیصل آباد سے جدہ کے لئے روانہ ہوئی۔ رحیم یار خان سے روانہ ہونے والی پرواز پی کے نائن نائن زیرو ون پر ایک سو سولہ مسافر سوار تھے۔ پشاور ائیر پورٹ سے پی ائی اے کی پہلی پرواز پی کے ون نائین زیرو فائیو تین سو انتیس عازمین کو لے کر حجاز مقدس روانہ ہوئی۔ عازمین کو سخت سیکیورٹی میں حاجی کیمپ سے پشاور ائیر پورٹ پہنچایا گیا۔ ائیر پورٹ کے باہر بھی سیکیورٹی کے سخت انتظامات کیے گئے تھے۔ وزارت حج کی جانب سے عازمین کو ہدایت کی گئی ہے کہ وہ اپنے عزیز و اقارب کو ساتھ نہ لائیں۔کراچی سے پی آئی اے کی پہلی پرواز سے روانہ ہونے والے تین سوستانوے عازمین کو اسپیکر سندھ اسمبلی نثار کھوڑو اور صوبائی وزیر اطلاعات شازیہ مری نے حج ٹرمینل سے رخصت کیا۔ کراچی سے ایک ماہ میں پی آئی اے کی ایک سو اکانوے پراوزوں کے ذریعے ایک لاکھ چھبیس ہزار عازمین جدہ اور مدینہ جائیں گے۔
There was no option except taking aid: Kaira
ISLAMABAD :
Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira Wednesday said the there was no option except taking aid from US, Aaj News reported.He further said assistance under Kerry-Lugar Bill (KLB) was not a charity but an acknowledgement of losses that Pakistan has suffered in the war on terror.The US government has approved the Bill with the sole objective to help Pakistan which has sacrificed a lot in term of life and property during last eight years while fighting against extremism and terrorism, he said while answering a question during a Federal Cabinet briefing. Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani chaired the meeting.He said the US executive has attached the explanatory notes with the Bill in the form of draft so all its other interpretations are incorrect.The Minister said the explanatory notes with the Kerry-Lugar Bill are not against the interests of Pakistan rather they are in our favour.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira Wednesday said the there was no option except taking aid from US, Aaj News reported.He further said assistance under Kerry-Lugar Bill (KLB) was not a charity but an acknowledgement of losses that Pakistan has suffered in the war on terror.The US government has approved the Bill with the sole objective to help Pakistan which has sacrificed a lot in term of life and property during last eight years while fighting against extremism and terrorism, he said while answering a question during a Federal Cabinet briefing. Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani chaired the meeting.He said the US executive has attached the explanatory notes with the Bill in the form of draft so all its other interpretations are incorrect.The Minister said the explanatory notes with the Kerry-Lugar Bill are not against the interests of Pakistan rather they are in our favour.
WFP offices closed, bikes banned in Swat (PAK)
MINGORA:
The offices of World Food Program have once again been shut down in view of security apprehensions, Geo News reported Wednesday.The people are facing hardships owing to the closure of WFP offices across the Swat area.Several suspected people have been arrested during the ongoing search operation in Swat. An important militant leader Iqbal alias Islam was killed in clash in Chaarbagh area of Paligram.According to Swat Media Centre, the motorcycling has been banned in the entire district. Also the educational institutions have been closed down in Swat like other cities in the country.
The offices of World Food Program have once again been shut down in view of security apprehensions, Geo News reported Wednesday.The people are facing hardships owing to the closure of WFP offices across the Swat area.Several suspected people have been arrested during the ongoing search operation in Swat. An important militant leader Iqbal alias Islam was killed in clash in Chaarbagh area of Paligram.According to Swat Media Centre, the motorcycling has been banned in the entire district. Also the educational institutions have been closed down in Swat like other cities in the country.
Violence against women: petition seeks million signatures
SILVER SPRING:
In a bold effort to end all forms of violence against women and girls around the world, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is co-sponsoring a petition that seeks 1 million signatures from 200 countries and territories, as part of a global initiative launched recently called enditnow, whose main goal is to stop oppressive practices aimed at the female gender."This petition is an important first step in this campaign because it shows that people from around the world are taking a stand to say that violence against women is no longer acceptable in any of its forms," said Hearly Mayr, director for Public Awareness at ADRA International, and a petition organizer.The petition has found growing support internationally. Hundreds of people from more than 70 countries have already signed the written and online petition in the initial days of the enditnow campaign.Signatures will be presented to the United Nations to draw attention to the issue, advocate for the creation of new policies to protect women and girls, and publicly declare the efforts of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to end violent practices against women and girls.Enditnow, sponsored by ADRA and the Women's Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, was launched October 13. More than 15 million Adventist church members from around the world are encouraged to join this growing movement in order to create change within their own communities and mobilize their peers to raise awareness.Follow ADRA on Twitter and get the latest information on the campaign. ADRA is a non-governmental organization present in 125 countries providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.
In a bold effort to end all forms of violence against women and girls around the world, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is co-sponsoring a petition that seeks 1 million signatures from 200 countries and territories, as part of a global initiative launched recently called enditnow, whose main goal is to stop oppressive practices aimed at the female gender."This petition is an important first step in this campaign because it shows that people from around the world are taking a stand to say that violence against women is no longer acceptable in any of its forms," said Hearly Mayr, director for Public Awareness at ADRA International, and a petition organizer.The petition has found growing support internationally. Hundreds of people from more than 70 countries have already signed the written and online petition in the initial days of the enditnow campaign.Signatures will be presented to the United Nations to draw attention to the issue, advocate for the creation of new policies to protect women and girls, and publicly declare the efforts of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to end violent practices against women and girls.Enditnow, sponsored by ADRA and the Women's Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, was launched October 13. More than 15 million Adventist church members from around the world are encouraged to join this growing movement in order to create change within their own communities and mobilize their peers to raise awareness.Follow ADRA on Twitter and get the latest information on the campaign. ADRA is a non-governmental organization present in 125 countries providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.
13 confirmed dead in Kenya building collapse.
NAIROBI:
Up to 13 people have been confirmed dead in Kenya on Wednesday after a five-storey building under construction collapsed, trapping workers under piles of rubble on Monday in Kiambu town, 20 km northeast of the capital Nairobi.Kenya Red Cross and the National Youth Service personnel have been trying to clear the rubble with limited resources while onlookers crowd around the site."By 12:30, we had retrieved 13 bodies...that one I'm repeating so that you don't ask me another time, there are some people who have been reported missing; that is 14 people," said Paul Muchai, Assistant Director National Youth Service.The planned five-storey shopping complex caved in when construction workers were still inside. There has been no official confirmation on how many were inside when the building collapsed and the number of people trapped is also not clear.Chances of finding anymore survivors have dwindled since the last time rescuers communicated with the people trapped inside the building."By morning yesterday, there was some communications, but after about 2 hours there was no more communication, so we suspect maybe the batteries of the phones went down or maybe they were unable to communicate or otherwise," Muchai added.In 2006, a building collapsed in downtown Nairobi killing at least 14 people and injuring up to 100 others.Investigators said the building was coming up too first without proper support.Kenya's government has often promised to crackdown on building code violations, which are widespread in a country where bribery of officials and shoddy construction are rampant.
Up to 13 people have been confirmed dead in Kenya on Wednesday after a five-storey building under construction collapsed, trapping workers under piles of rubble on Monday in Kiambu town, 20 km northeast of the capital Nairobi.Kenya Red Cross and the National Youth Service personnel have been trying to clear the rubble with limited resources while onlookers crowd around the site."By 12:30, we had retrieved 13 bodies...that one I'm repeating so that you don't ask me another time, there are some people who have been reported missing; that is 14 people," said Paul Muchai, Assistant Director National Youth Service.The planned five-storey shopping complex caved in when construction workers were still inside. There has been no official confirmation on how many were inside when the building collapsed and the number of people trapped is also not clear.Chances of finding anymore survivors have dwindled since the last time rescuers communicated with the people trapped inside the building."By morning yesterday, there was some communications, but after about 2 hours there was no more communication, so we suspect maybe the batteries of the phones went down or maybe they were unable to communicate or otherwise," Muchai added.In 2006, a building collapsed in downtown Nairobi killing at least 14 people and injuring up to 100 others.Investigators said the building was coming up too first without proper support.Kenya's government has often promised to crackdown on building code violations, which are widespread in a country where bribery of officials and shoddy construction are rampant.
India responsible if Mumbai attacks are repeated: Malik
ISLAMABAD :
Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik Wednesday said India would be responsible for any further Mumbai attacks-like incident if they occur in the country.Talking to media here, he said India is involved in worsening the situation in Balochistan, which could be borne out with clear-cut evidences.Jundullah’s Chief Abdul Malik Regi is in Afghanistan and Iran has been apprised of his hideout, he informed.Commenting upon the Indian allegations, Malik warned against them, saying Indian Home Minister should see about their home first, as it is beset with flaws and failings, adding criticizing Pakistan would not set their issues right.Rehman Malik stressed that Pakistan may give well-substantiated threats better than those India gave, adding Pakistani offer regarding negotiations should not be deemed as its frailty.If Indian Home Minister fears fresh Mumbai-like attacks in his country, then it should provide information to Pakistan 48 hours in advance, he maintained.Malik said security scanners would be installed in the federal capital by 25 of the current month.He also revealed that some serving and retired personnel of the FC have been taken in custody in connection with the investigations of suicide attack at WFP.
Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik Wednesday said India would be responsible for any further Mumbai attacks-like incident if they occur in the country.Talking to media here, he said India is involved in worsening the situation in Balochistan, which could be borne out with clear-cut evidences.Jundullah’s Chief Abdul Malik Regi is in Afghanistan and Iran has been apprised of his hideout, he informed.Commenting upon the Indian allegations, Malik warned against them, saying Indian Home Minister should see about their home first, as it is beset with flaws and failings, adding criticizing Pakistan would not set their issues right.Rehman Malik stressed that Pakistan may give well-substantiated threats better than those India gave, adding Pakistani offer regarding negotiations should not be deemed as its frailty.If Indian Home Minister fears fresh Mumbai-like attacks in his country, then it should provide information to Pakistan 48 hours in advance, he maintained.Malik said security scanners would be installed in the federal capital by 25 of the current month.He also revealed that some serving and retired personnel of the FC have been taken in custody in connection with the investigations of suicide attack at WFP.
NWFP puts off matriculation practicals
PESHAWAR:
NWFP Government has postponed matriculation practicals for which new schedule will be announced later.NWFP Government issued a circular to all private and government schools, including independent, semi-independent and missionary schools to remain closed till October 25. Thse schools will re-open on October 26.MBBS Examination has been suspended in Peshawar’s Khyber Medical College, and Ayub Medical College in Abbotabad, while exams for Bachelors of Technology have also been delayed.Similarly, entry tests for Master’s classes in Peshawar University have been cancelled.
NWFP Government has postponed matriculation practicals for which new schedule will be announced later.NWFP Government issued a circular to all private and government schools, including independent, semi-independent and missionary schools to remain closed till October 25. Thse schools will re-open on October 26.MBBS Examination has been suspended in Peshawar’s Khyber Medical College, and Ayub Medical College in Abbotabad, while exams for Bachelors of Technology have also been delayed.Similarly, entry tests for Master’s classes in Peshawar University have been cancelled.
AJK parliament to elect its PM tomorrow
MUZAFFARABAD:
Azad Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly will elect its leader of the house tomorrow.Speaker AJK assembly, Shah Ghulam Qadir will preside over the session which will commence at 10 AM.Muslim Conference’s candidate Raja Farooq Haider Khan and Haji Yaqoob Khan representing coalition parties will contest one on one to become the ninth Prime Minister of AJK.Raja Farooq Haider Khan is said to have unconfirmed support of 49 members in the assembly.Strict security arrangements have been made on this occasion. Irrelevant persons are prohibited from entering into the premises of assembly building. Police has been deployed in all AJK districts to tackle any emergency situation.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly will elect its leader of the house tomorrow.Speaker AJK assembly, Shah Ghulam Qadir will preside over the session which will commence at 10 AM.Muslim Conference’s candidate Raja Farooq Haider Khan and Haji Yaqoob Khan representing coalition parties will contest one on one to become the ninth Prime Minister of AJK.Raja Farooq Haider Khan is said to have unconfirmed support of 49 members in the assembly.Strict security arrangements have been made on this occasion. Irrelevant persons are prohibited from entering into the premises of assembly building. Police has been deployed in all AJK districts to tackle any emergency situation.
18 Imams among 600 Afghanis detained in Mardan
MARDAN:
Police has apprehended 18 Imams (prayer leaders) among 600 illegal Afghani immigrants residing in Mardan.Deputy inspector police Mardan region, Syed Akhtar Ali Shah told journalists on Wednesday that detained illegal Afghanis have been sent to jail.He also said that a grand operation against criminal elements in Mardan and Swabi will start from October 25.Twenty police teams have been specially formed for this operation.He said that fool-proof security arrangements have been made to prevent terrorism in Mardan.
Police has apprehended 18 Imams (prayer leaders) among 600 illegal Afghani immigrants residing in Mardan.Deputy inspector police Mardan region, Syed Akhtar Ali Shah told journalists on Wednesday that detained illegal Afghanis have been sent to jail.He also said that a grand operation against criminal elements in Mardan and Swabi will start from October 25.Twenty police teams have been specially formed for this operation.He said that fool-proof security arrangements have been made to prevent terrorism in Mardan.
First Hajj flight leaves for Saudi Arabia from Pakistan
The first Hajj flight of PIA carrying 468 pilgrims left for Madina Munawara from Islamabad Benazir International Airport on Wednesday.The transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia will be completed by November 21.The return of Hajj pilgrims will commence from December 2 and will be completed by January 1.
Akram's wife still in critical condition
CHENNAI:Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram's wife is in a critical condition at a hospital in Indian city Chennai where she was rushed after developing an "emergency situation" in an air ambulance during its scheduled refuelling at the Chennai airport.Huma was admitted to the on advice from doctors on board the Singapore-bound air ambulance, hospital and airport sources said.Hospital sources said Huma suffered a multiple organ failure and she was put on ventilator support.Her pulse rate was picking up and vital parameters were better, but her condition continued to be critical, the sources said. She was originally scheduled to receive treatment in Singapore.
National Games to be held in Peshawar in 2010: Syed Aqil
PESHAWAR:
The Sports Minister of NWFP Syed Aqil Shah said 31st National Games will be held in Peshawar in 2010 and reports about change of venue are baseless.Talking to Geo News here, Syed Aqil Shah said Pakistan Olympic Association had postponed the National Games after taking him into confidence, however, the games will be held in Peshawar.The sports minister said a sports complex of international standard and international cricket stadium will .... Full Story
The Sports Minister of NWFP Syed Aqil Shah said 31st National Games will be held in Peshawar in 2010 and reports about change of venue are baseless.Talking to Geo News here, Syed Aqil Shah said Pakistan Olympic Association had postponed the National Games after taking him into confidence, however, the games will be held in Peshawar.The sports minister said a sports complex of international standard and international cricket stadium will .... Full Story
Heavy selling at KSE erodes 321 points
KARACHI: Bears once again dominate Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE), plummeting the benchmark KSE-100 Index by 321 points to 9,247. The share market opened in the negative zone and remained under selling pressure throughout the session.Selling by foreign investors in energy stocks was seen as the main cause behind today’s bearish activity.The trade volume stood at 200 million shares today. Arif Habib Securities emerged as today’s volume leader which .... Full Story
US will never accept nuclear-armed NKorea: Gates
SEOUL:
The United States will never accept a nuclear-armed North Korea, Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned Wednesday, saying its atomic and missile programmes pose a "lethal and destabilising" threat. "There should be no mistaking that we do not today, nor will we ever, accept a North Korea with nuclear weapons," Gates told US and South Korean soldiers as he began a visit to Seoul. "The peril posed by the North Korean regime remains, and in m .... Full Story
The United States will never accept a nuclear-armed North Korea, Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned Wednesday, saying its atomic and missile programmes pose a "lethal and destabilising" threat. "There should be no mistaking that we do not today, nor will we ever, accept a North Korea with nuclear weapons," Gates told US and South Korean soldiers as he began a visit to Seoul. "The peril posed by the North Korean regime remains, and in m .... Full Story
Gold reaches record Rs35300/tola in Pakistan
PESHAWAR:
The gold touched the record highs in Peshawar, as its per tola price reached at Rs35,300, Geo News reported Wednesday.According to Sarrafa Association, the gold price was Rs34,700/tola three days ago in the city now it has soared to Rs35,300 registering an increase of Rs600.According to Sarrafa Association, the increase in the gold prices have caused decrease in its sale.
The gold touched the record highs in Peshawar, as its per tola price reached at Rs35,300, Geo News reported Wednesday.According to Sarrafa Association, the gold price was Rs34,700/tola three days ago in the city now it has soared to Rs35,300 registering an increase of Rs600.According to Sarrafa Association, the increase in the gold prices have caused decrease in its sale.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
India hard to beat at home: Ponting
Sydney:
Hampered by injuries to key players, the Australian cricket team took off for India to play a seven-match ODI series with skipper Ricky Ponting conceding that despite their Champions Trophy debacle, Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men would be hard to beat in home conditions."They will be particularly hard to beat in India, they always are. They definitely play a lot better at home than they do when they travel," Ponting told reporters before the Aussies boarded their flight to India yesterday.India crashed out of the Champions Trophy in the group stage itself.Australia, on the other hand, are high on confidence after clinching their second successive Champions Trophy title.But Ponting said injuries to regular vice-captain Michael Clarke and batsman Callum Ferguson has disturbed the balance of the side and selection would be a major headache during the tour.
Hampered by injuries to key players, the Australian cricket team took off for India to play a seven-match ODI series with skipper Ricky Ponting conceding that despite their Champions Trophy debacle, Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men would be hard to beat in home conditions."They will be particularly hard to beat in India, they always are. They definitely play a lot better at home than they do when they travel," Ponting told reporters before the Aussies boarded their flight to India yesterday.India crashed out of the Champions Trophy in the group stage itself.Australia, on the other hand, are high on confidence after clinching their second successive Champions Trophy title.But Ponting said injuries to regular vice-captain Michael Clarke and batsman Callum Ferguson has disturbed the balance of the side and selection would be a major headache during the tour.
US scientist charged with attempted spying for Israel
WASHINGTON:
US authorities arrested a leading American scientist who had worked for the White House and NASA and charged him with attempted spying for Israel.Stewart Nozette, 52, was apprehended after a sting operation involving an undercover FBI agent, the Department of Justice said, adding that there was no wrongdoing by Israel.He is charged with "attempted espionage for knowingly and willfully attempting to communicate, deliver, and transmit classified information relating to the national defense of the United States to an individual that Nozette believed to be an Israeli intelligence officer."Nozette, who was arrested in the Washington suburb of Chevy Chase, Maryland and taken into custody, could make his first court appearance Tuesday on the charge, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison."The conduct alleged in this complaint is serious and should serve as a warning to anyone who would consider compromising our nation's secrets for profit," said David Kris, assistant attorney general for national security.Nozette developed an experiment that fueled the discovery of water on the south pole of the moon, and previously held special security clearance at the Department of Energy on atomic materials.In addition to stints at the US space agency NASA and the Department of Energy, Nozette worked at the White House on the National Space Council under then-president George H.W. Bush in 1989 and 1990."From 1989 through 2006, Nozette held security clearances as high as top secret and had regular, frequent access to classified information and documents related to the US national defense," the Justice Department said.In early September, Nozette received a phone call from a person "purporting to be an Israeli intelligence officer, but who was in fact an undercover employee of the FBI," it said."Nozette met with the UCE (undercover employee) that day and discussed his willingness to work for Israeli intelligence," informing the agent that "he had, in the past, held top security clearances and had access to US satellite information."The scientist offered to "answer questions about this information in exchange for money," the Justice Department said."In addition, Nozette allegedly offered to reveal additional classified information that directly concerned nuclear weaponry, military spacecraft or satellites, and other major weapons systems."Over the next several weeks, Nozette and the undercover agent exchanged envelopes of money for answers to lists of questions about US satellite technology.First, Nozette answered questions for a 2,000 cash payment, including one answer that "contained information classified as Secret," the Justice Department said.Later in September, the suspect picked up a payment of 9,000 dollars in cash and more questions, answers to which he returned to a drop-spot in a manila envelope this month.FBI agents retrieved the envelope and found "the answers contained information classified as both Top Secret and Secret that concerned US satellites, early warning systems, means of defense or retaliation against large-scale attack, communications intelligence information, and major elements of defense strategy."It was unclear how Nozette came to be targeted by the FBI sting. The Department of Justice and FBI did not immediately return calls seeking further comment."The FBI is committed to protecting the nation's classified information and pursuing those who attempt to profit from its release or sale," said Joseph Persichini, Jr., of the Washington branch of the FBI, according to a statement.In 1987, the United States sentenced Navy analyst Jonathan Pollard to life in prison for providing Israel -- from May 1984 to his arrest in November 1985 -- thousands of confidential military documents on US spying, particularly in Arab nations.
Israel has appealed for Pollard's release repeatedly, and in vain.
US authorities arrested a leading American scientist who had worked for the White House and NASA and charged him with attempted spying for Israel.Stewart Nozette, 52, was apprehended after a sting operation involving an undercover FBI agent, the Department of Justice said, adding that there was no wrongdoing by Israel.He is charged with "attempted espionage for knowingly and willfully attempting to communicate, deliver, and transmit classified information relating to the national defense of the United States to an individual that Nozette believed to be an Israeli intelligence officer."Nozette, who was arrested in the Washington suburb of Chevy Chase, Maryland and taken into custody, could make his first court appearance Tuesday on the charge, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison."The conduct alleged in this complaint is serious and should serve as a warning to anyone who would consider compromising our nation's secrets for profit," said David Kris, assistant attorney general for national security.Nozette developed an experiment that fueled the discovery of water on the south pole of the moon, and previously held special security clearance at the Department of Energy on atomic materials.In addition to stints at the US space agency NASA and the Department of Energy, Nozette worked at the White House on the National Space Council under then-president George H.W. Bush in 1989 and 1990."From 1989 through 2006, Nozette held security clearances as high as top secret and had regular, frequent access to classified information and documents related to the US national defense," the Justice Department said.In early September, Nozette received a phone call from a person "purporting to be an Israeli intelligence officer, but who was in fact an undercover employee of the FBI," it said."Nozette met with the UCE (undercover employee) that day and discussed his willingness to work for Israeli intelligence," informing the agent that "he had, in the past, held top security clearances and had access to US satellite information."The scientist offered to "answer questions about this information in exchange for money," the Justice Department said."In addition, Nozette allegedly offered to reveal additional classified information that directly concerned nuclear weaponry, military spacecraft or satellites, and other major weapons systems."Over the next several weeks, Nozette and the undercover agent exchanged envelopes of money for answers to lists of questions about US satellite technology.First, Nozette answered questions for a 2,000 cash payment, including one answer that "contained information classified as Secret," the Justice Department said.Later in September, the suspect picked up a payment of 9,000 dollars in cash and more questions, answers to which he returned to a drop-spot in a manila envelope this month.FBI agents retrieved the envelope and found "the answers contained information classified as both Top Secret and Secret that concerned US satellites, early warning systems, means of defense or retaliation against large-scale attack, communications intelligence information, and major elements of defense strategy."It was unclear how Nozette came to be targeted by the FBI sting. The Department of Justice and FBI did not immediately return calls seeking further comment."The FBI is committed to protecting the nation's classified information and pursuing those who attempt to profit from its release or sale," said Joseph Persichini, Jr., of the Washington branch of the FBI, according to a statement.In 1987, the United States sentenced Navy analyst Jonathan Pollard to life in prison for providing Israel -- from May 1984 to his arrest in November 1985 -- thousands of confidential military documents on US spying, particularly in Arab nations.
Israel has appealed for Pollard's release repeatedly, and in vain.
Iran links US, UK, Pakistan to bombing
TEHRAN:The chief of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard accused the United States, Britain and Pakistan on Monday of having links with Sunni militants responsible for a suicide bombing that killed five senior Guard commanders and 37 othersAccording to sources, Iran’s president said those behind Sunday’s bombing are hiding across the border in Pakistan, and in a phone call to his Pakistani counterpart on Monday he demanded their arrest.Monday’s statements marked the first time Iran has publicly accused its neighbour’s intelligence service of supporting the Sunni rebel group known as Jundallah, or Soldiers of GodRevolutionary Guard chief General Mohammad Ali Jafari vowed Monday to deliver a “crushing” response.“New evidence has been obtained proving the link between Sunday’s terrorist attack and the US, British and Pakistani intelligence services,” state TV quoted Jafari as saying.He said the attack was “undoubtedly” planned and ordered by the three nation’s intelligence services and that a delegation would soon travel to Pakistan to present evidencePresident Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had harsh words Monday for his Pakistani counterpart, Asif Ali Zardari.“The presence of terrorist elements in Pakistan is not justifiable and that the Pakistani government needs to help arrest and punish the criminals as soon as possible,” state TV quoted Ahmadinejad as telling Zardari.“We’ve heard that some officers in Pakistan cooperate with the main elements behind such terrorist attacks and we consider it our right to demand these criminals from them,” he was quoted as saying.Zardari telephoned Ahmadinejad to strongly condemn the suicide attack.Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei pointed a finger of blame at the United States, sources reported.“This terrorists’ crime revealed the evil face of enemies of security and unity who are supported by intelligence organizations of some arrogant governments,” he said, using Iran’s term for the US.
Two bombs defused near Peshawar girls’ school
PESHAWAR:
Two bombs planted near a government girls’ school in Peshawar have been defused.According to sources, unknown miscreants planted two bombs near government girls’ high school in Bhana Mari. Bomb disposal unit, ambulances and heavy police contingents have reached the scene after getting the news of bombs. The source of bomb disposal unit said 14 kilograms of explosive and bullets were put in a pressure cooker whereas five kilograms.
Two bombs planted near a government girls’ school in Peshawar have been defused.According to sources, unknown miscreants planted two bombs near government girls’ high school in Bhana Mari. Bomb disposal unit, ambulances and heavy police contingents have reached the scene after getting the news of bombs. The source of bomb disposal unit said 14 kilograms of explosive and bullets were put in a pressure cooker whereas five kilograms.
Oil rises above $80 as earnings beat expectations
SINGAPORE:
Oil prices rose above $80 a barrel Tuesday in Asia, extending a two-week rally as better than expected US corporate earnings boosted investor confidence.Benchmark crude for November delivery rose as much as 44 cents to $80.05 a barrel but later fell back and was up 20 cents at $79.81 by midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract rose $1.08 to settle at $79.61 on Monday.Crude reached $80
Oil prices rose above $80 a barrel Tuesday in Asia, extending a two-week rally as better than expected US corporate earnings boosted investor confidence.Benchmark crude for November delivery rose as much as 44 cents to $80.05 a barrel but later fell back and was up 20 cents at $79.81 by midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract rose $1.08 to settle at $79.61 on Monday.Crude reached $80
Monday, October 19, 2009
NRO to be opposed at all forums: Ellahi
Pakistan Muslim League-Q leader Chaudhry Pervez Ellahi Monday said National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) will be opposed inside and outside the Parliament.He said this while talking to newsmen here at Quaid-e-Azam international airport just after arriving from Lahore.Pervez Ellahi said the present government should complete its 5-year term like the PML-Q’s previous government.“The government should hold the local bodies elections,” he said, adding, “not holding elections shows government’s weakness.” Regarding Kerry-Lugar Bill, he said conditions that are condescending for Pakistani people must be removed from the bill.
Australian wildfire mostly under control
SYDNEY:
Bush fire in Australian state of Queensland has been under control at 27 places out of 37 blazes, although 14 locations are still on fire.The fire has already burnt about 380 square kilometers of bush and grazing land at Gaeta since it started late last week.Rural Fire Service deputy commissioner Iain Mackenzie says about 400 firefighters are battling 37 blazes across the state.'We're bringing crews from the north of the state, which has had a little bit of respite, and the south of the state, which hasn't had the fire activity quite to date."But of course while we deal with the fires that we have, we also still have to be prepared for the ones that could erupt."Fire crews and water bombers are at the scene of a fast-moving grassfire on the Bruce Highway at Bajool, south of Rockhampton.Further north, fires are also burning at Paluma and Woodstock and at Mount Garnet, west of Innisfail.In the south-east, there is also a fire near Esk.And firefighters are preparing to backburn along a 20-kilometre front to try to control a major blaze north-west of Bundaberg.Authorities are taking advantage of the mild weather to back-burn along the northern front of the fire near Charnwood.Meanwhile, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts is urging people to come forward with any information about the Rockhampton fires, which are believed to have been deliberately lit.
Bush fire in Australian state of Queensland has been under control at 27 places out of 37 blazes, although 14 locations are still on fire.The fire has already burnt about 380 square kilometers of bush and grazing land at Gaeta since it started late last week.Rural Fire Service deputy commissioner Iain Mackenzie says about 400 firefighters are battling 37 blazes across the state.'We're bringing crews from the north of the state, which has had a little bit of respite, and the south of the state, which hasn't had the fire activity quite to date."But of course while we deal with the fires that we have, we also still have to be prepared for the ones that could erupt."Fire crews and water bombers are at the scene of a fast-moving grassfire on the Bruce Highway at Bajool, south of Rockhampton.Further north, fires are also burning at Paluma and Woodstock and at Mount Garnet, west of Innisfail.In the south-east, there is also a fire near Esk.And firefighters are preparing to backburn along a 20-kilometre front to try to control a major blaze north-west of Bundaberg.Authorities are taking advantage of the mild weather to back-burn along the northern front of the fire near Charnwood.Meanwhile, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts is urging people to come forward with any information about the Rockhampton fires, which are believed to have been deliberately lit.
Britain nothing to do with Iran attack: minister
LONDON:
Britain rejects "in the strongest terms" allegations that it aided rebels behind a bomb attack on Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, a Foreign Office spokeswoman said Monday."We reject in the strongest terms any assertion that this attack has anything to do with Britain," a spokeswoman told a foreign news agency, commenting on Sunday's suicide attack near Iran's border with Pakistan.Prime Minister Gordon Brown's spokesman added: "It is extremely important that we continue with the diplomatic track with Iran," pointing notably to talks in Vienna hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Britain rejects "in the strongest terms" allegations that it aided rebels behind a bomb attack on Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, a Foreign Office spokeswoman said Monday."We reject in the strongest terms any assertion that this attack has anything to do with Britain," a spokeswoman told a foreign news agency, commenting on Sunday's suicide attack near Iran's border with Pakistan.Prime Minister Gordon Brown's spokesman added: "It is extremely important that we continue with the diplomatic track with Iran," pointing notably to talks in Vienna hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Hurricane ‘Rick’ threatens Mexico resort city
MEXICO CITY :
Hurricane Rick, the strongest eastern North Pacific storm in more than a decade, raged across open seas yesterday, but forecasters said it could veer into resorts at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula by midweek.The track of the Category 5 hurricane threatened to disrupt a major sport fishing tournament scheduled to start Wednesday in Los Cabos, where hundreds of fishermen - mainly Americans - were gathering.The hurricane’s winds were still a howling 175 miles per hour yesterday, down slightly from a peak of 180 miles per hour, according to the US National Hurricane Centre in Miami. But it was projected to move over cooler waters and weaken to about Category 2 status, with winds of around 98 miles per hour before hitting land.The eye was cantered about 500 miles south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas yesterday. Rick was moving toward the west-northwest at about 14 miles per hour, and it was expected to begin turning toward the northwest before curving toward the northeast, the centre said.It is still far from clear where the storm will hit land, but the early forecast path would take it almost directly into Cabo San Lucas, where as many as 800 sports fishermen were expected to take part in the Bisbee’s Los Cabos tournament. About 130 boats are scheduled to set off into the Pacific on Wednesday - the day Rick is projected to hit.Clicerio Mercado, tournament organizer, said the event might be held just on Friday instead of the planned three days.Forecasters said Rick could carry enough force to slam into Mexico’s mainland as a hurricane Thursday.Rick was the second-strongest hurricane in the eastern North Pacific since 1966, the start of reliable records, said Hugh Cobb, Hurricane Centre meteorologist.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Iran’s Home Minister phones Malik
ISLAMABAD :
Iranian Interior Minister called up his Pakistani counterpart Rehman Malik, the officials at Interior Ministry were quoted as saying.Rehman Malik assured his Iranian counterpart Mustafa Muhammed Najjar of his complete cooperation over terror incident in Iran which cost several lives.Pakistan to continue the war against terrorism, Malik maintained.Iranian minister requested Rehman Malik to help arrest Abul Malik Regi who is involved in terror incidents.Abdul Malik is not present in Pakistan according to some sources, Rehman said.
Iranian Interior Minister called up his Pakistani counterpart Rehman Malik, the officials at Interior Ministry were quoted as saying.Rehman Malik assured his Iranian counterpart Mustafa Muhammed Najjar of his complete cooperation over terror incident in Iran which cost several lives.Pakistan to continue the war against terrorism, Malik maintained.Iranian minister requested Rehman Malik to help arrest Abul Malik Regi who is involved in terror incidents.Abdul Malik is not present in Pakistan according to some sources, Rehman said.
PAKISTANI PROLEMS WILL RISE OR LESS John Kerry arrives in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD : US Senator John Kerry has arrived in Islamabad, Geo News reported Sunday.
According to sources, he is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and other high Pakistani leadership to discuss Kerry-Lugar Bill.The sources said a team of US high-ups is also accompanying the Senator; the team will take stock of the proposed projects in Pakistan in connection with US aid to be funneled to Pakistan.
According to sources, he is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and other high Pakistani leadership to discuss Kerry-Lugar Bill.The sources said a team of US high-ups is also accompanying the Senator; the team will take stock of the proposed projects in Pakistan in connection with US aid to be funneled to Pakistan.
Iran suicide attack: Pak diplomat summoned
TEHRAN:
Iran summoned Islamabad's envoy to Tehran over Sunday's deadly bombing against the nation's Revolutionary Guards, claiming those behind the attack had used Pakistani soil as a springboard, a local news agency said. It said the foreign ministry had called Pakistan's charge d'affairs and "expressed Tehran's regret to Pakistan's envoy (that) members of the terrorist group involved in the incident entered Iran through Pakistan."
The ministry also "protested against the use of Pakistani territory by the terrorists and rebels against the Islamic Republic of Iran and urged Pakistani authorities to act firmly to prevent the movement of those terrorists and rebels in their country."
No foreigner allowed to be Imam masjid: Malik
ISLAMABAD:
Minister for
Interior Rehman Malik said on Sunday that no action is being taken against any religious madrasa in the federal capital.
In a statement issued here, the minister said, action is being taken only against those prayer leaders (Imam Masjid), who do not have Pakistani nationality.
He said that no person would be allowed to become a prayer leader in any mosque in the country, if he is not a Pakistani national.
Minister for
Interior Rehman Malik said on Sunday that no action is being taken against any religious madrasa in the federal capital.In a statement issued here, the minister said, action is being taken only against those prayer leaders (Imam Masjid), who do not have Pakistani nationality.
He said that no person would be allowed to become a prayer leader in any mosque in the country, if he is not a Pakistani national.
20 Iranian soldiers killed in suicide attack: report by GEO NEWS
TEHRAN:60 Iranian soldiers including several senior officers in Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps were killed in a suicide attack early Sunday in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan.
"In this terrorist act, General Nur-Ali Shushtari, deputy commander of the Revolutionary Guards land army, General Mohammad-Zadeh, commander of the Revolutionary Guards in Sistan-Baluchestan province, the Guards' commander for the town of Iranshahr and the commander of the Amir al-Momenin unit died," the sources reported.
It was the biggest strike in recent years on the Revolutionary Guards.
Parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani confirmed the officers' death in an announcement to parliament that was broadcast on television.
Iran has previously accused shadowy Sunni group Jundallah of launching regular attacks in the province, which borders both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Jundallah is strongly opposed to the government of predominantly Shiite Iran.
"In this terrorist act, General Nur-Ali Shushtari, deputy commander of the Revolutionary Guards land army, General Mohammad-Zadeh, commander of the Revolutionary Guards in Sistan-Baluchestan province, the Guards' commander for the town of Iranshahr and the commander of the Amir al-Momenin unit died," the sources reported.
It was the biggest strike in recent years on the Revolutionary Guards.
Parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani confirmed the officers' death in an announcement to parliament that was broadcast on television.
Iran has previously accused shadowy Sunni group Jundallah of launching regular attacks in the province, which borders both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Jundallah is strongly opposed to the government of predominantly Shiite Iran.
Al-Qaeda, Afghan and Pakistan Taliban join forces
KARACHI:
Pakistani and Afghan jehadi groups have decided to start “battle of evil and just”, as the Afghan fighters assured Pakistani militants of complete support in their fight against Pak army in South Waziristan.
According to sources, it was decided in a meeting of the commanders of al-Qaeda, Hakmatyar group, Afghan Taliban and Pakistani jehadi organisations, which was held in Afghanistan.
The meeting decided that the Pakistan security forces, which have been helping the American forces, would also be targeted and the Afghan fighters, who have been fighting in Afghanistan for the last eight years, for the first time decided to send manpower to Waziristan in support of Pakistan militants.
The meeting also decided to intensify the ‘jehad’ against US and allied forces and codenamed the new battle as “battle of evil and just”. The militants under new war strategy would avoid targeting public places.
The Pakistani militants briefed the meeting about Pakistani forces actions against fighters, sources said and added that all Pakistani jehadi organisations accepted Hakimullah Mahsud as their amir and vowed to continue “jehad” under his leadership.
The meeting was also informed about details of killing of families of three commanders in drone attacks in South and North Waziristan agencies.
The meeting also devised guerrilla war strategy.
Pakistani and Afghan jehadi groups have decided to start “battle of evil and just”, as the Afghan fighters assured Pakistani militants of complete support in their fight against Pak army in South Waziristan.
According to sources, it was decided in a meeting of the commanders of al-Qaeda, Hakmatyar group, Afghan Taliban and Pakistani jehadi organisations, which was held in Afghanistan.
The meeting decided that the Pakistan security forces, which have been helping the American forces, would also be targeted and the Afghan fighters, who have been fighting in Afghanistan for the last eight years, for the first time decided to send manpower to Waziristan in support of Pakistan militants.
The meeting also decided to intensify the ‘jehad’ against US and allied forces and codenamed the new battle as “battle of evil and just”. The militants under new war strategy would avoid targeting public places.
The Pakistani militants briefed the meeting about Pakistani forces actions against fighters, sources said and added that all Pakistani jehadi organisations accepted Hakimullah Mahsud as their amir and vowed to continue “jehad” under his leadership.
The meeting was also informed about details of killing of families of three commanders in drone attacks in South and North Waziristan agencies.
The meeting also devised guerrilla war strategy.
WHATS ON IN CELL WORlD
a number of new generation are eager to have a latest cell phone.Now cellular companies introduced pocket pc or windows mobile but a lot of number here in Pakistan do not know use of it,they use it just to listen and watch music,show off and some other extras purpose.This thing also raising the street crimes in which mobile phone is like a atm card,the robbers can cash it from any shop and also use phones just for DASH.
Prevention to lung cancer
REPORT BY: Maleeha
Smokers and former smokers who eat lots of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables may be less likely than other smokers to develop lung cancer. Researchers at Roswell Park Cancer
Institute in Buffalo, N.Y. reported that news recently in Washington, D.C. at an American Association of Cancer Research meeting on cancer prevention. "The first thing to do is to quit smoking," because that is "still the best thing to do to reduce the risk" of developing lung cancer, researcher Li Tang, PhD, says. Besides quitting smoking, Tang recommends smokers and former smokers eat more cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, turnip greens, mustard greens, and collard greens - especially in their raw form. Tang cautions that "nothing is the magic bullet" guaranteed to prevent lung cancer. But there's no downside to eating more vegetables.Exercise: The brain's fountain of youth
Daily physical exercise keeps the brain young, mouse studies suggest. But don't wait too long to start.
he brain-boosting effects of exercise diminish rapidly after early middle age, sayresearchers working in the lab of Yu-Min Kuo, PhD, of Taiwan's National Cheng Kung University Medical College. Kuo's team previously found that young brains create new brain cells and integrate them into existing brain networks. As animals get older, however, this process dramatically slows. And this slowdown in brain cell creation is linked to impaired memory and learning. Mice that started exercise in early middle age did much better than mice that didn't start exercising until later middle age. Interestingly, the brain changes seen in exercising mice weren't caused by a drop in stress hormones, as some studies predicted. Instead, the positive changes came from increased production of signalling molecules that promote brain cell growth and survival.
Smokers and former smokers who eat lots of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables may be less likely than other smokers to develop lung cancer. Researchers at Roswell Park Cancer
Institute in Buffalo, N.Y. reported that news recently in Washington, D.C. at an American Association of Cancer Research meeting on cancer prevention. "The first thing to do is to quit smoking," because that is "still the best thing to do to reduce the risk" of developing lung cancer, researcher Li Tang, PhD, says. Besides quitting smoking, Tang recommends smokers and former smokers eat more cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, turnip greens, mustard greens, and collard greens - especially in their raw form. Tang cautions that "nothing is the magic bullet" guaranteed to prevent lung cancer. But there's no downside to eating more vegetables.Exercise: The brain's fountain of youth
Daily physical exercise keeps the brain young, mouse studies suggest. But don't wait too long to start.
he brain-boosting effects of exercise diminish rapidly after early middle age, sayresearchers working in the lab of Yu-Min Kuo, PhD, of Taiwan's National Cheng Kung University Medical College. Kuo's team previously found that young brains create new brain cells and integrate them into existing brain networks. As animals get older, however, this process dramatically slows. And this slowdown in brain cell creation is linked to impaired memory and learning. Mice that started exercise in early middle age did much better than mice that didn't start exercising until later middle age. Interestingly, the brain changes seen in exercising mice weren't caused by a drop in stress hormones, as some studies predicted. Instead, the positive changes came from increased production of signalling molecules that promote brain cell growth and survival.
Crude oil prices settle higher
SINGAPORE:
Crude oil prices settled higher Friday, a day after climbing to the year's high of nearly $78 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
The price of light, sweet crude rose 95 cents to 78.53 per barrel, the highest since October 2008.
Heating oil prices added 1.16 cents to $2.0297 per gallon.
Reformulated gasoline prices rose 3.44 cents to $1.9793 per gallon.
Natural gas prices gained 0.29 cents to $4.781 per million British thermal units.
At the pump, the national average price for unleaded gasoline was $2.467 per gallon Friday, up from Thursday's $2.487, AAA said
Crude oil prices settled higher Friday, a day after climbing to the year's high of nearly $78 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
The price of light, sweet crude rose 95 cents to 78.53 per barrel, the highest since October 2008.
Heating oil prices added 1.16 cents to $2.0297 per gallon.
Reformulated gasoline prices rose 3.44 cents to $1.9793 per gallon.
Natural gas prices gained 0.29 cents to $4.781 per million British thermal units.
At the pump, the national average price for unleaded gasoline was $2.467 per gallon Friday, up from Thursday's $2.487, AAA said
EU presses Dhaka to buy Pak fabric
KARACHI:
The European Union has pressed Bangladesh and other least developed countries enjoying duty-free market access to the EU to buy fabric also from Pakistan for getting the facility of Global System for Preferences (GSP).
Bangladesh has not given this facility to Pakistani fabric but with the change of Rules of Origin in January 2010, it will allow Pakistan the facility.
The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association has opposed the new criteria of the EU on the ground that substantial investment has been made in Bangladesh’s primary textile sector — spinning and weaving — to the tune of $4 billion to get the benefit of GSP facility on supply of yarn and fabric to local garment manufacturers.
Federal Textile Adviser Dr Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, in a press statement, said the EU move would enhance exports of Pakistani fabric to Bangladesh.
He said a joint commission meeting would be held in Brussels on Oct 20 which would discuss duty-free access for Pakistan to EU markets.
The European Union has pressed Bangladesh and other least developed countries enjoying duty-free market access to the EU to buy fabric also from Pakistan for getting the facility of Global System for Preferences (GSP).
Bangladesh has not given this facility to Pakistani fabric but with the change of Rules of Origin in January 2010, it will allow Pakistan the facility.
The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association has opposed the new criteria of the EU on the ground that substantial investment has been made in Bangladesh’s primary textile sector — spinning and weaving — to the tune of $4 billion to get the benefit of GSP facility on supply of yarn and fabric to local garment manufacturers.
Federal Textile Adviser Dr Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, in a press statement, said the EU move would enhance exports of Pakistani fabric to Bangladesh.
He said a joint commission meeting would be held in Brussels on Oct 20 which would discuss duty-free access for Pakistan to EU markets.
Most of citizens unaware of ban on pillion riding
KARACHI:
Ban on pillion riding has also been imposed in Karachi and Hyderabad after Islamabad, however a large number of citizens is still pillion riding claiming unawareness of the ban.Interior Ministry has once again put a ban on pillion riding in Karachi and Hyderabad for next 30 days.According to police, pillion riding highly increases the ratio of street crimes.The ban may likely be extended after 30 days, the sources said, however a large number of citizens is unaware of the ban on pillion riding and police has found an ‘opportunity’ for extorting money from the young riders caught violating the recently imposed ban.Ban on pillion riding has come into force form today, the sourced added.
Ban on pillion riding has also been imposed in Karachi and Hyderabad after Islamabad, however a large number of citizens is still pillion riding claiming unawareness of the ban.Interior Ministry has once again put a ban on pillion riding in Karachi and Hyderabad for next 30 days.According to police, pillion riding highly increases the ratio of street crimes.The ban may likely be extended after 30 days, the sources said, however a large number of citizens is unaware of the ban on pillion riding and police has found an ‘opportunity’ for extorting money from the young riders caught violating the recently imposed ban.Ban on pillion riding has come into force form today, the sourced added.
Dry weather to continue countrywide
ISLAMABAD:
Mainly dry weather has been forecast for most parts of the country for next several days.According to Met office, dry spell would continue and there would not be any change in the weather during next 24 hours.
The Met office also predicted light rains at scattered places of Kashmir in coming two weeks.The minimum temperature recorded on Saturday morning was Islamabad 12 degrees centigrade, Lahore 16, Karachi 23, Peshawar 14, Quetta 01 and Muzaffarabad 11.
Mainly dry weather has been forecast for most parts of the country for next several days.According to Met office, dry spell would continue and there would not be any change in the weather during next 24 hours.
The Met office also predicted light rains at scattered places of Kashmir in coming two weeks.The minimum temperature recorded on Saturday morning was Islamabad 12 degrees centigrade, Lahore 16, Karachi 23, Peshawar 14, Quetta 01 and Muzaffarabad 11.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Google sees record $1.6bn profit
LOS ANGLES:
Google has reported its highest quarterly profit, suggesting that the Internet advertising market is bouncing back from the recession.
Google reported net profit of $1.64bn (£1bn) between July and September, up 27% on the same period a year ago.
"The worst of the recession is clearly behind us," said Google chief executive Eric Schmidt.
US computer giant IBM also reported strong profits of $3.2bn for the period, up 14% on a year earlier.
The company also delivered a more optimistic forecast for full year earnings.
Management said they too were seeing some stabilisation in the overall economic environment.
Google has reported its highest quarterly profit, suggesting that the Internet advertising market is bouncing back from the recession.
Google reported net profit of $1.64bn (£1bn) between July and September, up 27% on the same period a year ago.
"The worst of the recession is clearly behind us," said Google chief executive Eric Schmidt.
US computer giant IBM also reported strong profits of $3.2bn for the period, up 14% on a year earlier.
The company also delivered a more optimistic forecast for full year earnings.
Management said they too were seeing some stabilisation in the overall economic environment.
9-Year-Old Asks Obama: "Why Do People Hate You?
NEW ORLEANS:
When Obama called on 9-year-old fourth-grader Tyren Scott of Paulina, La., whose mother had gotten tickets to the town hall meeting for them, to ask the last question of the day, the boy's question temporarily silenced the crowd:
"Why do people hate you and they're supposed to love you and God is love?"
Obama handled the question deftly. "Well, first of all, I did get elected President, and not everybody hates me," he told Tyren.
"If you're watching TV lately, everyone seems mad all the time. Some of it's just what's called politics. One party wins, the other party feels it needs to poke you to keep you on your toes. You shouldn't take it too seriously. People are worried about their own lives, losing jobs, health care, homes, and feeling frustrated. When you're President of the United States you've got to deal with all of that."
Gambit asked Tyren what he thought of Obama's answer.
"It made me feel good about what he said," Tyren told us.
"And he gave me the right answer."
Given that he was talking to a 9-year-old kid who feels upset by seeing his president hated, I think Obama gave him pretty much the right answer, too.
When Obama called on 9-year-old fourth-grader Tyren Scott of Paulina, La., whose mother had gotten tickets to the town hall meeting for them, to ask the last question of the day, the boy's question temporarily silenced the crowd:
"Why do people hate you and they're supposed to love you and God is love?"
Obama handled the question deftly. "Well, first of all, I did get elected President, and not everybody hates me," he told Tyren.
"If you're watching TV lately, everyone seems mad all the time. Some of it's just what's called politics. One party wins, the other party feels it needs to poke you to keep you on your toes. You shouldn't take it too seriously. People are worried about their own lives, losing jobs, health care, homes, and feeling frustrated. When you're President of the United States you've got to deal with all of that."
Gambit asked Tyren what he thought of Obama's answer.
"It made me feel good about what he said," Tyren told us.
"And he gave me the right answer."
Given that he was talking to a 9-year-old kid who feels upset by seeing his president hated, I think Obama gave him pretty much the right answer, too.
Philippine plane crash in Manila suburb kills 4
MANILA:
A propeller-driven plane on a test flight crashed and burst into flames in a suburb of the Philippine capital on Saturday, killing at least four people onboard, airport officials said.
The DC-3 plane scraped the roofs of 14 houses in Las Pinas city before it crashed into an abandoned warehouse, but no one was immediately reported injured on the ground, police said. Local residents said two houses close to the warehouse caught fire.
The charred remains of four people have been recovered at the site, Manila airport security manager Angel Atutubo said.
The plane departed Manila airport for Puerto Princesa city in Palawan province southwest of Manila around noon, but the pilot turned the plane back minutes later asking for permission for an emergency landing, Atutubo said.
The plane owned by Victoria Air Inc. was on a test flight, Manila airport operations manager Octavio Lina said. The company could not be reached for comment.
The flight manifest showed seven people on board, including the pilot, but crash investigators could not immediately confirm that number of people was on the plane, Atutubo said. Hours after firefighters put out the fire caused by the crash, only four bodies had been found, he said.
Lita Velasco, who lives nearby, showed with her hand how the plane appeared to wobble, its wings tipping up and down erratically, before it hit the ground followed by a loud explosion.
A propeller-driven plane on a test flight crashed and burst into flames in a suburb of the Philippine capital on Saturday, killing at least four people onboard, airport officials said.
The DC-3 plane scraped the roofs of 14 houses in Las Pinas city before it crashed into an abandoned warehouse, but no one was immediately reported injured on the ground, police said. Local residents said two houses close to the warehouse caught fire.
The charred remains of four people have been recovered at the site, Manila airport security manager Angel Atutubo said.
The plane departed Manila airport for Puerto Princesa city in Palawan province southwest of Manila around noon, but the pilot turned the plane back minutes later asking for permission for an emergency landing, Atutubo said.
The plane owned by Victoria Air Inc. was on a test flight, Manila airport operations manager Octavio Lina said. The company could not be reached for comment.
The flight manifest showed seven people on board, including the pilot, but crash investigators could not immediately confirm that number of people was on the plane, Atutubo said. Hours after firefighters put out the fire caused by the crash, only four bodies had been found, he said.
Lita Velasco, who lives nearby, showed with her hand how the plane appeared to wobble, its wings tipping up and down erratically, before it hit the ground followed by a loud explosion.
Police arrests over 30 members of banned outfit in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD:
Police raided a place in Islamabad and arrested over 30 members of banned Hizb-ul-Tehreer on Saturday.
The police, on a tip-off, raided a house located in Sector F-8/3 where a secrete meeting of the banned outfit was underway. Police arrested over 30 workers of Hizb-ul-Tehreer form there.
The arrested have been shifted to Maragala Police Station for investigation.
Police raided a place in Islamabad and arrested over 30 members of banned Hizb-ul-Tehreer on Saturday.
The police, on a tip-off, raided a house located in Sector F-8/3 where a secrete meeting of the banned outfit was underway. Police arrested over 30 workers of Hizb-ul-Tehreer form there.
The arrested have been shifted to Maragala Police Station for investigation.
Nawaz urges govt not to pass ‘corruption’ from Parliament
LAHORE:
Pakistan Muslim League-N Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif has raised objection on use of Parliament for passing ‘corruption’ into law.
Talking to media here in Model Town on Saturday, Nawaz Sharif urged the government not to pass National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) by the Parliament. “If this law is passed, it will be a stigma on (National) Assembly,” he added.
He said the government should avoid putting the Parliament, opposition and itself to a test. “Because if (NRO) is passed, ‘corruption’ will get a legal cover,” he maintained, adding, “this will not only bring a bad name to the politicians but also to Pakistan.”
The PML-N Chief said the government will have to break the begging bowl if it holds dear the sovereignty of the country. He said the country can manage without aid.
“The nation should be ready to stand on its own feet,” he said, adding, “the country can progress if the people pay taxes and work hard.”
Pakistan Muslim League-N Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif has raised objection on use of Parliament for passing ‘corruption’ into law.
Talking to media here in Model Town on Saturday, Nawaz Sharif urged the government not to pass National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) by the Parliament. “If this law is passed, it will be a stigma on (National) Assembly,” he added.
He said the government should avoid putting the Parliament, opposition and itself to a test. “Because if (NRO) is passed, ‘corruption’ will get a legal cover,” he maintained, adding, “this will not only bring a bad name to the politicians but also to Pakistan.”
The PML-N Chief said the government will have to break the begging bowl if it holds dear the sovereignty of the country. He said the country can manage without aid.
“The nation should be ready to stand on its own feet,” he said, adding, “the country can progress if the people pay taxes and work hard.”
Friday, October 16, 2009
SHC stays CDGK from receiving infrastructure tax
KARACHI:
Sindh High Court (SHC) stayed Karachi’s district government to receive infrastructure tax and set November 3 for further hearing of the petition against this tax, Geo News reported Friday.
The petitioner Syed Ashraf Hussain opined in the petition that City Government made it binding on all its departments not to sanction the transfer, sell or purchase of any property in Karachi, until the infrastructure tax is not paid against this property.
The petitioner’s counsel Syed Abdul Waheed Hussaini told the court that this tax is legally controversial and that such strict orders as these cannot be given regarding the issue being heard at the court.
The court issued the interim stay order and directed the various departments of the District Government and Government of Sindh to submit their response by November 3.
Sindh High Court (SHC) stayed Karachi’s district government to receive infrastructure tax and set November 3 for further hearing of the petition against this tax, Geo News reported Friday.
The petitioner Syed Ashraf Hussain opined in the petition that City Government made it binding on all its departments not to sanction the transfer, sell or purchase of any property in Karachi, until the infrastructure tax is not paid against this property.
The petitioner’s counsel Syed Abdul Waheed Hussaini told the court that this tax is legally controversial and that such strict orders as these cannot be given regarding the issue being heard at the court.
The court issued the interim stay order and directed the various departments of the District Government and Government of Sindh to submit their response by November 3.
PM chaired meeting reviews country’s security
ISLAMABAD:
The top political and military leadership were unanimous in expressing the need for elimination of terrorist elements challenging the writ of estate with an aim to ensure the integrity and security of the country at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani here on Friday.
A statement issued by the PM House after the meeting, said a consensus already exists in the country on rooting out terrorism and extremism from the country.
The political leadership has severely condemned the acts of terrorism in the country.
The official statement saw the current wave of terrorism as a threat to the country’s integrity and underlined the need for crushing the elements responsible for this. “The country will have to be purged of the terrorist elements for establishing writ of the government,” the statement stressed.
The political leadership lauded the efforts being made and sacrifices rendered by the Army with the aim to purge militancy and extremism from the country.
Besides PM and COAS, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, ISI Chief General Ahmed Shuja Pasha, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, Governor Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad, Governor NWFP Awais Ahmed Ghani, chief ministers of the four provinces, ANP Chief Asfandyar Wali, PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Opposition Leader in National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar, Deputy Convener of MQM’s Rabita Committee Dr. Farooq Sattar, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira, Senator Raza Rabbani, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin were present at the meeting.
The top political and military leadership were unanimous in expressing the need for elimination of terrorist elements challenging the writ of estate with an aim to ensure the integrity and security of the country at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani here on Friday.
A statement issued by the PM House after the meeting, said a consensus already exists in the country on rooting out terrorism and extremism from the country.
The political leadership has severely condemned the acts of terrorism in the country.
The official statement saw the current wave of terrorism as a threat to the country’s integrity and underlined the need for crushing the elements responsible for this. “The country will have to be purged of the terrorist elements for establishing writ of the government,” the statement stressed.
The political leadership lauded the efforts being made and sacrifices rendered by the Army with the aim to purge militancy and extremism from the country.
Besides PM and COAS, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, ISI Chief General Ahmed Shuja Pasha, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, Governor Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad, Governor NWFP Awais Ahmed Ghani, chief ministers of the four provinces, ANP Chief Asfandyar Wali, PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Opposition Leader in National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar, Deputy Convener of MQM’s Rabita Committee Dr. Farooq Sattar, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira, Senator Raza Rabbani, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin were present at the meeting.
Kerry-Lugar Bill won't harm Pakistan sovereignty: Qureshi
ISLAMABAD:
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Friday that Kerry-Lugar Bill would not harm the sovereignty and solidarity of Pakistan.
The bill would not entail interference in internal affairs of the country, rather it is a manifestation of the fact that Washington desires to build long-term partnership with the people of Pakistan, he said while winding up a debate in the Senate.
The minister said that he conveyed the concerns of the people of Pakistan and the two Houses of the Parliament to the US leadership, which acted within 24 hours and attached two documents with it to ally "fears about it."
"During my meeting with Secretary of State Hilary Clinton I categorically told her that we will never compromise on national interests and never allow micro-management of our country," he said emphatically.
Qureshi said during his meetings with Senators John Kerry and Richard Lugar and other top US leaders he minced no words in highlighting Pakistan's stance.
He also said that he plainly told them that Pakistan has changed now and "we are a democratic government answerable to our people. "I told them that they were used to one-window operation in Pakistan but those days are gone when they used to deal with one person, said the minister.
The minister quoted Senator Kerry and Lugar as writing in the attached documents. "We want to emphasize that the legislation does not seek to compromise on Pakistan's national security and impinge on national security or micro-manage any aspect of Pakistan's military or civilian matters".
He said that they also told him that any interpretation that does not respect the sovereignty would be against the congressional intent.
The foreign minister said that for the first time the United States has decided to support a democratic government and the bill was passed unanimously by both Houses of the Congress, which manifests that Washington wants long-term partnership with the people of the Pakistan.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Friday that Kerry-Lugar Bill would not harm the sovereignty and solidarity of Pakistan.
The bill would not entail interference in internal affairs of the country, rather it is a manifestation of the fact that Washington desires to build long-term partnership with the people of Pakistan, he said while winding up a debate in the Senate.
The minister said that he conveyed the concerns of the people of Pakistan and the two Houses of the Parliament to the US leadership, which acted within 24 hours and attached two documents with it to ally "fears about it."
"During my meeting with Secretary of State Hilary Clinton I categorically told her that we will never compromise on national interests and never allow micro-management of our country," he said emphatically.
Qureshi said during his meetings with Senators John Kerry and Richard Lugar and other top US leaders he minced no words in highlighting Pakistan's stance.
He also said that he plainly told them that Pakistan has changed now and "we are a democratic government answerable to our people. "I told them that they were used to one-window operation in Pakistan but those days are gone when they used to deal with one person, said the minister.
The minister quoted Senator Kerry and Lugar as writing in the attached documents. "We want to emphasize that the legislation does not seek to compromise on Pakistan's national security and impinge on national security or micro-manage any aspect of Pakistan's military or civilian matters".
He said that they also told him that any interpretation that does not respect the sovereignty would be against the congressional intent.
The foreign minister said that for the first time the United States has decided to support a democratic government and the bill was passed unanimously by both Houses of the Congress, which manifests that Washington wants long-term partnership with the people of the Pakistan.
38 arrested in Karachi, walky talky recovered
KARACHI:
Thirty-eight offenders have been arrested and FC uniforms and walky talky recovered during a raid of police in Sharafi goth area of Karachi.
According to SP Landhi Haider Sultan, most of the arrested offenders belonged to NWFP.FC uniforms and walky talky also recovered from their possessions, he added.
Thirty-eight offenders have been arrested and FC uniforms and walky talky recovered during a raid of police in Sharafi goth area of Karachi.
According to SP Landhi Haider Sultan, most of the arrested offenders belonged to NWFP.FC uniforms and walky talky also recovered from their possessions, he added.
Police arrest four suspected terrorists from Lahore, Multan
LAHORE:
Punjab Police have arrested four alleged terrorists from Lahore and Multan by conducting raids following attacks on offices of law enforcing agencies in Lahore.
Intelligence sources said, police raided a place in Multan and arrested an expert engineer who prepares jackets used in suicide attacks. The man is, said to be, linked with Amjad Farooq Group of Tehreek-e-Taliban Punjab.
Another raid was conducted in Sherakot area of Lahore on the lead provided by the alleged terrorist. As a result, alleged terrorists Sher Rabbani, Hikmatullah and Musa Khan were nabbed.
Musa Khan is said to have come to Lahore from Afghanistan 20 days ago.
Weapons, ball bearings and jihadi literature have been recovered from their possession.
Meanwhile, a number of suspects including a woman have been arrested on charges involvement in the attack on Elite Force Training Center in Bedian.
Punjab Police have arrested four alleged terrorists from Lahore and Multan by conducting raids following attacks on offices of law enforcing agencies in Lahore.
Intelligence sources said, police raided a place in Multan and arrested an expert engineer who prepares jackets used in suicide attacks. The man is, said to be, linked with Amjad Farooq Group of Tehreek-e-Taliban Punjab.
Another raid was conducted in Sherakot area of Lahore on the lead provided by the alleged terrorist. As a result, alleged terrorists Sher Rabbani, Hikmatullah and Musa Khan were nabbed.
Musa Khan is said to have come to Lahore from Afghanistan 20 days ago.
Weapons, ball bearings and jihadi literature have been recovered from their possession.
Meanwhile, a number of suspects including a woman have been arrested on charges involvement in the attack on Elite Force Training Center in Bedian.
Jacobabad: 19 foreigners arrested from passenger busses
JACOBABAD:
Kashmor Police have arrested 19 foreigners from two passenger busses en-rout to Karachi from Peshawar.
Security has been high alerted at Punjab-Sindh border following recent deadly terrorist activities in the country, Kashmor police said.
Police arrested 16 Afghan nationals from one bus and 3 Tajiks from another. These men were traveling without proper documents.
They were shifted to Gudu Police Station for investigation.
Kashmor Police have arrested 19 foreigners from two passenger busses en-rout to Karachi from Peshawar.
Security has been high alerted at Punjab-Sindh border following recent deadly terrorist activities in the country, Kashmor police said.
Police arrested 16 Afghan nationals from one bus and 3 Tajiks from another. These men were traveling without proper documents.
They were shifted to Gudu Police Station for investigation.
Train stopped at Dhabeji on bomb report
KARACHI:
Express Train Tezgam has been stopped at Dhabeji Railway Station, as there is report regarding the presence of bomb on board train, Geo News reported Friday.
The train was en route from Karachi to Lahore. According to sources, the train is being scoured for bomb, after the commuters were taken out of the train.
Express Train Tezgam has been stopped at Dhabeji Railway Station, as there is report regarding the presence of bomb on board train, Geo News reported Friday.
The train was en route from Karachi to Lahore. According to sources, the train is being scoured for bomb, after the commuters were taken out of the train.
PAF Degree College employee, 2 daughters killed in Peshawar blast
PESHAWAR:
An employee of PAF Degree College along with his two daughters was killed in today’s suicide blast in Peshawar.
The admin officer of PAF Degree College was walking past the blast site at the time of attack along with his two daughters, Naheed and Asia. They were on motorcycle and heading towards their home located in Swati Phatak.
As they were passing from in front of FIA office, a powerful blast killed all the three at the scene.
Naheed,25, was a lecturer in PAF Degree College and she was to marry in December. Asia, 13, was a student of class 7.
An employee of PAF Degree College along with his two daughters was killed in today’s suicide blast in Peshawar.
The admin officer of PAF Degree College was walking past the blast site at the time of attack along with his two daughters, Naheed and Asia. They were on motorcycle and heading towards their home located in Swati Phatak.
As they were passing from in front of FIA office, a powerful blast killed all the three at the scene.
Naheed,25, was a lecturer in PAF Degree College and she was to marry in December. Asia, 13, was a student of class 7.
Suicide bomber kills 12 in north Iraq mosque
MOSUL:
Twelve worshippers were killed in an Iraqi mosque on Friday as a suicide bomber shot dead the prayer leader and then blew himself up in a town near the restive northern city of Mosul.
The attack during the prayers targeted a Sunni Arab mosque in Tal Afar, a mostly Shiite Turkmen town in Nineveh province between the city of Mosul and the Syrian border.
It took place on the Muslim holy day of prayer and left 67 people wounded, police and medical officials said.
Witnesses and security officials said that after the mosque's imam began to speak, the attacker pulled out a gun and shot him, then set off a belt full of explosives as other worshippers tried to tackle him.
"As the imam took his place and began to speak, someone in a black jacket pulled out a gun and killed him, shouting 'Allahu Akbar' (God is greatest)," said Mohammed Othman, who suffered chest and head injuries in the blast.
"When the people went after him, he blew himself up," the man in his 40s said, speaking from Tal Afar hospital.
Salah Ahmed, a 49-year-old worker who was sitting outside the mosque when he heard the gunshots, said he ran to "try and see what was going on, but then the explosion happened. I woke up to find myself in the hospital."
Dr Hanni Mohammed at Tal Afar Hospital said the facility had received 12 dead bodies so far, and added that 67 people had been wounded, some of them taken to clinics close to the mosque.
"Some of the wounded have very serious injuries, and some of them are undergoing surgery," he told media.
Imam Abdel Satar Hassan was a member of the Iraqi Islamic Party, a Sunni grouping which said it did not know why the attacker would have targeted Hassan.
Reported by Bin Ghazi
Twelve worshippers were killed in an Iraqi mosque on Friday as a suicide bomber shot dead the prayer leader and then blew himself up in a town near the restive northern city of Mosul.
The attack during the prayers targeted a Sunni Arab mosque in Tal Afar, a mostly Shiite Turkmen town in Nineveh province between the city of Mosul and the Syrian border.
It took place on the Muslim holy day of prayer and left 67 people wounded, police and medical officials said.
Witnesses and security officials said that after the mosque's imam began to speak, the attacker pulled out a gun and shot him, then set off a belt full of explosives as other worshippers tried to tackle him.
"As the imam took his place and began to speak, someone in a black jacket pulled out a gun and killed him, shouting 'Allahu Akbar' (God is greatest)," said Mohammed Othman, who suffered chest and head injuries in the blast.
"When the people went after him, he blew himself up," the man in his 40s said, speaking from Tal Afar hospital.
Salah Ahmed, a 49-year-old worker who was sitting outside the mosque when he heard the gunshots, said he ran to "try and see what was going on, but then the explosion happened. I woke up to find myself in the hospital."
Dr Hanni Mohammed at Tal Afar Hospital said the facility had received 12 dead bodies so far, and added that 67 people had been wounded, some of them taken to clinics close to the mosque.
"Some of the wounded have very serious injuries, and some of them are undergoing surgery," he told media.
Imam Abdel Satar Hassan was a member of the Iraqi Islamic Party, a Sunni grouping which said it did not know why the attacker would have targeted Hassan.
Reported by Bin Ghazi
Italians bribed Taliban to avert attacks
KABUL:
A Taliban commander and two senior Afghan officials confirmed that Italian forces paid protection money to prevent attacks on their troops.
After furious denials in Rome of a British paper report that the Italian authorities had paid the bribes, the Afghans gave further details of the practice. Mohammed Ishmayel, a Taliban commander, said that a deal was struck last year so that Italian forces in the Salobi area, east of Kabul, were not attacked by local insurgents.
The payment of protection money was revealed after the death of ten French soldiers in August 2008 at the hands of large Taliban force in Sarobi. French forces had taken over the district from Italian troops, but were unaware of secret Italian payments to local commanders to stop attacks on their forces and consequently misjudged local threat levels.
A Taliban commander and two senior Afghan officials confirmed that Italian forces paid protection money to prevent attacks on their troops.
After furious denials in Rome of a British paper report that the Italian authorities had paid the bribes, the Afghans gave further details of the practice. Mohammed Ishmayel, a Taliban commander, said that a deal was struck last year so that Italian forces in the Salobi area, east of Kabul, were not attacked by local insurgents.
The payment of protection money was revealed after the death of ten French soldiers in August 2008 at the hands of large Taliban force in Sarobi. French forces had taken over the district from Italian troops, but were unaware of secret Italian payments to local commanders to stop attacks on their forces and consequently misjudged local threat levels.
Italians bribed Taliban to avert attacks
KABUL:
A Taliban commander and two senior Afghan officials confirmed that Italian forces paid protection money to prevent attacks on their troops.
After furious denials in Rome of a British paper report that the Italian authorities had paid the bribes, the Afghans gave further details of the practice. Mohammed Ishmayel, a Taliban commander, said that a deal was struck last year so that Italian forces in the Salobi area, east of Kabul, were not attacked by local insurgents.
The payment of protection money was revealed after the death of ten French soldiers in August 2008 at the hands of large Taliban force in Sarobi. French forces had taken over the district from Italian troops, but were unaware of secret Italian payments to local commanders to stop attacks on their forces and consequently misjudged local threat levels.
A Taliban commander and two senior Afghan officials confirmed that Italian forces paid protection money to prevent attacks on their troops.
After furious denials in Rome of a British paper report that the Italian authorities had paid the bribes, the Afghans gave further details of the practice. Mohammed Ishmayel, a Taliban commander, said that a deal was struck last year so that Italian forces in the Salobi area, east of Kabul, were not attacked by local insurgents.
The payment of protection money was revealed after the death of ten French soldiers in August 2008 at the hands of large Taliban force in Sarobi. French forces had taken over the district from Italian troops, but were unaware of secret Italian payments to local commanders to stop attacks on their forces and consequently misjudged local threat levels.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Al Qaeda's Afghan head contacted Zazi
New York:
The airport shuttle driver accused of plotting a bombing in New York had contacts with al Qaeda that went nearly all the way to the top, to an Osama bin Laden confidant believed to be the terrorist group's leader in Afghanistan, US intelligence offic
ials told a news agency.
Mustafa Abu al-Yazid, an Egyptian reputed to be one of the founders of the terrorist network, used a middleman to contact Afghan immigrant Najibullah Zazi as the 24-year-old man hatched a plot to use homemade backpack bombs, perhaps on the city's mass transit system, the two intelligence officials said.
Intelligence officials declined to discuss the nature of the contact or whether al-Yazid contacted Zazi to offer simple encouragement or help with the bombing plot prosecutors say Zazi was pursuing.
Al-Yazid's contact with Zazi indicates that al Qaeda leadership took an intense interest in what US officials have called one of the most serious terrorism threats crafted on US soil since the 9/11 attacks.
"Zazi working with the al Qaeda core is exceptionally alarming," said Daniel Bynam of the Brookings Institution's Saban Centre. "The al Qaeda core is capable of far more effective terrorist attacks than jihadist terrorists acting on their own, and coordination with the core also enables bin Laden to choose the timing to maximise the benefit to his organisation."
US intelligence officials said earlier that Zazi had contact with an unnamed senior al Qaeda operative. That helped distinguish Zazi from other would-be terrorists who have acted on their own in planning or attempting US attacks.
The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the case remains under investigation, declined to describe al-Yazid's specific interaction with Zazi, who has pleaded not guilty to conspiring to use weapons of mass destruction. But one senior US intelligence official said the contact between Zazi and the senior al Qaeda leader occurred through an intermediary.
Just weeks before US intelligence officials identified Zazi as a possible terrorist threat in late August, John Brennan, President Barack Obama's top domestic terrorism adviser, told a Washington audience that "another attack on the US homeland remains the top priority for the al Qaeda senior leadership."
US intelligence officials and prosecutors have said that Zazi was recruited and trained by al Qaeda. They say he and others travelled last year to Pakistan to receive the training.
Prosecutors say Zazi, during meetings with federal investigators before his arrest last month, "admitted that he received instructions from al Qaeda operatives on subjects such as weapons and explosives" during his trip to Pakistan.
Arthur Folsom, Zazi's Denver lawyer, said Wednesday he was not aware of a claim that his client had contact with al-Yazid or any other senior al Qaeda leader. He said Zazi told investigators he met with a number of people while in Pakistan.
The airport shuttle driver accused of plotting a bombing in New York had contacts with al Qaeda that went nearly all the way to the top, to an Osama bin Laden confidant believed to be the terrorist group's leader in Afghanistan, US intelligence offic
ials told a news agency.Mustafa Abu al-Yazid, an Egyptian reputed to be one of the founders of the terrorist network, used a middleman to contact Afghan immigrant Najibullah Zazi as the 24-year-old man hatched a plot to use homemade backpack bombs, perhaps on the city's mass transit system, the two intelligence officials said.
Al-Yazid's contact with Zazi indicates that al Qaeda leadership took an intense interest in what US officials have called one of the most serious terrorism threats crafted on US soil since the 9/11 attacks.
"Zazi working with the al Qaeda core is exceptionally alarming," said Daniel Bynam of the Brookings Institution's Saban Centre. "The al Qaeda core is capable of far more effective terrorist attacks than jihadist terrorists acting on their own, and coordination with the core also enables bin Laden to choose the timing to maximise the benefit to his organisation."
US intelligence officials said earlier that Zazi had contact with an unnamed senior al Qaeda operative. That helped distinguish Zazi from other would-be terrorists who have acted on their own in planning or attempting US attacks.
The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the case remains under investigation, declined to describe al-Yazid's specific interaction with Zazi, who has pleaded not guilty to conspiring to use weapons of mass destruction. But one senior US intelligence official said the contact between Zazi and the senior al Qaeda leader occurred through an intermediary.
Just weeks before US intelligence officials identified Zazi as a possible terrorist threat in late August, John Brennan, President Barack Obama's top domestic terrorism adviser, told a Washington audience that "another attack on the US homeland remains the top priority for the al Qaeda senior leadership."
US intelligence officials and prosecutors have said that Zazi was recruited and trained by al Qaeda. They say he and others travelled last year to Pakistan to receive the training.
Prosecutors say Zazi, during meetings with federal investigators before his arrest last month, "admitted that he received instructions from al Qaeda operatives on subjects such as weapons and explosives" during his trip to Pakistan.
Arthur Folsom, Zazi's Denver lawyer, said Wednesday he was not aware of a claim that his client had contact with al-Yazid or any other senior al Qaeda leader. He said Zazi told investigators he met with a number of people while in Pakistan.
Firing at FIA building in Lahore: police
LAHORE:
Gunshots have been fired at FIA building in Lahore.
According to Geo News, police said that 4 unidentified gunmen fired gunshots on FIA building situated on Temple Road, in Lahore Thursday.
Interior Secretary Lahore said that two of the unidentified gunmen have been killed.
Gunshots have been fired at FIA building in Lahore.
According to Geo News, police said that 4 unidentified gunmen fired gunshots on FIA building situated on Temple Road, in Lahore Thursday.
Interior Secretary Lahore said that two of the unidentified gunmen have been killed.
Multiple Lahore attacks chained together: Rehman
ISLAMABAD:
Federal Interior Minister, Rehman Malik said the multiple attacks in Lahore are chained together.
Talking to Geo News, the Federal Minister said the terrorists are mercenaries who are working for money.
The Minister said the Interior Ministry had the reports of terrorists attack on the buildings of law enforcement agencies and that the reports had been delivered to the concerned departments.
“Enemy is fighting a gorilla war, however the law enforcement agencies are fully alert.”
Rehman saluted the law enforcement agencies for bravely fighting the terrorists.
He said the wave of terrorism may continue for a few more weeks, however he promised the nation to control the terror activities soon.
A full-fledged operation will be started shortly as Rangers have arrived in Bedian and Manawa, he added.
Federal Interior Minister, Rehman Malik said the multiple attacks in Lahore are chained together.
Talking to Geo News, the Federal Minister said the terrorists are mercenaries who are working for money.
The Minister said the Interior Ministry had the reports of terrorists attack on the buildings of law enforcement agencies and that the reports had been delivered to the concerned departments.
“Enemy is fighting a gorilla war, however the law enforcement agencies are fully alert.”
Rehman saluted the law enforcement agencies for bravely fighting the terrorists.
He said the wave of terrorism may continue for a few more weeks, however he promised the nation to control the terror activities soon.
A full-fledged operation will be started shortly as Rangers have arrived in Bedian and Manawa, he added.
Lahore Attacks: 8 terrorists killed, several security men martyred
LAHORE:
Once again terrorists attacked three security forces buildings in Lahore today.
As per reports, unidentified terrorists targeted Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) building, Manawa Police Training Centre and Eliot Force Training Centre situated at Bedian Road.
In the first incident, unidentified terrorists targeted FIA building situated at Temple Road.
According to the SP Civil Lines, Dr Haider, 5 persons have been killed in the incident, however the building is reported clear now.
Geo News Nadeem Alvi said three FIA men have been martyred, whereas a terrorist killed, while a dead body is yet to be identified.
On the other hand Ganga Ram Hospital Administration confirmed that seven dead bodies have been transferred to the health facility.
Unidentified terrorists also attacked the Eliot Force Training Centre situated at Bedian Road and Manawan Police Training Centre.
According to reports six armed terrorists, wearing militia uniforms, barged in the Bedian and Manawan training centres and opened gunfire after throwing hand grenades.
Exchange of gunfire continues in both the buildings, whereas loud blasts are also being heard.
Police Jawans are battling bravely with the terrorists and helicopters continue aerial surveillance.
It may be recalled that Manawa training centre is situated some five kilometre away from Bedian and FIA building, Eliot Force Training Centre and Manawa Police Training Centre have today been targeted simultaneously.
Lahore Attacks: Tehreek-e-Taliban claims responsibility
LAHORE: Outlawed outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban has claimed responsibility for the multiple attacks in Lahore.
It may be recalled about 25 to 30 unidentified terrorists had attacked FIA Headquarter, Eliot Police Headquarter and Manawan Police Training Centre in Lahore today.
Several people were killed and many sustained injuries in the exchange of gunfire
Once again terrorists attacked three security forces buildings in Lahore today.
As per reports, unidentified terrorists targeted Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) building, Manawa Police Training Centre and Eliot Force Training Centre situated at Bedian Road.
In the first incident, unidentified terrorists targeted FIA building situated at Temple Road.
According to the SP Civil Lines, Dr Haider, 5 persons have been killed in the incident, however the building is reported clear now.
Geo News Nadeem Alvi said three FIA men have been martyred, whereas a terrorist killed, while a dead body is yet to be identified.
On the other hand Ganga Ram Hospital Administration confirmed that seven dead bodies have been transferred to the health facility.
Unidentified terrorists also attacked the Eliot Force Training Centre situated at Bedian Road and Manawan Police Training Centre.
According to reports six armed terrorists, wearing militia uniforms, barged in the Bedian and Manawan training centres and opened gunfire after throwing hand grenades.
Exchange of gunfire continues in both the buildings, whereas loud blasts are also being heard.
Police Jawans are battling bravely with the terrorists and helicopters continue aerial surveillance.
It may be recalled that Manawa training centre is situated some five kilometre away from Bedian and FIA building, Eliot Force Training Centre and Manawa Police Training Centre have today been targeted simultaneously.
Lahore Attacks: Tehreek-e-Taliban claims responsibility
LAHORE: Outlawed outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban has claimed responsibility for the multiple attacks in Lahore.
It may be recalled about 25 to 30 unidentified terrorists had attacked FIA Headquarter, Eliot Police Headquarter and Manawan Police Training Centre in Lahore today.
Several people were killed and many sustained injuries in the exchange of gunfire
Death toll rises to 10 in Kohat suicide blast
KOHAT:
Death toll has risen to 10 in the suicide blast at Saddar police station, Kohat, whereas many others sustained injuries Thursday.
According to Geo News, three policemen include the deceased.
Relief work continues on the spot and wreckage is being removed.
Eyewitness told a suicide bomber rammed the police station building with his whit explosive-laden wagon resulting in an ear-splitting blast.
The blast severely damaged the police station building and rocked the area.
According to hospital sources, over 12 persons have received injures.
The injured have been transferred to District Hospital Kohat and Liaqat Hospital and security officials have sealed the area.
Meanwhile, bomb-disposal squad has reached the spot for investigations.
Death toll has risen to 10 in the suicide blast at Saddar police station, Kohat, whereas many others sustained injuries Thursday.
According to Geo News, three policemen include the deceased.
Relief work continues on the spot and wreckage is being removed.
Eyewitness told a suicide bomber rammed the police station building with his whit explosive-laden wagon resulting in an ear-splitting blast.
The blast severely damaged the police station building and rocked the area.
According to hospital sources, over 12 persons have received injures.
The injured have been transferred to District Hospital Kohat and Liaqat Hospital and security officials have sealed the area.
Meanwhile, bomb-disposal squad has reached the spot for investigations.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Younis fans stage demo outside Gaddafi Stadium
LAHORE:
The fans of Pakistan cricket Wednesday staged a protest demonstration in favour of skipper national cricket team Younis Khan, calling for resignation of Jamsheed Dasti and insisting Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to retain Younis as captain national team, Geo news reported.
The protesters were holding play cards and banners with slogans supporting Younis Khan and calling for resignation of Jamsheed Dasti, the chairman standing committee of National Assembly, source said.
According to details, they kept chanting slogans, saying Younis Khan is a national hero who led national team with spirit and enthusiasm to lift World Cup Twenty20 title but some of the elements want to defame him.
The urged upon chairman PCB Ejaz Butt not to accept Younis resignation and ratain him skipper national cricket side.
The fans of Pakistan cricket Wednesday staged a protest demonstration in favour of skipper national cricket team Younis Khan, calling for resignation of Jamsheed Dasti and insisting Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to retain Younis as captain national team, Geo news reported.
The protesters were holding play cards and banners with slogans supporting Younis Khan and calling for resignation of Jamsheed Dasti, the chairman standing committee of National Assembly, source said.
According to details, they kept chanting slogans, saying Younis Khan is a national hero who led national team with spirit and enthusiasm to lift World Cup Twenty20 title but some of the elements want to defame him.
The urged upon chairman PCB Ejaz Butt not to accept Younis resignation and ratain him skipper national cricket side.
Srdar Yaqoob free to rejoin Muslim Conference: Atiq
MUZAFFARABAD:
The president Muslim Conference Sardar Atiq Ahmed has said the nominated hopeful for membership of Muslim Conference will be Raja Farooq Haider Khan even if house goes for voting on selection of leader of the house, Geo news reported.
He said this during a press conference here. H said Sardar Yaqoob is a member of Muslim Conference and can rejoin at any time.
The president Muslim Conference Sardar Atiq Ahmed has said the nominated hopeful for membership of Muslim Conference will be Raja Farooq Haider Khan even if house goes for voting on selection of leader of the house, Geo news reported.
He said this during a press conference here. H said Sardar Yaqoob is a member of Muslim Conference and can rejoin at any time.
Russia's Putin warns against sanctions on Iran
BEIJING:
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin warned major powers on Wednesday against intimidating Iran and said talk of sanctions against the Islamic Republic over its nuclear programme was "premature".
Putin, who many diplomats, analysts, and Russian citizens believe is still Russia's paramount leader despite stepping down as president last year, was speaking after U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Moscow for two days of talks.
"There is no need to frighten the Iranians," Putin told reporters in Beijing after a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
"We need to look for a compromise. If a compromise is not found, and the discussions end in a fiasco, then we will see."
"And if now, before making any steps (towards holding talks) we start announcing some sanctions, then we won't be creating favorable conditions for them (talks) to end positively. This is why it is premature to talk about this now."
Clinton failed to secure any specific assurances from Russia on Iran during her visit, leaving her open to criticism at home that she had not received anything from Moscow after earlier U.S. concessions on missile defence.
Iranian, Russian, French, U.S. and U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency officials will meet in Vienna on Oct. 19 to discuss how to implement a plan agreed in principle at talks in Geneva for low-grade Iranian uranium to be enriched overseas to a purity suitable for nuclear reactors but not weapons.
The Geneva talks on Oct. 1 also produced Iranian agreement for international inspectors to visit a second enrichment plant now under construction near Qom. Apparent Iranian concession reduced pressure for a widening of economic sanctions some analysts said could be extended to the oil and gas industry.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin warned major powers on Wednesday against intimidating Iran and said talk of sanctions against the Islamic Republic over its nuclear programme was "premature".
Putin, who many diplomats, analysts, and Russian citizens believe is still Russia's paramount leader despite stepping down as president last year, was speaking after U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Moscow for two days of talks.
"There is no need to frighten the Iranians," Putin told reporters in Beijing after a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
"We need to look for a compromise. If a compromise is not found, and the discussions end in a fiasco, then we will see."
"And if now, before making any steps (towards holding talks) we start announcing some sanctions, then we won't be creating favorable conditions for them (talks) to end positively. This is why it is premature to talk about this now."
Clinton failed to secure any specific assurances from Russia on Iran during her visit, leaving her open to criticism at home that she had not received anything from Moscow after earlier U.S. concessions on missile defence.
Iranian, Russian, French, U.S. and U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency officials will meet in Vienna on Oct. 19 to discuss how to implement a plan agreed in principle at talks in Geneva for low-grade Iranian uranium to be enriched overseas to a purity suitable for nuclear reactors but not weapons.
The Geneva talks on Oct. 1 also produced Iranian agreement for international inspectors to visit a second enrichment plant now under construction near Qom. Apparent Iranian concession reduced pressure for a widening of economic sanctions some analysts said could be extended to the oil and gas industry.
Firing at FIA building in Lahore: police
LAHORE:
Gunshots have been fired at FIA building in Lahore.
According to Geo News, police said that 4 unidentified gunmen fired gunshots on FIA building situated on Temple Road, in Lahore Thursday.
Interior Secretary Lahore said that two of the unidentified gunmen have been killed.
Gunshots have been fired at FIA building in Lahore.
According to Geo News, police said that 4 unidentified gunmen fired gunshots on FIA building situated on Temple Road, in Lahore Thursday.
Interior Secretary Lahore said that two of the unidentified gunmen have been killed.
Firing at FIA building in Lahore: police
LAHORE:
Gunshots have been fired at FIA building in Lahore.
According to Geo News, police said that 4 unidentified gunmen fired gunshots on FIA building situated on Temple Road, in Lahore Thursday.
Interior Secretary Lahore said that two of the unidentified gunmen have been killed.
Gunshots have been fired at FIA building in Lahore.
According to Geo News, police said that 4 unidentified gunmen fired gunshots on FIA building situated on Temple Road, in Lahore Thursday.
Interior Secretary Lahore said that two of the unidentified gunmen have been killed.
Child Brides
The Problem of Early, Forced Marriage
Throughout the world, the problem of early, forced marriages of children is considered to be a violation of basic human rights. It has been estimated that 49 countries have a significant child bride problem. Here is an overview of the problem of child brides and solutions to the issue of early marriages.
Saying No to Child Marriage
Breaking out of the tradition to marry young is difficult. These girls do not often receive support from their families to say no to marriage.
Additionally, cultural, economic, and religious aspects of the communities when they live make it nearly impossible for the girls to break free from marrying early.
The Problem of Child Brides and Forced Marriages
* Egypt, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Pakistan, India, and the Middle East:
In the rural villages of these countries many young girls are rarely allowed out of their homes unless it is to work in the fields or to get married.
These uneducated girls are often married off at the young age of 11. Some families allow girls who are only 7 years old to marry. It is very unusual for a girl to reach the age of 16 and not be married.
In Afghanistan
it is believed that between 60 and 80 percent of marriages are forced marriages.
Even though the legal age to get married in Egypt is 16, and in India and Ethiopia, the age is 18, these laws are quite often ignored.
* England and the United States:
The issue of child brides has also reached other countries such as England and the United States where secret illegal weddings are being performed.
Throughout the world, the problem of early, forced marriages of children is considered to be a violation of basic human rights. It has been estimated that 49 countries have a significant child bride problem. Here is an overview of the problem of child brides and solutions to the issue of early marriages.
Saying No to Child Marriage
Breaking out of the tradition to marry young is difficult. These girls do not often receive support from their families to say no to marriage.
Additionally, cultural, economic, and religious aspects of the communities when they live make it nearly impossible for the girls to break free from marrying early.
The Problem of Child Brides and Forced Marriages
* Egypt, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Pakistan, India, and the Middle East:
In the rural villages of these countries many young girls are rarely allowed out of their homes unless it is to work in the fields or to get married.
These uneducated girls are often married off at the young age of 11. Some families allow girls who are only 7 years old to marry. It is very unusual for a girl to reach the age of 16 and not be married.
In Afghanistan
it is believed that between 60 and 80 percent of marriages are forced marriages.
Even though the legal age to get married in Egypt is 16, and in India and Ethiopia, the age is 18, these laws are quite often ignored.
* England and the United States:
The issue of child brides has also reached other countries such as England and the United States where secret illegal weddings are being performed.
LB system to continue till Dec 31
ISLAMABAD :
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) stricken a compromise on Local Bodies system and announced to keep the system intact by 31 December 2009, Geo News reported Wednesday.
A delegation of Muttehada Qaumi Movement (MQM) called on President Asif Ali Zardari in the Presidency today afternoon and discussed issues relating to the coalition government and law and order situation in Sindh.
The MQM delegation comprised Governor Sindh Dr. Ishratul Ibad Khan, Federal Ministers Dr. Farooq Sattar, Dr. Babar Ghouri, Provincial Ministers and Parliamentarians.
Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Federal Ministers Senator Rehman Malik, Syed Khurshid Shah, Syed Naveed Qamar and Chairman NRB Dr. Asim Hussain were also present during the meeting.
It may be recalled that during President’s meeting with MQM Chief Altaf Hussain in London, it had been agreed that the two coalition partners periodically meet to sort out coalition matters.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) stricken a compromise on Local Bodies system and announced to keep the system intact by 31 December 2009, Geo News reported Wednesday.
A delegation of Muttehada Qaumi Movement (MQM) called on President Asif Ali Zardari in the Presidency today afternoon and discussed issues relating to the coalition government and law and order situation in Sindh.
The MQM delegation comprised Governor Sindh Dr. Ishratul Ibad Khan, Federal Ministers Dr. Farooq Sattar, Dr. Babar Ghouri, Provincial Ministers and Parliamentarians.
Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Federal Ministers Senator Rehman Malik, Syed Khurshid Shah, Syed Naveed Qamar and Chairman NRB Dr. Asim Hussain were also present during the meeting.
It may be recalled that during President’s meeting with MQM Chief Altaf Hussain in London, it had been agreed that the two coalition partners periodically meet to sort out coalition matters.
NEPRA imposes penalty on KESC on failing to deliver
ISLAMABAD: National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has imposed a penalty of Rs600,000 on poor performance.
According to a statement issued by NEPRA, it if for the first time that the Authority has imposed a penalty on a utility.
It said KESC had failed to restore power supply in Karachi on June 17 and 18, 2009 and the city had to remain powerless for 18 hours. The consumers and media severely criticized the performance of KESC.
NEPRA warned KESC that even more punitive action will be taken against the utility if it continued to frustrate its consumers in future.
According to a statement issued by NEPRA, it if for the first time that the Authority has imposed a penalty on a utility.
It said KESC had failed to restore power supply in Karachi on June 17 and 18, 2009 and the city had to remain powerless for 18 hours. The consumers and media severely criticized the performance of KESC.
NEPRA warned KESC that even more punitive action will be taken against the utility if it continued to frustrate its consumers in future.
Pak-India border forces agree on smuggling stoppage
LAHORE:
The Brigadier Pakistan Rangers Shafqat Rana said India-Pakistan have reached upon agreement for stoppage of smuggling on border and will hold more High-Level meetings to protest with India the incidents of rocket firing from other side of border, Geo news said.
This Brigadier Shafqat said talking to media following the conclusion of quarterly meeting held between Pakistan Rangers (PR) and Indian Border Security Forces (IBSF) here on Tuesday.
He said the meeting discussed issued pertaining to exchange of prisoners, stoppage of smuggling, and curtailing the incidents of firing from two sides of border.
Two sides also agreed upon elimination of rocket firing incidents, he maintained adding, we will get released soon the Pakistani prisoners, imprisoned in India, through exchange of prisoners, meanwhile, India raised its reservations before PR in the meeting, sources added.
Moreover, security personnel from both sides also exchanged gifts to each other on the occasion, sources mainatained.
The Brigadier Pakistan Rangers Shafqat Rana said India-Pakistan have reached upon agreement for stoppage of smuggling on border and will hold more High-Level meetings to protest with India the incidents of rocket firing from other side of border, Geo news said.
This Brigadier Shafqat said talking to media following the conclusion of quarterly meeting held between Pakistan Rangers (PR) and Indian Border Security Forces (IBSF) here on Tuesday.
He said the meeting discussed issued pertaining to exchange of prisoners, stoppage of smuggling, and curtailing the incidents of firing from two sides of border.
Two sides also agreed upon elimination of rocket firing incidents, he maintained adding, we will get released soon the Pakistani prisoners, imprisoned in India, through exchange of prisoners, meanwhile, India raised its reservations before PR in the meeting, sources added.
Moreover, security personnel from both sides also exchanged gifts to each other on the occasion, sources mainatained.
AJK PM Sardar Yaqoob resigns
MUZZAFARABAD:
Prime Minister Azad Kashmir Sardar Yaqoob has resigned from office, sources said on Wednesday.
Sardar Yaqoob is scheduled to address a press conference later today here at Kashmir House.
Prime Minister Azad Kashmir Sardar Yaqoob has resigned from office, sources said on Wednesday.
Sardar Yaqoob is scheduled to address a press conference later today here at Kashmir House.
Roddick retires in first-set knee injury drama
SHANGHAI:
A bad season continued Tuesday for Andy Roddick as the American was forced to retire after injuring his knee in a second-round match at the Shanghai Masters.
Swiss Stan Wawrinka advanced 3-4 after Roddick -- next in the qualifying queue for a place in the eight-man World Tour Finals in London in November -- hurt his knee at 40-all in the eighth game and immediately went to his chair.
The fourth seed was joined by ATP trainer Michael Novotny and a doctor, with Roddick stretched out on his stomach for treatment before giving up and shaking hands after 36 minutes on court.
"The pain is at the back of the (left) knee, and it's enough to make me stop a tennis match. My concern now is to find out what we are dealing with," said Roddick after leaving court.
"I'll go back to the States and get it looked at. I suppose I'm lucky regarding qualifying for (the World Tour Finals) as I do have a bit of a cushion. But my main concern is dealing with this."
The injury could be a serious blow to the former number one, who lost a third Wimbledon final in July to Roger Federer, exited the US Open in the third round and last week lost in the Beijing first round as defending champion.
Roddick was also forced to retire before Wimbledon at Queen's Club when he twisted an ankle in his semi-final against James Blake.
Three other seeds in Shanghai advanced after byes at the penultimate Masters 1000 of the season.
Russian number six Nikolay Davydenko advanced over compatriot Igor Kunitsyn 6-4, 6-2. Davydenko has been on a run of form in the region, winning the Kuala Lumpur title and reaching last week's quarter-finals in Beijing.
Chile Fernando Gonzalez, number 10, beat Brazil's Tomaz Bellucci 6-3, 6-4 while 13th seed Radek Stepanek stopped German Andreas Beck 7-5, 6-4.
In other matches, Roland Garros finalist Robin Soderling of Sweden beat Romanian Victor Hanescu 6-3, 6-4. French 11th seed Gael Monfils will face Australian Lleyton Hewitt after beating compatriot Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-2, 6-2.
A bad season continued Tuesday for Andy Roddick as the American was forced to retire after injuring his knee in a second-round match at the Shanghai Masters.
Swiss Stan Wawrinka advanced 3-4 after Roddick -- next in the qualifying queue for a place in the eight-man World Tour Finals in London in November -- hurt his knee at 40-all in the eighth game and immediately went to his chair.
The fourth seed was joined by ATP trainer Michael Novotny and a doctor, with Roddick stretched out on his stomach for treatment before giving up and shaking hands after 36 minutes on court.
"The pain is at the back of the (left) knee, and it's enough to make me stop a tennis match. My concern now is to find out what we are dealing with," said Roddick after leaving court.
"I'll go back to the States and get it looked at. I suppose I'm lucky regarding qualifying for (the World Tour Finals) as I do have a bit of a cushion. But my main concern is dealing with this."
The injury could be a serious blow to the former number one, who lost a third Wimbledon final in July to Roger Federer, exited the US Open in the third round and last week lost in the Beijing first round as defending champion.
Roddick was also forced to retire before Wimbledon at Queen's Club when he twisted an ankle in his semi-final against James Blake.
Three other seeds in Shanghai advanced after byes at the penultimate Masters 1000 of the season.
Russian number six Nikolay Davydenko advanced over compatriot Igor Kunitsyn 6-4, 6-2. Davydenko has been on a run of form in the region, winning the Kuala Lumpur title and reaching last week's quarter-finals in Beijing.
Chile Fernando Gonzalez, number 10, beat Brazil's Tomaz Bellucci 6-3, 6-4 while 13th seed Radek Stepanek stopped German Andreas Beck 7-5, 6-4.
In other matches, Roland Garros finalist Robin Soderling of Sweden beat Romanian Victor Hanescu 6-3, 6-4. French 11th seed Gael Monfils will face Australian Lleyton Hewitt after beating compatriot Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-2, 6-2.
Roddick retires in first-set knee injury drama
SHANGHAI:
A bad season continued Tuesday for Andy Roddick as the American was forced to retire after injuring his knee in a second-round match at the Shanghai Masters.
Swiss Stan Wawrinka advanced 3-4 after Roddick -- next in the qualifying queue for a place in the eight-man World Tour Finals in London in November -- hurt his knee at 40-all in the eighth game and immediately went to his chair.
The fourth seed was joined by ATP trainer Michael Novotny and a doctor, with Roddick stretched out on his stomach for treatment before giving up and shaking hands after 36 minutes on court.
"The pain is at the back of the (left) knee, and it's enough to make me stop a tennis match. My concern now is to find out what we are dealing with," said Roddick after leaving court.
"I'll go back to the States and get it looked at. I suppose I'm lucky regarding qualifying for (the World Tour Finals) as I do have a bit of a cushion. But my main concern is dealing with this."
The injury could be a serious blow to the former number one, who lost a third Wimbledon final in July to Roger Federer, exited the US Open in the third round and last week lost in the Beijing first round as defending champion.
Roddick was also forced to retire before Wimbledon at Queen's Club when he twisted an ankle in his semi-final against James Blake.
Three other seeds in Shanghai advanced after byes at the penultimate Masters 1000 of the season.
Russian number six Nikolay Davydenko advanced over compatriot Igor Kunitsyn 6-4, 6-2. Davydenko has been on a run of form in the region, winning the Kuala Lumpur title and reaching last week's quarter-finals in Beijing.
Chile Fernando Gonzalez, number 10, beat Brazil's Tomaz Bellucci 6-3, 6-4 while 13th seed Radek Stepanek stopped German Andreas Beck 7-5, 6-4.
In other matches, Roland Garros finalist Robin Soderling of Sweden beat Romanian Victor Hanescu 6-3, 6-4. French 11th seed Gael Monfils will face Australian Lleyton Hewitt after beating compatriot Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-2, 6-2.
A bad season continued Tuesday for Andy Roddick as the American was forced to retire after injuring his knee in a second-round match at the Shanghai Masters.
Swiss Stan Wawrinka advanced 3-4 after Roddick -- next in the qualifying queue for a place in the eight-man World Tour Finals in London in November -- hurt his knee at 40-all in the eighth game and immediately went to his chair.
The fourth seed was joined by ATP trainer Michael Novotny and a doctor, with Roddick stretched out on his stomach for treatment before giving up and shaking hands after 36 minutes on court.
"The pain is at the back of the (left) knee, and it's enough to make me stop a tennis match. My concern now is to find out what we are dealing with," said Roddick after leaving court.
"I'll go back to the States and get it looked at. I suppose I'm lucky regarding qualifying for (the World Tour Finals) as I do have a bit of a cushion. But my main concern is dealing with this."
The injury could be a serious blow to the former number one, who lost a third Wimbledon final in July to Roger Federer, exited the US Open in the third round and last week lost in the Beijing first round as defending champion.
Roddick was also forced to retire before Wimbledon at Queen's Club when he twisted an ankle in his semi-final against James Blake.
Three other seeds in Shanghai advanced after byes at the penultimate Masters 1000 of the season.
Russian number six Nikolay Davydenko advanced over compatriot Igor Kunitsyn 6-4, 6-2. Davydenko has been on a run of form in the region, winning the Kuala Lumpur title and reaching last week's quarter-finals in Beijing.
Chile Fernando Gonzalez, number 10, beat Brazil's Tomaz Bellucci 6-3, 6-4 while 13th seed Radek Stepanek stopped German Andreas Beck 7-5, 6-4.
In other matches, Roland Garros finalist Robin Soderling of Sweden beat Romanian Victor Hanescu 6-3, 6-4. French 11th seed Gael Monfils will face Australian Lleyton Hewitt after beating compatriot Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-2, 6-2.
Pak cueists fall in Iran
KARACHI:
Both the Pakistan’s junior cueists crashed in the knockout stage of the IBSF World Under-21 Snooker Championship 2009 being staged in Keish Island, Iran.
According to the information made available by the Pakistan Billiards & Snooker Association (PBSA) on Tuesday, the reigning national junior champion Asjad Iqbal was toppled by Amir Sarkhoosh of Iran in the pre-quarter-finals and Hamza Akbar was knocked over by Ali N.K. Al Obaidly of Qatar in the last 32 encounter.
Amir Sarkhoosh overpowered Asjad Iqbal 5-3 with the frame scores of 65-57, 96-54, 60-61, 74-22, 32-66, 54-47, 21-77, 80-20 while Ali Obaidly also defeated Hamza Akbar 5-3 with the frame scores being 92-58, 29-56, 95-13, 93-15, 41-67, 52-54, 71-61, 63-45.
Both the Pakistan’s junior cueists crashed in the knockout stage of the IBSF World Under-21 Snooker Championship 2009 being staged in Keish Island, Iran.
According to the information made available by the Pakistan Billiards & Snooker Association (PBSA) on Tuesday, the reigning national junior champion Asjad Iqbal was toppled by Amir Sarkhoosh of Iran in the pre-quarter-finals and Hamza Akbar was knocked over by Ali N.K. Al Obaidly of Qatar in the last 32 encounter.
Amir Sarkhoosh overpowered Asjad Iqbal 5-3 with the frame scores of 65-57, 96-54, 60-61, 74-22, 32-66, 54-47, 21-77, 80-20 while Ali Obaidly also defeated Hamza Akbar 5-3 with the frame scores being 92-58, 29-56, 95-13, 93-15, 41-67, 52-54, 71-61, 63-45.
National Games in NWFP poses threat to players: Punjab sports minister
LAHORE:
Sports Minister of Punjab Dr. Tanveerul Islam has demanded postponement of National Games due to deteriorating law and order situation in NWFP. The games will be held next month in Peshawar.
Talking to Geo News here, provincial minister said security situation in NWFP is not satisfactory at the moment and he will not allow Punjab contingent to take part in the games till 100 percent assurance and briefing will not be given to him regarding security.
Dr. Tanveer said NWFP while challenging Taliban said that games will be held as per schedule in Peshawar which poses threat to players’ lives. He will not allow putting lives of at least 8,000 players in jeopardy.
He said if it is necessary to organize games according to schedule, it should be shifted at other center. Lahore is ready to host the games, he added.
Sports Minister of Punjab Dr. Tanveerul Islam has demanded postponement of National Games due to deteriorating law and order situation in NWFP. The games will be held next month in Peshawar.
Talking to Geo News here, provincial minister said security situation in NWFP is not satisfactory at the moment and he will not allow Punjab contingent to take part in the games till 100 percent assurance and briefing will not be given to him regarding security.
Dr. Tanveer said NWFP while challenging Taliban said that games will be held as per schedule in Peshawar which poses threat to players’ lives. He will not allow putting lives of at least 8,000 players in jeopardy.
He said if it is necessary to organize games according to schedule, it should be shifted at other center. Lahore is ready to host the games, he added.
Pakistan hockey looks to garner support of FIH boss
KARACHI:
Pakistani officials are confident that Leandro Negre, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) chief, will support their campaign for the return of international hockey to the country following his high-profile visit of Pakistan next week.
The FIH president will meet top dignitaries including President Asif Ali Zardari during his five-day visit that will begin on October 13.
Negre, a Spaniard who took over as FIH president last year, is coming here on a special invitation of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), which is hoping to win his support for a comprehensive campaign that is aimed at reviving Pakistan hockey's lost glory.
Sources in the PHF told 'The News' on Friday that if Negre is convinced that Pakistan is a safe destination for international hockey games, then their chances of hosting a major tournament as early as next year will become quite bright.
National hockey officials believe that one of the key steps needed to revive the national game is to ensure that top teams visit the country and play bilateral matches and major events like the elite six-nation Champions Trophy here.
Pakistan, which was once regarded as a major destination on the world hockey circuit, last hosted a major event in 2004 when it staged the Champions Trophy in Lahore. Since then, international hockey teams have stayed away from the country because of security apprehensions.
The FIH was forced to shift the 2007 Champions Trophy from Lahore to Kuala Lumpur after some of the teams refused to travel to Pakistan to play in the tournament.
In the past, top FIH officials have not been supportive of Pakistan but PHF chiefs are confident that Negre has a soft corner for Pakistan hockey.
Qasim Zia, the PHF president and secretary Asif Bajwa were present at the FIH Congress in Los Angeles last November where Negre defeated former FIH chief Els van Breda to become the new president. Pakistan were one of the biggest supporters of the Negre campaign. Since then, a lot of efforts have been made to convince Negre that without bringing Pakistan back in the mainstream, international hockey cannot flourish.
Negre's Pakistan visit is another vital step in that direction. Negre will know how much the Pakistani government is backing the PHF campaign by the sort of protocol he will get in Islamabad and Lahore.
He will be a state guest and will have a meeting with Zardar on October 14. The very next day, he will inaugurate the inaugural Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Hockey Tournament in Islamabad.
Negre will then go to Lahore and will have lunch with Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif followed by tea with Governor Salman Taseer on the same day. He will also meet with Sports Minister Pir Aftab Shah Jilani and Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) chief Lt Gen (retd) Arif Hassan.
He will get comprehensive briefings from senior officials of the Interior Ministry that are aimed at convincing the FIH chief that Pakistan can offer secure facilities for international hockey tournaments.
Just a day before heading back home, Negre will hold a crucial meeting with top PHF officials. It is expected that the FIH chief will make important announcements after that meeting.
"His (Negre's) visit can really benefit Pakistan hockey," said a PHF official, who requested anonymity. "The idea behind inviting him is to bridge what was a widening gap between Pakistan and FIH and to garner his support for us," he added.
Pakistani officials are confident that Leandro Negre, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) chief, will support their campaign for the return of international hockey to the country following his high-profile visit of Pakistan next week.
The FIH president will meet top dignitaries including President Asif Ali Zardari during his five-day visit that will begin on October 13.
Negre, a Spaniard who took over as FIH president last year, is coming here on a special invitation of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), which is hoping to win his support for a comprehensive campaign that is aimed at reviving Pakistan hockey's lost glory.
Sources in the PHF told 'The News' on Friday that if Negre is convinced that Pakistan is a safe destination for international hockey games, then their chances of hosting a major tournament as early as next year will become quite bright.
National hockey officials believe that one of the key steps needed to revive the national game is to ensure that top teams visit the country and play bilateral matches and major events like the elite six-nation Champions Trophy here.
Pakistan, which was once regarded as a major destination on the world hockey circuit, last hosted a major event in 2004 when it staged the Champions Trophy in Lahore. Since then, international hockey teams have stayed away from the country because of security apprehensions.
The FIH was forced to shift the 2007 Champions Trophy from Lahore to Kuala Lumpur after some of the teams refused to travel to Pakistan to play in the tournament.
In the past, top FIH officials have not been supportive of Pakistan but PHF chiefs are confident that Negre has a soft corner for Pakistan hockey.
Qasim Zia, the PHF president and secretary Asif Bajwa were present at the FIH Congress in Los Angeles last November where Negre defeated former FIH chief Els van Breda to become the new president. Pakistan were one of the biggest supporters of the Negre campaign. Since then, a lot of efforts have been made to convince Negre that without bringing Pakistan back in the mainstream, international hockey cannot flourish.
Negre's Pakistan visit is another vital step in that direction. Negre will know how much the Pakistani government is backing the PHF campaign by the sort of protocol he will get in Islamabad and Lahore.
He will be a state guest and will have a meeting with Zardar on October 14. The very next day, he will inaugurate the inaugural Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Hockey Tournament in Islamabad.
Negre will then go to Lahore and will have lunch with Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif followed by tea with Governor Salman Taseer on the same day. He will also meet with Sports Minister Pir Aftab Shah Jilani and Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) chief Lt Gen (retd) Arif Hassan.
He will get comprehensive briefings from senior officials of the Interior Ministry that are aimed at convincing the FIH chief that Pakistan can offer secure facilities for international hockey tournaments.
Just a day before heading back home, Negre will hold a crucial meeting with top PHF officials. It is expected that the FIH chief will make important announcements after that meeting.
"His (Negre's) visit can really benefit Pakistan hockey," said a PHF official, who requested anonymity. "The idea behind inviting him is to bridge what was a widening gap between Pakistan and FIH and to garner his support for us," he added.
Bullish activity at KSE; Index up 118 points
KARACHI:
Bulls were in dominating position at Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) Wednesday as the benchmark KSE-100 Index surged by 118 points to close at 9,805.
Fresh buying was witnessed at KSE after the administration assured brokers that their reservations on the new mechanism of margin financing will be redressed.
The market opened with 52 points up today.
Major buying was witnessed in oil and gas, banking and fertilizer sectors.
The trade volume was recorded at 22.4 million shares.
Jehangir Siddiqui Company was today’s volume leader which advanced by Rs1.62 to Rs40.81.
The market analysts are optimistic that the 100 Index could cross 10,000 level this week.
Bulls were in dominating position at Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) Wednesday as the benchmark KSE-100 Index surged by 118 points to close at 9,805.
Fresh buying was witnessed at KSE after the administration assured brokers that their reservations on the new mechanism of margin financing will be redressed.
The market opened with 52 points up today.
Major buying was witnessed in oil and gas, banking and fertilizer sectors.
The trade volume was recorded at 22.4 million shares.
Jehangir Siddiqui Company was today’s volume leader which advanced by Rs1.62 to Rs40.81.
The market analysts are optimistic that the 100 Index could cross 10,000 level this week.
PML-Q, PPP enters into fray over KL Bill
LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Wednesday witnessed a fray over Kerry-Lugar Bill with volley of accusations from both the sides on the controversial Bill.
Mohsin Leghari of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) and Senior Minister Raja Riaz Ahmed argued with each other, when the opposition requested debate on the Bill; on which, Raja Riaz objected that the opposition wants criticism for criticism, but, he would defend it.
Riaz also accused Leghari of having illegally usurped thousands of acres of land and termed him the defector of the PPP, adding he warned to lift the cover from the actuality of the Legharis.
Mohsin urged Raja Riaz to shun personal affairs to keep the honor of the house intact and answer the questions of the opposition, adding if Raja Riaz is that great proponent of Kerry-Lugar Bill, then he should at least read it to the House.
Mohsin Leghari of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) and Senior Minister Raja Riaz Ahmed argued with each other, when the opposition requested debate on the Bill; on which, Raja Riaz objected that the opposition wants criticism for criticism, but, he would defend it.
Riaz also accused Leghari of having illegally usurped thousands of acres of land and termed him the defector of the PPP, adding he warned to lift the cover from the actuality of the Legharis.
Mohsin urged Raja Riaz to shun personal affairs to keep the honor of the house intact and answer the questions of the opposition, adding if Raja Riaz is that great proponent of Kerry-Lugar Bill, then he should at least read it to the House.
Kaira rules out change in military high command
ISLAMABAD
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira Wednesday brushed aside speculations of changing the military high command.
There is no such a move or ground realities to change the Chief of Army Staff, he said while talking to mediapersons after seeing off Prince Karim Aga Khan here at Chaklala Airbase.
Prince Karim visited Pakistan to review the development projects being undertaken by Aga Khan Development Foundation across the country.
Replying to a question regarding the visit of Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to United States, Qamar Zaman Kaira said all political parties and their leaders have already given their views on Kerry-Lugar Bill and Qureshi has gone to convey their opinion to US administration.
He said Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has also taken all political parties into confidence on the issue.
He said the recent terrorist attack on GHQ is being probed by military and civil security agencies and their findings would be assessed by the concerned high command.
On a question regarding tabling of National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) in the parliament, he said when required the ordinance would be presented according to the Supreme Court's verdict.
He said overall law and order situation in Gilgit-Baltistan is satisfactory, however there is some problem in small portion of Gilgit and efforts were being made to normalize the situation in consultation with political forces and elders of the area.
The Minister said the PPP government has given a historic and comprehensive political and economic package for the welfare of people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He said people of the area have expressed their satisfaction over the arrangements made by the government.
He said the forthcoming elections of Gilgit-Baltistan legislative assembly would be held in free, fair and transparent manner, adding that it is for the first time that the elections are being held in the area under the supervision of judiciary and an independent election commission.
He said the decision for launching military operation in South Waziristan has been taken in principle and it would be launched after preparations of field commanders. The Minister said the military operation is not against any area or tribe as it is only against the miscreants and terrorists who are challenging writ of the government.
The Minister said the government appreciates the cooperation and contribution of the business community. He particularly referred to the gesture of a renowned Pakistani business icon who has offered to bring more than a billion dollar to Pakistan to help improve the economy.
The Minister said the government has already announced incentives for foreign remittances which would help boost country’s foreign reserve and economy.
He said though the government gets fiscal space through such foreign remittances, these cannot meet development needs.
Answering another question, he said the dialogue is the only way to move forward and resolve issues between Pakistan and India which has also been stated by the Indian Prime Minister.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira Wednesday brushed aside speculations of changing the military high command.
There is no such a move or ground realities to change the Chief of Army Staff, he said while talking to mediapersons after seeing off Prince Karim Aga Khan here at Chaklala Airbase.
Prince Karim visited Pakistan to review the development projects being undertaken by Aga Khan Development Foundation across the country.
Replying to a question regarding the visit of Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to United States, Qamar Zaman Kaira said all political parties and their leaders have already given their views on Kerry-Lugar Bill and Qureshi has gone to convey their opinion to US administration.
He said Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has also taken all political parties into confidence on the issue.
He said the recent terrorist attack on GHQ is being probed by military and civil security agencies and their findings would be assessed by the concerned high command.
On a question regarding tabling of National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) in the parliament, he said when required the ordinance would be presented according to the Supreme Court's verdict.
He said overall law and order situation in Gilgit-Baltistan is satisfactory, however there is some problem in small portion of Gilgit and efforts were being made to normalize the situation in consultation with political forces and elders of the area.
The Minister said the PPP government has given a historic and comprehensive political and economic package for the welfare of people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He said people of the area have expressed their satisfaction over the arrangements made by the government.
He said the forthcoming elections of Gilgit-Baltistan legislative assembly would be held in free, fair and transparent manner, adding that it is for the first time that the elections are being held in the area under the supervision of judiciary and an independent election commission.
He said the decision for launching military operation in South Waziristan has been taken in principle and it would be launched after preparations of field commanders. The Minister said the military operation is not against any area or tribe as it is only against the miscreants and terrorists who are challenging writ of the government.
The Minister said the government appreciates the cooperation and contribution of the business community. He particularly referred to the gesture of a renowned Pakistani business icon who has offered to bring more than a billion dollar to Pakistan to help improve the economy.
The Minister said the government has already announced incentives for foreign remittances which would help boost country’s foreign reserve and economy.
He said though the government gets fiscal space through such foreign remittances, these cannot meet development needs.
Answering another question, he said the dialogue is the only way to move forward and resolve issues between Pakistan and India which has also been stated by the Indian Prime Minister.
Bollywood enthralls all at Buckingham Palace
LONDON: The pulsating beats of bhangra reached the royal environs of the Buckingham Palace as Queen Elizabeth hosted a reception for Indian-origin achievers ahead of a state visit by President of India Pratibha Patil later this month, an Indian news agency reported Wednesday.
Leading British-Indian citizens from the field of sports, writing, acting and business gathered together Tuesday night to watch a performance by cultural group Nutkhut in the palace ballroom, under the shadow of a 30-ft domed red velvet canopy, used at the coronation durbar of King George V and Queen Mary in Delhi in 1911.
Performers from the dance group Nutkhut, founded by husband and wife team of Ajay Chhabra and Simmy Gupta, performed a 15-minute extract from the couple's show Bollywood Steps, inspired by Indian movies.
The couple said they were honoured to be representing Indian arts at the palace.
Chhabra, speaking about the opulent surroundings of the royal residence, said "We felt the setting leant itself to a film set -- the columns, the fabric of the canopy -- the bling of it stood out."
Chhabra's wife Simmy Gupta who jointly choreographed the show said: "It's a real privilege and honour to be asked to perform in the palace. We're British, we're Asian, we are contemporary, we also know our roots."
"Bollywood Steps is me growing up in England being a British Asian. It is influenced by Bollywood films and Hollywood films. It goes from my classically trained background to contemporary hip-hop. It is up to date, really sexy and hot," Gupta said.
Five female dancers and three males performed in the 15-minute show. It was a truncated version of the 40-minute outdoor show which Nutkhut has been performing around Britain for the past four years and is described as "a spectacular celebration of all that is kitsch in Indian cinema".
Other guests at the event included cricketer Monty Panesar, Coronation Street star Jimmi Harkishin, and the husband-wife duo of Sanjeev Bhaskar and Meera Syal, stars of the award winning BBC comedy show 'The Kumars at No 42'.
Syal said, "I was watching the performance and thinking this is the place where the head of state has sat and received people. And in this hallowed space you've got a group of Bhangra dancers, this is amazing, this is progress."
With President Pratibha Patil scheduled to visit Britain later this month, there is considerable interest in the country. The last visit by an Indian President was in 1990 when President R Venkataraman, accompanied by his wife Janaki, came to London.
Leading British-Indian citizens from the field of sports, writing, acting and business gathered together Tuesday night to watch a performance by cultural group Nutkhut in the palace ballroom, under the shadow of a 30-ft domed red velvet canopy, used at the coronation durbar of King George V and Queen Mary in Delhi in 1911.
Performers from the dance group Nutkhut, founded by husband and wife team of Ajay Chhabra and Simmy Gupta, performed a 15-minute extract from the couple's show Bollywood Steps, inspired by Indian movies.
The couple said they were honoured to be representing Indian arts at the palace.
Chhabra, speaking about the opulent surroundings of the royal residence, said "We felt the setting leant itself to a film set -- the columns, the fabric of the canopy -- the bling of it stood out."
Chhabra's wife Simmy Gupta who jointly choreographed the show said: "It's a real privilege and honour to be asked to perform in the palace. We're British, we're Asian, we are contemporary, we also know our roots."
"Bollywood Steps is me growing up in England being a British Asian. It is influenced by Bollywood films and Hollywood films. It goes from my classically trained background to contemporary hip-hop. It is up to date, really sexy and hot," Gupta said.
Five female dancers and three males performed in the 15-minute show. It was a truncated version of the 40-minute outdoor show which Nutkhut has been performing around Britain for the past four years and is described as "a spectacular celebration of all that is kitsch in Indian cinema".
Other guests at the event included cricketer Monty Panesar, Coronation Street star Jimmi Harkishin, and the husband-wife duo of Sanjeev Bhaskar and Meera Syal, stars of the award winning BBC comedy show 'The Kumars at No 42'.
Syal said, "I was watching the performance and thinking this is the place where the head of state has sat and received people. And in this hallowed space you've got a group of Bhangra dancers, this is amazing, this is progress."
With President Pratibha Patil scheduled to visit Britain later this month, there is considerable interest in the country. The last visit by an Indian President was in 1990 when President R Venkataraman, accompanied by his wife Janaki, came to London.
MQM will protest if Younis resignation accepted: Altaf
LONDON: The chief of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Altaf Hussain said MQM will hold countrywide protest if Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) accept the resignation of Younis Khan.
In a statement, Altaf Hussain said it is regrettable that some elements framed baseless charges against national cricket team captain Younis Khan to defame him which forced Younis to tender resignation.
MQM leader said he will appeal the players of the team to resign in protest if PCB governing body accepts the resignation of Younis Khan. He demanded the government to fire the elements present in governing body that fetched the conspiracy against renowned player such as Younis Khan. He also demanded action against chairman National Assembly Standing Committee for sports who accused Younis for match-fixing.
In a statement, Altaf Hussain said it is regrettable that some elements framed baseless charges against national cricket team captain Younis Khan to defame him which forced Younis to tender resignation.
MQM leader said he will appeal the players of the team to resign in protest if PCB governing body accepts the resignation of Younis Khan. He demanded the government to fire the elements present in governing body that fetched the conspiracy against renowned player such as Younis Khan. He also demanded action against chairman National Assembly Standing Committee for sports who accused Younis for match-fixing.
Obamas celebrate Latin music at White House
WASHINGTON: The White House swayed to Latin beats, as President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted Hispanic musicians and singers on the mansion's south lawn."Even though it is constantly evolving and changing, Latin music speaks to us in a language we all can understand it moves us, and it tends to make us move a little bit ourselves," Obama said in welcoming his guests at the "Fiesta Latina" gala."In the end.
Obamas celebrate Latin music at White House
WASHINGTON: The White House swayed to Latin beats, as President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted Hispanic musicians and singers on the mansion's south lawn."Even though it is constantly evolving and changing, Latin music speaks to us in a language we all can understand it moves us, and it tends to make us move a little bit ourselves," Obama said in welcoming his guests at the "Fiesta Latina" gala."In the end.
Obamas celebrate Latin music at White House
WASHINGTON: The White House swayed to Latin beats, as President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted Hispanic musicians and singers on the mansion's south lawn."Even though it is constantly evolving and changing, Latin music speaks to us in a language we all can understand it moves us, and it tends to make us move a little bit ourselves," Obama said in welcoming his guests at the "Fiesta Latina" gala."In the end.
US will work to address Pakistan's concerns on KLB: Kerry
WASHINGTON: US Senator John Kerry on Tuesday forcefully denied that a major aid package would impinge on Pakistan's sovereignty, hitting back at growing criticism of the plan in the front line nation.Kerry, a key author the five-year, 7.5 billion-dollar plan, said he would work to address concerns raised by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi who rushed back to Washington to air concerns about the new legislation.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Taliban present in Quetta: US
QUETTA: US Consul General Stephen G. Fakan again claimed that the Taliban militants have their presence in Quetta, urging the government to take necessary action against them.
Addressing the newsmen during a press conference here, he said, “They have their existence in Quetta and the Government of Pakistan should root them out from here.
He warned of occurrence of Waziristan-like situation in the province if according to him the ‘necessary action’ was not taken against Taliban in Quetta, a private TV channel reports.
Addressing the newsmen during a press conference here, he said, “They have their existence in Quetta and the Government of Pakistan should root them out from here.
He warned of occurrence of Waziristan-like situation in the province if according to him the ‘necessary action’ was not taken against Taliban in Quetta, a private TV channel reports.
Mutual stance will be adopted at Kerry-Lugar bill: Gilani
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said parliament is supreme body where debate is on over Kerry-Lugar bill. Talking to state television before departure to China, Premier Gilani said mutual stance will be adopted at Kerry-Lugar bill after consultation with all political parties of the country. Pakistan and China have brotherly relationship that was strengthened more during the tenure of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.He said his present visit will boost cooperation in defence, social, economic and culture sectors between the two countries. There are reservations about some clauses of Kerry-Lugar bill but overall the bill is in favour of Pakistan. The parliament is supreme body which is discussing the bill.Earlier, premier has presided over a high level meeting which was attended by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Tariq Majeed and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani.
Chicken price goes up by Rs20/kg
KARACHI: The price of chicken has been recorded to rise by record Rs20/kg across Sindh over the past ten days.Talking to Geo News, Poultry Association Sindh President Hussain Patel said the retail price of chicken went up to Rs122/kg after Eidul Fitr; however, the price surged to Rs142/kg with an addition of Rs20.The hike in chicken price is being witnessed owing to the commencement of winter and weddings season.The price of eggs also rose to Rs69 per dozen, adding the raise in eggs price is due to the decrease in the number of poultry farms.
Cilic beat Nadal in China Open semis
BEIJING: World number two Rafa Nadal's comeback came to a shuddering halt on Saturday when he was crushed 6-1 6-3 by Croatian Marin Cilic in the semi-finals of the $6.6 million China Open.
French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, the highest surving women's seed, beat fellow Russian Nadia Petrova 6-1 6-3 in just over an hour to ease into her fourth China Open final, where she will play France's Marion Bartoli or Pole Agnieszka Radwanska.
Top seed Nadal had talked this week of getting back to the kind of form he enjoyed before tendonitis of the knees and an abdominal injury disrupted his season.
With his first final since May in his sights, however, the Australian Open champion simply had no answer to the power of the eighth seeded wildcard, who will meet Novak Djokovic on Sunday.
"Cilic is good, is young and has a very good serve but if you are losing 6-1 6-3 there are a lot of things you are doing wrong," said Nadal. "Mentally I probably wasn't there."
Cilic, in his first meeting with the former world number one, led 5-0 after just 15 minutes of the first set and allowed Nadal just two break points in the match, both in the second set.
"He played very fast at the beginning, played very well. It was very difficult for me, he was serving unbelievable, returning very fast and playing winners almost all the time," said Nadal.
"The worst thing for me is when I had a little bit of a chance to come back into the match in the second set I didn't play well."
French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, the highest surving women's seed, beat fellow Russian Nadia Petrova 6-1 6-3 in just over an hour to ease into her fourth China Open final, where she will play France's Marion Bartoli or Pole Agnieszka Radwanska.
Top seed Nadal had talked this week of getting back to the kind of form he enjoyed before tendonitis of the knees and an abdominal injury disrupted his season.
With his first final since May in his sights, however, the Australian Open champion simply had no answer to the power of the eighth seeded wildcard, who will meet Novak Djokovic on Sunday.
"Cilic is good, is young and has a very good serve but if you are losing 6-1 6-3 there are a lot of things you are doing wrong," said Nadal. "Mentally I probably wasn't there."
Cilic, in his first meeting with the former world number one, led 5-0 after just 15 minutes of the first set and allowed Nadal just two break points in the match, both in the second set.
"He played very fast at the beginning, played very well. It was very difficult for me, he was serving unbelievable, returning very fast and playing winners almost all the time," said Nadal.
"The worst thing for me is when I had a little bit of a chance to come back into the match in the second set I didn't play well."
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