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| July 31, 2007 | Tuesday | Rajab 15, 1428 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Eighteen tribal militants killed in fierce clashes in Pakistan MIRANSHAH, Pakistan, July 31 (AFP) - Pakistani troops backed by helicopter gunships killed 18 pro-Taliban militants in intense fighting in North Warisistan tribal zone bordering Afghanistan on Tuesday, the army said. Fighting raged for six hours after an army patrol came under attack after signalling three vehicles to stop at the Banda checkpoint in the conflict-torn region, said chief military spokesman Major General Waheed Arshad. “Around 40 miscreants started firing at security forces and took positions in nearby hills, as security forces retaliated. Helicopter support was called in. There was a heavy exchange of fire,” said Arshad. “Eighteen miscreants are dead and we have their bodies with us. Two were injured and they have been arrested,” he said, adding that two soldiers were also wounded. Meanwhile, four soldiers were abducted at gunpoint while on their way from the garrison town of Bannu to the town of Mir Ali in North Waziristan, a senior security official said on condition of anonymity. “Efforts are underway to recover them,” he said. Earlier, a roadside bomb wounded six paramilitary troops, two seriously, as they delivered food to colleagues on the perimeter of the neighbouring tribal district of South Waziristan, security officials said. Separately, troops also traded gunfire overnight with militants in North Waziristan after rebels launched rockets at government and army buildings, officials said. There were no immediate reports of casualties from that engagement. One rocket damaged a government-run student hostel in Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan, while two landed on the lawns of the town's main military base, local security officials said. (First Posted @ 20:08 PST Updated @ 20:40 PST)
Free elections will save Pakistan from failure: think-tank ISLAMABAD, July 31 (AFP) - Pakistan is in danger of failing as a state unless the military government of President Pervez Musharraf restores democracy by holding free and fair elections this year, the International Crisis Group (ICG) said in a report Tuesday. Growing demands from both the political opposition and civil society for an end to military rule meant the end of Musharraf's regime was “now a matter of time,” the Brussels-based group said in its report, titled “Elections, Democracy and Stability in Pakistan.” ”The manner in which elections are held, however, will determine if there is a peaceful, orderly democratic transition or a violent transition with the attendant costs for a fragile state,” it said. “President Musharraf and the military have maintained power by suppressing democratic forces and rigging national and local elections,” the report said. “But the growing pro-democracy movement is leaving Musharraf with few choices, and the judiciary can no longer be counted on to endorse unconstitutional acts. “Another rigged or stolen election could possibly lead to a violent confrontation between the military and protesters,” the ICG said. It called on the Pakistani government to hold “free, fair and transparent” elections and said Washington -- which regards Islamabad as a key ally in its “war on terror” -- should encourage the re-emergence of democracy. “Backing a deeply unpopular military regime is no way to fight terrorism and neutralise religious extremism,” it said. (Posted @ 20:02 PST)
Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt jailed for six years MUMBAI, July 31 (AFP) An Indian anti-terror court on Tuesday sentenced Bollywood movie star Sanjay Dutt to six years in jail for illegal weapons possession in connection with serial bombings in Mumbai in 1993. “Sanjay was not a minor at that time. Acquiring a weapon of this nature suggests the character of the person, and is contrary to the law,” judge Pramod Kode said as he read out the sentence to a packed courtroom. In a further blow to the actor, the court refused to allow him out on bail pending his appeal to the Supreme Court. He was also fined 25,000 rupees (620 dollars). “Pray for me,” said a flushed Dutt, 48, after the sentencing hearing. “I made a mistake 14 years ago,” he said, asking the judge to give him some time to surrender to prison authorities. Dutt is the highest-profile figure connected to the 1993 bombings case, and Tuesday's hearing wrapped up more than a decade of legal proceedings that have seen 100 people convicted over the attacks. Of those convicted, 12 were given death sentences and 20 others got life sentences. Bollywood was meanwhile in shock over the verdict. Actress Kirron Kher said she was “shocked and saddened,” arguing Dutt “has suffered enough for 14 years (and) he has been exemplary in behaviour.” Film producer and director Mahesh Bhatt said the sentencing was a “body blow.” ”I cannot say the sentence was not fair... (but) six years is too strong,”he said. (Posted @ 15:50 PST)
Pakistani construction manager abducted in Nigeria ABUJA, July 31 (Reuters) Seven gunmen abducted a Pakistani construction manager in southern Nigeria Tuesday and demanded a ransom, a local rights activist said citing sources at the man's company and witnesses. The gunmen arrived by boat at a road construction site run by Italian firm Gitto near Bodo community in the Ogoni area of Rivers state, said Patrick Naagbanton, coordinator of the local Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development. “They held everyone at gunpoint before seizing the Pakistani manager and taking him away by boat,” Naagbanton said by telephone from Rivers. The abducted man was in charge of dredging for Gitto's road project, which is financed by the federal government. Contacts at Gitto said the kidnappers called demanding a ransom but they did not disclose the amount, Naagbanton said. (Posted @ 15:00 PST)
Indian army officer among 6 killed in occupied Kashmir SRINAGAR, occupied Kashmir, July 31 (Reuters) - Six people, including a colonel in Indian army, were killed in a gunbattle between troops and militants on Tuesday, an army spokesman said. “A fierce encounter broke out after the army challenged a group of infiltrators this morning in Uri sector,” an army said. “A colonel and a soldier lost their lives.” He said four militants were also killed in the fierce gunbattle which was still continuing in the Uri area, about 100 km west of Srinagar. Officials say more than 42,000 people have been killed in Kashmir since a revolt against Indian rule erupted in 1989. But human rights groups put the toll at about 60,000. (Posted @ 20:18 PST)
Brown stresses 'soft' power at UN UNITED NATIONS, July 31 (AFP) - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Tuesday called for a new humanitarian alliance to help meet key world poverty reduction targets. In a speech at the United Nations, the British premier made the case for a global “coalition for justice” in the spirit of the US Peace Corps to help boost progress to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) aimed at rolling back world poverty. (Posted @ 23:44 PST)
State Bank introduces strategic changes in monetary policy formulation KARACHI, July 31( PPI): Despite risks and challenges identified for fiscal year 2007-08 and carry forward stress of monetary developments of FY07, State Bank of Pakistan is determined to achieve CPI inflation target of 6.5% in FY08 in the country. “We would actively make use of Monetary Policy instruments to bring CPI inflation down to its target level,” said SBP Governor Dr Shamshad Akhtar at a news conference Tuesday while briefing on Monetary Policy Statement for first half of FY08. She said keeping in view challenges and allowing greater scope for private sector credit growth, SBP has introduced some strategic changes in monetary policy formulation and its conduct. SBP Governor said in line with this monetary policy framework and assuming real GDP growth target of 7.2 percent and inflation target of 6.5 percent, broad money supply growth should be 13.7 percent for FY08. “We recommended to the Government that for FY08 it would be prudent to: (i) retire borrowings from SBP by Rs 62.3 billion, (ii) adopt quarterly ceilings on budget borrowings from SBP, and (iii) adopt a more balanced domestic debt strategy whereby budget is financed from long-term financing sources (that are relatively less inflationary).” Another significant strategic change in monetary policy is SBP's decision to gradually reduce commercial banks' reliance on refinancing facilities and encourage them to mobilize desired level of resources to fully accommodate private sector and export credit requirement, she added. (Posted @ 22:38 PST)
ARD non-functional after Musharraf-Benazir meeting: PML-N KARACHI, July 31 (PPI):, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Secretary Information Iqbal Ahsan Tuesday said that Benazir-Musharraf meeting had rendered the Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy (ARD) non-functional. Addressing a press conference at Karachi Press Club he termed Benazir Bhutto’s action as violation of the Charter of Democracy signed by political parties of the ARD and betrayal of the masses. No meeting of the ARD could be held as it has been made non-functional, he said. (Posted @ 19:32 PST)
No bombs used in Lal Masjid operation ISLAMABAD, July 31 (PPI)- The spokesman of the Ministry of Interior, Brig (Retd) Javed Iqbal Cheema, Tuesday said that no phosphorus bombs or any other kind of bombs were used by the law enforcing personnel during the Lal Masjid operation. Addressing the weekly press briefing he said DNA tests of 16 dead bodies have matched hundred percent with the samples collected from their kin while the identity of the other 44 dead bodies has yet to be ascertained. He said the dead body of the mother of Ghazi Brothers has not been identified yet. He said striking similarities in the two suicide attacks, one at F-8 Markaz and the other at Aabpara Market, have been found. Investigations are progressing in right direction. Cheema said that 51 persons including three women are in police custody in connection with Lal Masjid operation, while 48 persons are on judicial remand for rioting near Lal Masjid on Friday. (Posted @ 19:20 PST)
Relief work in Balochistan flood-affected areas completed: Shaukat Aziz JHAL MAGSI, Balochistan, July 31 (PPI): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Tuesday said relief work in flood-affected areas of Balochistan has been completed and government is now making efforts to undertake the rehabilitation work in an effective manner. Addressing the flood affectees at Jhal Magsi, he said government would utilize all resources in developing the infrastructure in flood-ravaged areas . He said distribution of financial package of Rs 15,000 announced by President Pervez Musharraf during his visit to the affected areas was in process and all 4,000 and odd families would get the cheques soon. (Posted @ 19:36 PST)
Pakistani officials seek elders' help to end militants' control of shrine in northwest PESHAWAR, Pakistan, July 31 (AP) Officials sought the help of tribal elders Tuesday to convince militants to end their occupation of a shrine in northwestern Pakistan. Authorities so far have avoided using force to evict the 70 militants who overran the shrine of renowned Pashtun freedom fighter Sahib Turangzai and its accompanying mosque Sunday in the Mohmand tribal region. The militants renamed the facility after Islamabad's Lal Masjid. On Tuesday, a security official said senior local government representatives met with a council of elders in Mohmand, and asked them to play a role in resolving the standoff peacefully. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the elders would also meet with the militants, although he would not say when. (Posted @ 14:05 PST)
Taliban set new deadline after second SKorean murdered GHAZNI, July 31 (AFP) - Afghanistan's Taliban set the government a new deadline of noon (0730 GMT) Wednesday to meet its demands in order to save 21 South Koreans a day after a second hostage was killed. “Our last deadline for the 21 surviving South Koreans is tomorrow 12 o'clock,” Taliban spokesman Yousuf Ahmadi told AFP. “If our demands are not met by then, we will start killing the rest of the South Koreans,” he said. Police overnight found the bullet-riddled body of the second South Korean killed yesterday in the province of Ghazni, about the same area where the body of the leader of the group was found last Wednesday. (Posted @ 16:34 PST)
Arab leaders meet Rice, renew promises to help in Iraq SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, July 31 (AFP) - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice accompanied by US Defence Secretary Robert Gates on Tuesday met Arab leaders in Egypt, extracting renewed promises of help in Iraq while reaffirming Washington's commitment to the creation of a Palestinian state.. “We discussed how to support a unified Iraq where all Iraqis can live in peace and security,” Rice told journalists after the meeting which included top diplomats from GCC states Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates The parties in a joint statement called for “an end to all interference in Iraq.” Rice and the Arab foreign ministers reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution, including an end to Israel's occupation of Arab lands captured in 1967. Rice also said that a number of initiatives, including an Arab League peace plan, needed to be pulled together ahead of a Mideast peace conference called for by US President George W. Bush tentatively slated for September. (Posted @ 20:06 PST)
Yasin Malik vows to complete Kashmiri martyrs' mission ISLAMABAD, July 31 (APP): Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, Yasin Malik, has vowed to take the mission of Kashmiri martyrs to its logical conclusion. Addressing a public gathering at Beerwah he said Kashmiris were capable of safeguarding and honouring the unprecedented sacrifices rendered by the freedom fighters, KMS reported. The JKLF chairman reiterated the demand that Kashmiris should be made part of the peace process between Pakistan and India (Posted @ 19:50 PST)
Putin to Abbas: you are the legitimate leader of all Palestinians MOSCOW, July 31 (AP) - President Vladimir Putin repeated assurances Tuesday that Moscow viewed Mahmoud Abbas as the lawful leader of the Palestinians. “I want to assure you that Russia will support you as the legitimate leader of the Palestinian people. I am convinced that you will do everything to restore the unity of the Palestinian people,” Putin told Abbas now on a visit to seek Russian support. “We have repeatedly come out in favour of the legal defence of the Palestinian people, down to the creation of a Palestinian state,” Putin said. At a news conference later, Abbas called on Hamas to “take responsibility and apologize for the crimes that it committed against its people.” (Posted @ 18:56 PST)
Chinese rescuers use pipes to get milk to 69 miners trapped underground BEIJING, July 31 (AP) - Rescuers in central China poured milk down a coal mine's ventilation pipes in a bid to keep alive 69 workers trapped underground for more than 50 hours, state media said Tuesday. Xinhua News Agency said authorities were maintaining contact with the workers via telephone and there were no reported injuries. On e Monday, 400 kilograms of milk was sent down 800-meter- (2,624-foot-) long ventilation pipes into the pit so that rescuers get more time to eventually save them. (Posted @ 17:26 PST)
India beat England by 7 wickets in 2nd test NOTTINGHAM, July 31 (AP) - India registered a seven-wicket win in the second test against England at Trent Bridge on Tuesday, taking a 1-0 lead with one match left to play. Brief scores: India 481 (Tendulkar 91, Ganguly 79, Karthik 77) and 73-3 (Tremlett 3-12) England 198 (Alastair Cook 43; Zaheer Khan 4-59, Anil Kumble 3-32) and 355 (Michael Vaughan 124, Paul Collingwood 63; Zaheer Khan 5-75). (Posted @ 17:06 PST)
Cricket-PCB tests Shoaib, Asif, others ahead of Twenty20 cup KARACHI, July 31 (TReuters) - Pakistan Cricket Board has carried out doping tests on fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif and all others in the training camp in the run up to September's inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa.“All the players who are in the training camp for the event have been tested with the exception of Younis Khan, Yasir Arafat and Danish Kaneria, who are playing in England,” manager Talat Ali told reporters on Tuesday. The final squad will be announced after the results are received. (Posted @ 17:00 PST)
Afghan medical team feared kidnapped KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, July 31 (AFP) A four-man Afghan health team was missing in southern Afghanistan Monday and feared kidnapped, their organisation said. The doctor, vaccinator, guard and driver have been missing since midday when they were returning to the southern city of Kandahar after a mission, a director of the Afghan Health Development Services said. The director said he had been telephoned and told the group was stopped by gunmen outside the city and were being held captive. (Posted @ 09:30 PST)
Italian film legend Antonioni dies aged 94 ROME, July 31 (AFP) Director Michelangelo Antonioni, one of the last great figures in Italian cinema, has died at the age of 94, ANSA news agency reported Tuesday quoting his family. His major movies included “Blow Up”, made in England in 1966, “L'Avventura”(“The Adventure”) in 1960, and his 1975 work “The Passenger”, starring Jack Nicholson. “Blow Up” won Antonioni the Palme d'Or at the Cannes film festival in 1967, while the Venice film festival honoured him with the Golden Lion for “Red Desert” (1964) and a career Golden Lion in 1983, followed two years later by a career Oscar. (Posted @ 15:50 PST)
Iran unveils world's largest carpet for UAE mosque TEHRAN, July 31 (AFP)Iran on Tuesday unveiled what it said was the world's largest handwoven carpet, worth 5.8 million dollars and larger than a football pitch, to be laid out in a mosque in Abu Dhabi that bears the name of UAE president and founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahayan. The carpet, in prominent green and cream colours, was made using 38 tonnes of wool and cotton by 1,200 weavers in 18 months in three villages in northeastern Iran. There are 2.2 billion knots in the carpet, which was made with the best wool from the southern Iranian town of Sirjan and from New Zealand in 25 colours using 20 different natural dies. (Posted @ 15:45 PST)
Suicide attack in Kabul: one Afghan killed, US soldiers hurt KABUL, July 31 (AFP) A suicide bomb exploded near an international military convoy in Kabul Tuesday, killing an Afghan truck driver and wounding several people including three US soldiers, police said. The car bomb exploded as a convoy was passing near a US-run military base. “One person was killed and four injured, three of them Americans,” a policeman told an AFP photographer at the scene. (First Posted @ 10:30 PST, Updated @ 14:10 PST)
ADB lends Pakistan 400 million dollars to develop capital markets MANILA, July 31 (AFP) The Asian Development Bank said Tuesday it is lending 400 million dollars to Pakistan to develop its capital markets. The loan will help turn Pakistan's equity and bond markets into a relevant source for long-term finance through a range of policy and regulatory reforms to increase the supply of and demand for securities, such as shares and bonds. These reforms should raise the number of corporate bond and equity issuances which in turn will increase the amount of funding available for private sector investment, the ADB added. (Posted @ 14:00 PST)
Insurgents kill Russian police officer MOSCOW, July 31 (Reuters) Insurgents in Russia's North Caucasus region killed a police officer and wounded three Tuesday in an attack on a police unit's bus, Russian media reported. The attack occurred as the police escorted a goods truck through Ingushetia. “The attack was very sudden, the police did not even have time to open fire,” Interfax news agency quoted a local Interior Ministry official as saying. (Posted @ 12:10 PST)
Karachi Stocks up 105.45 points: KARACHI, July 31: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 13739.53, up 105.45 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:20 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, July 31: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 61.02 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:20 PST)
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