10 June 2004 Thursday 21 Rabi-us-Saani 1425 Ensuring writ of law among top priorities, says Arbab KARACHI, June 9: The newly-elected Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, soon after his election as leader of the house on Wednesday, pledged all out efforts to restore rule of law and establish good governance in Sindh. ... Opposition sees ulterior motive behind 'deal on CM' KARACHI, June 9: The opposition parties in the Sindh Assembly on Wednesday termed the election of the new chief minister 'a blatant horse trading' and 'interference by the Centre' aimed at compromise on Sindh's position on NFC and other vital issues. ... MMA insists on removal of governor KARACHI, June 9: The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA), Sindh, has described 'forced resignation' of Sindh chief minister, instead of the removal of governor, as ridiculous, saying that the political instability prevailing in the province would deepen crises. ... Muttahida demands CEC's arrest KARACHI, June 9: Reacting angrily to the Chief Election Commissioner's decision of annulling May 12th elections in the two national and one provincial assembly constituencies in the metropolis ... Opposition 'unable' to requisition PA session: Doubtful loyalties LAHORE, June 9: Exiled former prime minister Mian Nawaz Sharif has been informed by some leaders of his party that three MPAs elected on the PML-N ticket are in contact with the Punjab government and may change their loyalties any time. ... 'Wana operation has MMA support' ISLAMABAD, June 9: Secretary-General Pakistan Muslim League-N Saranjam Zamindar says Pakistani forces have full support of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) government in the NWFP in the ongoing operation in tribal areas. ... Steel Mills case hearing adjourned ISLAMABAD, June 9: The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned for 15 days to await judgment of Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court in an appeal of Pakistan People's Party leader Asif Ali Zardari against his conviction in the Pakistan Steel Mills corruption reference. ... PM's adviser, PML-N activists summoned: Attack on LHC building case RAWALPINDI, June 9: A local court on Wednesday summoned Adviser to the Prime Minister on Women Development and Special Education Nilofar Bakhtiar on Friday ... Self-immolation bid by worker shocks Benazir ISLAMABAD, June 9: Former Prime Minister and PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto has expressed anguish over the self-immolation bid by a party worker, in Dadu district, Sindh. ... CM wants unnecessary expenditure cut QUETTA, June 9: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Mohammad Yousuf said on Wednesday that unnecessary expenditure should be controlled in the next financial year to keep the non-development budget low so that the funds saved could be used for development plans. ... Durrani to visit US next month PESHAWAR, June 9: NWFP Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani will visit the US next month to hold talks with donor agencies and will also sign a number of agreements, says a handout here on Wednesday. ... Punjab stance on NFC award flexible: CM RAWALPINDI, June 9: Punjab government adopted a flexible approach on the issue of National Finance Commission (NFC) award, said Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi here on Wednesday. ... 200 tourists evacuated from N. Areas GILGIT, June 9: The authorities on Wednesday gave a six-hour break in curfew in the city and permitted people to use ply their vehicles within the municipal limits. ... Ban on registration of Madressahs may be lifted ISLAMABAD, June 9: The government is likely to lift the ban on registration of Madressahs, clearing the way for thousands of religious seminaries to get themselves registered, sources in the education ministry told Dawn. ... Musharraf wants to boost ties with China ISLAMABAD, June 9: President General Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday called for enhanced trade and economic relations with China to match the level of political ties between the two nations. ... Pakistan, UK to discuss defence cooperation LONDON, June 9: A two-day meeting of Pak-UK Defence Cooperation Forum is being held here from Thursday to discuss ways and means to further cement defence relations between the two countries. ... Pakistan-BD cooperation in cell phone sector urged ISLAMABAD, June 9: Federal Minister for Information Technology Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari on Wednesday called for greater cooperation and partnership between mobile phone operators in Pakistan and Bangladesh ... Wheat supply to NWFP, Balochistan to continue LAHORE, June 9: The Punjab has decided to continue supplying flour to the NWFP and Balochistan for the time being, as both these provinces have pleaded for relaxation of the ban on flour movement. ... Landing gear fires hit PIA flights LONDON, June 9: Fires have twice broken out in the landing gears of two Pakistan International Airlines flights as they touched down at Manchester airport in northwest England, police said on Wednesday. ... 'PIAC made investments to meet future challenges' ISLAMABAD, June 9: Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (PIAC) has made financial investments to ably meet the challenges ahead. ... NAB receives complaints against ministers ISLAMABAD, May 9: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman Lt-Gen Munir Hafiz on Wednesday said the bureau was also receiving applications regarding alleged corruption of sitting federal ministers, parliamentarians and important personalities. ... 'Resistance to LG system subsides' ISLAMABAD, June 9: National Reconstruction Bureau chairman Daniyal Aziz on Friday said initial bottlenecks and resistance to the Local Government system had subsided bringing a change in the governance culture in the country. ... More funds for railways sought ISLAMABAD, June 9: The Senate standing committee on railways has asked the government to allocate sufficient funds for the Pakistan Railways to make it a safe, economical and customer- oriented organization. ... 7,000 tents sent to Sudan KARACHI, June 9: An Illushyn-76 transport aircraft chartered by the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) left Karachi on Wednesday with 7,000 Pakistan- manufactured tents purchased to house Sudanese refugees fleeing to neighbouring Chad. ... Pakistan may join Shanghai group BEIJING, June 9: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has agreed in principle to expand its membership, said a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Office Liu Jianchao. ... AJK govt approves uplift schemes: Shelving of medical college plan criticized MUZAFFARABAD, June 9: AJK Cabinet Development Committee here on Wednesday approved schemes in communications and works, education ...

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