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| October 30, 2006 | Monday | Shawwal 6, 1427 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Pakistani troops kill 80 in air strikes on madrasa ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (Agencies) Up to 80 suspected militants were killed in a dawn attack Monday by Pakistani army helicopters on a madrasa in Chenagai village, near the town of Khar, the main town in the Bajaur tribal region, chief army spokesman, Maj. Gen. Shaukat Sultan, said. "According to our local sources, up to 80 deaths have been confirmed," Sultan said, adding that no prominent militant was believed to be in the compound at the time of attack. The madrassa was run by a local cleric, Liaquat Hussain, who was believed to be sheltering al-Qaida militants, he said. The madrassa was far from any civilian areas and no women or children were inside at the time of the attack, which happened at around 5:00 am (0000 GMT), he said. The bodies of 20 people wrapped in sheets were laid out at funeral prayers nearby after the attack, witnesses said. Up to eight injured people had arrived at a hospital in Khar after the attack, a doctor said without giving further details. (First Posted @ 09:10 PST Updated @ 12:40 PST)
British royals begin Pakistan trip with Musharraf meeting ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (AFP) Britain's Prince Charles held talks with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf Monday but local officials said he did not raise the controversial case of a man on death row. Musharraf thanked Britain for its help after the October 2005 Pakistan earthquake, which killed more than 74,000 people, officials said. Charles and Camilla are due to visit the disaster zone later this week. Camilla also held talks with Musharraf's wife Sehba and the wives of other senior officials. She wore a cream silk tunic, matching trousers and a dupatta scarf. The royal couple also met Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and discussed issues including a youth business scheme that will echo Charles's Prince's Trust initiative in the UK. Later in the week the royal couple are expected to visit Peshawar where Charles will address a college and a madrassa. They are also scheduled to attend an "interfaith meeting" in Lahore, in keeping with Charles's well-publicised interest in religion. (First Posted @ 15:10 PST, Updated @ 15:35 PST)
Iran's nuclear program 'a matter of serious concern' - IAEA chief UNITED NATIONS, Oct 30 (AFP) - The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday said his organization was still unable to confirm the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program, calling it "a matter of serious concern." Mohamed ElBaradei told the UN General Assembly that Iran's failure to heed demands for a halt to its uranium enrichment and adopt transparency measures on its nuclear program meant that the agency "continues to be unable to confirm the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program, which is a matter of serious concern". ElBaradei was briefing the 192-member Assembly on the activities of his Vienna-based agency this year. About North Korea's first-ever nuclear test, ElBaradei said it "reemphasizes the urgent need to establish a legally binding universal ban on nuclear testing through the early entry-into-force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty." He also stressed the importance of finding a negotiated solution to the North Korean nuclear crisis, saying a resumption of stalled six-party talks -- the two Koreas, China, Japan, Russia and the United States -- "is indispensable and urgent." (Posted @ 23:32 PST)
Indian troops kill close associate of Hizbul rebel group chief JAMMU, occupied Kashmir, Oct 30 (AFP) - "A top commander of the Hizbul Mujahedin, Noor Mohammed alias Javed Burky, a former body guard of Syed Salahuddin was killed in a gunfight in Doda district," 240 kilometres from Jammu, a defence ministry spokesman claimed Monday. Indian troops were tipped off that "Noor Mohammed would be visiting his wife and his one year old son in Panchraba village and a cordon was laid on the outer periphery of the village," he said. (Posted @ 22:06 PST)
Iraq bombs kill dozens, US toll passes 100 BAGHDAD, Oct 30 (AFP) - A bomb ripped through a crowd of labourers on Monday, one of six attacks in Baghdad that killed at least 36 people, as the monthly death toll for American troops and civilian contractors hit 101. Iraq's interior ministry spokesman said the worst bomb blast occurred in an area where day labourers gather. We have 26 killed and 60 injured. Hospital sources, however, claimed that two Sadr City clinics alone had received 27 corpses and 50 wounded, many of them in a critical condition. In and around Baghdad at least five car bombs exploded, killing a total of 10 civilians and wounding dozens more. Police were also attacked in Kirkuk where a suicide bomber detonated a bomb belt outside force headquarters, killing two officers and a child, police said. In Basra, police were hunting for a gang which on Sunday stopped a minibus carrying 17 instructors home from a police academy run by the British military, and killed them. In another attack Monday, a bomb damaged a jeep carrying private security contractors through Basra. In the aftermath of the blast a local girl was reportedly shot, triggering a protest by stone-throwing youths. (First Posted @ 10:45 PST Updated @ 22:02 PST)
Israel preparing extensive Gaza operation JERUSALEM, Oct 30 (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warned Monday that the army was preparing an extensive operation in the Gaza Strip and that the government could decide on the offensive within days, an MP said. In the northern Gaza Strip, meanwhile, a Palestinian man was killed and two others wounded by Israeli tank fire, according to medical officials. (Posted @ 21:48 PST)
20 German troops suspected in skull photo scandal BERLIN, Oct 30, 2006 (AFP) - Germany has launched a probe against 20 German soldiers suspected of involvement in a spiraling scandal over the desecration of human skulls in Afghanistan, a defense ministry spokesman said Monday. Spokesman Thomas Raabe told a news conference that two soldiers had already been suspended from the army and that only non-commissioned officers were among the suspects, dismissing reports that higher ranking soldiers were involved. (Posted @ 21:44 PST)
Privatization of textile mills ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (APP): The Cabinet Committee on Privatization (CCOP), Chaired by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Monday approved the highest bid of Rs.156 million for the sale on `as is where is' basis of the assets including plant, machinery and equipment of Lasbella Textile Mills (LTM). The CCOP took decisions to take some transactions to the bidding point including sale of Services International Hotel (SIH), Lahore on "as is where is basis", Hazara Phosphate Fertilizers Ltd (HPFL) and Lyallpur Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited (LCFL).It also decided to divest shares of various entities and reviewed the Privatization Program till June 2007. (Posted @ 21:02 PST)
Dr. Irfan Gul Magsi takes oath as Sindh minister KARACHI, Oct 30 (APP) - Dr. Irfan Gul Magsi was sworn in as Minister in Sindh cabinet on Monday. On the recommendation of the Chief Minister, seven advisers have also been appointed. They are: Krishan Chand Parwani, Mir Naseer Khan Khoso, Dr. Dost Muhammad Memon, Ms. Nuzhat Pathan, Umar Sharif, Zulfiqar Ali Kamario and Tariq Hasan. (Posted @ 20:54 PST)
General Elections on time: Sher Afgan ISLAMABAD, October 30: Assemblies will be dissolved and caretaker governments will be installed, both at the centre and in the provinces, when the present government and the assemblies complete their five-year term on Nov 16 next year, to set the stage for the general elections, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sher Afgan told a private tv station Monday. He said the caretaker will not be eligible to be a candidate in the election and every thing will proceed according to the constitution. Replying to a question he said that if the MMA or any other party law-makers decide to resign, the resultant vacancy in the assembly would be filled through bye-election. (Posted @ 20:48 PST)
Spanish journalist kidnapped in Gaza GAZA CITY, Oct 30 (AFP) A Spanish journalist was kidnapped by gunmen Monday in the Gaza Strip, witnesses and Palestinian security sources said. (Posted @ 19:52 PST)
Pakistan wants solution of Kashmir, Siachin ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (PPI) Pakistan believes that all issues including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir and Siachin can be resolved given the political will and commitment, Foreign Office spokesperson, Ms. Tasnim Aslam said at her weekly news briefing Monday. She expressed surprise on the reported statement by NATO commanders that attacks inside Afghanistan had increased following North Waziristan peace agreement. She noted that these remarks had come at a time when NATO itself was trying to conclude similar deals inside Afghanistan and one or two agreements have already been finalized. She said the challenges facing Afghanistan cannot be addressed by trying to shift responsibility on to Pakistan. A comprehensive approach focused on reconstruction, reconciliation and willing hearts and minds was necessary to resolve the Afghan problem, she added. Ms. Aslam also said Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri would visit Afghanistan soon to firm up modalities for convening of grand Jirgas on both sides of the Durand Line. President Hamid Karzai’s letters to some Pakistani politicians were also aimed at the same objective. Replying to another question, she said that British Prime Minister Tony Blair would visit Pakistan and the dates would be announced shortly. She also said that the visit to this region by US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Richard Burns has been postponed and therefore, Pakistan-US strategic dialogue would take place at a later date. (Posted @ 18:46 PST)
Prince Charles launches youth business program ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (PPI) The Prince of Wales Prince Charles launched Youth Business International Mentor's Programme at a ceremony at Prime Minister House on Monday. The program envisages to help Pakistani youth to start their own businesses. Speaking on the occasion, Prince Charles said the YBI has helped seventy thousand youth to start fifteen thousand new businesses around the world and expressed the hoped that it should be able to attract large number of volunteer mentors in Pakistan as well. He felicitated Pakistan for developing its industries and also maintaining its great traditions. The Prince of Wales Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall Camilla Parker were guests of honour at a cultural show at the lawns of Prime Minister's House on Monday. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Begum Rukhsana Aziz, Federal Ministers, Parliamentarians were also present at the show where singers Hadiqa Kiani and Shahzad Roy were the leading performers. On this occasion the Export Promotion Bureau arranged a special exhibition of Pakistani handicrafts including leather goods, jewellery, sports goods, traditional and specially designed costumes. (Posted @ 18:06 PST)
Siraj resigns from NWFP cabinet PESHAWAR, Oct 30 (PPI) NWFP’s Senior Minister Sirajul Haq Monday announced his decision from the provincial cabinet. Chief Minister Akram Durrani confirming Siraj's resignation told newsmen that provincial Shura of Jamat-e-Islami had decided that as provincial chief of the party Siraj should quit the provincial government. Mushtaq Ahmad, provincial general secretary of the JI said though the provincial Shura of Jamat-e-Islami has decided that Amir of the Jamat should have no other job than performing as provincial head of the party there was no urgency for the resignation. " Shura's decision is not Siraj specific. It is a decision applicable to all holding the office of Amir of Jamat. However, Bajaur incident “added fuel to the fire", Mushtaq said. Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani said he had discussed Siraj's resignation with MMA chief Qazi Hussain Ahmad who told him that provincial Shura’s decision was final. Durrani regretted Bajaur incident saying that use of force has been a failed practice to solve such matters. (Posted @ 17:54 PST)
New violence in Bangladesh; Khaleda warns rivals DHAKA, Oct 30 (Reuters) At least one person was killed and over 100 wounded in fresh political violence in Bangladesh on Monday as the outgoing prime minister Khaleda Zia said she would deal sternly with the opposition if it continued violence. Speaking at a huge rally in Dhaka, Khaleda said “the opposition will be dealt with a heavy hand if they try to disrupt the elections in the name of demands for electoral reforms.” Opposition leaders said Sheikh Hasina had placed a set of demands before the president on behalf of a 14-party alliance she leads, including reforms at the election commission and pruning of the civil administration ahead of the election. "We cannot welcome him in his new role immediately," Hasina said of Iajuddin. "We will closely watch his actions to see if he is acceptable." (Posted @ 17:26 PST)
Ahmadinejad warns of 'firm response' to sanctions TEHRAN, Oct 30 (AFP) President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday warned Iran would react firmly to any UN sanctions imposed on Tehran over its contested nuclear programme. "We are not looking for tension but any action that aims to limit us will receive an appropriate and firm response from the Iranian people," said Ahmadinejad during a gathering in Pishva in Tehran province. (Posted @ 17:18 PST)
Two dead in simultaneous Algeria bombings ALGIERS, Oct 30 (Reuters) Two people were killed and 17 wounded when Algerian militants set off explosives-laden vehicles outside two police stations east of Algiers in their most elaborate attack in years, witnesses said Monday. The simultaneous overnight blasts in the town of Reghaia 30 km east of the capital Algiers and the eastern Algiers suburb of Dergana were the first against police stations for more than five years. (Posted @ 16:05 PST)
India recalls Zaheer Khan, Kumble for South Africa series MOHALI, India, Oct 30 (AP) After overlooking Zaheer Khan for the Champions Trophy, India on Monday recalled the fast bowler for nextmonth's five-match limited-overs series in South Africa. Off-spinner Ramesh Powar and paceman Rudra Pratap Singh were dropped for the tour, while veteran leg-spinner Anil Kumble was included after a 14-month absence. Injured fast bowler Ajit Agarkar (thumb) and Yuvraj Singh (knee) were selected subject to fitness. (Posted @ 16:00 PST)
12 wedding guests killed in India road accident LUCKNOW, India, Oct 30 (AFP) Twelve people on their way to attend a wedding ceremony were killed and another 42 injured, 11 seriously, when their bus overturned late Sunday near Mathura, 400 kilometers from Lucknow, police said Monday. The bride and groom were not involved in the accident, police added. (Posted @ 15:45 PST)
Sri Lanka rebels cut short tour after Swiss talks fail GENEVA, Oct 30 (AFP) Sri Lanka's rebel Tamil Tiger negotiators have cut short a planned visit to truce monitors Norway and Iceland, and will return home immediately after Swiss peace talks failed, the top guerrilla leader S. P. Thamilselvan said Monday.(Posted @ 15:25 PST)
Delhi shopkeepers strike, protest closures NEW DELHI, Oct 30 (Reuters) Thousands of shopkeepers and traders protested in New Delhi on Monday at the start of a three-day strike against a city government move to shut shops operating illegally in residential areas. (Posted @ 12:55 PST)
Saddam defence team ends trial boycott BAGHDAD, Oct 30 (AFP) Ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein returned to court with his own lawyer Monday as the defence team ended its boycott of his genocide trial. (Posted @ 12:55 PST)
U.S. military deaths in Iraq hit 100 in October BAGHDAD, Oct 30 (Reuters) The U.S. military death toll in Iraq in October reached 100 after a U.S. Marine was killed on Sunday in western Anbar province. The U.S. military said in a statement on Monday the Marine died in combat but did not provide any more details. (Posted @ 11:25 PST)
Sri Lankan military, Tamil rebels exchange artillery fire COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, Oct 30 (AP) Tamil Tiger rebels and Sri Lanka government troops exchanged artillery fire in the country's north on Monday, wounding five soldiers, the Defense Ministry said. (Posted @ 10:40 PST)
Audit finds many U.S. weapons in Iraq missing WASHINGTON, Oct 30 (AP) Nearly one of every 25 weapons the military bought for Iraqi security forces since the end of 2003 is missing, a government audit said, adding that many others cannot be repaired because parts or technical manuals are lacking. A second report found ``significant challenges remain that put at risk'' the U.S. military's goal of strengthening Iraqi security forces by transferring all logistics operations to the defense ministry by the end of 2007. A third report concerned the Provincial Reconstruction Team program, in which U.S. government experts help Iraqis develop regional governmental institutions. ``The unstable security environment in Iraq touches every aspect of the PRT program,'' the report said. (Posted @ 09:55 PST)
U.S. general says nuclear North Korea still weaker SEOUL, Oct 30 (Reuters) The commander of U.S. Forces in South Korea said on Monday the North's nuclear test did not change the balance of power on the peninsula and U.S. and South Korean forces could quickly defeat the communist state. U.S. General B.B. Bell told a news conference that he expects North Korea to try to test a nuclear device again. (Posted @ 09:45 PST)
Bulgaria's president wins re-election SOFIA, Oct 30 (AFP) Bulgarian President Georgy Parvanov won re-election over ultra-nationalist challenger Volen Siderov, the central electoral committee said Monday. It said a count of more than 98 percent of the ballots gave Parvanov 75.7 percent of the vote, while his rival scored 24.3 percent. (Posted @ 09:35 PST)
British consulate in Basra to evacuate: report LONDON, Oct 30 (AFP) Most of the staff at the British consulate in the southern Iraqi city of Basra will be evacuated early this week due to safety concerns, The Daily Telegraph reported on Monday. The newspaper, citing British spokesmen, said that a private security assessment had recommended the measure after the consulate was hit by regular mortar attacks over the past two months. (Posted @ 09:30 PST)
Karachi Stocks down 38.53 points: KARACHI, Oct 30: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 11528.27, down 38.53 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:20 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, Oct 30: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 60.65 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:20 PST)
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