Mumbai probe report findings to ease tensions: FM

MULTAN: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Saturday said that FIA has handed over the investigation report of Mumbai attacks to the Interior Ministry and the Law Ministry is now reviewing the same.

Addressing a press conference here, the FM said once the findings of the investigation into Mumbai report is brought to light it will help defuse Indo-Pak tensions.

Pakistan will share the findings of the investigation into Mumbai attacks with India, said Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi while addressing a press conference here on Saturday.

He underlined need for bilateral cooperation in order for conducing an effective probe. Pakistan is serious about the investigation and intends to take necessary action, he added.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the terrorists are common enemies of India and Pakistan

He deemed it essential to resolve Kashmir issue for achieving the goal of durable peace in the region. It is Pakistan’s desire that the Kashmir dispute be resolved through comprehensive dialogue, he added.

The Foreign Minister said the drone attacks are proving counter productive as they are neither helping in getting positive results nor people’s support.

He said positive signals are being received from Obama administration.

Biden-Lugar Bill to be approved soon: Haqqani

WASHINGTON: Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States, Husain Haqqani said on Saturday that Biden-Lugar Bill would be tabled again in the US Congress by its movers with a new name.

Talking to Geo news, Haqqani denied the reports that the Biden-Lugar Bill was not endorsed. He said that the US had its own constitutional and legal practices.

Haqqani said majority of US legislators from both the Houses were not in favour of slapping more restrictions on Pakistan. US President Barrack Obama has also supported the Biden-Lugar Bill. He said the Congress could not discuss Biden-Lugar Bill on agenda due to the US presidential campaign, but it would be tabled soon for approval.

Police arrests Barack Obama's half brother in Kenya

NAIROBI: George Obama, the half brother of U.S. President Barack Obama, has been arrested by Kenyan police on a charge of possession of marijuana.

According police George Obama was arrested on charges of possession of cannabis, known in Kenya as Bhang, and resisting arrest. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

He is being held at Huruma police post in the capital of Nairobi.

George Obama, however, denied the allegations while talking to a foreign news channel.

"They took me from my home," he said, "I don't know why they are charging me."

George Obama and the president barely know each other, though they have met before. George Obama was one of the president's few close relatives who did not go to the inauguration in Washington last week.

In his memoir, "Dreams from My Father," Barack Obama describes meeting George as a "painful affair." Barack Obama's trip to Kenya meant meeting family he had never known.

SBP maintains status quo on discount rate

KARACHI: Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, Syed Salim Raza disclosed on Saturday that the SBP Central Board of Directors has decided that the Central Bank will issue monetary policy statement on quarterly basis.

Unveiling the Monetary Policy Statement, at a press conference at State Bank's Head Office here, Syed Salim Raza said that the next monetary policy statement would be issued by the end April 2009.

He said that extent of risks and vulnerabilities, which the economy had faced during 2008, have moderated to but we would need to remain watchful of the emerging risks and challenges.

He pointed out that factors such as the vulnerability of the external sector due to high oil and other commodity prices; persistence of high imports and weak prospects of foreign investment, have all moderated considerably owing to improvements related to each area.

Raza said that progress has been made with inflation, over the last four months, but it is very stubborn in the core inflation (i.e. non-food and non-energy). The slow improvement in core inflation, while it has a structural element, is primarily owing to the fact that non fuel and non food items, such as wages and rents and fares etc. continue rising after the supply side shocks recede.

This more entrenched trend is because inflationary expectations remain; for the good reason that we have had 12 months of high inflation and several preceding years during which the potential for inflation breaking out in a substantial way was being developed, he added.

He said that by the end of FY-09 there would be some reduction in both the fiscal and external current account deficits relative to FY-08. However, not only is the expected magnitude of these deficits high but also there are risks of slippages. This signifies that the demand pressures have not completely dissipated despite a slowdown in economic activity, he said and added that the high expected average CPI inflation of 20 percent for FY09 (significantly higher than the FY09 target of 11 percent) and its persistence, reflected by core inflation measures, clearly reflect the risk on this front.

To mitigate the implications of these risks it is important to continue with the current monetary policy stance, he said and added, therefore, the SBP has decided to keep the policy discount rate unchanged at 15 percent.

While elaborating on the more recent liquidity issues, he said that the present pressure on interest rates would have come irrespective of the discount rate as we have seen an unprecedented fall in banking liquidity post June, between July 1 and Jan 10, deposits have shrunk by 3.4%, or Rs 128 billion, while total credit has grown by 11% or Rs 500 billion, putting a strain of 628 on the system, or shrinking available liquidity by about 14%.

This was the simple counterpart of the CA deficit, and this level of contraction of liquidity would have raised interest rates in and of itself, regardless of where the discount rate was.

Serena ousts Safina in Australian Open final, takes No.1 ranking

MELBOURNE: Serena Williams thrashed Russia's Dinara Safina 6-0, 6-3 to win her fourth Australian Open title Saturday, bringing her total Grand Slam tally to 10 in one of the most one-sided deciders ever.

The win means the American, seeded second in the tournament, will also take the world number one ranking off Serb Jelena Jankovic.

Williams, 27, utterly dominated third seed Safina, allowing her opponent to win only eight points in the first set on her way to claiming the championship in less than an hour.

The American also won the women's doubles title with her sister Venus on Friday and became the highest ever prize-money winner in women's sport during the tournament.

Safina, contesting her second final in a Grand Slam after losing in last year's French Open decider, narrowly avoided entering the record books as being on the wrong end of the worst drubbing in a final in the tournament's history.

Only Steffi Graf in 1994 and Margaret Smith in 1962 have posted more comprehensive victories in the decider, both winning 6-0, 6-2.

South Africa snatch top ODI ranking from Australia, winning series 4-1

PERTH: South Africa has become the number one team in one-day international cricket when they beat the world champions Australia by 39 runs in the final One-day International here at WACA on Friday to take the five-match series 4-1.

Chasing 289 to finish the series with a 3-2 loss, Australia were all out for 249 runs in 49 overs and not only lost the series but also their top position in the ICC rankings which they were enjoying for the last several years.

Debutant Lonwabo Tsotsobe made the perfect start to his ODI career with two wickets in his first four overs to play a key role in South Africa’s victory. He removed two of the danger men, Shaun Marsh and Ricky Ponting.

No Aussie batsman except Michael Hussey (78) and Brad Haddin (63) could resist against South African bowlers. Michael’s brother David Hussey also made a useful contribution of 32. The Husseys had come together at 4 for 53 and added 69 runs.

Earlier, Hashim Amla narrowly missed his first century of the series but together with AB de Villiers set the stage with a solid 118-run partnership and JP Duminy provided the late entertainment with a quick half-century to take South Africa to 288-6 in 50 allotted overs.

Amla's 97 ended when he tried to guide Hopes through the cordon and tickled the ball to Brad Haddin, while de Villiers (60) picked out David Warner on the square-leg boundary.

Later, Duminy smashed an unbeaten 60 from 42 deliveries. He helped South Africa add 53 in the batting Powerplay, which was taken at the start of the 43rd over, and raised his half-century from 33 balls with a super six over long-off from Nathan Bracken.

Pakistan committed to root out terrorism: PM

DAVOS: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Friday that Pakistan remains committed to root out terrorism and was doing more than any other country in war against terror.

Addressing participants at a breakfast meeting here, the prime minister said the root causes of terrorism need to be addressed to eliminate the menace and that Pakistan was facing economic and security challenges. Gilani said the government aims at empowering women in the county and now they enjoy more parliamentary representation.

He said the media is free in Pakistan and all institutions are working within the constitution. Gilani said that with the support of the people, the government would turn challenges into opportunities for socio-economic development. He termed restoration of democracy, good governance, and accountability as his government’s distinctive features.

Gilani said the governments of Pakistan and the US were committed to reform the old policies.

India yet to receive probe report from Pak: Mukherjee

NEW DELHI: India’s External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukerjee has said that Pakistan should stop talking through media and communicate through proper channels.

"We have not received any information from Pakistan about the investigation in the Mumbai terror strike. All we are getting is media reports,” Mukherjee told reporters here.

He further added, "Pakistan should communicate through proper channels and not through media.”

Refusing to comment on the media reports, Mukherjee said, "We have provided Pakistan all the evidences about the attack and expect them to investigate the matter and inform us".

Interior Ministry chief Rehman Malik had told reporters on January 17 that he had asked a three-member team to probe the Mumbai attacks and examine the Indian dossier and submit the preliminary findings in 10 days.

World heads for water bankruptcy: WEF

DAVOS: The world is heading toward "water bankruptcy" as demand for the precious commodity outstrips even high population growth, a new report warned Friday.

In less than 20 years, water scarcity could lose the equivalent of the entire grain crops of India and the United States, said the World Economic Forum report, which added that food demand is expected to sky-rocket in coming decades.

"The world simply cannot manage water in the future in the same way as in the past or the economic web will collapse," said the report.

Water has been consistently under-priced in many regions and has been wasted and overused, the report said.

Many places in the world are on the verge of "water bankruptcy" following a series of regional water "bubbles" over the past 50 years.

The report said that energy production accounts for about 39 percent of all water used in the United States and 31 percent of water withdrawals in the EU. Only three percent is actually consumed, but competition for access to water will intensify over the next two decades.

The report said most glaciers in the Himalayas and Tibet will be gone by 2100 at the current rate of melting, but they provide water for two billion people. About 70 major rivers around the world are close to being totally drained in order to supply water for irrigation and reservoirs.

The WEF said that within two decades water will become a mainstream theme for investors even better than oil.

Shoaib Akhtar injured, out of series against Sri Lanka

LAHORE: Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar has been ruled out of next month's two-match home Test series against Sri Lanka due to a knee problem, an official said Friday.

"There are loose bones in his knee which would need keyhole surgery. That will take two to three weeks' recovery and that means he is out of the Sri Lanka Test series," team coach Intikhab Alam told media.

Intikhab Alam said such injures were common for fast bowlers. "When such an injury occurs one must not wait and have a quick operation," said Alam.

Shoaib Akhtar, whose career has been blighted by injury and discipline problems, was dropped from the third and final one-day match against Sri Lanka earlier this month when he was not found 100 percent fit.

Then-captain Shoaib Malik questioned his commitment and fitness after the second match, but before the third denied he had named Akhtar and instead said he had been talking about all 11 players on the team.

Sri Lanka return to Pakistan on February 14 to play a three-day side match and two Tests -- the final dates of which are yet to be announced.

Akhtar had operations to his both knees in early 2006, forcing him to sit out Pakistan's tour of Sri Lanka and England that year.

The controversial bowler, 33, was this year awarded a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) contract, only after playing three Twenty20 matches in 2008.

A hamstring injury forced him to sit out all three one-day matches against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi last November.

He missed out on a contract last year because of injury and indiscipline.

In response, Shoaib Akhtar publicly criticised the PCB, which imposed a five-year ban on him last April. The ban was later reduced to 18 months with a fine of seven million rupees (100,000 dollars) by the high court in Lahore.

On appeal, the court later suspended the ban but upheld the fine. A subsequent appeal is pending.

Senate committee presents Dr. Afia’s report

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani national Dr. Afia Siddiqui who is detained in the US has appealed in her message to Pakistanis that Pakistani citizens should never be handed over to the US.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee for Human Rights has presented its report regarding Dr. Afia Siddiqui, which asks the Government to provide legal aid to Dr. Afia Siddiqui and make efforts for her repatriation.

The report points out that Dr. Afia Siddiqui was put through unusual torture in the US.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed has said that no charge has so far been proved against Dr. Afia Siddiqui.

Chairman Senate Committee S.M. Zafar said he held a two-hour long meeting with Dr. Afia Siddiqui in Texas.

Advisor for Interior Affairs Rehman Malik and Senator Raza Rabbani on the occasion said all the expenses of providing legal assistance to Dr. Afia Siddiqui will be born by Pakistan government.

Obama administration aims at unfreezing US-Iranian relations

WASHINGTON: Officials of Barack Obama's administration have drafted a letter to Iran from the president aimed at unfreezing US-Iranian relations and opening the way for face-to-face talks, a British newspaper said.

The US state department has been working on drafts of the letter since Obama was elected on 4 November last year. It is in reply to a lengthy letter of congratulations sent by the Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, on 6 November.

Diplomats said Obama's letter would be a symbolic gesture to mark a change in tone from the hostile one adopted by the Bush administration, which portrayed Iran as part of an "axis of evil".

It would be intended to allay the suspicions of Iran's leaders and pave the way for Obama to engage them directly, a break with past policy.

State department officials have composed at least three drafts of the letter, which gives assurances that Washington does not want to overthrow the Islamic regime, but merely seeks a change in its behavior. The letter would be addressed to the Iranian people and sent directly to Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, or released as an open letter.

One draft proposal suggests that Iran should compare its relatively low standard of living with that of some of its more prosperous neighbours, and contemplate the benefits of losing its pariah status in the west. Although the tone is conciliatory, it also calls on Iran to end what the US calls state sponsorship of terrorism.

The letter is being considered by the new secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, as part of a sweeping review of US policy on Iran. A decision on sending it is not expected until the review is complete.

Buying pushes KSE-100 Index to 5183 points

KARACHI: Investors buying at Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) added 43 points to the benchmark KSE-100 Index, pushing it up to 5183 points.Market opened in a positive zone today and at one point the Index was seen at 5234 points. But the Index failed to sustain this level due to later profit taking and closed at the present level.OGDC led the volume leaders which gained paisas 52 to close at Rs44.15.

Serena to face Safina for Australian Open title and No.1 ranking

MELBOURNE: Serena Williams will gun for her 10th Grand Slam title and the world number one ranking against Dinara Safina in the Australian Open final after they both came through tough clashes on Thursday.

With the roof of the Rod Laver Arena closed as temperatures soared to a sweltering 44.3 C (111.7 F), Williams is hitting form at the right time as she ended Elena Dementieva's 15-match winning streak 6-3, 6-4.

The American second seed, who has won the title here three times, threw off the service problems that have dogged her throughout the tournament for a convincing victory to set up a Safina showdown.

Third-seeded Safina lost her only Grand Slam final at last year's French Open but looks capable of making the breakthrough after battling past fellow Russian and seventh seed Vera Zvonareva 6-3, 7-6 (7/4).

Adding spice to Saturday's decider is the chance to claim the world's top ranking, with the winner dethroning Jelena Jankovic who crashed out in the fourth round.

Among the men, Roger Federer goes in search of his 18th Grand Slam final when he takes on old rival Andy Roddick later Thursday while world number one Rafael Nadal is in action on Friday against fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.

The odds were against Williams with Dementieva on a hot win streak this year, but the American blasted 10 aces as the Russian's service game fell apart.

Williams has not been at her best during the tournament and has admitted she was rusty, which made Thursday's win all the more pleasing.

It was heartbreaking for Dementieva, who was eliminated in a Grand Slam semi-final for the third straight time as her elusive maiden Major title again slipped from her grasp.

Meanwhile an incredibly focused Safina was too steady for Zvonareva as she powered to the straight-sets win, giving herself the chance to emulate older brother Marat by winning the Australian Open.

The chance to claim the number one ranking is another major motivator for the 22-year-old from Moscow.

Nawaz says PCO judges are ‘ineligible’

SHAIKHUPURA: Pakistan Muslim League-N Chief Nawaz Sharif Wednesday said those judges who took oath of former president Musharraf are ineligible themselves because they cannot disqualify the person who is declared eligible by the people.

He said this in his address to the general public here at a public meeting in Sanga Hill.

Nawaz Sharif said: “I would have put in the same struggle had Abdul Hamid Dogar been deposed chief justice in place of Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.”

PML-N Chief said there is a parliamentary system of government in the country, therefore, the President should not have the powers to dissolve the assemblies.

“Pakistan’s strength lies in the independence of judiciary, stability of institutions and equilibrium in powers between president and the parliament.”

Pak urges U.S. to share actionable intelligence

ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Sherry Rehman says the U.S. should share intelligence instead of going ahead and undertaking unilateral missile strikes.

Talking to media outside Parliament House, she said the Pak Army is against the loss of common people and urged the U.S. to share actionable intelligence and leave it up to us to take action on it.

Sherry Rehman said Pakistan Muslim League-N, by its presence in the government as well as in the opposition, taking undue advantage of its position.

She said there is no interference of the government in judicial process. The PML-N should refrain from adopting the approach of confrontation and taking enjoying dual benefits, she added.

The Information Minister said steps are being taken to halt the broadcast of FM radio stations in Swat.

US ready to cut Karzai adrift

WASHINGTON: The US administration hinted that President Barack Obama would take strong stance about Afghan President Hamid Karzai whereas new US policy for Afghanistan would be based on war rather than development.

US officials said Karzai is considered to be a big hindrance in the way of attainment of US objectives in Afghanistan.

International support for Mr Karzai has waned spectacularly, amid worsening violence, endemic corruption and weak leadership. But until very recently, diplomats insisted there were no viable alternatives even as fighting has intensified and the Taliban insurgency in the south has grown.

Mr Obama has already started getting to grips with the challenge of Afghanistan; he received a briefing on the coming American troop "surge" from General David Petraeus, his first full day in the Oval Office. Last night, Mr Obama appointed the veteran diplomat Richard Holbrooke as his new special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

US seven major firms layoff over 72,000 employees

NEW YORK: US seven major business firms Monday on the first day of the week further relieved of over 72,000 of their employees in the wake of the global recession.

Among the companies, which resorted to massive downsizing, machinery manufacturing giant firm Caterpiller topped the list by relieving of their 20,000 employees, while the world’s largest pharmaceutical firm Pfizer and telecommunication organization Sprint Nextel have announced 8,000 job cuts. Besides, Home Depot, Dutch Financial Group sacked 7000 of their employees and Texas Instrument 3,400. American economy continued its downward spiral with business economists predicting many more U.S. job losses in 2009

Miandad says resignation not linked with change in captaincy

LAHORE: Former Pakistan cricket captain Javed Miandad said that he resigned as director-general of the Pakistan Cricket Board because he was restricted only to domestic cricket which was not acceptable to him.

Miandad said that his resignation is not linked with the board’s decision of changing the captain of the national team.

He said that he had not signed any agreement with the PCB but was working selflessly for cricket and did not take any penny from the board.

Javed Miandad said that he resigned as the contract, given to him only yesterday, did not mention the jobs which were assigned to him on his appointment.

He said that he phoned PCB chairman Ijaz Butt and informed him with thanks of his resignation.

Javed Miandad said that cricket is my game and it is my life. I have given 30-40 years of my life to cricket. Nobody can go beyond me in this field. I fully devoted myself to Pakistan cricket.

He further said that I have developed a structure of cricket which has been appreciated by the board.

Miandad said that how can I deliver results when I have nothing to do. I want a balance in my powers enabling me to serve cricket in the best possible manner.

He said I have no differences with anyone and I have a great respect in the board.

Javed Miandad said that he is available all time for working voluntarily but he should be allowed to work in his own way.

Country has no future without free judiciary: Nawaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League (N) chief Mian Nawaz Sharif said on Tuesday that PML (N) will fully support the long march of lawyers on March 9 and that the deposed judges should be restored without any further delay.

Addressing a press conference at the Punjab house, Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and PML (N) endorsed Charter of Democracy (CoD) so that the people of Pakistan could be empowered. He said the constitution was always violated by the dictators to serve their own agenda and that the creation of Pakistan was not meant to give indemnity to dictators and Martial laws.

Nawaz said that the 17th Amendment should be abolished; “Even the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) has tabled a bill in the parliament for its abolition”, he added. He further said that his party had given the 18th Amendment draft to Mian Raza Rabbani in this regard.

Responding to a question, Nawaz said he and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto discussed the CoD in Jeddah and that there was complete unanimity of views on the restoration of judiciary, ensuring the supremacy of constitution and strengthening democracy in the country. PML (N) leader said an independent judiciary could steer Pakistan out of present crises, he said that the government should restore all deposed judges.

SC calls for proposer, seconder in Sharif brothers’ eligibility case

ISLAMABAD: The hearing of Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif eligibility continued here on Tuesday, which is being heard by a three-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Musa K. Laghari.

One objector, Khurram Shah’s lawyer Ahmad Raza Kasuri was continuing with his arguments, when Justice Musa K. Laghari in his observation said that first of all Nawaz’s eligibility would be decided and, thereafter, Mian Shahbaz Sharif’s eligibility case would be heard, while the SC has summoned tomorrow in the court the proposer and seconder Zafar Iqbal and Shakeel Beg in Sharif brothers’ eligibility case. The Supreme Court has also directed Advocate on record, Akram Sheikh and A. K. Dogar to submit affidavits of being lawyers of proposer and seconder.

Ahmad Raza Kasuri, while arguing on the case being on merit or not said that Mehar Zafar Iqbal and Shakeel Beg were the front man of Sharif brothers. Ahmad Raza Kasuri further said that there was no ambiguity as regard all the judges have taken oath under the amended constitution and PCO oath has become part of the constitution and now it was up to the parliament as whether it ratifies the amended constitution or not.

Continuing his arguments, Ahmad Raza Kasuri said that the scrap dealers were now doing business of human scrap and want a Bench of their own choice be formed. On a point of objection Akram Sheikh said that whether Kasuri sahib was giving the front man statement at the behest of the court. He insisted that his petition should first be heard and arguments on merits of the case should not be taken.

Blast kills Israeli soldier near Gaza

GAZA CITY: One Israeli soldier was killed in a blast near Gaza on Tuesday, an Arabic television reported.

Three other soldiers were wounded when an explosion struck an army patrol near the border with the Gaza Strip, the Dubai-based channel reported, citing one of its correspondents in Israel.

The soldier was killed when a shell hit a group of Israeli troops. Security sources in Israel confirmed an explosion near an army unit patrolling the border in central Gaza, but did not comment on casualties.

Big US firms announce over 70,000 additional job cuts

NEW YORK: US seven major business firms Monday on the first day of the week announced further relieving of over 70,000 of their employees in the wake of the global recession.

Among the companies, which resorted to massive downsizing, machinery manufacturing giant firm Caterpiller topped the list by relieving of their 20,000 employees, while the world’s largest pharmaceutical firm Pfizer and telecommunication organization Sprint Nextel have announced 8,000 job cuts. Besides, Home Depot, Dutch Financial Group sacked 7000 of their employees and Texas Instrument 3,400. American economy continued its downward spiral with business economists predicting many more U.S. job losses in 2009.

Younis Khan replaces Malik as captain

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to appoint Younis Khan as captain of the national team after Pakistan’s humiliating defeat against Sri Lanka, said chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ijaz Butt.

He announced this while talking to media here at the PCB headquarters on Tuesday.

Ijaz Butt told that Shoaib Malik on the PCB request has stepped down from the captaincy after the debacle of the Pakistan cricket team in the recent home series.

Malik led Pakistan to their worst one-day defeat -- by 234 runs -- in the third and final one-day international in Lahore on Saturday which gave Sri Lanka a 2-1 series win.

"Malik has accepted to step down after the Sri Lanka defeat and we have appointed Younus as the new captain for an indefinite period," Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt told reporters.

The one-sided defeat sparked a furious reaction in the cricket-mad country and the PCB asked the team management to give a report on the reasons for the heavy defeat.

The sports committee of the Senate also summoned Malik, coach Intikhab Alam and chief selector Abdul Qadir on February 9 to explain the defeat.

The 26-year-old Malik was appointed skipper after Pakistan's first round exit from the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.

Younus will take up the role in the two-Test home series against Sri Lanka next month.

Protest in Quetta over HDP leader's killing

QUETTA: In another incident of target killing, the leader of Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) has been shot dead in Quetta on Monday sparked protest in the area.

According to reports, the leader of HDP Hussain Ali Yousfi shot dead by unknown attackers at Jinnah Road.

Angry protestors run amok and set on fire a bank after the incident. According to reports, at least 15 persons still trapped in the bank. Police fired tear gas to disperse the protestors. In reply, protestors hurled stones on the police.

US carried out 32 attacks in Pakistan: Rabbani

ISLAMABAD: Leader of the House in Senate Mian Raza Rabbani said Monday that US had carried out 32 drones’ attacks in Pakistan. Speaking at the Senate here, Rabbani hoped that Barack Obama would not repeat the mistakes made by the previous US administration. “We are devising a policy with regard to drones’ strikes, however, we have to work under some limits,” he said.

Four US soldiers killed in Iraq helicopter crash

BAGHDAD: Four US soldiers were killed on Monday when two helicopters crashed in northern Iraq, American and Iraqi military officials said.

"Four coalition forces members were killed when two aircrafts went down in northern Iraq at approximately 2:15 am (2315 GMT Sunday)," a US army spokesman said in a statement. The cause of the incident is unknown and is under investigation, the statement added, without giving any further details. An Iraqi military official told two helicopters were involved in the incident. A police official said the helicopters collided near Kirkuk, 255 kilometres (158 miles) north of the capital Baghdad. The US military is currently taking a back seat to an increasingly large Iraqi force made up of 560,000 policemen and 260,000 military personnel, with the US providing military logistical and air support on request. According to the Pentagon, 143,000 American troops are deployed in Iraq. Under an agreement signed between Washington and Baghdad in November, the US military is slated to withdraw its combat troops from Iraq by the end of 2011 and must have them out of cities by the end of this June.

Inflation to drop by end of year: Shaukat Tareen

ISLAMABAD: Finance Advisor, Shaukat Tareen has said that as many as 18 million people in the next five years would be provided micro-finance facility, while by the end of the current year inflation rate would drop below 10 percent.

Talking to media on the sidelines of a function here, he said the Pakistan agriculture sector would used to get 85 percent of the disbursed loans until 10 years ago, while the present government ensuring micro-financing striving seriously. He said that micro-financing would be taken ahead with our own resources, as this program would alleviate poverty.

He said that the World Bank has given time until June for abolishing subsidy on diesel. He said that inflation was on the decline since last November and predicted its fall below 10 percent by the end of the current year. Shaukat Tareen said that power tariff would not be increased until improving the system. He said that $200 million out of the ADB approved loan of $300 million would soon be received. While by the mid-March assistance from the Friends of Pakistan would be made available. He urged reducing pressure of interest hike.

All countries’ll be given full security: President Zardari

ISLAMABAD: Officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) here today met with President Asif Ali Zardari, who is also the Patron-in-Chief of the board.

The President directed to improve the performance of the national cricket team.

Present at the meeting held at the Aiwan-e-Sadar were chairman PCB Ijaz Butt, CEO Saleem Altaf, director-general Javed Miandad, director HR Wasim Bari, federal minister for sports Pir Aftab Jilani, federal secretary sports Ashraf Khan and Sindh minister for sports Dr Muhammad Ali Shah.

The PCB officials gave briefing to the President on the projects of the board, Champions Trophy scheduled in September-October, Sri Lanka’s recent tour of Pakistan and other matters.

Ijaz Butt told the President that the PCB would organize an international tournament in memory of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, on which the President assured him of his fullest cooperation in this regard.

The President welcomed the Sri Lankan team’s tour of Pakistan and said that Pakistan is a safe country for sports.

He said that the foreign countries must tour Pakistan and the government would provide them every possible security.

In view of Pakistan’s worst defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka in the recent home series, President Zardari directed the PCB officials to improve the performance of the national team.
The President distributed prizes among the prominent performers in the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Twenty20 Championship.

Pak to take world into confidence on Mumbai probe: PM

MULTAN: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Sunday that the government would take the entire world into confidence over Mumbai attacks’ probe.

Addressing the ground-breaking ceremony of Head Muhammad Wala bridge here, Prime Minister said that the government would not allow the use of its territory for the terrorist acts.

He said that we could not repeat the mistakes made in the past. “We appointed the opposition leader as the head of Public Accounts Committee for our own accountability,” he said.

Premier Gilani said war was no solution of terrorism issue, adding that both Pakistan and India should work together.

About Mumbai attacks, he said that the whole world would be taken into confidence with regard to the investigation’s results. “We want friendly ties with neighbor countries on equal ground,” he said, adding that Pakistan and India should give more attention to the problems faced by the people of two countries.

Gilani said that country had been passing through a difficult phase, but added that the government would not comprise on the national dignity.

He dispelled the impression that the elected government was weak.

The incumbent government has been elected for five years and will complete its tenure according to its mandate,” he added.

He said that the PPP government would fulfil the promises made by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s during her election campaign.

Punjab Govt. appoints administrator for JuD

LAHORE: The government of Punjab has appointed an official administrator for Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), following taking over the control of defunct JuD Headquarters, Markaz-e-Taiba at Muridke.

Lahore Division Commissioner, Khusro Pervaiz accompanied by Sheikhupura DIG, DPO, DCO and other officials of Auqaf Department visited defunct JuD Marakaz-e-Taiba at Muridke and took a round of the institutions set up over there. He also met Markaz-e-Taiba Mohtamim and later appointed a grade 19 DMG officer Khaqan Babar as administrator of the Markaz, who would manage the social, charitable and welfare organizations of Markaz-e-Taiba.

Khaqan Babar talking to Geo News said that his appointment aimed at administering the institutions located at the Markaz so that the beneficiaries of these organizations were not affected. A police post has also been set up outside the Markaz.

Karzai wants control over U.S. operations

KABUL: Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai is demanding more control over US operations in the country after 16 civilians were reportedly killed.

Hamid Karzai, who is under growing pressure over civilian deaths, said the murder of innocent Afghans "is strengthening the terrorists" and announced that his defence ministry has produced a draft agreement seeking to oversee US raids.

He said the paper has been sent to Washington, and also to Nato headquarters.

It came after thousands of protesters rallied in eastern Laghman province, near the site of the American raid against Taliban fighters.

The US military insisted its troops, backed by air support, had killed militants in the overnight operation - but protesters said civilians died.

Assadullah Wafa, a Karzai adviser, told reporters in Mehtar Lam, Laghman's provincial capital: "Sixteen civilians, many of them children and women, were killed.

"We strongly condemn it and want an end to it (civilian casualties)."

A spokesman for the US military said it planned to jointly investigate the incident with the Afghan government this week.

The issue of civilian casualties is causing a huge backlash against Mr Karzai's government and the foreign troops backing it.

Thousands of people took part in the protests, chanting slogans against Mr Karzai and the US.

"If the foreign troops do not put an end to their operations, we will launch jihad," said protest leader Malik Hazrat.

The provincial governor tried to calm the demonstrators, but stopped his speech after they threw stones at him.

More than 700 civilians were killed in operations by foreign and Afghan forces last year, according to UN estimates.

Direct taxes will have to be increased: FBR Chairman

RAWALPINDI: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman, Ahmad Waqar, while opposing Tax Amnesty Scheme (TAS) for whitening black money, termed it an injustice to the real taxpayers.

Addressing Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, FBR Chairman said that he would oppose any proposal for the extension in TAS. He said that the tax recovery system should be set at right instead of floating such schemes.

Ahmad Waqar said that indirect taxes hit the poor and for resolving this issue, direct taxes would have to be increased. He said that the industries share in GDP growth works out to 18 percent, while in the revenue it was 60 percent and therefore, facilitating the industries was under consideration. He said that the government was striving to lessen the burden of high cost of business due to energy crisis.

Retaining Malik as captain for indefinite period caused defeat

LAHORE: Some senior players of the Pakistan cricket team did not accept by heart the Pakistan Cricket Board decision of Shoaib Malik retaining as captain for an indefinite period and this caused the national team’s humiliating defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka in the home series.

Think-tank of the Pakistan cricket team including coach, assistant coach and captain has revealed after a record margin defeat of 234 runs against Sri Lanka that some senior players of the team are unhappy on PCB chairman Ijaz Butt’s decision of extending Shoaib Malik’s captaincy to an indefinite period.

The senior players did not accept this decision which caused for Pakistan’s worst defeat.

However, Shoaib Malik has secured support from wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal and some junior players but other senior players are not ready to cooperate with Shoaib Malik nor they want to play with s team spirit.

Sources said that as Shoaib Malik was appointed captain for an indefinite period chances for some senior players to become captain have nearly been vanished. This is why they want to see Shoaib Malik flopped as captain.

Salman Butt’s name has also been added to the names of some senior players as candidates for captaincy.

Close circles of Shoaib Malik said that the most disappointing moment for them was that when Sri Lankan batsmen were hitting Shahid Afridi for fours and Shoaib Akhtar and Afridi were laughing looking at each other.

Sources said that the captain should be appointed on series to series basis.

Caravan of deposed CJ heading toward PBC

LAHORE: The caravan of deposed Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry is heading toward the Punjab Bar Council (PBC) where the deposed CJ would address lawyers’ convention.

Earlier, Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was accorded a warm welcome by the Punjab government, lawyers and workers of various political parties upon reaching at the airport. Punjab Assembly’s Deputy Speaker Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, President of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Ali Ahmed Kurd, former SCBA President Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan and deposed Supreme Court Judge, Justice Khalil-ur-Rehman Ramday received the deposed CJ at the VVIP lounge.

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah reached Lahore with Justice Iftikhar. The Airport Security Force (ASF) personnel resorted to baton charge when workers of PML (N), Tehreek-e-Insaaf, Jamaat-e-Islami and Khaksar Tehreek tried to enter the lounge.

China provides $500 million aid to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: China has provided an aid of $500 million to Pakistan for improving its foreign exchange reserves.The finance ministry sources said this amount will be repaid in one-and-a-half year and interest rate will be determined at the rate of soft loans.This loan was announced when President Asif Ali Zardari visited china.The amount has been provided to Pakistan under term deposit support

Manmohan 'stable' after heart surgery

NEW DELHI: Doctors completed open-heart surgery Saturday on India's 76-year-old Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and later shifted him to an intensive care unit, Indian media reported.

The operation was carried out at the premier state-run All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi. A team of 11 doctors from the Asian Heart Institute flew from Mumbai for the operation, said Vaishnav.

Singh, a diabetic who walks regularly, underwent heart bypass surgery in Britain in 1990 and angioplasty in 2003.

He has largely been in good health since he was sworn in as prime minister in May 2004 but recently underwent prostate surgery and has also had cataract treatment. India is due to hold general elections before May, and the ruling Congress Party has so far said the quietly spoken economist and politician will head the party into the polls.

KSE index this week plunged to 4-year lows

KARACHI: Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) this week went sliding down to 4-year lowest.

The market opened this week downbeat, which persisted all through the week. Foreign investors unloading their shares in energy and banking sectors setting a downward trend sent the market swirling from positive to negative zone due to which the local investors also went weary and cautious.

KSE-100 index this week eroded by 11 percent came crashing below 5000 marks and wrapped up at 4929 points. Average volume of trading this week recorded 23 percent decline and it remained at 98.8 million shares. KSE-30 index this week plummeted by 673 points closed at 5218 points. Analysts believe that the market could see some support at 4800 levels.

Pakistan crushed by Sri Lanka, lose series 1-2

LAHORE: Pakistan suffered from a humiliating defeat from Sri Lanka as they were bundled out for a meager 75 runs and lost the day-night match and also the three-match series here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

Pakistan lost the third and the final one-day International by a record margin of 234 runs. Their previous worst defeat was by 224 runs which they tasted against Australia at Nairobi in August 2002.

Pakistan won the first match by eight wickets, while Sri Lanka took the second match by 129 runs -- both played in Karachi.

This is Sri Lanka’s third biggest victory by runs as they earlier won by 245 runs against India at Sharjah in October 2000 and beat Bermuda by 243 runs at Port-of-Spain in March 2007.

Chasing an improbable target of 310 runs, Pakistani batsmen were never in a position to face Sri Lankan pacers Nuwan Kulasekera (3-17) and Thilina Tushara (3-33) and collapsed for 75 in 22.5 overs.

This is Pakistan’s fourth lowest score in One-day International cricket. This is also the lowest by any team at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Only two batsmen – late-order Umar Gul (27) and captain Shoaib Malik (19) - could enter into double-figures while four batsmen were dismissed for a duck.

Earlier, opener Tillakaratne Dilshan struck a career-best hundred to power Sri Lanka to an imposing 309-5.

The 32-year-old right-hander scored an unbeaten 137 for his second one-day hundred and shared in three important partnerships after the tourists won the toss and opted to bat.

Dilshan hit 10 boundaries during his 139-ball knock and set the tempo with a 76-run first-wicket stand with Sanath Jayasuriya (45).

Jayasuriya was caught off a miscued pull off Gul, who finished with three wickets for 45 runs.

Dilshan consolidated the innings in a second-wicket stand of 104 with Kumar Sangakkara (50) and put on 57 for the third wicket with Thilina Kandamby (32) as Pakistan toiled for wickets.

Dilshan reached his hundred with a single off spinner Saeed Ajmal, off 119-balls with four boundaries.

His previous best of 117 not out came against The Netherlands in 2006. He cut loose after his hundred as Sri Lanka added 83 runs in the final ten overs.

Captain Mahela Jayawardene, who is going through a bad patch, could score 18 runs. He and Chamara Kapugedera (duck) both were caught by wicketkeeper kamran Akmal off Umar Gul in a space of only three balls.

Zardari, Shahbaz key meeting underway

ISLAMABAD: In what seems to be a last-ditch effort to settle political differences between Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League (N), Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif is holding an important meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr today.

According to well-placed sources, Shahbaz has been invited to a dinner by the President. Sources said that matters pertaining to the abolishment of 17th Amendment, PML (N) support to lawyers’ movement and Punjab Governor would be discussed in one-on-one meeting.

Earlier, Shahbaz Sharif took his party’s leadership into confidence before meeting with the President at the Punjab house.

Ten killed in US missile strike in N Waziristan

MIR ALI: Al least ten people have been killed and many others injured in a US drone attack here on Friday.

According to eyewitnesses, the drone fired three missiles.

"There was a missile strike just outside Mir Ali, in North Waziristan. The strike was at 5:10 pm and targeted a house of a man, Khalil," said one security official.

The US military and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operating in neighbouring Afghanistan are the only forces that deploy drones in the region.

It was the first suspected US missile strike since US President Barack Obama was inaugurated on Tuesday and comes one day after he appointed Richard Holbrooke as special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Manmohan hospitalized for surgery

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will undergo heart surgery at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIM) on Saturday.

Manmohan Singh has been admitted to AIIMS for tomorrow’s surgery.

The PM's surgery would be performed by a team of doctors from AIIMS, Mumbai and US.

Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will preside over the Cabinet meetings in the Prime Minister's absence. Internal orders on Pranab's expanded duties are ready, sources added.

Britain in recession for first time since 1991

LONDON: Britain is in recession for the first time since 1991, official data showed Friday, triggering a plea from Prime Minister Gordon Brown for renewed international help to tackle the financial crisis.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that gross domestic product (GDP) had shrunk by 1.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared with the previous three-month period, when it contracted by 0.6 percent.

The generally-used technical definition of a recession is two quarters running of negative economic growth.

The figure for the final quarter of 2008 showed the biggest fall in GDP since 1980.

Brown said on Friday he was using "every weapon at our disposal" to fight the economic crisis.

"But we need the international co-operation as well," he told BBC radio.

Friday's data sent the British pound sliding to a 23-year low versus the dollar and London's FTSE 100 index of top shares slid under 4,000 points.

Analysts warned of a long journey ahead before the British economy recovered.

"Our current forecast is for UK GDP to contract by 2.9 percent in 2009, with declines in output occurring through all four quarters," said Howard Archer of IHS Global Insight.

"This would be the sharpest contraction since World War II. Furthermore, we see GDP only flat overall in 2010 as recovery develops very gradually."

The British economy grew by 0.7 percent in 2008, the slowest annual rate since 1992, the ONS said on Friday.

Britain joins the United States, the eurozone and Japan in recession as the global economy struggles to recover from the credit crisis fallout.

Germany on Wednesday said it would suffer its worst recession since World War II this year, with half a million more people in Europe's biggest economy expected to lose their jobs.

In Britain, the unemployment rate has jumped to a decade-high 6.1 percent with nearly two million out of work as international groups such as Nissan have slashed local jobs and several retailers have collapsed.

Banks have also cut jobs as they continue to be bailed out by the government.

At the same time, the ONS said Britain's public finances worsened last month to show a record deficit of 44.2 billion pounds (48 billion euros, 61 billion dollars) after the state bailout of Royal Bank of Scotland.

In a bid to stave off a deep recession, the Bank of England (BoE) has slashed British interest rates to an all-time low of 1.5 percent.

However tumbling borrowing costs have deterred foreign investment, severely hurting the pound, which this week also struck an all-time low against the yen and has reached near-parity with the euro.

BoE policymakers earlier this month voted 8-1 to cut interest rates by half a percentage point to the lowest level since the central bank's formation in 1694.

One policymaker, David Blanch flower, voted in favour of cutting rates by 100 basis points, arguing that it was "becoming increasingly probable that there would be a deep and prolonged recession."

ECB clears players for IPL

LONDON: England stars are set to play in the Indian Premier League after the England and Wales Cricket Board agreed to release them for three weeks.

The move has prompted members of the squad to sign central contracts, which were first offered last September. It is thought up to six England players could be involved in the IPL in April.

Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff are sure to be two of the hottest properties at the player auction on 6 February.

The ECB had previously insisted it would only release England players for a two-week window.

The ECB will also ensure that its Test players are available for a three-week period in 2010.

Any England players signed for the IPL but deemed unlikely to make the Test squad by the ECB would be available for up to 28 days.

The initial list of players for the next IPL auction will be published on Friday, with 27 January the closing date for additions.

President Zardari rules out talks with elements challenging govt. writ

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari Thursday said use of force is the last option in the war against terrorism.

Addressing a high level meeting here, the President said the social and economic structures of Pukhtunkhwa and tribal societies are being strenghtehned.

He said the needs and requirements of the law enforcement agencies will be fulfilled in NWFP.

According to sources, the President has given a green signal to the renaming of NWFP as Pukhtunkhwa, saying the Constitutional requirements in this regard will be met.

President Zardari said struggle is being made to strengthen the federation.

He said the government will engage in dialogue only with those who do not challenge the writ of the government.

NATO for enhanced military cooperation with Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) have agreed to boost military cooperation to fight extremism.

NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer held talks with Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi here on Thursday on the regional situation, Indo-Pak tension and security along the Afghan border.

“The talks were focused on "border security, NATO supplies, (and the) general regional situation," Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said in a joint press conference with his Pakistani counterpart.

“A secure and stable Afghanistan is vital to Pakistan," NATO secretary general said.

Scheffer lauded Pakistan’s role in war against terror and said Pakistan army has sacrificed tremendously in fight against extremism. He said Indo-Pak tension; extremism and terrorism pose big threat to regional security.

Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said that allied forces would never violate Pakistan’s territorial integrity and military cooperation would be enhanced between Pakistan army and NATO to tackle the challenge of extremism and terrorism.

Responding to various questions on the occasion, foreign minister Qureshi said that Pakistan and NATO agreed to enhance strategic cooperation. He said that NATO secretary general was briefed on measures that Pakistan took after Mumbai carnage. He said Pakistan wanted peace with India. Qureshi also hailed US president Obama’s statement on Muslim world. He, however, expressed concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Hamas rules out reconciliation talks with Al Fatah

GAZA: A senior Hamas official has dismissed any reconciliation talks with the rival Fatah group. His remarks Thursday followed claims by the Hamas that they emerged victorious after the group survived a relentless three-week offensive by Israel on the Gaza Strip.

Sami Khater, a member of the militant group's Damascus-based branch, said Arab and international donations to reconstruct the war-devastated Gaza should go directly to Hamas and not to rival Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose faction rules the West Bank.

Khater said Abbas and his Palestinian Authority cannot be trusted.

Khater also said that a Hamas delegation would travel to Cairo this weekend for talks with Egyptian mediators on ways to consolidate a Gaza cease-fire in place since last Sunday.

NBP suspends ‘President’s Rozgar scheme’

ISLAMABAD: President National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Syed Ali Raza has said that NBP has suspended President’s Rozgar scheme started in former president Pervez Musharraf’s regime.

In an exclusive interview given to Geo News, he informed that a total of Rs3.75 billion loans were extended to people under President’s Rozgar scheme since its inception.

Under the scheme people were given auto rikhshaws but the scheme has now been suspended temporarily, he added.

Dementieva, Mauresmo into third round of Australian Open

MELBOURNE: Olympic champion Elena Dementieva improved her 2009 winning streak to 12 matches with 6-4, 6-1 win over Iveta Benesova.

The 27-year-old Dementieva reached the French Open and U.S. Open finals in 2004, beaten both times by fellow Russians, and has not returned to the championship of a Grand Slam tournament since.

Amelie Mauresmo, who won here and at Wimbledon in 2006, rallied for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over Britain’s Elena Baltacha. Mauresmo, a former No. 1 now seeded 20th after an injury-plagued 2008, advanced when Baltacha double-faulted on match point.

Serena Williams ignored pain and frustration to reach the third round of the Australian Open with a straight sets win over Gisela Dulko on Thursday.

The second-seeded Williams, hoping to extend a sequence of winning the Australian title every alternate year since 2003, had to fend off six set points in the ninth game of the second set to prevent the match going to a third. That game went to a dozen deuces before Williams broke to get back on serve.

Williams converted only four of her 18 break chances against the 23-year-old Argentine. Dulko was successful on both of hers.


Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano ousted No. 14 Patty Schnyder of Switzerland 6-3, 6-1.

Other women advancing included No. 13 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus and No. 18 Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia, a 6-0, 6-2 winner over Taiwan’s Chan Yung-jan.

Men’s No. 1 Rafael Nadal takes on Roko Karanusic and No. 4 Andy Murray has the last night match on the Rod Laver Arena.

No. 6 Gilles Simon of France won the opening match on center court at Melbourne Park, beating Australian Chris Guccione 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-1, 6-2.

For the first time in six years, Amer Delic is still in contention after two rounds.

And to think, he thought he was heading home after he lost 6-0, 6-7 (3), 6-0 to Florian Mayer in his third qualifying match.

US Senate confirms seven Obama nominees

WASHINGTON: The U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed seven nominees to President Barack Obama’s administration and scheduled for tomorrow a vote on Hillary Clinton to be secretary of state.

The Senate confirmed Steven Chu as secretary of energy, Eric Shinseki to be secretary of veterans affairs, Janet Napolitano as secretary of homeland security, Arne Duncan to be secretary of education, Tom Vilsack as secretary of agriculture, Ken Salazar to be interior secretary and Peter Orszag to become director of the White House Office of Management and Budget.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, said the Senate will debate and vote on the Clinton nomination tomorrow.

The Senate acted hours after Obama was sworn in today as the nation’s 44th president.

The delay in confirming Clinton means that Obama assumes office with vacancies in his two top Cabinet posts: State and Treasury. Treasury Secretary-designate Timothy Geithner is scheduled to appear at his Senate confirmation hearing tomorrow.

The confirmation of Clinton, a Democratic senator from New York, was delayed after Republican John Cornyn of Texas said he would insist on “a full and open debate.” Reid scheduled three hours of debate on the nomination for tomorrow afternoon.

CoD is not part of constitution: Naek

ISLAMABAD: Federal Law Minister Farooq H. Naek has said that charter of democracy (CoD) is not part of constitution and appointments in judiciary will be made according to the constitution.

Speaking at the National Assembly here, Naek said the CoD had been ignored in the draft of PML-N’s constitutional package while issue of judges’ appointment was also overlooked.

He said PPP drafted the constitutional package in view of the CoD and handed it over to PML-N. “We have yet to receive any response from PML-N in this connection,” said Naek.

The law minister further said that constitution is supreme.