|
| March 22, 2008 | Saturday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 13, 1429 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (05:00 GMT)
|
 PPP names Yousuf Raza Gilani as Pakistan PM candidate ISLAMABAD, March 22 (AFP) – The Pakistan Peoples Party Saturday named ex-parliamentary speaker Yousuf Raza Gilani as its candidate to be the country's new prime minister. “I have great pleasure in calling upon Yousuf Raza Gilani in the name of Shaheed (martyr) Benazir Bhutto to accept the heavy responsibility to lead the coalition government and the nation,” said a statement by Bhutto's widower Asif Ali Zardari that was read out to reporters by party spokesman Farhatullah Babar. The statement said that Gilani was the “consensus” candidate of the coalition. Gilani is a stalwart figure in the PPP and friend of Zardari who spent five years in jail under Musharraf's regime on corruption charges that were later overturned. He was speaker during Benazir’s second term in power from 1993 to 1996 and a minister during her first term from 1988 to 1990. Party spokesman Farhatullah Babar would not comment on reports that Gilani would be a stop-gap premier until Zardari, who is not an MP, becomes eligible to stand for the post by contesting a by-election in May. The party struggled to settle on a candidate amid a power vacuum left by the charismatic Bhutto's assassination in December, with Gilani emerging only in the last week. The other contenders were ex-trade minister Ahmed Mukhtar, party president Makhdoom Amin Fahim and Punjab province party chief Shah Mahmood Qureshi. (First Posted @ 22:04 PST Updated @ 22:16 PST)  PPP, opposition candidates for Pakistan PM slot ISLAMABAD, March 22 (Agencies) The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) will announce the name of its candidate for prime minister later Saturday night, while the PML(Q)-led joint opposition will name its alternate candidate for the slot on Sunday. Benazir Bhutto’s 19-year-old son Bilawal will announce the name of the party’s candidate, PPP spokesman Farhatullah Babar said. PML-Q president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain announced the opposition’s decision to put up the alternate candidate after the MQM decided to withdraw Dr. Farooq Sattar from the contest. Shujaat told a news conference after consultation with likeminded opposition groups that they had decided not to let the PPP candidate go uncontested, but withheld the name of the candidate until Sunday. The new parliament is to meet on Monday to elect the prime minister, who is to be sworn in by President Musharraf on Tuesday. (First Posted @ 13:55 PST, Updated @ 19:14 PST) MQM delegation meets Shujaat and formally parts ways with opposition ISLAMABAD, March 22 (APP): Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) formally parted ways with the PML-Q on Saturday by announcing withdrawal of its candidate for premiership in favour of PPP. The announcement came after a meeting of a high powered MQM delegation with PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain at the latter's residence in Islamabad. Terming the decision “final” and taken in “larger interest of the people of Sindh”, Dr. Farooq Sattar, the opposition candidate for the top slot, told reporters that his party would now support the PPP candidate for the top slot, saying that this step would “help bridge the gulf between people of urban and rural Sindh.” Though Shujaat endorsed the MQM decision, tension was evident from the body language of all the PML-Q leaders present on the occasion. “We welcome the MQM decision keeping in view the negative and undemocratic trends already emerging in Sindh. Only today, a false FIR of murder has been lodged against our leader Sardar Ghous Bakhsh Khan Mehr. In this scenario, we greet the MQM decision even if they join the government in larger interest of their people. As they are our friends, we hope that being a part of treasury, they would resist any negative and undemocratic move against our leaders,” said Shujaat. However, Chaudhry Shujaat made it clear that the PML-Q would take its decision whether or not to field its candidate for the top slot. “We have convened a party meeting later in the day and final decision would be taken in the meeting,” he said. Farooq Sattar said: “Both the PML-Q and MQM have been friends and would remain so even if the PML-Q brings its own candidate and we do not caste our vote in its favour.” For the time being, he said, the MQM was a part of opposition, and it was now up to the PPP leadership to make the choice whether or not it wanted the MQM to join the government. Shujaat also defended the MQM decision, saying that if this step is not responded fairly, the doors “are open for the MQM to return'. Senators Mohammad Ali Durrani and Mushahid Hussain Sayed , Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Chaudhry Amir Hussain, Amir Muqam, and Tariq Azeem assisted the PML-Q president during the talks while the MQM delegation included Haider Abbas Rizvi, Iqbal Mohammad Khan and Abdul Wasim. (First Posted @ 12:25 PST, Updated @ 16:45 PST)  Governors summon assemblies in NWFP, Sindh, Balochistan KARACHI, Mar. 22 (APP) The governor of Sindh has summoned the provincial assembly session to meet at Sindh Assembly Building on April 5 at 11 a.m. According to another announcement, the NWFP Assembly has been summoned to meet on April 2 and Balochistan Assembly on April 7. At the inaugural session of the assemblies, the newly elected members will be administered oath. At the subsequent sessions, the assemblies will proceed to elect the speaker and the deputy speaker, followed by the election of the chief ministers. (Posted @ 18:48 PST Updated @ 20:34 PST) Pakistani leaders plan talks with militants: NYT WASHINGTON, March 22 (AFP): The leaders of Pakistan’s newly-formed coalition government intend to start negotiations with militants in a hope of ending the spate of bombings that has shaken the country, The New York Times reported on its website late Friday. It said Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan People's Party and Nawaz Sharif Pakistan Muslim League-N said in interviews that they will use military force only as a last resort. The talk of a softer approach to militants has alarmed US officials. Many Pakistanis -- the NYT report said -- are convinced the surge in suicide bombings (17 in the first 10 weeks of 2008) is retaliation for three Predator strikes since the year’s beginning. Speaking in separate interviews, Zardari and Sharif said they were determined to set a different course from Musharraf. Sharif is quoted as saying, “we will deal with them sensibly. When you have a problem in your family, you don't kill your own family, you sit and talk. Britain got the Ireland problem solution. So what's the harm in negotiations?” Zardari said the war against the insurgents has to be redefined as “Pakistan's war” for a public that has come to resent the conflict as being pushed on the country as part of a US agenda, The Times said. “Obviously what they have been doing for the last eight years has not been working,” Zardari said. (Posted @ 10:20 PST) Asif Zardari, Asfandyar Wali discuss government formation in centre and NWFP ISLAMABAD, March 22 (PPI): PPP Co-Chairman PPP Asif Ali Zardari drove to the parliament lodges and held talks with ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Saturday on formation of government in the centre and NWFP. (Posted @ 17:05 PST) Hangu death toll rises to four ISLAMABAD, March 22 (APP) Indefinite curfew has been clamped on the northwestern Pakistani town of Hangu after sectarian clashes Friday left at least four persons, including a policeman, dead and 25 others injured. The clashes occurred on the occasion of the Persian New Year 'Nawroz' and Eid Milad-un-Nabi. The two groups clashed with heavy weapons, including mortars and rockets. Officials said the administration held a series of jirgas to restore peace. (Posted @ 18:35 PST) Erra chief Altaf Salim resigns ISLAMABAD, March 22 (APP): Chairman of earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation authority (Erra), Altaf M.Salim has resigned from his office, sources in the authority said Saturday. “The prime minister has accepted Altaf Salim's resignation but he would continue to work till appointment of new chairman of the authority,” sources added. (Posted @ 23:08 PST) Teenage would-be suicide bomber caught: Afghan govt agency KHOST, Afghanistan, March 22 (AFP) - Afghanistan's intelligence agency said Saturday it had arrested a 14-year-old Pakistani boy who was planning a suicide car bombing in the eastern city of Khost. The teenager was arrested Thursday, Khost province deputy intelligence chief Mira Jan told AFP. He was caught with three Afghan men who had been driving him around the city to choose a site for an attack, Jan said. The boy told authorities he had come to Afghanistan to carry out an attack, he said. A car fixed with bombs was also found. (Posted @ 23:04 PST) Cheney arrives in Israel to push Mideast peace talks TEL AVIV, March 22 (AFP) - US Vice President Dick Cheney arrived in Israel on Saturday to promote recently revived Middle East peace talks as part of a nine-day tour of the region. (Posted @ 22:24 PST) Wasim Sajjad resigns as Leader of House in Senate ISLAMABAD, March 22 (PPI): Senator Wasim Sajjad met Caretaker Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro Saturday evening in Islamabad and submitted his resignation as Leader of the House in the Senate. Sajjad said he has done so in accordance with parliamentary traditions. The resignation was accepted, private TV channels reported. (Posted @ 21:54 PST) Cricket-Shoaib Akhtar given a week to make his case KARACHI, Pakistan, March 22 (Reuters) - Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been given a week to present himself before a disciplinary committee investigating charges that he violated the players' code of conduct. Nasim Ashraf, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), told a news conference Saturday that if Akhtar did not appear before the committee within a week to explain himself, a decision would be made regardless. Akhtar and leg spinner Danish Kaneria have been charged with criticising the PCB's policies after new central contracts were given to 15 players in January. Akhtar was dropped and Kaneria demoted from the contracts list. Ashraf said the governing body had cleared Kaneria, pacer Rao Iftikhar and allrounder Yasir Arafat to play in English county cricket this year. (Posted @ 20:04 PST) Cricket-ICC announces draw and schedule for Champions Trophy in Pakistan KARACHI, March 22 (Reuters) - The International Cricket Council (ICC) Sunday announced the schedule for the Champions Trophy tournament in Pakistan at Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi from Sept. 11 to 28. Due to the troubled security situation in Pakistan, the ICC has designated Sri Lanka as a reserve host country for the tournament. An ICC security delegation will carry out a final inspection visit of venues in Pakistan in June. Australia, India, Pakistan, and the West Indies have been placed in Group “A”, while Group B comprises South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and England. (Posted @ 19:48 PST) Cricket: Trescothick retires from England duty LONDON, March 22 (AFP) – Test opener Marcus Trescothick retired Saturday from international cricket, the England batsman's county, Somerset, announced. (Posted @ 18:22 PST) Bosnia mine blast kills two policemen, one worker SARAJEVO, March 22 (Reuters): Two Bosnian police officers and one civil protection worker were killed in a landmine blast in Masici village in eastern Bosnia Saturday, Fena news agency reported. The accident happened as police were called to mark and secure the ground before the arrival of mine clearers, it said. (Posted @ 17:55 PST) US air strike kills six in Iraq SAMARRA, Iraq, March 22 (AFP): An air strike by a US Apache helicopter near the central Iraq city of Samarra Saturday killed six Iraqis and wounded two, the U.S. military said. The assault had been launched after five people “were spotted conducting suspicious terrorist activity” in an area known for roadside bomb attacks, it said. (Posted @ 17:50 PST) 
Tropical storm kills five in northeastern Bangladesh SUNAMGANJ, Bangladesh, March 22 (AP): A tropical storm killed at least five villagers in northeastern Bangladesh, Mozammel Haq, a local Disaster Management and Relief Ministry official said. The storm also levelled around 3,000 huts Saturday in four villages of the Sunamganj district. (Posted @ 17:35 PST) Man dies, 10 wounded in road mishap near Sehwan Sharif Sehwan Sharif, Pakistan, March 22 (PPI): One passenger died while ten others sustained injuries in a collision between two passenger vans on Indus Highway near Aamri in Sindh province on Saturday. (Posted @ 17:10 PST) Hindus protest against sale of Indian artist's paintings NEW YORK, March 22 (APP): A group of hard-line Hindus Thursday staged a protest demonstration outside an international auction house where a painting by famed Indian artist, M.F. Husain, who has painted Hindu goddesses in the nude, was sold for a record $1.6 million. Husain's painting “Battle of Ganga and Jamuna: Mahabharata” went to an anonymous buyer. (Posted @ 17:00 PST) 
Mirwaiz criticizes India's reaction to OIC declaration ISLAMABAD, March 22 (APP): The Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyet Conference (APHC), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq addressing a Friday congregation at Central Jamia Masjid in Srinagar termed unrealistic India's response to recent OIC declaration on Kashmiri’s right to self-determination, KMS reported. The OIC summit at Dakar on March 16 had reaffirmed complete solidarity and support of Islamic world to the right to self-determination of the people of occupied Kashmir and termed it as one of the oldest unresolved issues on the OIC agenda. (Posted @ 16:50 PST) Ski gondola accident in Italy injures 14 ROME, March 22 (Reuters): Some 14 people were injured when a ski gondola rammed into a lift station in the resort town of Sestriere in northern Italy Saturday, police said. The accident happened when the gondola failed to stop as it entered the station and rammed into the support structure. (Posted @ 16:15 PST) Four Palestinians wounded in West Bank clashes NABLUS, West Bank, March 22 (AFP): At least four people were wounded, one of them seriously, when clashes erupted between Palestinian police and residents of a West Bank village Saturday, a security official said. “Around 200 police were sent to the village of Hawara south of Nablus to arrest wanted criminals. There was an exchange of fire between the police and the families of the wanted men,” the Palestinian official told AFP. (Posted @ 15:15 PST) Clashes end at Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon SIDON, Lebanon, March 22 (AFP): Quiet returned to Lebanon's largest Palestinian refugee camp Saturday after a ceasefire between militants and fighters of the mainstream Fatah faction ended heavy clashes. The hundreds of civilians who had fled the fighting in the densely populated Ain al-Helweh camp outside the southern port city of Sidon began returning to their homes after the truce took hold, an AFP correspondent witnessed. Fatah fighters exchanged rocket fire with militants of Jund al-Sham (Soldiers of Damascus) for some four hours in the camp's main street late Friday prompting the exodus of civilians. Gunshots were subsequently heard in Sidon itself, with a Fatah leader saying at least four people had been wounded. (First Posted @ 09:20 PST, Updated @ 15:10 PST) Three US soldiers killed in roadside bombing northwest of Baghdad BAGHGAG, March 22 (AP): A roadside bombing struck a U.S. patrol northwest of Baghdad Saturday, killing three American soldiers and two Iraqi civilians, the military said. (First Posted @ 13:45 PST, Updated @ 14:40 PST) Cheney, Saudi king discuss energy stability RIYADH, March 22 (AFP): US Vice President Dick Cheney and Saudi King Abdullah had a “very thorough” discussion of short, medium and long-term fixes to chaotic global energy markets, a US official said Saturday. In meetings that also included Oil Minister Ali al-Nuaimi, there was “a lot of commonality in their assessment about the structural problems confronted by the global energy market now, and some discussion of probably the way forward,” the official told reporters requesting anonymity. (Posted @ 14:00 PST)
District chief killed in north Afghanistan MAZAR-I-SHARIF, Afghanistan, March 22 (Reuters): An Afghan district governor was killed in the north of the country Saturday in an knife attack provincial officials blamed on Taliban insurgents. Karim Rokai, the governor of Khanaqa district in Jowzjan province, was killed in a knife attack, said provincial spokesman Mahbobollah Zari. (Posted @ 13:40 PST) Four injured in explosion along RCD Highway KHUZDAR, March 22 (PPI): Four persons including two policemen were injured in an explosion under a bridge along RCD highway Friday. Reports said explosives planted under a bridge near New Bus Addah along RCD Highway were set off by remote control. Four persons including two policemen were injured in the explosion. (Posted @ 11:00 PST) Tennis: Kuznetsova ends Sharapova's run INDIAN WELLS, California, March 22 (Reuters): Maria Sharapova's perfect start to the year came to a shuddering halt when she lost 6-3 5-7 6-2 to fellow Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova in the Pacific Life Open semi-finals Friday. Australian Open champion Sharapova, who had won her first 18 matches of the season, was outplayed when it counted by the second seed in a match lasting two hours, 19 minutes. Kuznetsova will face top-seeded Ana Ivanovic in Sunday's final, the Serb having beaten compatriot Jelena Jankovic 7-6 6-3 later on Friday. (Posted @ 10:25 PST) Mine sinks Sri Lanka navy craft, 11 sailors missing COLOMBO, March 22 (AFP): A Sri Lankan navy craft sank after hitting a mine off the island's north-eastern coast Saturday, leaving at least 11 sailors missing, a military source said. Five sailors from the fast attack craft (FAC) were rescued by another boat patrolling the waters off the Tamil Tiger stronghold of Mullaitivu district, the source said. “A survivor said his FAC started taking in water after a huge explosion,” said the source. (Posted @ 09:55 PST) Cricket: England 240 for seven at close of first day NAPIER, New Zealand, March 22 (AFP): England were 240 for seven at the close of the first day of the third and deciding cricket Test against New Zealand at McLean Park Saturday. Kevin Pietersen made 129 and Stuart Broad was not out 42, while Tim Southee had three for 46. The series is level 1-1. (Posted @ 09:45 PST) US soldier killed, 4 wounded in Baghdad BAGHDAD, March 22 (AP): The U.S. military says an American soldier has been killed and four others wounded in a rocket or mortar attack south of Baghdad. The death raises to at least 3,993 U.S. troops who have died since the war started five years ago. A statement said the soldier died of wounds sustained from indirect fire on Friday. The military uses the term indirect fire to describe a rocket or mortar attack. (Posted @ 09:45 PST) Former Kiwi cricket captain Merv Wallace dead at 91 WELLINGTON, March 22 (AP): Former New Zealand cricket captain and coach Merv Wallace died in Auckland at the age of 91, New Zealand Cricket said Saturday. Members of the New Zealand cricket team playing England in the third test at Napier on Saturday wore black armbands in Wallace's memory. He died Friday. Wallace made five half centuries in a 13-test career which spanned World War II, stretching from 1937 to 1953. (Posted @ 09:40 PST) Floods leave 16 dead in midwest America FENTON, Missouri, March 22 (AP): Americans fought Friday to save homes and businesses from rivers spilling over their banks after rainstorms blamed for at least 16 deaths moved through the Midwest. Thousands of people from Arkansas through Ohio were staying in shelters or with relatives as flood waters lapped against their homes. To the north, a fresh snowstorm blew through Minnesota and into Chicago area, forcing authorities to cancel flights. Forecasters said the storm could leave as much as 23 centimeters of heavy snow in the region. (Posted @ 09:30 PST) China says 19 killed in Lhasa unrest BEIJING, March 22 (AFP): China said Saturday Tibetan rioters killed 18 civilians and one police officer during protests against Chinese rule in the region's capital Lhasa, updating a previous toll. “Eighteen civilians and one police officer were confirmed dead by Friday night in the unrest that rocked Lhasa last week,” reported Xinhua, the state news agency. The report added that 241 police officers were injured, 23 seriously, and 382 civilians were injured, 58 seriously. “Rioters set fire to seven schools, five hospitals and 120 residences,” the Xinhua report said. “Eighty-four vehicles were burnt and 908 shops were looted.” (Posted @ 09:10 PST)
Malian Tuareg rebels kill 3 soldiers, capture 20 BAMAKO, March 22 (Reuters): Three Malian soldiers were killed and around 20 captured by Tuareg rebels who attacked a military convoy near the northeastern border with Algeria, Malian military authorities said Friday. The attack triggered a series of gunbattles between troops and rebels which went on for most of Thursday, a defence ministry official told Reuters. (Posted @ 09:00 PST) Russia regional TV chief killed MOSCOW, March 22 (Reuters): A well-known broadcaster and TV chief from Russia's North Caucasus was shot dead on Friday when gunmen opened fire on his car, Russian agencies reported. Gadzhi Abashilov, 58, was the chairman of the Dagestan State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company and a former journalist who had presented his own television programme until he took up his current post a year ago, Tass reported. (Posted @ 08:50 PST) ETA bombs police barracks in northern Spain CALAHORRA, March 22 (AFP): A car bomb exploded Friday at a police barracks in northern Spain's Rioja region following a warning from the Basque separatist organisation ETA, injuring one person, authorities said. It detonated at 1300 GMT, causing major damage but only one minor injury as the Civil Guard barracks and surrounding area had been evacuated, said Madrid's representative in the region. (Posted @ 08:45 PST)
PPP-MQM agree on consensus candidate for PM ISLAMABAD, March 21 (AFP/agencies) – Pakistan Peoples Party of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto will name its candidate for the post of prime minister on Saturday. “The process of consultation has been completed and the PPP will announce the name of its candidate tomorrow (Saturday) evening,” PPP spokesman Farhatullah Babar told newsmen late Friday. He did not give details about the final selection. “You will come to know, and the whole world will know about this in less than 24 hours,” Babar said. On a day of hectic political activity, PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari held a series of meetings with legislators and coalition partners including Nawaz Sharif (PML-N), Asfandyar Wali (ANP), Maulana Fazlur Rehman (JUI-F), another party leader Khursheed Shah said. More importantly, he contacted MQM chief Altaf Husain in London on telephone and inter-alia discussed with him the matter of a consensus candidate for the office of the prime minister. The MQM asked its coordination committees in London and Karachi to urgently deliberate on the issue and decided to withdraw the candidature of Dr Farooq Sattar from the post of prime minister, PPP spokeswoman Sherry Rehman told news waiting newsmen in Islamabad. Private tv channels reported that PML(Q) secretary general Mushahid Husain welcomed the development but the party chief Chaudhri Shujaat Husain expressed serious reservations saying that Dr Farooq Sattar was the candidate of the joint opposition of which the PML-Q was a major component and the MQM could not take the decision unilaterally. He had an urgent telephonic contact with Mr Altaf Husain and told newsmen that a final decision in the matter would be made known after the party’s high level meeting on Saturday. (Posted @ 21:16 PST) New Pakistan PM to take oath of office on March 25 ISLAMABAD, March 21 (APP): Pakistan’s next prime minister will take oath of his office Tuesday morning at the Aiwan-i-Sadr, President's spokesman Major General (Retd) Rashid Qureshi told APP. The President has already summoned the National Assembly to meet on Monday afternoon to elect the new leader of the house. Members of the federal cabinet are likely to take oath sometime later next week. Earlier, PPP spokeswoman Sherry Rehman told newsmen that MQM chief Altaf Husain had assured PPP Co-chairman Asif Zardari to withdraw MQM’s candidate Dr Farooq Sattar from the contest, and that the PPP would announce the name of the consensus candidate for the office of the prime minister on Saturday. (Posted @ 21:32 PST) Fahim presents two-point formula to Zardari for nomination of PM ISLAMABAD, March 21 (APP): Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians leader Makhdoom Amin Fahim said Friday in Karachi he had proposed to the PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari a two- point formula for the nomination of Prime Minister. Talking to a private news channel he said now it is upto Asif Ali Zardari on which point he shows his willingness. “I have presented a two- point formula to Asif Ali Zardari for nomination of Prime Minister slot. Now it is up to him to accept any one of them”, he said. Amin Fahim, however, refused to divulge the details of the formula. When asked about any contact by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari he said he had not yet received any request in this regard, but stressed that when he gets an invitation he would surely visit Islamabad. (Posted @ 19:20 PST) Indefinite curfew imposed after clashes in Hangu; 18 injured PESHAWAR, Pakistan, March 21(APP): Indefinite curfew has been imposed in Hangu district in North West Frontier Province by the administration following clashes between two rival groups on the eve of Jashn-i- Nouroze that left 18 persons injured which included a policeman. According to eyewitnesses, Jashn e Nourze festivities were in progress at Imam Bargah Railway Road in Hangu City when miscreants targeted the venue with mortar shells and rockets. The attack led to heavy firing from both sides as a result of which 18 people were injured, two seriously. The local administration imposed indefinite curfew and summoned an emergency meeting of the representatives of the rival groups to help restore peace. (Posted @ 19:26 PST) Curfew in Khairpur after seven injured in religious violence Karachi, Pakistan, March 21 (AFP) - Pakistani authorities imposed a curfew on Khairpur town in southern Sindh province after unknown gunmen opened fire on an Eid Milad-un-Nabi procession, mayor Niaz Shah said. “We have imposed a curfew to bring the situation under control,” he said. At least seven people were injured in an exchange of gunfire between rival groups, he added. A number of vehicles were torched, including an ambulance, a fire engine and a police van, the mayor said. Police have detained about a dozen people, he added. (Posted @ 20:10 PST) Three check-posts, girls school attacked in Pakistan tribal area PESHAWAR, March 21 (APP): Suspected militants Friday detonated three check-posts of Khasadar force and a girls school in the town of Darra Adamkhel, but no loss of life was reported. Explosive devices were planted near check-posts No.4 near Germany Kalay and Check Post No.7 and No.8 on Indus Highway. Another explosion occurred at Pirwal Akhorwal Government Girls High School and caused some damage to the school building. (Posted @ 19:48 PST) Pakistan shuts down 3 radio stations, arrests 8 over pro-Taliban broadcast PESHAWAR, Pakistan, March 21 (AP) - Pakistani troops shut down three FM radio stations Friday and arrested eight employees after the stations aired a speech by pro-Taliban cleric Maulana Fazlullah, the military said. Weapons, ammunition, audio cassettes and “provocative literature” were seized, and troops dismantled the stations' transmission equipment, the military said in a statement. The raids on the stations, which operated without a license, took place early Friday in North West Frontier Province’s Swat Valley. A day earlier, the stations had broadcast a recording of a fiery speech by Maulana Fazlullah, said Syed Akhter Ali Shah, a top police officer in Swat. “We believe one of Fazlullah's cassettes was used by the channels,” Shah said. “The man is on run ... law enforcement agencies are combing the area.” Shah said Fazlullah's speech Thursday was likely prerecorded, because of security concerns. (Posted @ 17:14 PST) Four injured in Khuzdar blast KHUZDAR, Pakistan, March 21 (APP)- Four people sustained injuries after an explosive device planted underneath a bridge went off in Khuzdar town in Balochistan province on Friday, police said. The injured included two policemen. (Posted @ 18:56 PST)
Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebrations in Pakistan KARACHI, MARCH 21 (APP): Eid Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of the holy Prophet, is being celebrated throughout Pakistan with great religious enthusiasm and fervor on Friday. Hundreds of processions have been taken out across the country, while scores of seminars, symposia and gathering are being held by various organizations. Major shopping centers have been bedecked with flags, and all major public and private buildings have been profusely illuminated. (Posted @ 18:54 PST) 4 killed in Pakistan as car plunges into ravine ABBOTTABAD, Pakistan, March 21 (APP): Four persons were killed when a car plunged into a ravine near Haira Gali in North West Frontier Province on Thursday. The car heading towards Nathiagali from Murree fell into the river while taking a sharp turn, killing all four occupants on the spot, police said. (Posted @ 19:32 PST) ML announces unconditional support for PPP’s Nawab Raisani QUETTA, Pakistan, March 21 (PPI): Muslim League parliamentary Group in Balochistan Assembly has announced unconditional support for PPP Parliamentary leader nominee Nawab Aslam Raisani for government forming in the province. This support was announced by ML Parliamentary leader Shaikh Jaffar Mandokhel at a Press conference Friday. Nawab Aslam Raisani and MPAs elect were also present on the occasion. (Posted @ 20:50 PST) Ch Zaheer nominated as opposition leader in Punjab PA LAHORE, March 21 (APP): President PML (Q), Punjab province, Ch. Pervaiz Elahi Friday nominated General Secretary PML-Q, Ch.Zaheer Ahmad as opposition leader and Ahmad Yar Hiraj as deputy opposition leader in Punjab Assembly. The candidate names for the slot of Speaker and Deputy speaker in the provincial assembly will be announced later, Pervaiz Elahi said while addressing a parliamentary meeting of PML-Q. He alleged that efforts were being made to change the loyalties of PML-Q MPAs in Balochistan and said that a three-member committee comprising S.M. Zafar, Dr Khalid Ranjha and Wasim Sajad has been established to take action against the parliamentarians who change their loyalties. (Posted @ 20:42 PST) Hockey: Pakistan lose last match 4-0 against China BEIJING, March 21 (APP): Pakistan's visiting hockey team comprising mostly new faces lost their last match against China by four goals to nil in Changzhou on Friday, but won the 5-test match series 3-2. (Posted @ 20:34 PST)
4 climbers killed in avalanche in French Pyrenees TOULOUSE, France, March 21 (AP) - An avalanche in the Pyrenees killed four hikers Thursday when a snow shelf gave way as they were climbing the Midi de Bigorre peak, officials in the town of Bagneres-de-Bigorre said Friday.. They were about 100 meters from the top of the peak when the shelf broke. The victims included a 47-year-old man and his 24-year-old son. (Posted @ 20:26 PST) Fire destroys Nigeria navy boats, at least 2 dead PORT HARCOURT, March 21 (Reuters) - Fire tore through a Nigerian navy base in the restive Niger Delta on Friday, killing at least two sailors and destroying four vessels, authorities said. “There was an electrical explosion this morning at the Nigerian Navy Pathfinder jetty. It was purely an accident,” said Sagir Musa, army spokesman in Port Harcourt, the Delta's main city. “Two naval men died in the explosion,” he said, adding that around three boats and a barge had been destroyed. One private security contractor involved in the oil industry said five Nigerian sailors had been killed. He said four bodies had been found and that divers were searching for a fifth. The Delta is home to Africa's biggest oil industry which exports around 2.1 million barrels per day. (Posted @ 20:20 PST) Blasts kill two Afghan police, NATO soldier KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, March 21 (AFP) - A suicide attacker blew himself up near a busy shrine in Arghandab area north of Kandahar city Friday, killing two policemen, while a NATO soldier was killed in a blast elsewhere, officials said. Another bombing in northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif, flooded with visitors for New Year celebrations, wounded four people Friday, a security official said. The suicide attacker in Arghandab detonated his explosives near a vehicle of police guarding a shrine where Friday prayers were being offered, officials said. Two policemen were killed and three were wounded in the attack. A civilian was also hurt. First reports said the attacker had been riding a bicycle. In a separate incident, a Bulgarian soldier with the NATO-led force died on Thursday after being struck by a bomb in the south, the alliance said. (First Posted @ 13:00 PST Updated @ 20:14 PST) Thousands protest blasphemous cartoons, film in Kabul KABUL, March 21 (AFP) - Thousands of demonstrators torched Dutch and Danish flags in Kabul Friday in the latest of a wave of protests against blasphemous cartoons and a film, police said. The demonstrators gathered following Friday prayers from various mosques chanting “Death to George W. Bush. Death to the Jews and Christians. This is a plot against Islam,” an AFP reporter at the scene said. There have been protests in most of Afghanistan's main cities against the reprinting of blasphemous Danish cartoons as well as a film set to be released this month by a far-right Dutch lawmaker. The protesters set fire to flags and an effigy of the Dutch film maker. (Posted @ 18:16 PST) Ex-rival Richardson backs Obama in White House race WASHINGTON, March 21 (AFP) - Former White House hopeful Bill Richardson, a one-time member of the Clinton administration, said Friday he was endorsing Senator Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination. “After careful and thoughtful deliberation, I have made a decision to endorse Barack Obama for president,” he said in a statement. (Posted @ 17:40 PST) Two children killed while toying with grenade in occupied Kashmir SRINAGAR, occupied Kashmir, March 21 (AFP) - Two boys, aged five and 14, were killed Friday in Doda district of revolt-hit occupied Kashmir when a hand grenade they mistook for a toy exploded, police said. The Muslim children's deaths came two days after Indian soldiers shot dead four suspected militants in the area. Police said they believed the grenade had fallen during the clash. (Posted @ 17:35 PST)
In second message by bin Laden in 2 days, al-Qaida leader calls for holy war for Palestine CAIRO, Egypt, March 21 (AP) - Osama bin Laden slammed Palestinian negotiations with Israel and urged holy war for the liberation of Palestine in a new audio tape. The audio _ the second by bin Laden in as many days _ said that “Palestine cannot be retaken by negotiations and dialogue, but with fire and iron.” Bin Laden also called on Palestinians who are unable to fight in the “land of Al-Quds” to join the al-Qaida fight and the jihad in Iraq. “The nearest field of jihad today to support our people in Palestine is the Iraqi field,” said bin Laden in the approximately 11-minute tape, excerpts of which were first broadcast Thursday by pan-Arab Al-Jazeera television. The entire tape appeared Friday on an Islamic militant Web site. (Posted @ 17:30 PST) Cheney arrives in Saudi Arabia RIYADH, March 21, (AFP) - US Vice President Dick Cheney arrived in Saudi Arabia Friday, looking to press King Abdullah to do more to help Iraq and Afghanistan and seek ways to stabilize the world energy market, top aides said. (Posted @ 16:46 PST)
Israel grounds some F-16 fighters over cancer fears JERUSALEM, March 21, (Reuters) - The Israeli air force said on Friday it was suspending training flights using U.S. made F-16I fighter jets after finding a suspected cancer-causing substance in the cockpit. Israel informed Lockheed Martin Corp, the U.S. defence contractor that manufactures the F-16, that formaldehyde residues were leaking into the cockpit, the military said in a statement. (Posted @ 16:35 PST) Abu Sayyaf militant slain in southern Philippines military operation ZAMBOANGA, Philippines, March 21 (AFP) Security forces shot dead an Abu Sayyaf militant in an operation near the town of Patikul in the southern Philippine island of Jolo Friday, the military said. (Posted @ 14:10 PST)
Hamas activist killed in Gaza blast GAZA, March 21, 2008 (AFP) A Hamas activist was killed and two other members of the group were wounded in an accidental explosion at a training camp in Gaza Friday, medics and witnesses said. Wael Hammudeh, 30, was killed in the explosion in a camp of the armed wing of Hamas in southern Gaza. (Posted @ 13:05 PST) Sri Lanka's military says 30 killed in latest fighting COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, March 21 (AP) Sri Lankan troops ambushed Tamil rebels with a roadside bomb, overran bunkers and engaged in firefights across the island's north, killing 29 insurgents, the military said in a statement Friday. Meanwhile, a soldier was killed by rebel mortar fire Thursday in Welioya. Soldiers set off a roadside bomb that killed five rebels travelling on a tractor trailer Thursday in a rebel-controlled part of Vavuniya district, the military said. Also Thursday, soldiers pushed into rebel strongholds and destroyed three bunkers. Separate firefights were reported in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Mannar and Welioya districts, the statement said. Altogether 24 rebels were killed in those clashes, it said. Rebel spokesman Rasiah Ilanthirayan could not be reached for comment. (Posted @ 12:20 PST) Four killed in southern Thai unrest YALA, Thailand, March 21 (AFP) Four people, including two police officers, were killed in attacks by suspected separatists in southern Thailand Friday, police said. The officers were killed in a 10-minute gun battle with militants in Yala. The body of a suspected militant was found after the shoot-out as security forces searched the area for other rebels, police said, adding that the clash came after an imam was shot dead at a mosque in nearby Pattani province late Thursday. (Posted @ 12:15 PST) State Department fires two, disciplines one for looking at Barack Obama's passport file WASHINGTON, March 21 (AP) Two contract employees for the State Department have been fired and a third disciplined for inappropriately looking at Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's passport file, and the department is investigating whether political or other motives were involved, senior officials said. Spokesman Sean McCormack said Thursday that for now it appears that nothing other than ''imprudent curiosity'' was involved in three separate breaches of the Illinois senator's personal information. The breaches occurred on January 9, February 21 and March 14, and were detected by internal State Department computer checks, McCormack said. (Posted @ 10:10 PST) Thai activist sets himself ablaze outside parliament BANGKOK, March 21 (AFP) A 44-year-old Thai activist doused himself with gasoline and set himself ablaze Friday morning in front of the parliament building, reportedly in protest at a vote fraud case, police said. The activist identified as Man Truatmanka suffered burns over more than 90 percent of his body and was hospitalised in very critical condition, police Lieutenant Colonel Ekachai Srirahong told AFP. Thai media reported that Man burned himself to demand the resignation of parliament speaker Yongyut Tiyapairat, who has been charged before the Supreme Court of bribing local officials in northern Thailand to campaign for the ruling People Power Party (PPP) in elections in December. (Posted @ 09:25 PST) Strong quake hits remote part of northwest China BEIJING, March 21 (AFP) A powerful earthquake hit a sparsely populated area of northwestern China Friday causing some damage to villages but there were no immediate reports of casualties, local officials said. The 7.2-magnitude quake struck at 6:33 am, 140 miles southeast of Hotan city in Xinjiang province at a depth of 23 miles, the US Geological Survey said. (Posted @ 09:10 PST)
Founder: Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah
|
