05 June 2004 Saturday 16 Rabi-us-Saani 1425 MMA strike brings city life to a standstill KARACHI, June 4: Life in the city was paralyzed as a complete and peaceful shutdown was observed on Friday in response to the call given by the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal against the assassination of Mufti Nizamuddin Shamzai ... HRCP condemns acts of terrorism KARACHI, June 4: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has strongly condemned the recent acts of terrorism in Karachi that have brought the life to a standstill. ... Attacks planned to fail govt: Muttahida KARACHI, June 4: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Coordination Committee has urged people not to pay any heed to the rumours about future of the Sindh government and maintain unity in their rank and file. ... Strong judiciary must for peace: Imran KARACHI, June 4: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief, Imran Khan, has said that peace cannot be restored in Sindh without enforcing rule of law, which is not possible until judiciary is strengthened. ... Rally holds MQM responsible for killings QUETTA, June 4: An effective strike was observed in Quetta on Friday on the call of the Muttahida Majli-s-Amal to protest against the assassination of Mufti Nizamuddin Shamzai and other incidents of terrorism in Karachi. ... Foreign militants sent to prison PESHAWAR, June 4: Two suspected Uzbek and four Afghan militants who were arrested in the North Waziristan tribal region on Thursday were shifted to Dera Ismail Khan central prison for interrogation, sources said. ... MNA questions legality of awarding foreigners ISLAMABAD, June 4: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) MNA Dr Sher Afgan questioned the legality of Nishan-i-Pakistan awards given to foreign dignitaries, including heads of governments, over the past 44 years. ... Dozens of workers arrested, claims PPP KARACHI, June 4: The Pakistan People's Party has claimed that police have arrested dozens of its activists from Lyari Town and resorted to shelling tear gas to disperse people protesting against the recent bomb blasts. ... Bold steps needed to save city: Ghafoor KARACHI, June 4: The few administrative changes made in the police department will not bring about much improvement in the law and order situation in Karachi, said Senator Prof Ghafoor Ahmed at a press conference held at Idara-i-Noor-i-Haq on Friday. ... 'Social justice corner-stone of egalitarian society' ISLAMABAD, June 4: Social justice is the corner stone of an egalitarian society where everybody is provided equal rights, the Senate Standing Committee on Social Welfare and Special Education observed. ... Need to enhance research in S&T stressed ISLAMABAD, June 4: The Senate Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Research on Thursday underlined the need for developing a national strategy to enhance quality assurance and increase productivity. ... President to announce package for farmers ISLAMABAD, June 4: President Pervez Musharraf is expected to announce an incentive package for farming community including reduction in electricity rates for tubewells ... Nation urged to control pollution ISLAMABAD, June 4: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has urged the nation to join hands with the government to control pollution by taking practical steps and demonstrating that it is an environment-conscious nation. ... Nine papers to get TV channel licence ISLAMABAD, June 4: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid Ahmad has said the government has decided to allow nine major newspapers to launch their television channels ... Bomb goes off in Sialkot SIALKOT, June 4: A bomb exploded just outside a Rangpura shop here early Friday morning. According to official sources, unknown people had planted the bomb beneath the outer wall of a private mobile telephone accessories shop ... Ibad thanks Karachiites for peaceful Yaum-i-Dua KARACHI, June 4: Governor Ishratul Ibad has thanked the people of Karachi for observing 'Yaum-i-Dua' on Friday for the departed souls of Mufti Nizamuddin Shamzai and other victims of terrorism and violence. ... New Indian leaders positive on peace: President's interview with TV channel ISLAMABAD, June 4: President General Pervez Musharraf has described the new Indian leadership's response to the peace process as positive, expressing the hope that two South Asian nations would move towards resolution of all outstanding issues ... Incentives are misused: SC ISLAMABAD, June 4: The Supreme Court has observed that incentives for setting up industries are misused and imported duty-free goods are sold in the open market. ... Bar urges govt to shun 'flexibility' on Kashmir LAHORE, June 4: The Lahore High Court Bar Association on Friday urged the government to review its Kashmir policy which, it said, compromised its decades-old principled stand as well as the UN resolutions. ... Ceasefire good omen for Kashmir, say EU diplomats LAWAT, June 4: Ambassadors and deputy heads of missions of 10 European Union member states are on a three-day visit to the Neelum Valley in the northeast of Muzaffarabad. ...

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