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| March 20, 2008 | Thursday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 11, 1429 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
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 Pakistan National Assembly summoned to elect premier on Monday ISLAMABAD, March 20 (AFP) President Pervez Musharraf Thursday summoned Pakistan's new parliament to convene on March 24 to elect a prime minister, his spokesman Major General (Retd.) Rashid Qureshi told AFP. “The president has been pleased to summon the national assembly on Monday, March 24 at 4:00 pm for ascertainment of the member who commands the confidence of the majority of members of the assembly.” The newly-elected National Assembly was convened on March 17 when the members were administered oath. On Wednesday, the lower house elected the Speaker (Fehmida Mirza) and Deputy Speaker (Faisal Karim Kundi), both representing the Pakistan People’s Party, which has however not yet named its candidate for the premiership. (Posted @ 18:18 PST)  Pakistan test-flies pilotless plane ISLAMABAD, March 20 (AFP) - Pakistan on Thursday conducted a successful test flight of a pilotless plane, the military announced. Flight data from the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) named “Uqaab,” showed the exercise had been successful, it said in a statement. “The performance of UAV can be compared to any modern state-of-the-art UAV in its category,” the statement said, adding that the flight test was preceded by a series of trial last year. The successful test “reflects Pakistan's continued efforts for self-reliance in the field of defence,” it said. Pakistan army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, who witnessed the test, congratulated the scientists and engineers on their “outstanding success.” ”This would go a long way in strengthening Pakistan's defence,” the statement quoted him as saying. (Posted @ 21:12 PST) Suicide blast kills five at Pakistan army camp PESHAWAR, Pakistan, March 20 (AFP): A suicide car bomber attacked a Pakistan army base in Wana, the main town in South Waziristan district Thursday, killing at least five soldiers and wounding a dozen others, officials said. “It was a suicide attack. Five troops lost their lives and a dozen others were wounded,” a local security official told AFP requesting anonymity. “An army truck, some cars and soldiers were stationed at the gate of the camp and the bomber rammed his vehicle into them and blew himself up,” the official said. Another official confirmed his account of the attack. An army spokesman said they were investigating a blast targeting troops in Wana, but did not give details. (First Posted @ 16:04 PST, Updated @ 16:40 PST)  Three soldiers killed in Indian wargames NEW DELHI, March 20 (AFP) - At least three Indian soldiers were killed during military manoeuvres near its border with rival Pakistan, officials said Thursday. Two others, including an officer, were injured when a mortar shell exploded on Wednesday during the drill at Pokhran in the western desert state of Rajasthan, defence ministry officials said. “An inquiry has been ordered into the accident,” a ministry official said, asking to remain unnamed. The exercise involved 37,000 troopers, tanks and war jets and for the first time India invited observers from several countries including China to the one-day event. India is shopping for military hardware worth 30 billion dollars by 2012 to replace some of its ageing Soviet-era Russian armaments with the latest equipment. (Posted @ 21:16 PST) Fazl decides to sit on opposition benches in NWFP ISLAMABAD, March 20 (APP): Jamiatulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman Thursday said his party has decided in principle to sit on the opposition benches in NWFP assembly. Talking to newsmen he said the problems of tribal areas can be addressed through negotiations and jirga system. “If the government wants my help in this regard, I will extend my cooperation at all length possible,” he said. Maulana Fazl said his party would go along with the main parties on the issue of restoration of the judges of superior courts and added that his party supports an independent judiciary. (Posted @ 17:35 PST) PA sessions after PM takes oath: Governor Khalid Maqbool LAHORE, March 20 (APP) Punjab Governor Lt. Gen. (R) Khalid Maqbool has said that Punjab Assembly's inaugural session would be convened soon. “Prime Minister will be elected within a few days and after that provincial assembly's inaugural session will be convened,” he told reporters after addressing the Seerat conference Thursday. (Posted @ 17:52 PST) Fire erupts on the first floor of Board of Revenue, Sindh KARACHI, March 20 (APP): A big blaze Thursday engulfed the offices of Board of Revenue Sindh, adjacent to the Sindh High Court building. The fire erupted in the first floor of the BOR offices where most of the land record is kept. Fire Brigade vehicles reached the site immediately and started efforts to put out the fire. (Posted @ 13:10 PST) Problems of people will be resolved: Bilawal LARKANA, Pakistan, March 20 (APP)- The Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, visited the grave of her mother Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in Ghari Khuda Bux on Thursday, and also laid floral wreaths and offered 'Fateha' at the graves of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Mir Murtaza Bhutto. He met with the people and district office bearers of PPP and called for organizing and strengthening the party at the grassroots level. He said that the incoming government is an Awami one and would tackle the problems of unemployment, price hike and lawlessness on priority basis. Later, he left for Karachi on way to Islamabad. (Posted @ 20:06 PST) Cheney says he expects new Pakistan govt to be good allies KABUL, March 20 (AFP): US Vice President Dick Cheney said Thursday he expected the new Pakistan government to be “good and effective” US allies, as he made a surprise visit to neighbouring Afghanistan. “I expect they'll be good and effective friends and allies of the United States, just as the previous government has been,” Cheney told a news conference. “I have no reason to doubt their commitment to dealing with the problems that emerge,” the vice president said. (First Posted @ 12:10 PST, Updated @ 14:25 PST) Cricket- Pakistan, India in same group for Asia Cup LAHORE, Pakistan, March 20 (AFP) India and Pakistan have been placed in the same group for this year's Asia Cup to be hosted by Pakistan in June-July, the Asian Cricket Council announced Thursday. Hong Kong complete the group B lineup, while defending champions Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) form Group A for the ninth edition of the tournament, ACC chief executive Ashraful Huq told AFP. He dispelled fears that the 200,000 dollars event was in doubt after Australia postponed their tour of Pakistan over security fears. “Australians are unaware of our culture and they don't have an idea that no sporting activity has ever been hurt in Asia,” said Huq. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf promised “extraordinary security reserved for state heads” for the event. “Karachi will host ten of the thirteen matches, while Lahore will host three and since the event is played in the summer season all matches will be day-night, starting late in the afternoon,” Ashraful later said at a press conference. “Karachi will host the final. Pakistan Cricket Board will announce the full schedule of the event in due course.” The first Asia Cup was held in 1984 at Sharjah in the UAE. India have won it four times, Sri Lanka three times and Pakistan once. It is the first time Pakistan is hosting the event. (Posted @ 19:20 PST) Cricket: Sri Lanka confirm one-day series in Pakistan LAHORE, Pakistan, March 20 (AFP) - Sri Lanka have agreed to play a five-match one-day series in Pakistan to help fill the gap created by the postponement of Australia's tour over security fears. “We are thankful to the Sri Lankan board, who have agreed to tour for a series of five one-day internationals on our invitation,” Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Nasim Ashraf told reporters Thursday. The series is likely to take place after Sri Lanka ends a tour of the West Indies on April 15. Pakistan have already convinced Bangladesh to take part in a tour that includes a five-match one-day series and a Twenty20 international from April 7 to 22. Cricket Sri Lanka chairman Arjuna Ranatunga praised Pakistan's support for his country and said he was ready to send his team. “India and Pakistan have always supported us in our needs like big brothers so I am ready to send my team whenever Pakistan want,” Ranatunga said. The PCB said dates of the series will be finalized shortly. (Posted @ 19:02 PST) 
UN strengthens coordination role in Afghanistan UNITED NATIONS, March 20 (AFP) - The UN Security Council on Thursday unanimously agreed to extend and strengthen the mandate of the UN mission in Afghanistan to ensure better coordination with NATO-led forces and Kabul against the resurgent Taliban. (Posted @ 20:52 PST) Two killed, five injured in road accident JHANG, March 20 (APP): At least two children were killed and five others students sustained multiple injuries in a road accident took place on Chiniot road, near Khewa, 25 kms kilometer from Jhang town in Punjab province. The accident occurred when a Jhang-bound bus hit an auto-rickshaw carrying school students, killing a boy and his sister, and injuring five others, police said. (Posted @ 20:38 PST) US intelligence believes voice is Bin Laden: White House WASHINGTON, March 20 (AFP) - US intelligence agents believe the voice on a new message attributed to Osama bin Laden is in fact that of the Al-Qaeda leader, the White House said Thursday. “I know that the intelligence community has analyzed the tape and they do believe that it is the voice of Osama bin Laden,” said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino. In the audio message, released on a website on Wednesday, bin Laden warns Europe of a “reckoning” for publishing blasphemous cartoons. Separately, a US intelligence officer speaking on condition of anonymity said that “the CIA has analyzed it and has a high degree of confidence that it is the voice of Bin Laden.” The audio message was addressed to the “intelligent ones” in the European Union, and said that publishing the “insulting drawings” was a greater crime than Western forces targeting Muslim villages and killing women and children. The “reckoning for it will be more severe,” he said, according to a transcript of the message provided by the Virginia-based IntelCenter. At least 17 Danish dailies on February 13 reprinted the blasphemous cartoons. (Posted @ 19:54 PST) US invasion of Iraq caused 300,000 deaths: Russia MOSCOW, March 20 (AFP) Russia's foreign ministry said Thursday the invasion of Iraq five years ago had turned the country into “one of the most dangerous places on the planet” and led to the death of up to 300,000 people. “The results are clear,” Mikhail Kamynin, a ministry spokesman, said in a statement, referring to the casualties of what he called “a huge military operation without UN approval” launched by the United States and its allies. “Up to 300,000 people, according to different estimates, have been killed since the invasion,” Kamynin said. “More than two million people have left their homeland and the number of internal immigrants is more than 2.5 million,” he continued. “Iraq has turned into one of the most dangerous places on the planet.” Russia opposed the US-led war on Iraq which began on March 20, 2003 when US planes dropped the first bombs on Baghdad. (Posted @ 18:26 PST) Cheney, Karzai want more effort in Afghanistan KABUL, March 20 (AFP) US Vice President Dick Cheney and Afghan President Hamid Karzai jointly appealed Thursday for NATO to sustain and even expand efforts to secure and rebuild war-torn Afghanistan. “The United States and the other members of the coalition need to have a sufficient force here to be able to ensure security,” Cheney told reporters after meeting Karzai. Karzai said that Afghan security forces, being built with international assistance, would not be able to stand on their feet for some time. Cheney's trip to Afghanistan is part of a tour that includes stops in Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the West Bank and Turkey. A senior aide stressed however it was not intended to set the stage for military action against Iran. “That's not what these discussions are about,” the aide told reporters requesting anonymity. (Posted @ 18:50 PST) Bush OKs supplying arms to Kosovo WASHINGTON, March 20 (AFP) President George W. Bush authorized Wednesday supplying Kosovo with weapons, signalling the establishment of government-to-government relations after recognizing its independence, the White House said. In a memo to the State Department made public by the White House, Bush said: “I hereby find that the furnishing of defence articles and defence services to Kosovo will strengthen the security of the United States and promote world peace.” (Posted @ 18:40 PST) 
35 injured in Pakistan road accident ARIFWALA, Pakistan, March 20 (APP) Thirty five persons, including eight children and ten women, were injured in a road accident near the town of Arifwala in Punjab province Thursday. Police said a Multan bound bus from Kasur carrying 70 passengers overturned after one of its tyres burst on the National Highway. In another road mishap, 24 persons, including 22 children, were injured following a head-on collision between a passenger Mianwali-bound bus and a school van in Joharabad town also in Punjab province Thursday morning. (Posted @ 18:02 PST) Passenger train in Kerala derails, 12 injured NEW DELHI, March 20 (APP) Twelve persons, including six women, were injured when seven coaches of Madurai-Kollam passenger train derailed in Tirunelveli-Nagercoil section in the Indian state of Kerala early Thursday morning, All India Radio reported. (Posted @ 17:30 PST) Turkish warplanes bomb PKK targets in northern Iraq ANKARA, Turkey, March 20 (AP): Turkish warplanes on Thursday bombed Kurdish rebel hideouts in northern Iraq, private news channel NTV reported. The planes flew reconnaissance flights over the border area before bombing targets of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, the station said, citing Iraqi Kurdish officials. There were no reports of injuries to civilians, it said. There was no immediate confirmation of the new attack from the Turkish military. (Posted @ 16:50 PST)
NATO troops kill one Afghan policeman, wound another in southern Afghanistan KANADAHAR, Afghanistan, March 20 (AP): NATO-led troops killed a police officer and wounded another in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province, provincial police chief Mohammad Hussein Andiwal said Thursday. The policemen were patrolling in the area when the incident happened, Andiwal said. (Posted @ 16:12 PST) Russian jet crashes after own weapon explodes VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, March 20 (AFP): A Russian fighter jet that crashed Thursday probably went down after one of its own weapons exploded, Interfax news agency reported, citing a source close to the crash inquiry. “The head of flight control reported that he saw a flash under the fuselage of the strike plane. More than likely one of the weapons exploded,” the source was quoted as saying. The SU-25 strike aircraft crashed, killing its pilot, during a training flight above a military range in Russia's Far East region of Primorye, a local official from the emergency situations ministry said. Local radio reports said the plane had exploded in the air. (FirstPosted @ 10:15 PST Updated@ 15:40 PST) Explosion at Hamas training base kills two militants GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip, March 20 (AP): Palestinian militants accidentally set off a large blast while mishandling explosives at a Hamas training base in the central Gaza Strip Thursday, killing two members of the group and wounding another, Palestinian medical officials said. Hamas initially blamed Israel for the blast, but later acknowledged the explosion was accidental. Dr. Moaiya Hassanain, a Palestinian Health Ministry official, confirmed the deaths. Also Thursday, Hassanain said Israeli troops killed a 60-year-old Palestinian farmer near the Gaza-Israel border. The Israeli military had no comment. (First Posted @ 12:35 PST Updated @ 15:38 PST) Sri Lanka says 22 rebels killed in fresh fighting COLOMBO, March 20 (AFP): Fighting between government troops and Tamil Tigers across Sri Lanka's northern districts claimed at least 22 rebel lives, the defence ministry said Thursday. Security forces killed the rebels during artillery duels in Jaffna, Weli Oya, Mannar and Vavuniya Wednesday, the ministry said, adding that two soldiers were wounded. (Posted @ 13:25 PST) Palestinian shot dead by Israeli troops in Gaza GAZA CITY, March 20 (AFP): A Palestinian civilian was shot dead by Israeli troops in the southern Gaza Strip Thursday, medics and witnesses said. Hassan Abed, 60, was shot in Al-Qarara near the border fence between the Hamas-run territory and Israel. (First Posted @ 12:35 PST, Updated @ 13:05 PST) Nine killed in Chechnya firefight: Russian agencies MOSCOW, March 20 (Reuters): Nine people died overnight in armed clashes between security forces and freedom fighters in the war-torn south Russian region of Chechnya, Russian news agencies reported on Thursday. Five security officers, three separatists and a passer-by were killed during the gun battle in the Urus-Martanovskiy district just after 1900 GMT on Wednesday night, Interfax reported. (Posted @ 10:55 PST)
At least 160 arrested in U.S. antiwar protests WASHINGTON, March 20 (Reuters): More than 160 people were arrested across the United States on Wednesday as protesters marking the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq obstructed traffic and tried to block access to government offices. There were 32 arrests in Washington after demonstrators attempted to block entrances to the Internal Revenue Service, while 30 others were arrested outside a congressional office building, police said. Protesters had hoped to shut down the IRS, the U.S. tax collection agency, to highlight the cost of the war. (Posted @ 09:35 PST) Nine killed in weather-related accidents in US NEW YORK, March 20 (AFP): At least nine people were killed and several others went missing Wednesday in central United States after three days of driving rain, police said. We have five fatalities in three car crashes in Kentucky said a state police spokesman. In Missouri, four people were killed and hundreds more were evacuated by floods, while in Texas police were searching for a missing teenager, police officials said. (Posted @ 09:15 PST) Karachi Stocks up 29.65 points: KARACHI, March 20: At close of trading,the KSE-100 index was at 14994.07, up 29.65 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:15 PST) Forex update: KARACHI, March 20: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 63.25 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:15 PST)
Founder: Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah
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