Malakand Nifaz-e-Shariat five-point accord finalized

TIMARGRAH: A five-point agreement for the enforcement of Shariat in Malakand Division has been finalized in the successful talks held between the NWFP government and Maulana Sufi Muhammad.

The final talks between Tahrik-e-Nifaz Shariat Muhammadi’s chief Maulana Sufi Muhammad and the NWFP government on the enforcement of Shariat in Malakand Division successfully concluded here after arriving at a five-point agreement.

NWFP government delegation constituting of NWFP Information Minister, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, ANP Central Secretary Information, Zahid Khan and provincial Minister, Haji Hidayetullah Khan on the one hand, while Sufi Muhammad and his shoora committee members on the other, held talks closed-door talks at Timargrah, the headquarter of District Dir at the Rest House here.

Following the talks, while addressing his associates and talking exclusively to Geo News, Maulana Sufi Muhammad said that the government delegation held talks on the draft agreement of Nifaz-e-Shariat and for maintenance of peace. He said that a five-member delegation of Nifaz-e-Shariat would be meeting NWFP chief minister tomorrow in Peshawar, when an announcement would be made relating to the success of the talks. He said that after the enforcement of Shariat, he would be visiting Swat for holding peace talks.

Punjab govt seeks Federation help for border patrol

LAHORE: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani Sunday said in order to strengthen democracy all the parties should be ensured fair share in Punjab senate seats.

He expressed these views during his meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif here at State Guest House.

On the occasion, they had an exchange of views on political situation of the country besides overall law and order.

Shahbaz Sharif said the needs help from the Federation is needed for stepping up patrolling on Punjab’s borders aimed at checking the intrusion of terrorists into the province. On this, the Prime Minister assured of extending complete cooperation of the Federation.

Afghanistan to take part in US review: Karzai

KABUL: US President Barack Obama has accepted Kabul's request to be part of a major review of US strategy in the "war on terror" in Afghanistan, President Hamid Karzai and a US envoy said Sunday.

Karzai said he asked Obama by letter for Afghanistan to have a role in the review, which is under way amid concerns about worsening security in this country seven years after a US-led invasion ousted the Taliban regime.

US envoy Richard Holbrooke brought the message to Karzai on Saturday that Obama had accepted, the Afghan leader told a joint press conference. A delegation from Afghanistan chaired by Foreign Minister Rangeen Dadfar Spanta would travel to Washington "and will be working jointly with the US government in the review of the strategy in the war on terrorism," he said.

Holbrooke arrived late Thursday and met with a range of Afghan officials and politicians, international military commanders and diplomats before holding talks with Karzai late Saturday. He has held similar wide-ranging meetings in Pakistan and is due to continue his tour of the region in India.

Global stock markets seen mixed this week

NEW YORK: Global stock markets was seen mixed this week, as the investors confidence could not be restored despite $787 billion of stimulus bailout package approval.

Dow Jones and Nesdec indexes went down by 431 and 56 points respectively. Asian markets also remained turbulent this week. At the end of this week, China’s Shanghai composite index recorded an increase of 37 points, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index after melting down 311 points closed at 13554 points. Japan’s Nikkei- 225 index eroded by 399 points wrapped up at 7779 points. At the end of second week, India’s BSE Sensix-30 up by 275 points closed at 9634 points.

European markets this week were seen in negative zone. British FTSE-100 index down by 109 points closed at 4189 points, while France and Germany indexes dropped by 113 and 214 points respectively.

Australia’s thrilling 1-run T20 win over New Zealand

SYDNEY: Australia defeated New Zealand by only one run In a sensational finish in the solitary Twenty20 International here at the SCG on Sunday.

Australia won the toss in this interesting match and batted first. They made 150 runs for the loss of seven wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

David Hussey was the top-scorer with 41 off 39 balls. He hit one four and one six.

Chasing 151 to win, New Zealand lost two early wickets to Peter Siddle but as the innings progressed they were looking on top. Brendon McCullum was the main destroyer who smashed 61 from 47 balls with five ofurs and two sixes.

However, the Kiwi batsmen after taking 20 in the penultimate over. unfortunately failed to make 14 runs required in the final over from Nathan Bracken. They finished on 149 losing the match by just one run.

India terms Pakistan probe into Mumbai attacks "positive"

NEW DELHI: India welcomed as "positive" Pakistan's admission Thursday that the Mumbai attacks were planned partly in Pakistan, but said Islamabad must now dismantle the "infrastructure of terrorism" on its soil.

"This is a positive development," a foreign ministry statement said in response to Islamabad's admission and announcement that it had filed a case against eight suspects, six of them in custody.

"It remains India's goal to bring the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks on Mumbai to book, and to follow this process through to the end," the foreign ministry statement said.
"We would also expect that the government of Pakistan take credible steps to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism in Pakistan," it added.

Chargesheet to be sent to CJ: Abid Sher Ali

LAHORE: Chairman National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Education Abid Sher Ali on Thursday said that he is preparing a chargesheet and questionnaire which will be sent to Chief Justice Abdul Hamid Dogar.

Talking to media outside Punjab Assembly here, Chairman Standing Committee said that he would try to cancel the admission of Farah Hamid Dogar. Even if she manages to get the medical degree, it will be cancelled, he said.

“I am preparing a charge sheet and questionnaire on the basis of written statement submitted by the journalist Ansar Abbasi,” said Sher Ali.

He questioned what was the fault of thousands of other students who secured more than 850 marks but failed to get admissions in medical colleges.

India calls high-level meeting to discuss Pak report

NEW DELHI: India has called a high-level meeting today to discuss the report on Pakistan’s probe into Mumbai attacks.

According to an Indian news channel, Defence Minister AK Antony and Home Minister P Chidambaram will discuss the report in the meeting.

Earlier, Interior Advisor Rehman Malik said that attack that killed 179 people in Mumbai was partly planned in Pakistan, and a case has been registered to bring the culprits to trial.

KSE loses 30 more points to peg at 5399

KARACHI: The benchmark KSE-100 Index slipped 30 points to close at 5399 on Thursday.

The share market began its trade in negative zone and kept moving both sides of the fence throughout today’s session. But at the end the major Index finished the day in red.

The investors were said to observe caution over no introduction of any change in International Accounting Standards.

The trade volume was registered at 80 million shares.

OGDC once again led the volume leaders which dipped paisas 42 to close at Rs48.90.

Privilege motion in Senate against Ijaz Butt

ISLAMABAD: The Senate standing committee for sports has presented in the Senate a privilege motion against chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Ijaz Butt here on Thursday.

Chairman standing committee for sports Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry was among the five senators who submitted the privilege motion to the Senate.

The stance was adopted in the motion that Ijaz Butt has damaged the privilege of the people’s representatives by challenging the powers of the standing committee.

Meanwhile, Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry said that the next meeting of the committee would be called after February 18 on Ijaz Butt’s returning from the tour of India.

Case filed against Kasab, 13 others under Terror Act

ISLAMABAD: A case has been registered against Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving gunman and 13 others in connection with the Mumbai attacks.

The case was registered on the basis of the probe conducted by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the decision made by the Defence Committee of the Cabinet during its meeting on Monday.

The case was registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act at the Dockyard Police Station in Karachi, sources said.

Sources further said that among the others named in the case were three persons who were arrested in Karachi. Nine more persons had been identified but were yet to be taken into custody.

MPA killed, 8 injured in Peshawar blast

PESHAWAR: Member of the NWFP Assembly Alamzeb Khan of ANP has been killed while eight others including his personal assistant were critically injured when a remote control bomb exploded close to his vehicle on Dalazak Road here Wednesday, City Police Chief said.

“Apparently the ANP MPA was the target of the blast”, said CCPO Siffat Ghayur. It was a high intensity blast that totally smashed vehicle of the MPA while boundary walls of two houses completely collapsed besides breaking the windowpanes of scores of the houses in the nearby vicinity, he added.

The blast ripped through a very congested locality, which is always jam-packed with the people and motorists.

Alamzeb Khan was rushed to the nearby Lady Reading Hospital where he could not succumb to injuries. Emergency has been declared in the city hospitals. The police rushed to the site and cordoned off the road.

8 killed in Kabul double suicide blasts

KABUL: A double suicide attack hit a government office in Kabul on Wednesday, killing at least eight people, as another bomber was shot dead at the education ministry, police and witnesses said.

The extremist Taliban movement claimed responsibility for the attacks in telephone calls to media, warning of several more in the Afghan capital.

The double blast targeted the prison directorate in the north of the city.

"At least eight people must have been killed," a police official said, on condition of anonymity.

"There were two suicide attackers," a civilian witness said. "One opened fire at the main gate guard and police fired back. Then all of a sudden, he detonated. "The second one had already made his way to the front entrance and then he detonated." The area was splashed with blood and body parts, the reporter said.

The windows of the five-storey building were shattered and the entrance where the second attacker struck was completely destroyed. Officials could not immediately confirm the death toll or say what happened but the other incident, a suicide bomber was shot and killed outside the education ministry.

"Another suicide attacker in front of the ministry of education was shot and killed," an interior ministry official told foreign news agency. "His explosives detonated but it has not caused casualties."

A spokesman for the Taliban was quoted on Afghan television saying that seven attackers had entered the city and were targeting various government offices.

Refineries petroleum products sale falls by 6 pc

KARACHI: The production of oil refining companies has registered a significant decline of 6.1 percent in the first half of current fiscal year 2008-09 as compared with the same period of last fiscal year.


Oil Companies Advisory Committee (OCAC) said that the oil refineries in the first six months of the current fiscal year sold 5.171 million tons of different petroleum products, which as compared to the previous year same period down by 6.1 percent.

According to the available data, refineries’ high-speed diesel sale remained on top, which as compared to the previous year same period plummeted by 4.8 percent stood at 1.935 million tons. Light diesel sale fell by 9.5 percent to peg at 1.727 million tons, petrol by 4.4 percent to 0.77 million ton, High Octane by 15 percent to 0.372 million ton and kerosene sale dropped by 9.5 percent to remain at 0.19 million ton

Asif may be included in team after his ban ends: Butt

LAHORE: Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ijaz Butt said that fast bowler Mohammad Asif may be included in the national team and central contract.

While addressing at a press conference here on Wednesday, the chairman PCB said that Mohammad Asif may regain his place in the Pakistan cricket team after his one-year ban ends while he may also be included in central contract.

Replying to a question regarding Mohammad Yousuf, Ijaz Butt said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) would decide about the fate of the ICL players but the team needs experienced player like Mohammad Yousuf. He may join the national team if he leaves the ICL.

Regarding the Senate’s standing committee for sports, he said that every question would be answered before the Senate committee but the Senate is not authorized to dictate the cricket board.

Holbrooke calls on President Zardari

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

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Interior Advisor Rehman Malik, US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson, Foreign Secretary and Secretary Interior were also present in the meeting.

President Zardari and Holbrooke discussed the situation in Afghanistan and FATA, war on terror, Indo-Pak tension and Pak-US bilateral relations.

US envoy meets PM, FM

ISLAMABAD: Richard Holbrooke, the US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan held talks with Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi here on Tuesday.

Holbrooke met Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the Foreign Office, Qureshi and Holbrooke discussed matters relating to Pak-US relations and cooperation in war on terror. Senior officials of both the countries were also present in the meeting

Sources told Geo News that Holbrooke was apprised of negative implications of the drone attacks, which was creating unrest among the people. Halbrooke was also told that Afghan war was also impacting negatively in the Pakistani tribal areas and the people’s sentiments get enraged.

India asks for direct response on terror dossier

DHAKA: India has again asked Pakistan to directly convey its response on the Mumbai carnage instead of airing its views through the media or other fora.

"The fact is that we have Pakistan saying various things at various times, various forms and to various audiences," Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon told journalists on his return from Dhaka late Monday.

Menon was responding to media reports on Pakistan's response to the dossier given by India on the 26/11 terror attacks carried out by terrorists who New Delhi says were Pakistanis. Some 170 people were killed.

He said India was "not going to react to statements to the media, different statements through different people, through speculation and through guesswork.

"If they (Pakistan) have something to say to us, they should come and directly talk to us," Menon said.

Pakistan Monday said it needed more information on the Mumbai violence and New Delhi expectedly reacted in anger, accusing Islamabad of insincerity in prosecuting the perpetrators of the carnage.

Pakistan said after a meeting of its cabinet Defence Coordination Committee that the evidence India furnished, pointing to involvement of elements from Pakistan in the Mumbai mayhem, was insufficient.

US Senate approves $838 billion stimulus

WASGINGTON: US Senate has approved the stimulus bailout package of $838 billion for overcoming the deteriorating economic situation.

US Senate voted 63 in favour, while 61 opposed the stimulus bailout package.

The stimulus amount of $819 billion was subjected to bitter criticism in the House of Representatives last week and the Senate members had given approval to this package but it was cut down to $780 billion from $819 billion, however it has now been increased to $838 billion.

It’s a major victory for the Obama economic team. However, the final approval of this Bill from the House of Representative is yet to be taken. Obama’s stimulus package would help surmount the existing catastrophic joblessness in US.

Pakistan probables named for Test series against Sri Lanka

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee has here on Tuesday announced the names of 22 probable players for the forthcoming two-Test home series against Sri Lanka.

The meeting, presided over by chief selector Abdul Qadir, was also attended by the national team’s coach Intikhab Alam and newly-appointed captain Younus Khan besides the members of the selection committee.

The 22 selected probable players will report at the camp to be held in Karachi from February 15.

Younus Khan ahs been appointed captain of the team while former captain Shoaib Malik has also been included in the squad. Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been ruled out due to injury.

Other players are: Salman Butt, Nasir Jamshed, Khurram Manzoor, Misbah-ul-Haq, Faisal Iqbal, Asim Kamal, Fawad Alam, Bazid Khan, Saeed Bin Nasir, Sohail Tanvir, Yasir Arafat, Danish Kaneria, Shahid Khan Afridi, Umar Gul, Mohammad Talha, Sohail Khan, Abdul Rauf and Saeed Ajmal.

Besides, Kamran Akmal and Sarfaraz Ahmed have been included in the team as wicketkeepers.

As per Abdul Qadir, fitness and performance of the probables will be reviewed in the camp and later the final team will be announced.

DCC urges India to answer queries raised in FIA report

ISLAMABAD: The Defence Coordination Committee of Cabinet on Monday observed that without substantial evidence from India it will be exceedingly difficult to complete the investigation and proceed with the case.

The meeting which lasted for over four hours, was attended by three services chiefs, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee, Federal Ministers for Defence, Information, and Foreign Affairs; Advisers to Finance, Foreign Affairs and Interior and concerned secretaries.

In the meeting held at PM House, the committee was briefed on the progress on the inquiry based on information provided by Indian authorities concerning the Mumbai attacks.

Committee decided that on the basis of inquiry conducted by FIA, the case should be registered and further investigation be carried out so that the perpetrators of the heinous crime, wherever they may be, are brought to justice in accordance with the law of the land.

The meeting acknowledged that inquiry had been conducted professionally and endorsed the recommendations of the Interior Ministry to proceed with the registration of the case.

The meeting however, observed that without substantial evidence from India it will be exceedingly difficult to complete the investigation and proceed with the case.

In order to complete the investigation the questions which are arising from the inquiry carried out by the FIA need to be answered by the Indian authorities. These will be communicated to the Indian authorities shortly.

Richard Holbrook arrives in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: US special envoy to South Asia, Richard Holbrook arrived in Pakistan on Monday on a four-day visit.

During his first visit to Pakistan he will hold in-depth talks with Pakistani officials, with a view to further strengthening of bilateral ties between Pakistan and the United States.

Holbrooke will also call on the President and the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister.

Pakistan has welcomed the appointment of Holbrooke and looks forward to the beginning of a process of constructive engagement with the United States, especially in the wake of assumption of office by President Obama and his team.

Awaiting Pakistan’s reply: India

NEW DELHI: Indian Interior Minister, P Chidambaram has said that Pakistan’s reply, relating to the Mumbai attacks information and evidences, was awaited.

Indian TV reported that the Interior Minister, Chidambaram saying that no country in the world was free from terrorism. He said that India had shared the evidences of the Mumbai attacks with over 100 countries, but no reply has thus far been received from Pakistan relating to the information provided.

Profit taking at KSE erodes 24 points

KARACHI: Profit taking at Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) eroded 24 points from benchmark KSE-100 Index which closed at 5,735 on Monday.

According to market analysts, investors went for profit taking after one week’s improvement in stock prices witnessed throughout the last week. However, market remained somewhat stable due to investors buying in oil and gas and banking sector.

OGDC remained ahead of all shares in terms of volume which gained paisas 5 to close at Rs50.05. NBP slipped Rs2.41 to close at 63.27.

Senator Envar Baig asks PCB chairman to resign

ISLAMABAD: Senator Envar Baig has asked Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ijaz Butt to immediately resign.

In a meeting of Senate’s standing committee for sports, presided by Senator Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry, PCB chairman has failed to satisfy the committee about Javed Miandad resignation issue.

Chairman PCB said neither Miandad had signed a contract nor he received any check. Ijaz Butt added that appointment of Javed Miandad without contract was his biggest mistake.

The committee has asked chairman PCB to explain the terms on which Miandad appointment was made. Sources said that committee has criticized chairman PCB and senator Envor Baig has asked Ijaz Butt to quit immediately.

Chief Operating Officer PCB Saleem Altaf, chief selector Abdul Qadir, former director general Javed Miandad, coach Intikhab Alam, former officials PCB Shafqat Naghmi, Nadeem Akram and Sports Minister Aftab Shah Jilani were also present in the meeting.

Struggle for free judiciary to continue: Justice Iftikhar

RAWALPINDI:Deposed Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry vowed on Saturday to continue struggle for the freedom of judiciary.

Addressing Rawalpindi Bar here, the deposed CJ expressed satisfaction over support that the lawyers’ movement got from all across the world. Justice Iftikhar said he was all alone when Musharraf’s government sacked him on March 9, but now he enjoys massive support from lawyers and people.

Justice Iftikhar said the rulers couldn’t make wrong decisions in the presence of an independent judiciary. He said that media freedom greatly contributed to strengthening lawyers’ movement. Highlighting need for an independent judiciary, the deposed CJ said it was also enshrined in the constitution of 1973.

He said the country would prosper if the judiciary has support of society and political forces.

Nuclear black market dismantled: FO

ISLAMABAD: The foreign office on Saturday reiterated that Pakistan has dismantled the nuclear black market network and no individual associated with it enjoys any official status nor has access to any strategic facility.

“We have investigated the matter and shared relevant findings with the IAEA, which has appreciated our cooperation,” the foreign office spokesman said.

In a statement he said, Pakistan remains committed to the objective of non-proliferation.

“We have put in place necessary legislative, regulatory and administrative measures to ensure effective export controls and to prevent the possibility of proliferation from Pakistan.”

“As regards the court judgement of 06 February 2009, the Government remains committed to the due process of law,” the statement said.

Biden rules out Afghan success sans Pakistan

MUNICH: The United States is seeking to set "clear and achievable" goals for Afghanistan in a comprehensive strategy for which both Washington and its allies must take responsibility, Vice President Joe Biden said on Saturday.

This strategy should bring together U.S. civilian and military resources in order to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for Islamist militants and help Afghans develop the capacity to secure their own future.

Speaking to a security conference, he also said that, "no strategy for Afghanistan can succeed without Pakistan.

"We must all strengthen our cooperation with the people and government of Pakistan, help them stabilise the Tribal Areas and promote economic development and opportunity throughout the country."

ICC doping commission due on Feb 11

LAHORE: The two-member doping commission of International Cricket Council(ICC) would reach Pakistan on February 11.The commission would brief the players and officials about laws of world anti-doping agency. The commission would hold talks with WADA officials.According to new code of conduct of ICC, surprise dope test of cricketers would be conduct not only in ICC events but any other event, which is approved by ICC.

US $780 billion bailout package finally agreed

WASHIGTON: US stimulus plan has finally got the approval of the Senate, but the size of the plan has been cut down to $780 billion from $819.

President Obama had announced a bailout package of $819 billion for reining in the ever- deteriorating economic downturn, which was hotly discussed and deliberated both in the Congress and the senate before it could finally get the assent.

President Obama said that the skyrocketing US joblessness demanded immediate action and passing out of this Bill, which the Republicans in senate and Congress procrastinated causing delay.

However, the lawmakers of both the Houses have now approved this plan, but with a cut in the amount of the plan, which required taking final decision from the Congress members once more.

Long march to begin on March 12: Kurd

LAHORE: President Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Ali Ahmed Kurd Friday said lawyers long march will kick off on March 12 which will reach Islamabad in phases and stage a sit-in before the parliament on March 16.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting of All Pakistan National Lawyers Council, he said decision has been made to change the date of the long march from March 9 to March 12.

“Now the long march will begin from Karachi and Quetta simultaneously on March 12.” The SCBA President said the march will head toward Islamabad from Multan on March 14. It will stage a sit in before the Parliament on March 16.

He said the same route of last year will be taken for the long march.

He appealed to all the bar associations of the country to only ensure their participation in the march but also invite leaders and workers of all the political and religious parties as well as representatives of civil society besides journalists.

IHC declares Dr A Q Khan a free citizen

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday declared atomic scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan a free citizen and abolished his house arrest.

IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Aslam while announcing a verdict on several petitions filed against house arrest of Dr A Q Khan declared him a free citizen and said that he is free to move across the country. The allegations against him of nuclear proliferation have not been 'substantiated'.

Due to security reasons, Dr Khan should inform government about his movement in advance.

The verdict has directed the government to provide security to Dr Khan on immediate basis. VVIP security would be given to him.

Dr Khan is free to express his views, talk to media and carry out research and get treatment of doctor of his own choice.

Kerry Lugar bill to be tabled in US Senate soon

WASHINGTON: A legislation, which would triple non-military aid to Pakistan for the next one decade and would impose greater accountability on security assistance will be reintroduced in the US Senate in coming weeks, powerful Senator and its co-sponsor John Kerry has said.

"We would be introducing it (the legislation) somewhere in the next weeks," Senator John Kerry, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told PTI.

The legislation called the Kerry-Lugar bill, is an updated and revised version of the Biden-Lugar Bill, which lapsed in the previous Congress and will triple military aid to Pakistan to USD 1.5 billion.

Senator Richard Lugar, the Ranking Republican member of the committee has been its co-sponsor on both the occasions.

The previous version of the bill was sponsored by Lugar and Joseph Biden, who is now the US Vice President. When the bill was introduced in the Senate in July 2008, Biden was the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Kerry said the new legislation is an improved version of the Biden-Lugar bill. "We are looking at a number of things," he said, without specifying it.

"We are looking at issues, we are looking at delivery of Government services and (want to) make certain that we are leveraging the right kind of policies and to the right amount of money," Kerry said.

Forex reserves down by $44.8 mln

KARACHI: The country’s foreign exchange reserves have witnessed a decline of 44.8 million dollars in one week.Spokesman of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Syed Wasimuddin told Geo News that the foreign exchange reserves reduced by 44.8 million dollars to 10.10 billion dollars in the week ended January 31.SBP holds 6.79 billion dollars while 3.37 billion dollars are with the commercial banks.

Pak, Australia ODI series from April 24 in Dubai: Ijaz Butt

LAHORE: Pak-Australia one day international cricket series will be played in Dubai between April 24 to May 7.

This was announced by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt here on Friday. PCB chairman said the test series between two countries would be held in England if the Australians could not make it to Pakistan.

Ijaz said that two ODIs will be played in Dubai, three ODIs in Abu Dhabi while one Twenty20 match will be held in Dubai.

24 killed, over 30 injured in DG Khan blast

DG KHAN: Death toll has climbed to 24 while over 30 others were wounded in a bomb explosion that ripped through a mourners procession in Muslim Town here, IG Punjab confirmed Thursday.

Talking to Geo News, IG Punjab Shaukat Javed said the explosion left no crater on the ground indicating the blast could be a suicide attack.

The blast ripped through a mourners’ procession in Muslim Town outside Johar Ali Imam Bargah.

Rescue teams arrived at the scene immediate after the explosion and shifted the dead and injured to the district headquarter hospital where many are said to be in critical condition.

The explosion, which shattered the windowpanes of the nearby buildings, enraged the participants of the procession and they chanting slogans against

Human chain rallies mark Kashmir Day in AJK

MUZAFFARABAD: Human hand rallies were taken out to show solidarity with the people of held Kashmir here on Thursday.

While Azad Kashmir’s Assembly adopted a resolution renewing pledge that they would continue their moral and diplomatic support for the people of Indian-held Kashmir.

The resolution called for Untied Nations to play its part for resolving this longstanding issue of Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the nation observed today (Thursday) across Pakistan as well with full zeal and fervour, featuring large public rallies, seminars, T.V shows, human chains and many others events to express solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir.

The day is a regular annular event being marked to support the indigenous freedom struggle of the people of occupied Kashmir, their right to plebiscite promised to them by the United Nations as well as to condemn Indian aggression on the held valley, its illegal occupation, its tyrannical rule and atrocities done against the innocent people.

The day is a public holiday in the country and all government offices, banks, educational institutions and businesses remain closed. Banners have been put up in bazaars and streets to express solidarity with the Kashmiris.

The day began with special prayers for the Kashmir cause at mosques. Rallies and processions are being organised in the federal and provincial capitals, divisional, district and Tehsil headquarters across the country.

Oil prices mixed in Asian markets

SINGAPORE: Oil traded mixed in Asia on Thursday despite a rise in US crude stockpiles that drove home a lack of demand in the world's biggest energy consumer, analysts said.

New York's main futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in March, eased 17 cents to $40.15 a barrel.

Brent North Sea crude for delivery in March gained 10 cents to $44.25.

"The downward momentum in pricing has been broken," said Victor Shum, senior principal in Singapore with energy consultants Purvin and Gertz.

He said the $40-level "seems to be a very strong support".

After plunging from record highs above $147 last July, oil prices touched multi-year lows in December, at one point nearing $32 a barrel.

The US Department of Energy, in a weekly report, said stockpiles of crude had risen by 7.2 million barrels last week, more than double the 2.9-million forecast by analysts.

It was the fifth consecutive week of gains, and the sharp rise underlined slack demand during a global financial crisis that has dramatically slowed the world economy.

However, Shum said the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries' (OPEC) compliance with announced cuts in its output helped to support oil prices in the face of weak demand.

"The level of compliance is much better than what most expected," he said.

The OPEC cartel signaled last week that it would consider more reductions in output.

OPEC, which pumps about 40 percent of the world's oil, late last year announced production cuts totaling 4.2 million barrels per day in an attempt to defend falling prices.

UN to support Pak in meeting challenges

: Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon Wednesday said the UN will assist Pakistan in tackling the challenges it is facing today.

In his address at a press conference along with the Prime Minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani here, Ban Ki-moon said a prosperous Pakistan is in the interest of all.

He thanked Pakistan government for according warm welcome to him on his arrival.

The UN Chief lauded Pakistan’s peace efforts in the world.

Expressing grief on the kidnapping of a UN official and slaying of his driver in Pakistan a few days ago, he paid tribute to the Pakistani national on sacrificing his life in the line of duty.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on the occasion said that Pakistan is deeply committed to the vision and charter of the United Nations.

“We assure full support to the UN for its various programmes underway in different parts of the world for the cause of establishing peace,” he said.

PML-N to support if Zardari implements CoD: Nawaz

LONDON: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Mian Nawaz Sharif has said that President Asif Ali Zardari should not feel bad on PML-N’s demand regarding restoration of deposed judges.

Flanked by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Khawaja Asif at a news conference here, PML-N chief said that he is a well-wisher of President Zardari.

“We will continue to extend our full support President Zardari if he implements the charter of democracy (CoD),” he said.

PML-N only wants the implementation of CoD, he said, adding we don’t want to destabilize the government. To a question, PML-N leader said that he has no idea why President Zardari is unwilling to fulfill the promises he made with PML-N.

The former prime minister once again reiterated that his party would never back out from its demand of judges’ restoration.

So far, the government has not been able to bring the changes people had expected from them after the Feb 18 general elections. Whatever, PPP did on the name of judges’ restoration, PML-N was not consulted, he added.

Holbrooke to visit India this month

WASHINGTON: U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke will travel to India this month as part of his mission to find a way to stabilize Afghanistan seven years after U.S.-backed forces ousted the Taliban, U.S. officials said on Wednesday.

The officials, who spoke on condition that they not be named, stressed that Holbrooke was going to India to discuss Afghanistan and not to mediate the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan, which have fought three wars since 1947.

Continued buying contributes 149 points to KSE

KARACHI: Buying spree pushed up prices of leading scrips at Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) as 100-Index surged by 149.38points to close at 5,534.25 here Wednesday.

The turnover volume was estimated at 205.563 million shares as178 scrips recorded gains while 101 sustained losses and 9 remained unchanged.

Bulls were in total command and despite some profit taking Index was in positive zone.

The market capitalization was improved by Rs 43 billion to Rs1.746 trillion.

NIB Bank was the volume leader for the third consecutive day with a turnover of 17.605 million shares followed by D S Industries 13.602million shares, TRG Pakistan 13.043 million shares, PTCL 10.746million shares and OGDC 9.926 million shares.

PTCL closed at 15.46, NBP 60, OGDC 47.78, NIB Bank 5.51,Worldcall Telecom 3.03, TRG Pakistan 1.54, Arif Habib Securities 21.40and Bank of Punjab 11.38.

Unilever Pak recorded the highest gain of Rs 77.50 to close at2007.50 followed by Pak Services which went up by Rs 9.50 to 207.50 while EFU Life dipped by Rs 8.70 to 165.33 and Bhanero Textile went down by Rs 8.36 to 158.97.

Pak-Australia ODI series in April-May

MELBOURNE: Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ijaz Butt met with Cricket Australia officials in Perth to discuss cricket matters.

Pakistan and Australia have agreed to play a series of One-day Internationals and Twenty20 matches in April and May this year.

Cricket Australia spokesman told that ODIs and Twenty20 matches would be played between the two countries in April and May and an official announcement in this regard would be made by the PCB while the venue of the series would also be announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

PM orders lifting ban on recruitments

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has ordered of lifting ban on all recruitments on Tuesday.

PM Gilani has directed the ministries and departments to start recruitments according to set procedures.

Earlier, prime minister had abolished the task force for employment on immediate basis.

Prime minister said the decision has been taken keeping in view merit and transparency.

Prime Minister has directed the ministries to play effective role for providing employment to the public.

Task force for employment was established to provide employment to the masses but several complaints were surfaced from different ministries. Earlier, the head of task force Ghulam Qadir Jamote had been suspended from his duties.

Drone attacks causing damages in tribal areas: FM Qureshi

LAHORE: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said US drone attacks leaving negative impact in tribal areas.

Talking to media at airport, foreign minister said Pakistan wants to normalize ties with India. Pakistan having firm stance that Kashmir issue is a part of composite dialogue.

He termed the visit of special representative of US president Richard Holbrooke as vital and said economic situation of Pakistan and war on terror would be discussed with him.

US to ensure Afghanistan doesn’t destabilise Pakistan: Obama

WASHINGTON: The United States wants to make sure Afghanistan does not become a safe haven for Al Qaeda and does not destabilise its neighbour Pakistan, US President Barack Obama said.

In an interview with NBC News, he said his administration would have clear objectives in Afghanistan and wanted to fix the drift that occurred there over the last two years.

“We are not going to be able to rebuild Afghanistan into a Jeffersonian democracy,” Obama said.

“What we can do is make sure that Afghanistan is not a safe haven for Al Qaeda. What we can do is make sure that it is not destabilising neighbouring Pakistan,” he told NBC.

Obama also said he feared the detainees freed from Guantanamo would resume attacks on the United States.

“Can we guarantee that they’re not going to try to participate in another attack? No,” Obama said.

Arab countries to give preference to locals in jobs

ABU DHABI: Arab countries would be giving preference to locals in employment in future, as half of the work force in Arab countries constitute of expatriates.
Addressing a Human resource Conference here, Saudi Arab’s Prince Turki Al Faisal bin Abdul Aziz said that the locals would be preferred in employing work force in future. He said, “We are reviewing our economic policy seriously for strengthening our economy so that its benefit could reach our people instead of millions of expatriates. Most of the unskilled workers come from South Asia in the countries included in Gulf Cooperation Council, while 50 percent of the skilled and trained work force constitutes of foreigners and this figure is as high as 92 percent in United Arab Emirates.
Prince Turki cautioned that if the existing policy continued, then we would become a minority in our own country.

Film star Shilpa jumps into IPL arena

MUMBAI: After Indian film stars Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zinta, now another Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty has also jumped into the cricket bidding arena of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as she has obtained partnership rights of the Rajhastan Royals from the owner of its franchise team.

Shilpa had expressed her interest in getting the rights of the Bangalore Royal Challenges in the first season of the IPL but this stime she has purchased the shares of Rajhastan Royals, the winners of the event during the previous year.

She will equally share the rights of the team with the Emerging Media Group, who already owns the team.

Shilpa is also expected to be seen in the cricket grounds encouraging her team like Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zinta during the IPL matches.

Thirty bodies recovered from Swat

MENGORA: The number of dead bodies recovered from different areas of Swat has reached 30 while 15 people have died including women and children as a result of mortar shells landing on houses.

Firing on an ambulance also killed two paramedics.

According to sources, 20 bodies of unidentified people are lying in crop fields in Charbagh area which could not be lifted due to a curfew in the area.

Unknown persons opened fire at an ambulance engaged in shifting the bodies from Charbagh, killing two paramedics and wounding another.

Eight unidentified bodies were also recovered from Sangota Shakar Tangay, an area in the outskirts of Mengora.

Dead bodies of a police constable and another unidentified man were also recovered Rahimabad area of Mengora and Hazara area of Kabal respectively.

Security forces pounded militants hideouts in Charbagh. Some of the shells missed target and landed on civilian houses, killing 9 people including 3 women and 2 children.

One militant was killed in clash with security forces in Sarbanda.

People have started moving to safer locations due to unrest in Matta, Charbagh and Kabal.

Ulema, Mashaikh let be united against terrorism: Quraishi

MULTAN: Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mahmud Quraishi has said that Islam decries terrorists and terrorism and teache brotherhood and peace, while people were being slain in the name of Islam, which we strongly condemn.

Addressing the fist session of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakaria Multani ‘urs’ here, Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmud Quraishi said that children’s school were being blown up in Swat, which Islam never permits. He said that an agreement would soon be signed for the provision of fund for protection of Multan heritages with Italy declaring Multan and Rome twin city. H e said Pakistan and Afghanistan have held talks for fighting terrorism and the foreign ministers of both the countries have agreed on this point that Mashaikh teachings should be followed.

India to respond to Pak queries on 26/11 probe: NSA

NEW DELHI: Indian propaganda against Pakistan is in full swing, as the Indian National Security Advisor, M K Narayanan has said that Pakistan has asked India a few questions on the 26/11 investigations. "We will be responding to the questions on 26/11 investigations," he said.

India on Saturday had said that Pakistan has given no official response to the dossier on Mumbai attacks, rejecting Islamabad's claim that an update has been provided on its probe into the carnage. External Affairs Minister, Pranab Mukherjee contradicted claims by his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi that Pakistan's High Commissioner Shahid Malik had given the update when he met Home Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday. "The Pakistani High Commissioner paid a courtesy call on the Home Minister on January 29. He did not provide any details on the results of the investigation in Pakistan into the Mumbai attacks," Mukherjee said in a statement in New Delhi.

Qureshi had claimed on Friday that Malik had provided an update on the probe by Pakistan. "We have also seen media reports about certain statements by various Pakistani officials on their ongoing investigations, including a certain reported clarification by the Pakistani Prime Minister (Yousuf Raza Gilani)," Mukherjee said. "I would like to underline that we have so far not received any official Pakistani response to the Indian dossier or official information on the outcome of their investigations. These are awaited," he said.

Meanwhile, Indian government has rejected the demand of BJP for instituting an enquiry into secret agencies failure in Mumbai attacks.

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.