PAKISTAN

KARACHI: Interior Minister Rehman Malik Sunday said that he had directed the Interior Secretary to form a joint investigation team to probe the incidents that had occurred in Faisalabad and Dera Islmail Khan.

The Interior Minister was talking to newsmen after holding a meeting with a delegation of Ulema hete at Rangers Mess.

The delegation comprised Mufti Munib-ur-Rehman, Maulana Asad Thanvi, Shahid Ghauri and other Ulema. Capital Police Officer (CCPO) Wasim Ahmed also attended the meeting.

Rehman Malik said people belonging to Deo Bandi and Brailvi schools of thought are each other’s brothers and that they will foil the nefarious designs of those who are attempting to pit them against each other.

Mufti Munib-ur-Rehman on the occasion said a joint communiqué has been prepared in the meeting which condemned the incidents that took place in Faisalabad, Dera Ismail Khan and Karachi.

He demanded of the government to give financial assistance amounting to Rs1 million each to the families the deceased of these incidents besides bearing the expenses of education of their children.

Mufti Munib-ur-Rehman said the culprits behind the violent incidents be traced and taken to task without any discrimination.

The Interior Minister said he would undertake a visit of the affected areas along with the Ulema representing both the schools of thought.

LAHORE: Chief of Awami Muslim League Sheigh Rashid Ahmed has announced that his party would boycott by-elections in NA-123 Lahore and PP-82 Jhang.

Addressing a press conference he said, “the actual face of Punjab government has come into light following the rigging and coercion exercised by it during the recent by-election in NA-55.”

He said those who call him disloyal had themselves ditched their workers before fleeing to other countries. “I will continue to expose this no.2 leadership,” he added.

Sheikgh Rashid claimed that police and Patwar Khana were misused in Rawalpindi while ‘two men stabbed me in the back’.

He requested the Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry to set up a commission to probe the use of force and rigging in NA-55.

“The N-League’s win in NA-55 was followed by a breakfast meeting with the Prime Minister,” Sheikh Rashid maintained, adding, it is actually a loss and not a win.

To a question he said, a physician, musician and politician never retire.

 LONDON: British foreign secretary David Miliband called on President Asif Ali Zardari here on Sunday, Geo News reported.

Pakistan High Commissioner in London, Wajid-ul-Hasan was also present on the occasion, sources said.

   LAHORE: Tehreek-e-Insaf Chief Imran Khan Sunday aurged Nawaz Sharif to ‘quit friendly opposition and fulfill his responsibility towards protection of people’s rights’.

Speaking to a press conference here at the party’s central office, the TI Chief said all the opposition parties should take a joint delegation to the US for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. They should also join with them the people of the US, he added.

The British female journalist who had embraced Islam during her captivity with the Taliban was also present on the occasion along with other senior leaders of TI.

Imran Khan said the conviction of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui following her extradition has caused great humiliation to Pakistan. “Had this case be made public in the US, it would have triggered protests there,” he said.

ORLANDO: Employees wept and audience members grew silent Saturday at SeaWorld as the theme park's popular killer whale show resumed with a photo montage memorial for a trainer who was killed by one of the orcas in front of horrified spectators three days ago.

The show had been shut down since veteran trainer Dawn Brancheau, 40, died Wednesday after rubbing a 22-foot, 12,000-pound orca named Tilikum. The animal grabbed her ponytail and pulled her into the water in front of about 20 spectators. The medical examiner says she likely died of traumatic injuries and drowning.

More than 2,000 people packed the park's stadium Saturday for the first show since Brancheau's death.

The audience seemed thrilled, applauding and cheering as the whales zipped around their tank and splashed spectators during the show — with the theme of "believe," about a young boy who sees an orca and dreams of one day becoming a whale trainer. It was a fitting tribute to Brancheau, whose family said she always wanted work with the giant whales.

At one point during the show, a young girl was brought on stage and given a whale tail necklace.

"I just wanted to be here for this show. It's so special," said Russell Thomphsen, 65, who said he is a season-ticket holder for SeaWorld. "This touches so many lives."

Spectators packed the enormous outdoor amphitheater despite chilly, rainy weather, with the orca pool registering at 52 degrees. The whale trainers received a standing ovation as they approached the platform before the show, part of the multimillion-dollar enterprise centered around "Shamu" — the stage name given to all the performing orcas.

Several SeaWorld employees wept as the photo montage set to music was shown.

"It was very moving," said Molly Geislinger, 33, who came from Minneapolis with her husband and 21-month-old child.

However, she noticed a difference in how the trainers acted.

"They looked like they were being very careful," she said. "They looked very cautious today."

Indeed, the trainers weren't allowed in the water, meaning the whales' handlers did not surf on top of the marine mammals or fly into the air. Instead, the trainers — wearing orca-like black-and-white wetsuits — directed the whales from outside the huge tank's acrylic walls. They coached the creatures to splash the front-and-center rows a few times, much to the delight of onlookers.

SeaWorld officials have said trainers won't swim with the orcas until they finish reviewing what happened to Brancheau.

Jeff Steward, who came to the show with his wife, called the memorial "a very emotional start."

He said they enjoyed the show, adding: "It's a tragedy, but these things happen when you're dealing with wild animals."

SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment President Jim Atchison said Friday that Tilikum will remain an "active, contributing member of the team," in part because the killer whale show is big business at SeaWorld. The company owns more killer whales than anyone else in the world and builds the orca image into its multimillion-dollar brand. Tilikum did not perform Saturday.

The timing of the killer whales' return to performances reflects just what the sleek black-and-white mammals mean to SeaWorld, which the private equity firm The Blackstone Group bought last fall for around $2.7 billion from Anheuser-Busch InBev in a deal that included two Busch Gardens theme parks and several other attractions.

There are two other SeaWorld parks — one in San Antonio, and one in San Diego.

No animal is more valuable to that operation than Tilikum, the largest orca in captivity. Captured nearly 30 years ago off Iceland, Tilikum has grown into the alpha male of captive killer whales, his value as a stud impossible to pin down. He now has been involved in the deaths of two trainers and requires a special set of handling rules, which Atchison wouldn't specify.

John Galloway, of Palm Coast, Fla., said he didn't want to see the killer whale shows end because of the tragedy.

"I think they know what they're doing," he said of the trainers. "Me, myself, I wouldn't be down there doing that."

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia today said it was worried over the activities of al-Qaeda and Taliban in Pakistan and asked the political leadership in that country to unite and ensure that the extremists do not achieve their objectives.

"Pakistan is a friendly country to us. Therefore, seeing any kind of dangerous trend in a friendly country, one is not only sorry but also worried," Saudi foreign minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal told reporters here.

It is the duty of all political leaders in Pakistan to unite to see that extremism does not find it way to achieving gains in that country, he said.

The minister was asked whether Saudi Arabia was worried about the situation in Pakistan because of extremism.

He said extremism can only be tackled through a united political leadership in Pakistan. "We hope this is what will be achieved."

Asked about collaboration between al-Qaeda and Taliban forces in the region, he said "there is no relation between Saudi Arabia and Taliban.

"Our relationship was abrogated because Taliban gave sanctuary to al-Qaeda. Since then and till today we have no relations with Taliban. That will give you an indication of how seriously we look at the issue."

ISLAMABAD: Former National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lt Gen (rtd) Shahid Aziz said the Bureau is legally not subordinate to anyone, Geo News reported Sunday.

Talking to Geo News in ‘Mere Mutabiq’, he said the NAB is authorized for probe of cases on its own and can directly enter deal with Interpol and foreign investigative agencies.

Aziz said the NAB was practically under the Prime Minister and everything including finance, holidays, movement were under PM control; however, for cases investigation, the Bureau was independent.

The same is enshrined in the NAB law that the body can directly deal with all foreign law and investigative agencies including Interpol, he asserted.

ISLAMABAD: A moderate earthquake with an intensity of 6.2 has rattled upper parts of country including federal capital Islamabad early on Sunday morning before dawn, Geo news reported.

According to met office, the areas received the shocks of tremor, included upper and lower Dir, Swat, Bunir, Hangu, Malakand, Shangla, Nowshera, Mansehra, Balakot, Attock, Peshawar and Momhand Agency.

The epic center of quake was somewhere in Afghanistan beneath Hindu Kush’s mountainous region, met office told media.

No loss of life or property was reported, however, people in fear came out of their homes reciting verses from Holy Qura’an, witnesses told reporters.

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, expressing grave sorrow over the deaths of over 250 people caused by the deadly earthquake, which hit Chile on Saturday night, have extended to the people of Chile of all-out support of people of Pakistan and its government.

In a message to the Chilean president, President Zardari expressed grief over the loss of precious lives of innocent people and material loss, rendered by the devastating earthquake.

He said the government and the people of Pakistan will stand by Chilean people at this juncture.

In his message, the Premier Gilani expressed sympathy with the people and the president of Chile and assured them of support and cooperation of Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD: The shocks of tremor have jolted upper parts of country including federal capital Islamabad, Geo news reported.

According to met office, the areas received the shocks of earthquake included upper and lower Dir, Swat, Bunir, Shangla, Peshawar and Mohmand Agency.

The magnitude of the tremor has yet to be determined, sources said.

DERA ISMAEL KHAN: The clashes, between two religious sects, which killed at east four persons and rendered another 26 wounded, have prompted the officials to clamp curfew for an indefinite period here in Dharki Morh of Pahar Pur tehsil located in the northwestern town of Dera Ismeal Khan (DIK) on late Saturday, Geo news reported.

According to hospital sources, several among injured persons are critical in condition.

According to police sources, at least 4 persons lost their lives and another 26 sustained injuries when two armed groups, reportedly belonging to two religious sects, entered in to clashes following incident of firing on a religious procession, which was celebrating the Eid Miladun Nabi (SAWW) here in Dera Ismeal Khan.

After the clashes, the law enforcement agencies have imposed curfew for an indefinite period in the area on account of tension prompted by sectarian violence, police sources told media.

Police and rangers officials, cordoning off the entire area, have beefed up security, and are patrolling in town, eyewitnesses told reporters.

PESHAWAR: At least one person was killed and several others sustained injuries when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a religious procession, which was celebrating Eid Miladun Nabi (SAWW) here in Dera Ismail Khan (DIK) late on Saturday night, Geo news reported.

Dr. Qutbuddin Khan, who works at a local hospital, released the information on deaths on late Saturday.

Police official Bashar Khan said, following the attack, the participants of the procession attacked a mosque, triggering a clash between two religious sects, resulting in the deaths of three more people.

The police official said some 26 more suffered wounds, and troops have imposed a curfew in the area. He added it was not clear who had attacked the procession.

The procession was marking Eid Mliadun Nabi (SAWW), the anniversary of the birth of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Mohammed (PBUH).

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that it is the duty of Muslims that being the followers of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), they should make all human beings abreast of the fact that Islam stands for love, peace, compassion, humility, and tolerance.

In his message on the occasion of 12th Rabi-ul-Awal (Eid Milad-un-Nabi SAWW), he said on this day Almighty Allah sent into this world a personality who was conferred upon the title of “ Rahmat-ulil-Aalamin from Allah and in whose person the whole humanity takes pride in the sense that he congregated them on a single platform.

“He imparted the people with a thought of welfare for the humanity. History is witness to the fact that people who were enemies of each other became hand in glove with each other,” he added.

He said, “It all happened because of the charm of a personality whose birthday we are celebrating today.”

The Prime Minister extended greetings to all Muslims on the auspicious day of the birth of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him).

The Prime Minister said in order to maintain the real and original spirit of Prophet’s message, therein lies the onus on Muslims to preach the golden principles of love and brotherhood unequivocally.

“We should not only be well-wishers of Muslim brothers but should practice these teachings while treating the non-Muslims as well. We should make our home and our country a place of peace,” he added.

ISLAMABAD: The nation on Saturday is celebrating Jashan-e-Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Peace Be Upon Him) on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal of lunar year with religious reverence and fervor, renewing the pledge to follow true teachings of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him).

A large number of processions, comprising faithful on foot, motorcycles, cars, big trucks, vans and other vehicles, holding banners, green flags and placards, are being taken out in various cities of country including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad, Hyderabad and others.

The day will begin with special prayers for development, safety, peace, unity and brotherhood amongst the followers of Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Special security arrangements have been made to maintain law and order situation all across the country on the occasion of 12th Rabi-ul-Awal.

Newspapers and magazines are publishing special supplements while television channels and radio stations arranging special ‘Naatia Mushairas’ and quiz programmes on Seerat-e-Mustafa (PBUH) to celebrate the memorable eve.

All major government and private buildings, residential and commercial plazas, markets, mosques, roundabouts and even houses have been tastefully illuminated with colorful lights.

Mahafil-e-Milad and public meetings are being held in different parts of the country, while faithful are actively participating in the programs organized by different local, religious and social organizations.

Na’at and the Holy Quran reciting competitions would be held throughout the day in almost every nook and corner of the country to revive the real spirit of Islam and offer respect to the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

There have been adopted special security arrangements in the Federal Capital, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar and other cities and towns across the country to avoid any untoward incident. Participants of Mahafil would be properly verified and checked by security personnel.

Milad processions would be taken out from different areas of twin cities, reciting Na’ats and Darood o Salam for the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

Major event of the day would be the annual National Seerat Conference to be held later in the day in which prominent Ulema and scholars from across the country would deliver lectures on the seerat, services, teachings and holy deeds of Holy Prophet of Islam Hazrat Mohammed Mustufa (Sallalah o Aleh e Waaleh-e-Wasallam).

Selected Ulema and scholars would present their articles on this year’s theme “Preaching strategy in the light of Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings.”

Besides, such conferences would also be held at provincial headquarters, divisional and district levels to pay respect and homage to Allah Almighty’s Last Messenger (SAWW).

Congregations would be organized in all important cities of the country where the preachers and scholars would highlight the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) besides delivering lectures on His way of life.

For faithful, Eid Milad-un-Nabbi is a highly regarded religious festival when they express gratitude and thank to Allah Almighty for blessing the universe with His last messenger and Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

KARK: At least one policeman was killed and another 7 sustained injuries as a suicide bomber struck his car with a police station in Kark near attock district in Punjab early of Saturday morning, police sources said.

More deaths have been feared in explosion, sources said adding among injured are critical in condition.

Meanwhile, police have arrived and cordoned off the blast place while the rescue efforts are underway, sources said further.

KARK: A powerful explosion has occurred near a police station in Kark, police sources said.

Deaths have been feared in explosion, sources said adding that rescue efforts have been kicked off.

 AMRITSAR: The human and civil rights organisation Ansar Burney Trust International on Friday succeeded in getting the release of a Pakistani child from Indian jail.

Indian lawyer DP Sharma appeared in the court of Principal Magistrate, Juvenile Justice Board, Sardar Ajaib Singh, on Friday and argued for the release of Pakistani child who unintentionally entered India and was arrested under Foreigners Act on January 11 at Atari Railway Station.

On Thursday, Chairman Ansar Burney Trust and former Federal Minister for Human Rights, Ansar Burney, had filed a writ petition in the Indian Hariyana Punjab High Court in Chandigarh, challenging the arrest of the 13 years old Pakistani child and seeking his early release and deportation.

On behalf of the Ansar Burney Trust International, Indian Supreme Court’s senior lawyer, Ranjan Lakhanpal, on Thursday appeared in Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh and filed writ petition on humanitarian grounds in the greater interest of justice and human dignity, challenging the arrest of the boy.

The United Nations Expert Adviser on human rights, Ansar Burney, after having come to know about the arrest of 13 years old Pakistani child, Mohammad Ateeq son of Mohammad Iftikhar, resident of Farrukhabad, Shahdra, Lahore, arrested at Atari Railway Station in India, immediately contacted the Indian Home and Foreign Ministry at Delhi, as well as Indian High Commission at Islamabad for the early release of the boy, and during such time Burney also requested Indian lawyers, Ranjan Lakhanpal and DP Sharma to help the boy in Indian courts.

On Friday after hearing the case Principal Magistrate, Sardar Ajaib Singh, ordered the release and sending of the boy back to Pakistan on humanitarian grounds. Ansar Burney while appreciating the great gesture of the Indian court in the interest of humanity thanked Magistrate Ajaib Singh and said that such decisions will also be helpful in bringing love, Peace and ‘Aman ki Asha’ in between the two neighbouring countries.

Ansar Burney said that the boy will now be deported back to Pakistan within next two to three days. He said, Ateeq was a 7th class student in District Government Boys Middle School, Lahore, and last month on January 10, he ran away from his home and same night was sleeping in a Train compartment at the Railway Station of Lahore but in the morning when he opened his eyes he was in Indian Police custody at Atari Railway Station.

He said when Atiq was sleeping in a Train compartment, the said compartment without checking by the Pakistani responsible authorities connected it with Samjhota Express and the train left for India.

Ansar Burney strongly condemned the authorities at Lahore Railway Station who failed to check the very important train because of which the innocent boy unintentionally entered India and was arrested, and now he is in Indian Jail and his family in Pakistan is facing miseries.

He also thanked the Indian High Commission at Islamabad as well as Indian External Affairs and Home Ministry at Delhi and the Indian lawyers, Ranjan Lakhanpal and D P Sharma, who helped the boy in Indian Courts.

 KARACHI: The chief of Sunni Tehreek (ST) Sarwat Ejaz Qadri Saturday said the implementation of the Nizam-e-Mustafa (Teachings of Holy Prophet Mohammed SAWW) is the only solution for the development and survival of Pakistan, Geo news reported.

This he said addressing the participants of religious congregation organized in connection with the celebrations of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW) by ST here in Liaquatabad locality.

The congregation comprised of hundreds of faithful gathered on trucks, mini buses, coasters, coaches, motorcycles, cars and etc.

The rally appeared from Liaquatabad post office led by Sarwat Ejaz Qadri himself, which went through Teen Hatti, Noorani Chowrangi, M.A Jinnah Road, Jameh Cloth Market and ended at mausoleum of saint Chattan Shah (R.A).

Provision of security was assured by presence of hundreds of police and rangers’ soldiers deployed at the various places on the route of the rally.

Meanwhile, the rally participants staged sit-in on M.A Jinnah Road, calling on government for taking notice of target killing incidents in Karachi and arrest of culprits who plotted and carried out Nishtar Park incident in 2006.

Addressing the rally, Sarwat Ejaz said faithful are celebrating Eid Milad-un-Nabi as the day of protection of respect of Hazrat Mohammed Mustafa (SAWW).

The rallies, processions and congregations, on the day of 12th Rabi-ul-Awal, will weigh as political referendum against the blasphemy acts by European nations, he urged.

On the occasion, many other ST leaders also addressed the rally.

 KARACHI: The Home Ministry of Sindh has claimed adopting foolproof security measures in connection with the processions, congregations, gatherings of Milaad and Na’ats’ competitions, Ulemas and faithful being present at the processions all across metropolis on the eve of Jashn-e-Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW), statement issued from Home Ministry told media on early Saturday.

Heavy contingents of security personnel, comprising a large number of police and rangers’ officials, have been deployed around mosques, and on the route of the chief Eid Milad procession to be taken out later in the day in order to thwart any terror attack.

According to the statement, Home Minister Sindh Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza has been submitted a detailed report on security plan compiled by city police in connection with Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW).

The report said, the additional police troops have been called in Karachi on the eve of Eid Milad, keeping in view the recent terrorism attacks in country and prevailing law and order situation.

Meanwhile, volunteer security men will be escorted all the major and small religious processions and gatherings to be taken out from different town and localities in Karachi.

Earlier, the bomb disposable squad issued clearance after thoroughly sweeping the route of chief procession.

Hidden CCTV cameras have been installed and Command and Control Centers have also been set up which will monitor the route of main procession, the report said.

Also, the Minister has issued directives to all districts and town police officers to remain present until the end of Milad processions and at the Milad gatherings and Na’ats competitions.

ISLAMABAD: The UN Commission probing assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto would submit its report on March 31.

The commission chief Mr Heraldo Munoz left the country Friday after completing his visit to Pakistan.

The commission will present the report to the UN Secretary General on March 31. It will later be shared with Pakistan.

During their third tour to Pakistan, the UN team held separate meetings with the President, Prime Minister, top officials and members of civil society.

Earlier, they also met with former chief minister of Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and former IB chief Ejaz Shah.

NEW DELHI: Pakistan Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir called on Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Friday.

According to sources, in the meeting they exchanged views over the secretaries level talks held on Thursday. Pakistan handed over a road map for composite dialogue to India and made it clear that composite dialogue is the only way to resolve issues. Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir said Pakistan is always ready to hold talks with India.

Pakistan also proposed a meeting of Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and India prior to SAARC Conference whereas India wants phase-wise progress in the dialogues.

LAHORE: Senior leader of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and former President of Supreme Court Bar Barrister Chaudhry Aitezaz Ahsan said the rancor of Justice Maulvi Mushtaq and then Chief Justice Anwarul Haq led the elected Premier Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to the gallows.

Talking to media, Aitezaz said he has been saying this for 30 years that the verdict of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s death does not add up.

He said Justice (rtd) Nasim Hasan Shah said in a newspaper statement that if the former PM Zulfiqar’s counsel had not exasperated the court, he would have been spared the death sentence.

PESHAWAR: Chief Justice of Peshawar High Court (PHC) Justice Ijaz Afzal issued orders regarding the appointments and transfers of 129 judicial officers in the province, Geo News reported late Thursday.

According to a the communique issued by the PHC Registrar Syed Musaddique Hussain Shah, the CJ Ijaz issued orders regarding the appointments and transfers; of them, there are 36 newly appointed judicial officers.

The statement said ten of 129 judicial officers have been transferred to other cities of the province from Peshawar.

Also, the duties of ten Qazis functioning in Malakand Division, Kohistan and Chitral have been handed to the NWFP government.

QUETTA: President Asif Ali Zardari took notice of birth of a child in a rickshaw in over three-hour traffic hold-up during VVIP movement here, Geo News reported Friday.

Zardari directed the provincial government to look into the incident where the pregnant mother was not allowed to move to hospital.

According to Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar, the President has ordered the probe into the incident.

It should be mentioned that important thoroughfares in the provincial capital were blocked since morning for Zardari’s protocol during his Quetta tour.

The wife of Momin Khan was stuck in traffic at Airport Road owing to the VVIP movement and was not allowed to move to the hospital for over three hours. Resultantly, the child was born in rickshaw.

ISLAMABAD: A flurry of intelligence reports generated during the recent weeks put Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry at risk of being embarrassed by miscreants allegedly paid by the government.

Editor Investigation Ansar Abbasi in his report stated that although authenticity and credibility of such intelligence reports remain in question, some of these reports are really interesting. One such report talks of a government move to organise pro-president and anti-chief justice demonstrations.

Another report talks of a possible assault on the chief justice inside his Court No 1 or even outside to embarrass him. Another report generated by the National Crisis Management Cell (NCMC) of the interior ministry last month, which warned officials concerned in Islamabad about a “Conspiracy against the government”, said The News/Jang Group was likely to plant a story about the government’s plan to embarrass the chief justice.

The NCMC report, which has as its subject “Conspiracy against the government”, was circulated on January 28 and reads: “A reliable source has revealed Jang/News group is likely to plant a story that the government has planned to embarrass the chief justice of Pakistan. For the purpose some lawyer(s) may physically attack/slap and/or abuse Mr Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry in Court No 1.

“This story would be floated in journalist circles and likely to be published by the Jang/News group (most likely in a day or two). This exercise is aimed at creating and accentuating an atmosphere of distrust and hostility between the government and the judiciary. “2. The government should pre-empt such a move, asking authorities in the information ministry for the needful.”

The NCMC report was dated January 28, the day when the crime reporter of The News Shakeel Anjum, while quoting an intelligence report, reported a government-sponsored group of miscreant lawyers was preparing to create disorder and chaos in Court Room No 1 presided over by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry during proceedings on any contempt of court case.

“The objective behind the ‘plan’ is to cause embarrassment to the chief justice and show defiance to the apex court decisions, The News has learnt on good authority,” the report said.

The News report said the intelligence report was submitted to the interior ministry. The News report added: “The interior ministry has issued orders to take ‘stringent’ preventive measures to foil any such bid inside the Court Room No 1, which, if happened, will only trigger yet another conflict between the government and the judiciary, which already have strained relations in the wake of the apex court verdict on the NRO.”

According to Shakeel Anjum, a day before the story was published, i.e., January 27, he had talked to a top police official of the Islamabad Capital Administration, who had confirmed the receipt of the intelligence report and had also revealed he already had a meeting with the interior minister on the subject. There was no mention of any conspiracy against the government or the involvement of the Jang Group in such a “conspiracy”.

However, a day later, the NCMC circulated the report about the “conspiracy against the government”. According to another intelligence report on February 14, 2010, a central woman leader of the PPP met two ex-student leaders of the Quaid-i-Azam University belonging to the PSF, the student wing of the PPP, in the parliament loges and were assigned the task of coordinating with students of educational institutions and universities in Islamabad to arrange student protests in favour of the president and against the chief justice.

The report alleged the student leaders were also paid Rs0.5 million for the job. The names and mobile numbers of the two students were also given in the report.

When approached by The News, the students admitted to have organised such demonstrations but denied to have received money or had done so on the direction of any of their central leader. One of these students said that it was their own decision to hold a demonstration in support of the political mandate given to the president by the people of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, an Islamabad police source confided to The News some top police officials of the ICT were invited by a powerful minister recently at his residence and it was suggested to them to put men of special branch in the CJP’s squad. The source alleged it was suggested to facilitate some sponsored people to create embarrassing scenes for the chief justice in public places or in the courtroom.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tuesday accepted Indian demand to drop officials of interior and water & power ministries by including two more officials of the foreign ministry in its 8-member team, which will head to New Dehli for foreign secretary-level talks.

According to sources, India forced Islamabad to exclude officials of interior and water & power ministries from the representative delegation.

As a result, Pakistan decided not to send the members of these two ministries on Indian insistence, sources say.

The demand came just a day before the resumption of foreign secretary level talks in New Dehli.

It is feared that this move may hamper the bilateral talks even before its resumption.

The delegation that includes the Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit and seven other members will depart for Delhi on Wednesday.

On the other hand, Spokesman Basit denied that India had made any such demand about change of the delegation members.

He said that it is same the 8-member team, which is scheduled to visit New Delhi from the first place.

However, sources told Geo correspondent that it was decided on Tuesday’s meeting that eight-member team comprised of six officials of foreign ministry and two members of interior and water ministries. But due to the Indian demand, two more members of foreign ministry has been replaced by interior and water ministries’ officials.

LAHORE: The workers of the Punjab Education Board called off a two week-long strike unconditionally, Education Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman announced Tuesday.

The provincial education minister said that matriculation exams would be held according to the schedule. He said all arrested board workers would be released soon.

It may be reminded here that the Punjab Government had acquired the services of Lahore Board employees as a backup to undertake matric exams. And in this regard, more than 200 teachers and administrators had reached Lahore.

ISLAMABAD: National Accountability Bureau Chairman Navaid Ahsan has written a letter to the law ministry seeking its advice on how to reopen the Swiss money laundering cases in compliance with a Supreme Court order. The NAB has also sought advice from the law ministry whether or not it could approach the Swiss court for reopening the cases. The NAB chief is in a dilemma over the SC order for reopening cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.

 KARACHI: The meeting of core committee of Pakistan People’s Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement concluded here at Chief Minister House on Sunday.

The meeting agreed on introducing a new act by incorporating suitable points of local bodies system of 1979 and SLGO-2001.

The core committee meeting also reviewed in detail the list of potential administrators. The final decision in this regard is expected in the upcoming meeting to be held in the Sindh Governor House.

Provincial Minister for Local Bodies Agha Siraj Durrani, Senior Provincial Minister Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq, Law Minister Ayaz Soomro and Rashid Rabbani represented the PPP while Provincial Minister for Information Technology, Raza Haroon, Wasim Aftab, Health Minister Saghir Ahmed and others attended the meeting from MQM side.

LAHORE: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said the democracy should be accorded chance to flourish and get strengthened in the country, Geo News reported Sunday.

Addressing a ceremony here, he said mid-term elections offer no solution to the problems, adding the country cannot afford the mid-term elections at the moment.

‘It is incumbent on all of us to defend the democracy and not frame a deadline for its fall, adding the country cannot afford to live with weak democracy,’ he stressed.

The PM Gilani said a democratically elected president should not be compared with a dictator, as it would be quite unjust to do the same, adding there is difference in accountability and revenge.

Political faces are no film actors that could be changed, he maintained.

The PM Gilani said the government wants all institutions to work in their stipulated constitutional jurisdiction, adding all the institutions in the country are quite strong.

The government will not compromise on the national interest, its solidarity and stability, he observed adding everyone will have to deliver his duty in this connection.

The investment will pour into the country provided there is peace, he added.

NEW DELHI: The Jammu Kashmir’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today said Indian Home Minister P Chidambaram has assured the party leadership of taking steps to streamline the cross Line of Control (LoC) trade and commerce in Jammu and Kashmir, Geo news reported Indian media as saying.

The assurance came during a meeting between Chidambaram and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti in New Delhi. It was also assured that adequate banking facilities would be set up to facilitate trade, a PDP release said here.

Mehbooba brought to the notice of home minister the bottlenecks in trade on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawlakote routes. The trade was begun in 2008 during the Congress-PDP government.

Chidambaram also said steps would be taken for creating infrastructure facilities at trade centers of Salamabad in Uri sector of Baramulla and Ranger in Poonch district of Jammu province, the release claimed.

"The PDP president and the home minister reviewed the over all situation in the state," it said.

She said the divided families, whose plight had prompted the previous government to reopen the traditional routes, continued to suffer separation and the bus service, which had been started with lots of hope, was becoming less and less popular.

She told the home minister that many Kashmiris were being denied passports on flimsy grounds. "This issue needs to be addressed by the Home Ministry," the release said quoting Mehbooba.

Earlier, speaking after the laying the foundation stone of Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari border on Saturday Chidambaram said: "We have not got a MFN (Most Favoured Nation) status that is a fact and that's a complaint we make, it is a fact of life but because we do not have the MFN status that doesn't not mean that all trade and commerce should come to an end.

We will continue the demand for the MFN status but we will also continue to encourage trade and commerce".

To give boost to the trade between the two countries India has given MFN status to Pakistan in 1998 but Pakistan is still reluctant to reciprocate with the same gesture, he said

Union Home Minister Chidambaram along with Indian Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal laid foundation stone of Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari border, which aims at improving trade link between India and Pakistan.

The project, envisaged to boost the trade and commerce between India and Pakistan, is being constructed at a cost of Indian Rs. 150 crores to be developed on 130 acres of land acquired by the Indian Punjab Government

 ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani jointly chaired the core committee meeting of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) here at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Friday.

During the meeting, two leaders expressed satisfaction over the peaceful resolution of issue of judges’ appointment.

According to Farhatullah Babar – the spokesmen to president – the meeting reviewed the situation erupted following the suspension of notification from Supreme Court which was issued from President Asif Ali Zardari in relating to judges’ appointment and the peaceful resolution of the issue.

The meeting also discussed the matters pertaining to political, democratic and economic agendas of the prevailing government, he said.

According to spokesman, the attendees at the meeting vowed to put into practice the process of political, social and economic welfare of country.

Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari, Makhdoom Ameen Faheem, Nazar Mohammed Gondal, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Rehman Malik, Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Syed Naveed Qamar, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Mian Raza Rabbani, Faisal Raza Abdi, Fauzia Wahab, Rukhsana Bangash, Fauzia Habeeb and Farhatullah Babar were also present on the occasion.

MANSEHRA: Two police stations in Balakot and Mansehra were rocked with suicide bombings killing an SHO of Balakot police station and injuring several other personnel, Geo News reported Saturday.

The gunshots are still being heard from Mansehra police station. There are reports that the suicide bomber at Mansehra police station had various accomplices, who are hiding in various offices. Contradictory reports are pouring in regarding the ensuing gunshots.

The injured in the two blasts have been shifted to the hospitals.

Police have put security cordon around the two police stations.

According to police sources, a suspected man tried to enter the Mansehra police station; but, on being stopped for checking, he blew him up, injuring the personnel on duty at gate.

Balakot police station was housed in a makeshift shanty after its building was ravaged in a devastating earthquake. The injured police have been shifted to Civil police station.

There are also reports that police have arrested some accomplice in Balakot. (Last updated at 1015)

KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Mutthaida Qaumi Movement (MQM) have agreed to appoint administrators in Sindh. This was decided in a meeting between Governor Sindh Dr. Ishratul Ibad Khan and Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah in Governor House. Sindh local bodies minister Agha Siraj Durrani told Geo News that government officers will be appointed as administrators in all districts and taluqaas of the province within couple of days. Provincial Ministers of PPP Pir Mazharul Haq, Agha Siraj Durrani, Ayaz Soomro and Dr. Farooq Sattar, Syed Sardar Ahmad, Raza Haroon and Wasim Aftab of MQM were also present in the meeting. Relationship between the two parties, province’s situation and names for administrators for urban areas of Sindh including Karachi and Hyderabad were also came under discussion during the meeting. Governor and Chief Minister Sindh vowed that all issues will be settled through negotiations and working relationship will be improved

 LAHORE: Newly appointed 22 additional judges of Lahore High Court will take oath today.

LHC Chief Justice Khawaja Muhammad Sharif will administer oath to them in a ceremony to be held in Punjab Judicial Academy's auditorium at 12 noon.

Registrar LHC told Geo News that newly appointed judges belonged to Lahore, Bhawalpur, Chakwal, Gujaranwala, Jehlum, Multan, Narowal, Rawalpindi and Sheikhupura. The oath taking ceremony of new judges will be held tomorrow. The number of LHC judges has reached to 44 whereas 16 posts are still vacant

ISLAMABAD: US Special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday.

President Zardari urged the United States to consider the early repatriation of Dr. Aafia Siddiqi in line with the prisoners’ exchange treaty.

The president said Pakistan would provide legal assistance to Dr. Aafia during her trial in the US court.

He also called for immediate release of USD1.5 billion to Pakistan on account of the Coalition Support Fund. Pakistan had suffered huge human and financial losses because of war against terrorism, said Zardari.

He further said that US-led allies should help the Pakistani government so that it could live up to the expectations of people.

Zardari stressed that removal of Pakistan from the list of countries whose nationals had been designated for screening at the US airports and repatriation of Aafia Siddiqi could help improve the US image in Pakistan.

GHOTKI: Leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Mian Nawaz Sharif said since two years, we are waiting for the abolishment of 17th amendment and implementation of charter of democracy.

Talking to media in Khan Garh area of Ghotki, Nawaz Sharif said country is facing severe problems including unemployment and poverty. There is a big rift between rich and poor which is a basic cause of turmoil.

PML-N wants to eliminate poverty and unemployment, end of turmoil and strong democracy in the country.

Nawaz made it clear that he doesn’t want to take premiership from Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. He said internal difference will collapse the democracy.

About Premier Gilani’s statement of giving good news today, PML-N chief said withdrawal of notification is not good news. The real good news will make everyone happy. Democracy will always be in jeopardy in the absence of good governance. He expressed hope that people of Sindh will support him.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has announced the formal withdrawal of the two suspended presidential notifications Wednesday following his meeting with Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry at the Prime Minister House.

Briefing the media here, Prime Minister Gilani said the government has also decided to elevate Justice Saqib Nisar and Justice Asif Khosa to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, while Justice (retd) Khalil ur Rehman Ramday will be appointed as ad-hoc judge for a period of one year.

A notification in this regard will be issued anytime today, he announced.

He further said Justice Khawaja Sharif will continue to work as the Chief Justice of Lahore High Court.

Gilani said the decision has been taken in the best interest of nation, country, political forces and the democratic system.

Premier Gilani said: “We have held a meeting with the Chief Justice of Pakistan as part of a consultative process according to the Constitution.”

To a question, he said the decision has full backing of President Asif Ali Zardari. “I and President Zardari are part of one party,” he commented.

About appointment of judges in Lahore High Court and Singh High Court, he said that notification would be issued today, while all vacant slots would be filled.

Earlier, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry met Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at the Prime Minister House. The meeting between two continued for more than 2 hours.

ISLAMABAD: The lawyers on Monday boycotted courts across the country to register protest against presidential orders about the appointment of judges without consulting the Chief Justice.

Responding to the appeal of National Coordination Council, a large number of lawyers converged at Shahra-e-Dastoor in Islamabad to protest the presidential orders. They chanted anti-government slogans.

The lawyers’ National Coordination Council held the meeting of its General Body at Shahra-e-Dastoor.

In addition, complete boycott of the courts proceeding was witnessed in Rawalpindi District Bar and High Court. A large number of lawyers also took part in the protest in Jehlum, Gojar Khan, Taxela and Talagang.

In Lahore, the lawyers observed a partial boycott of the court proceeding in response to the strike call. According to reports, on the request of lawyers, judges heard important cases in their chambers, while limited activities were seen in District and Session Court.

The lawyers of the Lahore High Court Bar seemed divided in two groups. One group was chanting slogans in favour of Chief Justice while the other group was supporting President Asif Ali Zardari.

In Karachi, the lawyers boycotted court proceeding in City Court and other courts on the appeal of Sindh High Court Bar. Similarly, boycott was also witnessed in Sindh High Court also to show solidarity with the Supreme Court.

Besides, lawyers stages protest in Peshawar and Balochistan also against the judges’ appointments.

It may be reminder here that President Asif Ali Zardari had appointed Saqib Nisar, a judge in the Lahore High Court, as chief justice of that court and Khawaja Sharif, the current chief justice in Lahore, as a Supreme Court judge.

ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has said that he has never accused anyone of corruption and nobody should take revenge from the country’s system for his sins.

Speaking at the National Assembly today, he said no elected president has ever pointed fingers at the state organs. “If the government is ready for dangal (wrestling), then the opposition will also challenge it,” he said.

On the issue of judges’ appointment, a heated debate broke out between Opposition leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali and NA Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza.

Khan said that there was no justification to sit in the house if the Speaker intercepted his speech.

The PML-N leader said the government wants to use the parliamentary committee on constitutional reforms regarding appointment of judges.

“There is a wall of mistrust among us, he said, adding the government has still got time to set its course.”

RAWALPINDI: The lawyers’ National Coordination Council has announced to stage countrywide strike and complete boycott of the courts’ proceeding on Monday.

This was announced by Qazi Anwar, the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, at a press conference in Rawalpindi on Sunday.

He said the lawyers’ community will observe a solidarity day on February 18 while a convention will be held at Shahra-e-Dastoor on March 8.

Anwar demanded that only honest judges should be appointed judges of the Supreme Court.

The SCBA President said: “National Coordination Council has decided to observe nation-wide strike and boycott of courts’ preceding on Monday.”

“We will not back down from our movement, he said, adding there is no issue leadership among lawyers.”

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) will not allow the government to go scot-free, the party chief Mian Nawaz Sharif warned terming President Asif Ali Zardari as the biggest danger to the democracy.

Addressing the packed hall of journalists after the party’s meeting, he said it seemed that the government does not accept the restored judiciary.

The democracy never before faced such a great threat as now in the form of President Zardari, who has become the gravest danger to democracy, he said.

The PML-N condemns the incident that occurred yesterday, as the event plunged the country in the uncertainty and the President House outgrew its limits, Sharif told.

He said yesterday’s incident was an action re-play of November 3, 2007, adding the government is targeting the judiciary to safeguard its corruption in preference for their corruption to the respect for the judiciary.

The Army should have the role stipulated in the Constitution, he said.

Nawaz Sharif said he forcefully warned the government to ensure the supremacy of the Constitution, adding his party categorically rejects the autocratic method adopted by the government.

He said the judiciary was restored by the people not the government which only issued a notification, informing the journalists that he had told Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani a day before not to delay the implementation on the recommendations of judges’ appointments.

However, the following day, something else surfaced, he added demanding the recommendations of the Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry should be immediately put into action.

Nawaz said the PML-N wants to make it abundantly clear to the government in unequivocal terms that it would not be allowed to go its way on judges’ appointments nor would it be spared the chance for corruption.

‘We can make harsh decisions in the coming days and will protest in and outside the Parliament and mobilize the masses. We will not allow anyone to spoil the institutions for personal motives,’ he said.

Had the Charter of Democracy been implemented, then there would not have been these problems, he asserted demanding President Zardari to bring back to Pakistan his wealth siphoned off to Swiss accounts; this is the money hard-earned by the people of Pakistan.

The country has been turned into a circus, he added.

The people of Pakistan will take care of all affairs, the Army should not be dragged into them; nor should the Army get itself involved in such affairs, he said.

ISLAMABAD: After the Supreme Court (SC) suspended the notification issued from president regarding the appointment of judges; Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani called his party member and law expert Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan by phone.

Two leaders discussed the situation triggered after the suspension of notification during telephonic conversation in the wee hours on Saturday, Geo news reported.

Premier Gilani told Aitzaz that President had sought through consultation before issuance of the notification of judges’ appointment, keeping in view the seniority of judges.

He said the appointment was issued as per the provisions of constitution.

Meanwhile, the law experts dubbed the issuance of notification as the violation of constitution, which may grant President Zardari the “ineligibility” – disqualification from post as the least punishment.

ISLAMABAD: A 3-judge bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan has suspended the notification of judges’ appointment hours after its issuance by the government on Saturday.

The special bench held a meeting soon after its formation by the Chief Justice of Pakistan and suspended the President’s decision of judges’ appointment, declaring it a violation of Article-177 of the Constitution. Justice Khwaja Muhammad Sharif and Justice Mian Saqib Nisar will continue to serve as Chief Justice of Lahore High Court (LHC) and senior judge LHC respectively, the bench said.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry taking suo motto notice of the notification of judges’ appointment Saturday evening formed a 3-judge bench headed by Justice Mian Shakirullah Jan with Justice Raja Fayaz and Justice Jawad S. Khwaja as its members.

Meanwhile, Additional Registrar Supreme Court Qasi Sajid provided the details/ records in connection with judges appointment to the special bench.

Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari elevated Justice Khwaja Sharif as SC judge and Justice
Saqib Nisar as Acting CJ of LHC through an official notification.

However, Justice Khwaja Sharif and Justice Saqib Nisar refused to accept the decision of the government.

Later, the special bench adjourned its proceeding till February 18.

The 5-member SC bench which had been constituted for taking up the case of delay in judges’ appointment will take the proceeding ahead.

Additional Secretary Law, Attorney Generals of Pakistan and the four advocate generals have been summoned.

 ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari setting aside the summary of Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry Saturday appointed Chief Justice of Lahore High Court (LHC) Justice Khwaja Sharif as Supreme Court’s judge, Geo News reported.

Meanwhile, Justice Saqib Nisar, the senior most judge of LHC, has been appointed Acting Chief Justice of LHC. It is for the first time in the history of Pakistan that a senior judge has been appointed as the acting chief justice.

Notifications of the above appointments have been issued.

However, the presidential spokesman has refused to confirm or reject the said appointments.

Earlier, there has been some tension between the government and the judiciary over the issue of elevating Justice Khwaja Sharif as SC judge.

ISLAMABAD: The 3-member special bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan has summoned the Attorney General of Pakistan.

Earlier, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry taking suo motto notice of the official notification of judges’ appointment formed a 3-judge bench headed by Justice Shakirullah Jan and comprised Justice Raja Fayaz and Justice Jawad S. Khwaja as its members.

The bench, shortly after formation, held its initial meeting and summoned the Attorney General of Pakistan Anwar Mansoor Khan.

Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari elevated Justice Khwaja Sharif as SC judge and Justice
Saqib Nisar as Acting CJ of LHC through an official notification.

However, Justice Khwaja Sharif and Justice Saqib Nisar refused to accept the decision of the government.

 ISLAMABAD: A two-member bench of the Supreme Court has sent issue of delay in judges’ appointment case to the Chief Justice for constitution of a larger bench.

The bench comprised of Justice Shakirullah Jan and Justice Rehmat Hussain Jaffery also issued notices to the federation, Attorney General and four provincial advocate generals for delay in appointment of judges in the apex court.

Akram Sheikh Advocate, lawyer of petiioner Nadeem Ahmed Advocate in his arguments during the hearing contended that the judges should be appointed on vacancies within 30 days period and delay in it is equal to non-compliance of the court.

Justice Rehmatullah Jaffery in his remarks said judges should be appointed on immediate basis according to article 181 of constitution.

In his remarks, Justice Shakirullah Jan said appointment of judges in high courts is discretion of the Chief Justice.

The court has adjourned hearing till February 18.

ISLAMABAD: Foreign secretaries of Pakistan and India will meet on February 25 in New Delhi.

The decision was taken in a meeting held in Prime Minister House here on Friday. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani chaired the meeting that reviewed Pak- India dialogues, water, Kashmir and other issues and chalked out the strategy.

The meeting has decided that Pakistan will raise all key issues during the talks and urged resumption of composite talks. Prime Minister has directed the foreign secretary to make negotiations fruitful.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, chairman Kashmir Committee Maulana Fazlur Rehman and foreign secretary Salman Bashir attended the meeting.

 ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry on Thursday took strong exception to the current National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Naveed Ahsan continuing to hold his position despite the Supreme Court's order to have him replaced.

In his remarks during hearing, chief justice warned of action against NAB officials who ignored the Supreme Court's orders.

A three-member bench of Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Itikhar Chaudhry heard the case of Haris Steel Mills. The lawyer of Seth Yakoob Dr. Basit said NAB has ignored the court orders regarding Seth Yakoob. Chief Justice has asked the NAB that under which law they made plea-bargains. Khawaja Harid informed the court that NAB didn’t reply any one of the letters sent to it. He said NAB is demanding Rs.2 billion as commission. The hearing will be adjourned till tomorrow.

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Wednesday said Pakistan wants to hold candid talks with India at the earliest and that the dialogue will not be fruitful unless Kashmir and water issues are addressed.

In an exclusive talk with Geo News correspondents Jawad Naeem Rana and Fayaz Raja here, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Pakistan does not want to hold dialogue just for the sake of talks.

He said the negotiations have to be result oriented and ruled out talks in case any conditions are attached to the process.

“Terrorism is not only the problem of India but also of Pakistan and it will be on the agenda of dialogue,” the Foreign Minister said.

He, continued, there are also issues other than terrorism between Pakistan and India, Kashmir being the most important of all, therefore, it will definitely be part of the dialogue.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the suspension of composite dialogue was not due to any action of Pakistan and that the talks will be resumed from the point they were discontinued.

 PESHAWAR: Awami National Party leader Haji Adeel said Tuesday that national identity cards (NICs) were not being issued to Pakhtun people in Punjab and
Sindh.

He said that Pakhtuns were being asked to produce copies of parents’ marriage certificate in Sindh, whereas in Punjab there was a condition of mother language being Punjabi for Pakhtuns.

Speaking in the Senate, he demanded that the process of unjustice facing Pakhtuns in Punjab and Sindh should be stopped.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that judiciary is working with complete freedom as the government believes in strengthening of institutions rather than personalities.

Speaking at a ceremony in the federal capital today, the prime minister urged all state organs to work within their parameters.

“The government will get rid of the menace of militancy,” he said.

Gilani said today’s government is tomorrow’s opposition, while today’s opposition is tomorrow’s government. He stated some elements want to create difficulties for the government.

About good governance, he urged the people to change their behaviors in this regard. “I want to make it clear that we can not enhance the country’s natural resources,” he added.

   PESHAWAR: At least nine people were killed in incidents spawned by downpours and landslidings in the upper areas of the NWFP, Geo News reported Tuesday.

In Alpuri tehsil of Shangla district, at least four people including children and women lost their lives as their house roof collapsed on them.

MNA from Shangla Fazlullah told Geo News that several houses were damaged in the recent lashing rains; while, the land links are also cut off owing to the landsliding.

A woman was killed, as her house crumbled in tehsil Thall of Hangu District.

Also, there are reports that two men were killed when their avalanche-hit van skidded off into a gorge in Battagram tehsil of Allai. MNA from Battagram Taj Muhammed Khan Tran confirmed the incident.

There are reports regarding the killing of a man in District Kohistan; while, two people including a woman were reportedly killed in Hazara Division.

All land links in Chittral have been cut off and the routine life is severely disrupted in the entire area, as the frosty weather is assuming tremendous proportions.

ISLAMABAD: A petition has been filed in Supreme Court against delay in judges’ appointments in higher judiciary.

Akram Sheikh advocate filed a petition on behalf of Nadeem Ahmed advocate. A petition has asked judiciary to interpret article 6 of constitution and also define in which circumstances it will be applicable.

A petition also stated that government is damaging judiciary and it is a duty of the government to immediately appoint judges on vacant seats.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir issue remains unchanged and the government will continue its political, moral and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir.

In his statement in connection with Kashmir Solidarity Day, the Prime Minister Gilani said the whole nation is united on the Kashmir issue and Pakistan wants its early resolution according to the aspirations of Kashmiri people, as it is imperative for lasting peace in the region.