Possible outcomes in Pakistan's political crisis

THE Pakistan People's Party (PPP) is scrambling to stop its main coalition partner from pulling out of the ruling alliance in the country's latest political storm. President Asif Ali Zardari is leading efforts to pacify the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), the second largest party in the coalition, which this week pulled its two ministers from the federal cabinet. Following are some possible outcomes of the turmoil which has raised questions over the fate of the US-backed government already under pressure to improve the fragile economy and contain Taliban militants. The MQM agrees to rejoin cabinet The MQM said the withdrawal of its ministers from the cabinet was a first step to breaking with the coalition. It pulled them out because of what it said was the government's failure to improve security and stamp out corruption, something that is unlikely to happen any time soon and the party is aware of that. The MQM, which has made threats to abandon the coalition in the past, is likely to rejoin the cabinet. A return to the status quo would ease tension, but the crisis will reinforce the impression that Pakistani politicians are highly skilled at drama and not committed to tackling the country's most pressing issues. To get the MQM back on board, Zardari may have to take decisive steps such as the dismissal of his close aide and Sindh province's home minister, Zulfiqar Mirza, a vocal critic of the MQM, which dominates politics in Pakistan's financial capital and biggest city Karachi, capital of Sindh. Raising the likelihood that the coalition will survive are deepening divisions between the MQM and the main opposition party, led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, one of Pakistan's most popular politicians. Chances are slim that the MQM will join forces with Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League, the second largest party in parliament. As the influential Dawn newspaper said in an editorial on Thursday: "Everything is in flux, until it appears that nothing may in fact be moving - that could sum up all the political 'action' the country has seen in recent weeks." The MQM joins opposition benches In that case, the government would lose its majority and fall. Forming a new one would likely be a protracted, delicate process. No political parties have good ties with Sharif and his party's differences with the MQM have started to get ugly, with both sides engaging in public, personal attacks on leaders. If the government collapses, it could mean a call for early elections, which are otherwise due in 2013. That would plunge the country into political uncertainty and distract leaders from tackling security and economic problems. The Prime Minister quits Zardari's aides are trying to win back the Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), a small coalition partner, which left the government this month over the sacking of one of its ministers and sat with the opposition. While Pakistan's pro-Taliban religious parties don't win significant votes in elections, they have the capability to stir emotions and street protests. The government can't afford to ignore them. The head of the JUI, Fazal-ur-Rehman, has called for the resignation of Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani. While there are no signs yet that may happen, rising difference between Zardari and Gilani have raised speculation that the prime minister is becoming vulnerable. Some analysts say Gilani may opt to resign if the pressure on his government becomes unbearable. Military intervention A long shot but it can't be ruled out. The military has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its history. If the generals decide the government's failures are stacking up and it is losing control, they may take drastic action. The military may already be stepping in behind the scenes to try to ease tension.

Appointments of governors challenged in SC

ISLAMABAD: Senator and leader of PML-N Zafar Ali Shah Wednesday challenged the appointments of governors of all provinces in Supreme Court.

The petitioner contended that president was bound to take advice from prime minister while appointing governors in the light of Article 101 of the constitution, adding that all the governors were appointed in Musharraf’s tenure so all the appointments have now become unconstitutional.

The petitioner sought to declare the appointments of governors unconstitutional.

JUI-F demands Gilani's resignation

Tuesday, December 28, 2010  ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman on Tuesday demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, compounding pressure on a coalition government shedding support. Pro-Taliban cleric Fazlur Rehman made the call just hours after the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), the main coalition partner of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), announced that it was quitting the federal cabinet, although would not join the opposition. "The prime minister should resign and the PPP should appoint a new one," Rehman told reporters. His own Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUIF) party walked out on December 14 after Gilani sacked one of its three cabinet ministers over a war of words with religious affairs minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi, a PPP member, who was also fired. Their spat related to a corruption scandal reportedly implicating Kazmi's ministry in booking accommodation for tens of thousands of pilgrims. "He (Gilani) has sabotaged the process of reconciliation among coalition partners and his actions have caused political instability in the country," said Rehman, wearing an orange turban. "The government is under pressure and the president will have to take this step." The departure of JUIF reduced the PPP's coalition to 185 seats in the 342-member national assembly. The MQM says it is withdrawing its two cabinet ministers over differences with the PPP, but has yet to join the opposition. The loss of its 25 lawmakers would leave the coalition in a parliamentary minority and could bring down the government.

Mirza says he knows who killed Benazir

KARACHI: Sindh Home Minister Dr.Zulfiqar Mirza said on Monday that he knew who the killers and mastermind behind Benazir Bhutto’s assassination were.
Speaking to the media in Ghari Khuda Bux, Mirza said that Benazir Bhutto’s son, Bilawal Bhutto had been made aware of these developments and after consultations, all the details of the case will be made public.

Mirza also said that Interior Minister Rehman Malik was responsible for briefing Bilawal about the investigations yesterday, however, he was unable to do that due to certain reasons.

Garhi Khuda Bux is PPP’s Kerbala, says Zardari

NAUDERO: President Asif Ali Zardari Monday said Garhi Khuda Bux is Kerbala of Pakistan People's Party (PPP).

Addressing a large gathering held here to observe 3rd death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto, Zardari said, “Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto is renowned across the world for his intelligence and a day came when our spiritual father offered his martyrdom.”

Zardari said Benazir also used to tread the same path, adding, ‘Benazir is standing by me and is visible to me.’

Benazir served the nation for 30 years, as serving people was to her a mode of worship, Zardari asserted.

On this occasion, Zardari also disclosed that BB was assassinated by Baitullah Mehsud, who is dead now.

Taliban following in footprints of Tamil Tigers

Militant outfits in Bajaur and banned Tehrik Taliban Pakistan sometimes back have warned through FM radio and in conversations with journalists that they had trained squads of female bombers that could be sent on mission any time.
Over 250 suicide attacks have so far been carried out in Pakistan since 2006, but for the first time woman bomber was used in Bajaur. The first suicide attack occurred at Ashura procession in Hangu in 2006, killing 22 people.
In December 2007, although a woman, believed to be a bomber, was killed in an explosion near a security barrier in Peshawar, yet intelligence reports confirmed that the said woman was only carrying explosives and the device was triggered by someone else.
Defence analyst and former secretary security Fata Brig Mahmood Shah said that he was not sure that a woman bomber had carried out attack in Khar. It might be misperception of the eyewitnesses, who believed that they heard a woman`s cry, he said.
“If females are used in suicide attacks then it can be more dangerous,” he said. He added that militants had been using teenagers in suicide attacks and he did not believe that they would engage women also.
Some Islamist groups in Middle East and Liberation of Tamil Tiger Elam (LTTE), a separatist organisation in Sri Lanka, had used females in suicide missions. But such trend was not seen in Pakistan so far.
Sources said that Taliban leaders Maulana Faqir Mohammad and Maulvi Mohammad Omar had warned time and again that they had women, who were willing to blow themselves up.
“Maulana Faqir was making announcements on FM radio warning of involving female in suicide missions,” said a resident of Bajaur. He said that local authorities had received intelligence reports that militants might carry out attack in the area.
Taliban spokesman Azam Tariq, who claimed responsibility for the attack in Bajaur, though did not verify involvement of female suicide bomber, yet he claimed that they had dozens of trained women, who were ready to lay down their lives.
Injured persons brought to Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar mostly believed that they had heard screaming of a female following which the blast occurred. They added that they were sure that the attacker was a female clad in the traditional shuttlecock burqa.
An inhabitant of Bajaur told Dawn that any use of female for conducting such blasts in future would complicate the situation for the security agencies as the traditional burqa was all enveloping and in that costume it would be difficult to differentiate between a bomber and ordinary woman.

BB’s assassins too powerful to be held: Pagara

KARACHI: Chief of Pakistan Muslim League (Functional) Pir Pagara has termed investigation into Benazir Bhutto’s assassination a futile exercise because ‘the culprits hold (very powerful) positions’ and ruled out possibility of their arrest.

He was talking to media men after holding a meeting with Awami Muslim League Chief Sheikh Rashid here at Kingri House.

“Now there will be no thumping of army boots,” Pir Pagara made a prediction, but added that a change is inevitable.

He also ruled out the possibility of Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman’s rejoining the coalition government.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement, he said, was deeply engaged in resolving the issues of the masses.

The PML-F chief said he was a supporter of commissioner system in Sindh.

He said he would not make any comment against the Prime Minister on in-house change because the latter had been his student.

ISI chief won't appear in US court over Mumbai attack: Gilani

ISLAMABAD: The chief of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) spy agency will not appear in any US court in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani declared Thursday.

Addressing the National Assembly, Gilani said the ISI "is a sensitive agency of the Pakistani military and it is unimaginable that we will force their officers to appear in the US court on foreign dictation".

Gilani was responding to a fiery speech by opposition leader Nisar Ali Khan, who took the government to task over what he described as a failed foreign policy.

"The situation has deteriorated so much that the chief of our premier intelligence agency is now being summoned (to the US) without taking our government into confidence," said Khan.

The Pakistani foreign office Wednesday said: "Our mission in (the US) is yet to receive the summons and we can't comment before going through its contents."

A US court has summoned ISI's powerful chief Lt. Gen. Ahmed Shuja Pasha and other officials as also Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Zakiur Rahman Lakhvi and Jamaat-ud Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed, the alleged masterminds of the November 26-28, 2008, Mumbai terror attack.

The 26-page lawsuit was filed before a Brooklyn court by family members of Rabbi Gavriel Noach Holtzberg and his pregnant wife, Rivka, who were among the 166 people killed during the attack. Their son Moshe was saved by his Indian nanny in the tragedy.

The suit alleges that the ISI "provided critical planning, material support, control and coordination for the attacks" to the Pakistan-based militant group LeT, which has been blamed for the 26/11 siege. The LeT is also named in the suit.

Besides Pasha, who has been director general of the ISI since September 2008, the court has also summoned his predecessor, Lt. Gen. Nadeem Taj and ISI officials Major Samir Ali, Azam Cheema and Major Iqbal.

"The ISI has long nurtured and used international terrorist groups, including the LeT, to accomplish its goals and has provided material support to LeT and other international terrorist groups," said the lawsuit.

"The Mumbai terrorist attack was planned, trained for and carried out by members of LeT. ISI provided critical planning, material support, control and coordination of the attacks," it alleged.

It accuses ISI officers Pasha, Taj, Iqbal and Ali of being purposefully engaged in the direct provision of material support or resources, including weapons and explosives.

ISI chief won't appear in US court over Mumbai attack: Gilani

ISLAMABAD: The chief of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) spy agency will not appear in any US court in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani declared Thursday.

Addressing the National Assembly, Gilani said the ISI "is a sensitive agency of the Pakistani military and it is unimaginable that we will force their officers to appear in the US court on foreign dictation".

Gilani was responding to a fiery speech by opposition leader Nisar Ali Khan, who took the government to task over what he described as a failed foreign policy.

"The situation has deteriorated so much that the chief of our premier intelligence agency is now being summoned (to the US) without taking our government into confidence," said Khan.

The Pakistani foreign office Wednesday said: "Our mission in (the US) is yet to receive the summons and we can't comment before going through its contents."

A US court has summoned ISI's powerful chief Lt. Gen. Ahmed Shuja Pasha and other officials as also Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Zakiur Rahman Lakhvi and Jamaat-ud Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed, the alleged masterminds of the November 26-28, 2008, Mumbai terror attack.

The 26-page lawsuit was filed before a Brooklyn court by family members of Rabbi Gavriel Noach Holtzberg and his pregnant wife, Rivka, who were among the 166 people killed during the attack. Their son Moshe was saved by his Indian nanny in the tragedy.

The suit alleges that the ISI "provided critical planning, material support, control and coordination for the attacks" to the Pakistan-based militant group LeT, which has been blamed for the 26/11 siege. The LeT is also named in the suit.

Besides Pasha, who has been director general of the ISI since September 2008, the court has also summoned his predecessor, Lt. Gen. Nadeem Taj and ISI officials Major Samir Ali, Azam Cheema and Major Iqbal.

"The ISI has long nurtured and used international terrorist groups, including the LeT, to accomplish its goals and has provided material support to LeT and other international terrorist groups," said the lawsuit.

"The Mumbai terrorist attack was planned, trained for and carried out by members of LeT. ISI provided critical planning, material support, control and coordination of the attacks," it alleged.

It accuses ISI officers Pasha, Taj, Iqbal and Ali of being purposefully engaged in the direct provision of material support or resources, including weapons and explosives.

Barack Obama signs gay military law

US President Barack Obama has signed a landmark law allowing gay people serving in the military to be open about their sexuality.

Mr Obama said the law meant that tens of thousands of Americans would no longer be asked to live a lie.
He had campaigned to change the 1993 "don't ask, don't tell" law, overturned by Congress last week.
More than 13,000 service members have been dismissed under the policy, enacted in 1993 as a compromise.
Opponents argue that the change will damage troop morale at a time of war.
But earlier this month, a Pentagon report said that allowing openly gay troops would have little impact on the cohesion of US forces fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The outgoing Senate and House of Representatives approved the new law last week, with moderate Republicans joining the Democratic majority.

Army plane crashes; pilots dead

 QUETTA: A training plane of Army Aviation crashed near Muslim Bagh area of district Qila Saifullah near Quetta, killing pilot and co-pilot.
According to sources, the plane was flying from Zhob to Quetta, when it crashed in mountains in Nasai area of Muslim Bagh, killing pilot and co-pilot on the spot.

According to initial reports, the mishap occurred owing to some technical fault.

DPO Qila Saifullah said the local people, who witnessed the plane coming down, informed the administration, saying the rescue teams have been dispatched towards the crash site.

According to ISPR, rescue teams from Quetta left for Muslim Bagh.

Raisani says no threat to his govt

ISLAMABAD: After the PML-Q and JUI-F threatened to topple Balochistan government, CM Aslam Raisani reached Maulana Fazlur Rehman's home here today and discussed the regional political situation and after the meeting Raisani said there was no threat to his government.

While spaking on the occasion, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the proposal to change the provincial political scene came from the chief of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain.

In reply to a question, the JUI-F chief said Syed Khursheed Shah could not talk of Maulana Sheerani's resignation. 'Majlis-e-Shura would discuss the matter of Balochistan in its meeting.' Senator Maulana Muhammad Khan Sheerani is the Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) and a strong leader of the party.

CM Raisani said he don't care if the government was toppled.

The JUI-F chief had welcomed a suggestion by Chaudhry Shujaat that both the political parties could unite to change the chief minister of the province. Chaudhry Shujaat proposed that both the PML-Q and JUI-F, with the help of independent MPAs, could form a democratic government in Balochistan.

In response, the Maulana had said the matter could be further discussed if such a move comes from Chaudhry Shujaat. Both said the in-house change largely depends on the PPP and they would decide about their future strategies keeping in view their limitations. Both the leaders expressed these views in the Geo News programme "Capital Talk", hosted by Hamid Mir.

Raisani says no threat to his govt

ISLAMABAD: After the PML-Q and JUI-F threatened to topple Balochistan government, CM Aslam Raisani reached Maulana Fazlur Rehman's home here today and discussed the regional political situation and after the meeting Raisani said there was no threat to his government.

While spaking on the occasion, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the proposal to change the provincial political scene came from the chief of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain.

In reply to a question, the JUI-F chief said Syed Khursheed Shah could not talk of Maulana Sheerani's resignation. 'Majlis-e-Shura would discuss the matter of Balochistan in its meeting.' Senator Maulana Muhammad Khan Sheerani is the Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) and a strong leader of the party.

CM Raisani said he don't care if the government was toppled.

The JUI-F chief had welcomed a suggestion by Chaudhry Shujaat that both the political parties could unite to change the chief minister of the province. Chaudhry Shujaat proposed that both the PML-Q and JUI-F, with the help of independent MPAs, could form a democratic government in Balochistan.

In response, the Maulana had said the matter could be further discussed if such a move comes from Chaudhry Shujaat. Both said the in-house change largely depends on the PPP and they would decide about their future strategies keeping in view their limitations. Both the leaders expressed these views in the Geo News programme "Capital Talk", hosted by Hamid Mir.

Karachi students set new world record cramming 19 into smart car

KARACHI: A group of students from Karachi Grammar School and other schools made history when they set a new Guinness World of Records by accommodating 19 persons in a Smart Car.

This historic event took place at DHA Creek Club, Karachi in front of a Jury and reported worldwide Wednesday in the presence of Speaker Sindh Assembly Nisar Ahmed Khoro who was chief guest on the occasion.

The group led by Aymen Saleem Yousuf squeezed into a standard Smart Car to smash the record ealier set by the Climb Fit Team of Australia when 18 students compressed into a standard Smart Car at the Warringah Mall, Sydney Australia on January 25, 2010.

The jury comprised of Nisar Khoro, Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig Advisor to Prime Minister, Sharmila Farooqui Advisor to CM Sindh on Information, former cricket captain Waseem Akram, former hockey captain and olympian Islahuddin and Ishtiaq Baig Hon. Consul General of Morocco.

China urges West to support Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao lauded on Sunday Pakistan's efforts to battle al Qaeda, just days after the United States said its ally could do more to crack down on militants, especially along the Afghan border.

Chinese leaders applaud Pakistan's efforts to fight al Qaeda -led terrorism, he added, urging the international community to "endose and support" them.

Chinese Premier vowed to stand by Pakistan to confront all challenges, bring peace and stability to the region, and to turn a new page in Pakistan-China relations.

"Lets stand together, with a new confidence, and begin a new era of progress and prosperity, by jointly confronting all challenges," Jiabao said, amidst heavy thumping of desks during his address to the specially convened joint sitting of the Parliament here.

"China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic partners and share the sorrows and joys of each other as close brothers," he said.

Premier Wen said both the countries have reached the present stage after passing through difficult phases.

He said as people in Pakistan say that a good neighbour is a blessing, "we in China say it is better to have a good neighbour than a relative, who lives far away."

Jiabao expressed the belief that the Pakistani people will be able to surmount all difficulties and assured that "the Chinese government and people will firmly stand by you to face all challenges together."

Premier Wen Jiabao who is the first Chinese and 6th world dignitary to address the joint sitting began his speech by greeting the parliamentarians saying; "Asalam-o-Alaikum".

He strongly voiced China's stance against terrorism and said it must not be linked to any particular country or religion.

"There should be no dual standards in this regard," he said and called for making efforts for addressing the real reasons that lead to terrorism.

"China's stance is clear and consistent. China while standing along with Pakistan and the international community was making sincere efforts to promote cooperation in this regard," he said.

He assured that China would continue to enhance interaction with Pakistan in all spheres.

Premier Wen said Pakistan was passing through a difficult phase as it was facing many challenges and problems. But he was confident that the government and people of Pakistan were determined to tackle these and would move ahead.

"The government and people of Pakistan are united and moving forward to safeguard solidarity, prosperity and sovereignty of the country," he added.

He said the international community was also cognizant of the struggle and efforts being made by the people of Pakistan in facing difficulties and have assured their full support.

Premier Wen Jiabao said "The people of Pakistan have neither been influenced by anyone in the past, nor will they be, in future."

He said it was the joint strategic vision of China and Pakistan to have an all-weather strategic partnership and added that it was "in conformity with the national interests of the peoples of the two countries. It would help promote peace, stability and prosperity of the region."

He said "China and Pakistan ties will get more deeper, closer and stronger."

Premier Wen Jiabao termed the Pak-China friendship as a Pine tree, that remains evergreen despite the harshest of winter, and it has stood the test of time like a strong horse, whose worth is known only when it accomplishes a long journey.

The Chinese Premier assured that China would assist Pakistan in helping it rebuild the damaged infrastructure due to the devastating floods.

"China would fulfill all promises made to Pakistan in this regard," Premier Wen said.

He said China supports Pakistan to have economic sovereignty and was keen to see it makes progress in all spheres through enhanced trade and business.

He said China would support Pakistan in energy, transport, infrastructure and other areas. He said that during his visit the two countries agreed to ink business deals worth $10 billion, reflecting wide scope of economic and trade growth between the two countries.

Jiabao said China believes that Pakistan would benefit from the bilateral trade deals and increase its exports to China.

He said the ICBC bank has been given permission to open branches at Islamabad and Karachi. He said China was also willing to have a currency swap deal with Pakistan and hoped that their cooperation would enhance further in economic sphere.

The Chinese Premier also assured increased cooperation in fields of education and culture. He said the year 2011 will be celebrated as part of their 60th anniversary and lead to more exchanges in this regard. He said over the next three years China would provide 500 scholarships to Pakistani students and conduct 2000 cataract operations in next two years.

Jiabao said next year 100 Pakistani students will participate in Chinese language program in China and expressed the hope that more Pakistanis will visit China and learn the language.

He said over the years the two countries have been engaged in student exchange programme and said the practice would continue as it would enhance their people to people cooperation.

Premier Wen Jiabao called for preserving the tradition of close exchanges at the leadership level, stepping up of communication and coordination on issues that concern respective core interests of the two countries, and firmly support and help each other.

He said China welcomes Pakistan's effort to capitalize on the preferential terms in the bilateral Free Trade Agreement to expand exports to China.

On regional and international cooperation, the Chinese premier said both countries should enhance their coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs.

He said China and Pakistan have common interests and broad consensus on major international issues as the UN reform, the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, climate change, and food and energy security, Wen said.

"We should make joint efforts to meet challenges and promote harmonious and sustainable development of the world," Premier Wen said.

He recalled his visit to Pakistan five years back and said this time too, with the warm welcome, it felt as if he was visiting his home. He said the people of China and Pakistan are like brothers and their ties are "deep rooted" and "rock solid" that have stood the test of time.

He said their relationship was based on the vision and far sightedness of their leaders and love of their people.

Premier Wen said Pakistan has always supported China in all those critical times and mentioned that it stood by it whether it was the issue of membership to the UN General Assembly, relations between the United States of America and China, or on the issues pertaining to Taiwan, Tibet and Sinkiang.

The Chinese Premier also recalled that Pakistan was first to support China in the aftermath of the earthquake at the Sichuan province and rushed to its aid.

He said over half the century China has always sincerely supported the sovereignty, integrity and independence of Pakistan at all levels.

He recalled that several Chinese have laid down their lives to help their Pakistani brethren and said they risked their lives in search, relief and rescue of the flood affected people. Similarly the Pakistanis rescued 268 Chinese workers in Pakistan.

He said the friendship between the two countries has deep roots and "runs in our blood".

Premier Wen appreciated the hard working, resilient and committed Pakistani nation who were proud of their rich historical and cultural heritage and said they have achieved remarkable successes.

He said despite the several challenges the people of Pakistan have stood the test of time and remained steadfast to protect their national interests. He also lauded their commitment to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region and good ties with their neighbours.

PML-Q, JUI-F vow to work together

SLAMABAD: Chief of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain arrived today at Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman's residence and discussed the prevailing political situation of the country.
Chaudhry Shujaat said he came to discuss situation adding that PML-Q wanted that the government should complete its term.

While, Fazlur Rehman noted that PML-Q has hailed our decision to quit the government, which has changed the national politics.

Secretary General PML-Q Mushahid Hussain Syed and JUI-F Secretary General Abdul Ghafoor Haideri were also present during the meeting.

Chinese PM arrives in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao arrived in the federal capital today on a three-day official visit.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. Gilani himself received his Chinese counterpart at the airport. Dozens of chief executives of companies and 150 business leaders are accompanying the Chinese premier.

The visit will be a unique opportunity for the two countries to enhance their trade and commercial ties. Many commercial deals will be signed during the visit.

Up to $20 billion worth of projects with Chinese help have been completed in Pakistan. Work on projects of $14 billion is continuing at present, while projects of another $20 billion are expected to be signed between the two sides.

Chinese prime minister will also address the joint session of the parliament which will be followed by his interaction with media personnel.

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PPP fails to woo JUI-F

ISLAMABAD: Senior Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader and Federal Minister for Labour Khurshid Shah today failed to convince JUI-I chief Fazl ur Rehman.

However, the PPP leader invited Fazl ur Rehman for a meeting on December 18th. 'Sacking of the ministers was the prime minister's prerogative and no consultation was done.'

He was talking to media after a meeting with JUI-F chief outside his residence.

In reply to a question, the PPP leader said the ministers were asked to observe discipline but they did not follow the PM's directive and continue mud-slinging against each other.

Azam Swati was instructed to only speak through proper channel but he did not follow. The minister also blamed media for widening the gap between the two coalition partners.

Talking with the journalists outside his residence stood firmed by his decision to quit the coalition government and blamed the ruling PPP for breaking the accord.

He questioned the prime minister’s judgment to fire the minister without consulting the concerned party.

TAPI gas pipeline project inked

ASHGABAT: Pakistan on Saturday joined Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and India in signing the long-awaited over $7.6 billion dollars gas pipeline project to help it meet its sharply rising industrial and domestic demands.

The "inter-governmental agreement" (IGA) and the "Gas sales and purchase agreement" (GSPA) were signed by President Asif Ali Zardari, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Indian Petroleum Minister Murli Deora and President of the Asian Development Bank Haruhiko Kuroda here at a local hotel, almost 15 years after the project was envisioned. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh did not attend the summit as he was away to attend the India-EU summit at Brussels.

The 1,640 km long Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline backed by the Asian Development Bank will bring 3.2 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day (bcfd) from Turkmenistan's gas fields to Multan in Central Pakistan and end in the northwestern Indian town of Fazilka.

Construction of the pipeline is likely to commence soon and will be completed by 2013-14. The project would help overcome Pakistan's growing energy crisis that has caused electricity shortages and protests across the country.

President Asif Ali Zardari in a statement to the media said gas connectivity through the project would add to regional prosperity by increasing synergies of economies, and will reinforce the institutional framework for expanding cooperation with each other.

He assured complete security and full support to the multi-billion dollar gas pipeline project and said it would change the development paradigm of the entire region.

Suicide blast kills 16 in Tirah market

KOHAT: Sixteen people have been killed while 31 others injured when a suicide bomb ripped through a market in Tirah valley on Wednesday.
The explosion took place at the busy bus terminal in main Tirah bazaar, Kohat police chief Dilawar Bangash said.

Bangash said that a blast was suicidal, adding that the death toll is likely to rise.

Local police spokesman Fazal Naeem said the bomber approached the door of a bus carrying passengers and detonated his explosives.

Earlier it appeared the bomb was planted in a vehicle parked at the main bus stand, but Banghash said that "now we have found the head and legs of the suicide bomber".

WikiLeaks chief arrives in court

LONDON: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange arrived at a London court on Tuesday, hours after British police arrested him on a Swedish arrest warrant for suspected sex crimes, a court official said.

Police sealed the street outside the City of Westminster magistrates court as a black unmarked car carrying several police officers and a silver-haired man believed to be the 39-year-old Australian raced into the car park.

A court official said the extradition hearing was due to start at 1400 GMT and confirmed that Assange had arrived.

Outside court, his London-based lawyer Mark Stephens said that Assange was "fine" after he surrendered to Scotland Yard's extradition unit at a police station in the capital on Tuesday morning.

"It was very cordial. They have verified his identity. They are satisfied he is the real Julian Assange and we are ready to go into court," Stephens told reporters.

Assange's lawyers have said they will fight all attempts to extradite him to Sweden. The legal process could take weeks or even months.

Stephens did not say whether Assange would seek bail, but police sources said he may not be granted it because of the risk that he will try to flee the country.

Assange was arrested on a European arrest warrant issued by Sweden over allegations of unlawful coercion, sexual molestation and rape, the Metropolitan Police said.

He has denied the charges, with his lawyers saying they could be "politically motivated" following the release by WikiLeaks of thousands of secret US documents.

Karzai admits Bugti’s presence in Afghanistan: Leaks

KABUL: Afghan President Hamid Karzai has finally admitted the presence of Baloch leader Brahmdagh Bugti in his country, according to WikiLeaks cables.

Karzai revealed this during a meeting with a UN official in February 2009.

The Afghan government has been reluctant to publicly admit the Baloch rebel’s presence in the country despite Islamabad’s repeated requests for his extradition to Pakistan where the authorities blame him for instigating an uprising in the restive Balochistan province.

According to WikiLeaks, during a meeting in 2007 with the then US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher, Karzai had expressed his unawareness about Brahmdagh’s presence in Afghanistan. When Boucher asked him if he knew anything about the Baloch leader, he said he was aware that around 200 Bugtis, “with their sons and money”, had entered his country to seek shelter. According to Karzai, he had advised them to go to the United Nations for asylum but they were frightened. Besides, Karzai added that the UN had declined to deal with the issue considering it “too sensitive.”

Although Karzai told Boucher that he was not interested to allow Baloch rebels in Afghanistan, he argued that Bugtis would blame the United States if Afghanistan turned them in. He declined to call Brahmdagh a terrorist. “Fomenting uprising doesn’t make one terrorist,” he said when Boucher told him that Pakistan had been blaming Brahmdagh for stirring unrest in Balochistan. For Karzai, the matter was so “sensitive” that he asked US officials to stop taking notes during the meeting.

The Afghan president went on to add that the elder Bugti was highly respected in the United States. “Karzai explained that Bugti had once tried to call Karzai but he had refused for the sake of good relations with Pakistan. Now he cannot forgive himself for refusing,” says a cable released by WikiLeaks.

Gilani vows to expose BB’s killers

PESHAWAR: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has vowed that killers of Benazir Bhutto would soon be exposed with the help of the workers of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP).

Addressing a public meeting held in connection with 43rd Foundation Day of the PPP here at Governor's House on Tuesday, the prime minister said that there were some procedural requirements and the government was following them.

He said that the murders of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto would be brought to justice.

"The procedural requirements into the case would be completed to award punishment to the killers," he announced amidst slogans of demands for the arrest of the killers of Benazir Bhutto.

Paying tributes to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, he said that she was not only the leader of Pakistan, but of the whole world. He directed the Federal Minister for Interior, Rehman Malik for taking measures in this regard to bring the accused to justice immediately.

The PM was flanked by federal ministers Syed Naveed Qamar, Rehman Malik, Najmuddin Khan, Arbab Muhammad Alamgir Khan, Lal Muhammad Khan and Advisor to Prime Minister, Asma Alamgir on the occasion.

At least 11 dead as cargo plane crashes in Karachi

KARACHI: At least eleven people were killed when a Russian-made cargo plane crashed in a fireball seconds after taking off from Karachi on Sunday.

The death toll was expected to rise, with an unknown number of labourers feared killed when the Ilyushin IL-76, bound for the Sudanese capital Khartoum, slammed into buildings in the city.

"All eight people on board have died, we fear that some labourers on the ground have also been killed," CAA spokesman said. "We do not know the exact number of those killed on ground," he added.

Bodies of three labourers working on the construction site have also been recovered from the debris taking the toll to eleven, rescue authorities said.

Authorities said they had brought the fire under control but rescue workers were still searching for bodies.

"Recovered bodies are badly mutilated and beyond recognition," he said.

The plane slammed into buildings under construction in the Dalmia neighbourhood.

"Rescue workers are still searching whether there are any other bodies or injured people in the debris," a police official said.

It was the third plane accident in four months in Pakistan, a country of 170 million people where inter-city travel is most efficient by air, and the second aircraft to crash after take off from Karachi in just four weeks.

The CAA spokesman said that the jet took off from Karachi at 1:45 am (20:45 GMT Saturday) and crashed just one and a half minutes later.

Witnesses spoke of their horror at seeing a fireball racing through the night sky.

"I saw a fireball plummeting to ground," a milk seller said. He had been going home on his motorbike after closing his shop.

"It was so huge and quick. I was terrified."

"I couldn't see what it was. I sped up to save my life and after a few seconds I heard a deafening explosion, but thanks to Allah my life was saved and I was not injured."

The crash sparked fires in four or five construction sites, but officials said the number of casualties would have been far higher if the plane had struck nearby residential buildings.

Residents in nearby buildings spent the night with relatives, he added.

The US-manufactured Beech 1900C aircraft operated by local company was carrying staff from an Italian oil company to an oil field in the southern province of Sindh.

On July 28, an Airbus 321 passenger jet operated by Airblue crashed into hills near Islamabad while coming in to land after a flight from Karachi, killing 152 people on board.

Prof.Dr.Anis Ahmad

Sharif demands remedy for Baloch wounds

QUETTA: Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) chief Mian Nawaz Sharif urged all and sundry to play their role for country’s existence and national solidarity, remarking no single party could cope with issues and challenges facing the country wading through a wretched state. Addressing the party’s provincial Organizing Committee here, Nawaz Sharif vowed the party will expel any of its members if found to be associate or supporter of Former President Gen (rtd) Pervez Musharraf. Commenting on province’s condition, Sharif said the circumstances here are critical, as target killing spree against Baloch people is in progress; adding the same spurs his concerns. The PML-N chief added Balochistan and people inhabiting it are very dear to him and there is an urgent need to uproot the permeating sense of deprivation here. He demanded the government to lay bare the law under which Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti was murdered in Balochistan. Nawaz urged party members to put an end to mutual differences and strengthen the part in the province. ‘I cherish Sardar Sanaullaah Zahri as much as Sardar Yaqub Nasir as they all are my fellows.’ On complaints from party workers about party set-up, Sharif extended reassurances to them, saying the organizational structure countrywide including Balochistan is not constant, as it would be overhauled in a couple of months. ‘We should rise above being Punjab, Pashtun, Baloch, Sindhi and Saraiki affiliations and call ourselves Pakistani,’ he added.

Senate approves report on RGST amid opposition protests

ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Friday approved review report of Committee on Finance and Revenue on Reformed General Sales Tax (RGST) amid massive protest from the opposition and some of PPP allies. Committee on Finance and Revenue presented its review report on RGST amid massive uproar in the house. The report was presented by Senator Ahmed Ali. A massive uproar was witnessed in the upper house over the bill. Opposition as well as the coalition partners of the government, MQM, JUI-F opposed the RGST and demonstrated against it. Awami National Party (ANP) supported PPP government over the bill. At the beginning of the session, government allies MQM and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) along with opposition PML-Q presented their proposals and a motion rejecting the RGST. PML-Q staged walk out against the bill. PML-N and Jamaat-e-Islami also opposed the bill and raised slogans against it. Senator Raza Rabbani raised his reservations on the bill, saying the report presented by the committee is inappropriate. Chairman Farooq H Naek refused voting over the bill presented against RGST.

Zardari, Nawaz to work for democracy

Islamabad—President Asif Ali Zardari and Quaid Muslim league Nawaz Sharif agreed on working together for strengthening democracy in the country.

As per details President Asif Ali Zardari calls Nawaz Sharif on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha to felicitate good wishes and condole him on the passing of his uncle Miraj Din and to inquire about the health of Kalsoom Nawaz.

While discussing various issues they both agreed on strengthening democracy in the country . According to sources PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif told Zardari that his party is in the favour of strong democracy and shall not be a part of any non democratic or unconstitutional step.

President Zardari assured Nawaz for seriously considering the suggestions written to him in a letter by Nawaz Sharif suggesting to give relief to the people and said immediate steps will be taken on this regard.—Online

KESC to begin power outage spans from today

KARACHI: Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) has started afresh the spell of power load shedding in the city from today after Eid holidays..

According to the KESC spokesman, power outages will be commenced from today in all commercial and residential areas of the cosmopolitan.

The areas noted for power stealth, will have to suffer 4.5-hour load shedding and three-hour load shedding will be carried out in areas with less reported power thefts.

According to the KESC spokesman, industrial areas will not afflicted with power outages. According to sources, the city’s aggregate power demand stands at 1950 Megawatts with supply only 1700MWs.

Couldn’t compromise dignity of country: Haider

LONDON: Pakistani wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider, who disappeared from Dubai on Monday, had appeared in a hotel at Heathrow airport later on the day.

Talking to Geo News, Zulqarnain said he could not compromise dignity of his dear motherland so he decided to leave the national cricket team.

He said that he was receiving life threats in response to his match-winning performance in fourth ODI against South Africa and according to him, someone threatened him to fix 5th ODI through threatening SMS on his cell number.

He, however, ruled out blaming any player being behind the threats, responding to a question that if he might want to name any player of the team.

“I was forced to starving after demise of my mother so I can again face such tough situation,” he revealed.

Hero of the fourth ODI against South Africa in Dubai, Zulqarnain Haider said, he believed in Allah, adding that Pakistan was his dear motherland and he could never sell out her dignity.

He dismissed revealing exact location of his whereabouts, saying: “I can assure you that I am safe and sound, not arrested but cannot tell where I am hiding for sake of protection of my life.”

Immigration officials in UK proved kind to me and proposed me to hire services of a counselor but I have yet to reach a decision, he said.

However, he was short of money to take legal advice or hire services of a lawyer, according to him. He was not sure of his future.

He looked worried about his family, saying that his family too received threats so he wanted his family to join him in London soon.

Zulqarnain also appealed to government for provision of protection to his family back in Pakistan.

US-India ties 'to define century'

Washington and Delhi's relationship will be one of the century's defining partnerships, President Barack Obama and Indian PM Manmohan Singh have said.

On a visit to Delhi, Mr Obama said India was a world power, and both countries would work together to promote stability and prosperity.
In a speech to parliament later, he said he would address Delhi's bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
The US president is on a 10-day Asian tour designed to boost US exports.

He is also due to visit Indonesia, South Korea and Japan.

We have not only an opportunity, but a responsibility to lead”

End Quote Barack Obama US President

President Obama told Monday's news conference the two leaders had been discussing the situation in East Asia, which many believe is essentially a focus on China.

Mr Singh said Washington and Delhi had decided to "accelerate the deepening of ties to work as equal partners in a strategic relationship".
He said he and Mr Obama had agreed protectionism was detrimental for both countries, and that India was not in the business of stealing American jobs.
Both sides would expand co-operation on space, civil, nuclear and defence matters, he added.
Mr Obama announced an initiative between both sides to improve security at airports, ports and borders.
Taking questions from journalists, Mr Obama stopped short of committing the US to intervene in India's long-standing dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir.
Washington "cannot impose a solution to these problems" in the Muslim-majority Himalayan border region, he said.
'Terror-induced coercion' Mr Singh said India was committed to resolving all problems with Pakistan, but Islamabad should move away from "terror-induced coercion".

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Manmohan Singh announces agreement on a vision of a world without nuclear arms

The US leader's three-day visit to India is being viewed by many in Pakistan as a snub to the Islamic republic.
Summing up their ties, Mr Obama said: "As the world's two largest democracies, as large and growing free market economies, as diverse, multi-ethnic societies with strong traditions of pluralism and tolerance, we have not only an opportunity, but also a responsibility to lead.
"And that's why I believe that the relationship between the United States and India will, in fact, be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st Century."
Mr Singh said the two countries' relationship would be "defining and indispensable" for the coming decades.
On his third and final day in India, Mr Obama received a ceremonial welcome at the Indian president's palace, and laid a wreath at a memorial to Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi.
At the weekend, he visited the scene of the 2008 attacks in Mumbai and criticised the pace of Pakistan's fight against militants within its borders.
He also announced $10bn (£6.2bn) in new trade deals with India.
Trade between India and the US was worth about $40bn in 2008 - still significantly less than US trade with other partners like China and Europe.

Zulqarnain missing; new twist emerges

DUBAI: Pakistani cricket team wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider went missing from hotel room in Dubai this morning, as the situation takes a surprise turn.

The wicketkeeper Haider is missing from his hotel room since 6am this morning.

Sources said he was last seen at 630am while leaving his room. A Source said Shahid Aslam saw the wicketkeeper leaving his room at around 6am; he intercepted Haider, who told he is leaving to receive his relatives and would be back after some time. However, he was not seen around again.

However, in a new twist to the entire episode is a new message received on the mobile phone of wicketkeeper’ friend and Geo News corresponded Sohail Imran at around 1515am. The sms tells that Zulqarnain was leaving for England and urged security for his family in view of life-threatening messages.

The PCB’s Media Manager Nadeem Sarwar told Geo News that Zulqarnain had already taken his passport from the management on certain pretext last night.

The wicketkeeper said in his Facebook post he was leaving cricket as someone gave him bad message on losing in last match.

The wicketkeeper words are: ‘leaving pakistan cricket because get bad msg fr 1 man fr lose the match in last game.’

Also, a message from Zulqarnain’s mobile received on cellphone of Sohail Imran, said he is leaving the cricket as someone is giving him murder threats.

The SMS received on Sohail Imran’s mobile phone said, ‘Match haar jao’ (Lose match.)

In his second MSM to Sohail Imran, the cricketer said he is leaving for England.

Talking to Geo News, Zulqarnain’s brother Aqil Haider said his brother talked to the family last night, urging all to pray to Allah for his brother.

Team management announced three changes in the squad for today’s match. Zulqarnain Haider’s name was previously on the squad for today’s match. Muhammed Yousuf, who flew shortly to Dubai, has been included in the squad for strengthening batting line. Omar Akmal will play as wicketkeeper in today’s match. Imran Farhat and Asad Shafeeque have been excluded.

Zulhaj moon sighted; Eid on Nov 17

ISLAMABAD: Zulhaj moon has been sighted, therefore, Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated with religious fervour across the country on November 17 (Wednesday).

Chairman Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman made the announcement of Zulhaj moon sighting while talking to media men at the conclusion of the committee’s meeting held here on Sunday.

The committee’s meeting was attended by noted Ulema as well as religious scholars.

Zonal Ruet-e-Hillah Committees’ meetings were also held in the capitals of four provinces.

No survivors in Karachi plane crash

KARACHI: A privately-owned aircraft carrying 20 oil company officials crashed in suburb of Karachi on Friday and a military spokesman said there were no survivors.

"The plane has been totally gutted and there are no survivors," lieutenant Colonel Noor Alam who supervised rescue operation told reporters.

The plane was believed to be carrying about 20 people, mostly Pakistanis, he said, adding that bodies have not yet been identified.

It was not immediately clear if there were any foreigners on board, he said.

So far, 12 bodies, gutted completely and unable to be identified, have been recovered and efforts to recover the remaining are underway, Noor Alam said.

Reports from CAA authorities confirmed that at least 20 people were on board who have been feared dead as the wreckage caught fire after crash. Accident took place at 7:15am.

Rescue teams, police, airport security force, ambulances arrived on the accident site and kicked off rescue and relief operations. Plane crashes away from residential area.

Thick smoke was seen emitting from plane while firefighters tried hard to bring fast raging flames under control.

The airplane was of a private company and had been chartered by a US company working on an oil field in Karachi. Two crewmembers and a technician were also on plane.

The crash took place due to engine failure as the pilot tried to contact control tower complaining there was flaw in one engine of plane, reports said.

CAA official Pervez George said the aircraft was carrying company employees to an oil field at Bhit Shah in the southern province of Sindh, of which Karachi is the capital.

"It was a small plane and there were about 20 people on board. It was a privately-owned aircraft belonging to an oil company," George told .

"Soon after they left, they contacted the airport control tower and said there was a problem in one of the engines. The plane was directed to return and soon after it crashed," he said.

PM to leave office if loses majority: Nisar

ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly said that he never demanded mid-term polls but has been termed an enemy of the country, Geo News reported.

He noted that the prime minister will lose the right to be in the office if he loses the majority.

Govt to protect democracy at all costs; Gilani

ISLAMABAD, Nov 2 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Tuesday said the Pakistan Peoples Party has rendered numerous sacrifices and would protect the democratic process at all costs.Talking to a group of Ministers and MNAs here at his Chamber in the Parliament House, the Prime Minister said certain forces in the Parliament had wishful thinking to derail the democratic process in the country and to hold mid-term elections.The Prime Minister strongly rejected dissolution of the assembly and said democracy was the only solution to the problems facing Pakistan.

Prime Minister Gilani said government policies were formed in the perspective of the prevailing circumstances and changed according to new requirements and ground realities. He said Parliament was the right forum to discuss problems of the people.
Gilani said government was fully aware of the problems of masses and said the devastating floods have affected the growth rate of economy. He said despite all financial constraints, government was determined to utilize all resources to mitigate the sufferings of the people, he added.
The Parliamentarians lauded the leadership of Prime Minister, and for promoting democratic norms in the Parliament. They also apprised the Prime Minister of the development schemes in their respective constituencies.
Minister for Textile Rana Farooq, Minister for Agriculture Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Minister of State for Communication Imtiaz Safdar Baloch, Adviser to Prime Minister on Political Affairs Nawabzada Ghazanfar Gul, MNAs - Nafeesa Shah, Nadeem Afzal Chan, Saffar Leghari, Sher Mohammad Baloch, Tariq Tarrar, Abdul Qayyum Joti, and MPA Anwer Saifullah attended the meeting.

 

Govt drops 'petrol bomb'

ISLAMABAD - Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on Sunday announced a hefty raise in petroleum prices for the month of November and notification in this regard has been issued.
According to Syed Jawad Naseem, Spokesman for OGRA, an increase of Rs 5.97 per litre was made in petrol rate and the new price will be Rs 72.96 per litre. A raise of Rs 4.5 per litre was announced in the diesel (HSD) price and the new rate is Rs 78.33 per litre.
New price of high octane blending component (HOBC) will be Rs 86.67 with an increase of Rs 7.11 per litre and the new price for kerosene oil will be Rs 70.95 after a hike of Rs 5.15 per litre. New price of light diesel oil (LDO) will be Rs 66.61 with subsequent climb of Rs 4.27 per litre. Similarly, an increase of Rs 4.61 was made in JP-1 (local) rate and new price will be Rs 60.26 and prices of JP-4 will be Rs 57.45 per litre with an increase of Rs 5.29 per litre. Further, price of JP-8 will be Rs 59.96 of per litre with an increase of Rs 4.61 per litre.

Shahbaz meets army chief

RAWALPINDI / LAHORE, Oct 30: Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif met Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Saturday and exchanged views on matters related to rehabilitation and reconstruction in flood-hit areas and the security situation.

Punjab government sources said it was a routine meeting where the role played by the army in rehabilitation of flood-affected people. However, some other sources said the meeting also focussed on the security situation, especially the role political parties could play in fighting terrorism.

The chief minister took the army chief into confidence about investigation into recent terror-related incidents in Punjab and reiterated his resolve that the PML-N would continue its support to efforts being made by the army for elimination of terrorism and extremism.—Online

Government, CNG association dialogue fails

ISLAMABAD: Dialogue between the government and the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Association failed on Monday after the government refused to ensure uninterrupted gas supply to the CNG stations without load management for two days.

Sources informed Daily Times that in the meeting held at the Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) Head Office, the government suggested that the CNG stations should close down two days a week because of the shortage of natural gas during winters.

Talking to Daily Times, Association Chairman Ghayas Paracha said they couldn’t afford to close stations for more than one day in a week. He said the association would call for a strike if their demand were not accepted. The association also threatened to violate the government orders if a decision was forced upon them.

The association has also demanded Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Syed Naveed Qamar end unannounced gas load shedding. Sources said the federal government had decided to start gas load shedding across the country during winter season and there would be no exception for any province.

“Qamar has said the domestic consumers will be exempted from load shedding this year,” sources added. According to a ministry official, the load shedding policy will be uniform for all provinces and every consumer will be treated equally. However, issues will be taken up in a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee likely to be held next week. He said that ministry would try to maintain the gas supply to all sectors, but keeping in view the gap between demand and supply, every one had to face some difficulties.

According to him, the government would fulfill its agreements and the gas supply to IPPs would continue till November 30, adding that other power companies would also be supplied with gas according to agreements.

CNG stations closed for 3rd day in Potohar region

ATTOCK: The CNG stations are closed for third consecutive day today in Potohar region from Attock to Jhelum, posing serious problems for commuters and motorists, Geo News reported Saturday.

The government announced to keep 597 CNG stations closed on 29 and 30 October in Potohar Region owing to the suspension of gas supply.

The CNG Association went on strike on October 28 one day before this schedule against this step.

Besides Potohar region, the CNG pumps remained closed for a total of three days in twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, causing people to switch to costlier fuel petrol after their CNG gas was used up.

Also, the taxi drivers reved up their fares with thin public transport available on roads, posing problems for commuters.

According to a previous announcement, the CNG stations would be opened on Sunday morning.

PM urged on more commitment with country, not party

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif advised the government not to trample all principles for the sake politics.

Talking to media here, the PML-N leader said the government should be more committed to the country and democracy, adding ethics comes first and politics follows.

He said, ‘We all respect the freedom of the Supreme Court (SC). The government better correct itself and capitulate to the verdicts of the court.’

Nawaz Sharif said his party will not allow the institutions to clash one another, adding it grieves to see corruption on the rise and rampage in Pakistan.

He further stressed the price hike could be stemmed if corruption in certain institutions is tamped down.

Reacting to a query, the N-League leader remarked the Prime Minister needed to make prudent decisions and should have more commitment with the country than with the party.

If foreign money pours in only to be stolen here, then who will give his money for the second time, Nawaz Sharif observed adding the nations are ruined under one-man rule (autocracy).

‘We will not be impacted by any meeting between Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q),’ he added.

Pakistan ranked 34th most corrupt country in 2010

Updated at: 1545 PST,  Tuesday, October 26, 2010
 KARACHI: Pakistan's decline continue in Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) and now its Index Score is 2.3 against 2.4 in 2009, and out of 178 countries, its ranking as most corrupt country has slipped 7 ranks, from 42 in 2009 to 34 most corrupt country in 2010.

The 2010 CPI shows that nearly three quarters of the 178 countries in the index score below five, on a scale from 0 (perceived to be highly corrupt) to 10 (perceived to have low levels of corruption), indicating a serious corruption problem.

Syed Adil Gilani, Chairman TI Pakistan said in last two year there have been unprecedented cases of corruption involving tens of billions of rupees in public sector organization, which under the Rule of Law, should have been taken up by the National Accountability Bureau.

He said the political will of the government to fight corruption is lacking which has resulted in the Supreme Court of Pakistan to take suo moto action against mega corruption in NICL, Pakistan Steel, Rental Power Plants.

The CPI 2010 reveals that corruption in Pakistan is increasing, while in Bangladesh it is decreasing. Bangladesh was perceived to be the most corrupt country in 2001, 2002 and 2003 and its ranking in 2010 is 39 most corrupt country.
Reduced corruption has paid dividends to Bangladesh whose annual GDP growth last year was over 5%, while Pakistan's GDP growth last year was near 2.4 %. Delay in formation of An Independent Accountability Commission by the parliament may further aggravate the situation.

Chairman TI Pakistan said that the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which has a declared policy of Zero-Tolerance for Corruption on 22 March 2009, in its order of 12th October, 2010 in NICL Case No.18 of 2010 involving six procurements is considers the Violation of Public Procurement Rules 2004 as a criminal act. It is a landmark order, treating violation of Public Procurement Rules 2004 as a federal crime and it will help reduction in Corruption.

The direct impact of increased corruption is witnessed in the rise in the prices of food commodities which according to the latest official data of Federal Bureau of Statistics, have increased up to 120 percent in last one year viz. sugar from Rs 54 to Rs 80, pulses from Rs 50 to Rs 110, eggs from Rs 35 to Rs 60, and the Foreign Direct Investment for the fiscal year 2009-2010 dropped to US $ 2.21 billion from US$ 3.71 billion in FY 2008-2009, and in July-Sept 2010 it is further dropped to US $ 387.4 million ( 68% of last year).

Foreign debt on Pakistan increased from US $ 40 Billion in 1999 to US $ 46 billion in 2008, whereas in last two years it has increased to US $ 53.5 billion.

Across the board Application of Rule of Law, Merit based appointments and easy Access to Justice is the only solution to save Pakistan from corruption, which is responsible for poverty, inflation, terrorism, illiteracy, lack of electricity and hording of essential food commodities.

In the 2010 CPI, Denmark, New Zealand and Singapore tie for first place with scores of 9.3. Unstable governments, often with a legacy of conflict, continue to dominate the bottom rungs of the CPI. Afghanistan and Myanmar share second to last place with a score of 1.4, with Somalia coming in last with a score of 1.1.

Ali Zafar jumps to Katrina's rescue

Pakistani musician turned actor Ali Zafar has saved the day by coming to Bollywood siren Katrina Kaif’s rescue during shooting of romantic comedy Meray Brother Ki Dulhan.
Talking to Express 24/7, Ali said he jumped in to save Katrina when her hair got stuck in a pedestal fan on the set. His heroic act prevented Katrina from losing her hair.
Ali’s heroics have redeemed his first meeting with Katrina, where he failed to recognise her. But Katrina reportedly reacted politely and introduced herself to Ali.
It also seems Ali has won over Indian hearts after he gifted a stranger his lucky guitar.
The story goes that a stranger would come to the studios every day to watch the shooting, and Ali found out that the boy was a struggling musician.
Ali presented his lucky guitar to the stranger and wished him luck for the future.

Ecuadorean super-snorer wins siesta contest in Spain

A jobless security worker has won a competition billed as Spain's inaugural siesta championship, napping for 17 minutes in a busy shopping centre.

Ecuadorean Pedro Soria Lopez took first place and 1,000 euros (£890) for his efforts - or lack of them.
Judges praised the 62-year-old not only for the duration of his 40 winks, but also for his volume, notching up snores of 70 decibels - around talking level.
The contest was run by Spain's National Association of Friends of the Siesta.
It was part of a campaign to revive the Spanish power-napping tradition, which is seen as threatened by the fast pace of modern life.
Over the course of nine days, 360 competitors were challenged to sleep for as much of a 20-minute period allotted to them as possible.
Participants stretched out on sofas in the Madrid shopping centre while their pulses were monitored to check they were asleep.
Judges awarded points for the speed with which participants fell asleep, the volume of their snoring, the most original sleeping position and the best-dressed sleeper.