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| January 10, 2008 | Thursday | Zilhaj 30, 1428 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
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Suicide bombing kills 26, injures 70 outside Lahore high court LAHORE, Pakistan, Jan 10 (AP/Reuters/AFP) - A suicide bomber blew himself up among police outside the Lahore High Court building Thursday, killing at least 22 policemen and 4 civilians, and wounding over 70 others, minutes before a planned anti-government protest rally of the lawyers latest reports said. “There were about 60 to 70 policemen on duty when a man rammed into our ranks and soon there was a huge explosion,” said police officer Syed Imtiaz Hussain who suffered wounds to his legs and groin. TV footage showed at least four mangled bodies on the ground close to a destroyed motorbike and a piece of smoking debris. The blast fired shrapnel as far as 100 meters away. It also shattered windows in the court house and set off volleys of tear gas shells carried by the police, witnesses said. Lahore’s chief of police operations Aftab Cheema said the bomber had run up to a barrier manned by police and blew himself up. He said 20 policemen and two civilians were killed. More than 70 others were wounded, including civilian passers-by, officials said. “It was a suicide attack,” Lahore police chief Malik Iqbal told Dawn News TV adding that 22 policemen died in the attack. He said police were “definitely” targeted. An Associated Press photographer at the scene of the attack saw the severed head of a man with long hair and beard, possibly that of the suicide bomber. Police constable Jameel Ahmed said the attacker was a man aged about 25 who had arrived outside the court building on a motorbike. “He parked his bike and walked up to the police and blew himself up,” Ahmed said. Police bomb disposal experts estimated the bomb contained up to 14 kilograms of explosive. The police had been deployed in front of the court premises ahead of a weekly lawyers' protest against the sacking of Supreme Court judges in November. The rally had been due to start about 15 minutes before the bomb went off. About 200 lawyers were inside the High Court at the time of the blast, and others were marching from a nearby district court. “Ijaz Nisar, caretaker chief minister of Punjab, said paramilitary Ranger troops have been deployed at strategic points in Lahore and the army was on standby. President Pervez Musharraf and caretaker prime minister Mohammadmian Soomro condemned the attack and reiterated resolve “to continue the fight against terrorism and extremism and not to be deterred by such acts,” the APP news agency reported.(Posted @ 18:06 PST)
Bush calls for an end of Israeli occupation JERUSALEM, Jan 10, 2008 (AFP) US President George W. Bush on Thursday called for an end to the 40-year Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and for the two sides to make the tough choices need for a peace deal.“There should be an end to the occupation that began in 1967,” Bush told reporters in Jerusalem after holding talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders on a landmark visit to the region.“Now is the time to make difficult choices,” he said.“The agreement must establish a Palestine as a homeland for the Palestinian people just as Israel is a homeland for the Jewish people. (Posted @ 23:02 PST)
Pakistan tribe says will take on al Qaeda fighters WANA, Pakistan, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Members of the powerful Wazir tribe of South Waziristan tribl area vowed Thursday to raise a militia aimed at forcing al Qaeda-linked foreign militants from their lands on the Afghan border. The decision came four days after gunmen, believed to be Uzbek militants, attacked two offices of a government-sponsored peace movement in South Waziristan and killed eight elders of the tribe. “A lashkar of 600 people will be organised tomorrow,” tribal elder Meetha Khan told a gathering in Wana, the main town in South Waziristan. Wazir tribesmen sheltering the foreigners must now give them up, he said. “The lashkar will give two options to those sheltering the foreigners: to stop sheltering them and return to their tribe, or face the eviction of their families from the area,” Khan said.(Posted @ 19:23 PST)
Indian submarine, cargo ship collide off Pakistan NEW DELHI, Jan 10 (AFP) - An Indian naval submarine on a routine mission collided with a cargo ship in the Arabian Sea off Pakistan, officials said Thursday, adding that there were no reports of casualties. The 2,500-ton INS Sindhughosh, with a crew of 53, sustained only “superficial damage” to its conning tower, Indian navy spokesman Nirad Sinha said. However, according to naval officials who asked not to be named, the vessel was seriously damaged.The navy declined to comment on the extent of damage to the merchant vessel or reveal its current whereabouts. The submarine has been towed to a naval dockyard at Mumbai. It was submerged and had its radars off and periscope down when it slammed into the ship off India's Diu island, 70 nautical miles from Pakistani waters. Last year, a 450-ton Indian navy patrol ship sank off India's Goa state after ramming a merchant carrier, prompting a massive mission to rescue 73 crew members from the Arabian Sea.(Posted @ 19:22 PST)
Kofi Annan taking over Kenya mediation NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 10 (AP) - Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is taking over mediation in a dispute over presidential elections that has left over 500 dead in Kenya, after his predecessor failed to get President Mwai Kibaki and his rival to even meet.Departing AU mediator John Kufuor, the president of Ghana, told reporters at the airport Thursday: “Both sides agree that there should be an end to violence.” An AU statement said Kufuor had won an agreement from Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga to work with a panel of eminent Africans led by Annan to resolve their differences.(Posted @ 19:41 PST)
Bush prays in Bethlehem BETHLEHEM, West Bank, Jan 10 (AFP) - US President George W. Bush prayed at the traditional birthplace of Jesus on Thursday, in a Bethlehem swamped by security forces, his first stop on a pilgrimage to some of Christianity's holiest sites. The president -- a fervent Christian -- landed by helicopter and then was whisked to the Church of Nativity in a motorcade through streets largely deserted as part of a massive security operation aimed at protecting him. “For those of us who practise the Christian faith, there isn't a more holy site than where our saviour was born,” Bush said as he came out of the church.(Posted @ 19:41 PST)
US warplanes pound Baghdad's southern outskirts BAGHDAD, Jan 10 (Reuters) - U.S. warplanes dropped 40,000 pounds of bombs on Thursday in a sudden and massive strike on more than 40 al Qaeda targets clustered in date palm groves on Baghdad's southern outskirts, the military said. The U.S. Air Force sent two B-1 bombers and four F-16 fighter jets, aiming at three large target areas in Arab Jabour. It followed the death of six American soldiers on Wednesday by an explosion in a booby-trapped house in northern Diyala province. “Thirty-eight bombs were dropped within the first 10 minutes, with a total tonnage of 40,000 pounds,” the military said in a statement. “Each bomber passed over twice and the F-16s followed to complete the set.” A spokeswoman said damage assessment was under way.(Posted @ 17:29 PST)
Six Pakistanis die as roof collapses in Afghanistan KHYBER AGENCY, Jan 10 (APP): Six persons of a family belonging to Mardan district (Pakistan) died when roof of their house suddenly caved in due to torrential rains at Doorbaba village in Afghanistan near Pak-Afghan border late Wednesday night.Afghan authorities handed over the bodies of the victims to Pakistani authorities at Pak-Afghan border on Thursday and these were later dispatched to their native area in Mardan. It is learnt that the victims were nomads and were involved in goods transportation.(Posted @ 20:39 PST)
Two Pakistan security personnel injured in rocket attack ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Jan 10 (APP): Two security personnel were injured when two rockets fired by miscreants hit a security post in South Waziristan Agency late Wednesdaynight.Troops deployed in the area retaliated with mortar and artillery fire, official sources said.(Posted @ 18:24 PST)
Cold, dry weather forecast for Pakistan ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Jan 10 (APP):Weather prophets have forecast cold and dry weather over most parts of Pakistan during the next 24 hours. Cold and dry weather condition is expected over Punjab with likely fog formation in most parts of southern Punjab. Heavy rain and hailstorm was recorded Thursday afternoon in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Widespread rain and snowfall in most parts of Kashmir and Nothern Areas is expected during the next 24 hours. and the possibility of landslides cannot be ruled out. Airlines operations are expected to be affected badly, a Met Office spokesman said.. Mainly dry weather is expected over most parts of Balochistan and Sindh.(Posted @ 18:39 PST)
Cricket-South Africa 213-1 v West Indies (139) Durban, South Africa, Jan 10 (Reuters) - South Africa were 213 for one in reply to West Indies first innings of 139 all out at the close on the first day of the third test in Durban on Thursday. Scores: South Africa 213-1 ( Smith 122 not out, Amla 55 not out) v West Indies 139 (Pollock 4-35).(Posted @ 20:27 PST)
Future Palestinian state has to be contiguous: Bush RAMALLAH, West Bank, Jan 10 (AFP): US President George W. Bush said Thursday that the future Palestinian state has to be contiguous. President Bush said he believed a Middle East peace treaty would be signed by the time he leaves office in a year, despite scepticism among Israelis and Palestinians. Bush, making his first visit to the occupied Palestinian territories, also voiced confidence about the emergence of an independent Palestinan state but said it had to be continguous. (Posted @ 15:20 PST)
Bush names general to monitor roadmap compliance JERUSALEM, Jan 10 (AFP) - US President George W. Bush has named General William Fraser to supervise Israeli and Palestinian compliance with the roadmap peace blueprint, a senior US official said on Thursday.(Posted @ 19:40 PST)
Tamil rebels want to continue 2002 cease-fire COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, Jan 10 (AP) - Separatist Tamil Tigers rebels said Thursday they want to continue a 2002 cease-fire with the Sri Lankan government, a week after Colombo officially withdrew from the truce. B. Nadesan, the group's political head, said in a statement the Tigers were “ready to implement every clause” of the Norway-brokered truce and respect it “100 percent.” The rebel group is banned in United States, India, European Union and Canada as a foreign terrorist organization.(Posted @ 18:23 PST)
Britain approves new nuclear reactors LONDON, Jan 10 (AFP) - The British government on Thursday approved a new generation of nuclear power stations, describing evidence in support of the move as “compelling”, a minister said. Business Secretary John Hutton told parliament: “The government believes that nuclear power stations should have a role to play in this country's future energy mix alongside other low carbon sources.” (Posted @ 16:50 PST)
Cricket: Pakistan coach Lawson wants team psychologist KARACHI, Jan 10 (Reuters): Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson wants to bring in a sports psychologist for his players. “I have made some recommendations to the Pakistan Cricket Board and one of them is having a sports psychologist with the team,” the Australian told reporters. Lawson came under fire from former players after Pakistan lost series to South Africa and India in the last few months.The PCB also told Lawson it expected him to get more out of the team. “I agree it is the job of the coach to make the team work,” said Lawson after returning from holiday in Australia. (Posted @ 15:35 PST)
Russian government forces kill 6 gunmen MAKHACHKALA, Jan 10 (AP): Government forces killed six suspected militants in clashes over the past three days in Russia's violence-plagued Dagestan region, authorities said Thursday. Two law enforcement officers have been injured since the start of the operation, which targeted a group of some 15 militants who were first tracked down Tuesday, the regional Interior Ministry said. (Posted @ 14:15 PST)
India's Tata Motors unveils $2,500 car NEW DELHI, Jan 10 (AP): India's Tata Motors Thursday unveiled its much anticipated US$2,500 car, an ultracheap price tag that suddenly brings car ownership into the reach of tens of millions of people. While the price has created a buzz, critics say the vehicle, called the Tata Nano, will lead to possibly millions more cars hitting already clogged Indian roads, adding to mounting air and noise pollution problems. (Posted @ 13:45 PST)
Fifteen feared killed in Indian held Kashmir avalanches SRINAGAR, occupied Kashmir, Jan 10 (Reuters): Seven Indian soldiers and eight army porters were feared killed after avalanches, triggered by heavy snow, hit army posts near the Azad Kashmir border, an army spokesman said Thursday. He said troops had launched rescue operations in Uri and Machil sectors in north Kashmir near the Line of Control (LoC). “Two bodies have been recovered so far, five soldiers and eight porters are still missing,” he said. (Posted @ 12:35 PST)
9 U.S. soldiers killed in two attacks north of Baghdad BAGHDAD, Jan 10 (AP): Nine American soldiers were killed in the first two days of a new American drive to kill Al-Qaeda fighters in Iraq holed up in districts north of the capital, the U.S. military reported Wednesday. Six soldiers were killed and four were wounded Wednesday in a booby-trapped house in Diyala province. The military also announced that three U.S. soldiers were killed and two were wounded Tuesday in an attack in Salahuddin province. (Posted @ 10:10 PST)
NATO says soldier killed by mine blast KABUL, Jan 10 (AFP): A soldier serving with the NATO-led force in Afghanistan was killed and another wounded Wednesday when their vehicle was hit by a mine, the alliance said. With the latest death, six foreign soldiers have been killed in combat or in accidents since the start of 2008, according to a toll compiled by AFP. (Posted @ 10:05 PST)
14 killed, 6 injured as bus plunges into ravine in China BEIJING, Jan 10 (AP): A bus veered off a highway and plunged into a ravine in southwest China, killing 14 people and injuring six others, Xinhua News Agency reported Thursday. The cause was still under investigation, it reported. (Posted @ 10:05 PST)
Two Italian tourists dead, 24 injured in Egypt tourist bus crash CAIRO, Jan 10 (AP): Two Italian tourists died and 25 others were injured in a bus crash Wednesday on Egypt's northern coast near El Alamein, the World War II battlefield, Egypt's state-owned Middle East News Agency reported. The tour bus overturned because of heavy rain along the country's main coastal highway linking Alexandria with neighboring Libya, MENA said. (Posted @ 10:00 PST)
Algerian coast guard pulls 38 boat people from water ALGIERS, Jan 10 (AP): The Algerian coast guard Wednesday pulled nearly 40 migrants trying to make their way to Europe from the sea. Coast guard officials in Annaba said 38 people were stopped, in two groups. Twenty migrants were stopped some 80 kilometers off the coast at El Kala, 670 kilometers east of Algiers. A cargo ship had alerted officials to the presence of the boat people in full sea. Another 18 migrants were stopped off the coast at Annaba, officials said. (Posted @ 09:55 PST)
Three Muslims shot dead in south Thailand YALA, Jan 10 (AFP): Three Muslims were shot dead by suspected Islamic rebels and seven others were injured in a string of shootings in Thailand's restive south, police said Thursday. A 34-year-old Muslim government official was gunned down Wednesday in a drive-by shooting in Yala. Later in the day, gunmen opened fire on five Muslims who were sitting outside a house in Yala, killing one and wounding four others. Militants also ambushed a motorcycle carrying three Muslims late Wednesday, police said, adding one man was shot dead with two others injured. (Posted @ 09:35 PST)
Alabama man says he threw 4 kids off bridge: police MOBILE, Jan 10 (AP): An Alabama father was charged with four counts of murder on Wednesday after he confessed to throwing four young children into the water from a high-rise bridge after an argument with his wife, police said. Searchers in boats and helicopters were scouring 100 square miles of coastal Alabama waterways for the children, who ranged in age from four months to three years and were presumed dead. (Posted @ 09:00 PST)
Karachi Stocks down 183.36 points: KARACHI, Jan 10: At the close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 14083.06, down 183.36, points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:15 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, Jan 10: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 62.75, to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:15 PST)
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