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| January 11, 2008 | Friday | Muharram 01,1429 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
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Pentagon “extremely concerned” about Al-Qaeda in Pakistan WASHINGTON, Jan 11, 2008 (AFP)The Pentagon is “extremely concernedabout Al-Qaeda operations in Pakistan, US military chief Admiral Michael Mullen said Friday. Asked about Al-Qaeda in Pakistan, Mullen said: “We know it is having a significant impact, not just in Afghanistan, but certainly there are concerns about how much they have turned inward inside Pakistan. “I am extremely concerned about this.”(Posted @ 22:49 PST)
Musharraf warns against unilateral action on militants SINGAPORE, Jan 11 (Reuters) President Musharraf said any unilateral action by U.S.-led coalition forces against militants in Pakistan will be regarded as an invasion, Singapore's The Straits Times reported Friday. He said Islamabad will resist any entry by coalition forces in the tribal areas to hunt down militants, regarding that as a breach of Pakistan's sovereignty. “I challenge anybody coming into our mountains. They would regret the day,” he told the newspaper in an interview conducted in Rawalpindi. Musharraf also said he would resign if a government that emerged from elections, now scheduled for next month, sought his impeachment. He criticised Hillary Clinton's proposal to deploy a U.S., and possibly a British, team to safeguard Pakistan's nuclear assets. Her statement, Musharraf said, was an “intrusion into our privacy, into our sensitivity ... She doesn't seem to understand how well-guarded these assets are.” “If impeachment were their intention and they don't want to go along in a harmonious manner, I would like to quit the scene,” Musharraf said when asked what would happen if Pakistan People’s Party emerged a winner in the elections and mounted a bid to oust him with the support of Sharif's party. “If that happens, let me assure you that I would be leaving office before they would do anything.” (Posted @ 10:45 PST)
Pakistan's survival lies in good ties with India: Zardari New Delhi, Jan 11(PPI): Asif Ali Zardari, husband of assassinated former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, insists that “survival of Pakistan lay in having good relations with India. “Therein lies survival of Pakistan,” Zardari told Tehelka newsmagazine in an interview to be published in their forthcoming edition. Elaborating further, he said: “India should play a bigger role. Being bigger power in the region, (it) carries a larger responsibility because any upheaval, any Balkanisation, any Talibanisation, any warlord-like situation in Pakistan would directly affect India.” Asked about his carrying legacy of Benazir, Zardari said: “The first challenge is to win elections.” Placing current turmoil in Pakistan in historical context, he claimed: “We have been on faultline of the world. With terrorism becoming war of the future, time and people have managed to bring the war to our borders.” Zardari called on United States to “help Pakistan get a fine democracy so that we can be equal and helpful partners in world community”.(Posted @ 17:29 PST)
Pakistan paramilitary troops defeat militant attack in tribal region WANA, Pakistan, Jan 11 (AFP) Troops defeated an attack by hundreds of militants in a tribal region this week, inflicting heavy casualties, officials said Friday. The attack came hours after thousands of armed tribesmen met at Wana in South Waziristan Wednesday, vowing to organise a lashkar (legion) to hunt down Al-Qaeda-linked militants blamed for killing eight of their kinsmen. “Around 250-300 miscreants concentrated and attempted to attack Ladha Fort and Ladha Check Post on the night of January 9 to 10,” chief military spokesman Major General Waheed Arshad told AFP. He said the security forces retaliated with artillery and small-arms fire. “The miscreants were forced to retreat and reportedly suffered heavy casualties,” Arshad added without giving specific details. The tribal jirga or council at Wana came after militants killed eight tribal elders who were part of a government-sponsored peace committee. (Posted @ 13:10 PST)
Investigators eye tribal region in Lahore suicide attack LAHORE, Pakistan, Jan 11 (AFP) Pakistani investigators Friday said “tribal” elements were behind a suicide attack which killed 22 policemen in Lahore. But officers investigating Thursday's deadly blast on police said it was too early to determine who orchestrated it. “It seems that the incident has links in the tribal regions and Thursday's blast was the handiwork of those who have carried out similar strikes in other parts of the country,” senior police officer Aftab Cheema said. “The inquiry team is looking into all aspects of the crime and we hope to reach the bottom of the incident and those involved in it very soon.” The attack killed 26 people after a suicide bomber approached a group of about 60 riot police outside the Lahore high court and detonated a device packed with ball bearings. “We have tightened security all over the city and our force will ensure that no untoward incident takes place during the ongoing month of Moharram,” Cheema said. (Posted @ 13:45 PST)
Benazir’s death: Commission formed to assess damages in Sindh KARACHI, Pakistan, Jan 11 (APP) - A full time Commission has been constituted in Sindh Province on damages assessments in the aftermath of assassination of Benazir Bhutto. According to a notification issued by Sindh Government, the Commission will be headed by Usman Ali G. Issani. Its members include S. Anwar Haider, Senior Member, Board of Revenue, Sindh,Rasheed Alam, Special Secretary Home Department, Saud Ahmed D.I.G. Police, C.I.D., Karachi. The Commission will assess losses suffered by ordinary citizens as a result of acts of looting, robbery, arson and other unlawful activities in the aftermath of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, and to recommend adequate compensation. The Commission will submit its report within 30 days. The federal government has also constituted another commission, also to be headed by Mr Usman Isani, to evaluate the damage to private property throughout the country and recommend adequate compensation to the victims.(Posted @ 20:37 PST)
Curfew lifted in Pakistan’s Kurram Agency PARACHINAR, Pakistan, Jan 11 (APP): Clam returned to Kurram Agency and curfew has been lifted in Parachinar, but tight security arrangement has been ensured for peaceful observance of Muharram. Officials said Friday that peace was prevailing in Parachinar, headquarters of Kurram Agency, and the adjoining areas and no untoward incident has been reported since the truce between the two warring groups on January 4.(Posted @ 17:17 PST)
Cricket-Pakistan asks ICC to change result of Oval test KARACHI, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Pakistan has asked the International Cricket Council to change the official result of the Oval test against England played in 2006. England were declared winners after Pakistan forfeited the match on the fourth day in protest over umpire Darrell Hair's decision to penalise them for alleged ball tampering. It was the first forfeited result in test history. “We have moved the application on the basis of the ICC dropping the ball-tampering charges against our team,” said the official, who did not want to be named. “The good thing is that England supported our plea and the matter was discussed at the executive board meeting of the ICC and than referred to the cricket committee for discussion.” (Posted @ 16:10 PST)
UN nuclear chief presses Iran on cooperation TEHRAN, Jan 11, 2008 (AFP)UN nuclear watchdog chief Mohamed ElBaradei on Friday pressed Iran to intensify its cooperation with his agency to shed more light on the history of the disputed Iranian atomic programme.On his first visit to Iran for over one-and-a-half years, ElBaradei said he expected “accelerated cooperation” to resolve all questions over the nuclear drive, which the West fears could be used to make an atomic bomb.“We had a friendly and frank exchange of views about enhanced cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and how to clarify the outstanding issues,” ElBaradei said (Posted @ 22:46 PST)
Kenya opposition calls wave of protests NAIROBI, Jan 11 (Reuters)Kenya's opposition on Friday called three days of nationwide protests next week after mediation failed and the country's post-election crisis worsened.Raila Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) also called for international sanctions against President Mwai Kibaki, who was re-elected in a disputed Dec. 27 poll, saying world leaders would be irresponsible to trust him with “a single cent”.(Posted @ 22:47 PST)
Lebanon presidential vote postponed again BEIRUT, Jan 11 (AFP) - A parliamentary session to elect Lebanon's president was postponed on Friday to January 21, the 12th such delay, despite international efforts to get rival parties to agree on a compromise deal, the parliament speaker's office announced.(Posted @ 20:05 PST)
Bush arrives in Kuwait KUWAIT CITY, Jan 11 (AFP) - US President George W. Bush arrived in Kuwait on Friday on the first stop of a four-nation tour of Arab allies in the oil-rich Gulf region. Bush was due to hold talks with the Kuwaiti ruler later Friday and address US troops stationed in Kuwait on Saturday.(Posted @ 19:15 PST)
Nepal's delayed elections set for April 10 KATHMANDU, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Nepal will hold its first national elections in nearly nine years on April 10, to establish a special assembly to write a new constitution, formally declare the country a republic after more than two centuries of royal rule and replace the current interim parliament, Minister for Labour and Transport Ramesh Lekhak told reporters after a cabinet meeting Friday.(Posted @ 19:01 PST)
Cricket-Utseya to captain Zimbabwe in Pakistan ODI series KARACHI, Pakistan, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Zimbabwe have named off-spinner Prosper Utseya as captain for their Pakistan tour. Zimbabwe arrive in Pakistan on Saturday to play a four-day game and five one-day internationals. Zimbabwe's 15-member squad includes recalled players Ray Price and Gary Brent, according to the touring squad list submitted to the Pakistan Cricket Board. Zimbabwe play five one-dayers from Jan. 21 to Feb. 2 in Karachi, Hyderabad, Multan, Faisalabad and Sheikhupura. Squad: Vusimusi Sibanda, Hamilton Masakadza, Justice Chibhabha, Tatenda Taibu, Brendon Taylor, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Keith Dabengwa, Elton Chigumbura, Prosper Utseya (Captain), Gary Brent, Ray Price, Christopher Mpofu, Tawanda Mupariwa, Sean Williams, Timycen Maruma. (Posted @ 16:20 PST)
First snow for 100 years falls on Baghdad BAGHDAD, Jan 11 (AFP) - Light snow fell in Baghdad early on Friday in what weather officials said was the first time in about a 100 years. The snow which melted as it hit the ground, began falling before dawn and continued until after 9 am, residents said. (Posted @ 15:55 PST)
Cricket: Pollock announces Test retirement DURBAN, South Africa, Jan 11, 2008 (AFP)South Africa all-rounder Shaun Pollock has announced his retirement from international cricket. Pollock, 34, only returned to the South Africa line-up for the current test against the West Indies having been overlooked by selectors for Test duty in recent months.On Thursday he took 4-35 in 11 overs, but a day later Pollock announced his decision to retire.“I'd like to thank Cricket South Africa for allowing me the opportunity of repersenting my country for the last 12 years,” he said.
Militant threat on Eiffel Tower intercepted PARIS, Jan 11 (Reuters) - French intelligence services are tracking the authors of a message apparently describing a militant threat against the Eiffel Tower, the daily Le Monde said on Friday. The newspaper said Portuguese air traffic authorities had intercepted a “vague and confused” short wave radio message apparently describing a threat on Thursday, but were not “panicked” by the message, according to a police source.(Posted @ 20:51 PST)
Cricket-South Africa 556-4 dec v West Indies 23-0 & 139 Durban, Jan 11 (Reuters) - West Indies were 23 without loss in their second innings at the close of play on the second day of the third test in Durban on Friday. Scores:West Indies 23-0 and 139 ( Pollock 4-35). South Africa 556-4 (Smith 147, Prince 123 not out, AB de Villiers 103 not out).(Posted @ 20:48 PST)
Al-Qaeda leader killed in US air blitz: Iraq sheikh BAGHDAD, Jan 11 (AFP) A US air blitz on Al-Qaeda targets south of Baghdad killed a local leader of the network and at least 20 other militants, the head of an anti-Qaeda front said Friday. “Our information confirmed that Walid Khudair, also known as al-Jahash, leader of Al-Qaeda in the southern belts of Baghdad was killed,” said Mustaf al-Jaburi, leader of the anti-Qaeda “Awakening” group in Arab Jabour. “Twenty other terrorists were also killed,” Sheikh Jaburi, a tribal leader, told AFP. (Posted @ 15:15 PST)
Turkish warplanes bomb Northern Iraq: Iraqi Kurdish TV BAGHDAD, Jan 11 (Reuters) Turkish warplanes bombed border villages in Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq Friday morning, Iraqi Kurdish television said. Kurdistan TV, controlled by supporters of Kurdish regional President Masoud Barzani, gave no details of any injuries or damage to property. There was no immediate comment from Kurdish government officials and Reuters reporters in southeastern Turkey said they had not seen any warplanes take off from Turkish airbases. (Posted @ 14:30 PST)
Pakistan rejects call for conditions on U.S. aid ISLAMABAD, Jan 11 (Reuters) Pakistan rejected Friday a call by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for President George W. Bush to consider cutting Pakistani aid unless it restores full civil rights and does more to fight terrorism. Reid, a Nevada Democrat, told Bush in a letter that the assassination of Benazir Bhutto had deepened worries about Pakistan's future and President Musharraf's “dismal record of performance”. Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Sadiq said conditions should not be put on the “very important” relationship between the two countries. “We believe that any conditionalities attached to this relationship, or assistance, are not beneficial,” Sadiq said. “In Pakistan, decisions won't be taken because somebody demands them. They'll be taken according to our own laws and the conditions in this country,” he said. (Posted @ 13:30 PST)
Up to seven dead in Kazakh mine blast ALMATY, Jan 11 (Reuters) Up to seven miners died on Friday in central Kazakhstan in a blast which ripped through the Abaiskaya coal mine, Russian news agencies reported. A duty official at the mine told Interfax news agency seven bodies had been recovered so far. But RIA news agency quoted a local Emergencies Ministry spokesman as saying four miners had died. The Emergencies Ministry said a total of 195 miners had been working underground when the explosion shattered the mine at around 0930. One hundred workers had been evacuated, it said. (Posted @ 13:20 PST)
Sri Lanka rejects Tiger offer to abide by scrapped truce COLOMBO, Jan 11 (Reuters) Sri Lanka's government on Friday rejected a Tamil Tiger offer to abide by the terms of a newly-scrapped 6-year ceasefire, and vowed to push on with a military campaign to crush the rebels. “While the CFA (ceasefire agreement) was on they attacked civilian targets. So what they are trying to do is take cover under this and then unleash terror activities,” Keheliya Rambukwella, a minister and government defence spokesman, told Reuters. “We will be going on with our liberation operations. We need to liberate the whole country from terrorism,” he added. (Posted @ 13:00 PST)
10 aboard Air Canada flight hurt after plane hits turbulence CALGARY, Jan 11 (AP) An Air Canada jetliner made an emergency landing in Calgary on Thursday after 10 people were injured when the plane violently plunged and rolled, tossing passengers around the cabin during a cross-country flight. Air Canada did not immediately confirm the cause of the problem on the jet, which was carrying 88 people from Victoria, British Columbia, to Toronto. (Posted @ 09:55 PST)
US makes official protest to Iran over ship incident WASHINGTON, Jan 11 (AFP) The United States Thursday made a formal protest to Tehran over a weekend incident in which Iranian speedboats swarmed around US warships in the Strait of Hormuz, US officials said. “We have in fact now prepared and given to the Swiss a diplomatic note formally protesting this incident,” State Department spokesman Tom Casey said, adding he expected the note to be delivered shortly. Iran and the United States do not have formal diplomatic relations and Switzerland looks after US interests in Tehran via its embassy. Casey refused to give the details of the US protest, saying: “I would simply just say that it reiterated the points that we have made publicly over the last few days about this incident.” (Posted @ 09:40 PST)
Everest conqueror Edmund Hillary dies WELLINGTON, Jan 11 (AFP) Edmund Hillary, the first man to climb the world's highest mountain Mount Everest, died early Friday at the age of 88, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said. Hillary, who with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of the 8,848-metre Himalayan mountain on May 29 1953, had been in increasingly frail health in recent years. (Posted @ 09:00 PST)
Karachi Stocks down 167.90, points: KARACHI, Jan 11: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 13915.04, down 167.90, points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 16:02 PST)
Forex update: KARACHI, Jan 11: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 61.55, to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 16:02 PST)
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