PAKISTAN

  Updated at: 2019 PST,  Friday, April 30, 2010
 WASHINGTON: The United States has handed over two upgraded P-3C Orion reconnaissance aircraft to Pakistan on Friday to help boost maritime security capability of the key member of the multinational task force.

Pakistan received the surveillance maritime aircraft in Jacksonville, Florida, at a ceremony, attended by Vice Admiral Shahid Iqbal HI (M), chief of staff Pakistan Navy, Islamabad's ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani and senior US Naval officers.

Being a critical anti-terrorism partner of the international community, Pakistan is currently commanding the Combined Task Force 150, having already fulfilled the responsibility three times.

The area of responsibility of the CTF-150, which operates under the Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan, stretches from Strait of Hormuz to Red Sea, covering 2.4 million sq miles and bordering 14 nations along the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Horn of Africa and Red Sea.

Pakistan is due to get in phases a total of 7 P-3 C Orion aircraft that are being upgraded by global security company Lockheed Martin.

Updated at: 2035 PST,  Friday, April 30, 2010
 ISLAMABAD: Former Military Intelligence (MI) chief Maj. Gen. Nadeem Ejaz who appeared before the fact finding commission Friday stated that he or MI has nothing to do with the hosing down of Benazir assassination site.

Meanwhile, according to former police chief Saud Aziz ordered washing of the murder scene after collecting all the evidence in view of, what he said, deteriorating law and order situation.

Sources told Geo News that the fact finding commission met here today under the chairmanship of Secretary Cabinet Division Abdul Rauf Chaudhry.

Appearing for the first time before the commission, Maj. Gen. Nadeem Ejaz gave answers to several questions to the satisfaction of the commission. The former MI chief travelled from Gujranwala to Islamabad where he was questioned for one hour, sources said.

He categorically stated that he, his department or any of his colleagues had no relation whatsoever with the hosing down of Ms Bhutto’s murder scene.

CCPO Saud Aziz, who appeared for second time before the commission, said in his written statement that he received no order from head of any other department to have the murder spot washed. “Had I received any such order I would have been bound to inform about it to the head of my department, IG Punjab, and sought instructions … but no such thing happened,” he continued.

Saud Aziz clearly said in his statement that it was his own decision to have the place washed off after retrieving the evidence, keeping in view the law and order situation at that time.

He also presented to the commission past record of the incidents of terrorism in the country in which crime scenes ware hosed down.

SP Khurram Shahzad and two administrative officers also appeared before the fact finding commission.

KARACHI: A low-intensity blast has happened near Soldier Bazaar Police Station in Karachi, killing one person and leaving several others injured. Cheepa sources said the blast took place in a Hindu locality, in which at least one person was killed. Ambulances have been called in to shift the injured to nearby hospitals, where emergency has been declared. The bomb was planted in a pushcart, the police said. Meanwhile, the police cordoned off the area and kickstarted relief efforts.

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has reduced the power tariff by 57 paisas per unit for the month of March, Geo News reported Friday. The cut in the electricity price has been made in the wake of lower production cost, the NEPRA announced. According to NEPRA, the consumers would get the relief in the next electricity bill. In addition, the electricity regulatory authority directed the power distribution companies to mention the difference in the next bill. It may be reminded that the NEPRA had increased the power tariff by Rs1.2 in February.

Updated at: 2007 PST,  Friday, April 30, 2010  ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday described the outcome of the latest Indo-Pak talks as more than expected and a step in the right direction, and said efforts will be made to build on it to bridge the trust deficit between the two countries. Responding to a question, he said, India was not stealing Pakistan's share of water and it is being wasted due to mismanagement. A day after Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani met his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh in Bhutan and broke the ice, Qureshi said he intends to establish contact with External Affairs Minister S M Krishna as soon as the Indian Parliament's budgetary session concludes on May 7. He said there was no need to accord any nomenclature like 'composite dialogue' to the talks that would be held shortly, but the intent is to discuss all outstanding issues like Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek and water sharing. "If all issues are to be discussed, whether you call it comprehensive dialogue, composite dialogue.. or whatever you want, that is not important. The spirit behind that is important, the spirit is right," he said at a press conference here. Referring to the meeting between Singh and Gilani, Qureshi said the outcome has been "more than expected... it is a step in the right direction, a concrete development and we will build on it". He pointed out that there has been a trust deficit between India and Pakistan and "we have to bridge it through confidence-building measures". Acknowledging that the trust deficit cannot be bridged overnight, Qureshi said: "we have to be realistic and pragmatic. It will not happen in a day, it is a process. If we allow the process to continue, obviously with passage of time, the deficit will be narrowed down". The two Foreign Ministers have been entrusted with the task of reducing the trust deficit, he said. Responding to a question, he said he could find many faults in India's approach and vice versa but the two sides needed to prevent further deterioration in ties.

Updated at: 2016 PST,  Friday, April 30, 2010  ISLAMABAD: Member of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance, Kashmala Tariq, Friday called for shelving the imposition of value added tax (VAT) for one year. She also received the support of PML-N MNA Shahid Khaqan Abbassi, who also advised the government against making a haste on the decision, which he felt may affect a common man. Meanwhile, the FBR officials failed to convince the members of finance committee on the imposition of VAT. They told the committee that sales tax would end following the enforcement of VAT while all excise duties would also be merged in it (VAT). Chairman FBR Suhail Ahmed said that the center would collect taxes on air, rail and sea travels. He said the government would collect additional Rs55 to Rs70 billion through VAT.

Updated at: 1956 PST,  Thursday, April 29, 2010
 THIMPHU: The 16th SAARC Summit concluded here Thursday with adoption of the joint declaration and 'Thimphu Statement' on climate change for development in the region.

It also include improving inter-connectivity, promoting people-to-people contacts and to evolve joint strategy for resolving the issues of water shortage, environment and food shortage.

A beautiful ceremony of flag hoisting of member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was held outside the Assembly Hall where the 16th summit was held before the concluding session.

The leaders approved the "Thimphu Declaration" giving a new vision to the organization to join hands for alleviating poverty, improving development, finding solution to power and water shortage.

The foreign ministers of all the SAARC member states then signed the "Bilateral Trade and Services Agreement" and from Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi signed it.

Later, it was decided that next 17th SAARC would be held in Maldives. Then the leaders of the SAARC summit adopted Thimphu Statement of Climate Change and joint declaration of the 16th SAARC Summit that has already been approved by the Ministerial Meeting of the member states.

  Updated at: 1833 PST,  Thursday, April 29, 2010
 THIMPHU: The prime ministers of Pakistan and India have agreed to normalize bilateral relations stalled after Mumbai attacks, saying the only way forward is through dialogue.

Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani held a meeting with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh here at the PM house of Bhutan.

The one-on-one meeting between the two prime ministers lasted for one hour. Earlier, the two leaders spoke with each other for ten-minute in the presence of delegations of the two countries.

Following the above meeting, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Indian foreign secretary Nirupama Rao held separate press conferences here.

Qureshi described the meeting as highly positive which discussed all the outstanding issues including Kashmir and Siachin.

He said Pakistan Prime Minister invited Manmohan Singh to visit Pakistan which the latter accepted.

Yusuf Raza Gilani assured his Indian counterpart that Pakistan will bring to justice the perpetrators of Mumbai attacks.

In reply to a query, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the extradition of Ajmal Kasab, the lone survivor who was allegedly involved in Mumbai attacks, did not come under discussion at the meeting.

He informed that interior ministers of SAARC countries would have a meeting in Pakistan on 26th June, which he hoped would also be attended by Indian home minister.

Qureshi said the two sides have admitted presence of a trust deficit between the two countries. “The foreign ministers and foreign secretaries of Pakistan and India have been tasked with bridging the trust gap …. it is foreign ministers’ job to eliminate the trust deficit.”

He said all the outstanding issues will be resolved at the dialogue table.

Indian foreign secretary Nirupama Rao also declared the meeting between the two PMs as positive.

"Prime Minister expressed India's concern over the slow progress of Mumbai trial in Pakistan to Prime Minister Gilani," Rao said.

Singh told Gilani that India was willing to discuss all issues of mutual concern through dialogue but the issue of terrorism is holding back the progress, she said.

It was decided by the two prime ministers that foreign ministers and foreign secretaries of the two countries should meet as soon as possible to "restore trust and confidence" in the relations, said Rao.

 Updated at: 2029 PST,  Thursday, April 29, 2010
 ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said Thursday that mostly junior officers were being targeted by the government in the light of UN report on the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.

Real culprits were behind the curtain, he said and announced to take up this matter in the next session of National Assembly.

Speaking to media outside the Parliament House, he said legislation was the prerogative of the Parliament, but he was quick to add the constitution also gives court the right to interpret law.

The opposition leader opined that the Supreme Court should be given the time to discharge its responsibilities. The members of parliament may have any differences with the apex court on any issue, but it could not be described as confrontation, he said.

The PML-N leader further said that his party would not hesitate to accept any decision of the top court.

 ISLAMABAD: Water and Power Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf Thursday said the government has imposed a ban on new village electrification in a bid to conserve energy and minimize power cuts.

Speaking at function organized by Islamabad Chamber of Commerce here he said the ban would remain intact till the normalization of the current power situation.

The minister said protection to commerce and industries was the government top priority and all out efforts were being made to provide more facilities to this sector.

He said the government would extend full support to the industrialists for setting up their own 2 to 5 MW power plants.

Pervez said the government inherited power crisis and there was a gap between supply and demand of the electricity.

Unfortunately, no concrete planning was made to explore new venues for generating electricity.

He said no unannounced load-shedding was being observed across the country after the measures taken by the government for conservation of the energy.

He said 1000 MW would be added soon to the national grid station which would help improve the situation.

Replying to the demand of the traders to extend market closure timing till 9 pm, he said the issue would be discussed in the review meeting scheduled to be held after 15 days.

Ashraf said the government was taking pragmatic steps to generate more and more energy and expedite work on all the pending projects.

Updated at: 1948 PST,  Thursday, April 29, 2010  KARACHI: Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Ali Mirza has said that political motives are behind incidents of target killing in Karachi. “The provincial government will soon get rid of target killing,” he told newsmen at the Chief Minister House on Thursday. To a question, he said it would be unfair to relate the acts of target killings with the LG election. He argued that dozens of people were killed during the time of former nazims.

Updated at: 1925 PST,  Thursday, April 29, 2010  THIMPHU: South Asian leaders wound up a summit in Bhutan Thursday with an accord to tackle climate change and promises to pursue a new era of development for their under-performing region. The two-day summit of the eight-nation South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was notable for the frank appraisal offered by several members of the bloc's collective failings over the past 25 years. In a final declaration, the summit said it was time for the organisation to live up "to the hopes and aspirations of the one-fifth of humanity" represented by the eight leaders gathered in the Bhutanese capital Thimphu. It also adopted a statement on climate change that stressed the need for the region to join hands in combating a threat that faces all its members, from low-lying Maldives and Bangladesh to Himalayan nations like Bhutan and Nepal. The host nation's Prime Minister Jigme Thinley, who chaired the gathering, said there had been an overwhelming consensus to turn SAARC into "more than a talk shop". "The stage is set for SAARC to enter a new era 25 years after its founding," Thinley said. "I hope the things that did not happen in South Asia will now begin to happen," he added. SAARC, founded in 1985, groups Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Critics have blamed its failure to exploit the region's common potential on the long and bitter rivalry between its two most powerful members, India and Pakistan, which has often hijacked the bloc's agenda. The two countries also stole the media spotlight at the Thimphu summit, where their respective prime ministers, India's Manmohan Singh and Pakistan's Yousuf Raza Gilani, held direct talks for the first time in nine months. Maldives President Mohammed Nasheed, who will host the next SAARC summit, said the coming year would show whether the bloc could move away from declarations of intent to concrete implementation. "My fear is that at the moment there is a disconnection between ambition and achievement. The ultimate result is that SAARC is not adequately delivering on the needs of the people of South Asia," Nasheed said. "Now, therefore, is the time... to begin a meaningful and self-critical appraisal," he added. It was the first time the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has hosted a SAARC summit in the bloc's 25-year history.

Updated at: 1923 PST,  Thursday, April 29, 2010  KARACHI: Despite several new energy conservation initiatives taken by the government in a bid to reduce prolong power outages, no significant change has been witnessed anywhere in the country. While the power shortfall also continues to linger around 4000MW. According to Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO), current electricity generation in the country is 10703MW against the overall demand of 14694MW. Eight to 12 hours of power cuts are being observed in almost all parts of the country, according to media reports. Meanwhile, prolong and unscheduled power outages have continued to cause serious difficulties for domestic as well as industrial consumers. In addition, anti-loadshedding protests have also been reported in some cities, including Karachi.

 Updated at: 1801 PST,  Sunday, April 25, 2010
 KARACHI: Chief of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Altaf Hussain Sunday said those who chanted slogan of Roti, Kapra aur Makan’ (food, clothing and shelter) have given nothing to the people in past 62 years.

In his telephonic address to the convention held simultaneously in Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, Altaf Hussain urged the people of Punjab to maintain order as ‘MQM has made its way to Punjab’.

He said today people have converged here to save Pakistan which suffers from dual system of education and where children of the poor are made to sit on ground in yellow schools in the absence of chairs.

The MQM Chief said the masses continue to be subjected to atrocities for the last 62 years. He said actually “it our fault who cast vote in favour of defaulters of enormous debts,” asking, “Why the people of Punjab vote for plunderers and looters?”

 Updated at: 1417 PST,  Sunday, April 25, 2010
 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan sought the extradition from India of the suspected lone surviving gunman from the 2008 Mumbai attacks to further its own investigation into the case, officials said on Sunday.

According to sources, Indian Deputy High Commissioner Rahul was summoned at Foreign Office and handed six dossiers on the headway made in Mumbai Attacks investigations.

The dossier has been sent to New Delhi through which the extradition of Ajmal Kasab, the gunman, and Fahim Ansari, an Indian accused of conducting reconnaissance of Mumbai landmarks before the attack, has been sought.

The dossiers comprise the answers to questions raised by India in connection with the Attacks. Also, the explanation of some questions has been demanded of India.

Pakistan wants more information on the Attacks, the dossiers said.

"In the context of an ongoing trial in Islamabad, it(extradition) is becoming our legal requirement and we are sending a dossier soon in this regard," Pakistan’s Foreign Office official earlier said.

India blames Pakistan-based LeT for the Mumbai attacks and has broken off talks with Pakistan, saying Islamabad must first act against militants operating from its soil, including the LeT, before a peace process can resume.

Another official said Pakistan hoped to get information from Kasab and Ansari which could be used for the trial of the seven LeT members.

"We believe their statements, especially Kasab's, would be helpful," said the official, who declined to be identified.

Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said warrants had been issued for the arrest of the pair.

Kasab is accused of being one of 10 gunmen who attacked Mumbai in November 2008 in a three-day rampage.

An Indian court concluded his trial in March and is due to announce its verdict on May 3. Kasab faces the death penalty if found guilty of waging war against India.

India has also been pressing Pakistan to prosecute LeT founder Hafiz Mohammad Saeed but Islamabad says New Delhi has not provided enough evidence against him.

Leaders of India and Pakistan may meet in Bhutan's capital this week on the sidelines of a summit of South Asian nations to discuss trade and the environment.

Updated at: 1342 PST,  Sunday, April 25, 2010  LAHORE: The power shortfall in the country has soared to 3500 Megawatts, which triggered load shedding span to broaden to seven hours in the cities and nine to 11 hours in villages and small cities, Geo News reported Sunday. Director General Energy Management of Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) Muhammed Khalid told Geo News that power demand stands at 14,206 MWs to be met with production of 10,644 MWs. He said Karachi has been given 590 MWs today; but, 350 MWs would be given when Bin Qasim Power Plant is put into action in a couple of days. The DG said the two weekly holidays help save 600 to 1000 MWs and the forced load shedding came to an end owing to the government decision of markets’ closure at 8pm. Muhammed Khalid said the shortfall will come down in upcoming days when the hydal production increases.

 Updated at: 1534 PST,  Sunday, April 25, 2010
 PESHAWAR: The name of the Khyber Pakhtoonkhaw province has been changed at the government’s website; however, the monogram with the NWFP name is still there, Geo News reported Sunday.

The webmasters changed the name of the province; however, they forgot to make the necessary change in the monogram which still flashes NWFP at its head.

According to government sources, the decision relating how to abbreviate Khyber Pakhtoonkhaw with KP or KPK, is still to be made.

Updated at: 1511 PST,  Sunday, April 25, 2010  THIMPHU: The foreign secretaries of the SAARC member countries are currently holding a meeting on Sunday to consider the fine print of draft agreements due to be signed at the 16th SAARC summit scheduled for April 28 and 29. The agreements relate to cooperation on environment and on trade in services in the SAARC region. The secretaries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka also considered the text of the final summit declaration. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir is leading Pakistani side. The standing committee meeting will suggest amendments to the drafts made by the SAARC programming committee that sat on Saturday. On Tuesday, foreign ministers of the eight countries will propose further changes to the declarations and the drafts of the agreements-- one on cooperation on environment and the other on trade in services in the SAARC region. The resolution of the council of ministers will then go to the meeting of the top leaders on April 28 and 29 for final approval and adoption. The summit is expected to draw regional attention to the pressing issue of climate change, which is also the theme of the summit. Bhutan has also proposed a summit declaration entitled “towards a green and happy south Asia” and a separate ministerial declaration on climate change, according to news agencies. The SAARC agreement on trade in services is expected to enable the realisation of the region’s immense potential in service areas, such as health, hospitality, communications, computer and information services and air transport and augment intra-regional trade in services. The SAARC convention on environment is expected to promote cooperation among the SAARC countries in the field of environment and sustainable development.

Updated at: 1417 PST,  Sunday, April 25, 2010  SIALKOT: Member of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and National Assembly Khwaja Asif, who is also heading the organizing committee formed for the arrangement of the welcome dinner for Shoaib Malik and Sania Mirza, said here on Sunday that the arrangements of the reception have been finalized and tight security arrangements have been made for the event. The meeting of the Shoaib-Sania welcome dinner organizing committee was attended by Khwaja Asif, Chaudhry Akhlaq, Jalaluddin and other members. Khwaja Asif told Geo News after the meeting that fool-proof security arrangements have been made on the occasion of the reception in honour of the newly-married couple. He said that this matter should be kept away from politics of the two countries. However, he prays for the happy married life of Shoaib and Sania.

 Updated at: 1208 PST,  Sunday, April 25, 2010
 ISLAMABAD: The second Saab-2000 AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control System) aircraft, purchased by Pakistan, finally arrived in the country on Saturday.

The first such aircraft of the originally four contracted by Pakistan was acquired in December last year, while the second aircraft yesterday landed safely at an Operational Base of the PAF.

PAF sources have informed that this new entry would soon be inducted formally in PAF squadron, while remaining two would also be handed over to Pakistan soon.

 Updated at: 1126 PST,  Sunday, April 25, 2010
 PESHAWAR: At least seven extremists were killed and 11 others injured in a clash between security forces and extremists in Orakzai Agency, Geo News reported Sunday.

According to sources, at least seven extremists were killed and 11 others injured in the fresh action by the security forces.

The security forces successfully continued their advance today.

It should be mentioned that the Orakzai Agency operation is underway for a month now and over 400 extremists have been killed thus far.

Updated at: 1714 PST,  Friday, April 23, 2010  LAHORE: Former foreign minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri said that due to judicial crisis of 2007 Kashmir issue could not be solved. He was speaking in a programme organized under 'Aman Ki Asha' initiative. I am satisfied that talks stood where we left, he said. Dr Mubashir Hassan, Arif Nizami, Razzaq Dawood, Amin Haswani, I A Rahman, Shafqat Mehmood participated from Pakistan, while, Amitabh Mitto, Admiral Nair, Prem Shankar, Admiral Ram Das and former foreign secretary Salman Haider spoke from Indian side. Kasuri talked about in detail the steps taken in this regard. During Musharraf regime Pakistan and India were close to resolve Kashmir dispute and both parties, Pakistan and India, had agreed on a joint mechanism to settle the issue, he continued. Pakistan, India and Kashmiri leadership discussed steps to solve the lingering dispute, former minister told participants. 'Pakistan wanted the solution as per the wishes of Kashmiri people'. 'Kashmiris demanded right of self-determination and withdrawal of all Indian forces from the occupied territory,' Kasuri said. 'Indian PM Manmohan was to visit Pakistan in late 2006 but Indian elections and judicial crisis in Pakistan sabotaged all efforts'. It was also decided that the neither of the parties would claim victories after the talks, Kasuri added.

 ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry remarked that if the LNG import contract procedure were transparent it would not have come to the Supreme Court.

A three-member bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Chaudhry Ejaz Ahmed and Justice Ghulam Rabbani resumed hearing on a suo motu case.

The bench during course of hearing repeatedly expressed its dissatisfaction over the procedural mechanism adopted during award of contract.

S.M. Zafar, counsel for ministry of petroleum, said that all concerned parties were worried after due to appearance of the secret documents.

'This is not good governance,' CJ observed.

Then the hearing was adjourned till Monday.

The bench is seized with hearing of a suo motu notice on a news item in which it had been claimed that top officials in Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources had awarded a multi-billion dollar contract for 3.5 million tons LNG import to a French firm after ignoring the lowest bid jointly offered by the Fauji Foundation and the Vitol.

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Friday said the amendment in the constitution has determined the responsibilities of institutions and paved way for provincial autonomy.

He was talking to Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, Minister for Interior Rehman Malik, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Zaheeruddin Babar Awan and Minister for Petroleum Syed Naveed Qamar, at the Prime Minister House, a press release said.

PM urged Senator Rabbani, Chairman Implementation Commission on the Constitutional Amendment to move forward without any delay.

The Prime Minister said it was the reconciliatory policy that made possible the resolution of major issues in the country. He also stressed the need of continuity of the political maturity displayed by all the political parties.

Updated at: 1425 PST,  Friday, April 23, 2010  ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Interior today issued the notification regarding two-day holidays in government offices, which would come into force at once, Geo News reported. According to the notification, Saturday and Sunday would be holidays; working hours would be 8:00am till 4:00pm from Monday to Friday. While lunch break would be between 1:00pm to 1:30pm except Friday. Friday namaz and lunch break would be from 12:30pm to 2:00pm.

Updated at: 1350 PST,  Friday, April 23, 2010
 MIRANSHAH: Militants have killed four men, beheading two and dumping the bodies in Pakistan's northwest tribal belt after accusing them of spying for the United States, officials said Friday.

The bodies were found by the side of a road in Khadi village, 25 kilometres (15 miles) east of Miranshah, the main town in the tribal North Waziristan region near the Afghan border, local police officer Kalam Khan told AFP.

He said that two bodies were headless, while the remaining two had multiple bullet wounds. Two of the men were Afghans while the others were local tribesmen who had been kidnapped from Miranshah three weeks ago.

A local intelligence official said that a note found near the bodies said "all those spying for the US and Pakistan will suffer the same fate".

Updated at: 1340 PST,  Friday, April 23, 2010  PESHAWAR: Seven soldiers embraced martyrdom and 16 wounded after militants armed with guns and rocket launchers ambushed their convoy in the northwest tribal belt, officials said Friday. Dozens of insurgents on Thursday attacked the troops in North Waziristan. "In the ambush, seven soldiers embraced shahadat (martyrdom), including an officer and a junior commissioned officer, while 16 soldiers were injured. "It was a pre-planned attack. Dozens of militants first fired several rockets and then used other weapons and guns," an intelligence official based in Miranshah said, adding that four military vehicles were destroyed. A military statement said the convoy on a routine mission from Miranshah to Dattakhel when they were ambushed.

Updated at: 1337 PST,  Friday, April 23, 2010  LAHORE: Power crisis continued across the country despite announcements of suspension of prolonged and unannounced load shedding. The load shedding is being carried out for 10 to 12 hours in urban areas of and 14 hours in rural areas. The power shutdown for 18 hours in another industrial city Gujranawala is badly disturbing business activities. Prolong load shedding of 16 to 18 hour being carried out in different areas of Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtoonkhaw.

LAHORE: Amid two-day energy conference being held in the federal capital to find a durable solution of the power crisis, violent protests continue in different parts of the country against the electricity loadshedding. The enraged people staged demonstrations and burned tyres in Mandi Bahauddin and Nawabshah against the prolong power outages. In urban part of Sindh, about 14 hours of loadshedding is being observed, whereas people of rural areas are compelled to brace 18 hours of power cuts. People hit by simmering heat took to streets in Nawabshah and set tyres on fire to express their frustration. The protest caused a huge traffic jam, suspending traffic from Nawabshah to Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur and other cities. Apart form Sindh, urban area of Punjab are facing up to 8 hours of loadshedding while rural areas are almost without the electricity. The traders observed a shutter down strike in Mandi Bahauddin and its adjacent areas against the loadshedding. They protest took out a rallyh from Miran Ji roundabout and burned tyres. Police restored to baton-charge to disperse the protestors and arrested some people. In addition, the angry mob pelted stones at a train, which was going to Sargodha from Lala Moosa. Situation is no different in Khyber-Pakhtunkhw and Balochistan.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani directed the participants of energy conference to submit on Thursday the final recommendations for overcoming the ongoing power crisis. At the close of two-day energy conference, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti, Federal Water and Power Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf and Food Minister Nazar Muhammad Gondal met the prime minister and presented him the recommendations to end the energy crisis. The prime minister asked the participants to further discuss the recommendations and adopt a non-discriminatory approach for supplying of electricity to all sectors and areas. Gilani said that final recommendations would be announced on Thursday. He also called for devising a medium and long-term plans to resolve the worst power crisis facing the nation.

 ISLAMABAD: Director General Rescue 1122 Dr Rizwan Naseer claimed that he had offered the police to collect evidence from the crime scene of Benazir Bhutto’s assassination. But the then CCPO Rawalpindi Saud Aziz had not only had rejected the offer but also issued order to hose down the crime scene.

Addressing a news conference on completion of five years of Rescue 1122 Tuesday, Dr. Naseer said he had conducted an inquiry into the incident, which proved there was no fault of the Rescue 1122 in this regard.

“The police had rejected our offer to secure evidence from the crime scene,” he said.

LAHORE: Owing to the ongoing power crisis, the Lahore administration has asked the business community to open their markets from 5pm to 9pm to save the electricity. Lahore commissioner Khusro Pervaiz made this announcement while speaking to the representatives of business community at his office. The decision, he said, has been taken to save electricity so that the loadshedding duration could be minimized. He said that wedding halls would also close at 9pm. The commissioner called upon the business community to support the government in its bid to save the electricity.

ISLAMABAD: Advocate Akram Shiekh has said that the Supreme Court can not only suspend any amendment but also it can set-aside it. Aitzaz had been arguing against the freedom of judiciary in Ahsan Al jehad case, he said. Sheikh further said the Supreme Court has the authority to suspend an amendment. Akram had filed a petition on behalf of Nadeem Ahmed in the SC challenging the establishment of the judicial commission. Akram criticized Ahsan for supporting Asif Zardari and working against the freedom of judiciary. Ahsan has only done one good i.e counseling Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry. The SC had struck down 13th and 14th Amendment in the past, he said.

 KARACHI: Sindh National Front chief Mumtaz Bhutto said Tuesday that former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto had returned to Pakistan according to a deal she had made with Pervez Musharraf through United States and England. But she was assassinated as a result of ending the deal with Musharraf.

Speaking to media after chairing a meeting of the party’s Central Committee here, he said ruling PPP has promoted dictatorship through 18th Amendment.

About UN report on Benzir Bhutto’s assassination, the SNF said it has given births to several new questions.

“I wonder whether or not Begum Nusrat Bhutto is still alive,” he said.

LONDON: Interior Minister Rehman Malik today contacted Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain on phone and felicitated him for the passage of landmark 18th Amendment Bill. President Asif Ali Zardari singed into law the 18th Amendment Bill in a ceremony on Monday. Both leaders exchanged views on political situation, 18th Amendment and other matters of mutual interests. The MQM chief congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and constitutional reforms committee over approval of 18th Amendment. In addition, he urged the country’s democratic forces to pay their role to get rid of power crisis, price hike and unemployment.

   PESHAWAR: At least 23 people were killed and dozens other injured on Monday when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the crowded Qissa Khwani Bazaar in Peshawar.

Deputy Superintendent Police Gulfat Hussain and District Naib Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Dost Muhammad were also among the dead.

According to eyewitnesses, the bomber targeted a rally organized by the JI in protest against the power outages.

Edhi sources confirmed that 23 people were killed in the powerful blast.

The blast took place in front of a Sweets shop near Kabli Police Station located in Qissa Khwani bazaar of Peshawar.

The injured were shifted to Lady Redding Hospital, where emergency was declared.

Meanwhile, the police reached the scene and cordoned off the area.

It was the second blast that took place in Peshawar today. A schoolboy was killed in the first blast.

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari signed the Bill of Eighteenth Constitutional Amendment today, after which it became part of the Constitution, Geo News reported.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, cabinet members, PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif, Chairman Constitutional Reforms Committee of the Parliament Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, Chief Ministers and governors of the provinces attended the ceremony held at the Presidential House.

The President, congratulating the parliamentarians, members of PCCR and the nation, claimed the passage of the 18th amendment bill has closed doors to dictatorship forever.

Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani congratulated all the members of parliament and the entire nation on the occasion of signing of the 18th amendment bill.

“This crowning achievement will be remembered for all times to come,” he said. Let’s uphold the democratic values, he added.

The government is making every possible effort to overcome the challenges such as power shortage, poverty, rural and urban backwardness and unemployment.

He said presence of the President, Prime Minister, Parliamentarians, chief ministers and the entire opposition at one place is unprecedented in the history of Pakistan.

Senator and Chairman Parliamentary Committee for Constitutional Reforms (PCCR) Raza Rabbani paid tributes to all the members of the committee for what he said their “political maturity, political sagacity and rising above interest” for making possible the finalization of the 18th amendment.

He also paid tributes to the political leaders, saying without their guidance the Parliamentary Committee could not move ahead with the kind of open mindedness that was required for the uphill task.

Raza Rabbani said the 18th amendment bill is unique in three ways. First, it is for the first time that a duly elected president is giving his powers willingly to the prime minister and the parliament.

The constitution was mutilated by the dictators who aimed to perpetuate their power. The 18th amendment bill does away with the name of Zia-ul-Haq; it does away with the wastages of Musharraf by repealing the 17th amendment bill.

The question of provincial autonomy ‘to some extent’ has been solved, Raza Rabbani said.

The PCCR knew that it cannot amend the basic fundamentals of the Constitution. We have maintained its Islamic character and that it continues remain a democratic constitution in a true sense, he said.

The 18th amendment bill has been passed without a dissenting note, which, he said, shows that institutions are strong.

“The Constitution returns as nearly as possible to the principles of the 1973 constitution,” Raza Rabbani announced with satisfaction.

 PESHAWAR: Police have found the head of a suspected suicide bomber, who blew himself up in crowded Qissa Khwani market, killing at least 23 people and injuring dozen others.

Shafqat Malik, the head of bomb disposal squad, said that the bomber, aged between 15 to 16, used 6 kg of explosives in the attack

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the Constitution has been cleansed of dictatorial amendments.

Addressing the participants after singing the 18th Amendment Bill today, President Zardari said, “The illegal clauses have been removed and people of NWFP have finally got their identity.”

Like 18th Amendment Bill, politicians should now extend their cooperation in solving the problems facing the people, he said.

“All political parties deserve the credit for the restoration of constitution,” he said.

Highlighting his achievements, the president said: “People of Balochistan were given Aghaz-e-Haqooq Package while Gilgit-Baltistan got constitutional autonomy.”

   PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain, strongly condemning the Qissa Khawani blast, said Monday that even presence of security forces in a large number could not prevent the tragic incident.

“I, therefore, appeal to people not to gather in a large number at one place, which gives an opportunity to terrorists to strike,” he said.

An undeclared third world war has begun, he said, adding that the government is paying full attention to get rid of militancy.

Hussain said that war against terrorism would continue till the complete elimimination of terrorists.

“Terrorists have no faith, no religion as they don’t spare even children, women and innocent people,” he said.

RAWALPINDI: Eminent lawyer Abdul Hafeez Pirzada, while expressing his views in Geo TV Programme, 'Mery Mutabiq' of Dr Shahid Masood, said that it was not necessary to challenge the 18th Amendment as a whole.

However, he said, some of its articles could be challenged and the court could reject the same. He said the 18th amendment was beyond his comprehension as the four basic elements of the constitution, on which the whole constitution depends, had been violated by parliament.

He said the first pillar is parliamentary democracy under which any party leader is given the power to recall and the prime minister being elected by the people could be called and his membership could be terminated. The prime minister could be called to parliament for a vote of confidence any time. Pirzada said the prime minister needed a simple majority rather than an absolute majority for his election. "The powers under Article 58-2(b) and appointments in the armed forces have been taken from the president but still he enjoys the powers to ask the prime minister to take a vote of confidence," he said, adding: "Definitely this article could be challenged in the court."

According to Pirzada, under this article the prime minister is accountable to the party head and could be sent home any time the party head wants. Abdul Hafeez Pirzada said the second pillar is provincial autonomy. He said it was decided to abolish the concurrent list and give powers to provinces and the most important subject remained under the provincial autonomy agenda since the beginning but the concurrent legislative list was converted to a central legislative list. Hence, the powers were shifted from provinces to Centre, which could also be challenged in the court.

The third pillar, the eminent lawyer said, was about basic human rights. "When human rights are snatched from the masses and given to a single person, who is not bound to get himself elected from the party and brings someone else after removing a public representative, this practice will deprive the masses of their rights," he said.

According to Pirzada, the fourth pillar is the judiciary. He said the 1973 Constitution, the committee of which was headed by him, empowered the Senate standing committee to remove the judges. "When this proposal came to parliament, the then Chief Justice Mehmoodur Rehman told him, as he was the law minister, that three chief justices had tendered resignations on the issue as they could not be accountable to such a large body, that would curtail their freedom. After that all the parties unanimously decided to take back the proposal," he said. Pirzada said this point could also be challenged in the court.

He said the court would be empowered to examine the 18th Amendment after the president would sign the document. He said every legislator had the legislative powers but not the constitutional powers, as both are two different things. He said this parliament was not empowered to change or terminate the basic structure of the Constitution. In such case, he said, they needed to go for a referendum.

Pirzada said Aitzaz Ahsan's talk about the possibility of clash between judiciary and executive was totally wrong. He charged parliament played havoc with the Constitution to benefit some people.

He said it was the duty of parliament to enact laws and the executive was responsible to implement laws but the Supreme Court would decide whether the law was enacted in accordance with the Constitution or not.

To cite an example, he said, if all the Senate and National Assembly members amended the Constitution to make Pakistan part of India, "If they are empowered to do so". "A mother can give birth to a child but could not kill the child. If she does so, she will be punished," he elaborated.

Pirzada said parliament exceeded the limit of its powers and it did not know what it was doing. Senior lawyer, Akram Sheikh, while talking to Shahid Masood, said that he was not surprised or shocked at the attitude of Aitzaz Ahsan.

He said Aitzaz was sitting with him in the court two or three days ago and discussing the petition challenging the judicial commission and Aitzaz told him that if he filed this petition and the Supreme Court admitted it, President Zardari would convene parliament's session in a day and the petition would be scrapped by the evening. He said that parliament would scrap the decision not in a day but in seconds and then what the judges had to suffer, he could guess himself.

While replying to a question regarding the awarding of the contracts of big oil companies to some lawyer leaders and entertain cases of official institutions, Akram Sheikh said there was nothing secret in it.

Imran Khan, while talking about the will of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, said besides the language of the will, it was necessary to get the original letter endorsed, as it effected the transfer of the whole party to someone else.

President Supreme Court Bar Association Qazi Anwar said that the writer of the will feels fear while writing the will but there was no mention of it in the will. He said at one place in the will it was written, "I feel the future of Pakistan." but fear of any kind was nowhere mentioned in the will. Qazi Anwar said that the will was written on October 16, 2007. But it did not show where it was written and neither it was known that from where it had come. He said it was a fraud. Qazi Anwar said it seemed it was not the writing of Benazir Bhutto.

 LAHORE: Punjab’s Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that ‘save electricity’ campaign should begin from the Chief Minister House.

Chairing a high-level meeting on Monday, the chief minister said the government officials and departments should not consider themselves exempted from the electricity load-shedding.

He also constituted a committee to devise a comprehensive plan for ‘save electricity’ drive.

People are faced with severe difficulties due to the ongoing power shortage, he said, adding agriculture; industry and people are suffering from the negative implications.

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari will sign the Bill of Eighteenth Constitutional Amendment draft tomorrow, after which it will become part of the Constitution, Geo News reported Sunday.

President Zardari phoned Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) chief Mian Nawaz Sharif and invited him to ceremony in connection with signing the Eighteenth Amendment draft.

The Eighteenth Amendment will become the part of the Constitution tomorrow after it is signed by the President Zardari.

The sources from the Presidential House said the PML-N chief accepted the invitation.

According to sources, the cabinet members, the Chairman Constitutional Reforms Committee of the Parliament Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, Chief Ministers and governors of the provinces will attend the ceremony to be held at the Presidential House tomorrow.

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry underscored the need to incorporate corruption elimination in the national agenda, Geo News reported Sunday.

Addressing the concluding session of National Judicial Conference, he stressed, ‘We should be surrounded by incorruptible people,’ adding all the stakeholders of the system will have to play their part for the rule of justice.

He elaborated the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary will have to consolidate each other and that all the institutions should work in their specified ambits.

Fortunately, the Constitution is in force in the country with democracy flourishing, he said.

The CJ Chaudhry said the process of improvement has set off in the justice system with the announcement of Judicial Policy and it is now needed that justice should be dispensed with indiscriminately.

The Chief Justice said that the judiciary, which is a vital organ of the state should be bolstered, as independent and strong judiciary can play key role in functioning of the government.

BAHAWALPUR: Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said the Pak Army is fully capable to defend the national frontiers and the country would be safeguarded at all costs.

Addressing the ceremony in connection with the conclusion of the first phase of largest military exercises Azm-e-Nau-III, he said the country does not have aggressive designs against anyone and Pak Army is fully abreast of its responsibilities for peace and stability in the region.

Pak Army and Air Force are absolutely in sync, he stressed.

Lt. Gen. Shafqat Ahmed briefed the participants of the ceremony about the Azm-e-Nau-III.

The Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani also visited the Khairpur Tamiwali range and inspected the drills.

LAHORE: The power shortfall persisted at over 5000 Megawatts, as the load shedding spans are relentlessly afflicting the lives despite it being Sunday today.

According to the sources in Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO), the power production of 10,300 MWs stands far behind the demand of 15,500 MWs; while, the 5200 MW shortfall is being met with an additional five-hour scheduled and unannounced load shedding spans.

Lahore is suffering from 11-hour load shedding; while, the span is widened to 18 hours in villages.

The consumers turned to streets and alleged that the Pepco is not running the power plants to save it money.

Meantime, MD Pepco Basharat Cheema said the outflow of 10,000 cusecs from Tarbela Dam from April 21 will come handy in reducing the shortfall, adding the shut power plants will begin functioning in the meantime.

 ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari phoned Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) chief Mian Nawaz Sharif and invited him to ceremony in connection with signing the Eighteenth Amendment draft, Geo News reported Sunday.

The Eighteenth Amendment will become the part of the Constitution tomorrow after it is signed by the President.

The sources said the PML-N chief accepted the invitation

BAHAWALPUR: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said Pakistan’s armed forces are fully capable to cope with the challenges facing the security of the country also in addition to those at its western borders, Geo News reported Sunday.

Addressing a ceremony held on the occasion of the largest army drills, he said Pakistan is facing rafts of challenges at present; however, Pakistan has been endowed with sources and opportunities to cope with them.

The nation is proud of the sacrifices rendered by the Pak Army, he said.

Pakistan’s armed forces are geared up to confront various other challenges than those at its western borders, he emphasized.

Pakistan did a great job in Swat and Waziristan, as the country is serving as an iron wall against the terrorism, he asserted.

PESHAWAR: At least 13 extremists were killed in clashes with the security forces in Orakzai Agency’s area of Sangra, Geo News reported Sunday.

The action claimed life of a security personnel, as well.

According to sources, the clash between the security forces and the extremists occurred early this morning, where 13 extremists were killed. The rest of the extremists fled the scene.

A personnel of the Frontier Corps was martyred in the action.

The forces’ operation that is in progress for four weeks now, have forced the local people to evacuate to the nearby areas including Kohat and Hangu.

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) here held its Core Committee (CC) meeting late on Saturday night.

Core Committee meeting reviewed report, investigated and presented by UN’s three-member independent panel to figure out causes of Benazir Bhutto assassination.

According to knowledgeable sources, In connection with UN investigative report, the meeting decided to move court against those officials from previous government, which were named as being responsible for allowing assassination on former premier Benazir Bhutto to happen due to non-serious security measures and former President Pervez Musharraf is no exception.

Also, the alleged suspects’ names will be put on Exit Control List (ECL), sources said.

  KARACHI: Prominent lawyer leader Aitzaz Ahsan warned the judiciary from striking down 18th Amendment said it would bring both the organs into confrontation.

Both houses of the Parliament passed the Amendment unanimously.

He was addressing a seminar organized by the Civil Society of Pakistan.

Aitzaz supported intra-party elections. Commenting on UN report, he said there was nothing startling in it because commission's scope was limited and it can only raise questions. 'Local agencies should conduct inquiry into BB's killing.'

Replying to a question regarding more provinces, PPP leader called for establishing a commission to decide about this controversial issue

PESHAWAR: Two suicide bombers struck a crowd of displaced people collecting aid handouts, killing at least 41 and wounding more than 60 on Saturday at the Kacha Pukha camp on the outskirts of Kohat.

The bombers struck minutes apart in the camp, a registration centre for people fleeing Taliban violence and army operations close to the Afghan border.

"The toll in the two suicide attacks is 41 dead and more than 60 wounded," DIG Kohat Abdullah Khan told Geo News.

Meanwhile, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al Alami called Geo News correspondent and claimed the responsibility of the attack.

Body parts of the bombers were recovered and most of the victims were members of the Mani Khel and Baramad Khel tribes who had gathered for registration after fleeing fighting in their home district of Orakzai, sources said.

The first bomber detonated his explosives while displaced people gathered to register and receive relief items. A few minutes later the second bomber blew himself up in the middle of the gathering crowd.

RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani extended apology to Kokikhel tribes on the killings of citizens in Pak Army’s action on April 10, Geo News reported Saturday.

According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Army Chief expressed deep grief over the killings of citizens belonging to Kokikhel tribes.

Also, he directed to take up measures to avoid such incidents in future.

It should be mentioned that at least 63 people were killed in an action by Pak Army in Tirah Valley on April 10.

 ISLAMABAD: Protestors at Deena, an area of Jehlum district, clashed with police and set a Rescue 15 office, Wapda offices, an ambulance, a fire tender and other vehicles on fire against severe power outages in the area, Geo News reported Saturday.

Protestors blocked Mangla Road and GT Road. Police resorted to baton charge injuring ten persons.

The city has been facing over 20-hour power load shedding.

LAHORE: Secretary General of Jamat-e-Islami Liaquat Baloch Saturday said a judicial commission should have been set up to investigate into the murder of Ms Benazir Bhutto, but Pakistan People’s Party does not appear serious in getting to the culprits.

Addressing a press conference, he said having a probe conducted by the UN has not only wasted money and time but the exercise also provided protection to the murderers.

Liaquat Baloch said the people of Hazara are not happy with the new name of the province; their reservations must be addressed.

He said the government has failed in resolving the problems of price hike, unemployment and load-shedding.