KHARTOUM, Kurrent News: Seven Pakistani peacekeepers were wounded, two of them seriously, in an ambush on Tuesday in Sudan’s war-torn region of Darfur, the joint African Union-United Nations mission and local sources said.
“An ambush took place near the displaced persons camp in El Shereif, around 20 kilometres from Nyala,” the capital of South Darfur state and the most important town in the region, said UNAMID spokesman Noureddine Mezni.
The peacekeepers were in a convoy of four vehicles when they were attacked by unknown assailants, he said. “Seven police were wounded, two of them seriously,” Mezni said.
However, a local source said the wounded were Pakistanis, which would make the first time soldiers from Pakistan have been ambushed in Darfur.
Acts of banditry -- including the theft of vehicles at gunpoint — are common occurrences in Darfur.
The United Nations says up to 300,000 people have died and 2.7 million fled their homes since the ethnic minority rebels in Darfur first rose up against the Arab-dominated Sudan government in Feb 2003.—AFP
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Snow and rain wreak havoc, kill 11 in NWFP
PESHAWAR, Kurrent News: Eleven persons were killed and several others injured while dozens of houses and buildings collapsed as heavy snowfall and rains wreaked havoc in upper parts of Frontier province.
The districts of Chitral, Lower and Upper Dir, Swat, and Shangla were disconnected from the rest of the country. The link-roads in these areas were covered with snow or damaged by avalanches and landslide.
The record snowfall also disrupted power and telephone connections in the areas.
The anti-polio campaign was postponed till further orders in Lower and Upper Dir, Bajaur, Swat and Shangla. The local administrations in the affected districts ordered closure of educational institutions for one week. Sources said that at least seven persons were killed when a snow avalanche hit them near the entrance of Lowari tunnel on Chitral side on Tuesday.
Chitral DCO Rahmatullah Wazir told Dawn that three of the victims were workers of the Korean construction company, Sambu. They were identified as Mumtaz Khan from Chitral, Farman Ali from Mardan and Shuaib from Punjab.
The remaining four were employees of a nearby hotel belonging to Upper Dir district. They were identified as Israrud Din, Mohammad Din, Hussain Ahmed and Inayatur Rahman.
The bodies of Sambu company workers were recovered while search was underway to locate the other victims.
Mr Wazir said that more avalanches were reportedly hitting the area intermittently, making the search work difficult and perilous. He said that more rescue teams would be sent to the place of incident to accelerate search work.
Some people present on the site of incidence feared the death toll might rise as more bodies could be found under the avalanche.
The tunnel remained closed for vehicular traffic on Tuesday for the third consecutive day cutting Chitral district from the rest of the country. The roof of a house collapsed in Rahimabad village of Lower Dir, killing four inmates, who were asleep in two separate rooms. They were identified as Hazrat Hakeem his wife, his brother Hazrat Abdur Rashid and his sister-in-law. The children asleep in the third room received minor wounds.
A Pesco official told Dawn that 52 HT lines poles and 70 LT lines poles were uprooted in Lower and Upper Dir, plunging both the districts into darkness. The official said restoration of power could take four to five days.
Several people were injured as a girls school, a dispensary, a factory and several houses collapsed due to heavy snowfall in different areas of Swat valley.
Residents said that in Osho and its surrounding areas a girls school, a dispensary and eight shops collapsed due to snowfall. Six persons were injured when snow hit five houses in Basar and Bew villages.
The Kalam-Mingora road was closed on the thirteenth consecutive day. The mercury has dropped to minus 12 degree Celsius in Kalam. Several houses collapsed in Mingora city and its surroundings.
The electricity, gas and telephone lines remained disconnected in Mingora and other areas of the district. “The repair work has been initiated but it may take time,” officials said. The attendance in government office also remained thin and businesses centres were closed.
The tented school in Nawi Kallay and Silk Mills building on Bamakhela road near Mingora also collapsed.
Heavy snowfall also paralysed life in Shangla district where power and telephone system was yet to be restored.
The districts of Chitral, Lower and Upper Dir, Swat, and Shangla were disconnected from the rest of the country. The link-roads in these areas were covered with snow or damaged by avalanches and landslide.
The record snowfall also disrupted power and telephone connections in the areas.
The anti-polio campaign was postponed till further orders in Lower and Upper Dir, Bajaur, Swat and Shangla. The local administrations in the affected districts ordered closure of educational institutions for one week. Sources said that at least seven persons were killed when a snow avalanche hit them near the entrance of Lowari tunnel on Chitral side on Tuesday.
Chitral DCO Rahmatullah Wazir told Dawn that three of the victims were workers of the Korean construction company, Sambu. They were identified as Mumtaz Khan from Chitral, Farman Ali from Mardan and Shuaib from Punjab.
The remaining four were employees of a nearby hotel belonging to Upper Dir district. They were identified as Israrud Din, Mohammad Din, Hussain Ahmed and Inayatur Rahman.
The bodies of Sambu company workers were recovered while search was underway to locate the other victims.
Mr Wazir said that more avalanches were reportedly hitting the area intermittently, making the search work difficult and perilous. He said that more rescue teams would be sent to the place of incident to accelerate search work.
Some people present on the site of incidence feared the death toll might rise as more bodies could be found under the avalanche.
The tunnel remained closed for vehicular traffic on Tuesday for the third consecutive day cutting Chitral district from the rest of the country. The roof of a house collapsed in Rahimabad village of Lower Dir, killing four inmates, who were asleep in two separate rooms. They were identified as Hazrat Hakeem his wife, his brother Hazrat Abdur Rashid and his sister-in-law. The children asleep in the third room received minor wounds.
A Pesco official told Dawn that 52 HT lines poles and 70 LT lines poles were uprooted in Lower and Upper Dir, plunging both the districts into darkness. The official said restoration of power could take four to five days.
Several people were injured as a girls school, a dispensary, a factory and several houses collapsed due to heavy snowfall in different areas of Swat valley.
Residents said that in Osho and its surrounding areas a girls school, a dispensary and eight shops collapsed due to snowfall. Six persons were injured when snow hit five houses in Basar and Bew villages.
The Kalam-Mingora road was closed on the thirteenth consecutive day. The mercury has dropped to minus 12 degree Celsius in Kalam. Several houses collapsed in Mingora city and its surroundings.
The electricity, gas and telephone lines remained disconnected in Mingora and other areas of the district. “The repair work has been initiated but it may take time,” officials said. The attendance in government office also remained thin and businesses centres were closed.
The tented school in Nawi Kallay and Silk Mills building on Bamakhela road near Mingora also collapsed.
Heavy snowfall also paralysed life in Shangla district where power and telephone system was yet to be restored.
Three killed in drone missile strike in N. Waziristan
MIRANSHAH, Kurrent News: A US drone aircraft fired a missile into Pakistan's North Waziristan region on the Afghan border on Wednesday, killing at least three militants, Pakistani intelligence officials said.
The drone targeted a militant compound in the village of Tapi, about 15 km (9 miles) east of Miranshah, the main town in the region, which is a hotbed of Taliban and al Qaeda militants. It was the second attack on the village this week.—Reuters
The drone targeted a militant compound in the village of Tapi, about 15 km (9 miles) east of Miranshah, the main town in the region, which is a hotbed of Taliban and al Qaeda militants. It was the second attack on the village this week.—Reuters
Three injured in explosion in Mohmand Agency
PESHAWAR,Kurrent News: Three people have been injured in an explosion in Khozai area of Mohmand Agency on Wednesday.
The explosion occured during the distribution of ration by khasadar forces.
The explosion occured during the distribution of ration by khasadar forces.
Nato airstrike kills group of Afghan insurgents
KABUL, Kurrent News: Nato forces say an airstrike in eastern Afghanistan has killed more than a dozen insurgents near the Pakistani border, reports AP.
The military coalition said Wednesday that a Nato patrol saw a group of individuals near the border on Tuesday and identified them as insurgents.
The soldiers called in air support and precision-guided munitions were dropped on the location, killing more than a dozen insurgents.
Nato did not disclose the specific location of the airstrike, but it was not related the massive military offensive under way around the town of Marjah in southern Afghanistan.
The military coalition said Wednesday that a Nato patrol saw a group of individuals near the border on Tuesday and identified them as insurgents.
The soldiers called in air support and precision-guided munitions were dropped on the location, killing more than a dozen insurgents.
Nato did not disclose the specific location of the airstrike, but it was not related the massive military offensive under way around the town of Marjah in southern Afghanistan.
Bus plunges into river in India, kills 22
LUCKNOW, Kurrent News: A bus crowded with people returning home from a wedding party fell into a river in northern India, killing at least 22, police said.
Brij Lal, additional director general of state police, says 40 other people were injured in the accident early Wednesday in Jalaun district of Uttar Pradesh state. The bride and the bridegroom were travelling separately in a car, he said.
The official said the driver apparently lost control of the vehicle, which crashed against the bridge railing and plunged into the river. The driver was among the dead.
Accidents occur frequently on roads in India and are often blamed on reckless driving, aging vehicles and overloading.
Brij Lal, additional director general of state police, says 40 other people were injured in the accident early Wednesday in Jalaun district of Uttar Pradesh state. The bride and the bridegroom were travelling separately in a car, he said.
The official said the driver apparently lost control of the vehicle, which crashed against the bridge railing and plunged into the river. The driver was among the dead.
Accidents occur frequently on roads in India and are often blamed on reckless driving, aging vehicles and overloading.
Court rejects bail plea of American terror suspects
LAHORE, Kurrent News: The Anti-Terrorist Court in Sargodha Wednesday rejected the bail plea of the five US nationals arrested on the allegations of having links with banned militant outfits, DawnNews reported.
The suspects were arrested from Sargodha in November 2009 for allegedly plotting terror attacks inside Pakistan.
An FBI team interrogated them before handing them over to a joint investigation team in Lahore.
Their case was being heard by the Anti-Terrorist Court in Sargodha.
The suspects were arrested from Sargodha in November 2009 for allegedly plotting terror attacks inside Pakistan.
An FBI team interrogated them before handing them over to a joint investigation team in Lahore.
Their case was being heard by the Anti-Terrorist Court in Sargodha.
Confiscated antiques to be returned to Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Kurrent News:+ Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani directed the Ministry of Culture on Wednesday to make necessary arrangements for the transfer of confiscated antiques of Pakistan origin from Italy and United Kingdom.
Official sources told DawnNews that Gilani asked the ministry to urgently send a two-member technical delegation to resolve the matter.
Earlier, Italian police confiscated 90 antiques of Pakistani origin and handed them over to the Pakistan mission at Rome.
In a similar smuggling attempt, 198 antiques have also been taken in possession by the UK Custom Department at Heathrow Airport, London.
Official sources told DawnNews that Gilani asked the ministry to urgently send a two-member technical delegation to resolve the matter.
Earlier, Italian police confiscated 90 antiques of Pakistani origin and handed them over to the Pakistan mission at Rome.
In a similar smuggling attempt, 198 antiques have also been taken in possession by the UK Custom Department at Heathrow Airport, London.
ISPR confirms Mullah Baradar’s arrest
ISLAMABAD, Kurrent News: The chief spokesman for Pakistan's military Wednesday confirmed that Afghan Taliban No. 2 leader Mullah Baradar has been arrested.
Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas' statement was the first official confirmation that Baradar is in Pakistani custody.
Pakistani and US officials said Tuesday that Baradar was arrested earlier this month in Karachi in what is being interpreted as a major blow to the militant movement in Afghanistan and a boost to US efforts in the war there.
Abbas said in a message sent to reporters that ''detailed identification procedures'' had been completed and that Mullah Baradar was among several people arrested recently. He did not give any other details of the arrest, citing security reasons.
Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas' statement was the first official confirmation that Baradar is in Pakistani custody.
Pakistani and US officials said Tuesday that Baradar was arrested earlier this month in Karachi in what is being interpreted as a major blow to the militant movement in Afghanistan and a boost to US efforts in the war there.
Abbas said in a message sent to reporters that ''detailed identification procedures'' had been completed and that Mullah Baradar was among several people arrested recently. He did not give any other details of the arrest, citing security reasons.
Judges’ Appointment: Govt Likely To Withdraw Presidential Notification
Islamabad, Kurrent News: The impasse between the government and judiciary has been ended, as the presidential notification on judges’ appointment is likely to be withdrawn today.
Source told that the government has planned to address the judiciary crisis and thereby the presidential notification regarding appointment of Justice Khawaja as Supreme Court judge and Justice Saqib Nisar as acting CJ LHC would be withdrawn.
The government would also enhance consultation vis-à-vis judges’ appointment, sources said. The sources added that backchannel interaction was on for the last two to three days in which Aitzaz Ahsan played a role of a mediator.
Source told that the government has planned to address the judiciary crisis and thereby the presidential notification regarding appointment of Justice Khawaja as Supreme Court judge and Justice Saqib Nisar as acting CJ LHC would be withdrawn.
The government would also enhance consultation vis-à-vis judges’ appointment, sources said. The sources added that backchannel interaction was on for the last two to three days in which Aitzaz Ahsan played a role of a mediator.
Appointed Judges on PM Gilani Advice: President Zardari
ISLAMABAD, Kurrent News: President Asif Ali Zardari Monday said I will respect Supreme Court (SC)’s ruling regarding judges’ appointment. An executive order, seeking approval of judges’ restoration, will soon be tabled in joint session of assembly.
There are no imminent of midterm elections in country, he said adding, PPP understands very well how to run democracy and we will respect apex court’s verdict pertaining to appointment of judges.
According to sources, addressing the meetings of Senate and National Assembly’s parliamentary committees of PPP here at Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Zardari said there is a big difference in being exiled and jailed as I lost precious 8 years in imprisonment while some one else remained exiled for the same period.
Referring to latest tremor in political scenario, he said political actors are politicizing issues, as it always happens in politics but they are not going to be allowed to exploit matters of national interests to derail democracy; besides they must be rest assured of the completion of 5-year-term of our government.
Advising the nation, President said people should not turn the attentive ears to negative propagandas of opposition parties, forbidding the activists of PPP from counter protest.
Meanwhile, spokesman to presidency Farhatullah Babar quoted President Zardari saying 2010 is the year of Local Bodies elections.
According to him, the president said PPP will engage its coalition partners in thorough consultation before reaching any decision regarding LB elections.
There are no imminent of midterm elections in country, he said adding, PPP understands very well how to run democracy and we will respect apex court’s verdict pertaining to appointment of judges.
According to sources, addressing the meetings of Senate and National Assembly’s parliamentary committees of PPP here at Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Zardari said there is a big difference in being exiled and jailed as I lost precious 8 years in imprisonment while some one else remained exiled for the same period.
Referring to latest tremor in political scenario, he said political actors are politicizing issues, as it always happens in politics but they are not going to be allowed to exploit matters of national interests to derail democracy; besides they must be rest assured of the completion of 5-year-term of our government.
Advising the nation, President said people should not turn the attentive ears to negative propagandas of opposition parties, forbidding the activists of PPP from counter protest.
Meanwhile, spokesman to presidency Farhatullah Babar quoted President Zardari saying 2010 is the year of Local Bodies elections.
According to him, the president said PPP will engage its coalition partners in thorough consultation before reaching any decision regarding LB elections.
Parliament Is a Free Body, Asserts PM Gilani
ISLAMABAD, Kurrent News: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that parliament is a free body, adding that only it has got the authority to rewrite or amend the constitution besides legislation.
The PM said that if a judge is to be appointed by a judge, then the parliament should decide about that and make it known to him. The PM asserted that parliament’s ratification is a prerequisite for any executive order.
Justifying government’s February 13 act, the PM stated that the government wanted to appoint the judges immediately and that was why the executive order was issued sans tabling a motion in this regard in the parliament earlier.
Terming Parliament as a supreme institution of the state, the Premier maintained that only Parliament is entitled to make legislation and constitutional amendments. He added that parliament is a free and none could rewrite the constitution. The PM divulged that Musharraf did consult him before replacing the Punjab Governor.
The PM said that if a judge is to be appointed by a judge, then the parliament should decide about that and make it known to him. The PM asserted that parliament’s ratification is a prerequisite for any executive order.
Justifying government’s February 13 act, the PM stated that the government wanted to appoint the judges immediately and that was why the executive order was issued sans tabling a motion in this regard in the parliament earlier.
Terming Parliament as a supreme institution of the state, the Premier maintained that only Parliament is entitled to make legislation and constitutional amendments. He added that parliament is a free and none could rewrite the constitution. The PM divulged that Musharraf did consult him before replacing the Punjab Governor.
LHC Dismisses Plea in Nawaz Sharif Eligibility
LAHORE, Kurrent News: Lahore High Court on Tuesday has dismissed the petition challenging eligibility of PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif. No charges against him were proved. Election Tribunal comprised of Justice Iftikhar Hussain, Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed and Justice Nasir Syed of LHC heard the petition. Petitioner Shahid Orakzai maintained in the court that Nawaz Sharif finalized a deal in Rs 17.5 million to get support of seven members of Assembly but did not pay all the money. In Supreme Court Attack Case, facts kept hidden from Returning Officer. Lawyer of Mian Nawaz Sharif, Khawaja Arif told the court that charges against Nawaz Sharif were not proved in SC Attak Case.
PM Gilani Surprisingly Joins CJ Banquet
ISLAMABAD, Kurrent News: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani Tuesday surprised the Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and other guests by appearing at the farewell reception hosted by the latter in honour of Justice (Retd.) Khalil-ur-Rehman Ramday.
Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry welcomed the Prime Minister when the latter made his surprise entry into the reception space. The CJP thanked the Premier for attending the dinner reception.
The Prime Minister spent some time with the CJP in a pleasant atmosphere where Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan was also present.
A large number of judges attended the reception.
Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry welcomed the Prime Minister when the latter made his surprise entry into the reception space. The CJP thanked the Premier for attending the dinner reception.
The Prime Minister spent some time with the CJP in a pleasant atmosphere where Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan was also present.
A large number of judges attended the reception.
People will hear good news: PM Gilani
Lahore, Kurrent News :- Latest development, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday unexpectedly attended a dinner hosted by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry in Islamabad in the honor of retiring Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramdey.
Chief Justice greeted PM Gilani amidst the tension prevails in the country on judges’ appointment. Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan and other lawyers are also present in the dinner.
PM Gilani did not comment on taking back the notification of judges’ appointment. He said that all have to work jointly for the progress of Pakistan. He said that people will hear good news about relations among institutions by 3pm tomorrow. He invited CJP Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry for meeting
Chief Justice greeted PM Gilani amidst the tension prevails in the country on judges’ appointment. Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan and other lawyers are also present in the dinner.
PM Gilani did not comment on taking back the notification of judges’ appointment. He said that all have to work jointly for the progress of Pakistan. He said that people will hear good news about relations among institutions by 3pm tomorrow. He invited CJP Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry for meeting
US drone attack kills three in Pakistan
Missiles fired by a suspected US drone aircraft have killed at least three militants in north-west Pakistan, security officials say.
The attack targeted a compound in Tapi Tolkhel village, 15km (nine miles) east of Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan, by the Afghan border.
The attack came a day after US officials said a top Afghan Taliban military commander had been captured.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was captured in Karachi by Pakistani intelligence.
A Pakistani security source told the BBC that Mullah Baradar was captured on 8 February.
While security officials have confirmed the arrest, Pakistan's government and top US officials have refused to be drawn, and the Taliban have denied it.
Mullah Baradar's capture comes amid a major Nato-led offensive against the Taliban in southern Afghanistan.
Surge in strikes
Wednesday's drone attack was the second attack on the village this week, officials said.
Two people were wounded in the attack, they said.
However, there was no information about the identity of those killed or wounded in the strike.
The regions of North and South Waziristan are known sanctuaries for al-Qaeda and Taliban militants.
They are frequently targeted by drone attacks, and there have been more than a dozen such strikes in 2010 alone.
The US has stepped up drone attacks in north-west Pakistan since a suicide bomber killed seven CIA agents across the border in Afghanistan in December.
More than 700 people have died in nearly 80 drone strikes since August 2008, with the frequency of strikes increased under President Barack Obama's administration.
Pakistan has publicly criticised drone attacks, saying they fuel support for militants, but observers say the authorities privately condone the strikes.
The American military does not routinely confirm drone operations, but analysts say the US is the only force capable of deploying such aircraft in the region.
The attack targeted a compound in Tapi Tolkhel village, 15km (nine miles) east of Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan, by the Afghan border.
The attack came a day after US officials said a top Afghan Taliban military commander had been captured.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was captured in Karachi by Pakistani intelligence.
A Pakistani security source told the BBC that Mullah Baradar was captured on 8 February.
While security officials have confirmed the arrest, Pakistan's government and top US officials have refused to be drawn, and the Taliban have denied it.
Mullah Baradar's capture comes amid a major Nato-led offensive against the Taliban in southern Afghanistan.
Surge in strikes
Wednesday's drone attack was the second attack on the village this week, officials said.
Two people were wounded in the attack, they said.
However, there was no information about the identity of those killed or wounded in the strike.
The regions of North and South Waziristan are known sanctuaries for al-Qaeda and Taliban militants.
They are frequently targeted by drone attacks, and there have been more than a dozen such strikes in 2010 alone.
The US has stepped up drone attacks in north-west Pakistan since a suicide bomber killed seven CIA agents across the border in Afghanistan in December.
More than 700 people have died in nearly 80 drone strikes since August 2008, with the frequency of strikes increased under President Barack Obama's administration.
Pakistan has publicly criticised drone attacks, saying they fuel support for militants, but observers say the authorities privately condone the strikes.
The American military does not routinely confirm drone operations, but analysts say the US is the only force capable of deploying such aircraft in the region.
Over dozen Afghan militants killed in NATO air strike
KABUL: NATO forces say an air strike in eastern Afghanistan has killed more than a dozen insurgents near the Pakistani border.
The military coalition said Wednesday that a NATO patrol saw a group of individuals near the border on Tuesday and identified them as insurgents.
The soldiers called in air support and precision-guided munitions were dropped on the location, killing more than a dozen insurgents. NATO did not disclose the specific location of the air strike.
An Afghan and NATO offensive against a Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan has "significantly dislocated" the insurgents' leadership in the area, a NATO commander said.
Major General Nick Carter, the British commander of NATO forces in southern Afghanistan, said Afghan and international troops had had to deal with home-made bombs, minefields and some determined opposition during the assault on Marjah, one of the biggest against the Taliban since the war began in 2001.
"We have had some significant resistance from isolated groups of fighters foreign fighters have been identified there and of course the area was well prepared for defence and it's taken a while to winkle some of the insurgents out," he told reporters in London by video link from Afghanistan.
The military coalition said Wednesday that a NATO patrol saw a group of individuals near the border on Tuesday and identified them as insurgents.
The soldiers called in air support and precision-guided munitions were dropped on the location, killing more than a dozen insurgents. NATO did not disclose the specific location of the air strike.
An Afghan and NATO offensive against a Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan has "significantly dislocated" the insurgents' leadership in the area, a NATO commander said.
Major General Nick Carter, the British commander of NATO forces in southern Afghanistan, said Afghan and international troops had had to deal with home-made bombs, minefields and some determined opposition during the assault on Marjah, one of the biggest against the Taliban since the war began in 2001.
"We have had some significant resistance from isolated groups of fighters foreign fighters have been identified there and of course the area was well prepared for defence and it's taken a while to winkle some of the insurgents out," he told reporters in London by video link from Afghanistan.
PM, CJP meeting likely today
ISLAMABAD, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry will likely call on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani here at 3pm today.
According to sources, in the first phase, out of 72, 42 judges will be appointed on vacant positions in in higher judiciary.
CJP Chaudhry may likely hold meeting with PM Gilani at Prime Minister House at 3pm today, knowledgeable sources expected.
Also, sources insisted that the notification, related to the appointment of two judges of Lahore High Court (LHC), will most probably be cancelled during the meeting.
The formal announcement regarding appointment of judges on different positions, lying vacant in Supreme Court, Sindh and Punjab high courts, may also be made, sources told media.
According to sources, in the first phase, out of 72, 42 judges will be appointed on vacant positions in in higher judiciary.
CJP Chaudhry may likely hold meeting with PM Gilani at Prime Minister House at 3pm today, knowledgeable sources expected.
Also, sources insisted that the notification, related to the appointment of two judges of Lahore High Court (LHC), will most probably be cancelled during the meeting.
The formal announcement regarding appointment of judges on different positions, lying vacant in Supreme Court, Sindh and Punjab high courts, may also be made, sources told media.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Biden says Pakistan is biggest worry
WASHINGTON, Kurrent News : US Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday that his greatest concern was not Afghanistan, not Iraq, nor the Iranian nuclear crisis, but Pakistan.
"I think it's a big country. It has nuclear weapons that are able to be deployed. It has a real significant minority of radicalized population," Biden said in an interview with US television.
"It is not a completely functional democracy in the sense we think about it, and so that's my greatest concern."
"I think it's a big country. It has nuclear weapons that are able to be deployed. It has a real significant minority of radicalized population," Biden said in an interview with US television.
"It is not a completely functional democracy in the sense we think about it, and so that's my greatest concern."
Gilani directs CDA, private housing to allocate Quota for low-income groups
ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 Kurrent News : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday directed quota for low-income group in capital’s all new residential sectors and private housing schemes. Addressing a balloting ceremony of plots in the I-16 sector and inauguration of Rs 240 million, 10 km long water conduction main for 16 sectors here at the CDA Headquarters, the Prime Minister said the government would follow Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s manifesto of providing ‘Roti, Kapra, Makaan’ to the masses without discrimination.
The Prime Minister asked the CDA to reserve quota for low-income group, government servants and those belonging to private organizations in all its sectors.
CDA will provide 4,274 plots of 130 and 200 sq yds in the sector that was opened around 18 years back.
He said a plan was under consideration for making payments for land purchase of 5 and 7-marla plots for poor from Prime Minister’s grant to the parliamentarians.
He said the government would also provide plots free of cost for the people with no purchasing power and were living on encroached lands.
The prime minister also took note of the reports of Hepatitis spread in the federal capital and other areas and said these issues be addressed under the PM’s program.
Gilani said the government was cognizant of providing basic necessities of life to all the citizens. He directed provision of all facilities of schools, parks, hospitals, and ensure supply of gas, electricity and clean water in the new sectors.
The Prime Minister stressed the need for devising a strategy on war-footing to overcome water shortage in the capital and provision of clean drinking water to prevent water-borne diseases including Hepatitis.
He announced provision of gas to Saidpur village near Islamabad, and directed that the ‘Rain harvesting project’ be completed on priority.
In a brief chat with reporters, Gilani when asked whether his government was fulfilling its obligations under the al-Jehad Trust Case decision of appointing judges in 30-days, he said the government was working under the law and added; “the Supreme Court also realizes that the government is working [on the matter].”
Regarding talks with India, Gilani said it agreed to hold talks with Pakistan, sans the Kashmir dispute.
“We should not jump to conclusion,” and pointed that the Foreign Secretary was in touch with his Indian counterpart in this regard.
“Composite dialogue is the only way forward between civilized countries,” the Prime Minister said.
About the problems being faced by the common man, Gilani said “the country is facing grave problems and the government has been in power for only two years. We want effective planning and are aware of our manifesto and will fulfill our obligations.”
The Prime Minister asked the CDA to reserve quota for low-income group, government servants and those belonging to private organizations in all its sectors.
CDA will provide 4,274 plots of 130 and 200 sq yds in the sector that was opened around 18 years back.
He said a plan was under consideration for making payments for land purchase of 5 and 7-marla plots for poor from Prime Minister’s grant to the parliamentarians.
He said the government would also provide plots free of cost for the people with no purchasing power and were living on encroached lands.
The prime minister also took note of the reports of Hepatitis spread in the federal capital and other areas and said these issues be addressed under the PM’s program.
Gilani said the government was cognizant of providing basic necessities of life to all the citizens. He directed provision of all facilities of schools, parks, hospitals, and ensure supply of gas, electricity and clean water in the new sectors.
The Prime Minister stressed the need for devising a strategy on war-footing to overcome water shortage in the capital and provision of clean drinking water to prevent water-borne diseases including Hepatitis.
He announced provision of gas to Saidpur village near Islamabad, and directed that the ‘Rain harvesting project’ be completed on priority.
In a brief chat with reporters, Gilani when asked whether his government was fulfilling its obligations under the al-Jehad Trust Case decision of appointing judges in 30-days, he said the government was working under the law and added; “the Supreme Court also realizes that the government is working [on the matter].”
Regarding talks with India, Gilani said it agreed to hold talks with Pakistan, sans the Kashmir dispute.
“We should not jump to conclusion,” and pointed that the Foreign Secretary was in touch with his Indian counterpart in this regard.
“Composite dialogue is the only way forward between civilized countries,” the Prime Minister said.
About the problems being faced by the common man, Gilani said “the country is facing grave problems and the government has been in power for only two years. We want effective planning and are aware of our manifesto and will fulfill our obligations.”
India ready for talks sans any preconditions: Shahid Malik
Islamabad, Feb.11 Kurrent News : Pakistan's High Commisioner to India Shahid Malik has said that India is ready to hold talks with Pakistan on all issues sans any precondition.
Buzz up!Speaking during a high level inter-ministerial meeting, which was convened to discuss New Delhi's proposal to resume foreign-secretary level talks between two countries, Malik said it is ready to hold talks on all bilateral issues without any preconditions.
"India is ready to move forward and discuss all issues ... they have dropped their previous stance that talks with Pakistan would just focus on terrorism," The Daily Times quoted Malik, as saying.
Sources privy to the meeting said that Malik told the inter-ministerial meeting that Indiaas just "posturing" to please the domestic audience in claiming that talks would focus on the Mumbai terror attacks and cross-border terrorism.
He said Indian officials had assured him of their readiness to host unconditional talks on all issues.
The meeting was presided over by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
Later, briefing a high-level meeting at the Presidency, Qureshi said the inter-ministerial meeting had suggested that Pakistan enter talks with India without any delay.
Buzz up!Speaking during a high level inter-ministerial meeting, which was convened to discuss New Delhi's proposal to resume foreign-secretary level talks between two countries, Malik said it is ready to hold talks on all bilateral issues without any preconditions.
"India is ready to move forward and discuss all issues ... they have dropped their previous stance that talks with Pakistan would just focus on terrorism," The Daily Times quoted Malik, as saying.
Sources privy to the meeting said that Malik told the inter-ministerial meeting that Indiaas just "posturing" to please the domestic audience in claiming that talks would focus on the Mumbai terror attacks and cross-border terrorism.
He said Indian officials had assured him of their readiness to host unconditional talks on all issues.
The meeting was presided over by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
Later, briefing a high-level meeting at the Presidency, Qureshi said the inter-ministerial meeting had suggested that Pakistan enter talks with India without any delay.
Suicide Attack Kills 17, Mostly Police, in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Kurrent News — In one of the bloodiest days for Pakistani security forces, at least 17 people, including 13 police officials, were killed Wednesday when a suicide bomber attacked a convoy in the northwestern tribal area of Khyber, local news outlets reported.
Khyber is strategically located next to North-West Frontier Province and its capital, Peshawar, and serves as one of the main supply routes for the American forces inside Afghanistan. Convoys of trailers carrying supplies for NATO troops have repeatedly been attacked in Khyber by Taliban fighters.
According to initial reports, the suicide bomber was on foot and detonated his explosives as the police convoy passed through a market on one of the main roads of the area.
The powerful blast ripped through the convoy and also damaged several civilian vehicles. Local television networks broadcast images of the charred wreckage and damaged mud houses nearby. The wounded were taken to hospitals in Peshawar.
Pakistani news outlets reported that a rescue team sent from Peshawar to the scene, in the town of Tirah, was then ambushed as well. The army brigadier leading the rescue was killed in the attack, and a major and a lieutenant were wounded, the army confirmed.
The suicide attack came hours after a Pakistani Army Cobra gunship helicopter crashed in the Tirah Valley in Khyber. The pilot and gunner were killed, the army said.
A military spokesperson said that details were being gathered to ascertain the cause of the crash. The remote terraced valley of Tirah has long been known as a hide-out and escape route for Al Qaeda and Taliban militants.
Khyber is strategically located next to North-West Frontier Province and its capital, Peshawar, and serves as one of the main supply routes for the American forces inside Afghanistan. Convoys of trailers carrying supplies for NATO troops have repeatedly been attacked in Khyber by Taliban fighters.
According to initial reports, the suicide bomber was on foot and detonated his explosives as the police convoy passed through a market on one of the main roads of the area.
The powerful blast ripped through the convoy and also damaged several civilian vehicles. Local television networks broadcast images of the charred wreckage and damaged mud houses nearby. The wounded were taken to hospitals in Peshawar.
Pakistani news outlets reported that a rescue team sent from Peshawar to the scene, in the town of Tirah, was then ambushed as well. The army brigadier leading the rescue was killed in the attack, and a major and a lieutenant were wounded, the army confirmed.
The suicide attack came hours after a Pakistani Army Cobra gunship helicopter crashed in the Tirah Valley in Khyber. The pilot and gunner were killed, the army said.
A military spokesperson said that details were being gathered to ascertain the cause of the crash. The remote terraced valley of Tirah has long been known as a hide-out and escape route for Al Qaeda and Taliban militants.
SC Rejects Govt Report on Missing Persons’ Case
ISLAMABAD, Kurrent News: The Supreme Court of Pakistan refused on Thursday federal home ministry’s investigation report in the case of missing persons, describing it fulfilling of formality.
Justice Jawed Iqbal in his remarks while hearing the case termed the government report mere a ‘paperwork’ by the federal department. He ruled out the impression that the apex court can’t enforce its decisions.
On the occasion, Attorney General of Pakistan Anwar Mansoor again suggested to the court to constitute a commission for the recovery of missing persons.
Justice Iqbal expressed his dissatisfaction over the proposal, saying “from 1947, 31 commissions have so far been set up, but not even a single body can be termed satisfactory except the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report of 1972.”
On Saturday, Interior Minister Rehman Malik has asked officials of law enforcement agencies and provincial governments to expedite investigations into the cases of missing persons after registering FIRs.
Chairing a meeting to discuss the issue at the interior ministry, the minister has said that fresh investigation reports on missing persons would be presented in the SC.
Malik had reiterated that the federal government, in coordination with provincial governments, would make serious efforts to trace the whereabouts of all missing persons.
A three-judge bench, comprising Justice Javed Iqbal, Justice Raja Fayyaz Ahmed and Justice Sair Ali, has been hearing the cases of missing persons for four years on petitions filed by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Defence of Human Rights and former PPP senator Farhatullah Babar.
Justice Jawed Iqbal in his remarks while hearing the case termed the government report mere a ‘paperwork’ by the federal department. He ruled out the impression that the apex court can’t enforce its decisions.
On the occasion, Attorney General of Pakistan Anwar Mansoor again suggested to the court to constitute a commission for the recovery of missing persons.
Justice Iqbal expressed his dissatisfaction over the proposal, saying “from 1947, 31 commissions have so far been set up, but not even a single body can be termed satisfactory except the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report of 1972.”
On Saturday, Interior Minister Rehman Malik has asked officials of law enforcement agencies and provincial governments to expedite investigations into the cases of missing persons after registering FIRs.
Chairing a meeting to discuss the issue at the interior ministry, the minister has said that fresh investigation reports on missing persons would be presented in the SC.
Malik had reiterated that the federal government, in coordination with provincial governments, would make serious efforts to trace the whereabouts of all missing persons.
A three-judge bench, comprising Justice Javed Iqbal, Justice Raja Fayyaz Ahmed and Justice Sair Ali, has been hearing the cases of missing persons for four years on petitions filed by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Defence of Human Rights and former PPP senator Farhatullah Babar.
Missing Persons’ Case: SC Dismissed Govt’s Reports
Lahore, Kurrent news:- Terming it a paper work only, Supreme Court has rejected the government’s reports vis-a-vis missing persons’ case today.
During the hearing, Justice Javed Iqbal warned that the court should not be mistaken as a weak institution, adding that it could order action against the culprits with strike of pen only. The Attorney General told the court that the government was considering to form a judicial commission in this regard. Justice Javed told the AG that he had seen many commissions being formed, and posed a question before him to tell whether any of the commission worked. He asked that why the constitution was being breached when the rules and regulations have been set. He observed that the government has not even bothered to even change the words in the missing persons’ case reports. Justice Javed noted that the court would issue verdict in the above said case within fortnight, adding that action would also be ordered against the culprits in this regard. Justice Sair Ali has said that the reports showed the level of interest the government was taking in the case and its proceedings. AG Anwar Mansoor has said that he would consult the Prime Minister in this regard.
During the hearing, Justice Javed Iqbal warned that the court should not be mistaken as a weak institution, adding that it could order action against the culprits with strike of pen only. The Attorney General told the court that the government was considering to form a judicial commission in this regard. Justice Javed told the AG that he had seen many commissions being formed, and posed a question before him to tell whether any of the commission worked. He asked that why the constitution was being breached when the rules and regulations have been set. He observed that the government has not even bothered to even change the words in the missing persons’ case reports. Justice Javed noted that the court would issue verdict in the above said case within fortnight, adding that action would also be ordered against the culprits in this regard. Justice Sair Ali has said that the reports showed the level of interest the government was taking in the case and its proceedings. AG Anwar Mansoor has said that he would consult the Prime Minister in this regard.
Indefinite Curfew on Mingora-Saidu Road
MINGORA, Kurrent News: The security forces enforced indefinite curfew on Mingora-Saidu road in the Swat valley on Thursday morning and blocked the road with iron barrios and concrete barricades.
District Court, government offices and educational institutions have also been closed due to the curfew besides deploying a large number of troops at Mingora-Saidu Sharif road, sources said.
District Court, government offices and educational institutions have also been closed due to the curfew besides deploying a large number of troops at Mingora-Saidu Sharif road, sources said.
India Ready to Talk But Not on Kashmir: PM Gilani
ISLAMABAD, Kurrent News: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Thursday that India was not willing to hold dialogues on the disputed Kashmir.“Though India is agreed to resume the dialogue process but it’s not willing to include Kashmir issue in the agenda,” said the premier while addressing a draw ceremony of Capital Development Authority’s pilots in Sector I-16.
Taking to newsmen afterwards, Gilani said “we should not make haste but wait for India’s reply on including the Kashmir issue in composite dialogue process.”
On Wednesday, in an interview to a private news TV, Gilani said Pakistan has always favoured dialogue against a war and appreciated India’s “intention” to resume dialogue.
Reiterating Pakistan’s stance for resumption of dialogue Gilani said “politicians make bridges not walls” and noted the consent of the Indian Congress party to resume the four years old stalled peace process.
“I appreciate India’s intention to resume talks,” he said and added the “threat perception” regarding India necessitated the need for a dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues between the two countries
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