09 August 2004 Monday 22 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425 Underdeveloped areas' uplift tops govt agenda: PM ISLAMABAD, Aug 8: Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has said that uplift of underdeveloped areas of the country tops the government's agenda. ... President wants Red Crescent Society revamped ISLAMABAD, Aug 8: Fifty-six years since its formation, Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) is yet to make its mark as an independent self-sustaining humanitarian organization ... Petition filed against Aziz alleging rule violation ATTOCK, Aug 8: Engineer Jamil Ahmed Malik of the Communist Party of Pakistan, a candidate from NA-59, has filed a petition with the returning officer, Sardar Tahir Sabir, against PML candidate Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz for 'violating' election rules ... PPP calls for restoration of parliament's supremacy SUKKUR Aug 8: The People's Party Parliamentarians has called for restoration of sovereignty of parliament and demanded that people be taken into confidence on major internal and external issues faced by the country. ... PPP-SB warns govt against coercion KARACHI, Aug 8: Chairperson of the Pakistan People's Party (Shaheed Bhutto), Ghinwa Bhutto, has warned that coercion, either by the state to contain terrorism, violence and anarchy, or other elements to get their problems solved, might lead to the country's total destruction. ... Dialogue must to resolve issues: Moin KARACHI, Aug 8: Former interior minister Lt Gen Moinuddin Haider on Sunday said that the country needs a grand political dialogue to resolve differences, evolve consensus on mega projects and forge unity and harmony among the people of different areas ... JUI-F assails opposition to Hasba bill PESHAWAR, Aug 8: The Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (Fazlur Rahman group) has said that elements opposing the proposed Hasba bill should stop criticizing it. This was stated by JUI's spokesman after a meeting of the party's executive committee held here on Saturday. ... Balochistan, Wana operations opposed TAXILA, Aug 8: Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal central leader and Jamaat-i-Islami Naib Ameer Liaquat Baloch has asked the government to stop the military operations in Wana and Balochistan and withdraw the cases filed against nationalist leaders. ... PTI concerned over law and order KARACHI, Aug 8: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI), Sindh, on Sunday expressed its concerned over deteriorating law and order situation in the province and observed that lawlessness is at its peak. ... Govt urged to consult all Balochistan ethnic groups QUETTA, Aug 8: The Pakistan Brohi Party on Sunday urged the government to invite Baloch, Brohi, Pukhtun and Hazara leaders of Balochistan to resolve the issues causing tension in Balochistan. ... Fresh bomb attacks widely condemned KARACHI, Aug 8: The bomb attack in SITE area on Sunday has been widely condemned by political leaders who described it a conspiracy against the province and the country. ... Health minister meets Indian president ISLAMABAD, Aug 8: The federal health minister Nasir Khan met the Indian President APJ Kalam during his visit to India and discussed with him issues related to health initiatives in India and Pakistan with special focus on eradicating polio ... Raj Babbar meets Pervaiz LAHORE, Aug 8: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi said here on Sunday that direct people-to-people and cultural contact between Pakistan and India were playing a major role in improving relations between them and ensuring lasting peace in the region. ... 'Devolution plan eroding political system' ISLAMABAD, Aug 8: The representatives of civil society and non-governmental organizations on Sunday rejected devolution plan calling it a "destruction plan". ... Promotion of public utility inventions stressed ISLAMABAD, Aug 8: The science establishment should promote and fund greater number of public utility inventions. This consensus was reached at a meeting of Islamabad Scientists Club ... Senate body for ending illegal occupation of govt houses ISLAMABAD, Aug 8: The Senate Standing Committee on Works has taken exception to the unauthorized occupation of over 255 government houses in the federal capital and 297 houses in Karachi. ... Increase in stipend of trainee doctors likely ISLAMABAD, Aug 8: The federal government is considering increasing stipend of doctors working as trainee medical officers in the capital's two hospitals, a health ministry official told Dawn. ... N.Areas uplift top priority, says minister ISLAMABAD, Aug 8: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas Dr G.G Jamal says the government is giving top priority to the development and prosperity of the Northern Areas, especially in education, health, hydel power, communications and transport. ... Separate prosecution service in NWFP - Cabinet set to approve law PESHAWAR, Aug 8: The provincial cabinet is likely to approve a new ordinance for the establishment of an independent prosecution service. It is learnt that the provincial cabinet will discuss the issue in its scheduled meeting on Aug 11. ... Planetarium equipment dumped to rot KARACHI, Aug 8: The expensive electronic machinery and equipment, imported by PIA from Germany in mid-80s for installation at the projected sites of planetarium in Peshawar and Quetta, have been left to rust and rot at the PIA Planetarium here, it is learnt. ...

© The DAWN Group of Newspapers, 2004