ISLAMABAD, Kurrent News: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has urged Norway’s pro-active role in the FODP to help Pakistan undertake reconstruction and development of the areas cleared from militants in Fata and the NWFP on fast track basis.
The prime minister was talking to Foreign Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Store, who called on him along with his delegation, at the Prime Minister’s House on Wednesday.While appreciating the Norwegian assistance in establishment of 350 community schools in Fata and for improvement of basic education in the NWFP, the prime minister underlined the imperative of rebuilding the physical and socio-economic infrastructure in those areas and provision of job opportunities to the people there on immediate basis and underlined friendly countries like Norway’s important role in that regard.
The prime minister said that Pakistan considered Norway an important friend and partner and was keen to enhance and further strengthen the cordial bilateral ties in all areas of mutual interests.
He hoped that the annual bilateral consultations under the framework of bilateral cooperation would be held on regular basis to make progress towards strengthening of political, trade and economic cooperation.
“People-to-people contacts, particularly two-way exchanges of parliamentary delegations and regular high level visits need to be encouraged to give new impetus to deep-rooted relationship”, he added.
The prime minister underscored the need for expansion of bilateral trade to attain its true potential and welcomed Norwegian Company Telenor’s plans to invest $2 billion in Pakistan over the period of next five years.
He expressed the hope that the Norwegian government would also encourage its major companies in the oil and gas, petroleum, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers as well as iron and steel manufacturing sectors to invest in Pakistan independently or through joint ventures with their Pakistani counterparts.
While dilating on Pakistan’s role as a front line state in the war against terrorism, the prime minister said that the Armed forces of Pakistan had achieved remarkable successes by clearing vast areas of the Malakand, Bajaur and Fata from the militants in a short span of time.
He said these valiant successes were nonetheless attained at a great human and economic cost. “In spite of these losses Pakistan remained resolute in clearing its soil from the menace of terror,” he added.
The prime minister termed resolution of long outstanding issues like Kashmir with India, a prerequisite for long lasting and durable peace in the region which will enable Pakistan to single mindedly focus on quelling militancy on its western borders.
He stressed that Pakistan was completely sincere in pursuing friendly and cordial relations with all its neighbours, particularly with India. As for Afghanistan he said that the peace, security and stability in Pakistan was intractably linked to a peaceful and secure Afghanistan.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store stated that though he was visiting Pakistan for the third time, it was a matter of pleasure for him to be meeting a civilian chief executive of the country for the first time, during these visits.
He assured the prime minister of his country’s complete support for institutionalization of democracy in Pakistan. He said Norway had become part of the FODP process wholeheartedly and would continue to assist Pakistan in every way possible bilaterally as well as through the FODP and other international mechanisms.
The Norwegian foreign minister paid tributes to Pakistan Armed Forces as well as law Enforcement Agencies personnel for their role and sacrifices in countering the threat of terrorism. He termed Pakistan as the most pivotal country in the war against terror and for restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan.
While assuring the prime minister of his government’s support in providing greater market access for Pakistani products and higher investment by Norwegian companies, Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store said that Pakistani diaspora in Norway will also be encouraged to facilitate strengthening of economic cooperation between the two countries.
Norwegian Ambassador in Pakistan Robert Kvile, Minister for Foreign Affairs Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Senator Sughra Imam, Rab Nawaz Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to Norway and foreign secretary were also present in the meeting.
Showing posts with label Pakistan News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pakistan News. Show all posts
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Burney renews call to free Pak prisoners from Indian jails
NEW DELHI, Kurrent News: The human and civil rights organisation, Ansar Burney Trust International, has taken up with the Indian government three more cases of innocent Pakistani prisoners who have already completed their prison terms long time ago but are still waiting to be released from jails.
According to the press release on Wednesday, Chairman of the Ansar Burney Trust, Ansar Burney, once again contacted the Indian government for the early release of three more Pakistanis on humanitarian grounds in the greater interest of justice and human dignity.
Meanwhile, Ansar Burney on Wednesday filed another writ petition in the Indian Haryana Punjab High Court at Chandigarh seeking justice for three more Pakistani prisoners detained in Indian jails in most difficult circumstances.
Ansar Burney said that Pakistani national Asghar Ali, son of Mohammad Ali, resident of Jaranwala, district Faisalabad, was arrested in 1994 on immigration act and an Indian court sentenced him to three months imprisonment.
Burney said that Asghar Ali, had completed his sentence 16 years ago the same year his sentence was announced by the Session Court of India in 1994, but unfortunately for unknown reasons authorities failed to release and deport him to Pakistan. For this barbaric act of injustice in the last 16 long years, the innocent prisoner lost his full mental and physical balance, but still has hope in his eyes to be a free man soon.
Ansar Burney said that likewise, another Pakistani national, Fayyaz Ali, son of Rasheed Ali, mistakenly crossed the border and entered India at the age of 15, where he was arrested by the border security agencies and produced before District & Session Court of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, which sentenced him to five years rigorous imprisonment.
According to the press release on Wednesday, Chairman of the Ansar Burney Trust, Ansar Burney, once again contacted the Indian government for the early release of three more Pakistanis on humanitarian grounds in the greater interest of justice and human dignity.
Meanwhile, Ansar Burney on Wednesday filed another writ petition in the Indian Haryana Punjab High Court at Chandigarh seeking justice for three more Pakistani prisoners detained in Indian jails in most difficult circumstances.
Ansar Burney said that Pakistani national Asghar Ali, son of Mohammad Ali, resident of Jaranwala, district Faisalabad, was arrested in 1994 on immigration act and an Indian court sentenced him to three months imprisonment.
Burney said that Asghar Ali, had completed his sentence 16 years ago the same year his sentence was announced by the Session Court of India in 1994, but unfortunately for unknown reasons authorities failed to release and deport him to Pakistan. For this barbaric act of injustice in the last 16 long years, the innocent prisoner lost his full mental and physical balance, but still has hope in his eyes to be a free man soon.
Ansar Burney said that likewise, another Pakistani national, Fayyaz Ali, son of Rasheed Ali, mistakenly crossed the border and entered India at the age of 15, where he was arrested by the border security agencies and produced before District & Session Court of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, which sentenced him to five years rigorous imprisonment.
No tolerance for those involved in Faisalabad incidents, says minister
LAHORE, Kurrent News: The law regarding the registration of FIR is ambiguous and it needs rectification. Addressing a press conference at the Lahore Press Club here on Wednesday, Minister for Law, Rana Sanaullah Khan said: “The rectification of ambiguity in the FIR law is a federal subject and the Punjab government has written to the federal government in this regard.”
Regarding the Faisalabad incident, he said zero tolerance would be shown towards the people involved in the 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal incidents, which caused loss of life and property. “I appeal Maulana Sahibzada Fazl-e- Karim, Maulana Ahmad Ludhianvi and Maulana Zahir Qasmi to show restraint and tolerance and help the government in dealing with anti-state elements involved in these incidents.î
He said: “Any strike call should not be given since the government has ordered an inquiry into the incident.”
Regarding the allegations of his meetings with terrorists, he said Maulana Ludhianvi bagged 45,000 votes in the last election and questioned if all those voters were terrorists. Earlier, the minister denied that a court had issued orders for registration of an FIR against PML-N MPAs Allah Rakha and Haji Naveed Anjum.
Regarding the Faisalabad incident, he said zero tolerance would be shown towards the people involved in the 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal incidents, which caused loss of life and property. “I appeal Maulana Sahibzada Fazl-e- Karim, Maulana Ahmad Ludhianvi and Maulana Zahir Qasmi to show restraint and tolerance and help the government in dealing with anti-state elements involved in these incidents.î
He said: “Any strike call should not be given since the government has ordered an inquiry into the incident.”
Regarding the allegations of his meetings with terrorists, he said Maulana Ludhianvi bagged 45,000 votes in the last election and questioned if all those voters were terrorists. Earlier, the minister denied that a court had issued orders for registration of an FIR against PML-N MPAs Allah Rakha and Haji Naveed Anjum.
Pakistan, France for enhancing defence ties
ISLAMABAD, Kurrent News: Director, International Development Division of the DGA France, Jacques de Lajugie and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Tariq Majid on Wednesday exchanged views on ways to bolster defence and security ties between the two countries.
Both the dignitaries also discussed matters of mutual interests, including Pak-India relations and regional security situation during the meeting held at the Joint Staff Headquarters. Lajugie lauded the contribution and sacrifices made by the people and Armed Forces of Pakistan in the war against terrorism and violent extremism and expressed solidarity and full support for Pakistan in dealing with multiple challenges. The JCSC chairman thanked the Government of France for its political support and assistance for capacity-building of the armed forces.
Both the dignitaries also discussed matters of mutual interests, including Pak-India relations and regional security situation during the meeting held at the Joint Staff Headquarters. Lajugie lauded the contribution and sacrifices made by the people and Armed Forces of Pakistan in the war against terrorism and violent extremism and expressed solidarity and full support for Pakistan in dealing with multiple challenges. The JCSC chairman thanked the Government of France for its political support and assistance for capacity-building of the armed forces.
Steps suggested for POF’s economic revival
ISLAMABAD, Kurrent News: The Senate Standing Committee on Defence on Wednesday highlighted the need for adoption of measures aimed at economic revival of the Pakistan Ordnance Factory.
The committee, headed by Lt-Gen (retd) Javed Ashraf Qazi, was given detailed briefing by the POF Board Chairman Lt-Gen Shujaat Zamir Dar during its daylong visit to the defence production complex.
The committee chairman stated that multi-pronged strategy was need of the hour to keep POF’s ball rolling at a pace. Elaborating, he said the POF may be accorded autonomous status as envisaged in the 1961 ordinance. He said the POF complex comprises 24 factories, including 14 of commercial nature with the remaining 10 for defence purpose. He said the complex needs to be given autonomy at individual level and each of its segments should be made bound to run independently and earn profits accordingly.
The committee was unanimous of the view that any political pressure for further appointments in the organization be resisted with the recommendation to the government to immediately impose ban on fresh appointments other than essential posts and for the technical sector. The committee also recommended that a body be formed for rationalization of the existing strength of staff with the aim to decrease financial burden.
The committee viewed that Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani may undertake a visit of this important defence unit and take on-the-spot decisions for remedy of various challenges confronting it.
Earlier, the POF chairman said the complex needs $ 250 million injection for the overhaul of the existing machinery at various factories. “In some of the cases the working age of various machines, installed in factories, has been over 30 years,” he said.
The committee, headed by Lt-Gen (retd) Javed Ashraf Qazi, was given detailed briefing by the POF Board Chairman Lt-Gen Shujaat Zamir Dar during its daylong visit to the defence production complex.
The committee chairman stated that multi-pronged strategy was need of the hour to keep POF’s ball rolling at a pace. Elaborating, he said the POF may be accorded autonomous status as envisaged in the 1961 ordinance. He said the POF complex comprises 24 factories, including 14 of commercial nature with the remaining 10 for defence purpose. He said the complex needs to be given autonomy at individual level and each of its segments should be made bound to run independently and earn profits accordingly.
The committee was unanimous of the view that any political pressure for further appointments in the organization be resisted with the recommendation to the government to immediately impose ban on fresh appointments other than essential posts and for the technical sector. The committee also recommended that a body be formed for rationalization of the existing strength of staff with the aim to decrease financial burden.
The committee viewed that Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani may undertake a visit of this important defence unit and take on-the-spot decisions for remedy of various challenges confronting it.
Earlier, the POF chairman said the complex needs $ 250 million injection for the overhaul of the existing machinery at various factories. “In some of the cases the working age of various machines, installed in factories, has been over 30 years,” he said.
Return looted money or face criminal cases
ISLAMABAD, Kurrent News: The subcommittee of Public Accounts Committee warned the officers of health ministry on Wednesday that criminal cases would be initiated against them if they failed in paying back the embezzled amount drawn on account of project allowance.
According to the audit brief, 41 officials of the Ministry of Health had made unauthorised withdrawal of Rs 1,210,191 on account of project allowance in National Programme for Family Planning and Primary Health Care during the period 1994-95 and 1997-98.
The committee met under chair of Yasmin Rahman and the meeting was attended by Hamid Yar Haraj and Secretary Health Khushnood Akhtar Lashari. It said the PAC, dissatisfied with the reply of the health ministry, had directed the PAO to recover the amount observed by the Audit. Then the PAC had modified its earlier decision on humanitarian basis and had directed that recovery in the case be affected only from concerned officers of Grade 17 and above.
The representatives of the health ministry told the committee that despite repeated requests, the four concerned officials did not pay back the amount. They preferred to move the Federal Services Tribunal that had asked the PAC to reconsider its decision and not to recover the amount.
The FST decision infuriated the committee, which said the FST had nothing to do with the case and the subcommittee would endorse the previous decision of the PAC, directing the officers to pay the amount.
According to audit brief, the four officials who owed the amount included Matiullah Khan (JS F&D), Yasin Ahmad (JS F&I), Manzoor Ahmad Malal (DS Budget) and Mujahid Husain Naqvi (SO F&A). However, the chair directed the health ministry to warn the officers below 17-scale through a letter not to recommit such corruption.
“The subcommittee would endorse the PAC’s decision. The recovery would be made according to rules and regulations. The officials of below 17-scale would also face action if they recommit corruption,” said Yasmin Rahman.
The committee assured the ministry of all-out support for the recovery and said if the officers failed to pay the amount back, another directive may be issued and directed the ministry to submit a report on the matter.
Meanwhile, the committee also directed the health ministry to send a summary to the Law and Justice Ministry for deputation of a legal officer to examine day-to-day cases and submit a report to the committee within a month.
According to the audit brief, 41 officials of the Ministry of Health had made unauthorised withdrawal of Rs 1,210,191 on account of project allowance in National Programme for Family Planning and Primary Health Care during the period 1994-95 and 1997-98.
The committee met under chair of Yasmin Rahman and the meeting was attended by Hamid Yar Haraj and Secretary Health Khushnood Akhtar Lashari. It said the PAC, dissatisfied with the reply of the health ministry, had directed the PAO to recover the amount observed by the Audit. Then the PAC had modified its earlier decision on humanitarian basis and had directed that recovery in the case be affected only from concerned officers of Grade 17 and above.
The representatives of the health ministry told the committee that despite repeated requests, the four concerned officials did not pay back the amount. They preferred to move the Federal Services Tribunal that had asked the PAC to reconsider its decision and not to recover the amount.
The FST decision infuriated the committee, which said the FST had nothing to do with the case and the subcommittee would endorse the previous decision of the PAC, directing the officers to pay the amount.
According to audit brief, the four officials who owed the amount included Matiullah Khan (JS F&D), Yasin Ahmad (JS F&I), Manzoor Ahmad Malal (DS Budget) and Mujahid Husain Naqvi (SO F&A). However, the chair directed the health ministry to warn the officers below 17-scale through a letter not to recommit such corruption.
“The subcommittee would endorse the PAC’s decision. The recovery would be made according to rules and regulations. The officials of below 17-scale would also face action if they recommit corruption,” said Yasmin Rahman.
The committee assured the ministry of all-out support for the recovery and said if the officers failed to pay the amount back, another directive may be issued and directed the ministry to submit a report on the matter.
Meanwhile, the committee also directed the health ministry to send a summary to the Law and Justice Ministry for deputation of a legal officer to examine day-to-day cases and submit a report to the committee within a month.
Chitral PPP leaders reject ex-nazim remarks
CHITRAL, Kurrent News: District leadership of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Wednesday rejected the former district nazim’s remarks about cut in the wheat quota for the district.
In a statement, former district nazim Maghfirat Shah had asked the authorities to slash wheat quota for the district. Addressing a press conference, PPP leaders including Muhammad Zahir Shah, Saifuddin and Haji Khan asked the former nazim to better keep quite if can not work in the interest of Chitral. They said that a quota of 0.15 million bags had been set for 200,000 population of the district during the rule of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. They said the present PPP government had doubled that quota owing to increase in population.
“It is strange that the former nazim did not raise the issue during the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal government. Now he is opposing the people’s friendly policies of the PPP government,” Zahir Shah said.
He said Maghfirat Shah remained district nazim for four years and if the quota was misused then he should have raised the issue at some proper forum. The PPP leaders said the increased wheat quota would help resolve the food shortage in the area, the largest district of the province.
In a statement, former district nazim Maghfirat Shah had asked the authorities to slash wheat quota for the district. Addressing a press conference, PPP leaders including Muhammad Zahir Shah, Saifuddin and Haji Khan asked the former nazim to better keep quite if can not work in the interest of Chitral. They said that a quota of 0.15 million bags had been set for 200,000 population of the district during the rule of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. They said the present PPP government had doubled that quota owing to increase in population.
“It is strange that the former nazim did not raise the issue during the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal government. Now he is opposing the people’s friendly policies of the PPP government,” Zahir Shah said.
He said Maghfirat Shah remained district nazim for four years and if the quota was misused then he should have raised the issue at some proper forum. The PPP leaders said the increased wheat quota would help resolve the food shortage in the area, the largest district of the province.
Forces kill 30 extremists in Mohmand Agency
ISLAMABAD, Kurrent News: Pakistani security forces killed up to 30 Taliban fighters on Thursday in a counter-offensive after coming under attack in a volatile tribal area on the Afghan border, military officials said.
According to the FC sources, the extremists attacked Marjan-1 Check Post in Lakro tehsil of Mohmand Agency at 4am today, which was duly retaliated by the forces.
Militants killed one soldier and wounded four in an early morning attack on a military checkpost in Mohmand tribal region.
"During fighting, 25 to 30 terrorists were killed," a military official told talking to a UK-based news agency.
There are at least ten bodies with the forces. The FC sources told that a group of ten extremists came from Bajaur; however, they were forced to flee as a result of forces’ action.
Another official said the bodies of five militants were in the custody of the security forces.
The clash erupted two days after Pakistan said it had cleared the Taliban and al Qaeda from nearby Bajaur region after nearly two years of fighting in the area.
Separately, the paramilitary Frontier Constabulary said it had killed 38 militants and arrested 18 in a week-long operation near the northwestern garrison town of Kohat.
According to the FC sources, the extremists attacked Marjan-1 Check Post in Lakro tehsil of Mohmand Agency at 4am today, which was duly retaliated by the forces.
Militants killed one soldier and wounded four in an early morning attack on a military checkpost in Mohmand tribal region.
"During fighting, 25 to 30 terrorists were killed," a military official told talking to a UK-based news agency.
There are at least ten bodies with the forces. The FC sources told that a group of ten extremists came from Bajaur; however, they were forced to flee as a result of forces’ action.
Another official said the bodies of five militants were in the custody of the security forces.
The clash erupted two days after Pakistan said it had cleared the Taliban and al Qaeda from nearby Bajaur region after nearly two years of fighting in the area.
Separately, the paramilitary Frontier Constabulary said it had killed 38 militants and arrested 18 in a week-long operation near the northwestern garrison town of Kohat.
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.
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
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