29 May 2004 Saturday 09 Rabi-us-Saani 1425 Fazl raps govt's 'tall claims' SARGODHA May 28: The Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, MMA secretary-general Maulana Fazlur Rahman, has said there is no need to make tall claims about the increase in foreign exchange reserves ... Govt ignoring nuclear test anniversary, says PML-N ISLAMABAD, May 28: PML-N Chairman Raja Zafarul Haq on Friday criticized the government for ignoring the anniversary of Pakistan's nuclear tests and disowning a great national achievement. ... Celebration to be followed by mourning LAHORE, May 28: The PML-N on Friday celebrated the 6th anniversary of the nuclear tests carried out on this day in the second Nawaz Sharif rule to bring the country at pars with India. ... PPP leader criticizes appointment of Fazl PESHAWAR, May 28: The Pakistan People's Party has said that by appointing Maulana Fazlur Rehman as Leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, the government has tried to create a 'friendly opposition' to facilitate rulers' misdeeds. ... Witness backs out of statement: Drug case against Zardari MULTAN, May 28: An alleged drug runner, Mushtaq Malik alias Black Prince, has stated before a local court that his statement against Asif Zardari in a drug smuggling case was extracted under duress. ... Pakistan, China to hold regular naval exercises BEIJING, May 28: Pakistan and China would continue to hold naval exercises, particularly in non-traditional security fields, to strengthen their defence capabilities and enhance professional skills. ... EPA finds contamination in Keenjhar Lake water KARACHI, May 28: Water of the Kalri (Keenjhar) lake, meant for Karachiites, contains hazardous elements similar to those found in the water mix of Manchhar lake and Indus river, which caused several deaths in Hyderabad, revealed an official report. ... Anti-US rallies held on MMA's call KARACHI, May 28: Supporters of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal observed Friday as protest day in the city and staged rallies outside various mosques after Jumma prayers to condemned the US bombing that caused damage to the holy shrines in Iraq. ... Rally against US actions in Iraq RAWALPINDI, May 28: A day of mourning was observed in the twin cities on Friday against the atrocities being committed in Iraq and desecration of holy sites by the US-led coalition forces. ... PPP criticizes police action MUZAFFARABAD, May 28: Former AJK minister and People's Party leader Sahibzada Ishaq Zafar on Friday condemned the police action against unarmed civilians in Kathai, blaming it on the "inefficiency and callousness" of the government. ... Dr Qadeer allowed to go out: official ISLAMABAD, May 28: Nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan has been allowed to go out of his house in protective custody for one hour a day, a source told Dawn on Friday. ... PM urges expatriates to work hard MADINA, May 28: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has asked Pakistani expatriates to work with dedication and earn a good name for the country. ... Visa service not stopped: Australian HC ISLAMABAD, May 28: Clarifying a news item which appeared in Dawn on Friday regarding stoppage of issuing visa, the Australian high commission in a statement said that the story was not correct as visa service "has not been stopped." ... Rs100 billion may be reserved for education ISLAMABAD, May 28: The government is likely to allocate Rs100 billion for the education sector in the next budget aimed at enhancing the literacy rate. ... Rs3bn fixed for education projects under PSDP ISLAMABAD, May 28: The Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) has approved Rs3.2 billion for education division under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2004-05, official documents say. ... Pakistan renews pledge to work peace ISLAMABAD, May 28: Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar on Friday reiterated Pakistan's commitment to upholding peace, citing its role as the largest contributor of peacekeepers to the United Nations, constituting 13 per cent of the global share. ... Visa applicants advised to contact mission ISLAMABAD, May 28: The High Commission of India issued a press release in which it said that several visa applicants had informed them that they were unable to access the high commission's telephone number to ascertain the status of their applications. ... Muttahida candidate's appeal rejected HYDERABAD, May 28: An election tribunal, headed by Justice Moosa K. Leghari of the Sindh High Court, on Friday dismissed an election petition filed by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement's defeated candidate Farooque Qureshi, challenging election of MPA Abdul Rehman Rajput of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal on PS-45 in Hyderabad. ... Local govt system needs changes: SC ISLAMABAD, May 28: The Supreme Court held on Friday that the newly evolved local government system needed drastic changes and that it should be allowed to function freely ... MQM candidate's petition dismissed KARACHI, May 28: Justice Mohammad Moosa K. Leghari of the Sindh High Court dismissed on Friday a petition moved by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement candidate, Mohammad Farooq Qureshi, against the election of Abdul Rahman Rajput of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal from the Sindh Assembly constituency PS-45 (Hyderabad). ...

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