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| July 28, 2006 | Friday | Rajab 1, 1427 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
ARD, MMA agree to table joint no-confidence motion KARACHI, July 28 (PPI): The Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) and the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) Friday agreed to table a no confidence motion against Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in the Parliament house. “We will now contact other political parties to seek their support after which the timing of tabling the no-confidence motion will be determined,” said the top ARD & MMA leaders, Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Maulana Fazlur Rahman, Qazi Hussain Ahmed and Raza Rabbani at a joint press conference in Karachi. On resignations of MQM’s ministers and advisors, Maulana Fazlur Rahman said that it was ``the government's internal issue,” adding that “neither the MQM have contacted us, nor we have any plans to approach them". Amin Fahim opined that if the entire opposition unites on a “one-point agenda to oust the present government, then it would be their biggest success.” Qazi Hussain Ahmed said "We want to get rid of General Pervez Musharraf. The whole nation is against the oppressor and its policies. US is supporting, aiding Israel and justifying massacre in Palestine and Lebanon and it declares our general as its closest ally". He added that the opposition was unanimous on ending the army's involvement in politics and the restoration of 1973 Constitution as it was on October 12, 1999. (Posted @ 20:02 PST)
Govt in contact with all coalition parties: PM Shaukat KARACHI, July 28 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said the government is in contact with its coalition parties and all issues will be resolved smoothly and with an understanding. He was talking to the news media after chairing a high level meeting held at Governor House soon after his arrival here from Islamabad. The meeting was attended by Sindh Governor Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan, Chief Minister Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Federal Minister for Information Mohammed Ali Durrani, Secretary General PML Mushahid Hussain, Federal Ministers Saleem Saifullah, Liaquat Ali Jatoi and Ghaus Bux Khan Mahar. The Prime Minister said our contacts are very much with our coalition partner MQM and these contacts will continue. He said the objective of all of us is the same - the progress of Pakistan and welfare of its people. He said whatever the issues, these will be resolved smoothly and with an understanding. Shaukat Aziz referred to resignations tendered by MQM's Ministers and said that President Pervez Musharraf had directed not to accept them. (Posted @ 23:46 PST)
MQM resignations: Shaukat Aziz begins parleys in Karachi KARACHI, July 28: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz was in the midst of an important meeting at the Governor House in Karachi to resolve the political crisis following MQM’s decision to quit the government. Among those present in the meeting were Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, and Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, PTV reported, adding that the meeting was in progress till last reports came in. Talking to newsmen at the Governor House, Shaukat Aziz once again emphasized that such problems do arise in a political set up and that they would be amicably resolved. According to the PTV report, discussions and consultations were in progress at various levels between the MQM and the government, and the important thing was that there was no lack of trust on either side. (Posted @ 22:32 PST)
Musharraf talks to Altaf KARACHI, July 28: President Pervez Musharraf talked to Muthaida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain last night and discussed the ongoing political crisis following MQM’s decision to quit the government, a private TV channel reported Friday. The TV station did not say for how long the discussion lasted or what was the outcome. (Posted @ 18:52 PST)
MQM ministers resignations ; PM rushing to Karachi KARACHI, July 28: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz is rushing to Karachi Friday to defuse the political crisis in the aftermath of the MQM decision to quit the coalition both at the centre and in Sindh province. Sources close to the government said in Islamabad that the prime minister during his two-day stay would resolve the crisis and “everything would be all right”, a private tv channel said. Mr. Shaukat Aziz would also hold discussions with his aides on the ARD-MMA move for a possible no-trust motion in the parliament early next month, the TV reported. Meanwhile, media reports quoting Information Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani said that action on the MQM ministers resignations has been held up on the directives of President Parvez Musharraf who wants the crisis to be resolved through dialogue process.(Posted @ 10:30 PST)
Prime Minister Aziz arrives in Karachi KARACHI, July 28 (APP): Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz arrived here on Friday evening. Sindh Governor, Dr. Ishrat-ul- Ebad Khan and Chief Minister, Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim received him at Karachi Airport. (First Posted @ 15:45 PST Updated @ 20:48 PST)
UN urges 72-hour stop to Israel-Lebanon fighting UNITED NATIONS, July 28 (Reuters) - U.N. Emergency Relief Coordinator Jan Egeland asked Israel and Hizbollah on Friday to stop fighting for 72 hours to enable relief workers to evacuate the elderly and disabled from southern Lebanon and get in emergency aid supplies. (Posted @ 23:58 PST)
Pakistan 12-0 against England MANCHESTER, England, July 28, (AFP) - Pakistan in their second innings were 12 without loss, a deficit of 330 runs, at stumps on the second day of the second Test against England at Old Trafford here Friday. Kamran Akmal was two not out and Imran Farhat nine not out. The four-Test series was level at 0-0. For details click here.(Posted @ 23:36 PST)
Blair warns Iran, Syria of 'confrontation' WASHINGTON, July 28, (AFP) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair warned Iran and Syria Friday that they face "the risk of increasing confrontation" unless they reform their behavior in the Middle East. "Iran and Syria have a choice. And they may think that they can avoid this choice; in fact, they can't," Blair said after talks at the White House with US President George W. Bush. (First Posted @ 21:08 PST Updated @ 23:32 PST)
Hezbollah should be part of any Lebanon resolution: Russia MOSCOW, July 28, 2006 (AFP) Any agreements aimed at resolving the Israel-Lebanon conflict should be coordinated with all the main forces in Lebanon, including Hezbollah, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday. (Posted @ 21:10 PST)
Mortar bomb strikes Baghdad mosque, four dead BAGHDAD, July 28 (Reuters) A mortar bomb struck a mosque in Baghdad on Friday, killing at least four people, police said. Six people were also wounded in the incident. (Posted @ 21:06 PST)
China plant blast kills 12, thousands evacuated BEIJING, July 28 (Reuters) An explosion on Friday at a chemical plant in east China killed at least 12 people and forced the evacuation of thousands, Xinhua news agency said. "Nearly 1,000 rescuers are searching for the possible missing people in the debris and the death toll may increase," Xinhua said. A dozen others were hospitalised with injuries and more than 7,000 residents living nearby had been evacuated, it added. (Posted @ 21:04 PST)
Two children die in torrential rains in Bajour Agency BAJOUR AGENCY, July 28 (APP): Two children were killed when a wall of a house caved in due to torrential rain in Zagai village of Mamoond tehsil last Thursday night. Local people came to know about the incident only after several hours and later dug out their bodies from the debris. The sources said that the ongoing rains and floods have damaged many houses, crops and orchards, besides disrupting the communication system in various parts of the agency. (Posted @ 21:02 PST)
Bomb explodes outside bank in Quetta; 21 wounded QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) A bomb believed rigged to a motorcycle exploded outside a bank in Balochistan and wounded 21 people Friday, one critically, a medical official said. It was unclear who was behind the bombing outside a branch of the state-owned Allied Bank Ltd., which was open at the time, in Quetta. Twenty-one people were wounded in the blast, one critically, said a physician at the Quetta Government Hospital where the victims were brought. The bomb also smashed windows at the bank and destroyed three cars. (First Posted @ 16:40 PST Updated @ 20:46 PST)
President Musharraf convenes meeting to review development projects RAWALPINDI, July 28 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf Friday said that concerted efforts need to be made on a fast track basis to translate the geo-strategic importance of Pakistan into economic opportunities for the country. He made this observation at a high level meeting also attended by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. The meeting reviewed all the government’s initiatives taken in this regard. Musharraf said that the Gwadar Port can play a major role in achieving this objective. The meeting decided that there would be a policy and supervisory board to provide strategic vision, policy guidelines, ensure timely decisions and regularly review and monitor the progress on various infrastructure and other projects related to Gwadar Port. The meeting also decided to create special economic zones in Gwadar and other suitable areas to promote investment, industrialization and job creation. (Posted @ 20:28 PST)
US General Peter Pace calls on President Musharraf RAWALPINDI, July 28 (APP): Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, US Armed Forces, General Peter Pace, currently on an official visit to Pakistan, paid a courtesy call on President General Pervez Musharraf here on Friday. During the meeting, they exchanged views on the cooperation between the Pakistan and US Armed Forces. (Posted @ 20:06 PST)
Pakistani PM says India not passionate about peace NEW DELHI, July 28 (Reuters) India is not passionate about making peace with Pakistan, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said in an interview to the Indian weekly magazine Outlook, to be published in its latest issue due to hit the stands on Saturday. "We in Pakistan, President (Pervez) Musharraf and I, have a passion for peace. I have yet to see this passion on the part of India," Aziz said. He dismissed the Indian charges against Lashkar-e-Taiba in connection with the Mumbai blasts. "We don't see any evidence of their activity that's prejudicial," the magazine statement quoted him as saying. "We have done a lot to transform some of these people," he added. (Posted @ 19:52 PST)
Pakistan to send medical, food aid to Lebanon ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, July 28 (AP) Pakistan will send medical and food aid Friday to Lebanese affected by Israeli military strikes on their country, the Foreign Ministry said. Minister of state for foreign affairs, Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar, expressed ``deep concern over the plight of the Lebanese people in the face of Israeli aggression,'' the ministry said in a statement. Eight tons of medical supplies and equipment and 14 tons of food would leave Friday on two Pakistani military C-130 aircraft bound for the Syrian capital, Damascus, where the shipment would be handed over to Lebanese authorities for transport into their battered country, the statement said. (Posted @ 19:40 PST)
Thousands protest against Israel in Cairo CAIRO, Egypt (AP) Thousands of demonstrators chanted anti-Israel and pro-Hezbollah slogans outside a Cairo mosque Friday. The rally was mainly organized by Egypt's main opposition group, the Muslim Brotherhood, which was taken out after Friday prayers outside the Istiqama Mosque. At least twice as many riot police with helmets and shields were on hand and there were no immediate reports of violence. President Hosanna Mubarak on Friday restated Egypt's refusal to become militarily involved in peacekeeping and rejected the idea of expelling the Israeli ambassador, saying it was important to keep lines of communication open with Jerusalem. Mubara said in an interview carried on the official Middle East News Agency that breaking relations with Israel ``will not benefit the case by any means.'' (Posted @ 17:26 PST)
Israeli police prevent worshippers from praying at Al-Aqsa mosque JERUSALEM, July 28 (AP) Israeli police used stun grenades to disperse hundreds of worshippers who were trying to gain access to the Al Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers, police said. No injuries were reported. Because of the Israeli ban Friday, hundreds of Muslim worshippers kneeled in prayer on sidewalks outside the mosque complex. (Posted @ 17:24 PST)
Police arrest 13 suspected Taliban in Afghanistan KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, July 28 (AP) Police arrested 13 suspected Taliban militants in Afghanistan's Garmser district of the Helmand province on Friday as they were driving in two cars, police said. The authorities also retrieved 13 AK-47 assault rifles, heavy machine guns and eight rocket-propelled grenade launchers from the cars, police added. (Posted @ 17:00 PST)
Muslim nations call for immediate cease-fire in Lebanon, denounce Israel KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 28 (AP) Five major Muslim countries denounced Israel on Friday for its offensive in Lebanon, saying an immediate and unconditional cease-fire was necessary to halt the crisis. The foreign ministers of Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Pakistan held talks to discuss ``their grave concern over the deteriorating situation and unabated violence'' in Lebanon and occupied Palestinian territories, according to a joint statement. ``The ministers strongly condemned Israel's military actions and indiscriminate and excessive use of force,'' the statement said, adding that the countries also ``called for an immediate and unconditional cease-fire.'' The ministers also discussed a planned emergency summit of the 56-nation Organization of the Islamic Conference on Aug. 3 in Malaysia. (Posted @ 16:45 PST)
Flash flood kills nine worshippers in Pakistan ISLAMABAD, July 28 (Reuters) A flash flood killed nine people while they were offering early morning prayers in Pakistan's mountainous northern region on Friday, the latest casualties from days of heavy rains, officials said. The flood occurred in Ghaddar, a village close to Gilgit, the main town in the Northern Areas, an army official said. Also on Friday, a landslide obliterated four houses and six shops in a village close to Muzzafarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir, which was devastated by an earthquake last October. There were no casualties there, said a local police official, but the mountain slopes remain unstable after the quake, and there were many landslides reported in the area. The Flood Commission of Pakistan has issued warnings for people to evacuate homes along the banks of the country's three main rivers: the Indus, Ravi and Chenab. (Posted @ 16:40 PST)
Torrential rains wreak havoc in quake-hit areas of Mansehra SHINKIARI, July 28, (APP): Heavy downpour wreaked havoc in the quake-affected areas of district Mansehra as rain continued for the fifth consecutive day killing two people whereas four people went missing in different rain related incidents in the area. The low-lying areas were inundated due to continuous heavy downpour and high level floods were reported in river Kunhar and Saran. Two people identified as Muhammad Shafiq and Muhammad Shereen drowned in district Balakot while one Ghulam Rabbani received serious injuries due to mudslide. A number of shelters and tents were also destroyed in district Balakot and Saran valley. (Posted @ 16:05 PST)
Protest against Israel's attacks on Lebanon held in Bangladesh DHAKA, Bangladesh, July 28 (AP) About 2,500 people marched through Bangladesh's capital Friday to protest against Israel's assaults in Lebanon, denouncing the Jewish state and burning Israeli and American flags, police said. Police put up a barbed-wire fence to bar protesters from going toward U.S. embassy. No violence was reported, a police official said. (Posted @ 16:05 PST)
OPEC aid fund gives US$1.2 million in assistance to Lebanon VIENNA, Austria, July 28 (AP) OPEC's humanitarian arm said Friday it has approved US$1.2 million in aid to Lebanon. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries' Fund for International Development said the grant was intended to provide essential relief supplies and support emergency operations. The money will be channelled through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, it said. (Posted @ 16:05 PST)
Strike grips Srinagar to protest Indian president's visit SRINAGAR, occupied Kashmir, July 28 (AFP) India's President Abdul Kalam began a two-day visit Friday to occupied Kashmir as shops and businesses in the main city closed to protest against his arrival. The shutdown in Srinagar was called by the alliance of parties Hurriyat and backed by the Hizbul Mujahedin group. Kalam made a brief stopover in Ladakh, before he was due to travel to Srinagar, where security forces were on high alert. Traffic was thin in Srinagar due to the two-day general strike which Hurriyat said it called because Kalam holds the post of "supreme commander" of the security forces that were "committing human rights violations." Hurriyat added it had "nothing personal" against Kalam. (Posted @ 15:40 PST)
Six civilians killed in new wave of Israeli air raids on Lebanon BEIRUT, July 28 (AFP) Six civilians, including a Jordanian, were killed in Lebanon on Friday as Israel launched a new wave of air strikes across the country, police said. The new strikes on the 17th day of the blistering bombardment of the country brought the death toll in Lebanon from Israel's offensive to 426 people, including 355 civilians. The Israeli air force carried out more than 27 raids at dawn in areas to the east of Tyre, which were also hit by some 300 shells fired by Israeli artillery. (First Posted @ 11:10 PST Updated @ 15:35 PST)
Two killed as Israel ends deadly two-day Gaza incursion GAZA CITY, July 28 (AFP) A Palestinian teenager and a militant were killed Friday as the Israeli army ended a bloody two-day incursion in the Gaza Strip. Anass Zomnutt, 13, died of bullet wounds in the Jabaliya refugee camp northeast of Gaza City, as Israeli troops were withdrawing overnight, hospital officials said. The body of Mohammed Abu Saqran, a Hamas activist, was found in the camp after the troops left. "During the night the army withdrew from the Sejaiya (area of Gaza City) and the Jabaliya" refugee camp east of the strip's largest city”, an Israeli army spokesman confirmed. At least 13 of the dead included were members from Hamas and two from the Popular Resistance Committees. Also killed during the two-day operation were, among others: a baby, two toddlers, three teenagers and a 75-year-old woman. The army said that it had killed "25 terrorists". (First Posted @ 09:35 PST Updated @ 15:30 PST)
U.N. rights body tells U.S. to shut 'secret' jails GENEVA, July 28 (Reuters) The U.N. Human Rights Committee on Friday told Washington it should immediately shut all "secret detention" facilities and give the International Committee of the Red Cross access to anybody held in armed conflict. In findings on U.S. observance of the U.N.'s main political rights' convention, the committee said it had "credible and uncontested" information that the United States had detained people "secretly and in secret places for months and years." The committee said it could not accept Washington's argument that the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which the United States has signed, does not apply to anyone held outside U.S. territory. (Posted @ 15:20 PST)
Rice says will return to Mideast, but no timetable KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Reuters) U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Friday she would return to the Middle East for more talks on the Israel-Lebanon war, but she gave no timetable. "I am going to return to the Middle East. The question is when is it right for me to return to the Middle East," she told a news conference after taking part in a global security forum in Malaysia. (First Posted @ 09:35 PST Updated @ 15:15 PST)
Israel rules out major U.N. involvement in possible Lebanon peacekeeping force NEW YORK, July 28 (AP) Israel's U.N. ambassador has ruled out major U.N. involvement in any potential international force in Lebanon, saying more professional and better-trained troops were needed for such a volatile situation. Dan Gillerman also said Israel would not allow the United Nations to join in an investigation of an Israeli airstrike that demolished a post belonging to the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon and killed four U.N. observers. (Posted @ 10:30 PST)
Iranian foreign minister meets Muslim ministers for talks on Middle East crisis KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 28 (AP) Iran's foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki held talks Friday with counterparts from Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia on Israel's military strikes on Lebanon and the planned emergency summit of the Organization of the Islamic Conference to discuss the crisis. He plans to meet with officials from other Muslim countries later Friday to discuss preparations for the OIC summit in Malaysia on Aug. 3. (Posted @ 09:45 PST)
Marine killed in action in western Iraq BAGHDAD, July 28 (AP) A U.S. Marine was killed in action in western Iraq on Thursday, the U.S. military said Friday. No further details were released. (Posted @ 09:40 PST)
Champions Trophy hockey results - collated TERRASSA, Spain, July 28 (AFP) Men's Champions Trophy field hockey tournament results Thursday: Germany 3 (Witthaus 3, 31, C. Zeller 42); Netherlands 3 (Reckers 10, Klaver 18, Taekema 55). Pakistan 2 (A. Ali 29, Abbas 68), Spain 3 (S. Freixa 10, 60, Enrique 70). Argentina 0, Australia 6 (Schubert 19, Doerner 28, 32, 60, Boyce 44, McCann 66) (Posted @ 09:20 PST)
Karachi Stocks down 77.21 points: KARACHI, July 28: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 10353.52, down 77.21 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 16:10 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, July 28: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 61 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 16:10 PST)
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