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| May 17, 2007 | Thursday | Rabi-us-Sani 29, 1428 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Supreme court adjourns hearing on CJ's petition till Monday ISLAMABAD, May 17 (PPI) The 13-member full bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan Thursday adjourned hearing till Monday on a set of identical constitutional petitions filed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry and others challenging the presidential reference as well as formation and powers of the Supreme Judicial Council. On Thursday, the counsels of the federation in their arguments contended that the petitions were immature and not maintainable, thus should be dismissed. Ahmed Raza Kasuri argued that the SJC is a court of law that is fully empowered to decide any matter brought before it and its decision could not be challenged in any court. He submitted that proceedings of the SJC could also not be challenged before any court. He argued that the proceedings of the presidential reference against the Chief Justice are pending with the SJC. Therefore the Supreme Court has no power to adjudicate upon it. Representing the federation, Justice (r) Abdul Qayyum Malik pleaded that SJC is a judicial body and its status is much higher than any ordinary inquiry body. He argued that the council as a constitutional body should perform constitutional business and it is its exclusive jurisdiction to decide any judicial issue. He said any decision taken by the council regarding removal of a judge of a superior court could not be challenged, adding that under the constitution any judicial review is also not allowed on the decision of the council. Qayyum Malik said the Chief Justice of Pakistan is also one of the judges and is not above the law. He said code of conduct issued by the Supreme Judicial Council is also binding on the Chief Justice, thus proceedings of the reference should be continued before the council. He was still arguing when the court was adjourned till Monday. (Posted @ 18:24 PST)
OIC FMs adopt declaration: call for independent Palestinian State, Iran's nuclear issue peaceful resolution ISLAMABAD, May 17 (PPI): Foreign Ministers of 57-nation Organization of Islamic Conference Thursday called for establishing independent Palestinian state, peaceful resolution of Iran's nuclear issue, stability of Iraq, and support to people of Jammu & Kashmir for their right to self-determination. A declaration issued at the end of three-day conference said it focused on challenges facing Ummah and called for inter-civilisational dialogue for mutual respect, understanding to strengthen international peace, security and global tolerance. The OIC Foreign Ministers also condemned growing trend of Islamophobia and “systematic discrimination against adherents of Islam and asked the Secretary General OIC to continue initiatives to effectively counter Islamophobia through debate at international fora. Conference commended concept of Enlightened Moderation to combat extremism, terrorism and resolve international disputes. They urged just, peaceful settlement of Arab-Israeli conflict and welcomed renewal of Arab Peace Initiative of 2002. They also welcomed “other initiatives” for promoting peace with in Middle East, including the efforts of President of Pakistan in this respect, establishment of independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital, and liberation of all occupied Arab territories of Palestine, Syria and Lebanon. The declaration stressed importance of early restoration of peace and stability in Iraq, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Lebanon, and reaffirmed support to the inalienable right of the people of Kashmir to self-determination in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiri people. They also reaffirmed the “ inalienable right of Member States to acquire and use atomic energy for peaceful purposes, in a non-discriminatory manner and in accordance with their international legal obligations.” (Posted @ 19:56 PST)
Fresh Pakistan-Afghanistan border clash ISLAMABAD, May 17 (AFP) - Pakistani and Afghan troops exchanged mortar and gun fire on their border Thursday, days after clashes on the frontier claimed more than a dozen lives, a Pakistani official said. The two-hour battle erupted after Afghan forces fired a mortar at Pakistani soldiers near the Teri Mangal area in the Khyber tribal district, a Pakistani military spokesman said on condition of anonymity. “Pakistani forces responded effectively and the exchange of fire continued until 5:00 am. There were no casualties on the Pakistani side,” the spokesman told AFP. The Afghan ministry of defence said 20 rockets were fired at Afghan military bases and that two members of the security forces were wounded. Thursday's clashes had been reported to an intelligence centre set up last year between the Afghan, Pakistani and NATO forces, ISAF spokesman Major John Thomas said. “They are involved in trying to resolve it,” he said. (Posted @ 17:18 PST)
Pakistan stops demolition work in Afghan camp PIR ALIZAI CAMP, Pakistan, May 17 (Reuters) Pakistani security forces stopped demolition of abandoned houses in an Afghan refugee camp Thursday following clashes that killed two people, officials said. “We have stopped destroying the houses after officials and representatives of the Afghan refugees decided to find a way out through negotiations,” said police officer, Naseebullah Khan. “We will try to find a solution acceptable to all.” The protesting refugees lifted their blockade of the road to Quetta and the border town of Chaman. Pir Alizai, a sprawling settlement of mud houses for thousands of Afghan refugees, is one of two camps Pakistani authorities plan to close by June 15.(Posted @ 15:00 PST)
PIA plane escapes major mishap KARACHI, May 17( PPI): PIA flight PK-791 to Birmingham (UK) carrying 175 passengers aborted its take-off from Islamabad Airport at 09:00 AM Thursday. The aircraft involved is A310 wet leased from a Turkish company along with its cockpit crew, a PIA press release said. The captain observed mal-functioning in one of its engines. Therefore, in interest of safety, he decided to stop the aircraft, which due to high speed led to deflation of its main gear tyres. According to Airbus Manufacturers Technical Manual, deflation of tyres is linked with application of severe breaking as a built-in feature of aircraft, the Press release said. Meanwhile, two PIA flights (PK 300 & PK 742) scheduled to land at Islamabad airport were diverted to Lahore in view of exigency at Islamabad Airport. By 2:00 PM (local time) , the airport was opened for normal air traffic, with all diverted flights returning to Islamabad airport. UK bound passengers of said aircraft shall now be accommodated on alternate PIA aircraft scheduled for departure to Birmingham at 8:00 PM Thursday. (First Posted @ 14:10 PST Updated @ 18:20 PST)
Iranian, U.S. officials to meet on Iraq ISLAMABAD, May 17 (Reuters) Iranian and U.S. officials will meet in Iraq on May 28 to discuss security in Iraq, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said Thursday. “Negotiation is limited to Iraq, in Iraq, and will start in the presence of Iraqi officials,” he told a news conference in Islamabad. The talks would be at the level of ambassadors, he said.(Posted @ 11:45 PST)
Cricket: 'Dictator' Inzamam blamed for World Cup flop LAHORE, Pakistan, May 17 (AFP) - An inquiry into Pakistan's shock first-round exit from the cricket World Cup has blamed the arrogant attitude of captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, accusing him of acting like a dictator. The three-member committee, which revealed its findings here on Thursday, added that lack of planning and poor discipline were also behind Pakistan's dismal performance in the Caribbean. “Inzamam's attitude was haughty and that of a dictator and more than one incident proved that,” Ijaz Butt, head of the committee, said after a month-long inquiry that took statements from players, former players and officials. “Inzamam should have been removed from the captaincy. As a player he was world-class but his attitude was haughty during and before the tournament.” Butt, a former Test player, said Inzamam had rejected the policy of a selector being involved in the team's line-up on tours. “When the Pakistan Cricket Board sent a selector with the team on tour to South Africa in January-February this year, Inzamam did not involve the selector in team selection,” he said. (Posted @ 17:10 PST)
Pakistan, India hold talks on Sir Creek issue Rawalpindi, May 17( PPI) : Senior defence officials of Pakistan and India Thursday began talks on Sir Creek, a 69 kilometers narrow strip of marshland separating India's western border from Pakistan. The two delegations are deliberating over a joint survey conducted recently in Sir Creek. India says boundary should be in the middle of 100-km estuary. Pakistan says border should lie on south-east bank. (Posted @ 21:24 PST)
Pakistan, India border forces meeting LAHORE, May 17 (PPI):The delegations of Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) and India Border Security Force in meeting Thursday at JCP Wahga (Pakistan side) discussed measures being taken by guarding forces of both countries for management of border duties. Talking to journalists Brig. Qaiser Tareen (Pakistan) said the status of the international border should remain the same and no further construction should be undertaken in this area. He reiterated that strong measures will be taken to curb trans-border smuggling through Indian fence towards Pakistan. A list of 120 Pakistanis, who crossed the border by mistake, will be given to Indian authorities for their release from Indian jails, it is learnt. Other issues like drug trafficking, repatriation of inadvertent crossers, and simultaneous coordinated patrolling along international border also came under discussion. (Posted @ 18:44 PST)
Bush says UN should mull new sanctions against Iran WASHINGTON, May 17 (AFP) -US President George W. Bush said Thursday the United Nations should mull new sanctions on Iran if the Islamic Republic refuses to rein in its suspect nuclear program. “If we're unable to make progress with the Iranians, we want to work together to implement new sanctions through the United Nations,” Bush told a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Tony Blair. (Posted @ 21:06 PST)
Suicide car bomb hits Kandahar government’s convoy, killing 3 civilians KANDAHAR, May 17 (AP) A suicide car bomber rammed into a convoy of government vehicles in Kandahar city Thursday evening, killing three civilians on the street and wounding Information and Culture Minister Abdul Karim Khurram and his chief deputy in Kandahar province. The bomber rammed into a convoy of cars used by Kandahar Governor Asadullah Khalid, who was not in the convoy, Khalid said. Both ministers had been riding in one of the armoured vehicles, Khalid said. The suicide car bomb was the third blast to explode in Kandahar on Thursday. Earlier, a coordinated dual bomb blast killed seven people, including three policemen who had responded to an initial roadside bomb, and were killed by a secondary blast about 15 minutes later. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. (Posted @ 21:04 PST)
India's supreme court bans cooked street food in Delhi NEW DELHI, May 17 (Reuters) India's Supreme Court on Thursday banned street sellers from cooking food on the pavements of New Delhi to clean up India's chaotic capital. One exception will be made for the quintessential Indian tea vendors, although the court says they must now serve their drinks in disposable glasses and cups. The court also passed several other orders regulating street hawkers, who will only be allowed to sell their wares on pavements only if 5 feet (1.5 metres) of space is left for pedestrians. Critics say New Delhi's policemen would be reluctant to enforce such a ban as extracting bribes from street vendors is seen as a job perk. (Posted @ 20:40 PST)
Britain shuts one fifth of post offices LONDON, May 17 (AFP) - Britain's government said Thursday that it will shut about 2,500 post offices over the next two years, or almost one fifth of the total network, citing rapid growth of email and the Internet. Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling made the announcement in parliament, following a consultation over plans which were unveiled last December. (Posted @ 20:30 PST)
'Humbled' Brown accepts nomination to succeed Blair LONDON, May 17 (AFP) -British finance minister Gordon Brown formally accepted Thursday the nomination to succeed Tony Blair as leader of the Labour party and thus prime minister, saying he was “humbled” at the backing for him. “I am truly humbled that so many of my colleagues have nominated me,” the Chancellor of the Exchequer said, adding that he was looking forward to “the opportunity to serve the people of Britain.” He pledged a “different type of politics” and said he would tour the country listening to voters, in a speech two hours after the Labour party confirmed he was the only candidate to succeed Blair when he stands down at the end of June. (Posted @ 20:28 PST)
Pakistan pardons local Taliban leader after peace accord KHAR, Pakistan, May 17 (AFP) - Pakistani authorities Thursday pardoned a local Taliban leader Maulvi Faqir Mohammad after he renounced terrorism and pledged loyalty to the government, local administration chief Shakil Qadir told AFP. Maulvi Faqir from the tribal region of Bajaur, had succeeded another hardliner who died in a Pakistani military airstrike on a religious school that killed 80 people in October. Maulvi Faqir Mohammad signed a formal agreement with the 12-member jirga promising that he would cooperate with the government in maintaining stability of the country and defence of its borders, Qadir said. “All doubts and suspicions about him had been removed” after the jirga met Faqir Mohammad and his supporters in his home village of Damadola in Bajaur on Thursday, Qadir said. “We (the Bajaur administration), jirga and Faqir Mohammad reposed full confidence in each other,” he added. “He can now live as a peaceful citizen and move freely,” the official said (Posted @ 20:24 PST)
SHC notice to DAG, AG Sindh, federal & provincial officials on contempt application KARACHI, May 17 (PPI): Sindh High Court Thursday issued notice to federal Interior Secretary, Sindh Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and others for May 22 on contempt application filed by bar representatives alleging they deliberately violated SHC order with regard to providing security to Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry during his Karachi visit on May 12. The petitioners submitted that on a petition the SHC had on May 11 directed the federal and provincial governments to ensure foolproof security for CJP Chaudhry during his visit to Karachi. Applicants’ counsel Muneerur Rehman stated that Sindh government had taken full responsibility for it but May 12 witnessed total violation of all assurance given by the government and the city was virtually being ruled by persons who were neither in police uniform nor moved in official vehicles. Entire route from Airport to the high court building was blocked, main gates of SHC & City Court were sealed, and advocates and judges were unable to enter court buildings. The stated facts establish that the SHC order of May 11 was violated with design not to allow CJP to address bar, instead of providing him full security to reach at SHC. (Posted @ 20:20 PST)
OIC member states must respond to challenges facing Ummah: PM Aziz ISLAMABAD, May 17 (PPI)- Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Thursday called upon the OIC member states to develop their capacity to respond to challenges for seeking a rightful place for Umma in the world. Addressing the concluding session of the 34th Islamic Conference of Foreign Minsters he said the Ummah will have to focus its energies to project Islam in its true light and promote inter-faith harmony to bridge widening gaps of civlizations. He said it is time to bridge these gaps collectively and the Ummah by forging unity can make successful strides for a peaceful world. We have the capacity to do it and we should do it, he said. The Prime Minister said Islamabad declaration adopted by the Foreign MInisters is a comprehensive document adding that the OIC should play a leading role in conflict resolutions among the Muslim states besides determined efforts to resolve the Palestinian issue, reconstruction of Iraq, peace and stability in Afghanistan, an end of escalation of tension in the Gulf besides supporting UN resolution to resolve Jammu and Kashmir issue. Mr. Shaukat Aziz particularly emphasised the need for deepening intra-OIC trade and investment and enhancing private sector inter-action and called upon the Islamic Chambers of Commerce and Islamic Economic Forum to take more steps for promoting economic cooperation among the member states. (Posted @ 19:54 PST)
Buildings for 50,000 Pakistani pilgrims acquired in Makkah ISLAMABAD, May 17 (APP): The Government has so far acquired buildings with all necessary facilities to accommodate about 50,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Makkah during the forthcoming Hajj, Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Vakil Ahmed Khan told APP on Thursday and hoped that applications will be invited from the intending pilgrims next month. He said the government will further streamline Hajj operation by improving accommodation, banking, training and travel facilities. (Posted @ 19:20 PST)
Pakistan-Iran sign MoU on coop in railways sector TEHRAN, May 17 (APP): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation between Pakistan Railways and Iranian Railways was signed on Wednesday by Pakistan’s railway minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and Iranian Minister for Roads and Transportation, Mohammad Rehmati. It was decided to rehabilitate Taftan-Quetta Railway Line, and Iran to provide assistance to the National Mass Transit Authority of Pakistan for establishing Mass Transit Systems in eight major cities of Pakistan. (Posted @ 19:15 PST)
Musharraf's proposals to help resolve Kashmir issue: Kashmiri leaders ISLAMABAD, May 17 (PPI) Kashmiri leaders from both sides of the LoC on Thursday agreed that President Musharraf's proposals on Kashmir could be helpful in resolving the decades-old dispute. This was stated by the visiting Executive Director of Kashmiri American Council (Washington), Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, prominent member of Hurriyat Conference (occupied Kashmir Chapter), Agha Hasan Badgami, member of Hurriyat Conference (Azad Kashmir Chapter) Abbas Rizvi and Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Attiq Ahmed Khan, during a meeting on Thursday at Kashmir House. Participants expressed satisfaction over the OIC's recent meeting and its deep interest in the matter and also thanked Secretary General OIC Akmal-ud-Din Oglo and other members for their contribution. (Posted @ 19:10 PST)
Islamabad airport closed for five hours as PIA aircraft aborted take off ISLAMABAD, May 17 PPI): An emergency was declared when PIA aircraft operating flight PK-791 to Birmingham (UK) aborted take off Thursday morning at Islamabad airport when its captain found that engine number one developed technical problem.Rescue and fire fighting services scrambled to assist the aircraft in emergency, a Civil Aviation Authority press release said in Karachi. All 180 passengers including 12 crew members were safely evacuated through chutes on the runway. After the incident, operation was suspended till clearance of the runway i.e. from 0900 to 1400 hours. Incoming flights were diverted to other airports. A total of eight domestic and international flights were effected, according to CAA press release. (Posted @ 18:48 PST)
PM Aziz lauds teledensity growth ISLAMABAD, May 19 (PPI) - Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said Thursday that teleconnectivity and teledensity in the country has increased manifold due to well thought out and well executed reforms by the present government. Speaking at a function to observe the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day he said the government is proud that teledensity has increased from four percent to forty percent over the past four years and sixty two million people have telephone connections today. About nine billion dollars of investment has come in the telecom sector over the past four years from local and foreign investors. He said because of the privatisation of the telecom sector, the tarriffs have gone down and more than seven lakh jobs have been created. (Posted @ 18:40 PST)
Flash floods hit northern Afghanistan: 20 killed BADAKHSHAN, May 17 (PPI) Heavy rainfall and snow melt have resulted in flash floods across northern Afghanistan where more than 20 people have been killed, and several reported missing. The downpour, which started late Wednesday night has so far destroyed over 800 homes in a number of northern districts. The northeast province of Badakshan was worse hit. (Posted @ 18:10 PST)
Israel airstrikes Hamas compound: 2 killed, 45 injured GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip, May 17 (AP) - An Israeli airstrike struck a Hamas compound in central Gaza City on Thursday, killing 2 and wounding at least 45 people, Palestinian witnesses and medical officials said. The airstrike completely destroyed the structure and several others around an administration building of the elite bodyguards unit. The two-story structure is normally filled with Hamas personnel. (Posted @ 17:36 PST)
Danish PM visits Afghanistan COPENHAGEN, May 17 (AFP) - Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen was in Afghanistan on Thursday, a spokesman here said, two weeks after Denmark suffered its first combat death there. “There is a delegation travelling with him and he will meet people including President Hamid Karzai, Danish soldiers, Danish officers in Kabul,” the spokesman said. (Posted @ 16:54 PST)
Two blasts in southern Afghanistan kill 10 police KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, May 17 (AP) Two bomb blasts 15 minutes apart on a road in Kandahar city Thursday killed 10 police and wounded five, an official said. The first blast, a remote control bomb targeting a police vehicle, killed four officers, a police official said. About 15 minutes later, a secondary blast hit police attending to the wreckage of the first bomb, killing another six police and wounding five, he said. (FirstPosted @ 10:45 PST, Updated@ 13:05 PST)
Francois Fillon appointed French prime minister PARIS, May 17 (AFP) France's President Nicolas Sarkozy Thursday named loyal advisor Francois Fillon as his prime minister. The 53-year-old senator from the ruling UMP party worked closely with Sarkozy on his election campaign. The appointment was announced in a presidential statement a day after Sarkozy took over as head of state from Jacques Chirac.(Posted @ 13:00 PST)
Karachi Stocks down 7.60 points: KARACHI, May 17: At close of trading the KSE-100 index was at 12251.25 , down 7.60 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:20 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, May 17: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 60.75 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:20 PST)
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