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| July 14, 2008 | Monday | Rajab 10, 1429 |
Updated round-the-clock, with major updates after 10:00 PST (06:00 GMT)
 US supports Pakistan's policy on terrorism: PM ISLAMABAD , July 14 (APP): Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Monday said the United States supports his government's policy on combating terrorism and extremism in the country. However, Gilani said the US has its own concerns over the involvement of foreign elements in terrorist activities on Pakistani soil so that there are no major mishaps in future. Talking to newsmen after attending a function of the National Highway Authority, he said terrorists should be separated from the people who want peace in their areas. Replying to a question, the prime minister said the parliament was sovereign in its decisions and the government believes in consultation with all parties. Gilani dispelled the impression that PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari influenced government's decisions and said consultations are however made at all levels. On the possibility of MQM members joining the cabinet, Gilani said the decision would be taken after consultation. According to private TV channels Gilani said the presence of foreigners including Uzbeks, Chechens etc was a very serious matter. (Posted @ 17:10 PST)  Shahbaz Sharif deplores injustices to Balochistan QUETTA, July 14 (PPI) - The issue of restoration of judges is part of PML (N) manifesto and we have taken oath for this, visiting Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said at a Press conference here Monday. Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Mohammad Aslam Raisani, PML (N) leaders Raja Zafarul Haq, Zulfiqar Khosa, Mehtab Abbasi, Ahsan Iqbal, and provincial ministers were also present. Shahbaz Sharif said we would not give any deadline for restoration of judges nor resign from the assemblies. We have told PPP to fill the cabinet slots; we would support them and sit on treasury benches. Answering another question he said distribution of resources under NFC Award is on the basis of population but backwardness, area, deprivation etc should also be taken into account. He said the 1973 constitution was finalized with consensus and envisaged that the Federating Units get equal opportunities. “Let's form Chief Ministers Coordination Committee which should meet once a month to sort out problems and resolve them,” Shahbaz Sharif proposed. Balochistan suffered excesses during the past 60 years. We condemn it.. We also strongly condemn the killing of Nawab Akbar Bugti. We also condemn injustices committed with the Pashtoon and Baloch people. Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani while thanking Mian Shahbaz Sharif said we must ensure maximum powers to the provinces .For this we have to wage a joint struggle. People, bureaucracy and politicians should work jointly to live up to the expectations of the nation, he added. (Posted @ 19:36 PST)  Punjab announces ”Goodwill package” for Balochistan QUETTA, July 14 (PPI): Punjab has announced a “ goodwill package” for Balochistan. The package was announced by Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif at his meeting with Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Mohammad Aslam Raisani here Monday. Addressing a Press conference, Shahbaz Sharif said the package includes additional 50 thousand metric tonnes of wheat flour till September 2008; seats for students of Balochistan studying in various colleges and universities in Punjab increased form 90 to 225 and the deserving students to be provided financial assistance; Punjab government to build Cardiology Institute for Balochistan, Punjab Seed Corporation tol supply certified seeds of Wheat 10, 000 tonnes, Cotton 321 tonnes, Rice 100 tonnes and Potato 250 tonnes. Besides, 40 to 50 police personnel form Balochistan will be trained as master trainers at Police Training School Sihala, Shahbaz Sharif said. (Posted @ 19:40 PST) Mohammad Asif named as IPL's drug cheat NEW DELHI, July 14 (AFP): Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif tested positive for a banned substance during random testing at the Indian Premier League, the IPL announced on Monday. “The Indian Premier League confirms the player in violation is Mohammad Asif,” the league said in a statement. Asif, 25, played for the Delhi Daredevils team in the IPL, a lucrative Twenty20 tournament that ran from April 18-June 1 and featured the world's top players. (First Posted @ 16:15 PST Updated @ 17:34 PST) SC adjourns hearing of suo motu notice of proposed death penalty commutation ISLAMABAD, July 14 (APP): A three-member bench of the Supreme Court Monday adjourned for two weeks the hearing of a suo-motu notice about the reported move to commute death penalty of thousands of prisoners into life imprisonment. The adjournment came on the request of Attorney General Malik Mohammad Qayyum who told the court that no decision about commutation was taken by the Federal Cabinet in its meeting held in Karachi recently. He said the matter was only under consideration so far. The bench, adjourning the hearing for two weeks, directed him to submit details about the matter. The same bench also adjourned for two weeks the hearing of a case related to Ghulam Haider Raeesani who was handed over recently to Iran and directed the Interior ministry to submit a detailed inquiry report about the matter. The bench also adjourned to July 21 the hearing of the case of Hajj quota and said the hearing will be held on day to day basis from next Monday. (Posted @ 20:46 PST) Karzai says Pakistan behind Indian embassy bomb KABUL, July 14 (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Monday Pakistani agents were behind the Indian embassy bombing in Kabul last week, the first time he has directly accused Pakistan of involvement in the suicide attack that killed 58 people. He said on Monday that Pakistani agents were behind the embassy attack, the beheading of two Afghans in Pakistan last month, the killing of two women in Afghanistan's Ghazni province and 24 people in a suicide bomb in Uruzgan province on Sunday. “Now this has become clear. And we have told the government of Pakistan that the killings of people in Afghanistan, the destruction of bridges in Afghanistan ... are carried out by Pakistan's intelligence and Pakistan's military departments,” Karzai told reporters. “We know who martyred our two sisters and know who martyred our people in Deh Rawood (in Uruzgan) and know who martyred the people a few days back in Kabul,” he said. “We will take revenge for these two sisters of ours very soon ... and we are telling the enemies of Afghanistan that we will protect the honour of this country.” He gave no evidence to back up his accusations. Meanwhile, in an interview broadcast on Monday Karzai said he favored good ties with Pakistan, but added there were “elements in Pakistan's intelligence and Pakistan's army” who did not want a stable Afghanistan. (Posted @ 20:04 PST) India says CBM talks with Pakistan on July 18 NEW DELHI, July 14 (AFP) - India will hold senior-level “confidence building” talks with Pakistan in Islamabad on Friday. “The talks are on, on July 18,” an Indian foreign ministry official said on condition of anonymity. The talks were previously scheduled for July 10 but were postponed after the official who was due to lead them had to go to Kabul following the suicide attack on Indian embassy. The talks, part of a peace process launched in 2004, are set to focus on trade and transport links between the Indian and Pakistani parts of Kashmir. The two sides are also scheduled to hold a round of talks between its top foreign ministry officials on July 21 in New Delhi. Those talks are also “on as of now”, the foreign ministry official said, while declining to say if the talks would focus on the Kabul bombing. “We are still recovering from the Kabul incident. It's difficult to say what would be discussed at this point,” he said. Intelligence officials from both countries are also scheduled to hold talks this month on anti-terrorism cooperation. Indian officials refused to say if those talks would go ahead. (Posted @ 19:52 PST) ICC prosecutor seeks arrest of Sudan's Beshir for genocide; concern in various quarters THE HAGUE, July 14 (APP/AFP) - International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo formally called Monday for the arrest of Sudan's President Omar al-Beshir for genocide, crimes against humanity and warcrimes in Darfur. Hihis office said in a statement. “... the Prosecutor has concluded there are reasonable grounds to believe that (Beshir) bears criminal responsibility in relation to 10 counts of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was quoted in an interview Monday as saying he was “very worried” by the possibility of Beshir's indictment, which would be the first of a sitting head of state by the ICC. “It would have very serious consequences for peacekeeping operations including the political process,” he told Le Figaro newspaper. “I'm very worried, but nobody can evade justice.” Khartoum, which rejects the ICC's jurisdiction and refuses to surrender two war crimes suspects already named, has warned the move could threaten peace efforts. Arab and African leaders have also warned of the consequences. The African Union's Peace and Security Council “expressed its strong conviction that the search for justice should be pursued in a way that does not impede or jeopardize efforts aimed at promoting lasting peace.” The Arab League announced it would hold crisis talks on Sudan this week in Cairo, while the Organisation of the Islamic Conference warned of “grave ramifications”. (Posted @ 20:44 PST) US urges 'calm' in Sudan WASHINGTON, July 14 (APP/AFP) - The White House said Monday that it would review the International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir and urged all parties “to remain calm.” (Posted @ 20:32 PST) Mangal Bagh clarifies his position PESHAWAR, July 14 (PPI): Lashkar-i-Islam Amir Mangal Bagh vowed to continue his influence in Bara with strong presence of his men in their centres in Khyber Agency and not to allow the 'miscreants' to destroy peace in Bara. In an exclusive interview with PPI at his hideout in remote Tirah Valley, he said “I have given no assurance to the government. Laskar-e-Islam was not bound to submit any kind of bond (cash security) with the government. We have accepted no demand of the government but only assured the Jirga that Laskar-e-Islam would not attack the security forces and would refrain taking action inside Peshawar.” (Posted @ 16:55 PST) Mirwaiz, Gilani urge India to resolve Kashmir dispute Srinagar, occupied Kashmir, July 14 (PPI)- The Chairman of All Parties Hurriyet Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and veteran Kashmiri Hurriyet leader Syed Ali Gilani have urged India to accept the ground realties and settle the Kashmir dispute in accordance with Kashmiris' aspirations, Kashmir Media Service reported. Addressing a public meeting at Naqashband Sahib in Srinagar the Hurriyet leaders said the people of Kashmir have not rendered sacrifices for elections or selections, perks or privileges, but for freedom from Indian rule. The sham elections could not provide any solution to Kashmir dispute and the main objective of staging such dramas is to mislead the world opinion, they said. Lashing out at pro-India parties, the leaders said, “If they claim to be sympathizers of Kashmiris, they should apologize for their misdeeds. They are killers and their hands are soaked with the Kashmiris' blood.” They maintained that European Parliament, Organisation of Islamic Countries, UK and the USA have realized that peace and security in South Asia was not possible without resolving the Kashmir dispute. Earlier, the two leaders led separate processions which, after passing through different localities of the city, converged on the Naqashband Sahib. (Posted @ 16:00 PST) Pakistan, WB sign two agreements for power distribution, water sector capacity building ISLAMABAD, July 14 (APP): The government of Pakistan on Monday signed two agreements with the World Bank for electricity distribution and transmission improvement project of worth US$ 256.7 million and water sector capacity building and advisory services project of worth US$ 38 million. (Posted @ 16:15 PST) Pipeline blown up, gas supply to Pirkoh purification suspended DERA MURAD JAMALI, Pakistan, July 14 (APP)- Gas supply to Pirkoh gas purification plant was suspended after unknown persons blew up a 16-inch diameter gas pipeline at Dasht-e-Goran area of district Dera Bugti in Balochistan province during the wee hours of Monday morning. (Posted @ 16:05 PST) SC adjourns hearing of appeals in Sharif brothers' election case ISLAMABAD, July 14 (APP): A three-member bench of the Supreme Court Monday adjourned till August one the hearing of appeals in the disqualification case of PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif. The bench accepted adjournment request by Sheikh Akram and Punjab advocate general Khwaja Haris, who are out of the country. Deputy Attorney General Raja Abdul Rehman, who has filed appeals on behalf of the Federation against a Lahore High Court decision, did not oppose the request. Ahmed Raza Qasuri, representing respondent Syed Khurram Shah, also did not oppose the adjournment plea. He however made a request for constitution of a larger bench to hear the appeals. (Posted @ 20:50 PST) ANP chief Asfandyar calls on PM Gilani ISLAMABAD, July 14 (APP): ANP President, Asfandyar Wali called on Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Monday and discussed matters of national interest. The Prime Minister remained with Asfandyar Wali for a couple of hours and they lunched together. (Posted @ 20:34 PST) Cricket: South Africa bat out draw against England LONDON, July 14, (REUTERS) - South Africa forced a draw in the first test against England on Monday by batting through the final day at Lord's. When play was called off South Africa were 393 for three in their second innings after being asked to follow on on Saturday evening. Neil McKenzie batted more than nine hours for his 138 and he was joined on the Lord's honours board by Hashim Amla who was unbeaten on 104. Captain Graeme Smith, the other batsman in the top three of the order, was out for 107 on Sunday. (Posted @ 23:18 PST) India warns against any attack on Iran NEW DELHI, July 14 (AFP) -India is “gravely concerned” over reports suggesting the use of military force against Iran and is strongly against any such action, the foreign ministry said on Monday. There has been concern an attack against Iran could be imminent after it emerged Israel had practised a strike against Iranian nuclear facilities. “India is gravely concerned at these statements threatening the use of military force against Iran,” the foreign ministry said in a statement. “India is against any such military attack, which constitutes unacceptable international behaviour. There is no military solution to the issues that are being discussed between Iran and the international community.” (Posted @ 21:36 PST) Hockey: Pakistan whip Bangladesh 8-2; Qualify for Asia Cup semis HYDERABAD, INDIA, July 14 (APP): Pakistan survived a first-half scare to demolish lowly Bangladesh 8-2 and qualified for the semi-finals of 6th Junior Asia Cup Hockey Tournament at Gachibowli Stadium on Monday. Bangladesh surprised Pakistan to take a 2-1 halftime lead but Pakistanis slammed home seven goals in the second period, all through field efforts, to finish with seven points from their three matches in Pool B of the preliminary round of the eight-Nation tournament. In the earlier Pool A match, Japan beat Malaysia 3-1 to also qualify for the semi-finals with six points from three matches. (Posted @ 20:30 PST) Politics of principles hallmark of PML-N: Spokesman ISLAMABAD, July 14 (APP): Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) spokesman Siddiqul Farooq said on Monday that PML-N joined the federal cabinet with the understanding to restore the November 2, 2007 judiciary under the Murree Declaration. As Pakistan People's Party did not fulfill its commitment, PML-N parted ways and resigned from 15 ministries for the cause of independence of judiciary, he told Ptv in an interview. He said PML-N has decided in principle that in future it would not discuss national issues in foreign countries, saying “national issues will be discussed within the country.” To a question, he said meeting between PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N Quaid could take place any time with mutual convenience. To another question, he expressed dissatisfaction about the present law and order situation in FATA and underlined the need of giving priority to hold dialogue to resolve the problems. (Posted @ 20:24 PST) Saudi Arabia asks Dhaka act against illegal recruiters DHAKA, July 14 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia asked Bangladesh on Monday to act against illegal manpower traders in order to stop the abuse of migrant workers in the Arab kingdom. Abdullah Bin Naser Al-Busairi, Saudi ambassador to Bangladesh, told a news conference “the illegal manpower traders cheat the job seekers in many ways, such as by violating contracts and promising wages higher than what the employer will actually pay.” Al-Busairi said the illegal agencies were also taking more money than usual from Bangladeshis seeking jobs in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi embassy in Dhaka issues nearly 1,000 visas for Bangladeshis daily and the kingdom will continue recruiting from the South Asian Muslim state, Al-Busairi said. (Posted @ 20:16 PST) Seven killed in Iraq attacks BAGHDAD, July 14 (AFP) - Seven people were killed in attacks across Iraq on Monday, security sources said. Among the dead were four shepherds targeted outside the city of Mosul. In the capital itself, three people, including a policeman, were killed after a motorist threw a hand grenade at a police checkpoint, an interior ministry spokesman said. The blast also wounded 14 -- four policemen among them -- the spokesman said. (Posted @ 19:56 PST) Fire kills 9, guts furniture market near Beijing BEIJING, July 14 (Reuters): A fire gutted a furniture market in Quyan county, 200 kilometers southwest of Beijing on Monday, killing at least nine people and injuring one, the official Xinhua news agency said. (Posted @ 19:08 PST) One killed in attack on occupied Kashmir police station SRINAGAR, July 14 (AFP): A policeman was killed and two more seriously wounded Monday in a hand grenade attack by suspected militants on a police station in the town of Doda, 170 kilometres south of Srinagar, officials said. (Posted @ 17:36 PST) Venezuelan Mendoza crowned Miss Universe '08 NHA TRANG CITY, Vietnam, July 14: Miss Venezuela, Dayana Mendoza, was crowned Miss Universe 2008 in Vietnam's resort city of Nha Trang on Monday. The 22-year-old brunette was given her crown by last year's winner, Riyo Mori of Japan, at the pageant finale watched by nearly a billion television viewers worldwide. Mendoza, an aspiring interior designer, was among four finalists from Latin America, including first runner-up Taliana Vargas, 20, from Colombia. The rest of the top five were from the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Russia. (Posted @ 16:40 PST) Karzai opposes US use of Afghan soil against Iran KABUL, July 14 (Reuters): Afghanistan opposes U.S. use of its territory for launching a possible attack against neighbouring Iran, President Hamid Karzai said Monday. Karzai said his government had always tried to “keep the balance between the powers”. “We are attentive to the dangers,” Karzai told Radio Liberty when asked about the possible repercussions of a conflict between Iran and the United States. “Afghanistan should not become the battleground of differences of any country,” he said. “Afghanistan does not want its soil to be used against any country and Afghanistan wants to be a friend of Iran as a neighbour which shares the same language and religion.” (Posted @ 16:30 PST) Five dead in Kurd rebel clashes in SE Turkey: sources DIYARBAKIR, Turkey, July 14 (Reuters): Three Kurdish guerillas and two Turkish soldiers were killed in clashes in the southeastern province of Sirnak, security sources said on Monday. The militants were killed in a clash on Sunday after security forces identified a group of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) rebels during search operations in the region. The Turkish soldiers died in a separate clash in an area close to the Cudi mountains. (Posted @ 15:15 PST) 31 Tamil Tiger rebels killed in new northern Sri Lanka fighting COLOMBO, July 14 (AP): Fighting along the front lines in northern Sri Lanka killed 31 Tamil Tigers as the civil war between the rebels and government forces continued to escalate, the military said Monday. In the worst fighting Sunday, 14 rebels were killed in clashes in the Mannar district, said military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara. Another nine rebels were killed in the Vavuniya area, seven in Welioya and one in Jaffna, he said. No soldiers were killed, but seven were wounded, he said. Rebel spokesman Rasiah Ilanthirayan could not be immediately reached for comment. (Posted @ 13:05 PST) Passenger train, cargo train crash in central Greece; 15 injured ATHENS, July 14 (AP): A passenger train with some 500 people on board collided with a cargo train in central Greece early Monday, injuring 15 people, most of them lightly, authorities said. The passenger train traveling from the northern city of Thessaloniki to the capital, Athens, crashed with carriages that had become detached from a cargo train heading in the opposite direction, said the Greek Railway Organization, or OSE. (First Posted @ 11:15 PST, Updated @ 11:50 PST) Bomb blast kills six private Afghan security guards KANDAHAR, July 14 (AFP): A roadside bomb blew up a vehicle of a US-based private security firm in southern Afghanistan’s Helmand province Sunday, killing six Afghan guards, provincial police chief General Mohammad Hussein Andiwal told AFP Monday. Two other guards were wounded in the attack, near the town of Gereshk. The vehicle that was hit was completely destroyed. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. (Posted @ 11:35 PST) Karachi Stocks down 518.51 points: KARACHI, July 14: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 11177.31, down 518.51 points. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:13 PST) Forex update: KARACHI, July 14: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at Rs 70.7 to the US Dollar in the open market. (Bureau Report) (Updated @ 14:13 PST)
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