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| October 4, 2005 | Tuesday | Sha’aban 29, 1426 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Iraq charter rule change irks UN BAGHDAD, Oct 4 (AFP) - The United Nations has criticised a last minute rule change just 10 days before a referendum on Iraq's draft constitution, sources said Tuesday, adding the latest dash of controversy to the troubled process. The stinging criticism from the UN's Iraq mission comes as political factions are still seeking last-minute amendments to the text and most voters have not yet even seen a copy of the new basic law. (Posted @ 22:45 PST)
WTO farm talks show deep divisions persist GENEVA, Oct 4 (Reuters) - World Trade Organisation (WTO) states held talks on farm goods on Tuesday, but divisions remain deep between exporters and importers as the clock ticks towards a December deadline for a deal, officials said. The United States, which is pressing the European Union and other importers to open up their markets, spelled out to the full 148-state membership proposals already floated in talks with a small group in Paris late last month. (Posted @ 22:30 PST)
Ramzan moon not sighted, first Ramzan on Thursday PESHAWAR Oct 4 (APP): Chairman Central Ruet-e-Hilal committee Maulana Mufti Munibur Rehman has announced that Ramazan moon has not been sighted anywhere in the country and therefore first of Ramzan will fall on October 6 (Thursday). He made the announcement after a meeting held here for the sighting of the Ramazan moon. (Posted @ 21:10 PST)
Pak-India relations heading towards improvement - Natwar Singh KARACHI, Oct 4 (APP) - Indian Minister for External Affairs, Natwar Singh said here Tuesday that relations between Pakistan and India are progressing towards improvement. Talking to newsmen after a 20-minute meeting with Governor of Sindh Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan upon his arrival here from Islamabad for a 2-day stay in the city, Natwar Singh said Khokhrapar-Monabao rail link will start soon and so will be the ferry service. He said the Indian Consulate at Karachi will reopen by the end of December or early January 2006. Issuance of visa for India will start from here once the Consulate starts functioning, he said in reply to another quest5ion. (Posted @ 21:10 PST)
Shujaat says PML to hold transparent party election in 2006 RAWALPINDI, Oct 4 (APP): President Pakistan Muslim League Ch. Shujaat Hussain Tuesday said PML would hold transparent party elections in 2006 and everybody would be free to take part in the electoral exercise. Addressing PML leaders, newly elected Nazims, councillors and party workers here, he said the party should make itself ready for the general elections in 2007. (Posted @ 21:00 PST)
UK Secretary of Defence calls on PM ISLAMABAD, Oct.4 (APP): UK Secretary of State for Defence, John Reid Tuesday called on Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and discussed cooperation between Pakistan and the Britain in the defence field. The UK is already assisting Pakistan in the areas of supply of equipment and military training and the two sides discussed prospects of further increasing their defence cooperation. In the meeting they also exchanged views on regional issues including Afghanistan and Iran. The Prime Minister said as the Britain would assume the command of the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan next year, there is a need of cooperation between Pakistan and the UK to go even further. Later, talking to reporters, John Reid appreciated Pakistan's role in fighting terrorism . (Posted @ 21:00 PST)
India, Pakistan pledge 'sincere' search for Kashmir deal ISLAMABAD, Oct 4 (AFP) - Pakistan and India vowed Tuesday to make "sincere" efforts to find a peaceful solution to the dispute over Kashmir. A joint statement issued after two days of talks between visiting Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Kasuri said "the ministers reiterated that possible options for a peaceful, negotiated settlement of the issue of Jammu and Kashmir should be explored in a sincere, purposeful and forward looking manner." The statement revealed no new solutions but said the two foreign ministers had reaffirmed their determination not to allow extremism to impede the peace process. They also agreed to find a "common understanding" by January 2006 on the issue of Siachen glacier. The ministers also restated their commitment to a multi-million dollar Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project, saying it would increase prosperity. They further said they were satisified at the revival of a joint economic commission between the two countries, and also agreed to hold meetings by the end of the year to finalize arrangements for meeting points for families divided between Indian and Pakistani Kashmir, and to begin a truck service between the capitals of the two zones. On Monday India and Pakistan signed deals to notify each other in advance on ballistic missile tests and to set up a hotline between their coastguards. (Posted @ 19:30 PST)
Eleven killed in India's northeast in rebel violence GUWAHATI, India, Oct 4 (AFP) - Eleven people, including five villagers hacked to death by rival tribesmen, have been killed in India's northeast Manipur state where separatist insurgencies have raged for the past two decades, officials said Tuesday. Soldiers killed four unidentified rebels during a clash while they were searching for a militant hideout near Loktak, 40 kilometers east of Imphal in Manipur state, said an army spokesman . "The encounter began Tuesday noon and is still continuing. So far there are no casualties on the army side although the rebels have launched retaliatory strikes," he said. In neighbouring Assam state, seven Karbi tribesmen were killed in two separate attacks by a rival tribe in district Karbi Anglong 290 kilometers from Guwahati, police said.Two other members of the Karbi tribe were killed in a nearby village. (Posted @ 19:00 PST)
Taliban spokesman arrested in Pakistan ISLAMABAD, Oct 4 (AFP) - Pakistan has arrested Abdul Latif Hakimi , the man who claims to be the chief spokesperson for Afghanistan's ousted Taliban regime, Pakistan’s interior minister Aftab Sherpao said Tuesday. "Abdul Latif Hakimi has been arrested in Pakistan. Details will be given later," Sherpao told AFP, without elaborating. "He was the chief spokesman for the Taliban, he was (a) Taliban leader," Sherpao later told a private tv channel. "It is an important arrest. It is a big success for law enforcement agencies." Hakimi began calling international media from different locations around a year and a half ago. He usually called from satellite phones and sometimes he called from Afghan cellphones and even more rarely he used cellphones with Pakistani numbers. (Posted @ 19:00 PST)
Ex-envoy Zaeef narrates tale of woes ISLAMABAD Oct. 04 (PPI) Former Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Mulla Abdul Salam Zaeef recently released from the Guantanamo prison has said he was treated like a hardened criminal in the prison and lost one ear and got deaf due to US soldiers’ torture in Pakistan. He narrated to the VOA in an interview the details from the day the Pakistani authorities handed him over to the US and the final release upon being absolved of all the charges levelled against him. "I was the man who tried his best for reconciliation. I was not in favour of imposition of a second war on Afghanistan”, he said. (Posted @ 18:45 PST)
Pakistan appoints new envoy to Philippines and Tunis ISLAMABAD, Oct 4 (APP): Pakistan has appointed Muhammad Naeem Khan and Faiz Mohammed Khoso as its new envoys to Philippines and Tunis respectively. (Posted @ 18:10 PST)
Pakistan succeeds: WB Director LONDON Oct 4 (APP)World Bank's Country Director for Pakistan John Wall said here late Monday Pakistan has successfully laid the groundwork for a "sustained growth and poverty reduction" in the country. Speaking at a reception hosted by the Pakistan Society in honour of Governor State Bank Dr. Ishrat Hussain John Wall praised President Musharraf's government for its success in restoring the investors confidence and billed it a "great success," adding that "there has been a tidal change in the past five years from the situation" inherited by it. "Improving investors confidence was one of the major goals of this Government that has been met with great success," said Wall and added there had been progressive rise in Pakistan's external credit ratings. He said there had been the rapid rise in imports of investment and intermediate goods that is pushing the import growth rate to 35 per cent or more. (Posted @ 17:40 PST)
Two Jordanian pilots killed in plane training crash AMMAN, Oct 4 (Reuters) - Two Jordanian pilots were killed on Tuesday when their two trainer jet planes collided and crashed during a training mission, the state news agency said. A third pilot survived the crash. (Posted @ 17:40 PST)
India, Pakistan vow sincere effort on Kashmir ISLAMABAD, Oct 4 (Reuters) - Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh discussed the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir with President Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday and they agreed to tackle the problem sincerely, an Indian spokesman said. "On Jammu and Kashmir, the two sides agreed to continue to address the issue in a sincere and purposeful manner," Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters, referring to the 40-minute talks between Singh and Musharraf. "They agreed that significant changes had occurred in the climate of the bilateral relations, which the public opinion in both countries was driving forward, and this was reflected in the progress achieved," Sarna said of the peace process. Singh and Musharraf also discussed the disputed Siachen Glacier, and (Sir Creek)a maritime border row, Sarna said."(The two) welcomed the ongoing discussion at the diplomatic levels on a framework to promote settlement of these issues on a mutually acceptable basis," he said. (Posted @ 17:15 PST)
U.S. says 4 troops die in western Iraq fighting BAGHDAD, Oct 4 (Reuters) - Four U.S. troops died in fighting in western Iraq on Monday, the U.S. military said on Tuesday. One Marine was killed by an improvised bomb in Karabila, near the Syrian border, during Operation Iron Fist, while three soldiers were killed by improvised bombs in Haqlaniya, in the western Anbar province, the U.S. military said. The US forces on Tuesday also launched Operation River Gate against insurgents in towns in the Euphrates Valley. (Posted @ 17:00 PST)
Gul says no change in Turkey stance on Cyprus LUXEMBOURG, Oct 4 (Reuters) - Turkey's stance on Cyprus will remain unchanged until a permanent peace settlement has been reached on the divided island, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday, one day after Ankara started EU entry talks. Gul, in Luxembourg for a ceremony to launch Ankara's EU talks, pledged continued Turkish political and economic support to the Turkish Cypriots until the island is finally reunited. (Posted @ 16:50 PST)
"Two Ronnies", "Porridge" star Ronnie Barker dies LONDON, Oct 4 (Reuters) - British comedian Ronnie Barker, the big half of the famous duo The Two Ronnies and the indomitable Fletch in prison sitcom Porridge, has died aged 76. A BBC spokeswoman said the portly, bespectacled star died Monday in the presence of his wife. He had been suffering heart trouble. (Posted @ 16:50 PST)
World Bank expert concludes Baglihar dam visit JAMMU, Oct 4, (Reuters) - The Swiss engineer appointed to resolve a dispute between India and Pakistan over Baglihar Dam concluded a visit to the project on Tuesday . Prof Raymond Lafitte spent three days inspecting the site and holding talks with officials."We will try to solve this issue," Lafitte, who heads a 13-member team of experts, said at the end of his trip. He refused to give details. Officials accompanying him said Lafitte was likely to present his views in New Delhi this week, ahead of giving a report to the World Bank.Islamabad has objected to the design of the dam, saying it would affect flows into its territory and contravene the 1960 Indus Water Treaty brokered by the World Bank. (Posted @ 16:40 PST)
Car bomb blows up inside Baghdad Green Zone, 3 dead BAGHDAD, Oct 4 (Reuters) - A suicide car bomber drove into Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone complex with a convoy of other vehicles on Tuesday and blew up, killing three people and wounding six, Iraqi police said. The car exploded as it was being searched at a checkpoint inside the zone. Two Iraqi soldiers and a civilian were killed, police said. The six wounded were four Iraqi soldiers and two policemen. It was not immediately clear what sort of convoy was entering the area at the time. (Posted @ 16:25 PST)
Pakistan says progress with India on Siachen glacier ISLAMABAD, Oct 4 (AFP) - Pakistan and India have made some progress at talks on withdrawing troops from the Siachen glacier but reports that a deal is near are untrue, a Pakistani foreign office official said Tuesday. The issue of Siachen -- dubbed the world's highest battlefield -- and of a disputed stretch of marsh called Sir Creek came up when visiting Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh met his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Kasuri Monday. "There is some progress, but I cannot say they are very close" to signing an accord, foreign office spokesman Naeem Khan told AFP. "There are ideas that have been exchanged and there is some progress." Indian newspapers reported a pact was near on pulling soldiers from the 6,300-metre (21,000-foot) glacier. The Hindustan Times said the deal was done and the wording was being worked out, while the Indian Express said talks went on into the night to thrash out the differences on Siachen and Sir Creek. The Pakistani press was more circumspect, with local dailies Dawn and The News saying the two countries may set out a roadmap for Siachen and Sir Creek and the Daily Times saying there was no permanent agreement. (Posted @ 16:25 PST)
Bomb kills at least two on Afghan-Pakistan border KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Oct 4 (AFP) - A bomb exploded at an Afghan security post on the border with Pakistan Tuesday, killing at least two people, including a child, and wounding eight others, police said. The device was hidden near several clay water pots at the Spin Boldak border post in Kandahar province , border police commander Abdul Raziq told AFP. A district police officer who did not want to be identified said three people were killed in the blast and 15 hurt, while an official in the Pakistani town of Chaman across the border said five people were killed. Flames surrounded the blast site and the border was closed, an AFP reporter in Chaman said.(Posted @ 16:05 PST)
Two Americans, a German win Nobel Physics prize for optics research STOCKHOLM, Oct 4 (AFP) - Americans Roy J. Glauber and John L. Hall as well as German Theodor W. Haensch won the 2005 Nobel Physics Prize for their work in the field of optics, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said on Tuesday. Glauber took half the prize for his contribution to the quantum theory of optical coherence, while the other two shared the remaining half for their contributions to the development of laser-based precision spectroscopy, the Academy said.(Posted @ 15:55 PST)
Karachi transporters observe strike Karachi, October 04 (PPI): Karachi transporters observed strike today to protest against frequent increase in POL prices. Minibuses, coaches, autorickshaws and taxis remained off the road causing inconvenience to the commuters and resulting in thin attendance in offices. Trading activity remained slack. Contract carriage operators also generally observed a strike resulting in the closure of many schools. No untoward incident was reported from any part of the city.(Posted @ 15:45 PST)
Gas supply to all Balochistan districts fully restored KARACHI, Oct 4 (APP) The supply of gas was fully restored on Tuesday morning to all the districts of Balochistan, affected by a bomb blast near Kolpur about 27 kms from Quetta early Monday morning, SSGC sources here said Tuesday. (Posted @ 14:51 PST)
Up to 40 militants believed dead in Pakistan- army ISLAMABAD, Oct 4 (Reuters) Up to 40 militants were killed in clashes with Pakistani security forces near the Afghan border, about half of them foreigners, a Pakistani military spokesman said on Tuesday. The latest surge in violence began last week in the North Waziristan region and Pakistani military spokesman Major-General Shaukat Sultan said seven members of government forces had been killed since then. (Posted @ 14:50 PST)
Editor of Afghan women's magazine held for blasphemy KABUL, Oct 4 (Reuters) Afghan authorities detained Mohaqiq Nasab, the editor-in-chief of a women's rights magazine "Hoqooq Zan" or Women's Rights, on the orders of a presidential adviser who deemed one of its articles blasphemous to Islam, a senior government official said on Tuesday. Fazel Sangcharaki, a deputy minister at the ministry of information and culture, said he did not know the name of the adviser but Karzai's religious adviser is Mohaiuddin Baloch, who could not immediately be reached comment. (Posted @ 14:50 PST)
Israelis kill Palestinian woman NABLUS, West Bank, Oct 4 (Reuters) Israeli soldiers shot dead a Palestinian woman who stabbed a female soldier in the face, wounding her lightly, near the city of Nablus, the army said. A Palestinian doctor who examined the woman's body after she was brought to a hospital in Nablus said she had been shot four times. (Posted @ 14:23 PST)
Two suspected Taliban killed, commander captured in Afghanistan KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Oct 4 (AFP) Two suspected Taliban rebels were killed and their commander, Mullah Naser Mohammad, was captured in a swoop by Afghan and US-led troops in Zabul province on Monday, a provincial official said Tuesday. (Posted @ 14:22 PST)
Ten dead in Pakistan bus plunge PESHAWAR, Pakistan, Oct 4 (AFP) Ten people (12 according to APP) were killed and 28 injured when a bus plunged into a deep ravine after its brakes failed to make a sharp bend on a winding road linking the popular hill resorts of Ayubiya and Murree Tuesday, police said. "Eight passengers died on the spot, including the bus driver, while two others died later in hospital," the police official said adding that "some of the wounded passengers are in serious condition." (Posted @ 14:22 PST)
India and Pakistan revive key economic body after 16 years ISLAMABAD, Oct 4 (AFP) Pakistan and India on Tuesday held a meeting of a joint economic body for the first time in 16 years, marking a further thaw between the South Asian rivals. Visiting Foreign Minister Natwar Singh lead the Indian side at the talks with his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Kasuri, foreign office officials said. Singh also met President Pervez Musharraf at his Army House residence in Rawalpindi before the joint commission meeting. Details of the meeting were not immediately available.(Posted @ 13:25 PST)
Australia v World XI teams for opening Super Series one-dayer announced MELBOURNE, Australia, Oct 4 (AFP) Chris Gayle and Makhaya Ntini were left out of the World XI team for the opening Super Series cricket one-dayer with Australia at Docklands Stadium here on Wednesday. Meanwhile Australian captain Ricky Ponting said that all-rounder James Hopes and late inclusion fast bowler Stuart Clark will not be playing. Australia team: Adam Gilchrist, Simon Katich, Ricky Ponting (captain), Damien Martyn, Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, Andrew Symonds, Cameron White, Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Nathan Bracken. World XI team : Virender Sehwag, Kumar Sangakkara, Rahul Dravid, Brian Lara, Jacques Kallis, Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Flintoff, Shahid Afridi, Shaun Pollock(captain), Daniel Vettori, Shoaib Akhtar, Muttiah Muralitharan. Umpires: Simon Taufel (AUS) Aleem Dar (PAK) (Posted @ 13:05 PST)
Bomb wounds nine in North Waziristan MIRANSHAH, Pakistan, Oct 4 (AFP) A bomb planted by suspected militants exploded near the Khwaja Khar checkpost in Mir Ali district, North Waziristan region, late Monday wounding at least nine officials and soldiers, local officials said Tuesday. Their two vehicles were badly damaged that included an army major and a captain, an official said adding that their injuries were not life-threatening.(Posted @ 13:05 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, October 4 : The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 60.32 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:40 PST)
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