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| June 04, 2007 | Monday | Jamadi-ul-Awwal 18, 1428 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Next budget to bring qualitative change in life of people: President Musharraf ISLAMABAD June 4, (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf Monday assured that the forthcoming budget would be a catalyst for bringing about a qualitative change in the life of the poor and ensuring fast track economic development of the country. Addressing the 10th meeting of National Security Council he said steps were being taken to control price hike, especially for the items of daily consumption, in order to providing relief to the common man. He said necessary measures would also be undertaken to check inflationary trends. The salaries and pensions for the government employees would be enhanced and there would be a record Public Sector Development Programme which would set the country on the path of massive economic development leading to increased industrial production and ensuring more job opportunities. The President emphasized the need for continuity and consistency of policies to take Pakistan to higher degree of progress and prosperity. He lamented that certain elements were trying to politicize purely constitutional and legal issues and said the people will not pay any heed to their propaganda. The meeting reviewed l the law and order situation particularly in FATA and in settled districts of the NWFP, took stock of the incidents of suicide attacks, harassment of the people by the extremists and the measures needed to overcome them. The NSC agreed to draw up a multi-pronged strategy to deal with the menace of terrorism and extremism and create opportunities for employment for the youth, especially in FATA and NWFP. He assured the NWFP Government that strength of the police force would be enhanced and it would be provided with adequate transport and equipment on priority basis. He said the ban on display and brandishing of weapons must be implemented in letter and spirit and illegal FM Radio stations working in FATA must be located and blocked. As the NSC took up the subject matter of budget and the issue of extremism and terrorism in a comprehensive manner, the other two presentations regarding streamlining of Madaris and Reconstruction Opportunities Zones were deferred for the next NSC meeting. (First Posted @ 13:05 PST Updated @ 19:26 PST)
SC continues hearing of CJ Iftikhar’s petition ISLAMABAD, June 4 (APP): Justice Khalil-ur-Rehman Ramday heading a 13-member full court of the Supreme Court Monday directed the counsels of the petitioners to complete their arguments on Tuesday on the issue of maintainability of the petitions filed by Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry and others challenging composition and conduct of the Supreme Judicial Council. Mohammad Akram Sheikh appeared as counsel of Dr.Tariq Hassan, who is also former Chairman of the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan, and President Lahore High Court Bar Association, Ahsan Bhoon. Giving historical background of the judiciary of Pakistan with special reference to Al-Jehad Trust case commonly known as Judges case , Akram Sheikh said the country had seen crucial stages regarding the judiciary from time to time. He said a political government sent home 42 judges of the superior judiciary and also inducted 40 ad-hoc judges and the people of Pakistan knew their background. A judge of the Supreme Court was appointed as Chief Justice of Pakistan who was seniority- wise at number four. Akram Sheikh also submitted his written submissions before the bench pointing out various stages of the removal of a judge. He also talked about some points raised by Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry in his affidavit with reference to his meeting at Camp Office on March 9. Ch.Aitzaz Ahsan raised objections and requested the full court to stop Akram Sheikh from using some extracts from the affidavit filed by Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry. In his detailed arguments on the matter, Akram Sheikh said, “Supreme Court is a name of two limbs, one is Chief Justice of Pakistan and other is Judges of the Supreme Court. Now, Chief Justice of Pakistan has already been made non-functional and subsequently sent on forced leave. How, the Supreme Court can function without a limb?.” “This matter is of the public importance and petitions filed under Article 184 (3) of the Constitution in this regard are maintainable,” Akram Sheikh said. Mujeeb Pirzada who appeared before the court as petitioner in person submitted his arguments, particularly referred to Pakistan Steel Mills privatization. The reference was filed by the government because of various causes and one of them was Steel Mills case, he contended. Mujeeb Pirzada will resume his arguments when full court reassembles on Tuesday. (Posted @ 21:06 PST)
SC dismisses petition regarding SCBA seminar as withdrawn ISLAMABAD, June 4 (APP): A three-member bench dismissed the petition filed by freelance journalist Shahid Orakzai against the Supreme Court Bar Association over alleged derogatory speeches and slogans against national institutions during the seminar held on May 26 at the auditorium of the apex court. The bench comprising Justice Mohammad Nawaz Abbasi, Justice Mian Shakirullah Jan and Justice Tassaddaque Hussain Jillani heard the case and directed the petitioner to withdraw the petition and file an amended petition, if he so desired, in the Supreme Court in accordance with the Constitution and law. The petitioner submitted his arguments on the petition, which the bench rejected terming his petition contrary to laws. This petition is not proper and is dismissed as withdrawn, the bench ordered. Taking up an application submitted by Interior Ministry about the seminar, the bench said further proceedings could not be initiated on it and if the government wants proceedings under Contempt laws, it should file a proper petition in the Supreme Court. The bench also directed the concerned department for placing the matter before the Acting Chief Justice of Pakistan and said if a proper petition was filed by the government the matter being very important should be heard by a bench comprising all judges of the Supreme Court. The bench also directed Geo TV channel to submit to the Supreme Court complete recording of the seminar as well as the recording of a programme “Aaj Kamran Key Sath” telecast on May 27, 2007 having an interview of Abrar Hassan, President of the Sindh High Court Bar Association. The bench disposed of the application submitted by the Secretary of the Interior Ministry. (Posted @ 21:02 PST)
Pakistan increases powers to shut down broadcasters ISLAMABAD, June 4 (Reuters) - Pakistan on Monday gave the state broadcasting authority more powers to shut down television stations. The ordinance introduced on Monday gives the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) power to revoke a broadcaster's license without referring the case to a complaints council. “This ordinance gives more power for the PEMRA to implement its rules and take actions against violators,” the secretary of the Ministry of Law, Mansoor Ahmed, told Reuters. “The PEMRA can confiscate transmission equipment or withdraw the license of any broadcaster who violates its rules,” he said. The ordinance also increases the maximum fine for violators to up to 10 million rupees, from one million previously. (First Posted @ 20:06 PST Updated @ 21:52 PST)
Lawyers, journalists stage sit in against blockage of TV channels ISLAMABAD, June 04 (PPI) Scores of people belonging to Non- Government Organizations (NGOs), civil society, lawyers and members of Pakistan Professionals Movement Forum (PPMF) staged a sit- in Monday in front of the Pakistan Electronic and Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) office against blocking of some private tv news channels. The protestors were carrying banners and placards and also chanted slogans Representatives of electronic media were present while some lawyers from Lahore also arrived to express solidarity. (Posted @ 20:46 PST)
Pakistan asks India to stop work on hydel projects New Delhi, June 4 (APP): Pakistan has asked India to stop work on Kishan Ganga and Uri-2 hydel projects in occupied Kashmir till the removal of Pakistan's objections on their designs. Addressing a press conference on Monday on the conclusion of the 4-day meeting of Pak-India Indus Water Commission, Syed Jamaat Ali Shah, Pakistan’s Indus Water Commissioner, said both sides had agreed to hold a special meeting in August or early September to discuss the objections raised by Pakistan on the two projects. Another issue which was raised in the meeting was construction of protective bund on high banks of river Ravi, opposite Narowal area by India in 2001. Describing it an act against the spirit of Indus Treaty, he said it had been agreed to visit the site by Pakistan. Date for the visit would be finalized in the next special meeting. By constructing this bund, right of the river way would be contained and even water during low and medium flood would be diverted towards Pakistan which would cause damage. Referring to Uri-2 hydel project on river Jhelum, he said Pakistan had raised objection on its design. Construction of gates was one of the objections which would hamper the flow of water. Similarly, he said diversion of river Neelum for Kishan Ganga hydel projects would hamper flow of water which would affect socio-economic and environmental condition in the downstream Neelum valley. Neelum Hydel project in Azad Kashmir would also be affected. (Posted @ 21:00 PST)
Pakistan will not accept hegemonic designs: FO ISLAMABAD, June 4 (APP): Pakistan on Monday strongly reacted to India's advice to Sri Lanka not to purchase any weapons from China and Pakistan, saying it would not accept hegemonic designs of any country. “We do not accept hegemonic tendency from any country in the region and believe that respect for sovereign equality of states is essential for peace and harmony,” Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam told a weekly media briefing. She said the statement by the Indian Security Adviser had raised questions about India's “attitude and policy towards its neighbours”. Replying to another question about Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee's statement in which he said that no time frame can be given about the resolution of Kashmir issue, Ms Aslam said, “We have taken note of his remarks.” She said resolution of the lingering Jammu and Kashmir dispute depended on political will from both sides. “Pakistan has well demonstrated the political will...The peace process between Pakistan and India is making progress and the issue of Jammu and Kashmir is at the centre of this process,” the spokesperson added. Asked about a BJP statement urging the Indian government to wait before moving ahead on the peace process till a new government comes into power in Pakistan, Ms Aslam said “domestic situation in any country should not have any effect on the peace process.” The spokesperson termed speculative a media report saying that Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz cancelled his visit to United Kingdom for avoiding a meeting with MQM chief Altaf Hussain. Instead, she said the cancellation was due to the Prime Minister's presence required at the meeting of National Security Council on Monday in Islamabad. Commenting on the case to be filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan against Altaf Hussain in UK, Ms Aslam said t Pakistan and United Kingdom had been in dialogue process for legal matters. However there existed no extradition treaty between the two countries. (Posted @ 18:36 PST)
Heavy downpour, wind storm in Mekran causes power disruption: Qesco QUETTA, Pakistan, June 4 (APP): Heavy downpour accompanied by strong wind on Saturday night collapsed 13 pylons providing electricity to western Balochistan. It caused shortage of 30 megawatt of electricity due to suspension of supply from Turbat, Mand, Hoshab, Gwadar, Panjgur and Pasni grid stations. However, the supply was restored to the affected areas after energising Panjgur and Pasni power houses on emergency basis, says an official statement. Technical staff and equipment has been sent to the area and the supply will be normalised within a few days, it said. (Posted @ 18:46 PST)
Pakistan-India peace process helps promote durable peace in region: PM ISLAMABAD, Jun 4 (APP) - Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Monday said peace process between Pakistan and India is paving way for establishment of durable peace and stability not only for the people of both the countries but also for the whole region. “President Pervez Musharraf had initiated peace efforts and showed required courage and determination to steer the region towards more peace and stability,” he said while speaking at the fifth Altaf Gauhar Memorial Lecture held here. (Posted @ 23:12 PST)
Israel military court interns Hamas ministers for six months BETHLEHEM, West Bank, June 4 (AFP) - An Israeli military court ordered Monday that Palestinian education minister Nasseredin al-Shaer, minister of state Wasfi Qabha and Hamas MP Abdelrahman Zeidan be held without charge for six months, their lawyers said. The trio were arrested along with 31 other senior Hamas officials last week. Last year, Israeli army had detained more than 60 Hamas officials, including four ministers. Thirty-nine MPs and two former ministers remain in custody from that crackdown. Shaer, who was then deputy prime minister, was also detained in that sweep but a military court had ordered him released a month later due to lack of evidence. (Posted @ 19:32 PST)
Guantanamo judge dismisses charges against Khadr GUANTANAMO BAY US NAVAL BASE, Cuba, June 4 (AFP) - A US military judge Monday dismissed murder charges against Omar Khadr, a Canadian Al-Qaeda foot-soldier captured in Afghanistan, arguing he did not have the jurisdiction to try him. “The charges are dismissed without prejudice,” Colonel Peter Brownback told a military commission hearing, ruling that US authorities had failed to show that Khadr qualified as an “unlawful enemy combatant.” The ruling could have implications for other Guantanamo Bay detainees rounded up in the US-led “war on terror,” although the US government insists it has the right to keep them imprisoned without charge. (Posted @ 21:16 PST)
10 injured in blast in occupied Kashmir SRINAGAR, June 4 (APP): In occupied Kashmir, Indian troops martyred six more innocent Kashmiris, at two different places, reports Kashmir Media Service. Four youth were shot dead during military operations at Manjakote in Rajouri district. Bodies of two youth were recovered from the debris of a house destroyed by the personnel of 55-Rashtriya Rifles with mortar shelling during siege and search operations at Wuyan in Pulwama district. Meanwhile, ten persons, including a woman, were injured in grenade blast at Habba kadal in Srinagar on Monday. (Posted @ 20:56 PST)
Attempts to equate Islam with terrorism must be rejected: PM Aziz LONDON, June 4 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Monday said attempts to equate Islam with terrorism must be rejected, as Islam offers the message of humanity, egalitarianism, moderation, tolerance and coexistence. “There are perverse attempts to equate Islam with terrorism. We must reject this travesty” he said in a video address at the opening of the 'Islam in the World Today' conference at Lancaster House, central London. Stressing the importance of avoiding intellectual flawed characterizations, he said, “terms like Islamists, terrorism, Islamic militants, Jehadist ideology and Jehadists are wrong and insensitive”. In Pakistan, President Musharraf and he himself have been in the forefront within and beyond the country to support moderation and tolerance instead of extremism, Shaukat Aziz said.. (Posted @ 20:52 PST)
Eight paramilitary killed in attack in eastern Turkey TUNCELI, Turkey, June 4 (AP) At least eight Turkish paramilitary police were killed when Kurdish militants attacked their headquarters in eastern Turkey on Monday, security sources said. Three people thought to belong to the PKK drove into the gendarmerie complex in the eastern province of Tunceli, opened fire and threw a grenade, killing eight and wounding six more. One guerrilla was also killed, security sources said. (Posted @ 20:02 PST)
Nine rebels, soldier killed in Afghanistan KHOST, Afghanistan, June 4 (AFP) - An Afghan soldier and nine militants were killed and 11 people, including nine foreign troops, wounded in fresh violence across Afghanistan, officials said Monday. Six Taliban rebels were killed in a gunfight in the province of Paktia Monday. Three more militants were killed late Sunday when a bomb they were planting exploded in the eastern province of Laghman, adjoining Kabul. ISAF said meanwhile that eight of its soldiers were injured after Taliban-led insurgents ambushed them in the province of Kandahar Sunday. (Posted @ 19:28 PST)
Mirwaiz condemns state terrorism in occupied Kashmir ISLAMABAD, June 4 (APP): The chairman of All-Parties Hurriyet Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has condemned Indian troops' continued acts of state terrorism despite the ongoing talks between India and Pakistan. Addressing a meeting in Srinagar on Monday, he reaffirmed APHC's belief in the peace process to resolve the Kashmir dispute. The function was also addressed by senior APHC leaders, Prof Abdul Ghani Butt, Maulana Abbas Ansari, Agha Syed Hassan Al- Moosavi and Nayeem Ahmad Khan. Meanwhile, the Awami Action Committee in a meeting in Jammu urged the need to include Kashmiris in Pak-India dialogue process and reiterated Kashmiris' pledge to take their struggle to its logical end. (Posted @ 18:50 PST)
Toll hits 108 in deadliest Lebanon strife since civil war BEIRUT, June 4 (AFP) – At least 108 people have been killed in 16 days of fighting between the army and Islamist extremists in Lebanon, military and hospital sources said on Monday. In the latest bloodshed, two Lebanese soldiers and two Islamist extremists from the Jund al-Sham (Soldiers of Damascus) group were killed in overnight clashes near a refugee camp in the southern port city of Sidon, a military spokesman said. (Posted @ 17:40 PST)
Israeli tanks roll into southern Gaza GAZA CITY, June 4 (AFP) - Israeli tanks and troops pushed into southern Gaza on Monday in the first such ground operation in the territory since the renewal of violence last month, witnesses and the military said. Soldiers took over two buildings and military bulldozers ripped open roads during the incursion around the town of Rafah, about two kilometres inside Palestinian territory, witnesses said. “Armoured and infantry forces are searching the area for terrorist infrastructure. Several Palestinians have been detained for questioning,” an army spokesman said. (Posted @ 17:36 PST)
UAE grants amnesty to illegal workers DUBAI, June 4, (APP/AFP) - The United Arab Emirates has launched a three-month amnesty to allow illegal workers to regularise their status or leave without facing penalty, the local press reported on Monday. The government has decreed to allow illegal workers, whose number is estimated at around 300,000 people, to choose between getting a work permit within three months or leave the country without facing a penalty, Labour Minister Ali Abdallah al-Kaabi was quoted as saying. Under UAE law, expatriates working illegally face up to 10 years in jail followed by deportation. Employers of illegal workers could be imprisoned for one month and face a fine of 50,000 dirhams (13,600 dollars). (Posted @ 17:28 PST)
New gas reserves discovered in Sindh Vienna, June 04 (PPI): The OMV AG announced Monday that its unit OMV (Pakistan) Exploration has discovered gas in its Tajjal 1 exploration well in Sindh province of Pakistan. Preliminary test results show a flow capacity of 3,400 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), OMV said. (Posted @ 17:25 PST)
Peoples Party Draft Manifesto preview meetings KARACHI, June 4 (PPI) : The draft manifesto of Pakistan Peoples Party for upcoming general elections in the country has been prepared and its preview begun at meetings of top party office bearers and leaders. At the first of series of meetings chaired by Vice Chairman PPP Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and convened by Sindh PPP President Syed Qaim Ali Shah at party's provincial secretariat in Karachi, Chairman of Manifesto Committee Barrister Kamal Azfar on instructions of PPP Chairperson Ms Benazir Bhutto briefed party's Central Executive Committee, Federal Council and Sindh Council members on draft manifesto. The participants expressed their views on draft manifesto which would be submitted to the party's Chairperson after conclusion of meetings at other provincial headquarters. he meeting of NWFP PPP would be held on June 5 at Peshawar and another by Punjab PPP at Lahore on June 7. The date for similar meeting of Balochistan PPP at Quetta will be announced later. (Posted @ 17:22 PST)
254 climbers scale Mount Everest from Nepalese side during spring season KATMANDU, June 4 (AP) - A total of 254 climbers from 23 nations have scaled Mount Everest(29,035-foot) from the Nepalese side during the popular spring climbing season, Khadananda Dhakal, chief of Nepal's Mountaineering Department said Monday. Among the climbers tackling the world's tallest mountain were 140 from Nepal, 39 from Britain and 31 from the United States, he said. Eight female climbers scaled Everest this spring, including 18-year-old American Samantha Larson of Long Beach, California. Larson became the youngest climber to reach the peaks of the highest mountains on all seven continents. (Posted @ 17:14 PST)
Suspected rebels kill 4 policemen, wound 2 in India's troubled northeast GAUHATI, India, June 4 (AP) - Suspected rebels ambushed a police vehicle on Sunday near Koilapahar, a village 350 kilometers south of Gauhati, the Assam state capital, killing four policemen and injuring two others, police said Monday. (Posted @ 16:44 PST)
Afghans say they want their own army to battle the Taliban CAMP MOREHEAD, Afghanistan, June 4 (AP) - Gen. Bismullah Khan, the head of the Afghan National Army said Monday his country is pushing the United States to accelerate training and equipping his army, so Afghans can fight the Taliban on their own. Gen. Bismullah told reporters travelling with U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates that the goal of attaining independence on the battlefield is essential. “We don't have air support,” he said through an interpreter, expressing frustration at the lack of an Afghan air force. “That is a very serious problem. We are looking forward to the day when we can fight the enemy independently.” He was asked how soon the army could reach that goal. “We asked for it to be as soon as possible,” he said. “I will ask the secretary of defence to expedite the process so we can do this. The only way to defeat the enemy is to become independent.” (Posted @ 16:38 PST)
No evidence Iran moving weapons to Taliban-Gates KABUL, June 4 (Reuters) - U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates said on Monday the United States has no evidence Iran's government is behind a flow of weapons from Iran to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan. On his second visit to Afghanistan since taking over the Pentagon in December, Gates met Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who also said there was no evidence Iran was supplying the Taliban. “There have been indications over the past few months (that) weapons are coming in from Iran,” Gates told a news conference with Karzai. “We do not have any information about whether the government of Iran is supporting this, is behind it, or whether it is smuggling, or exactly what is behind it.” “But there clearly is evidence that some weapons are coming into Afghanistan destined for the Taliban, but perhaps also for criminal elements involved in the drug trafficking coming from Iran,” he said. (Posted @ 16:25 PST)
Four militants killed in occupied Kashmir SRINAGAR, occupied Kashmir, June 4 (Reuters) - Four suspected militants were shot dead by Indian soldiers on Monday in Manjkote area in Rajouri district after a fierce firefight, an army spokesman said. Several others escaped, he said. Later on Monday, six civilians were wounded when suspected militants lobbed a grenade at a police post in the heart of Srinagar, police said. More than 42,000 people have been killed in Kashmir since a revolt against New Delhi's rule erupted in 1989, officials say. Human rights groups put the toll at about 60,000 dead or missing. (Posted @ 16:10 PST)
Iran says will not beg for its atomic rights TEHRAN, June 4 (Reuters) Iran will not beg world powers for its right to develop nuclear technology and has shown it will not retreat from the “field of danger” to protect such rights, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech Monday. The remarks by the Islamic Republic's highest authority come two days ahead of a summit of the Group of Eight top industrialised nations that is expected to include discussions about the row over Iran's nuclear programme. (Posted @ 14:43 PST)
Fourteen U.S. soldiers die; 31 dead bodies found across Baghdad BAGHDAD, June 4 (Reuters) The U.S military announced the deaths of 14 soldiers, almost all of them in the Baghdad area or in Diyala province in the past 72 hours. All but two were killed by roadside bombs. Also, bodies of 31 people were found in Baghdad in the past 24 hours, police said. Separately, in central Kirkuk, two civilians were killed in a drive-by shooting when gunmen in a car opened fire on a crowd of people, police said. (Posted @ 10:50 PST)
Insurgents derail train in Thai south; at least 16 injured BANGKOK, June 4 (AFP) Insurgents derailed a train in southern Thailand Monday, police and railway officials said, injuring at least 16 people and forcing the suspension of some services. The commuter train left a station in Yala province in the morning when it jumped off the tracks near a station in Pattani province. Railway officials said three passenger carriages carrying about 200 people left the track and slid into the verge, slightly injuring 20 people, while police put the number of wounded at 16. Rail services on the southern line between Pattani and Yala were suspended indefinitely, an official at the State Railway of Thailand said. (Posted @ 09:46 PST)
Democratic 2008 hopefuls clash over Iraq MANCHESTER, New Hampshire, June 4 (AFP) Top Democratic presidential hopefuls slugged out their most heated clash yet over Iraq Sunday, as differences over the war enlivened their second televised debate. In the snappiest exchanges of the campaign so far, senators Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and ex-vice presidential nominee John Edwards sparred over the initial decision to go to war, and how to end the bloody conflict. “I opposed this war from the start,” said Obama, who was not in the Senate in 2002, and so was spared the politically dicey choice. “This is George Bush's war. He is responsible for this war, he started the war, he mismanaged the war, he escalated the war and he refuses to end the war,” Clinton said. (Posted @ 09:31 PST)
Sierra Leone helicopter crash kills 21 FREETOWN, June 4 (AFP) Togo's sports minister Atipe Kwako and 20 other people were killed Sunday when a privately-owned shuttle helicopter they were flying in crashed at Sierra Leone's Lungi international airport, sporting and airport officials said Sunday. (Posted @ 09:30 PST)
Karachi Stocks up 22.61 points: KARACHI, June 4: At the close of trading the KSE-100 index was at 12956.27, up 22.61 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:17 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, June 4: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 60.92 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:17 PST)
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