ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN - The Pakistani government's reversal of a controversial economic measure won back the support of the second-largest party in its coalition Friday and staved off a possible collapse, but it also increased tensions with the United States and other international donors.
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement's return, which restored the ruling coalition's parliamentary majority, came a day after Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani announced that the government would capitulate to the party's key demand by canceling a recent increase in fuel prices. That decision drew stern criticism from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
While the MQM's move resolved the latest political crisis to rock the volatile, U.S.-backed nation, it also highlighted how beholden President Asif Ali Zardari's ruling Pakistan People's Party is to its coalition partners. Gillani said the government would also drop a proposal for an expanded sales tax that it had promised to the International Monetary Fund and that the United States had also encouraged. That proposal, too, was opposed by the MQM and opposition parties.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
U.S has right to interfere in Pakistan’s economic, governance affairs: Munter
Addressing a ceremony here, Cameron said that the United States provides largest aid to Pakistan, therefore, it has right to interfere in economic and governance affairs.
The ambassador said that the United States made demands to Pakistan with respect and dignity, adding that statement of Hillary Clinton about POL prices was misquoted.
He dispelled the impression that US was mounting pressure on Pakistan for launching military operation in North Waziristam.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Taseer’s murder part of a wider plot: Imtiaz Safdar Warraich
Pakistan’s most high-profile political assassination in three years has bitterly divided the country, horrifying moderates but winning praise from religious scholars and lawyers who festooned the presumed killer in garlands.
A member of an elite commando responsible for protecting Taseer confessed to killing him in broad daylight outside an Islamabad cafe to silence his efforts to reform the country’s blasphemy laws.
But Taseer’s political allies suggest Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri, pictured grinning after allegedly pumping nearly 30 bullets into Taseer’s body, acted as part of a wider conspiracy and accused police of a cover-up.
“The martyrdom of Mr Salman Taseer is a conspiracy against Pakistan and Pakistani institutions,” said Imtiaz Safdar Warraich, a junior cabinet minister in the main ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), to which Taseer belonged.
“The people behind this assassination should be exposed immediately…there was a serious security lapse,” he said.
Questions have been asked about why no policeman or guard apparently made an attempt to overpower the 26-year-old shooter.
“A former regional police officer had declared the constable a security risk 18 months ago and directed that he not be assigned VIP duty,” Warraich said.
“Telling colleagues about his (Qadri’s) intention, asking to be arrested alive and the silent spectator role of policemen deployed at the crime scene raise too many questions.”
PPP Law Minister Babar Awan criticised a “huge criminal security failure”.
“The protection of the constitutional head of a province was entrusted to murderers. Why were those declared a security risk assigned to VIP duty?”
Interior Minister Rehman Malik alluded to a wider conspiracy to destablise Pakistan, which is on the front line of the US-led war on al Qaeda and where bomb attacks have killed 4,000 people since July 2007.
“We know how much money is being pumped in (to destablise the country) and if we don’t act wisely it will explode like a bomb and we won’t be able to face the consequences,” Malik said.
He called on religious scholars, lawyers and members of the public to “act responsibly” after Qadri was publicly showered with rose petals and kisses before being charged with murder, terrorism and violence on Wednesday.
A member of an elite commando responsible for protecting Taseer confessed to killing him in broad daylight outside an Islamabad cafe to silence his efforts to reform the country’s blasphemy laws.
But Taseer’s political allies suggest Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri, pictured grinning after allegedly pumping nearly 30 bullets into Taseer’s body, acted as part of a wider conspiracy and accused police of a cover-up.
“The martyrdom of Mr Salman Taseer is a conspiracy against Pakistan and Pakistani institutions,” said Imtiaz Safdar Warraich, a junior cabinet minister in the main ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), to which Taseer belonged.
“The people behind this assassination should be exposed immediately…there was a serious security lapse,” he said.
Questions have been asked about why no policeman or guard apparently made an attempt to overpower the 26-year-old shooter.
“A former regional police officer had declared the constable a security risk 18 months ago and directed that he not be assigned VIP duty,” Warraich said.
“Telling colleagues about his (Qadri’s) intention, asking to be arrested alive and the silent spectator role of policemen deployed at the crime scene raise too many questions.”
PPP Law Minister Babar Awan criticised a “huge criminal security failure”.
“The protection of the constitutional head of a province was entrusted to murderers. Why were those declared a security risk assigned to VIP duty?”
Interior Minister Rehman Malik alluded to a wider conspiracy to destablise Pakistan, which is on the front line of the US-led war on al Qaeda and where bomb attacks have killed 4,000 people since July 2007.
“We know how much money is being pumped in (to destablise the country) and if we don’t act wisely it will explode like a bomb and we won’t be able to face the consequences,” Malik said.
He called on religious scholars, lawyers and members of the public to “act responsibly” after Qadri was publicly showered with rose petals and kisses before being charged with murder, terrorism and violence on Wednesday.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Taseer’s assassination ‘political’: Awan
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Pak Punjab Governor killed by own guard
Forty-six-year-old Taseer was getting into his car at Kohsar Market in Islamabad’s posh Sector F6/3 area when the guard from the Elite Force of Punjab Police shot him with an automatic weapon at a close range, officials said.
The Governor was rushed to the Polyclinic Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, his spokesman Farrukh Shah said.
Officials said Mr. Taseer was hit by at least nine bullets and sustained severe injuries to the neck and chest.
Doctors made an unsuccessful attempt to revive him before declaring him dead.
Police arrested the guard, who shot Mr. Taseer and took him to an undisclosed location.his name is malik mumtaz qadri and has been living in barah koh.Islamabad.he killed the governor due to his behavior on the issue of namoose rasalat as reported by the pakistani media .
six other persons were also detained by police at the market.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Gilani wins PML-Q support
Talking to the media men after meeting PML-Q leadership, Prime Minister Gilani said PML-Q has supported me earlier and would not derail the system.
Prime Minister said that PML-Q has always supported the government on national issues unconditionally, adding that Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain has assured that his party would not be part of any undemocratic step. He further said that PML-Q has assured for supporting him if no-confidence motion was filed.
He said Shujaat has convened party meeting tomorrow to discuss the issues.
PM urged politicians to support democracy and strengthen it.
Gilani said PML-Q has supported unconditionally while remaining in opposition. He said that PML-Q has always supported the government on issues of national interest.
Shujaat Hussain said that PML-Q is not against the Prime Minister, adding that it did not want to blackmail the government. He further said that his party wants to flourish the democracy.
He asked the PM to redress the grievance of masses.
The Prime Minister pointed out that Muttahida Qaumi Movement has only one issue i.e Sindh Home Minsiter Zulfiqr Mirza's statements, while the JUI-F was angry over the sacking of his minister.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Oprah Winfrey launches OWN TV network
OWN's start date has been delayed twice and its cost has reportedly swollen to $189m (£121m).
Among the programmes scheduled is a reality show starring the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson.
Winfrey has built up a huge fan base during 25 years as the host of the syndicated Oprah Winfrey Show.
The programmes on the new station have a focus on empowerment, improvement, positivity aimed mainly at women, who are Ms Winfrey's core audience.
"I wanted to build a network which empowers you, the viewer, to turn your dreams into reality," Ms Winfrey said on a preview programme that launched the network on Saturday.
One of the programmes offered will be a reality show in which 10 finalists from thousands of applicants will compete for the chance to host their own TV show.
There will also be a programme called Why Not?, hosted by Canadian country singer Shania Twain.
19 killed in drone attacks on NW
Peshawar—On the advent of the new year the US has gifted its so called friend in “War on Terror” Pakistan with four missile attacks on North Waziristan killing.The infamous US drones have been targeting Pakistan’s northern tribal belt for the last more than thirty months killing over 1300 people, mostly civilians, in over 250 missiles hits, on Saturday, the very first day of new year 2011, drones kept hovering in the skies all most all the day long creating panic and harassment among the residents in North Waziristan.
A couple of drones struck three times Spinwaam Tehsil some thirty kilometres north west of Mir Ali Sub- division of North Waziristan early Saturday killing up to 14 people.
The American drones first targeted a vehicle with two hell fire missiles in Manda Khel area some five kilometres from Pak- Afghan border killing around five people.
The drones again struck after some pause at a suspected compound in Ghorishkai area killing five more people.
The attack was followed by yet other missiles hit targeting a suspected vehicle that had hardly reached there. The third attack, killed four people.
“The American drones fired at least six missiles on the compound and two on a vehicle killing at least nine people. The area is situated in hilly terrain rescue activities could not be conducted effectively. The officials claimed the drones had targeted the Taliban militants belonging to Hafiz Gul Bahadar group.
According to details the US drones targeted a vehicle in Mohammad Khel area of Datta Khel Tehsil some 35 kilometres west of Miran Shah the headquarters of North Waziristan agencies. At least four people were killed and equal number of others received wounds.
Some officials claimed all those killed in Datta Khel missiles hit were the foreigners, yet they were unable to give the identity of the victims.
The American drone launched missile attacks in Waziristan agencies in August 2008 and since then have mercilessly been violating territorial integrity of Pakistan despite repeated appeals made by the Islamabad stop the attacks which were earning mass hatred against the Americans. However, all the appeals fell on the deaf ears of Washington According to rough estimates alone in the year 2010 the American drones struck 120 times Waziristan agencies killing hundreds of people with big majority being innocent people as admitted even by the international watch dogs.
A couple of drones struck three times Spinwaam Tehsil some thirty kilometres north west of Mir Ali Sub- division of North Waziristan early Saturday killing up to 14 people.
The American drones first targeted a vehicle with two hell fire missiles in Manda Khel area some five kilometres from Pak- Afghan border killing around five people.
The drones again struck after some pause at a suspected compound in Ghorishkai area killing five more people.
The attack was followed by yet other missiles hit targeting a suspected vehicle that had hardly reached there. The third attack, killed four people.
“The American drones fired at least six missiles on the compound and two on a vehicle killing at least nine people. The area is situated in hilly terrain rescue activities could not be conducted effectively. The officials claimed the drones had targeted the Taliban militants belonging to Hafiz Gul Bahadar group.
According to details the US drones targeted a vehicle in Mohammad Khel area of Datta Khel Tehsil some 35 kilometres west of Miran Shah the headquarters of North Waziristan agencies. At least four people were killed and equal number of others received wounds.
Some officials claimed all those killed in Datta Khel missiles hit were the foreigners, yet they were unable to give the identity of the victims.
The American drone launched missile attacks in Waziristan agencies in August 2008 and since then have mercilessly been violating territorial integrity of Pakistan despite repeated appeals made by the Islamabad stop the attacks which were earning mass hatred against the Americans. However, all the appeals fell on the deaf ears of Washington According to rough estimates alone in the year 2010 the American drones struck 120 times Waziristan agencies killing hundreds of people with big majority being innocent people as admitted even by the international watch dogs.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
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Gilani urges nation to struggle unitedly for its goals in new year
This matter is very encouraging and appreciable that the nation overcame these critical phases with confidence and a sense of conviction, he added.
The Prime Minister said the floods caused widespread damage and the nation has to bear irreparable damage in lives and property.
The government took all possible steps for the timely and effective assistance of the flood affectees and the international community generously extended help in the effort, for which Pakistani government is thankful, he added.
He recalled that people, government and non-governmental organizations, philanthropists and welfare organizations with a large heart assisted their brothers in distress and once again proved that in this hour of trial the whole nation is united.
The courageous and patriotic people of Pakistan and the law enforcing agencies, like always, countered terrorism and extremism, he said adding the day is not far off when terrorists will be completely eliminated from the country.
The Prime Minister said the government continued its journey for the welfare of people, prosperity of nation and for the country’s security and sovereignty.
“With belief in reconciliation, we continued to perform our national duty with hard work, patriotism and responsibility for strengthening and promotion of democracy,” he said adding as a result of the government efforts the state institutions became strong and now they are playing their role by remaining in the constitutional ambit.
Gilani acknowledged that undoubtedly the difficult international economic conditions and circumstances badly affected the country’s economy as a result of which people are facing problems of price hike, unemployment and loadshedding.
He said the government is fully aware of the situation and utilizing all of its resources to find a permanent solution of issues.
The Prime Minister sought cooperation and trust of the people to get out of the difficulties.
He expressed his confidence that with united efforts a prosperous and invincible welfare state will be created which will be mirror image of the dreams of Poet of the East Allama Iqbal, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Quaid-e-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed.
The Prime Minister said the floods caused widespread damage and the nation has to bear irreparable damage in lives and property.
The government took all possible steps for the timely and effective assistance of the flood affectees and the international community generously extended help in the effort, for which Pakistani government is thankful, he added.
He recalled that people, government and non-governmental organizations, philanthropists and welfare organizations with a large heart assisted their brothers in distress and once again proved that in this hour of trial the whole nation is united.
The courageous and patriotic people of Pakistan and the law enforcing agencies, like always, countered terrorism and extremism, he said adding the day is not far off when terrorists will be completely eliminated from the country.
The Prime Minister said the government continued its journey for the welfare of people, prosperity of nation and for the country’s security and sovereignty.
“With belief in reconciliation, we continued to perform our national duty with hard work, patriotism and responsibility for strengthening and promotion of democracy,” he said adding as a result of the government efforts the state institutions became strong and now they are playing their role by remaining in the constitutional ambit.
Gilani acknowledged that undoubtedly the difficult international economic conditions and circumstances badly affected the country’s economy as a result of which people are facing problems of price hike, unemployment and loadshedding.
He said the government is fully aware of the situation and utilizing all of its resources to find a permanent solution of issues.
The Prime Minister sought cooperation and trust of the people to get out of the difficulties.
He expressed his confidence that with united efforts a prosperous and invincible welfare state will be created which will be mirror image of the dreams of Poet of the East Allama Iqbal, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Quaid-e-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed.
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