Jazba Blog|Seeking For Truth|

English Skills of Raja Riaz

2010-03-20T06:53:00.001-07:00

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Why Pakistan has not progressed

2010-03-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

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History of NRO and the its beneficiaries

2009-12-16T09:55:00.000-08:00

Former President Pervez Musharraff promulgates NRO in 5 October 2007, according to this ordinance 8 thousand cases from 1st January 1986, to 12 October 1999 have been cancelled. Supreme Court of Pakistan in his decision has ordered to reopen all the cases which were struck down by this ordinance.

According to the list of the beneficiaries of the National Reconciliation Ordinance a total of 8041 people including 34 politicians, bureaucrats and three ambassadors took benefit from the ordinance.

On top of the list is the name of President Asif Ali Zardari while his several close associates, both political and bureaucratic, including Rehman Malik, Salman Farooqi and his brother Usman Farooqi, Hussain Haqqani and Siraj Shamsuddin are also included, he said.

The list, which also reflects a brief introduction of the cases dropped against each name under the NRO, also includes the name of serving and former ministers, federal and provincial secretaries, ex-chief secretaries, existing or former members of the national and provincial assemblies and others, he added.

Video of Attack on Italian Prime Minister

2009-12-13T10:53:00.001-08:00

Video of attack on italian Prime Minister

CCTV footage of Lahore Moon Market Bomb Blast

2009-12-09T11:15:00.000-08:00

CCTV footage of Lahore bomb blast released

Owner of vehicle used in Rawalpindi tragedy arrested

2009-12-05T04:29:00.001-08:00

Police has arrested owner of the vehicle used in the parade Line mosque suicide attack from E-11.

According to a private TV channel, the car used by the attackers was bearing a fake number plate.

The police has arrested the registered owner of the car from a posh sector of the federal capital E-11 and took him to an undisclosed location for interrogations.

Shuhada package: Rs0.5m approved for jawans, Rs 1 million for officials

2009-12-05T04:27:00.000-08:00

The government has approved to give RS 0.5m to each martyred Jawan of Frontier Constabulary (FC) and Rs 1 million to each officer under "Shuhada Package" while Finance department has issued funds for recruitment of seventy-five new platoons.

According to a notification issued by Finance department here on Saturday jawans of FC have played role of front line in war against terrorism so government has approved RS 500,000 for each jawan of FC who has embraced martyrdom and Rs 1million for officers under "Shuhada package".

It has also been approved to build Intelligence unit and Commando medical unit in Frontier Constabulary while, Frontier Constabulary is being equipped with latest technology, salaries and facilities for FC personals and officials are being increased in this regard.

Seventy-five new platoons would be recruit in NWFP and tribal areas for maintaining law and order situation in the areas.

Martyrs of Pindi blast laid to rest

2009-12-05T04:11:00.000-08:00

Funeral of martyred of Friday's barbaric act of terrorism at a mosque in Rawalpindi that claimed 40 innocent lives were held at various placed in the country

Funeral prayers Major General Bilal Umar, Waleed Mumtaz and Hashim Masood were held at Chakala Garrison on Saturday.

Waleed Mumtaz and Hashim Masood were sons of Brig Mumtaz and Corps Commander Peshawar, Lt. General Masood Aslam respectively.

The funeral was attended by Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee, General Tariq Majeed .

Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani prayed for the departed souls and expressed his sympathy with grieved families.

Federal Interior Minster Rehman Malik, Defence Minister Chuadhary Ahmed Mukhtar, Governor NWFP Owais Ahmed Ghani and Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti, Deputy Chairman Senate Jan Muhammad Jamali, former DG ISI Hameed Gul and retired and in-service officers and people attended the funeral in a great number.

After the funeral prayers Major Gen Bilal Umar was laid to rest at Army graveyard with full military honors. while the dead bodies of Omar Hashim Masood and Waleed Mumtaz were sent to their native areas for burials.

Meanwhile Major Rashid Qureshi was laid to rest in his native area Kalar Syedan Rawat and Major (retd) Shoaib who was the administrator of the parade land mosque was laid to rest in Lahore.

16 year old Hafiz Zafran and Mohammad Zamin, son of Army engineer Mohammad Akmal, were laid to rest in Lahore.

Funeral prayers of Lt Col Farooq Awan's father Mohd Anwar Awan was held in Karachi, Brigadier Abdul Raouf in Renala Khurd, Lance Nail Abdul Rehman in Mianwali, Mohd Arshad in Malkwal.

All the funeral prayers of these martyred were held with full military honors and were attended by senior army officers and nobles of the respective areas.

Video of Parade Lane mosque attack

2009-12-04T11:22:00.001-08:00

A raw video of Bomb blast in a mosque in Parade Lane Peshawer Road Rawalpindi Pakistan.

Shoot to Kill orders issued after Liyari carnage

2009-12-04T05:39:00.000-08:00

Following brutal clashes in Liyari, additional police force is deployed at all sensitive places while orders of 'Shoot to Kill' militants have been issued.

It is pertinent to mention that police the other day raided various areas in lyari and had to bear the brunt from a stiff resistance of anti state elements who fired rockets at vehicles and opened shelling and fire on police.

Police officials say that additional police is deployed in the war torn area while Shoot to Kill on site orders have been issued if police spots any militant.

A wave of fear and tension has gripped the entire area of Liyari.

Arrest warrants of Raja Pervez Ashraf cancelled

2009-12-03T07:14:00.001-08:00

Civil and Judicial Magistrate Rai Afzal Ahmed Kharal on the appearance of Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf before the court has canceled his arrest warrants

The court also restored his bail and on the minister's request exempted him from appearing before the court

The federal minister appeared before the court with his counsel and requested the court that he could not appear before the court due to his hectic schedule and therefore he be exempted from court proceedings. The court granted him his request and exempted him.

The court also cancelled his arrest warrants and restored his bail. The hearing has been adjourned till December 12.

It is pertinent to mention here that cases were filed against Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naheed Khan and other PPP members in thana airport on charge of misbehaving with staff of High court and agitation in 1998.

COAS witnesses Army War Games in Karachi

2009-12-03T07:12:00.000-08:00

The Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Karachi Thursday and attended a session of Army War Games organized to determine the operational preparedness of the formations.

Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman also attended the session.

Earlier, on arrival at Karachi, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was received by the Corps Commander Lieutenant General Shahid Iqbal.

According to sources, COAS expressed his satisfaction over the results of the army war games and said that war games would continue as schedule for the improvement of army professionalism and training capabilities.

Air Chief Rao Qamar Suleman also congratulated Corps Commander Karachi on holding of successful games and said that such exercises would improve the capabilities of the armed forces

List of beneficiaries of loans relief valuing Rs 60 billion during Pervez Musharraf regime made public

2009-12-03T07:10:00.000-08:00

List of the persons who had got loans over 60 billion rupees written off during former president Pervez Musharraf regime have been made public.

Loans amounting to Rs 120 billion were waived during the period from 1985 to 1999. About 2000 companies and persons got relief in loans under different schemes introduced by State Bank of Pakistan which include retired generals, industrialists, actors and businessmen.

As per list available in National Assembly (NA) library major chunk of the loans was written off by National Bank of Pakistan (NBP). NBP waived loans to the tune of Rs 23.51 billion which were lying outstanding against 1086 persons. Zarai Tarqiati Bank wrote off loans valuing Rs 7.56 billion against 883 loan defaulters including feudalists, industrialists and traders.

The catalogue consisting of more than 850 pages revealed that Bank of Punjab (BoP) waived loans of Rs 2.39 billion which were outstanding against 86 defaulters. Saudi Pak Investment wrote off outstanding loans to the tune of 462 million against 31 persons. 46 persons from Pak Libya Holding companies got waived loans of Rs 1.39 billion.

6 women also stand in the line of the persons who benefited from loan waiver facility. Loans over 12 million were written off against these influential women.

Loan amounting to Rs 110 million was waived against PML-Q senator Haroon Akhtar, Rs 8 million against Halim Aadil Sheikh, Rs 1.5 million against Jam Madad Ali, Rs 1.7 million against Samina Pirzada, Rs 50 million against former chairman NAB Lt Gen (Retd) Amjid, Rs 900 million against Lt Gen (Retd) Abdul Qayyum, Rs 980 million against LT Gen (Retd) Farhat Ali.

Yousuf Saigol of Kohi Noor Textile Mills got loan relief to the tune of Rs 945 million, Punjab minister Mujtaba Shuja Rs 768 million, Aamra Textile mills Rs 6 million and Fouji Cement Company Rs 52 million.

This list was provided to NA a year back in response to a question from Mian Abdul Sattar and it is now part of the record.

Senator Haroon Akhtar denied the report of seeking any loan relief saying no loan was written off against him but adjustment was made under the directives of Lahore High Court in line with State Bank policy after he had paid Rs 180 million. Advertising any loan which was written off after the payment was made double than the original sum of debt was wrong, he added.

To a question he said action should be taken against those who obtain loans in the name of others and then get them write off. This falls under the purview of banking fraud, he remarked.

PML-Q leader Haleem Adil Sheikh demanded action should be taken against those who had sought waiver for their outstanding loans in unfair manner. If a settlement is made with bank under any policy then it is a legal way as only interest has been waived in the settlement. "We had obtained loan of Rs 3.9 million which was repaid in full under state bank policy. Settlement was made on interest and not a single penny of loan was got waived", he told.

PM meets Bilawal Bhutto

2009-12-03T07:07:00.000-08:00

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday met Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and discussed issue related to Party and current political situation of the country.

Sources informed Online that the Prime Minister took Bilawal Bhutto Zardari into confidence over Balochistan package, national reconciliation ordinance and others political and national issues.

During the meeting, new strategy with regard to make active party at lower level and direct talks with party activists were reviewed. Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari speaking at the occasion has said that PPP is largest political party of Pakistan. Despite enormous challenges, Government would help families of those Party activities who lost their lives for cause of democracy and Pakistan, he said.

He said he intends to run Party on paths of Shaheed Zulifqar Ali Bhutto. He also declared Balochistan Package as very vital to remove sense of deprivation of masses of Balochistan. The Package would change the fortune of masses of Balochistan, Bilawal added.

Sources said the Prime Minister informed Bilawal Bhutto Zardari that Government is committed to resolve problems being faced by masses and every available resource are being utilized in this respect.

Islamabad to be covered in Security Blanket on Eid days

2009-11-26T08:58:00.000-08:00

Stringent security measures will be taken during the auspicious occasion of Eid ul Azha in Federal Capital.

This was decided in a meeting in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Amir Ali Ahmed in which security plan of Islamabad was chalked out in length.

The meeting informed police had made a comprehensive plan to ensure safety of public life and property before and during Eid days.

According to the security plan, huge deployment of police would be made throughout the city, especially in sensitive areas and at entry and exit points of the city to monitor the movement of suspected people and vehicles.

Eid holidays of the police officers have been canceled to ensure maximum security to the citizens, he said.

He said walkthrough gates would be installed outside the mosques and imambargahs where police would frisk worshippers entering the premises.

Wanted terrorist Abdullah Shah Mehsud nabbed, 5 villages cleared: ISPR

2009-11-26T05:43:00.000-08:00

Security forces apprehended wanted terrorist Abdullah Shah Mehsud with Rs. 10 million head money from Tank (the head money has been paid to the informer).

According to ISPR, Security forces cleared village Bangi Wal, Janata, village Kunj Mela, Zawar Killi, Gund and Umar Raghzai.

Security forces cleared 60 houses at village Shahu and defused 10 IEDs and apprehended 4 suspects.

Security forces carried out sanitization of Spin Kot, Sharkai Sar near Kot Langar Khel and Narakai.

Security forces established link up at Khuni Mor and Sarwekai and defused 15 IEDs.

Security forces carried out consolidation of their positions at village Behram Shah near Laki Ghund. Security forces cleared 15 compounds at Pash Ziarat and 20 compounds at Salarai Shag near Kandai Sar. At Tauda China Khula a terrorists training centre has been discovered along with hate material and plenty of arms and ammunition including 10 IEDs.

Security forces carried out search operation at village Gashkor and Kalam and apprehended 2 suspects.

8 suspects voluntarily surrendered themselves to security forces at Shangwatai, Qambar and Kabal.

10 passengers died, 40 injured in Wah Cantt traffic incident

2009-11-26T04:01:00.001-08:00

At least ten passengers died and forty were injured when a passenger bus going from Lahore to Abbottabad turn turtle due to over speeding near Wah garden here on Thursday while, three deceased could not be identified yet.

According to details passenger bus number 0399-PA was going from Lahore to Abbottabad when it turned turtle near Wah garden due to over speeding killing ten passengers and injuring forty. Hospital sources told that five injured are in precarious condition and three deceased could not be identified yet.

The deceased have been identified as Fazal Karim, Gul Noroz Khan, Rafaqat, Ata Muhammad, Arif, Shafique, Khudadad and other three. Injured have been identified as Ali Farman, Mashqoor Ahmad, Ibrara, Nazaqat, Muhammad Tabraiz, Khan Muhammad, Wali Muhammad, Shahid, Shabana Shahid, Imran, Muhammad Nadeem, Sher Bahadur M . Ayaz, Mubarak Shah, Aman Ullah, Amir Khan, Shahid, Musawar, Iftikhar, Sher Bahadur, Muhammad Rafique, M. Arif, Khaysta Gul, Zakir, Muhammad Aslam, M. Iftikhar,Bahawal, M. Ijaz, Sanober Khan, Abdul Manan, Taj Jan, Naeem, M. Rafique, Zaqria, Abdul Waheed, Allah Dad and others.

Eyewitnesses said that the accident took place due to driver's drowsiness. After the accident zonal incharge of Edhi center Capt. (Retd) Rasheed and incharge of Edhi center Taxila Zahir Shah with whole team reached at the spot.

The three deceased who have not yet been identified have been shifted to THQ and POF Hospital Hassanabdal.

The ill-fated deceased were going to celebrate Eid-Ul-Azha with their families but driver's negligence killed them.

Chairman NRB resigns

2009-11-26T03:59:00.000-08:00

Chairman National Reconstruction Bureau (NRB) Dr. Asim Hussain has submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani because of his differences with Government functionaries as well as ending of his institution role in local bodies. It may be recalled here the system of local bodies would be shifted to Provinces after December 31.

After the decision of Federal Government to hand over system of local bodies to Provinces, there were differences between Chairman NRB and Government functionaries, well placed sources in NRB informed Online.

Resigned Chairman NRB Dr. Asim Hussain was of the view that the role of his institution should also be included in local bodies otherwise his institution would become zero and null. He told the Government that he without any authority would not continue to work as Chairman NRB.

On Thursday, Chairman NRB has submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani. Sources went on to say that Federal Government can give some task to NRB in upcoming months or can also merge NRB in Federal Ministry for local bodies.

Online when contacted Chairman NRB Dr. Asim Hussain to take his point of view he refused to comment by saying he is busy at this time.

However a senior officer of NRB has confirmed resignation of Dr. Asim Hussain.

Islamic banks’ assets, Rs 323 bn till September 2009: SBP

2009-11-25T09:10:00.000-08:00

Syed Salim Raza, Governor State Bank of Pakistan has said due to active support of the central bank total assets of Islamic banking industry have grown to Rs 323 billion till September 2009 while their deposits reached to Rs 245 billion.

Speaking at a function held at a local hotel in connection with the launching of ten new branches of Dubai Islamic Bank in Karachi on Wednesday. Raza said that in terms of market share total assets and deposits account for 5.3% and 5.5% of the conventional bankig industry, respectively. He said cumulative growth rate of islamic banking industry has remained above 55 percent since inception despite a healthy growth in conventional banks. The growth rate has slowed down during 2008 and 2009 due to global economic down turn, however, when compared with their conventional counterparts it is impressive by all counts, he added.

SBP Governor said that last year central bank unveiled its Strategic Plan for Islamic Banking in Pakistan that broadly outlines the future direction of Islamic banking until year 2012. “Our target is to increase the share of islamic banking in Pakistan to 12% of total assets of the banking sector,” he added. He pointed out that branch network of six full-fledged Islamic banks and 13 conventional banks with dedicated Islamic banking branches increased to 560 branches. The Islamic banking branches are spread over the length and breadth of the country covering 80 cities, he said.

SBP Governor said that the central bank is determined to ensure a level playing field for the Islamic banking industry and it has put in place a robust regulatory framework with a strong focus on Shariah compliance and competitiveness. He said State Bank played a key role in issuance of Govt. of Pakistan Ijara Sukuk, which has paved the way for effective liquidity management of Islamic banks. “We have also ensured a tax neutral regime for Islamic banking transactions through amendments in tax laws,” he said.

He said that SBP has introduced a comprehensive Shariah compliance framework which includes the first-ever Shariah compliance inspection of Islamic banking by a central bank coupled with joint audit of profit distribution to depositors by the external auditors and Shariah Advisor of the bank. Each bank is also required to publish report of their Shariah Advisor on Islamic banking operations in annual accounts, he added.

At the end, Raza congratulated the management of Dubai Islamic Bank, which is one of the oldest Islamic banks in the world, and hoped that they will continue to work for the growth of Islamic Banking in Pakistan.

Jamil Akbar Bugti Slaps Mubashar Luqman at Lahore Airport

2009-11-22T11:43:00.000-08:00

Jamil Bugti, Son of Nawab Akbar Bugti,slapped famous TV anchor Mubashar Luqman, at Lahore Airport after the anchor used abusive language against Jamil Akbar bugti and Balochistan.

While talking to media Jamil Bugti said that "I was standing in the line to get my boarding pass at Lahore Airport, when I reached at the reception, I requested the officer to give me a comfortable seat on plane , the anchor Mubashar Luqman, was standing behind me at that time, he started criticizing me by saying “they take PIA on contract”.

Jamil Bugti said that he ignored the anchor’s remarks but he did not stop and start using abusing language against me and Balochs and showed his hatred against us which he cannot bear and to shut his mouth he slapped the anchor.

Jamil Bugti said that the producer of Mubashar Luqman’s programme has invited him in his programme a few days back but he refused to go because he do not go to those programmes whose anchors’ are agents of agencies.

List of NRO beneficiary: Zardari and Altaf take lead

2009-11-21T04:43:00.000-08:00

On the directives of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Government on Saturday released the list of the beneficiaries of the National Reconciliation Ordinance.

Meera's Interview Skill

2009-11-06T06:51:00.000-08:00

Watch how the Pakistani Actress Meera trying to learn English to take an interview, watch the reaction of the person sitting in front of him.

Zardari shows his acting utmost skill in a Pakistani movie of late sixties

2009-10-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

A video clip of black and white film of Pakistan, released in late sixties has become talk of the town these days in which President Asif Ali Zardari played the role of confidant young Waheed Murad and performed this character with utmost skill.

The name of the film was Salgira and it was released in 1969. Asif Ali Zardari, according to his birthday, was 14 years young when he worked as a child star in this film.

The film had a melodious love story which was directed by Qamar Zaidi and produced by Najma Hassan.

The film cast Waheed Murad, Shamim Ara, Tariq Aziz, Santosh Rissal, Nirala, Nighat Sultana and Talish

It was a super hit film and it also has all time nation's favourite songs “Meri zindagi hai naghma” and “Lay aai phir kahan par” sung by Melody Queen Noor Jehan.

The video shows a scene in which the co actor said to Zardari that he is not going school today as he has pain in his stomach. Asif Ali Zardari in reply said that this is your routine play. The co actor then said to Zardari not to go school so we both play together, in reply the little Zardari said “go state to school”.

The perfect dialogue delivery made Zardari a confidant child star actor in that film. Although Asif Ali Zardari, who is the current president of Pakistan, has not seen, showing his acting skills again in any other film of Pakistan.

CCTV video footage of the UN WFP suicide attack released

2009-10-11T10:33:00.001-07:00

A private TV Channel has released the CCTV video footage of the suicide attack carried out here at UN World Food Program office on Monday.

In the video footage one can easily identify a suicide bomber, wearing black uniform of FC personnel and holding a bottle in his hand. He entered the central gate right after a man dressed in two-piece suit. In a lightening span of the next few seconds he blew himself up at the reception of the office.

Fight of Women: Kashmala Tariq vs Firdose Ashiq

2009-09-19T10:08:00.001-07:00

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Shahrukh Khan stopped at US airport for questioning

2009-08-15T05:19:00.000-07:00

Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan said he was detained for questioning Saturday at a US airport because he has a Muslim name.

Khan, known as the "King of Bollywood", said he was questioned at Newark Airport in Newark, New Jersey, for two hours but was let go after the Indian embassy in the United States intervened.

Khan "is a Muslim name and I think the name is common on their checklist", the 43-year-old actor told an Indian television station by telephone from Chicago.

Khan, named as one of the top 50 most influential men in the world in 2008 by US magazine Newsweek, was detained by US immigration officers early Saturday.

The immigration officers wanted to know why the actor was visiting the United States after his name popped up on the computer screen at the counter.

"I was waiting for my bags... I thought it was nice of them to take me to another room... but that was apparently a second check," Khan said, adding: "I had my papers in order."

"I was really taken aback," Khan told the CNN-IBN television station.

"I did not want to say anything just in case they took everything wrong because I am little worried about Americans because they do have this issue when your name is Muslim," he added.

US airport officials are frequently accused by human rights groups of racially profiling Muslims.

The actor, who was heading to Chicago to take part in celebrations Saturday to mark India's Independence Day, said the incident was a "little embarrassing" for an entertainer of his stature.

India's government reacted sharply, saying many such incidents have taken place in the United States.

"I am of the opinion that the way we are frisked -- for example I too was frisked -- we should also do the same to them," Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters in New Delhi.

In the Indian capital, US Ambassador Timothy Roemer described Khan in a statement as a "global icon" who is a welcome guest in the United States.

"We are trying to ascertain the facts of the case -- to understand what took place," he said. AFP

Ballot Result through Telephone and SMS message

2009-08-10T10:14:00.001-07:00

Successfull Applicant will have to deposit Original Machine Readable International Passport with the same bank branches within seven (7) days of the ballot, otherwise, they will be declared un-successful.

Ballot Result - Hajj 2009

Ballot Result through Telephone:

The Ministry has arranged telephone enquiry for Hajj Ballot Results from 08:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Telephone Nos: 051-9205696 and 051-9201564

Ballot Result through Mobile Short Message Service

To facilitate the Hajj applicants, Ministry has made arrangements this year with VectraCom to provide ballot results through Mobile SMS services. If an applicant wishes to obtain result through Mobile, simply write HS Application Form No. (only first six digit)

(Example: HS 123456) in the message box and send to 32532.

This service will return status of Hajj Applicant against valid Application Number.

Intimation Letter to Successful and Un-Successful Applicants:

Congratulation Letters to successful applicants and intimation letter to unsuccessful applicants would be dispatched through post on 11th August 2009.

Swine flu death toll in India climbs to four: govt

2009-08-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

Two more people have died from swine flu in India taking the death toll to four, an official said Sunday, as the government reviewed measures to control the virus.

The latest deaths were reported overnight from the western states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, a federal health ministry spokesman said.

One of the dead was a 43-year-old who arrived in Gujarat on July 31 from the United States, his uncle told AFP by phone.

The other was a 42-year-old Maharashtra school teacher, the Press Trust of India news agency said.

According to Indian health authorities, about 800 people have tested positive for the A(H1N1) viral infection, which was first reported in Mexico and the United States in April.

A health ministry statement said 511 of the 800 had been treated successfully, adding that swine flu was also responsible for the death Saturday of a 53-year-old woman from Mumbai who was suffering other medical problems.

India's first swine flu casualty was 14-year-old girl who died on Monday.

Following the increase in infections across the country, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ordered the health ministry to co-ordinate action with state governments, a spokesman said.

The World Health Organization said last week that more than 1,150 people have died from swine flu and the virus was now in 168 countries and territories. Nearly 90 percent of deaths have been in the Americas.

Nearly one million people flee China typhoon.......

2009-08-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

China rushed nearly one million people out of harm's away as Typhoon Morakot slammed into its coast Sunday after triggering Taiwan's worst flooding in 50 years, leaving at least four people dead.

After also leaving tens of thousands trapped in Taiwan, the powerful storm landed in China's Fujian province at 4:20 pm (0820 GMT), the provincial meteorological bureau said.

Earlier in the day, a four-year-old child died in the Chinese city of Wenzhou after his family's house collapsed in heavy rains and winds, the official news agency Xinhua reported.

The child was buried along with four adults in debris and died after emergency treatment failed, Xinhua said, citing the city's flood-control headquarters.

Morakot pounded Taiwan over the weekend with powerful winds and torrential rain, forcing the government to deploy the military to rescue stranded residents, officials said.

Television footage showed a woman in tears reporting that her daughter and husband had plunged into a river when a flash flood swept away their car in the central county of Nantou.

"My daughter called me twice saying: 'We're being washed away! Hurry, hurry!' Then I lost them," the sobbing woman told reporters.

Officials said three people were confirmed dead and at least 31 were missing as Morakot dumped a record 2.5 metres (100 inches) of rain on the southern county of Pingtung.

At least 10,000 people were trapped in three coastal townships, Pingtung deputy magistrate Chung Chia-pin said, and officials said tens of thousands of other people were also trapped in the counties of Tainan and Chiayi.

"This is the worst flooding in Chiayi in 50 years," county magistrate Chen Ming-wen told reporters.

A typhoon that struck Taiwan in August 1959 killed 667 people and left some 1,000 missing.

Across the Taiwan Strait, more than 505,000 people were evacuated from the Fujian coast and another 490,000 were relocated in the neighbouring province of Zhejiang, Xinhua reported.

Zhejiang issued a red alert earlier Sunday as it registered a maximum wind speed of nearly 180 kilometres (113 miles) an hour around the coastal city of Taizhou, Xinhua said.

Gale-force winds were expected to persist for at least three days and waves were forecast to reach as high as seven metres.

More than 35,000 ships were called in to port as the storm approached, Xinhua quoted Zhejiang flood-control headquarters as saying.

A cargo ship was stranded in rough seas and rescuers were trying to rescue its eight sailors, the agency reported.

Among the missing in Taiwan were 14 workers who disappeared when their makeshift shelter beside a river in southern Kaohsiung county was washed away by rising floodwaters early Sunday.

A bridge linking Kaohsiung and Pingtung counties collapsed and a local television station cited a motorist who narrowly escaped plunging into the river as saying he feared two cars had fallen in.

Armoured vehicles and marine landing craft, as well as rubber dinghies, were mobilised in a rescue operation involving at least 1,200 troops, Taiwan's defence ministry said.

Television footage showed a six-storey hotel in Taitung, southeastern Taiwan, collapsing in the floods. Staff and guests had already been evacuated, the reports said.

The typhoon has caused at least 2.1 billion Taiwan dollars (64 million US) in agricultural damage while 170,000 houses were left without power and 440,000 homes without water, according to officials.

Morakot also left floods and landslides in its wake after grazing the Philippines on its way to Taiwan.

The Manila government's civil defence office said the storm had left a total of 21 people dead, including two French tourists and a Belgian, with seven other people still missing.

China says plane diverted to Afghanistan by threat

2009-08-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

BEIJING – A plane scheduled to land in China's western region of Xinjiang that was rocked by ethnic riots last month was diverted to southern Afghanistan by a bomb threat, state media said Sunday.

Xinhua News Agency did not identify the airline or the type of plane, but said the airport in the Xinjiang capital of Urumqi had been told to not to allow the plane to land.

Urumqi was the scene of the worst ethnic violence in China in decades when rioting killed 197 people and injured more than 1,700, according to official count.

Xinhua had earlier reported that the plane had been hijacked, but then said it had landed in Kandahar, Afghanistan, after a bomb threat.

However, a press officer for NATO forces in Afghanistan, which control the Kandahar airport, said the alliance had received no report of a plane forced to land there.

"I doubt that anything like that has taken place based on the information we have right now," U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Brian Naranjo said. "That's a significant activity. If something that significant happens we would know about it."

A Xinjiang regional government duty officer, who refused to give his name, said he had not received any information about the incident, while calls to the region's public security bureau rang unanswered.

Calls to the Urumqi airport's information counter also rang unanswered.

The government has said that Urumqi has slowly been returning to normal since the rioting erupted on July 5 after police stopped a protest by ethnic Uighur residents. The Uighurs went on a rampage, smashing windows, burning cars and beating Han Chinese — the nation's dominant ethnic group. Two days later, the Han took to the streets and attacked Uighurs.

The government said the violence was the work of terrorists, separatists and foreign forces as part of a plot to carve up China.

In early August, an Internet message purportedly from the leader of an Islamic group fighting Chinese rule in a western province urged Muslims worldwide to attack Chinese interests in retaliation for what it called the oppression of minority Uighurs.(AP)

Hidden Talent of Musharraf : Musharraf sings “ Lagi ray tusay Lagi” beautifully

2009-08-08T11:22:00.000-07:00

Musharraf’s hidden talent of singing has been exposed in a video in which he was singing the classical song “Lagi ray tusy Lagi, lagan tusay lagi” (I am attached with you) for more than 2 minutes.

The famous classical singer Ustad Hamid Ali Khan was singing this song in a private party when suddenly Pakistan’s two times President and Former Army Chief of Pakistan started singing along the singer and amazed everyone with his singing talent.

Wife of Musharraf, his son, Former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, his wife, and other bureaucrats and friends of Musharraf were also presented in this party.

It was the same party in which Chairman Federal Board of Revenue of Pakistan Abdullah Yousuf danced.

Former Presedent Musharraf has also showed his dancing skill in this party which unfortunately has not captured because when Musharraf stands up for the dance the cameraman moved the camera towards the walls but not on Musharraff.

Clash over Baithullah' s succession issue claims lives of 2 nominees

2009-08-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

During the Shura meeting of banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for the nomination of Baithullah Mehsud' s successor, fierce clash had been reported between two faction of Taliban Groups, resultantly 2 nominees Hakim Ullah Mehsud and Mufti Wali-ur-Rehman were killed.

According to media report, Shura meeting of TTP was going on at some unidentified place here Saturday in South Waziristan for the nomination of deceased Baithullah Mehsud's successor, during which Mufti Wali-ur-Rehman and Hakim Ullah Mehsud exchanged hot words with each other, that later turned into cross-firing against each other, resultantly 4 people were reported to be kill including Hakim Ullah and Mufti Wali-ur-Rehman.

Sources further informed that TTP Ameer, Baithullah Mehsud had nominated Hakim Ullah Mehsud to decide over the nomination of new Ameer and after the killing of Baithullah Mehsud, and Hakim Ullah Mehsud presented himself as successor of Baithullah Mehsud.

During the Shura' s meeting of TTP both the Taliban commanders exchanged hot words with each other, as Hakim Ullah Mehsud was stiff for his nomination as Baithullah' s successor, while majority members of the Shura were agreed for nomination of Mufti Wali-ur-Rehman as Taliban's Ameer.

Resultantly both the sides exchanged firing against each other after exchange of hot words and in the cross firing both the nominees of Taliban's Ameer were reported to be killed: while sources have also affirmed the death of Hakim Ullah Mehsud.

No summary signed to abolished the local bodies system: Spokesman

2009-08-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

Presidential Spokesman, Farhat Ullah Babar has said that neither government received any summary regarding abolishment of local bodies system nor President of Pakistan signed it.

Farhat Ullah Babar said that all the four provinces have not submitted their recommendations for the abolishment of the local bodies system yet; hence, it was impossible to sign the summary.

He ruled out the media reports about the singing of the summary by President Asif Ali Zardari for the abolishment of the local bodies system.

Hillary Clinton Dancing

2009-08-08T08:04:00.001-07:00

Former Foreign Sec Niaz Naik found dead in mysterious condition

2009-08-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

Former Foreign Secretary Niaz A Naik was found dead in the mysterious condition at his house in Sector F-7/3 of the capital in the jurisdiction of Police Station Kohsar on Saturday.

Police sources said that they were informed that the lights of the residence of Niaz A Naik were on but there was no movement in the house.

The police, when arrived, knocked the door and waited for some time but later broke the door and found the dead body of the former Foreign Secretary, which according to police, could have been three or four days old; saying the reason behind the death would be ascertained after postmortem report.

The police sealed the house of Niaz A Naik, after shifting the dead body to PIMS hospital and started collecting evidences and the investigation was underway.

Meanwhile the postmortem report revealed that Ex-foreign secretary Niaz A Naik was subjected to torture before his death. The postmortem report further revealed four ribs and jaw of the Niaz A Naik were fractured. Margalla police is investigation the real causes and motive behind this incident.

It is said that Niaz A Naik was one of the close aides of former president Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf and he had play magnificent role as backdoor channel negotiator along with former National Security Council Secretary, Tariq Aziz for restoration and resumption of Pak-India composite dialogues.

He had also outstanding role in meetings of Pervez Musharraf with High US, UK and UAE Officials. He was a seasoned ambassador and used to play his role through backdoor diplomacy.

On the other hand President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif have condoled the sad demise of former Foreign Secretary Niaz A. Naik.

Former Foreign Secretary Niaz A. Naik was found dead on Saturday at his residence in a posh sector of the federal capital under mysterious circumstances.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Saturday expressed deep grief over the death of former foreign Secretary Niaz A Naik. In their message issued here on Saturday, they paid tributes to the services of former secretary and prayed that may Allah rest his soul in peace.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi condoling the demise of Niaz A. Naik said, "Mr. Niaz A. Naik was a distinguished diplomat who served Pakistan with great commitment and professionalism. The Foreign Ministry and the nation will always remember his services"

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its officers and staff extend their heartfelt condolences to the members of bereaved family. May Allah Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace.

Mr. Niaz A. Naik was an eminent diplomat who served the nation with great pride and distinction. He made his mark in both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. His professionalism was acknowledged internationally. His services to Pakistan will always be remembered, they said Speaker National Assembly Fehmida Mirza, Chairman Semite Farooq Naik have also condoled the death of Niaz Naek.

Hajj Balloting under the Government Hajj Scheme-2009 will be held at 03:30 p.m

2009-08-08T06:49:00.001-07:00

Computer based draw for selection of Hajj pilgrims under the Government Hajj Scheme-2009 will be held at 03:30 p.m. in the Ministry of Religious Affairs on 10th August, 2009.

According to a press release issued by the Office of the Spokesman for Ministry of Religious Affairs here today, the ballot result can be had from Ministry's website www.hajjinfo.org or telephone Nos. 051-9205696, 051-9201564 or through SMS, (simply write HS Application form No. only first six digits and send to 32532. Congratulation letters to successful applicants and intimation letters to unsuccessful applicants would be dispatched through post on 11th August, 2009.

Afghanistan Elections:First Round of Voting Likely to Produce No Clear Winner

2009-08-07T08:36:00.001-07:00

With the growing probability of a tense run-off in the Afghanistan election, the International Council on Security and Development (ICOS) today called for the immediate development of a contingency plan to avoid political and ethnic instability during a run-off period.

Security fears in Afghanistan’s south and east could lead to a low voter turnout in the heartland of President Hamid Karzai’s support. This, combined with high turnout in the Tajik north of the country in support of the main challenger, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, indicates a growing probability that President Karzai will not win the 50% of votes necessary to secure a first-round victory.

“If a run-off is needed, or there is a strong voter response to allegations of election fraud, the chances for civil unrest are high,” ICOS said in its report issued today.

The winner may have difficulty claiming a legitimate mandate if insecurity in the south means large numbers of Pashtuns, Afghanistan’s largest ethnic group, do not vote.

“If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, and elections go to a second round, Afghanistan could be plunged into political and ethnic violence, which of course will also provide more opportunities for the Taliban to step up attacks and expand their territory,” said Norine MacDonald QC, ICOS President and Lead Field Researcher.

“The Afghan government and the international community urgently need clear plans to deal with the dynamics of a run-off in this pivotal election. They must immediately identify potential election run-off scenarios and develop contingency plans to ensure stability in Afghanistan during what could be a very tense period with the potential for significant problems, particularly in the capital, Kabul,” MacDonald said.

Last December, ICOS reported that the Taliban held a permanent presence in 72% of Afghanistan. Poor security was noted particularly in the south, President Karzai’s key Pashtun voting base.

First Round Voting Scenarios Fraught with Issues

“The ideal scenario would see the smooth running of polls with no serious disruption by violence and voter abstinence. Afghanistan would welcome a new president, either in the first round or in a run-off, and his mandate would be recognized as legitimate by all major contenders and parties”, said Jorrit Kamminga, ICOS Senior Policy analyst. “However, the election faces a number of political, logistical and security challenges related to the lack of security in the south and the already growing rumours of widespread election fraud.”

The report lays out three main scenarios:

Firstly, in the run-up to August 20th, the day of the elections, Taliban insurgents could mount a successful campaign of voter intimidation and attacks on polling stations. This may prompt President Karzai to declare a state of emergency and postpone the elections.

Secondly, a purported first-round winner could have his legitimacy questioned by allegations of fraud which could destabilize the country and raise the possibility of political violence. Elements of the Tajik community may respond dramatically if they perceive that President Karzai stole the election from Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, his main rival and an ethnic Tajik.

Thirdly, there is also the possibility of unrest during the first round of voting and run-off period, which along with logistical issues in organizing the second round could also lead to the declaration of a state of emergency.

The first round of voting is on August 20, just before the start of the holy period of Ramadan, with results to be announced around September 3. A run-off voting day would be held on or around October 1, with the winner of that round announced around October 15.

After eight years of working to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorist groups, the international community’s best hopes for success lie in a stable Afghan government led by a capable, legitimate president. The success or otherwise of this election will be crucial. Promises of legitimate, transparent elections may prove more difficult to fulfil than had been hoped, according to the ICOS report.

“There is little doubt that the security situation remains extremely volatile in Afghanistan. The Taliban shows no sign of weakening, and fears about corruption and bribery have led many to doubt that the election will be free and fair,” said MacDonald.

Taliban Threats Against Afghans Marked by Indelible Ink

To prevent repeat voting in the presidential elections, voters will have their fingers dipped in indelible ink, marking them as having voted. ICOS has received reports of Taliban “night letters” issued in southern Afghanistan threatening violence against Afghans marked by indelible election ink. The ink is specially manufactured to resist removal and can remain visible for up to a week.

“These elections are critical for Afghanistan’s future,” said Jorrit Kamminga. “This type of specific threat by the Taliban is unfortunately very clever. It will not only be a question of Afghans making their way safely to and from the polls on August 20. By making the decision to vote, they will be concerned about Taliban reprisals for the days following the poll. It is quite possible this type of threat will affect voter turnout in the south.”

Almost 7,000 polling centres will be opened on August 20. Out of a population of 33.6 million, 17 million Afghans are registered to vote.

No formal confirmation concerning Mehsud's death: DG ISPR

2009-08-07T08:27:00.000-07:00

Director General ISPR Major General Athar Abbas on Friday made it clear that formal confirmation regarding killing of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Chief Baitullah Mehsud cannot be made as we have no substantial evidence in this regard.

While talking to Online on Friday, Director General ISPR Major General Athar Abbas said that we have information regarding the killing of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Chief Baitullah Mehsud but no solid/relevant evidence hence we cannot confirm his killing at the moment.

He was of the view that some time is required for confirmation of killing of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Chief Baitullah Mehsud.

He further added that next 24 to 48 hours are critical in knowing the exact position in which we are to say that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Chief Baitullah Mehsud is killed/not killed thus confirmed or contradict in this regard.

Supreme Commander banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Baitullah Mehsud is believed to be killed along with his wife and bodyguards in a drone strike two days ago in Ladha area of South Waziristan.

Irans's women Football team visits National Assembly

2009-08-07T08:26:00.001-07:00

Acting Speaker National Assembly, Faisal Karim Kundi has said that Pakistan values its relations with Iran in high esteem and both the countries are tied in the bonds of religion, culture and history.

Talking to the players of visiting Women Football Team of Iran that called on Acting Speaker after witnessing the proceedings of NA session in the Parliament House today, the Acting Speaker said that sportsmen were the ambassadors of their country and they play vital role in developing friendly relations with people and government of the country they visit.

He said that the visit of Iranian Women Football Team revealed the spirit and closeness of friendly relations between the two fraternal countries. He said that such visits always generate goodwill and this visit of the Iranian Women Football Team will bring further closer the governments and people of Iran and Pakistan.

Minister for Sports Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani, MNA Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat and MNA Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman were also present on the occasion. While welcoming the Iranian Women Football Team they said that relations between the two brotherly countries were exemplary. They said that visit of Iran's Women Football Team proved that Pakistan was a peaceful country where foreign sporting teams play matches safely.

The Captain of the Iranian Women Football Team while expressing gratitude for Pakistan's hospitality said that it was an honor for them to be here and witness the NA proceedings. She appreciated the sporting spirit of the Pakistani people and the security arrangements in Pakistan

No Tention: Musharraf on a joy trip to Italy and West Indies Islands

2009-08-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

Former President Pervez Musharraf along with his wife and close aides has left for Italy on through Caribbean Cruise on a joy trip while in Pakistan a 14-member Bench of the Supreme Court, has declared all the steps taken by former President Musharraf of 03rd Nov as extra-constitutional.

The former General’s eye browses are not even raised on this decision as he is still sticking to his stance that November 3 , 2007 actions were correct and in accordance with the law and he would continue to defend them.

To get some more fresh air he decided to visit Italy, after this former president Gen (Retd) Pervez Musharraf will also proceed to West Indies islands

He would return to London on August 10 on the conclusion of his joy trip and he had no intent to return to Pakistan at present. However he is kept informed about day-to-day proceedings of Supreme Court in regard to case against him.

Sources informed Pervez Musharraf was much displeased over his past allies as no one among them was supporting him in the prevailing situation particularly gulf between him and Chaudhrys of Gujarat had widened.

6 burns to death, riots erupts in Gojra over sacrilegious of Quran

2009-08-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

At least 6 people including 4 women and 2 children have reported to be burnt to death and dozens others have received critical injuries, when riots erupted in the city between Christian community and Muslims over alleged sacrilegious of Quran in Tehsil Gojra of District Toba Tek Sing.

According to details members of banned Sippha-e-Sahaba along with other religious organizations were staging a protest rally against the alleged incident of sacrilegious of Quran by Christians on 26th July and when the rally reached near the Christian Colony, the agitated members start pelting stones at the Christians Colony, resultantly both the sides hurled stones against each other and also resorted to firing.

Click here to see Pictures

The agitated members of the rally also torched the houses of the Christian Community resultantly 6 people including 4 women and 2 children burned to death and 19 others received critical injuries in cross firing including DSP and TMO Gojra.

Miscreants from both the confronting groups resorted to aerial firing and stopped the railway service at Gojra Railway Station, while IG Punjab Tariq Saleem Dogar after reaching in Gojra deployed additional contingents of police to control the situation.

It was pertinent to mention that on 26th July, it had been reported that in the area of Koriyan near Gojra during a marriage ceremony of Christian Community Quran-ul-Mubarak was torched, resultantly the people of the area caught the culprit and handed him over to police, however the Police after conducting preliminary investigations released the alleged man.

At this the agitated members of the religious organizations staged a protest rally here on Saturday and get into confrontation with the Christian Community and while passing near their colony torched their houses.

After the incident senior Provincial Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab Daust Muhammad Khosa and Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs Kamran Michel arrived on the scene and tried to reconcile between the confronting groups, but the agitated mob did not reconcile, but later after seeing the elite police disrupted.

Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif taking strict notice of the incident has constituted a judicial inquiry committee to probe the incident and has also sought the report from IG Punjab.

While Federal Interior Minister taking notice over the incident has directed to deploy rangers in the Gojra city along with Police to control the peace situation in the city.

FBISE supplementary exams of SSC from August 25

2009-08-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) will hold supplementary exams of Secondary School Certificate (SSC) from August 25.

The last date for the submission of admission forms along with normal admission fee is July 17. However, the last date for submission of forms with double fee is July 24.

According to official sources of the board, the candidates are advised to ensure the submission of forms on or before due date as no admission form will be entertained after July 24. The admission fee for ex/private candidates of Science and Humanities group is Rs450 for SSC-I and Rs500 for SSC-II. While the fee for additional subjects and improvement of marks is Rs350 and Rs150 respectively. The candidate of Islamabad and Rawalpindi can remit their fee either by pay order, bank draft or directly in the Board's account through Bank Challan at HBL, FBISE branch, H-8/4.

However, all other candidates are directed to remit their fee only through pay order or bank draft in favour of the Controller of Examination (Conduct), FBISE, Islamabad with candidate's name, nature of fee and city name.

One-child policy debate reignites in the China again

2009-08-01T05:28:00.001-07:00

SHANGHAI nurse Lu Ming wants a second baby but it is not China’s one-child policy that is holding her back. If anything, she is being encouraged to increase the size of her family as the city faces the challenge of providing for its ageing population. Last week it reminded couples such as Lu and her husband - both of whom are only children because of the policy - that they are eligible to have a second child. Comments by Shanghai family planning director Xie Lingli published on the front page of the government-run China Daily were initially seen as a signal that the one-child policy was about to be relaxed after 30 years.

However, days later a report by China’s official Xinhua news agency quoted Xie as saying she was simply stating rules that had been in place for years and that Shanghai never pursued measures that parted from national policies. Yet for young university-educated mothers such as Lu, who said she was aware of the policy exceptions for having a second child, government officials’ words alone mean little in the face of the rising costs of raising a bigger family. “I had one child and now I want to have a second one,” the 31-year-old said. “But not every family can afford to have a second child,” she added. “To raise a second child you have to take all the financial costs into consideration, otherwise it’s not responsible.” Nevertheless, analysts say recent media attention reflects a struggle between demographers alarmed by a shrinking workforce and ageing population and officials clinging to the mindset that China has too many people. “The fact this caused such a media storm shows the wind is blowing the other way and it’s about time,” said Wang Feng, a sociology professor at the University of California, Irvine.

“It’s a monumental decision that China has to face: what to do about a policy that came out as an emergency measure and was supposed to last for only a generation,” Wang said. Regardless of whether China decides to phase out the one-child policy, population decline is inevitable after more than 15 years of fertility rates below the replacement level of 2.1, Wang said. The government has yet to understand that young career-minded women and rising living costs signal demographic trends similar to those in Western Europe, and birth rates will fall even further, Wang said. “China needs to realise there is a demographic crisis quickly in order to prevent it from deepening,” he said. Even though the rules for having a second child are not new, by publicly encouraging people to take advantage of them Shanghai officials may be trying to counter propaganda tilted towards encouraging only one child, he said.

“Having a second child is often portrayed as if it’s a sign of backwardness and not contributing to the country’s goal of controlling population growth,” Wang said. A senior Shanghai district family planning official insisted that encouraging eligible couples to have a second child had been going on for nearly five years since new exceptions to the one-child policy were introduced. Couples are asked a series of questions when they register to marry to determine if they can have more than one child, the official said, declining to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue. She provided a bright booklet distributed in Shanghai since 2005 which spells out who is eligible to have a second baby, with children’s book-style illustrations showing a young father with two children hanging off his arms.

Conditions include one of the couple being disabled, one working on a fishing boat at sea for five years, and one being an only child from a rural household. Urban couples who do not meet the criteria but have a second child nonetheless, are fined the equivalent of three times the per capita income in their city, the booklet said. The fine for a Shanghai couple, based on 2008 figures, would be about 80,000 yuan (11,800 dollars) - a price wealthy families are often willing to pay. But in a Shanghai park bouncing her six-month-old grandson on her knee, 51-year-old Huang Yuanxiang said that, for most of the younger generation, the biggest barrier to having more than one child is economic. For her grandson to prosper, he will have to go to good schools that cost money. “In my generation, none of us was rich and things were not expensive so it cost little to have more than one child,” she said. “We didn’t face the same financial burden as they do.” afp

Gojra: Clash and exchange of fire between two groups killed 6

2009-08-01T05:13:00.000-07:00

A DSP, TPO and several other persons were injured during a clash and exchange of fire between two groups outside railway station in Gojra tehsil of Toba Tek Singh.

Also, two houses have been torched with the clash still in progress unabated with armed people on rooftops firing gunshots.

According to police, a group took out a procession. As the procession passed from the rival group area, gunshots were fired, injuring six, followed by stones hurling from both sides.

The injured include zubair, Asif, Nadeem, Ali Raza, Safdar and Irfan, who have been transported to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital.

The incident unleashed tension in the area and the demonstrators had blocked the road, burnt tyres and set on fire two houses located in a colony in front of railway station.

Police resorted to tear-gassing to break up the crowd. Rail traffic has been halted due to tense situation.

The hurling of stones between the groups injured at least seven including DSP Akbar Niazi, a gunman Khalid and TMO.

To dilute the tension, MPA Muhammed Khosa, Kamran Michael and Faisalabad Commissioner and DIG appeared on the spot to negotiate with the demonstrators.

Virtual education... for free, no degrees no tuition charge

2009-08-01T04:58:00.000-07:00

They don’t offer degrees but then they don’t charge tuition either. Colleges and universities across the US are offering free courses online on virtually every subject imaginable, including videotaped lectures by some of their most distinguished professors. Video-sharing site YouTube recently created a hub called YouTube EDU at youtube.com/edu for the more than 100 US colleges and universities offering free online learning.

Among the thousands of videos on YouTube EDU are the celebrated classroom theatrics of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) physics professor Walter Lewin, whose clips have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times.

Other leading institutions of higher education posting videos to YouTube include the University of California at Berkeley, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Duke, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford and Yale. Interested in dentistry? Then the YouTube channel of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry may be the place for you, serving up a total of 426 videos. The courses offered on YouTube EDU are free and not for credit but the number of schools offering online classes which count towards a degree is booming.

According to a November 2008 study done for the Sloan Consortium, more than 3.9 million students in the United States were taking at least one online course in 2007, the latest year for which full statistics were available. That was a 12 percent increase over the previous year, according to Sloan, a non-profit whose mission is to “integrate online education into the mainstream of higher education.” The economic downturn, rising unemployment and higher gasoline costs were cited in the study as factors expected to fuel demand for online education. afp

Emraan Hashmi denied house in Mumbai’s upmarket

2009-08-01T04:54:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: “Am I a criminal or a terrorist?” asked an upset Emraan Hashmi on Friday. The Bollywood actor alleged he had been denied a house he wanted to buy in the upmarket Pali Hill area of Mumbai because he was Muslim. The actor, who was not given a no-objection certificate (NOC), believes the housing society in Pali Hill was hiding the real reason for its refusal. “This has political connotations, so they don’t want to talk about it openly.

Yesterday (Thursday), they told me that I can’t get the NOC. I asked them why aren’t you giving me the certificate – am I a criminal, or a terrorist or have I done anything illegal?” Emraan told reporters here with his uncle and well-known filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt by his side. “It is strange that they don’t tell you on your face that you can’t get a house because you are a Muslim. It would have been easier if they would have told me openly.

What they told me is that they can’t allow me to live there because I am a serial kisser and my presence will have a bad influence on the children staying there. “Being a celebrity if I’m facing problems in buying a house here, I wonder what kind of problems others would have been facing. All the time we are talking about secularism but with such incidents what secularism are people talking about?” asked the actor. Emraan said someone suggested to him that he purchase the house in the name of his wife Parveen, who is a Hindu.

“I can do that, but why should I do that?” he asked. Bhatt said such discrimination was a serious problem plaguing India. Emraan has filed a complaint with the State Minorities’ Commission, demanding action against the society members. courtesy the times of india

MySpace launches its own email service on Thursday

2009-08-01T04:52:00.001-07:00

MySpace launched its own email service on Thursday, MySpace Mail, for the 130 million users of the social network. MySpace Mail, which was rolled out in beta, or test version, would be available to all globe users of MySpace “within the next couple of weeks,” MySpace said in a statement. “MySpace Mail creates a more meaningful, fun, and social experience around one of the most popular activities on MySpace,” it said. MySpace said MySpace Mail would allow users of the News Corp.- owned social network to “communicate and share content with people both inside and outside the MySpace network.” “MySpace enters the mail category with the potential to be the second largest mail provider in the US and the fourth largest in the world,” it said.

MySpace, by entering the email space, is throwing down a challenge to more established email services such as Google’s Gmail, Yahoo! mail and Microsoft’s Hotmail. Current MySpace users can create a MySpace Mail account using their current user name on the social network, adding a @myspace.com address, MySpace said. afp

7 year old kid driving a car, Police chasing at city Utah

2009-08-01T04:32:00.000-07:00

Tell me this isn’t a devil in the making.

This little 7-year-old kid stole a car and escaped… from church.

In the video you’ll see the chase scene and at the end, a little kid pops out of the car and runs away. It all took place in Plain City, Utah. The kid was good too. At one point, the sheriff’s deputies try to block him; but the kid headed down a side street.

Anyone who steals a car to get away from church clearly just doesn’t want to be there! You think they’ll try and make him go back next Sunday?

Ufone now start looting its customers by imposing tax on every balance check

2009-07-31T11:18:00.000-07:00

One of the leading cellular service of Pakistan which has more than 30 million customers now starts a new way of getting money from its customers which is by imposing a 10 paisa plus tax on each time the user of Ufone will check its balance from today, August 01.

At one end this cellular network is spending a huge amount of money on advertising in which they are telling the people of Pakistan that they are providing the cheapest call and SMS rates in the country and on other end they imposed this new tax to get more money from users.

The customers of Ufone don’t even know that this new balance check tax has been imposed on them because Ufone has not send any text message which they normally send when they introduce new package.

Most of the cell users do check their balance after each call they made and if they never heard from any where then they might cannot able to notice that their each balance check is providing a 10 paisa profit to Ufone.

One more thing needs the attention of the respective authorities that what these cellular companies are showing in their advertising is not something which actually is.

One of the example is Mobilinks new Day package starts from morning 09:00 to evening 05:00, in which they said in their advertising that they will deduct 4 rupees each day from the one who will activate this package but in reality they are deducting 7 rupees each day.

Alas! As yet there is no check on these companies and these companies are totally in love with the profit they are getting from the People of Pakistan.

03rd Nov 2007 decision declared as anti-Constitutional by Supreme Court

2009-07-31T10:58:00.001-07:00

A 14-member Bench of the Supreme Court, has declared all the steps taken by former President Musharraf of 03rd Nov as extra-constitutional, declaring all the appointments of PCO judges as invalid.

The decision would affect 102 judges from all courts, including the Supreme Court. This includes 12 Supreme Court Hugh Judges, 6 Balochistan High Court Judges, 21 of Sindh High Court, 44 of Lahore High Court, 10 of Peshawar High Court and 8 of Islamabad High Court.

Online reports that among those affected include, Justice Muhammad Musa Khan Leghari, Justice Zia Pervez, Justice Mian Hamid Farooq, Justice Syed Sakhi Hussain Bukhari, Justice Syed Zawar Hussain Jaffery, Justice Sheikh Hakim Ali, Justice Farrukh Mehmood, Justice Sardar Muhammad Aslam, Justice Syed Zahid Hussain, Justice Muhammad Sahir Ali, Justice Allama Khurshid Mehmood, Justice Rashid Ahmed; While case of Justice Fakir Muhammad Khokhar and Justice M Javed Buttar would be referred to Supreme Judicial Council.

Those affected also include Chief Justice Islamabad High Court Justice Muhammad Bilal Khan, Justice Munir Piracha, Justice Qalab Hasan, Justice Raja Saeed Akram, Justice Amjad Iqbal Qureshi, Justice Ramzan Chaudhry, Justice Intikhab Shah, and Justice Arshad Tabrez.

While those from Sindh, Balochistan and Lahore high court include, Justice Iftikhar Hussain Chaudhry, Justice Syed Zahid Hussain, Justice Naseem Sikandar, Justice Khalid Alvi, Justice Sakhi Hussain Bukhari, Justice Muzammil Khan, Justice Fazal Miran Sahir, Justice Shabber Raza Rizvi, Justice Hamid Ali Shah, Justice Tariq Shamim, Justice Syed Asghar Haider, Justice Hasnat Ahmed Khan, Abdul Shakoor Piracha Sheikh Hakim Ali, Sajjad Hussain Shah and Sardar Aslam.

Also included are, Justice Muhammad Afzal Soomro, Justice Monib Ahmed Khan, Justice Yasmeen Abbasi, Justice Miss Qaisar Iqbal, Justice Talat Qayyum Qureshi, Justice Raj Muhammad, Justice Muhammad Raza, Justice Jehanzeb, Justice Hamid Farooq, Justice Saleem Khan, Justice Sajjad-ul-Hasan, Justice Qaim Jan, Justice Syed Maroof Khan, Chief Justice of Balochistan Justice Amanullah Yaseen Zai, Justice Ahmed Khan Lashari, Justice Akhtar Zaman Malghani, Justice Nadir Khan and Justice Mehta Kilash Nathi.

The historical verdict of Supreme Court has also declared the appointment of Justice Abdul Hamid Dogar as one-time CJP as null and void, while President Asif Ali Zardari would not require to take his office oath again.

The decision regarding future of PCO judges, who would be barred from further, functioning would be taken by Supreme Judicial Council.

All ordinances which had been approved by the dismissed PCO judicial setup, would be catered for by the Parliament

Fazl-Ur-Rehman announces separation from ruling coalition

2009-07-31T05:35:00.001-07:00

The head of Jamat Ulema Islam (F) Maulana Fazl-Ur-Rehman has announced his separation from ruling coalition over government's failure to implement the recommendations of CIC (Council of Islamic Ideology).

Addressing a congregation after attending a two-day "Tahaffuz-e-Deeni Madaris", he complained that PPPP had committed to implement the recommendations of CIC at earliest, but despite a lapse of one and a half year, nothing had materialized.

Condemning the ongoing military operation in Malakand and Swat regions as continuity of despotic agenda, detrimental to National security, integrity and solidarity, he demanded an immediate end to it, and also demanded a high ranking judicial probe into the conflict, in which thousands of innocent had perished, besides rendering millions homeless for no reason whatsoever.

He termed the so-called war against terrorism as a proxy war instead of National issue, initiated merely on a single telephone call, while America had failed to prove any logic over it to global forum, altogether.

Terming the accord with Muhammad Sufi as a totally wrong move, he said that it contained many constitutional and legal lacunas; which rendered it useless and ineffective, leading to a horrendous, escalating conflict.

He said that religious elements had always stressed and carried out peaceful, loyal and patriotic endeavors, yet their role was being viewed with suspicion and distrust for no reason and rhyme; warning "not to push us religious elements too hard in the desperate corner".

He also berated the ongoing military operation in Balochistan since '74, which was severely harming the solidarity and respect of federation, and demanded uniform rules and privileges for all Provinces.

He also agreed in principle to assist "nationalists (separatist) elements" demand for repeal of 17th amendment, and Provincial autonomy, provided these elements also helped religious elements in their holy endeavors.

Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri also condemned the propaganda against religious elements and seminaries, urging solidarity between entire Ummah

Five lawyers beat an assistant sub-inspector outside court

2009-07-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

Five lawyers beat an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) outside the Sessions Court for allegedly conducting an inquiry against their client.

Barrister Rana Asif Raza, Rana Saeed Anwar, Sajjad Afzal, Malik Muhammad Hanif and Mehar Jahangir thrashed ASI Faqir Muhammad of the Nishtar Colony Police Station.

Islampura Police Station House Officer (SHO) Maqsood Ali told Daily Times that the lawyers attacked the ASI as he stepped outside the court after submitting the records of a case. The ASI nominated the lawyers in his application submitted before the Islampura Police for the registration of a first information report (FIR) against the accused lawyers.

28000 prohibited bore licenses issued by federal government

2009-07-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

The standing committee on interior has expressed its deep concern over irregularities in issuance of arms license for prohibited bore by the Arms branch of Interior ministry.

The meeting held on the directives of PM, proposed a standard operating procedure (SOP) for issuing of arms' license, and while appointing a separating section (for issuing of PB weapons), recommended a fix quota of 5PBs, and 20NPBs.

The meeting was attended by MNAs, Ejaz Virk advocate, Roshan uddin Junejo, Khan Zada Khan, Chaudhry Muhammad Bashir Virk, Sardar Muhammad Israr Tarseen, Wasim Akhtar and Ms. Bushra Gohar.

Cyber Crime Bill 2009 tabled in Senate for approval

2009-07-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

Cyber Crime Ordinance 2009 has been tabled in the Senate for its approval.

Leader of the Upper House, Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari on behalf the Ministry of Law and Justice has tabled the Cyber Crime Ordinance 2009 under the article 98 (2).

According to the text of the ordinance, accessing any electronic system or electronic devices without permission would legally be a crime.

Similarly, accessing, destroying, hacking and sabotaging any criminal data set up by any organization or the government, or committing a fraud using an electronic system or Internet, or making unauthorized changes, or using someone else code or password to access information, or to harass anyone using Internet, or to transmit immoral matter or images, or using electronic system, device or Internet, or to participate in a terrorist or destructive activity are all legally crimes for which imprisonment of 3 to 10 years or a fine of Rs 100,000 to 500,000 or both have been suggested as the punishments.

New Postings and transfers in Punjab Government

2009-07-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

Ahmad Mustajab Karamat, Director, Child Protection & Welfare Bureau, Punjab,
Lahore, has been transferred and posted as Regional Manager / Director,
Programme Management Unit, National Programme for Improvement of
Watercourses in Pakistan (Punjab Component), Lahore, against a vacant post,
on deputation basis.

Nasir Iqbal, OSD, S&GAD, Government of the Punjab, has been posted as
EDO(Finance& Planning), Chakwal, against a vacant post.

Ali Rizwan Rizvi, OSD, S&GAD, Government of the Punjab, has been posted as
Deputy Secretary, Food Department, Government of the Punjab, against a
vacant post.

Muhammad Azam Awan, OSD, S&GAD, Government of the Punjab, has been posted as
EDO(Finance & Planning), Khanewal, against a vacant post.

Muhammad Asad, OSD, S&GAD, Government of the Punjab, has been posted as
Deputy Secretary(Regulations), S&GAD, Government of the Punjab, against a
vacant post.

Malik Abdul Waheed, DDO(Revenue), Samundari, has been transferred and posted
as Special Judicial Magistrate, Town Planning, City District Government,
Lahore, against a vacant post.

Ishrat Ali Khan, Special Judicial Magistrate, PHA, Lahore, has been
transferred and directed to report to S&GAD.

Naveed Shahzad Mirza, awaiting posting in S&GAD, has been posted as Special
Judicial Magistrate, PHA, Lahore vice Ishrat Ali Khan, SJM, PHA, Lahore,
transferred.

Faisal Atta, Assistant Director, Anti-Corruption Establishment, Punjab,
Lahore, has been transferred and posted as DDO(Registration), Data Ganj
Bukhsh Town, Lahore, against a vacant post.

Punjab Govt to lift ban on the issuance of arm license

2009-07-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

Punjab Government has decided to lift ban on the issuance of armed licenses. According to a private television channel notification in this regard will be issued in coming two days.

According to details Punjab government has decided to lift ban from the issuance of armed licenses and the authority to give license have been handed over to respective districts DCOs.

Meanwhile, provincial Government has also decided to place Jammers to stop mobile usage in all jails of the province.

It has also been said that if any prisoner is found having mobile phone then jail administration would be dismissed from job

American Police professionals to train motorway police

2009-07-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

A team of American Police professionals will impart training to the officers of National Highways & Motorway Police to combat crime and terrorism and to control law & order situation on motorways/highways.

In this respect, the Mr. Robert A. Clark, Programme Manager on Anti-Terrorism and Mr. Danial Dy. Programme Manager visited the headquarters of NH&MP, where they have discussed different training programes, which can be imparted to motorway police.

I.G. National Highways & Motorway Police Dr. Wasim Kausar and the members of American team discussed the various training issues to be given to motorway police. They praised the performance of the motorway police and said that the NH&MP has been recognized worldwide and its officers established it as an Institution. Mr. Clark said although the NH&MP is excellent in traffic handling issues but due to the present environment of Pakistan, it is necessary to provide them training to control law & order situation on highways/motorways in the present environment and to combat all type of crime and terrorism, so that they could handle any criminal activity with professionalism. The IGP informed them that the motorway police had provided the training to other such police departments and the people are feeling positive results in some cities. He said that NH&MP has planned to impart training to SAARC countries and in first phase the traffic police of Maldives is due in near future, which would be given training in NH&MP training Institute at Sheikhupura. The IGP directed the AIG training of NH&MP to make training courses in consultation with Mr. Clark for the officers of NH&MP. The American police will train them and later on the officers of NH&MP may be sent US for training.

PM allocates Rs.1.25 billion for the additional displaced persons

2009-07-29T09:29:00.001-07:00

While allocating Rs.1.25 billion for the additional displaced persons Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has directed the concerned agencies to evolve a comprehensive and well coordinated plan for the next phase of rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected areas.

He was chairing a meeting of Strategic Policy Committee on IDPs at the PM’s
House here Wednesday.

The Prime Minister also directed Ministry of Finance to release Rs.180 million for the Cash for Food Programme for 6000 dislocated families of Waziristan.

In Bajour and Mohmand agencies where the situation has become normal and peace has been restored, the Prime Minister further directed to initiate arrangements for the early return of displaced persons of the area.

Commending the hard work and ceaseless service of the provincial government and Special Support Group to the dislocated people, the Prime Minister said that after the successful military operation, the safe return of the displaced population has commenced and hoped that the process would be completed soon.

He said that more than 80% of these people were using their own transport to get back to their homes and the rest of them were transported through government arranged facilities.

The Prime Minister said the military operation has been a significant success which has not only been welcomed by the local population but has also been endorsed by the entire nation, political parties and the international community. We acknowledge the sacrifices made by the Pakistan Army in re-establishing the writ of the state in the conflict zone and in elimination of extremist elements, he added.

The meeting was informed that around Rs. 5 billion has already been distributed amongst the affected families. The essential services have been restored in Shangla, Dir, Swat and Buner, it was informed.

Date for filing hajj applications extended: Minister for religious affairs

2009-07-29T05:14:00.001-07:00

Minister for religious affairs Hamid Saeed Kazmi while voicing fears on possible imposition of ban on performance of Hajj by the persons in the age group of over 65 years, children below the age of 12 years and pregnant women in the wake of swine flu threat has said date for filing hajj application therefore has been extended

He said this while addressing a press conference here Wednesday in the ministry of religious affairs. Saudi government had not informed Pakistan formally in this respect so far, he told.

Hajj applications received so far in respect of persons in age group of above 65 years stand at 14000 while Hajj application received uptill now in regard to children below 12 years come to 7000. Applications had witnessed decline due to machine-readable passport, IDPs and bad economic situation, he added.

Tour operators had been categorized this year, he said adding 619 private companies filed the applications while hajj quota was allotted to 589 companies under different companies.

Responding to a question he said cabinet committee constituted on the issue of hajj quota for parliamentarians would soon present report to prime minister.

'Saidu Medical College will reopen on August 1'

2009-07-28T06:53:00.001-07:00

The Principal Saidu Medical College, Saidu Sharif, Swat Professor Dr. Muhammad Jan has announced with the permission of the NWFP Secretary Health that Saidu Medical College will reopen on August 1, 2009 positively and regular classes will be held.

All the students of the college have been directed to attend the college on August 1, 2009 at 8AM and ensure their presence in the classes to be held the
same day.

Security forces recover 200 children being trained for suicide attacks

2009-07-27T09:57:00.001-07:00

Security Forces have recovered 200 children being trained for suicide bombing here on Monday.

Private TV Channel has reported that recovered children belong to age group 6-13 and have been given into custody of security force, who have shifted them to an unknown place in Mardan.

It is reported that these children were recovered from different places amid the operation in a period of one month in Malakand division and terrorists had brainwashed these children for suicide attacks.

Official sources confirmed that number of the recovered children could rise. It has also been confirmed these children were administered injection daily for brainwashing by Taliban.

It is reported that some children were also handed over to parents but few children refused to stay with their parents and threatened them with dire consequences if they blocked their way. Sources told that security forces have started measures for brainwashing of these recovered children in order to turn them into common citizen.

NWFP Senior Minister, Bashir Ahmad Bilour while talking to Private TV Channel has said that commonly poor people use to send their children in Madrassahs as these Madrassahs provide food and boarding facilities. But the administrators of these religious seminaries and Madrassahs misused them after brainwashing.

Bashir Bilour said that these children were exposed to videocassettes and CDs, including verses from Quran, adding that" they have been brain washed to such an extreme that they even termed their parents as infidels, and some of the children were weeping and saying that they were supposed to carry suicide attack in Ramadan and will offer Eid Prayer in heavens.

UNHCR temporarily closes voluntary repatriation centre in Quetta

2009-07-27T04:24:00.002-07:00

The UNHCR-assisted voluntary repatriation of Afghans through Quetta has been temporarily suspended.

UNHCR's Baleli (Quetta) and Hayatabad (Peshawar) Voluntary Repa0triation Centres (VRC) are closed until further notice.

Registered Afghans wishing to return home via Hayatabad and Baleli VRCs are advised to check with UNHCR staff before they start the repatriation process. An announcement will be made once repatriation through Hayatabad and Baleli VRC is resumed.

14 new Senate bodies Chairmen elected unopposed

2009-07-27T04:23:00.001-07:00

Additional 14 new Chairman of the Standing Committees of the Senate have been elected unopposed here on Monday.

The election was held in the Parliament House under the Chairmanship of Secretary Senate Raja Muhammad Amin in which Ishaq Dar has been elected unopposed Chairman of Industry and Production.

On the other hand, Wali Muhammad, Gulshan Saeed Ports and Shipping, Javed Ashraf Qazi Defense, Idris Safi Information and Technology, Professor Khursheed Planning and Development, Talha Muhammad Interior, Javed Ali Shah Food and Agriculture, Khalid Soomro Local Government, Sabir Shah Religious Affairs, Shahid Bugti Cabinet Division, Maulana Gull Naseeb Standing Committees on Railways respectively.

Thus out of 34, process of electing 23 Chairman of the Committees has been formally completed in this regard.

India supplying weapons to terrorists in Balochistan, says Rehman

2009-07-27T04:20:00.000-07:00

Interior Minister Rehman Malik has made it clear that India is interfering in Balochistan via Afghanistan while decisive action is being against Supreme Commander banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Baitullah Mehsud.

In an exclusive interview to French TV, he said, India is supplying weapons to terrorists and extremists in Balochistan via Afghanistan while terrorists are also getting weapons in FATA from Afghanistan.

For the first time Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has raised the issue of Indian interference in Balochistan before the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at Sharam-ul-Sheikh, Egypt, he said.

Operation Rah-e-Nijat against Supreme Commander Baitullah banned TTP Mehsud would be decisive and Government would not sit silent till complete elimination of terrorists and extremists, he said.

Government is committed to flush out insurgency and such elements have been flushed out from Swat, Buner and Dir, Rehman said.

Answering to a question, he said, the champion of democracy US should listen voice being chanted by Pakistani citizen and halt drone strikes in country's tribal areas. He went on to say the drone strikes are not only counterproductive but also hampering security forces effort to win war against insurgency.

Strong earthquake jolts Islamabad, Peshawar

2009-07-27T04:18:00.000-07:00

A strong earthquake measuring 5.2 on Richter scale jolted twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Malakand division and Azad Jammu Kashmir, causing picnic among earthquake victim of October 08, 2005.

No loss of life or property has been reported According to the details, a strong earthquake hit Manshera, Batgram, Balakot, Abbotabad, Naran, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda and different areas of Malakand division. The intensity of earthquake was 5.2 Richter scale while its epicenter was North West of Pakistan, according to metrological department.

The tremors have caused panic among earthquake victims of October 08, 2005 while children of some schools in Manshera and Balakot came out due to panic.

I am not ashamed of any thing, i did nothing wrong: Musharraf

2009-07-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

Former President Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf has said that he is not ashamed of any thing because he did nothing wrong.

“What I did was in greater national interests on the Slogan Sub See Pahley Pakistan”.

In an exclusive Interview with Private TV Channel, Pervez Musharraf has said that he did not leave the Pakistan. He said that he was living abroad with his consent. He said that he will visit Pakistan when he will feel it necessary. He said that he has no fear on his return to home

Former President Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf has said that he is popular in abroad but is not less popular in Pakistan.

Pervez Musharraf said that he was in abroad to deliver lecture and he was building the image of Pakistan through these lectures. He said that his lectures are amid to address the misconception about ISI, Army at the Int’l level.

Reply to a question he said that he can’t give political statement till November i.e it was not convenient for him to be in Pakistan because different kinds of allegations could incite him for political statement.

He said that he was gifted more than 50 bulletproof vehicles by heads of the different states. Rafiq Hariri had gifted me three Mercedes.

I had had handed over all these assets to the government when I quit office, he said by adding that he did not steal national assets rather he bought it on reasonable prices.

Pervez Musharraf said that he did all in greater national interests under the Slogan “Sub See Pahley Pakistan”.

While speaking about his luxury apartment in London he said that it is a common apartment not a palace that he had bought in London. My son and one of my friend had also assisted me financially to buy this apartment.

In response to a question pertaining to stealing of electricity at his farm house in Chak Shahzad he said that he is not an ordinary man that he could not pay electricity tariff. I am pay official rate and I will continue to pay electricity tariff in future too.

Similarly, while speaking about the recent electricity crisis he said that there was available 2000 MW additional electricity during his era but electricity has demand has suddenly jumped.

Pervez Musharraf said that several projects of 1000 MW was started in his era and if the incumbent government seriously work on these projects then there is no doubt that load shedding will come to end by December 2009.

In response to a question regarding appointment of administrators, Pervez Musharraf regretted on abolishment of local bodes system. He said that Local bodies system was in favour of Pakistan.

Replying to a question pertaining Supreme Court Notice he said that h did nothing wrong. He will appear before the court. However, he is certainly expecting justice from the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Reference against CJ was correct, he added.

He also urged upon the objective role of media.

While speaking about the Lal Mosque incident he said that militants were challenging the writ of government and were dictating government for fulfillment of their demands in the pretext of dialogues.

He said that he had consulted Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain before the operation. Imam-e-Kaaba was also invited to settle the Lal Mosque standoff amicably, but the militants hiding inside the Lal Mosque were constantly challenging the writ of government and government have to take step.

Pervez Musharraf said that assassination of Benazir Bhutto was the major cause of the defeat of PML-Q in general election 2007. He strongly rejected the allegations of rigging in general polls.

In response to another question he said that he wish for integrity in the Party (PML-Q) that unfortunately it lacks. If they think that election would protect integrity of the party than I am in favour of these election. Party constitution must not be violated.

He also stressed upon the effective strategy plane to streamline the Madrassahs. He said that those Madrassahs that are promoting militancy and inciting students must be shutdown.

He said that source of money for the militants are the drug money and involvement of foreign hand can’t rule out.

The political environment in Pakistan is definitely very tough but the allegations and charges leveled against him, Pervez Musharraf said that he is not taking these allegations seriously as public now very must what is wrong an what is right.

While speaking about the Nawaz Sharif plan hijacking case he said that it was the decision of the court. I had mentioned facts in my book. I don’t believe in political vendetta. There must be atmosphere of consultation.
There are problems in Pakistan such as terrorism, political turmoil etc. The people of Pakistan must judge the politicians that who is telling lie and who is saying what.

Veena Malik denies the rumours of marriage with Atif Aslam

2009-07-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

Pakistani famous actress and model Veena Malik denied the rumours spreading in the masses that she is married with Atif Aslam.

Veena said that these rumours are totally wrong and the people who are spreading are actually jealous of her popularity.

She said that she has no links with Atif Aslam and she never met Atif Aslam face to face in her life.

54000 posts lying vacant in civil service of Pakistan

2009-07-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

Over 54000 posts of grade 1 to 22 are lying vacant in Civil Service of Pakistan.

Overall strength of officers and other staff of civil service of Pakistan in establishment division come to 480086 while 425242 employees are working against these posts and this way 12.43 percent posts are lying vacant.

As per documents 101 employees of grade 22, 292 of grade, 21, 19859 of grade, 20, 2281 of grade, 19, 4758 of grade, 18, 9187 of grade, 17 and 407764 employees of grade 1 to 16 are working in civil service of Pakistan.

469 employees of grade 17, 468 of grade 18 are working in office management group, 218 of grade 19, 92 of grade-20, 23 of grade-21 and 3 of grade-22 in Pakistan audit and accounts, 92 of grade-17, 45 of grade-18, 27 of grade-19, 14 of grade-20 and 2 of grade-21 in postal service, 163 of grade-17, 158 of grade-18, 177 of grade-19, 109 of grade-20, 32 of grade-21 and 2 of grade-22 in police service of Pakistan, 49 of grade-17 25 of grade-18, 14 of grade-19, 10 of grade-20 and 1 of grade-21 in Pakistan railway, 271 of grade-19, 99 of grade-20, 50 of grade-21 and 49 of grade-22 in secretariat group, 96 of grade-17, 96 of grade-18, 95 of grade-19l 92 of grade-20, 33 of grade-21 11 of grade-22 in foreign service, 113 of grade-17, 88 of grade-18, 266 of grade-19, 231 of grade-20 and 47 of grade-21 in DMG, 22 of grade-17, 30 of grade-18, 17 of grade-19, 6 of grade-20 and 1 of grade-21 in military land and cantonment, 100 of grade-17, 66 of grade-18, 42 of grade-19, 10 of grade-20 and 2 of grade-21 in information group, 344 of grade-17, 344 of grade-18, 190 of grade-19, 70 of grade-20, 28 of grade-21 and 1 of grade-22 in income tax group 104 of grade-17, 157 of grade-18, 99 of grade-19, 49 of grade-20 and 16 of grade-21 are posted in custom and excise group.

Sherry Rehman entangles in delayed PIA flight at Lahore airport

2009-07-26T10:53:00.001-07:00

PIA’s flight PK-305 delayed in take-off at Lahore airport till late here on Sunday owing to engine failure, passengers including former Information Minister Sherry Rehman termed it ineligibility of PIA administration.

According to a private TV channel report PIA’s flight PK-305 has to left for Karachi at 06:00pm here Sunday, but at the notified time the passengers were informed that owing to some technical fault the plane will take-off at 08:00pm, but even at 08:00pm the Plane could not make take-off owing to pressure failure in plane engine.

Federal Population Minister Firdaus Ashiq Awan and former Information Minister Sherry Rehman were also included in the passengers of the plane.

Former Information Minister Sherry Rehman talking to a private TV channel stated that the plane was outdated and dilapidated and she has never witnessed such a take-off, as this plane was making.

She further stated that the behaviour of PIA’s administration was very irresponsible, as they did not create any other alternative for the entangled passengers.

PML-Q leader Tariq Azeem resigns as party’s Information Secretary

2009-07-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

PML-Q Secretary Information and former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Senator Tariq Azeem tendered resignation as Party’s Secretary Information.

Private TV Channel reports said that Senator Tariq Azeem met with PML-Q president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and presented him his resignation. He said that he has resign from his office for the promotion of democratic norms.

Senator Tariq Azeem has said that when it has become difficult to speak truth and tell lie then it is better to resign.

He further said that he is not going to quit the party rather he would like to remain silent. He said as Shujaat Hussain is reorganizing the party therefore, he has the right to assign main offices to the persons of his own choice.

Meanwhile, PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain while talking to Private TV Channel has said that Senator Tariq Azeem will assigns important office.

Shujaat said that resignation from party office does not mean to quit the party. He said that Senator Tariq Azeem has resigned on some personal reasons.

Reliable Sources said that Shujaat Hussain will issue notification regarding the appointment of Marvi Memon as Secretary Information PML-Q within next 1 or two days.

Security Forces impound 14 vehicles prepared for suicide attacks

2009-07-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

Security forces have brought nine youth before the media who were allegedly involved in getting training of suicide bombing and recovered 14 vehicles which were prepared for suicide attacks.

Private TV Channel reports said that these young suicide bombers including a girl were brought before the media in Circuit House Swat. They told media that they had got training from militants.

These young boys were handed over to security forces by their parents while two of the boys have handed over themselves to security forces voluntarily.

Brig Tahir Hameed Rana while addressing a press conference in Swat Circuit House has said that the operation in Swat is yielding fruitful result and it would continue till the presence of the last militant.

He said that 95 percent life in Mingora has returned to normalcy. Therefore, all banks in Mingora city will be reopened by July 31 while National Bank has been activated, he added.

He said that security forces during search and destroy operation have recovered a large number of arms and ammunition, vehicles and furniture of schools & banks which the militants has looted before the commencement of the operation.

Besides, the security forces have also recovered 14 vehicles which were prepared for taking part in suicide attacks.

He told that a 15-day ban has been imposed on driving rickshaws in Swat from today.

Similarly, Brig Tahir Hameed Rana has said that government is making arrangements for the free education, hostel accommodations and food for these arrested young boys brought to media.

Int’l Peace Committee announces names of its representatives

2009-07-26T05:53:00.000-07:00

The International Peace Committee on Interfaith has announced the names of its representatives on Sunday.

Allama Muhammad Yousuf Awan has been appointed as Chairman of the Committee and advisor to Chief Minister Sindh, Feroz ud Din Hazarvi appointed as Central General Secretary,

The other representatives of the Committee include Maulana Abdul Majeed Hazarvi who has been appointed as central president, Allama Naveed Masood Hashmi as Secretary Information and Mufti Mujeeb ur Rehman will perform the functions of Deputy Secretary General.

'Best treatment facilities being provided to Jamila'

2009-07-26T05:02:00.001-07:00

On the direction of Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, best treatment facilities are being provided to Jamila, daughter of Habib Jalib, who is under treatment in Lahore General Hospital and doctors are trying their best to save her life.

This was stated by a spokesman of Provincial Health Department. The Spokesman said that Jamila Jalib was shifted from Sheikh Zayad Hospital to Lahore General Hospital in a critical condition due to brain hemorrhage where Principal Postgraduate Medical Institute and renowned surgeon Prof. Dr. Nazir Ahmad had himself operated her and the patient has been kept in ICU where doctors are continuously looking after her and besides provision of all medicines, free air-conditioned room has also been provided to the family of the patient.

The spokesman said that on the special instructions of the Chief Minister, Senator Pervaiz Rashid and DGPR Mohyuddin Wani had visited the hospital immediately after the operation and enquired about the health of the patient. They had also met the members of the family and assured them full cooperation. The spokesman said that Chief Minister is also being apprised of the treatment facilities and health condition of Jamila Jalib.

The spokesman termed these information as baseless that the daughter of Habib Jalib is not being provided best treatment facilities. Meanwhile, MS General Hospital Dr. Iqbal Kazmi has said that Jamila is being provided treatment under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Nazir and Prof. Nazir and his team are looking after the patient regularly but she is still unconscious and her condition is not out of danger. Dr. Iqbal Kazmi said that the hospital administration is providing all facilities to the patient and her family.

Suspicious plane hovering over Sargodha cause debate among locals

2009-07-26T04:50:00.000-07:00

The residents have started whisperings and debate after experiencing a suspicious plane hovering over the city for the last three days, locals and sources said on Sunday.

According to details, the residents have been debating hovering of suspicious plane over the city for the last three days, which locals say, sometimes it comes down, then go up and sometimes being looked like moving star, then suddenly adopt light shell.

However, locals said that they were enjoying the exercise the whole night.

Fake applications, visa: UK to ban entry for 10 years

2009-07-26T04:46:00.000-07:00

The British High Commission in Islamabad warned on Sunday applicants seeking UK visa to keep away from fake agents and follow rules, otherwise it could suspend applications and banned visa for 10 years.

Reliable sources told this Agency on Sunday that the move was taken to save the time of real applicants and avoid the fake applicants entering United Kingdom.

According to sources, fake agents and applicants provide wrong information to people for collecting money, which cause waste the time of real applicants.

The fact, sources said, was that getting visa through fake agents, preparation of wrong documents was unpardonable crime, which could ban the entry of the people into UK for 10 years.

According to sources, there was no fee on applicants' fee and all applicants were accepted on Gerry, adding, minimum time of application processing was four weeks for Mirpur Center, five weeks for Islamabad, six weeks for Lahore and Karachi, while UKBA wanted more reduction in it.

PM and CM Punjab reiterate to cooperate in restoring 1973 constitution

2009-07-26T04:44:00.000-07:00

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and Chief Minister Punjab and President PML (N) Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif have reiterated that both PPP and PML-N would cooperate in restoring the 1973 constitution by undoing the 17th Amendment and ensuring implementation of the Charter of Democracy.

Chief Minister, Punjab and President PML (N) Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at his Lahore residence on Sunday.

The meeting reviewed the overall political scenario of the country including
issues related to local governments.

The Prime Minister during the meeting said that under the constitution local government is a provincial subject and all the four provinces are empowered to take decision regarding the status and future of local bodies. Accordingly, the appointment of Administrators falls in the domain of the respective provincial governments, he said.

He said the government is paying special attention to the development of south Punjab and the federal and provincial governments need to work in close coordination in this regard as projects worth billions of rupees are being undertaken for the uplift of the area.

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif briefed the Prime Minister about the law and order situation in the province and measures being taken for maintaining public order in all parts of the province.

He congratulated the Prime Minister on his successful visit to Sharm-el-Sheikh and his meetings with various heads of government, including the Indian Prime Minister, on the sidelines of the NAM Summit.

It was decided that a meeting of the Chief Ministers of all the four provinces would be convened under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister to discuss the problems and difficulties being faced by the common man.

Chief Banned Tehreek Sufi Mohammad arrested from Peshawar

2009-07-26T04:42:00.000-07:00

Police have arrested chief banned Tehreek-i-Nifaz-i-Shirhat-i-Mohammadi Maulana Sufi Mohammad along with his two son and a commander here in area of City Town on Sunday.

According to locals, Police Personnel some in plain clothes raided house located in City town area and arrested Chief banned TNSM Maulana Sufi Mohammad along with his two son including Rizwan Ullah and Zia Ullah while another person Tahir was also arrested.

After report in media that the Chief banned TNSM was living in Peshawar for last some 20 days Police launched crackdown and arrested him.

According to report of Private TV Channel, a militant commander Nadeem was also arrested along with Sufi Mohammad and his two sons. Private TV Channel contacted Acting Spokesman of TNSM Iqbal as saying he has no information about arrest of his chief.

Maulana Sufi Mohammad went into hiding after Pakistan army on the directives of Federal and Provincial Government launched operation Rah-e-Rast against militants in Swat, Lower Dir and Buner. The arrest of Sufi Mohammad could not be confirmed through official sources.

Maulana Sufi Muhammad sets momentum from Peshawar

2009-07-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

Ameer (TNSM) banned Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariah Muhammadi Maulana Sufi Muhammad has again gained momentum here on Saturday and held meetings with number of TNSM leaders by exchanging views on the situation after the military operation.

A close comrade of Maulana Sufi Muhammad, Iqbal Khan while talking to a private TV channel here Saturday informed that Maulana Sufi Muhammad has called the Shura meeting of TNSM to formulate the future strategy of the banned organization.

Iqbal Khan further disclosed that Maulana Sufi Muhammad was not in the Government custody and he was residing in a rented house in Peshawar and has reiterated to motivate the movement from Peshawar and regarding this today, he has issued directives to the organizers of TNSM.

Meanwhile spokesman of ANP Senator Zahid Khan has stated that the Provincial Government of NWFP has neither arrested Maulana Sufi Muhammad nor any sort of deal has been committed with him by the Government.

Senator Zahid Khan further stated that NWFP Government was unaware about the residence of Maulana Sufi Muhammad in Peshawar and neither the Government has provided any security for him and the Government will not allow anyone to challenge the Governmental writ, he added.

Six Iranian nationals held during a crackdown by Security Forces

2009-07-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

Security Forces during the crackdown have arrested six foreigners from Quetta Express in Dera Murad Jamali on Saturday.

According to details, security forces raided on a rail coach No.8 of Quetta Express bound from Rawalpindi to Quetta and arrested six suspected foreigners.

The arrested foreigners are reported to be Iranian National who came to Pakistan four days ago in order to attend Ijtimah in Raiwind. The arrested persons have been identified as Abdul Hadi, Ahmad, Abdul Shabbir, Abdul Malik, Muhammad Agha and Abdullah.

They have been shifted to unknown place for further investigation.

No festivities and cake cutting on Co-Chairman, birthday

2009-07-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar has said that the President and the Co-Chairman of the Party Mr Asif Ali Zardari has directed that no festivities and no cutting of cakes will be held on his birthday Sunday july 26.

Sunday July 26 marks 54th birthday of the President.

Farhatulla Babar said that the Party Co Chairman has directed that on the occasion instead of festivities prayers be offered for the country, the Party, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutton, the children and the people of Pakistan particularly the dowtrodden and dispossessed. The gatherings and functions held by Party organizations within the country and abroad will reiterate their commitment to democracy, the Party’s principles and manifesto and to the alleviation of sufferings of the people, he said.

He said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhuttos birthday this year was also celebrated in this manner and the President feels that this is the way she would have wanted to celebrate.

12 Years Old Babar Iqbal Secures 4th World Record

2009-07-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

12-year old student Babar Iqbal hailing from Dera Ismail Kahn made a fourth world record in field of computer, Local TV channel reported Friday.

Earlier, Babar, generally known as genius cyber kid, had set up three world records including Youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) at the age 9 years, Youngest Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) at the age 9 years and Youngest Certified Web Professional Associate (CIWA) at age 10 years.

While, the recent fourth record he made as Youngest Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) at the age 12 in Dubai.

The participants of this competition were aged from 20 to 35 years. By making this record, young Babar surprised the IT experts from all over the world. He also surpassed his compatriot Irfa Kareem Randhawa, who made this record at the age of 9 years and seven months.

Babar was born in surrounding overwhelmed with computers and monitors on March 2, 1997.

His two brothers and sisters (four in all) are Microsoft Certified Professional.

Babar Iqbal’s Website: http://www.babariqbal.com/
Babar Iqbal’s LinkedIn Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/babariqbal
Babar Iqbal On FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/babariqbal

Saudi beauty queen crowned Miss Moral Beauty

2009-07-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

RIYADH: Saudi beauty queen Aya Ali al-Mulla trounced 274 rivals to win a crown, jewellery, cash and a trip to Malaysia, and all without showing her face, Saudi media reported on Friday.

With her face and body completely covered by the black head-to-toe abaya mandatory in the conservative Muslim kingdom, 18-year-old Mullah was named "Queen of Beautiful Morals" late on Thursday, newspapers said.

There was none of the swimsuit and evening gown competitions and heavy media coverage of beauty pageants elsewhere when the contest was decided in the eastern city of Safwa.

Instead, the winner and the two runner-up princesses had to undergo a three-month test of their dutifulness to their parents and family, and their service to society.

This included a battery of personal, cultural, social and psychological tests, Al-Watan reported.

It was unclear exactly what Mullah did to pip her rivals in the huge field, but Al-Watan reported that the high school graduate had good grades and hopes to go into medicine.

She raked in a 5,000-riyal (1,333-dollar) prize, a pearl necklace, diamond watch, diamond necklace, and a free ticket to Malaysia with her win.

The 20-year-old first runner-up, one of triplets, had already won an education ministry-sponsored "I love you, my country" competition.

The second runner-up, a high school student aged 15, was cited for taking care of her home and family during the week because her mother works far from home and can only return on weekends.

Beauty contests focused on physical beauty are non-existent in Saudi Arabia, where women can not mix with unrelated men, and must appear in public completely covered -- even in photographs.

Miss Moral Beauty pageant organiser Khadra al-Mubarak kept the focus on inner beauty, as defined by Islamic standards of Saudi Arabia.

"The real winner in this competition is the society. The winners represent the culture of the society and its high Islamic morals," Mubarak said, according to Al-Watan.

President Zardari for import of electricity from Tajikistan

2009-07-25T08:15:00.001-07:00

President Asif Ali Zardari will visit Tajikistan on July, 28 to attend the 4-nation summit conference.

Sources told that Tajik president had invited President Asif Ali Zardari to the summit conference. During his two days visit president Asif Ali Zardari would meet Tajik president and discuss the matters related to expansion of bilateral trade ties between the two countries and import of electricity from Tajikistan to Pakistan.

President Asif Ali Zardari would meet his Russian and Afghan counterparts on the sidelines of summit conference on July 29.

Musharraf’s claims false: Pak Presidential Spokesman

2009-07-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

Pervez Musharraf’s claim that slain former Pakistani premier Benazir Bhutto wanted him to continue as President is the “wishful thinking of a disgraced dictator”, presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar said today.

Musharraf “must stand erect on his own feet and face the consequences of his misdeeds rather than seeking shelter behind the name and pictures” of Bhutto whom he “chased and hounded when in power”, Babar said in a statement.

The former military ruler’s claim in an interview to an Indian TV channel that Bhutto wanted him to continue as President is the “wishful thinking of a disgraced dictator who has been shunted out of the Presidency in full public view and who is now seeking a measure of public support to escape the fate that awaits all dictators”, Babar said.

In the interview, Musharraf claimed that if Bhutto was alive, he would still be the President because she had wanted him to continue in the position.

Babar, who served as spokesman for Bhutto for nearly two decades, said what she thought of the dictator is “graphically described in her two books ‘Daughter of the East´ and ‘Reconciliation´ and in innumerable interviews”.

He said: “Musharraf should read her books and the remarks she publicly made about him in the interviews.”

China launched Arabic-language television channel

2009-07-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

BEIJING: China on Saturday launched an international Arabic-language television channel as part of an ambitious programme to promote the country’s views abroad.

State-run China Central Television (CCTV) said the new service would broadcast news, entertainment and education programmes 24 hours a day to a potential audience of about 300 million people in 22 countries.

CCTV vice-president Zhang Changming said in a statement the channel ‘would serve as an important bridge to strengthen communication and understanding between China and the Arab countries.’

The network – which already broadcasts in English, French and Spanish – also has plans for a Russian-language service.

CCTV began work last September on launching its new Arabic channel.

The satellite channel can be received across the Middle East, North Africa and in the Asia-Pacific region, the statement said.

The move is part of an ambitious programme of international expansion by the state-controlled media to promote the image of China abroad. Xinhua news agency, which already reports from more than 100 countries and territories, also plans to open more foreign bureaus.

‘We must increase our broadcasting capacity to positively influence international public opinion and to give a good image of our nation,’ propaganda chief Wang Chen declared in January, as quoted by Xinhua.

Hong Kong daily the South China Morning Post has reported that Beijing was prepared to put 45 billion yuan into the development of its media, an amount which could not be confirmed by Chinese sources.

Beijing has complained about ‘biased’ coverage of China by foreign media but strictly controls its own media. —AFP

I am sure SC would provide justice: Musharraf

2009-07-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

Former President Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf has said that he cant predict and does not know what would happen, however, he was expecting justice from the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

In an exclusive interview with Private TV Channel to be telecasted today (Sunday) at 10:00 pm, Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf said that he is hopeful of justice from the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

He said that politicians and opposition hijacked and exploited the lawyers' movement and politicized the issue due to which judiciary issue turned into crisis, adding that he had never made the Judiciary issue personnel.

In response to a question he said that he was grieved over the abolishing of local bodies system.

The detailed interview of Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf will be telecasted today (Sunday) on Aaj TV at 10:00 pm.

FC check post, army camp attacked in Miran Shah

2009-07-25T06:27:00.001-07:00

A woman was killed while three people received serious injuries when a mortar shell fired from undisclosed location struck a house in Miran Shah South Waziristan on Saturday.

The injured were shifted to Miran Shah Hospital for immediate medical treatment. The terrorist fired also launched attack on FC Check Post in Mir Wali Division, however, no loss of life was reported in the incident.

On the other hand, the army camp in Datta Khel area of Miran Shah was also attacked with rocket.

The militants fired 6 rockets at army camp in Datta Khel. After the attack, the security forces pounded militants' hideouts in different areas of Miran Shah, however, no causality was reported.

Resignation of Member Punjab Assembly Shumaila Rana accepted

2009-07-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

Acting Speaker Punjab Assembly Rana Mashood has accepted the resignation of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Member Punjab Assembly Shumaila Rana from assembly membership due to her alleged involvement in a credit card's scandal. While her party membership has also been cancelled.

Shumaila Rana handed over her resignation to Acting Speaker Punjab Assembly Rana Mashood in his chamber. Shumaila Rana in his resignation said that he had tendered resignation from assembly membership on the directives of Party leadership and she is bound to implement party rules and regulation.

After the release of video showing Shumaila Rana shopping with allegedly stolen credit card, the PML-N demanded her resignation. Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Chief PML-N has demanded the Party central leadership to take resignation from Shumaila Rana because due to her Party image was tarnishing.

Acting Speaker Punjab Assembly has sent the resignation of Shumaila Rana to election commission and made it clear his Party would not create obstacle in Police investigation into the case. The PML-N has lost its reversed seat in the Punjab assembly. Sources said a PML-N MNA tried his level best to rescue Shumaila Rana but he also failed to do so. Subsequently the PML-N has also cancelled her membership.

Chief banned Tehrik Maulana Sufi Muhammad surfaces again

2009-07-25T06:24:00.001-07:00

Chief banned Tehrik Nifaz-i-Shariah Muhammadi (TNSM) Maulana Sufi Muhammad has surfaced again and there were reports of chairing a council meeting by him in Peshawar.

Closed aide and new spokesperson of TNSM, Iqbal Khan while talking to a private TV channel said that Sufi Muhammad met leadership of TNSM and discussed operation and Malakand situation.

Iqbal Khan who was among those met with Sufi Muhammad revealed that Sufi Mohammad is neither in government custody nor the Army but has been living in Peshawar for the last 20 days.

He said that Sufi Muhammad would finalize future strategy after convening the meeting of Majlis-e-Shoora soon. He disclosed that Sufi Muhammad was sick but now his health is better.

According to a private TV channel, son of TNSM Chief, Rizwan Ullah also confirmed that Chief TNSM has been living in Peshawar in a rented house.

Meanwhile, Spokesperson Awami National Party (ANP), Zahid Khan while talking to a private TV channel categorically stated that the NWFP Government neither arrested Chief banned TNSM nor detained him.

He said that the provincial government did not provide security to Sufi Muhammad and do not know his where about, adding the government would not allow anyone to challenge the writ of the government.

Websites spreading material against Pakistan traced

2009-07-25T06:23:00.001-07:00

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has traced websites involved in spreading negative material against Pakistan and recommended its immediate blockage.

Sources told this Agency here on Saturday that the federal government has directed the Federal Investigation Agency to trace all those websites, it says the neighborly countries were using for negative propaganda against Pakistan.

The FIA, sources added, has recommended to the Ministry of Information Technology to block all these websites and take strong action against responsible persons.

According to informed sources, the information experts in the special investigation department of the FIA have traced such website, which it says, has material against Balochistan.

According to sources, the FIA has directed the Ministry of Information Technology to block all the websites, being operated by one company from Russian Federation.

Judicial system restored in Buner, Shangla, Upper Dir, Malakand

2009-07-25T06:22:00.001-07:00

Judicial system has been restored in Buner, Shangla, Upper Dir and Malakand Division and registrars have started to come on their duties in these areas.

Registrar Peshawar High Court (PHC), Qalandar Ali Khan while talking to a private TV channel told that cases were being disposed of in areas of Swat.

Asked about Nizam-e-Adl, he said that consultations and talks were underway with NWFP Government for its implementation, as it became a law.

Responding to a question, he said that Dar-ul-Qaza to function after situation improves in Malakand, adding the provincial government would provide structure, staff and other facilities for this purpose.

Balochistan professors and lecturers protest target killing of teachers

2009-07-25T06:21:00.000-07:00

The professors and lecturers association of Balochistan have strongly protested against the prevalent target killing of teachers in the Province.

Classes and lectures were boycotted, forcing educational institutions to close down automatically, while teachers wore black belts around their arms and hoisted black flags over their respective educational institutions.

It is pertinent to not that Balochistan professors and lecturers association had already announced 3-day boycott and protest, over target killing of Degree Collage professor, Ghulam Sarwar on Friday on Saryab Road.

The meeting of the association, convened by Muhammad Nawaz Soomro, declared the killing of hapless professor as a deep-rooted conspiracy to edge the Province into abyss of backwardness.

He warned the government to assure the safety of professors, lest they abandoned their teaching profession and come out in streets for their rights.

Navy to get 1st frigate of F-22P on July 30

2009-07-25T06:20:00.001-07:00

National Assembly (NA) standing committee on defence production has been told that first frigate F-22 P 22P equipped with high- tech radar system produced by China will be handed over to Pakistan Navy on July, 30 in Shanghai.

Committee met here Saturday under its chairman Sheikh Aftab in parliament house. Director General (DG) directorate of defence purchase and Managing Director (MD) Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) gave detailed briefing to the committee on the matters related to their institutions.

Managing Director KSEW, Vice Admiral (Retd) Iftikhar Ahmad told the committee manufacturing process of F-22P ship had been completed by China and this ship would be handed over to Pakistan Navy in a ceremony taking place on July, 30 in Shanghais. High tech radar system had been installed in this ship, he added.

KSEW had potential to manufacture a fleet of ships if funds were provided to it, he said adding Karachi shipyard had been awarded contract for manufacturing 6 ships and work was in progress in this respect.

Committee directed the government to take solid steps for transforming KSEW into a larger exports industry besides providing adequate funds to it.

Details of procedure in place in regard to defence purchases was presented in the committee meeting. Committee was told agreements had been reached with US, UK, France, China and other countries to meet the needs of armed forces.

A transparent system had been evolved in connection with defence purchases, committee was informed.

Mumbai attack case adjourned till August 29

2009-07-25T06:17:00.000-07:00

Anti Terrorism Court approving the in camera trial of suspected Mumbai attackers has adjourned the hearing till August 29

Judge Baqir Ali Rana of anti-terror court no 2, who is conducting the trial in the high-security Adiala Jail, put off the matter after hearing arguments by the prosecution and defence, sources said.

The suspects suspected mastermind Zaki Al Rehman Lakhvi, Zarar Shah, Abu Aqama, Shahid Jamil and Hamad Amin Sadiq were presented before the court.

Journalists are barred from covering the trial being conducted inside the prison for security reasons and specific details of today's proceedings were not immediately available.

However, sources said the counsel for the Federal Investigation Agency Malik Rab Nawaz Noon argued that the proceedings should be conducted in-camera in view of the sensitivity of the matter. The court approved the request.

The counsel for the five LeT operatives s Khawja Sultan Ahmed submitted petitions seeking copies of the First Information Reports and two chargesheets drawn up against the accused by the FIA.

One of the Defense council Sardar Tariq Masood avoiding talking to media said that the Judge has warned against talking to media before the decision on the two petitions. He said that all the arrested are Pakistani citizens and they were arrested from various cities.

The trial of the five LeT operatives is being held in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi due to security reasons.

Earlier, Pakistan had filed a second and supplementary chargesheet against five LeT operatives, including its operations chief Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, before the anti-terror court.

The investigators from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which probed the Mumbai attacks, submitted the chargesheet to the court, which stated that the five accused provided transport, accommodation, computer network, financial assistance and boats to the Mumbai attackers.

Bodies of couple found from Sector G-6 Islamabad

2009-07-24T05:37:00.000-07:00

Police has found bodies of a couple from a car, which was parked in a garage of a house in Sector G-6 of Islamabad.

The police upon complaints of neighbors of foul smell coming from house no 1164, street #49 of Sector G-6/1 opened up the house and found dead bodies of a man and a woman inside a parked car.

The bodies were 4 to 5 days old and the blood oozing out of their wounds had dried up.

According to police sources, the initial findings suggested that both were shot dead as several bullet marks were found on their bodies.

The deceased were identified as Muhammad Umer (22) whose body was found along with a Girl Rahila (22) was an employee of foreign embassy in Islamabad.

Deceased Muhammad Umair was missing for his house last 4 days and his abduction case was registered in civil line Police station of Rawalpindi. The house where the bodies were recovered is said to be of Umair.

The girl Rahila was a resident of Sector E-8 and belonged to Mansehra.

Police have registered a case and started investigation.

Serial Women Killer Gardan Tor arrested in Sargodha

2009-07-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

The police arrested a serial women killer nicknamed "Gardan Tor.

Akram alias "Gardan Tor" had killed nine women after raping them.

While giving details, DPO Osman Anwar told host of journalists that the criminal belongs from Faisalabad and police was searching for him since last many months thus he has been arrested after tracing his calls from mobile phone.

During investigations, after he was arrested he admitted that he use to lure woman in his trap and then used to rape them brutally and after wards killed them.

He further admitted that he used to enjoy the heinous act of crime and he killed three women by hanging them after rape.

Ready for punishment if load shedding not ended by Dec 31: Ashraf

2009-07-24T05:05:00.001-07:00

Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf on Friday made it clear that if load shedding is not ended by December 31, he is ready to face the music adding undoubtedly due to so-called prudent policies of the previous government, we had to face such consequences.

While participating in the debate in the Senate on Friday, Water and Power Minister said that PML-Q allegation on the government for the shortfall in electricity is sheer baseless.

He pointed that due to heavy credits of the past government, we are unable to cope with overwhelming expenditures.

He said that for immediate needs, Thermal and rental plants are the only way we can cope with power dilemma adding construction of dams and new projects will take some time from now.

He said that more than 4 billion dollars investment has been made in the field of energy to tackle the energy crises thick and thin.

Load shedding is a gift to us by the previous government, he held.

He went on to say if load shedding is not ended by December 31, he is ready to face punishment.

PML-N MPA Shumaila Rana resigns on demand of PMLN

2009-07-24T04:59:00.000-07:00

On demand of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) investigation committee after credit card scandal case, PML-N MPA Shumaila Rana has tendered her resignation on Friday.

The resignation was submitted before the President PML-N Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif who is also Chief Minister of Punjab and now the resignation would be submitted before the Speaker Punjab Assembly.

Shumaila Rana who was elected on reserved seat of Punjab Assembly is allegedly involved in credit card stolen case. Two members committee comprised on Senator Pervez Rashid and Ashfaq Sarwar Secretary General PML-N Punjab carried out the investigation and demanded resignation from Shumaila Rana some days ago but she refused to do so and sought more two days to prove her innocence.

Case against Shumaila Rana has been registered in model town Police station and case is being run in Court. After failing to prove her innocence, PML-N MPA Shumaila Rana tendered resignation from post of MPA.

Bin Laden's son may have been killed: US official

2009-07-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

One of Osama bin Laden's sons "may be dead," a US counterterrorism official told AFP Thursday, after reports he was likely killed by a US missile strike in Pakistan earlier this year.

"There are some indications that he may be dead, but it's not 100 percent certain," the official said. "If he is dead, Saad bin Laden was a small player with a big name. He has never been a major operational figure."

An administration official said the Al-Qaeda leader's third-oldest son "was likely killed in Pakistan."

National Public Radio reported Wednesday that Saad bin Laden was killed in Pakistan by Hellfire missiles fired from a US Predator drone "sometime this year."

US spy agencies are "80 to 85 percent" sure Saad bin Laden is dead, a senior counterterrorism official told NPR, acknowledging it was difficult to be completely sure without a body to conduct DNA tests on.

It was unclear whether Saad bin Laden was close to the location of his father, who is believed to be hiding in the rugged mountainous tribal belt along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, when he died.

According to the US Treasury, Saad bin Laden, who is believed to have been in his 20s, was part of a small group of Al-Qaeda operatives who helped manage the organization from Iran, where he was arrested in 2003.

He also allegedly helped facilitate communications between Al-Qaeda's number two leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, and the Quds Force, an elite unit of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, following an Al-Qaeda attack on the US embassy in Yemen in 2008.

In January, in the dying days of the administration of president George W. Bush, the US Treasury Department froze the assets of Saad bin Laden and three other Al-Qaeda operatives.

The last audio message said to be from Osama bin Laden and released by Al-Qaeda was aired in June on Al-Jazeera when he accused President Barack Obama of following Bush's policy in "antagonizing Muslims."

And although Obama has vowed to hunt down bin Laden, the Al-Qaeda leader continues to elude any captors.

Washington has placed Pakistan at the heart of the fight against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, and Obama has ordered an extra 21,000 troops to neighboring Afghanistan in a bid to stabilize the country for August elections.

The US military and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) are the only forces to deploy drones to the region.(AFP)

Massive intelligence operation against Moulvi Fazl Ullah starts

2009-07-23T08:39:00.000-07:00

Security forces have launched massive operation for arresting or killing Moulvi Fazl Ullah, commander Tehrik-e-Taliban Swat (TTS).

Official sources told Online Thursday that claim made by Muslim Khan, spokesman of TTS that Moulvi Fazl Ullah was not injured was baseless.

Sources made it clear, that credible information was available Fazl Ullah was injured in aerial shelling that targeted his hideout and his associates had taken away him. As per intelligence repots he was present in the border areas of Swat and Dir. Noose had been tightened around him on receipt of such information, sources revealed.

Sources further told some associates of Fazl Ullah could be hiding in Peochar valley and operation was continuing to trace them. Security forces had targeted all the secret hide outs of central leadership of Tehrik-e-Taliban so far.