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| April 03, 2007 | Tuesday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 14, 1428 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Judge row: hearing adjourned to April 13 ISLAMABAD, April 3 (AFP) - More than 2,000 angry lawyers as well as rightist and secular opposition activists greeted suspended chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry at the Supreme Court building as he attended a third legal hearing into misconduct charges lodged by President Parvez Musharraf. Chanting “Go Musharraf, go” and “Musharraf, killer of justice,” opposition party supporters mobbed the judge's jeep before baton-wielding riot police drove them back from the gates of the building. A panel of top judges examining the allegations against Chaudhry later adjourned until April 13, after hearing arguments from the justice's lawyers that the case should be heard in open court, Chaudhry's main lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan said. “We will Insha Allah (God willing) prove that this case is illegal and unconstitutional,” he told reporters as he drove the chief justice back to his home. The protesters dispersed peacefully amid continuing tight security. (Posted @ 17:48 PST)
Thousands protest over move to suspend top Pakistani judge ISLAMABAD, April 3 (Reuters) More than 1,000 lawyers and political activists protested outside the Supreme Court in Islamabad Tuesday as the country's suspended top judge Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry appeared for a hearing into accusations against him. Police detained scores of activists Monday in a bid to thwart the protests, which were also being held in other cities. Lawyers are boycotting courts across the country. Among those detained Monday was the leader of the religious alliance, Qazi Hussain Ahmed who arrived with dozens of supporters at the Supreme Court, despite being placed under house arrest for two days. “If we succeed in winning the independence of the judiciary, we will win the freedom of the country,” Zafar Iqbal Jhagra, secretary general of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's party, told the crowd. A small delegation of Pakistani-American doctors turned up to support their fellow professionals in the judiciary, witnesses said. About 1,000 lawyers marched in Lahore and about 700 rallied in Karachi chanting anti-government slogans. About 700 lawyers rallied in Quetta, witnesses said. (FirstPosted @ 09:58 PST, Updated@ 12:45 PST)
Islamabad jolted as quake hits region ISLAMABAD, April 3 (APP) Most parts of the country including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, NWFP, Northern Areas and AJK were jolted Tuesday at 8:35 a.m. when a severe intensity quake hit the region. According to Meteorological Office Peshawar, severity of the tremor was 6 on the Richter Scale while American Geological Survey said the severity was 6.2. A private TV channel reported that the epicenter of the quake was Kohe Hindukash and its depth was nearly 210 kilometres underground. Frightened residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi came out of their houses, however, no immediate loss of life or property was reported. (First Posted @ 09:44 PST, Updated@ 11:23 PST)
Strong quake hits northeast Afghanistan; tremors felt in Pakistan and occupied Kashmir KABUL, April 3 (AFP) A powerful quake hit northeastern Afghanistan Tuesday, rocking neighbouring Pakistan and India and sending hundreds of people running out of their homes across the region. The 6.2-magnitude quake struck in the Hindu Kush region and was nearly 200 kilometres underground, the US Geological Survey said. There was no immediate word on damage or casualties from the quake, which hit near the town of Faizabad after 8:00 am. In Kabul some 260 kilometres away, hundreds of people ran from their homes in fear of collapsing buildings. The quake was also felt in the eastern city of Jalalabad, an AFP reporter in the city said. People fled their homes but there was no word on damage. In Pakistan, the quake was felt in Islamabad and the northwest of the country. There were no immediate reports of losses. Tuesday's quake also jolted occupied Kashmir, where residents dashed outdoors in panic. “There was just a moderate jolt, but the entire neighbourhood rushed out of their homes,” a resident in Srinagar said. Officials said there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. (First Posted @ 09:13 PST, Updated @ 11:23 PST)
Tremors felt in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan SRINAGAR, occupied Kashmir, April 3 (Reuters) Strong tremors felt across India, Pakistan and Afghanistan Tuesday rattled electric and telephone poles and triggered panic in occupied Kashmir, witnesses said. The tremors were felt as far as the Indian capital of New Delhi, parts of Pakistan as well as the Afghan capital of Kabul. The meteorological office in Pakistan said it was a moderate earthquake centred in the Hindukush mountains but did not give details. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The United States Geological Survey said the quake measured magnitude 6.4. (Posted @ 09:03 PST)
PM Aziz for resolving disputes in South Asia through dialogue NEW DELHI, April 3 (APP) Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Tuesday called for resolving disputes and differences in South Asia through dialogue to promote an environment of peace and security in the region. Addressing the 14th Summit of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the Prime Minister unveiled a five-point roadmap for the region that, he said, will help the member States leverage their strengths and help overcome their limitations. The Prime Minister attributed the slow progress made by the SAARC to the political environment that has remained vitiated by disputes and mistrust. “We have remained mired in conflict management. The consequent drain on our energies has held us back from achieving the goals that we have set for ourselves in the SAARC Charter,” the Prime Minister added. Shaukat Aziz said the South Asians must come to grips with their challenges, individually, as nations and collectively as members of SAARC. He stressed the need to promote an environment of genuine peace and security in South Asia. “This requires us to resolve our differences and disputes within and between our countries through dialogue, discussion and diplomacy,” he said. Aziz also underlined the need for adopting “tangible and focused measures” for making the SAARC more vibrant. He pointed at enhancement of trade and economic activity, that while creating a level playing field, should lead to market access and keep in consideration the requirements of development in each member state. (Posted @ 13:17 PST)
PM Aziz welcomes Afghanistan as new SAARC member NEW DELHI, April 3 (APP) Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Tuesday welcomed Afghanistan for formally becoming the eighth member of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), saying the newly inducted state would play its role to enrich and strengthen the organization. “Historical linkages and cultural affinities with the region make Afghanistan a natural and indispensable member of the SAARC community,” Prime Minister Aziz said while addressing the 14th SAARC summit which was attended by representatives of the SAARC member countries and other observer states. The Prime Minister also appreciated the presence of China, Japan, United States and European Union as observer states at the Summit, and said it underscores the growing relevance of SAARC in the international community. “Pakistan has always advocated such interaction, as we believe that this would open up vast possibilities and opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation .... I am sure that your (observer countries) keen interest in the region would greatly benefit the entire Association,” the Prime Minister added. Prime Minister Aziz expressed satisfaction over the interest showed by Iran to be associated with SAARC as an observer and said Pakistan looked forward for its participation. (Posted @ 12:31 PST)
French train smashes world speed record ON BOARD TGV V150, France, April 3, (AFP) - A supercharged French TGV on Tuesday smashed the world speed record for a train on rails, hurtling through the countryside into the history books at 574.8 kilometres (357.2 miles) per hour. Powered by two souped-up locomotives carried on extra-large wheels, the Train a Grande Vitesse (TGV) easily beat the previous record of 515.3kph set by another TGV in 1990. As its peak, it was travelling at close to half the speed of sound. (Posted @ 23:50 PST)
Abducted Iran diplomat freed in Iraq BAGHDAD, April 3, (AFP) - Jalal Sharafi, second secretary at Tehran's mission in Baghdad seized at gunpoint in Baghdad two months ago has been released, as Iraq confirmed on Tuesday it was still working to secure the release of five other Iranians held by US troops. (Posted @ 22:48 PST)
Arab League chief rejects Israel summit offer CAIRO, April 3 (AFP) - Arab League chief Amr Mussa Tuesday rejected an Israeli invitation to participate in a regional summit to re-activate the peace process, describing it as “not serious.” ”The letter wasn't serious and offered nothing new,” the secretary general said during a press conference in Cairo with Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere. “It's only goal was to get normalisation for free.” Mussa added that the invitation came in the form of a letter from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to participate in a meeting of Israelis, Palestinians and “moderate” Arab nations. (Posted @ 21:26 PST)
US troops will pay if war funding blocked: Bush WASHINGTON, April 3 (AFP) -US President George W. Bush said Tuesday US troops would suffer if a deadlock with Congress over war funding continues, scolding US lawmakers for going on holiday leaving business unfinished. If Congress did not approve a war funding bill, “if they do not change course in the coming weeks, the price of that failure will be paid by our troops and their loved ones,” Bush told reporters. “The bottom line is this, Congress's failure to fund our troops on the front line also mean that some of our military families could wait longer for their loved ones to return from the front lines,” Bush said. “And others can see their loved ones headed back to the war sooner than they need to. That is unacceptable to me, and I believe it is unacceptable to the American people.” Bush renewed his vow on Tuesday to use his presidential powers to veto a bill which ties funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to a timetable to end the US presence in Iraq. (Posted @ 21:20 PST)
Shaukat Aziz, Vajpayee discuss Pak-India peace process NEW DELHI, April 3 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz held a meeting with BJP leader and former Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee here Tuesday and discussed bilateral relations, especially the ongoing peace process between Pakistan and India. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Aziz said Vajpayee had expressed satisfaction at the peace process and emphasized the need to take it forward for stability in the region. Shaukat Aziz extended an invitation to Vajpayee to visit Pakistan, which he accepted. (Posted @ 20:38 PST)
Nine injured in grenade attack in India's northeast GUWAHATI, India, April 3 (AFP) - At least nine people were injured in a grenade attack Tuesday at a crowded marketplace in the restive northeast India state of Assam, officials said. The ULFA had warned last week that it will step up attacks, including using suicide bombers. “The freedom fighters (ULFA cadres) have reached such a stage they would strap bombs on their chest and attack,” ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said in a statement Thursday. (Posted @ 20:24 PST)
Kashmir solution pre-requisite for Pak-India trade promotion: Shaukat Aziz NEW DELHI, April 3 (APP): Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said Tuesday that without resolution of the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir there could be no progress in trade between Pakistan and India. Talking to senior Indian and foreign journalists he said, “Trade is linked to progress on Kashmir.” He however pointed out that SAFTA provides an umbrella to promote trade in the region. The Prime Minister said there are certain non-tariff barriers in India, and Pakistan has made its views known to the Indian leadership. Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce will be meeting his Indian counterpart on this issue, he added. He said the positive side about Pak-India relations is that the two countries have moved on in several areas. They are talking of Kashmir solution and Pakistan has suggested various options to serve as basis for discussion on the dispute, he added. Replying to a question, Shaukat Aziz said the proposals made by President Pervez Musharraf provide a basis for discussion. The process of talks at various levels is moving forward and certainly Kashmir is the major part of the discussions, he said. Pakistan wants settlement of Kashmir dispute in line with the aspirations of Kashmiris, he said adding that the two countries are also deliberating on Siachin, Sir creek, trade, travel and a host of other issues. He said the two countries have the Indus Water Treaty but there are some issues and the whole area of water management needs serious attention. Referring to the Samjhota train incident, the Prime Minister said, “We want to know what had happened and who were behind this act.” (Posted @ 18:32 PST)
Pakistan wants to sign Free Trade Agreement with Japan New Delhi, April 3 (PPI): Pakistan wants to sign Free Trade Agreement FTA with Japan. “We consider Japan as long term partner and value Tokyo's assistandce for giving further boost to our economic growth,” Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz told Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso in a meeting on the sidelines of 14th SAARC summit Tuesday in New Delhi. He said as a result of innovative and positive economic policies, Pakistan has become attractive country for investment. He hoped more collaboration with Japan will give fillip to economic activities in the country. “”We are setting up seven universities of international standard in Pakistan and need Japanese help to run these especially in engineering.'' Shaukat Aziz said Taro Aso expressed confidence that economic cooperation between Japan and Pakistan would increase. He lauded Pakistan's role in the fight against terrorism and observed Islamabad made “tremendous sacrifices in this connection.'' (Posted @ 18:00 PST)
Pakistan wants to talk out dispute with Afghanistan: PM NEW DELHI, April 3 (AFP) - Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz called Tuesday for more talks with Afghanistan to settle differences between the two neighbours after Kabul accused Islamabad of harbouring the Taliban leader. “This merely says that we need to engage more and communicate more, ” Shaukat Aziz told a press conference. “If there is one country which wants a strong, stable, peaceful Afghanistan, it is Pakistan,” he said. “Whenever Afghanistan is in turmoil, the country which pays the biggest price is Pakistan. “We have done a lot to help Afghanistan. We will continue to do so because it is in Afghanistan's interest and our national interest that we have a peaceful Afghanistan,” he said. (Posted @ 17:12 PST)
Pakistani tribesmen beat drums of war DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan, April 3 Reuters) Pakistani tribesmen beat their drums of war for the first time in three years on Tuesday to raise a force to rid their lands on the Afghan border of foreign al Qaeda-linked militants. Ethnic Pashtun tribesmen in Waziristan have not beaten their traditional dhol drums since 2004 because the Islamist militants who have been living in their midst disapproved of music, residents said. “Drums are being beaten in Wana bazaar to mobilise people for the lashkar. People are dancing, they are in high spirits and very enthusiastic,” Noor Ali, a shopkeeper in Wana, the main town in South Waziristan, told Reuters by telephone. Mullah Nazir, a tribal commander leading the campaign, said about 1,500 tribesmen had enlisted in the lashkar in response to his call for jihad against the foreigners, who still have some supporters among the tribes. “We will take action wherever we find the foreigners. We will blow up their hideouts and will take the same action against anyone harbouring them,” Nazir said by telephone. The military says it has not been involved in the fighting which it says shows the government's policy is working. (Posted @ 16:08 PST)
At least five killed in Taiwan military chopper crash TAIPEI, April 3 (AFP) - At least five soldiers were killed when a military helicopter crashed into a radio tower in southern Taiwan Tuesday, the defence ministry said.All 10 people onboard were thrown out of the plane, cable news channel ETTV reported. The television station said six charred bodies were found in the vicinity of the tower. (First Posted @ 14:49 Updated @ 15:56 PST)
Qatar emir appoints new prime minister DOHA, April 3, (AFP) - Qatar's emir on Tuesday appointed foreign minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabr al-Thani as prime minister following the resignation of Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, the state news agency QNA reported. (Posted @ 15:38 PST)
Six hurt in grenade attack in occupied Kashmir SRINAGAR, occupied Kashmir, April 3 (Reuters) Suspected militants in occupied Kashmir threw a grenade at a security bunker on a crowded street in Srinagar city Tuesday, wounding at least six people, police said. The attack took place near Niad Kadal, a residential area in Srinagar. (Posted @ 14:22 PST)
Thirteen Taliban militants, one policeman killed in southern Afghanistan KABUL, Afghanistan, April 3 (AP) Afghan and U.S.-led coalition forces killed at least 10 militants and captured two others during a search Tuesday of a suspected Taliban compound in southern Afghanistan, the coalition said. The joint forces raided a compound in search of a Taliban sub-commander in the Sangin Valley area of Helmand province and were hit by small-arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades and mortars from nearby buildings, the coalition said in a statement. The troops killed several militants armed with mortars and rocket-propelled grenades, the statement said. Separately in neighbouring Kandahar province, militants clashed with police late Monday in Shah Wali Kot, leaving three militants and one officer dead, Kandahar police chief said. In eastern Paktia province, militants also clashed with police in Jani Khel district Monday, wounding three officers, the deputy corps commander for the Afghan National Army in Paktia province said. (Posted @ 12:59 PST)
Sri Lanka says kills 23 Tiger rebels COLOMBO, April 3 (Reuters) Sri Lankan troops killed 23 Tamil Tigers in clashes in the island's east overnight and overran four rebel bases, the military said Tuesday. “There are 23 confirmed LTTE dead,” military spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe told a media briefing. (Posted @ 12:26 PST)
SAARC has real opportunity to realize goals to promote people's welfare: Manmohan Singh NEW DELHI, April 3 (APP) Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday urged members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to work together to realize the shared destiny for the progress and prosperity of the people in the region. In his welcome address at the 14th SAARC Summit here, Singh said he could see signs of hope that the governments of SAARC are now addressing the bilateral political issues that have prevented the member states from achieving true potential. Manmohan Singh, who has been elected as the new Chairman of the SAARC at the opening session, said “South Asia is in the midst of an unprecedented political and economic transformation.” The Indian Prime Minister said, “I see signs of hope that our governments are now addressing the bilateral political issues that have prevented us from achieving our potential. We must now make a break with past and join hands to realize our shared destiny.” He proposed that all the capitals of the member states should be linked through direct flights as an immediate step. He said, “As an immediate step, India is announcing a unilateral liberalization of visas for students, teachers, professors, journalists and patients from SAARC.” Singh said, “We need SAARC to be an efficient instrument implementing what we member states seek.” Referring to importance of peace in the region, he said there is a need to implement in a meaningful and sincere manner the commitments and pledges to root out terrorism so as to create the atmosphere in which the endeavors can succeed. (Posted @ 12:26 PST)
Four killed in Iraq attacks BAGHDAD, April 3 (AFP) Roadside bombings killed three Iraqi civilians in Baghdad Tuesday, security officials said. Two people traveling in a car through the southwestern Baghdad district of Saydiya were killed when a bomb exploded. Another two people were wounded in the attack, officials said. A civilian was killed and three wounded when a second roadside bomb exploded in the middle of the Al-Kubaisi shopping centre in Zafaraniya, in southern Baghdad, the same sources said. South of Baghdad, gunmen shot dead a policeman in the Al-Hay district of Kut, according to police. (Posted @ 12:25 PST)
Israeli troops injure senior militant in West Bank NABLUS, West Bank, April 3 (AFP) A leader of a Palestinian militant group, was seriously wounded Tuesday in exchanges of fire with Israeli troops in the West Bank town of Nablus, Palestinian medical sources said. Ahmad Sanakra, a top leader of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, sustained two bullets in a gun battle with Israeli troops in the Balata refugee camp, they said. (Posted @ 11:26 PST)
US air strike destroys bomb factories near Baghdad BAGHDAD, April 3 (AFP) A US air strike destroyed two large buildings in the town of Arab Jubur, south of Baghdad, used to manufacture and store explosives, the military said Tuesday. The air strike caused no casualties, it added. (Posted @ 10:36 PST)
Sri Lanka claims 12 Tamil Tigers killed COLOMBO, April 3 (AFP) Sri Lankan troops killed at least 12 Tamil Tigers in clashes in the northwestern district of Mannar, the defence ministry said Tuesday. The clashes erupted near the Giant's Tank area late Sunday, it said in a statement. Passengers were getting off the bus to be checked by troops manning a road block when the blast occurred just outside the town of Ampara, 350 kilometres east of Colombo. (Posted @ 10:20 PST)
Three US soldiers killed in Iraq BAGHDAD, April 3 (AFP) The US military announced Tuesday the death of three more soldiers in Iraq, including one killed in a suicide truck bomb attack in the oil city of Kirkuk a day ago. The soldier died from wounds when struck by the bomb which exploded outside a police centre and a primary school in Kirkuk Monday, the military said. Three more US soldiers were wounded in the blast. Another soldier was killed Monday in a roadside bomb blast next to his vehicle during combat operations near Baghdad. The third soldier was killed in combat operations in the western Anbar province Monday, the military reported. (FirstPosted @ 09:18 PST, Updated@ 09:52 PST)
Two shot dead in Thai south NARATHIWAT, Thailand, April 3 (AFP) Insurgents shot dead two men in southern Thailand, police said Tuesday. Two men on a motorcycle sprayed a 27-year-old villager with bullets in Narathiwat province late Monday, police said. Early Tuesday in Narathiwat, insurgents opened fire on a motorcycle, killing one man. (Posted @ 09:38 PST)
Democrats up stakes in Iraq war showdown WASHINGTON, April 3 (AFP) Leading Senate Democrats Monday unveiled a bid to cut off most funding for the Iraq war after March 31, 2008, hardening their position in a bitter standoff with the White House. The measure, co-sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senator Russ Feingold would cut funding for most Iraq war operations after March 31, 2008, the date already set as a goal for withdrawal of most combat troops in the 122 billion war budget bill passed by the Senate. “As more and more Americans demand to see the troops get out of what is clearly a civil war, this administration stubbornly continues to stick its head in the sand,” Reid's spokesman Jim Manley said. Vice President Dick Cheney meanwhile warned Monday the United States faced defeat in Iraq if Democrats succeed in imposing a timetable for withdrawal. (Posted @ 09:02 PST)
Karachi Stocks up 158.52 points: KARACHI, April 3: At close of trading the KSE-100 index was at 11435.03, up 158.52 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:25 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, April 3: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 60.67 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:25 PST)
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