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| September 18, 2007 | Tuesday | Ramazan 05, 1428 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
Musharraf to doff uniform if re-elected as President, SC told ISLAMABAD, Sept 18 (PPI) - The government informed a nine-member larger bench of the Supreme Court on Tuesday that President General Pervez Musharraf will relinquish the office of the Chief of Army Staff if he is re-elected as President of Pakistan for second term. Counsel for the federation, Syed Sharifuddin Pirzada announced Musharraf's intentions before the larger bench headed by Justice Rana Bhagwandas which is hearing a set of identical constitutional petitions, challenging dual offices of the President. The written statement filed by Pirzada said: “If elected for the second term as President, General Pervez Musharraf will relinquish charge of the office of the Chief of the Army Staff soon after election”. Pirzada further submitted that before taking oath of the office of the President of Pakistan for next term, General Musharraf would relinquish the office of military chief. He further submitted that the nomination paper of General Pervez Musharraf should be scrutinized by the Chief Election Commissioner independently and in accordance with the law. Earlier, the counsel for Jamaat-e-Islami, Akram Sheikh, concluding his arguments submitted that the statement reflected that the President wanted to contest the presidential election for the second term in uniform. He, however contended that Musharraf was not eligible for this office. He submitted that the statement has been filed maliciously and the case must be decided on merit and not on the statement without any influence. He said General Musharraf was not eligible to file the nomination papers and through this statement he has made an effort to influence the court. He said General Musharraf has violated his oath that he will not take part in the politics as a soldier and then broken the pledge made before the nation to doff-off his uniform by December 31, 2004. He said thus his statement should not be considered, adding that according to the constitution a person can hold office of the President for two terms and General Pervez Musharraf has already completed these terms. Mr Sheikh submitted that the President cannot hold the second profitable office. He said Article 63 of the constitution will be applicable on the President if he submits his nomination paper for the second term of the office of the President. (Posted @ 19:25 PST)
15 Pakistani soldiers bodies retrieved ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Sept 18 (AP) - Pakistan's army has retrieved the bodies of 15 of its soldiers killed in a militant attack on a military post near the Afghan border, a spokesman said Tuesday. Fourteen militants also died in Monday's battle at the post on the boundary between the North and South Waziristan tribal regions in northwestern Pakistan, the army reported. Maj. Gen. Waheed Arshad said reinforcements retrieved the bodies of 15 soldiers killed in the fighting at Pusht Ziarat military post. One other soldier who was wounded was taken for treatment, he said. The bodies were brought in Army helicopters to Miran Shah, the main town in North Waziristan, along with the wounded soldier on Tuesday morning, an intelligence official in the town said on condition of anonymity. Arshad said the soldiers had repelled the first attack on the army post on Monday morning, but then came under another militant attack in the afternoon. (Posted @ 16:25 PST)
Fresh clash in Waziristan MIRANSHAH, Pakistan, Sept 18, 2007 (AFP) -Four Pakistani soldiers were injured early Tuesday when militants fired rockets at their camp in Datta Khel village in North Waziristan, a security official said. Residents said gunship helicopters hovered in the sky periodically but they did not hear any firing. Details of this latest clash were awaited. (Posted @ 17:55 PST)
Benazir’s PPP dismisses Musharraf pledge ISLAMABAD, Sept 18 (AFP) - Benazir Bhutto’s Peoples party said Tuesday that President Pervez Musharraf's plan to quit as army chief if he is re-elected was unconstitutional and undemocratic. The PPP said in a statement it could resign from parliament if the government does not take more steps for national reconciliation, but went to say that its strategy was not yet finalised. “The PPP has made it very clear at all points that it cannot accept a uniformed president. General Musharraf's decision to get himself re-elected in uniform is both nconstitutional and undemocratic,” the party said in a statement. There was no direct comment from Benazir Bhutto, who heads her party from exile (Posted @ 16:55 PST)
PML-N says it will not accept Musharraf re-election ISLAMABAD, Sep 18 (APP): PML-N would not accept General Pervez Musharraf as president with or without uniform, PML-N Acting president Javed Hashm said at a news conference Tuesday at the party's Camp office. Party's Secretary General Iqbal Zafar Jhagra and Secretary Information Ahsan Iqbal were also present. Javed Hashmi said PML-N rejects the written statement of Syed Sharif-ud-Din Pirzada, chief lawyer for President Pervez Musharraf, in which he told the Supreme Court earlier Tuesday that the president would quit the post of army chief if he is re-elected. He said the All Parties Democratic Movement would hold rallies on September 21 to protest the “illegal deportation” of Nawaz Sharif on September 10 after his return from exile. Hashmi said PML-N executive would meet on September 23 to discuss future plans in the wake of deportation of Nawaz Sharif. (Posted @ 20:10 PST)
PM greets President on decision to take oath of office as civilian head, after re-election ISLAMABAD, Sep 18 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Tuesday congratulated President Pervez Musharraf on his decision to take oath of the office of President, as a civilian head of state, on his re-election for second term. The Prime Minister conveyed these sentiments during his meeting with the President. He described the decision of the President as conveyed to the Supreme Court today a clear reflection of President Musharraf's firm belief in democracy and a testimony to the fact that he has always upheld national and democratic interests over and above his own.He also assured President Musharraf of the unwavering support of the ruling coalition in his re-election as head of the state for a second term to ensure sustainability and continuity of the democratic process. During the meeting the two leaders discussed the overall political situation and the upcoming Presidential and general elections. (Posted @ 17:30 PST)
Musharraf to doff uniform before Nov 15: Durrani ISLAMABAD, Sep 18 (PPI) - President Pervez Musharraf would doff his uniform after his re-election prior to November 15 and this process would complete the smooth transition of power and help the democratic process take shape in its true letter and spirit, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Durrani Tuesday said at a news conference. He said the PML and its allies have majority votes and President Musharraf would be elected for the second term by the present assemblies. Durrani thanked the PML and its allied parties for supporting the democratic process in the country and urged all the political parties to help complete the transition of power. He said the opposition parties should also field their candidates for the slot of president and also get themselves prepared for the upcoming general elections. Asked about the APDM's announcement to file collective resignations from the assemblies if President Musharraf goes for the re-election, the minister said those who want to be re-elected to the parliament would never tender resignations from the assemblies,” (Posted @ 19:45 PST)
Cricket: Pakistan stun Australia by six wickets JOHANNESBURG, Sept 18 (AFP) - Pakistan upset Australia by six wickets in a group F match of the Super Eights on Tuesday to virtually seal a semi-final place in the Twenty20 world championships. Pakistan's second win in the group left them needing a point in the last match against Bangladesh in Cape Town on Thursday to move into the last four. Australia must beat Sri Lanka on Thursday to stay in contention for the semi-finals. Brief scores: Australia 164-7 in 20 overs; Pakistan 165-4 in 19.1 overs (Posted @ 20:30 PST)
Indian troops kill nine men in occupied Kashmir SRINAGAR, occupied Kashmir, Sept 18(AFP): India claimed that its troops occupying Kashmir had killed nine militants in the Muslim majority state. Three of them were killed as they tried to sneak across the border with Pakistan, the army and police claimed on Tuesday. Indian army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Anil Mathur told AFP that the three men were shot dead in the northern Machil sector late on Monday, minutes after crossing the Line of Control and refusing to surrender. He claimed that over the past ten days, Indian troops have killed eleven militants attempting to cross from Pakistan. Five other militants were shot dead during two separate gun battles early Tuesday in Bandipora district, a police spokesman said, adding another rebel was killed during a gun battle in Rajouri district, south of Srinagar. (Posted @ 11:02 PST)
India says to go ahead with disputed Siachen glacier trek NEW DELHI, Sept 18 (Reuters) - India will go ahead with a trekking expedition to the disputed Siachen Glacier in Kashmir as scheduled despite strong opposition from Pakistan, a defence ministry spokesman said Tuesday. “It's a routine mountaineering activity which should not be viewed in any other way. The expedition is taking place in an area which is ours,” he said. A group of 40 trekkers, mostly scout cadets and Indian Military Academy trainees, would leave for the region on Wednesday for the 22-day expedition, he added. (Posted @ 17:00 PST)
Thousands of policemen sacked in northern India NEW DELHI, Sept 18 (AFP) - Authorities in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh said Tuesday they have sacked thousands of policemen accused of paying bribes to get into the force. The Press Trust of India news agency said 3,964 policemen were fired on Tuesday, bringing the number of dismissals to 11,638 -- or around 10 percent of the total force -- since the law enforcement clean-up was launched a week ago. Officials in India's most populous state said 22,000 men were illicitly recruited under former chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav. (Posted @ 20:30 PST)
3 killed, 5 injured over mountain ownership dispute in Hangu PESHAWAR, Sept 18 (APP): Three persons were killed and five injured in a bloody shootout between two tribes over dispute on ownership of a mountain in Hangu district, police said on Tuesday. Palosain Wazir and Darsamund Bangash tribes clashed after talks failed to resolve the dispute, police said. Armed rival tribesmen occupied the hill top and used heavy weapons and rockets.The situation in the area is tense and people have been asked to avoid visiting the disputed mountain. District Administration and elders are making efforts to restore peace. (Posted @ 20:20 PST)
Baghdad car bombings kill 17, injure at least 50 BAGHDAD, Sept 18(Reuters) Eight people were killed and 22 wounded in the fourth car bomb attack in Baghdad on Tuesday, Iraqi police said. They said the attack -- the fourth car bombing in Baghdad in the past several hours -- took place near a market in the Ur neighbourhood, not far from the Shi'ite district of Sadr City. Three earlier car bombs killed a total of nine people and wounded 28, police said. (Posted @ 19:00 PST)
Pakistan's uranium enrichment facility will be under IAEA safeguards: PAEC chief VIENNA, Sept 18 (PPI)- Pakistan has embarked upon a scheme for the establishment of a uranium conversion and enrichment facility to cater to the fuel needs of its nuclear power plants. It will be under IAEA safeguards, Chairman of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Anwar Ali told the the 51st General Conference of International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. He said Pakistan has chalked out a plan to expand power generation to meet the demand of its growing economy and the share of nuclear power in the energy mix to 8800 MW by the year 2030. (Posted @ 17:40 PST)
Four including three women die as a coach overturns Multan, Pakistan, Sept.18 (PPI): At least four passengers including three women died and another nine were injured when one of two coasters overturned after hitting a truck near Basira, 50 km west of Multan city Tuesday afternoon. (Posted @ 17:35 PST)
Bangladesh acquits ex-ruler Ershad in smuggling case DHAKA, Sept 18 (Reuters) - A Bangladesh court on Tuesday acquitted former army ruler Hossain Mohammad Ershad in a 16-year-old gold smuggling case, citing lack of evidence, lawyers and court officials said. (Posted @ 17:15 PST)
Cricket-New Zealand beat England in Twenty20 World Cup Durban, Sept 18 (Reuters) - New Zealand beat England by 5 runs in the Twenty20 World Cup Group E match in Durban, South Africa on Tuesday. Scores: New Zealand 164-9 (McMillan 57), England 159-8 (Maddy 50) (Posted @ 17:07 PST)
UK-based affectees of Mangla Dam raising to be paid in Britain LONDON, Sept 18 (APP): Azad Kashmir Government has decided to pay compensation to the affectees of the Mangla Dam raising project living in UK through Pakistani banks operating in Britain, AJK Minister for Mangla Dam Affairs Chaudhry Muhammad Yousaf, told a news conference.The affected persons will open their rupees account in Pakistani banks in UK where the compensatory payment will be deposited in their respect accounts, he said. (Posted @ 16:45 PST)
Dhoni to lead in India one-dayers MUMBAI, India, Sept 18 (AP) - Mahendra Dhoni was appointed as captain Tuesday for the limited-overs internationals against Australia and Pakistan.He replaces Rahul Dravid, who last week resigned, seeking to concentrate on his batting. Australia's tour of India, starting Sept. 27, will comprise seven one-dayers and one twenty-20 international, while Pakistan will play five one-dayers ahead of a test series. (Posted @ 16:15 PST)
British soldier killed in Afghanistan blast LONDON, Sept 18 (AFP) - A British soldier has died in southern Afghanistan after an army truck was hit by an explosion in Helmand Province, the Ministry of Defence in London said Tuesday. Another soldier was injured in the explosion. (Posted @ 15:30 PST)
Soldier, militant killed in West Bank clashes NABLUS, West Bank, Sept 18 (AFP) - An Israeli soldier and a teenage Palestinian militant were killed during a major incursion by the Israeli army in the northern West Bank town of Nablus on Tuesday, officials said. Mohammad Rida Khaled, 17, a member of the PFLPwas shot dead during exchanges of fire with troops in Ein Beit Elma refugee camp inside the town. An Israeli soldier was also killed as a result of Palestinian gunfire during the clashes, army radio reported, without providing details. Another was lightly wounded. Around 40 military vehicles and army bulldozers were carrying out the incursion in the refugee camp, whose 5,000 residents have been placed under a curfew, witnesses said. (Posted @ 15:30 PST)
14 Taliban, NATO soldier killed in Afghanistan KABUL, Sept 18(Reuter/AFP): Afghan and U.S.-led coalition forces killed 14 Taliban insurgents in two clashes in Helmand province, the Defence Ministry said on Tuesday. Nine Taliban were killed in an air-strike in Kajaki district on Monday when Taliban tried to ambush Afghan soldiers, a ministry statement said. Meanwhile, Afghan and U.S.-led coalition soldiers killed five Taliban in Garmser district when Taliban fighters attacked Afghan and coalition troops. Elsewhere, a convoy of Swedish troops came under attack on Tuesday close to the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif, but there were no casualties, an ISAF spokesman said. NATO SOLDIER KILLED: A NATO soldier was killed and another wounded in an explosion in Afghanistan, the International Security Assistance Force said on Tuesday. (Posted @ 14:10 PST)
Nepal Maoists quit government in blow to peace deal KATHMANDU, Sept 18 Nepal's Maoist former rebels said on Tuesday they had quit the interim government after they failed to reach a deal with the prime minister to abolish the Himalayan monarchy. “We have submitted our resignations to the prime minister,” Maoist cabinet minister Dev Gurung told Reuters. (Posted @ 12:41 PST)
Military intervention in Iran would have catastrophic consequences:Russian official MOSCOW, Sept 18(AFP): Any US military intervention in Iran would be a “political error” that would have “catastrophic” consequences, Russian deputy foreign minister Alexander Losyukov said in an interview published Tuesday. “Generally speaking, bombing Iran would be a bad move that would end with catastrophic consequences,” he told the daily Vremya Novosti. He expressed the hope that there would not be an escalation of tension in the region, at least before the end of a summit of Caspian Sea countries due to be held in Tehran on October 16. (Posted @ 10:47 PST)
Japan to pick new PM on Sept 25 TOKYO, Sept 18(AFP): Japan's parliament will appoint a new prime minister on September 25 to replace Shinzo Abe, the country's two main political parties agreed on Tuesday. The date was agreed by the parliamentary affairs chiefs of the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), a DPJ official said. (Posted @ 10:18 PST)
World oil price tops $81 SINGAPORE, Sept 18(AFP): World oil prices topped $81 a barrel in Asia on Tuesday, setting another record high in a market worried about tight crude supplies. At 0123 GMT, New York's main futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in October, jumped 51 cents to $81.08 a barrel. The price passed the Monday night record in New York, when the contract spiked $1.47 to $80.57 per barrel after an earlier intra-day high of $80.70. (Posted @ 09:38 PST)
Mystery illness strikes after meteorite hits Peruvian village LIMA, Sept 17(AFP): Villagers in southern Peru were struck by a mysterious illness after a meteorite made a fiery crash to Earth in their area, regional authorities said on Monday. Around midday Saturday, villagers were startled by an explosion and a fireball near their remote village, located in the high Andes department of Puno in Desaguadero region, near the border with Bolivia. Residents complained of headaches and vomiting brought on by a “strange odour,” a local health department official told Peruvian radio RPP. Seven policemen who went to check on the reports also became ill and had to be given oxygen before being hospitalised, he said. (Posted @ 09:35 PST)
Karachi Stocks up 160.90, points: KARACHI,Sept 18:At the close of trading the KSE-100 index was at 12952.75, up 160.90, points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 01:00 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, Sept 18: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 60.73 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 01:00 PST)
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