PML-N reaches out to MQM

LONDON/DUBAI/ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-N President Shahbaz Sharif and a party leader Ishaq Dar separately met the deputy convener of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Dr Farooq Sattar. The meetings took place in Dubai and London.

Shahbaz and Sattar exchanged views on the current political scenario of the country during a meeting in London on Monday. In the luncheon meeting hosted by the British Parliament, Sharif and Dr Sattar exchanged views on the possibility to form a grand opposition alliance in the country. Sources said that the MQM and PML-N have been in contact at all levels since the past week and it is expected that leaders of the two parties will meet in Pakistan during the next 24 hours.

Reports say Dar called on Sattar before flying off to London to see MQM chief Altaf Hussain. While the MQM says a grand alliance is need of the hour, the party is keeping its cards close to chest.

The MQM has not given a definite answer to the PML-N’s calls, sources said. The PML-N has also contacted the Jamaat-e-Islami, the Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam-Fazl, the PPP-Sherpao and smaller parties, but none has given a definite yes to the grand alliance.

On its part, the PPP seems to be treading a careful line. Though it already has the PML-Q on its side to forestall the number game in parliament, the ruling party still seems eyeing the MQM’s return to the coalition. Sources said Dar has been assigned the task of holding talks with the MQM while Raja Zafarul Haq and Javed Hashmi have been tasked with contacting the JI. Zafar Iqbal Jhagra and Ahsan Iqbal have been asked to contact the likeminded and the PPP-S. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan has not been contacted so far.

JUI-F, meanwhile, refused to become part of the grand opposition alliance to dislodge the PPP government. JUI-F’s central leader Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri categorically stated on Monday that JUI-F would not be part of any effort to topple the government. staff report/agencies

Malik apprises PM of KSA visit

ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan enjoys cordial brotherly relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Talking to Federal Interior Minister Premier Gilani said, “We value our relations with Saudi Arabia and its leadership, which has always stood with Pakistan through thick and thin”.
Rehman Malik apprised the Premier of his recent successful visit and his meetings with the Saudi leadership. The Interior Minister conveyed greetings of the Saudi leadership to the Prime Minister. During the meeting, the Minister also briefed the PM about the overall political and security situation. The PM appreciated efforts of the Interior Minister in maintaining peace and security during recent elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan, Afghanistan condemn attacks by militants

ISLAMABAD, July 4 (APP): Pakistan and Afghanistan on Monday while condemning the loss of life and destruction of property by militants on either side stressed effective measures to curb their activities.An “in-depth meeting” between Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Afghan Ambassador Mohammad Umer Daudzai here reviewed the situation following the attacks in Dir, Bajaur, Mohmand and Kunar regions.Both the sides expressed their concern over the activities of the militants.“Pakistan condemns the loss of lives and destruction of property on both sides by the militants. We consider Afghanistan’s loss as our own loss,” a press statement issued at the end of the meeting said.

“It is, therefore, imperative that efforts be redoubled by both sides to attain the objectives of shared peace and security and to enhance cooperation for shared development and prosperity.”
The Foreign Secretary conveyed to Ambassador Daudzai the importance that Pakistan attaches to establishing peace and tranquility in the border region and the importance of effectively curbing the activities of miscreants.
The attacks by the militants on either side, in the recent days have been a matter of deep concern for both the governments and people of Pakistan and Afghanistan leading to contacts at the highest Pakistan-Afghan-ISAF military-to-military levels.
All the sides while agreeing to devising an appropriate strategy to curb the activities of the militants, will be holding another meeting between the military authorities concerned to enhance information-sharing and coordination between Pakistan-Afghanistan and NATO and ISAF.
During the meeting Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir pointed that as affirmed by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, “Pakistan desires closest relations with Afghanistan”.
“We believe that both countries are faced with common challenges relating to militancy and terrorism which require deep and close cooperation,” he told the Afghan diplomat.
The Foreign Secretary and the Afghan Ambassador expressed satisfaction on the recent meetings in Kabul. The Foreign Secretary expressed gratitude to the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the excellent arrangements made for the holding of constructive talks in Kabul.

Corruption rampant in Pakistan: Shahbaz

Lahore—Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Saturday that corruption was rampant everywhere in the country. “There is no doubt that politicians are involved in corruption, but are the generals, judiciary and others institutions not involved in corruption,” he questioned, while addressing a “Pakistan Paindabad” conference here at Alhamra Hall.

He said the politicians will have to seek apology from the nation to regain its lost status in the comity of world.

The chief minister said the refusal by the US to vacate the Shamsi airbase is a slap on the face of the government. He said it is a big challenge for the PPP-led government to vacant the Shamsi airbase from US.

The chief minister urged the nation to forge unity among their ranks for pressuring the US to vacate the airbase, which is being used for launching drone attacks in Pakistan. Shahbaz said the US violated sovereignty and security of Pakistan by conducting a unilateral raid in Abbottabad for killing al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden but ironically our rulers sent letters of congratulations for successful operation in Abbottabad to US. “If we always accept all demands of the US then we cannot build our future and self-reliance and one day we will become US slaves,” the chief minister said. He added that the government would have to use its all resources for achieving self-reliance to get rid from foreign aid.

He urged the all politicians of the country to learn from the mistakes committed in past and seek apology from the nation. He said the country is passing through a very critical time, adding that the mistakes of the past should not be repeated. He said the military dictatorship always derailed the democratic system in the country. “The people of the country have complaints against only those generals who sabotaged democracy,” he said.

Shahbaz said due to wrong policies of the government it has become increasingly difficult for the 90 percent population of the country to keep their body and soul together. He praised the Pakistan Army, saying it is the bravest army of the world.—INP

Nawaz wants grand alliance to get rid of govt

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Quaid Nawaz Sharif, while welcoming the MQM’s decision to join the opposition benches, said on Saturday that the formation of a grand opposition alliance was necessary to get rid of the incumbent PPP government.

He said this while talking to journalists after presiding over his party’s provincial coordination committee’s meeting regarding the reorganisation of the party in Balochistan. Nawaz said unprincipled politics had led Pakistan to troubled waters and that was why it was necessary to rid the country of the present government.

He deplored that the PPP government was not interested in solving the common man’s problems and now this kind of politics would not be tolerated. He said three years had been wasted and no problems had been solved until now. Nawaz said gone were the days when political parties used to deceive people.

About the situation in Balochistan, he said justice should be done to the people of the province and the case of missing persons should be addressed immediately. He said the Baloch people could not be pacified without taking strict and timely action against those responsible for their plight.

About PML-Q chief Ch Shujaat’s statement on the Abbottabad inquiry, he said the politics of give and take would not work now. He said the PML-Q chief’s statement undermining the need for a probe into the Abbottabad incident was beyond comprehension. He said Ch Shujaat must have been handed over a written statement to read it out.

Nawaz claimed that the rigging in Kashmir polls was known to everyone and that the aid given for quake victims was used in the elections.

He lamented that Pakistan’s name was among the failed states (ranked 10th). He said the political parties were considered to be the custodians of the people’s future, but sadly Pakistan’s political parties had been doing quite the contrary. Nawaz said drones were taking off from within Pakistan, but the government was trying to hoodwink the people. The former premier said the party was promoting honest workers who could help the country in the best possible manner.

Earlier, addressing a meeting of the Balochistan PML-N coordination committees, PML-N chief said the PPP government was an obstruction in the transfer of resources to the provinces. He added the provinces were given responsibilities of seven ministries, but the government had retained its stranglehold over the resources.

He said Pakistan sustained huge loss due to injustice in the past also and advised learning lesson instead of repeating the mistakes.

Nawaz said Pakistan’s prosperity was linked to peace in Balochistan and happy, satisfied people of Balochistan were the top priority of the PML-N.

APP adds: PML-N chief Nawaz said the federal government was not handing over resources of the departments devolved under 18th Amendment, terming it a violation of the constitution.

“It is inevitable that the killers of Nawab Akbar Bugti and other innocent people should be brought to the book,” he added. Nawaz said the process of party reorganisation at district level had been completed and teams comprising party workers had been constituted. “The reorganisation of the party at central level will also be undertaken,” he said.

Regarding the Charter of Democracy, he said it was signed in national interest, but it was not implemented in letter and spirit. About the statement of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about Kashmir, he said it was illogical and would affect the peace process, which he had started during his tenure in power.

Online adds: The PML-N has paced up its efforts for forming a grand opposition alliance and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif will leave for London today (Sunday) where he is likely to meet Altaf Hussain.

“The PML-N has started making contacts with all opposition parties including the MQM, JUI-F and JI,” the sources said, adding the JI and nationalist opposition parties had assured the PML-N of their support. They said the JUI-F conveyed that it would support the PML-N if it withdrew its opposition leader, adding the PML-N was willing to show flexibility on the issue for the greater cause. The sources said PML-N leaders would also meet with Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan to ask him to join the grand opposition alliance.

President Zardari underscores intelligence sharing with UK

LONDON, July 2 (APP) : President Asif Ali Zardari in his Saturday’s meeting with British Home Secretary Theresa May, underscored the need for further enhancing intelligence sharing mechanism with the UK to combat militancy and terrorism.Matters pertaining to Pakistan-UK bilateral relations, the role of Pak-origin British citizens in Pakistan and their positive contributions and operations against terrorism were discussed during the meeting.Chairman, Pakistan People’s Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was also present during the meeting.British Home Secretary Theresa May was accompanied by Charles Farr, DG Security and Counter Terrorism, and senior Home Office officials Fiona Cunningham and Faye Johnson while from Pakistan’s side Secretary General Salman Farouqi, High Commissioner Wajid Shamusul Hasan, Spokesperson Farhatullah Babar and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.

Briefing the media, Spokesperson Farhatullah Babar said while discussing Pak-UK bilateral relations, the President highlighted the historical equation of the two countries and underscored the need to enhance multifaceted strategic partnership between the two countries.
President Zardari said that in the ongoing war on extremism, Pakistan was moving forward despite heavy toll of human lives and material losses.
The President called for greater international support in assisting Pakistan in capacity building and overcoming the effects of war on the economy.
The President said that Pakistan wanted peace in the region and has always supported every effort in this regard. He said that drug trafficking was one of the major issue in the region for its role in funding militants.
Babar said that President Zardari reiterated that Pakistan has always called upon the international community for concerted efforts to end the drug trafficking. He said that this was critical for durable peace, stability and socio-economic development of the region.
The President reiterated his call for an integrated approach including promotion of alternative livelihood, agricultural development, eradication and reducing drugs consumption to check the menace.
Babar said that the President mentioned that Pakistan economy had suffered heavily due to operation against terror and devastating floods of last year.
“Shrinking economic opportunities made the youth vulnerable to fall into the traps of militants,” he said and called for creating economic opportunities for the youth.
The UK Home Secretary appreciated the efforts of Pakistan Government in operations against terror. She assured British Government’s continued support to efforts of democratic dispensation in Pakistan to meet the challenge of militancy and overcoming economic difficulties.

Drone strikes from Pakistan halted three months ago: Report

The US had halted the launch of drone strikes from an airbase in Pakistan three months ago after the Raymond Davis dispute and the strikes that were conducted after the dispute were operated from bases in Afghanistan, revealed a report in The Washington Post on Saturday.
The report said that although the drone strikes are being launched from Afghanistan, the US forces continue to occupy the Shamsi airbase in Balochistan.
Pakistan claimed that it stopped the US from using this base for drone strikes following the unilateral US commando raid that killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad in May, but the report quoted the US and Pakistani officials as saying that the launches were halted in April after a dispute over the CIA contractor who killed two Pakistani citizens in Lahore in January, weeks before the raid.
The report said that the decision to suspend the launches was part of a US effort to “pay attention to the sensitivities” of the Pakistanis.
On Wednesday, Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar told a group of journalists that Pakistan had asked Washington to leave Shamsi airbase. Reacting to Mukhtar’s statement, US officials in Washington said there was no plan to evacuate the base. “That base is neither vacated nor being vacated,” said a US official familiar with the matter, asking for anonymity to discuss the sensitive information.
On Saturday, however, Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan dismissed Mukhtar’s statements saying, “It’s just a statement for the media. I am also a member of the defence committee and the matter was not discussed there.”

‘President has not received Governor Sindh’s resignation’

Though the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has applied for allotment of seats on the opposition benches in the parliament, a new controversy has emerged on the media regarding the resignation of Ishrat Ul Ibad as Sindh governor. According to President House Spokesman Farhatullah Babar, the presidency did not receive resignation of Ibad while MQM’s senior leader Farooq Sattar say if the presidency didn’t receive the resignation then why news about approval of his resignation being emanated. On the other hand acting Sindh Governor Nisar Ahmed Khoro said Governor has nor resigned instead he

Ex-IMF chief in court as sex case said to crumble

If, as is reported this morning, the rape charges against Dominique Strauss-Kahn are thrown out, it won’t only be a court case that collapses – so too will all the harebrained political theories and prejudices that were cynically projected on to this case. From feminists to Fox News anchors, from anti-French American Right-wingers to uber-PC Parisian women’s rights campaigners, loads of people leapt upon the DSK case as evidence that Socialists are scum / French men are scoundrels / all men are evil. There will be – or at least there ought to be – some very red faces in those sections of the commentariat that sought to turn this case into a show trial of men in general and everyone else they love to hate.
It is now reported that the prosecutors think the alleged victim is untrustworthy and may have wanted to milk the case for financial gain. That is a low thing to do. Yet others shamelessly milked the case for ideological gain, which is also pretty rotten. Political forces that are normally diametrically opposed came together in a DSK-hating frenzy in May when he was first arrested in New York. Fox News presenters had a field day mocking Socialists, especially French ones, as a hypocritical, licentious bunch, pretty much presenting the alleged rape of a chambermaid as the logical end result of Left-wing European decadence. Feminists, meanwhile, who are never shy of making wild and misanthropic extrapolations from isolated and even unproven misdemeanours, said the DSK case would really be a trial of men’s “sexual behaviour”, particularly the “wider question of the behaviour of men in power”.
Only it won’t be. It looks like there won’t even be a trial of DSK himself. All those observers who got a cheap moral thrill from pontificating about what this case allegedly revealed about the French and about men and about “the sexism and snobbery of French politics” need to have a word for themselves. Elbowing aside the traditional liberal view that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, they rushed forward not only to hint and imply that DSK must of course be guilty (after all, he’s French and a bit fat and a flirt) but also that men in general are guilty. Of flirting with women, of telling women un-PC jokes, of pinning women down and raping them – all those “crimes” were lumped together as part of what some commentators called the “spectrum” of wicked male behaviour. They saw in this case what they wanted to see. Its predicted collapse will be a blow not only to the prosecution team and to the likes of Mayor Bloomberg – who with extreme presumptuousness said of DSK’s handcuffed parading before the cameras: “If you don’t want to do the perp walk, don’t do the crime” – but also to those who morally leeched off these weird accusations.

Pakistan shuts US out of drone base

Pakistan has called a stop to US drone flights from a base that has launched strikes against Taliban and al-Qaeda militants on its border with Afghanistan.
In the latest sign of US-Pakistan tensions, Chaudhary Ahmed Mukhtar, defence minister, said on Wednesday that Islamabad had ended US operations at the Shamsi airbase in Baluchistan. The move comes after a surge of anti-American feeling in the wake of the killing of Osama bin Laden last month in a US raid on Abbottabad, a Pakistani hill station.

The Shamsi base, about 300km from Quetta and close to the Afghan border, has been used to launch drone strikes on militants – part of a campaign the US says has wiped out about half of al-Qaeda’s leadership.
“No US flights are taking place from Shamsi any longer. If there have to be flights from this base, it will only be Pakistani flights,” Mr Mukhtar told the Financial Times. “We have ended all US flights from the base.”
Separately, a senior Pakistani government official said the US had been told to remove infrastructure from the airbase. But he claimed that drone attacks had not taken place since 2009.
“The US has been told to remove all of its belongings [from Shamsi],” the official said.
The White House, which refuses officially to acknowledge that it carries out drone strikes in Pakistan, declined to comment.

Drone strikes are deeply unpopular in Pakistan and domestic political pressure has mounted over them since Barack Obama, US president, came to office. He has increased the strike campaign even as it has become more widely known that the drones take off from CIA bases on Pakistani territory – with Islamabad’s tacit acceptance.
Mr Obama said on Wednesday that the US would carry out its troop drawdown from Afghanistan in a way that would allow it “to continue to put pressure on al-Qaeda until that network is entirely defeated”.
Some US officials acknowledge that Pakistan might shut down all the CIA drone bases on its territory. This is part of the reason why Washington is set to retain bases in Afghanistan, which could serve as an alternative for launching drone strikes.
The curtailment of US operations in Pakistan comes as US officials say that rebuilding intelligence and military contacts with Islamabad is their top priority.
The US raid that killed bin Laden, launched from Afghanistan, is viewed as the Pakistan military’s worst humiliation since the loss of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh in a war in 1971.
Pakistan’s army has been wounded by its failure to detect the US helicopter-borne raid and Washington’s decision not to share intelligence about bin Laden’s whereabouts with Pakistani counterparts.
The incident laid bare the lack of trust between the intelligence agencies and military of the US and Pakistan in spite of their alliance in the fight against militants holed up on the Afghan border.
In the weeks that have followed Islamabad has sought to scale down the presence of foreign troops on its soil as fears of a repeat strikes by foreign forces have circulated.
Earlier this week, a team of British military trainers were expelled from the country. The UK’s Ministry of Defence said that 18 trainers, deployed to support Pakistan’s Frontier Corps, had left the country.
Pakistan had earlier expelled about 120 US trainers.
Their exit was a setback to US efforts to forge closer ties on the ground with Pakistan’s main army units deployed to fight Islamist extremists.