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| December 02, 2007 | Sunday | Ziqa’ad 21, 1428 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
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Turkish president arrives in Pakistan ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (AFP) - Turkish President Abdullah Gul was accorded a red carpet welcome when he arrived on a 2-day state visit to Pakistan at the Chaklala Airbase on Sunday. President Pervez Musharraf received Gul and his delegation at the airbase near Islamabad, a gesture in recognition of the warm relations between the two countries. A Pakistan armed forces contingent presented the guard of honour to Gul and traditional artillery guns were fired to herald his arrival. Gul will hold talks with Musharraf during the state visit on Sunday and Monday, a foreign ministry spokesman said. Gul's visit would focus on “issues of bilateral, regional and global importance.” The Turkish leader is accompanied by his wife, senior officials and Turkish business leaders. Pakistan has had very close ties with Turkey. Musharraf spent part of his childhood in Turkey and has expressed admiration for the way it is run as a secular Muslim country. (Posted @ 19:18 PST)
Pakistan polls boycott would help Musharraf : Benazir Bhutto PESHAWAR, Pakistan, Dec 2 (AFP) Former premier Benazir Bhutto said Sunday an opposition boycott of upcoming polls would only help President Pervez Musharraf legitimise his imposition of emergency rule. She said she was meeting Nawaz Sharif early next week so they could reach agreement on whether to boycott the polls. “If we all boycott elections, then it will give Musharraf a two-thirds majority in the parliament to validate his provisional constitutional order,” she told a press conference. “That is why we are saying that we will take part in elections under protest, but we will also leave the door open (to talks on a boycott).” “Moderate and democratic forces must work together. I have signed a charter of democracy with Nawaz Sharif and we are committed to this charter,” she said. ”I am getting conflicting signals from Nawaz Sharif and Qazi Hussain Ahmad about (an) election boycott as they have filed nomination papers and if someone does that it means he is taking part in election,” Benazir told reporters. Benazir Bhutto who launched the election campaign of her Pakistan Peoples Party here on Saturday said she had decided to take part in elections despite fears they would be rigged by the government. “They (the government) have a plan to rig the elections. They have created improvised or ghost polling stations and also have a plan to steal thousands of ballot papers a night before election and give them to their candidates,” she said. She also accused the government of making “bulk” transfers of key officials ahead of the elections and said mayors from the former government were misusing public funds. “The government should suspend all mayors and cancel transfers (of officials),” she demanded. She also complained that the election commission had not given her the list of voters in her constituency and was demanding 30 million rupees (500,000 dollars) to do so. “This is unfair and many parties cannot pay such a huge amount for the voters' list,” she said. Benazir Bhutto also warned rising militancy in North West Frontier Province could result in the “Balkanisation” of the region. She said foreign troops may intervene if Pakistan did not control militancy in its tribal areas, and warned militants could seize Pakistan's main nuclear facility. (Posted @ 15:50 PST)
Security forces take control of Bariam Bar, Pir Kalai heights in Pakistan’s Swat valley PESHAWAR, Dec 02 (APP):Security forces have captured various heights in areas of Bariam Bar and Pir Kalai and are dominating Shakardara Bariam road with fire and observation during the ongoing operation in Swat. The Information Centre Mingora press release said Sunday that security forces are holding these positions with strength and overlooking the area up till Matta. Last night, militants locations around Puchaar and Tutano Bandai were extensively engaged with artillery fire. Gunship helicopters during the day continuously remained in the air to provide support to the advancing troops towards Bariam Bar and Pir Kkalai. (Posted @ 20:18 PST)
Quake jolts northwestern Pakistan PESHAWAR, Pakistan, Dec 2 (AFP) - A moderate earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter Scale jolted northwestern Pakistan Sunday, causing panic but no casualties or damage, officials said. Tremors were felt in Peshawar, Islamabad, Chitral, Abbottabad, Swat valley and the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan at 4:57 pm (1157 GMT), a seismological department official said. Its epicentre was located about 350 kilometres north of Peshawar in the Hindu Kush mountains, he said. Panicked residents in Peshawar rushed out of homes and shops reciting verses from the Holy Quran, witnesses said. A devastating 7.6-magnitude earthquake in northwestern Pakistan and Kashmir killed some 74,000 people and displaced 3.5 million in October 2005. (Posted @ 19:24 PST)
EC extends date for filing of nomination papers in District Hangu ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP):The Election Commission Sunday said that in view of law and order situation in the areas of Hangu District, the time for filing of nomination papers has been extended, (Posted @ 19:12 PST)
APHC urges human rights bodies to help release Kashmiri detainees Srinagar, occupied Kashmir, Dec 2 (APP): All Parties Hurriyat Conference has appealed to the world human rights organizations to exert pressure on India to release thousands of illegally detained Kashmiris languishing in various jails of the occupied territory and India. In a statement in Srinagar Sunday, the APHC spokesman pointed out that these detainees had been put behind bars without any charge, but to politically victimise them. He said the occupation authorities were neither paying any heed to the court orders regarding release of the detainees nor, were they allowing them to stand trial. He said the detained Kashmiris were being kept in inhuman conditions in jails without proper medical aid. (Posted @ 19:06 PST)
Pakistan's strategic assets as safe as that of any nuclear weapon state: FO ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP): Pakistan's strategic assets are as safe as that of any other nuclear weapon state and these assets are fully safeguarded and secure under the protection of a well established command and control system, a Foreign Office spokesman said Sunday. Referring to a Guardian report of December 1 regarding safety of Pakistan's strategic assets, the spokesman dismissed its contents as “outlandish musings by an academic”. Commenting further on the irresponsible conjectures about external contingency plans, he said, “these are very dangerous ideas and people espousing them, should be aware that Pakistan possesses adequate retaliatory capacity to defend its strategic assets and sovereignty”. The spokesman also rejected the suggestion that there is any danger of Pakistan's strategic assets falling in wrong hands. (Posted @ 18:44 PST)
Pakistani security forces kill 230, nab 50 miscreants in Swat RAWALPINDI, Dec 2 (APP/PPI): About 230 miscreants have so far been killed in operation by the security forces in scenic Swat Valley in north western Pakistan. Director General ISPR, Major General Waheed Arshad, confirming the casualties said 50 miscreants were also arrested during the operation. He said situation is under control and most of area has been cleared of miscreants. About Shangla, he said situation is returning to normalcy there and local administration is functioning in Al-Puri. Meanwhile, political, social, religious personalities and notables of Shangla in meeting with local administration agreed to take joint steps to establish peace in the area. (Posted @ 17:40 PST)
Explosion in coal mine kills 4 laborers in Ourakzai agency PESHAWAR, Dec 02, (APP) - As many as four mine labourers were killed and five others injured as a result of mysterious explosion in a coal mine at Chaper Mashti area of Aurakzai Agency. According to details, explosion occurred when labourers were busy in routine excavation work. (Posted @ 23:18 PST)
Russia votes for parliament, opposition cries foul MOSCOW, Dec 2 Reuters) - Russians voted on Sunday in a parliamentary election likely to give President Vladimir Putin's party a big victory, but opposition figures said there was widespread fraud. First official results were expected shortly after the last balloting stations closed in the western enclave of Kaliningrad at 8 pm local time (1800 GMT). “These are the dirtiest, most irresponsible elections,” veteran Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov said after voting in Moscow. “...they have thought up at least 15 ways to entrap and betray voters”. “They are not just rigging the vote, they are raping the whole electoral system,” former world chess champion and opposition icon Garry Kasparov Kasparov told reporters. “These elections are a reminder of Soviet elections when there was no choice.” (Posted @ 20:40 PST)
Hockey: Spain hold Holland; Aussies beat Pakistan 2-1 KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 (AFP) - Spain lived up to their reputation when they held favourites The Netherlands to a 3-3 draw at the Champions Trophy Sunday. In other matches, Australia had to dig deep to subdue a battling Pakistan 2-1, and Germany kept up their winning record when they came back from a goal down to edge out Korea 2-1. Britain achieved their first win of the tournament when they beat host Malaysia 3-2. (Posted @ 20:28 PST)
If we win we will book Modi: Indian Congress ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP): The Congress party on Sunday said it would not hesitate in taking action against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the communal violence of 2002, if the party was voted to power in the assembly polls this month. All India Congress Committee general secretary Digvijay Singh said if the party formed the government after the polls, then on the “basis of evidence already there” action would be taken against those involved, NDTV reported. “None will be spared, Modi or anyone else,” Singh told reporters in reply to a question. Singh charged the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for unleashing what he called “Hindu terrorism” (Posted @ 20:24 PST)
Israel's Barak orders army to step up Gaza strikes Tel Aviv, Dec 2 (AFP) - Defence Minister Ehud Barak had authorised the army to target militant structures across the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip as Israel mulls a broad military incursion into the territory, Barak's office quoted him as telling the weekly cabinet meeting. (Posted @ 19:40 PST)
Iraq says troops kill 13 militants, arrest 94 BAGHDAD, Dec 2 (AFP) - Iraqi forces killed 13 militants and arrested 94 in operations over the past 24 hours while bombers killed two policemen and wounded several other people in separate attacks on Sunday, officials said. “Eleven terrorists were killed during operations in Salaheedin, Kirkuk and Diyala provinces,” the defence ministry said, adding that two more were killed in southwest Baghdad. The ministry said 94 others were also arrested over the past 24 hours. In the attacks on security forces, two policemen were killed and four wounded when a roadside bomb exploded next to their patrol in Mansur neighbourhood of Baghdad early Sunday, officials said. In another assault, a bomber rammed his explosives-rigged car into a police building in Baquba, wounding 14 people, police Colonel Hazim Yasin from Baquba said. (Posted @ 19:28 PST)
Two Indian troops killed in occupied Kashmir Srinagar, occupied Kashmir, Dec 2 (APP) Two Indian troops were killed in a clash in Jammu region on Sunday, while two more troops were wounded in an attack at Mendhar in Poonch district. Meanwhile, the dead body of a student from Dooru area of Islamabad (occupied Kashmir) was recovered from Sopore. Separately, a fast moving army vehicle hit and seriously injured a Kashmiri youth in Srinagar. (Posted @ 19:10 PST)
15 persons of wedding party injured in Pakistan road accident HAFIZABAD, Pakistan, Dec 02 (APP): Fifteen members of a marriage party were injured, two of them seriously, when a bus carrying them to Sheikhupura in central Punjab province, skidded off the road and turned turtle near Ajnianwala on Sunday. (Posted @ 18:58 PST)
Iran defiant after nuclear talks 'disaster' TEHRAN, Dec 2 (AFP) - Iran on Sunday remained defiant in the standoff over its nuclear programme after the latest talks with the European Union ended in failure and world powers agreed to step up moves for further sanctions. Foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said more UN Security Council sanctions would not deter Iran from pressing ahead with its nuclear drive. “If these powers are trying to deprive Iran of its rights, then resolutions and sanctions will be fruitless,” he told reporters. (Posted @ 18:02 PST)
Kashmir is unresolved issue: Samajwadi party SRINAGAR, occupied Kashmir, Dec 2 (APP): Samajwadi Party General Secretary for occupied Kashmir, Fayaz Ahmad Butt, told reporters in Srinagar on Sunday “our party's stance on Kashmir issue is that it is an unsettled issue and its solution is pending.” He further said that proper and full democracy has never been allowed in Kashmir by the New Delhi authorities, adding that 1987 so-called elections in occupied Kashmir were rigged, Kashmir Media Service repored. (Posted @ 17:04 PST)
Cricket: England falter as Murali equals Warne's record KANDY, Sri Lanka, Dec 2 (APP/AFP) - Muttiah Muralitharan equalled Shane Warne's world record tally of 708 wickets as Sri Lanka sent England crashing in the first cricket Test here on Sunday. The off-spinner grabbed 4-30 in 23 overs as England, replying to Sri Lanka's modest 188, slumped to 186-6 by tea before heavy rain washed out the rest of the day's play. (Posted @ 16:54 PST)
Five killed in cruise boat fire at Egyptian tourist site CAIRO, Egypt, Dec 2 (AP) - Five Egyptians were killed and two wounded when a fire broke out on a Nile cruise ship moored near the ancient Egyptian ruins of Luxor late on Sunday, forcing the evacuation of 43 French tourists, said security officials. (Posted @ 16:46 PST)
Truck skids, kills 16 Indian wedding guests NEW DELHI, Dec 2 (Reuters) A small truck carrying wedding guests veered off a mountain road and fell into the Sutlej River, about 80 km northeast of Shimla in north India on Sunday, killing at least 16 people, eight of them women, police said. The bride and groom were not on the truck. (Posted @ 16:32 PST)
Cricket-Pakistan 358-6 v India 616-5 in second Test KOLKATA, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Pakistan were 358 for six in reply to India's first innings total of 616 for five declared at the close on the third day of the second test in Kolkata on Sunday. Scores: India 616-5 decl ( Jaffer 202, Laxman 112 not out, Ganguly 102) v Pakistan 358-6 (Misbah-ul-Haq 108 not out, K. Akmal 119). (Posted @ 16:28 PST)
Forty Taliban killed: Afghan police KANDAHAR, Dec 2 (AFP) - Around 40 Taliban fighters were killed in two days of fighting in Kandahar province’s Shah Wali Kot district, provincial police chief General Sayed Agha Saqib said Sunday. “In the fighting, 35 Taliban were killed and 10 more captured,” he said. In the province's Zhari district late Saturday, five Taliban were killed and four captured. There was no way to independently verify the toll issued by the police chief. (Posted @ 16:20 PST)
Four Muslims shot dead in Thai south NARATHIWAT, Thailand, Dec 2 (AFP) Four Muslim men, including a village chief, were shot dead by suspected rebels in separate attacks in Thailand's insurgency-torn south, police said Sunday. The latest attacks followed last week's gruesome killings of a Muslim military informant and two Buddhist men in the region, which has been rocked by separatist unrest since January 2004. (Posted @ 15:55 PST)
Three paratroopers dead in Malaysia airshow accident KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 (AFP) Three Malaysian paratroopers drowned and five were injured during a training exercise for an airshow on the resort island of Langkawi on Sunday, the air force said. The victims were among 138 paratroopers practising a mock “seizure” of Langkawi's airport planned for the airshow's opening ceremony on Tuesday, when strong winds blew them off course and out to sea. “All were rescued except the three who died and the five injured.” (Posted @ 15:30 PST)
Polls open in Venezuelan referendum CARACAS, Dec 2 (AFP) Polling started in Venezuela Sunday in a controversial referendum called by President Hugo Chavez aimed at allowing him to remain leader for life.Voters were being asked to approve 69 changes to the constitution that included doing away with presidential term limits and turning their country into a “socialist economy.” (Posted @ 15:30 PST)
India tests interceptor missile: officials BHUBANESWAR, Dec 2 (AFP): India on Sunday successfully tested a new interceptor missile, defence sources said. The test took place at Wheeler Island, off the coast of eastern Orissa state and 180 kilometers from state capital Bhubaneswar, an official said, asking not to be named. The trial was meant to prepare for a final test in the next few days in which the nuclear-capable surface-to-surface Prithvi II will be targeted, said the sources. (Posted @ 13:10 PST)
24 rebels, 3 soldiers killed in Sri Lanka COLOMBO, Dec 2 (AP): Fierce gunbattles between government forces and Tamil Tiger rebels in northern Sri Lanka left 24 rebels dead in Vavuniya district, while a mortar attack and a bomb blast in Mannar killed three soldiers, the military said Sunday. Fighting in the same area on Saturday killed 23 rebels and three soldiers. The rebel spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment. (First Posted @ 09:55 PST Updated @ 12:20 PST)
Captain Shoaib Malik doubtful for final India test KOLKATA, Dec 2 (Reuters): Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik is doubtful for next week's final test against India after his injured ankle was put in a cast on Saturday evening. “The plaster is expected to be removed on December six,” a Pakistan team spokesman told Reuters on Sunday. The final test begins Dec. 8. (Posted @ 11:50 PST)
Global warming pushing edges of tropics towards poles: study PARIS, Dec 2 (AFP): The greenhouse effect is causing Earth's zone of tropical climate to creep towards the poles, according to a study whose release Sunday coincided with the eve of a major UN conference on climate change. The poleward expansion of the tropics will have far-reaching impacts, notably in intensifying water scarcity in the Mediterranean and the US “Sun belt” as well as southern Africa and southern Australia, it warns. (Posted @ 11:40 PST)
Fire destroys large part of busy Indonesian airport JAKARTA, Dec 2 (AP): Domestic flights resumed Sunday at Polonia Airport, Indonesia's third-largest city, Medan, one of Indonesia's busiest airports. The fire destroyed the terminal and left one person injured, an official said. The cause of the fire, which broke out late Saturday, was believed to be a short circuit. Medan is the capital of Sumatra island. (Posted @ 10:20 PST)
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