Nawaz issuing threatening statements: Sherry

Information and Broadcasting Minister Sherry Rehman on Friday said that Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader Mian Nawaz Sharif was issuing threatening statements for the fulfillment of his demands.

Speaking at Geo News program “Aaj Kamran Khan Kay Saath’ here, she said that mutiny call being given by N-league was against people and country’s interest.

Sherry said that criticizing the President of Pakistan was no service to the democracy.

She further said that every effort was made by the government for reconciliation with PML-N and added that PPP had not violated any agreement. “PPP leadership didn’t run away from the country and faced the cases failed against it,” she said.

Bomb blast kills one securityman in S Waziristan

WANA: A remote control bomb blast killed one security personnel and wounded five others in Mechanbaba area of South Waziristan on Thursday.According to sources, some unknown persons attacked a security forces’ vehicle with remote control bomb near Mechanbaba area, killing one security personnel and injuring five others. On the other hand, dead body of one Tipu Khan who was kidnapped from FR Darra on December 28 last year, was also found in South Wazirsitan.

MPs provided over Rs16 bln funds: Tarin

ISLAMABAD: Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Shaukat Tarin Thursday said during first six months of the current financial year more than Rs16.5 billion funds were provided to the provincial/ local governments and members of ParliamentHe said this in a statement issued here on Thursday.Shaukat Tarin pointed out that funds amounting to Rs 633.7 million were released for local governments and rural development while members of parliament and provinces received over Rs 15.86 billion as development funds.Sources of Finance Ministry told Geo News that funds released for development works have not been used for the past many years and continue to remain with commercial banks although the government had made the release of these funds possible through borrowing from central bank.

Two human traffickers held in Lahore

LAHORE: Lahore Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)’s passport cell arrested two activists of an illegal human trafficking group on Thursday, FIA sources said.Reports reaching here said the detentions came during a raid carried out by FIA’s passport cell team in Fatah Garh area of Lahore. FIA team also recovered forged Pakistani passports, U.K visa stickers, international arrival and departure tickets, and imitated National Identity Cards of Pakistan.The detainees were identified as Arif and Shahzad police sources confirmed it, adding that it was hopeful to get some more related information in this connection soon.

Hayden says Qaeda being less welcomed in Pak FATA

WASHINGTON: The tribal regions in northwest Pakistan have become a lot less welcoming to the al-Qaeda terrorist network and its allies, CIA Director Michael Hayden said today. The Islamic militants are “beginning to realize, beginning to think, this is neither safe nor a haven,” Hayden said in a farewell interview with reporters at Central Intelligence Agency headquarters in Langley, Virginia. He said the agency and Pakistan’s military have put increasing pressure on al-Qaeda. The U.S. has carried out a series of missile strikes in recent months in these areas, and Hayden today said he’s seen progress “since last summer” in curbing the militants. Al-Qaeda fighters sought shelter in this rugged mountainous region after the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, which ousted the ruling Taliban militia. Hayden and other U.S. intelligence officials have said al-Qaeda and their Taliban supporters use bases there to plan and carry out attacks on coalition forces across the border in Afghanistan. Hayden said that confronting al-Qaeda must remain a priority for the next CIA director. President-elect Barack Obama has nominated Leon Panetta, former chief of staff to President Bill Clinton, for this post.

China endorses Pak stance on defusing tension with India

BEIJING: Chinese President Hu Jintao endorsed Pakistan’s position on addressing the tense situation resulting from the Mumbai terrorist attacks through cooperation and dialogue.This view was conveyed to Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Masood Khan when he presented his credentials to President Hu Jintao at the People’s Great Hall on Thursday. “President Hu Jintao appreciated Pakistan’s commitment to fight terrorism jointly and pursue dialogue with India,” said a dispatch received by The News from Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in Beijing. Jintao held out the assurance that China would continue to make efforts to ease tension in South Asia.“President Hu Jintao said China would support Pakistan’s efforts aimed at brining peace and stability in the region, fighting terrorism and economic development of its people,” the dispatch added.The Chinese president characterised the all-weather friendship with Pakistan as “strategic and cooperative” that was further developing comprehensively. Recalling the invitation extended by President Asif Zardari during his visit to China last year, Hu said he would visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient time.

British Foreign secretary reaches Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: British Foreign Secretary David Miliband has reached Islamabad friday on a two-day visit of Pakistan.According to reports, he was received by the officials of British High Commission and Foreign.Diplomatic sources said that Miliband would meet President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani during his stay in Pakistan and exchange views with them on several issues, including a joint investigation of Mumbai attacks and ways to defuse tensions between the neighbouring countries. He would also hold formal talks with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi.They said the talks between Miliband and Pakistani leaders would focus on Pakistan-India tensions and also feature the war on terror and the situation in Afghanistan.The sources said that Pakistani leaders would also highlight the Israeli offensive in Gaza in their meetings, and would urge Britain to use its influence to help resolve the issue to ensure peace in the Middle East. The British foreign secretary would also interact with the media in Islamabad.

India may still strike at Pakistan

India may have ruled out the military option against Pakistan in the aftermath of Mumbai terror attacks but the international intelligence community continues to believe that strikes in PoK and elsewhere could still happen. Global intelligence service Stratfor, in its latest report, said, "Indian military operations against targets in Pakistan have in fact been prepared and await the signal to go forward." It added, "These most likely would take the form of unilateral precision strikes inside Azad Kashmir, along with special forces action on the ground in Pakistan proper." The private sector intelligence service said that unlike the massive movements of 2002 during Operation Parakram, India's preparations this time were more under the radar and not visible to the world at large. It’s only indication was the fact that the Border Security Force (BSF) has been put on high alert on the Western sector as well as the eastern sector — this paramilitary force's main mandate would be to prevent infiltration. "Sources have indicated to Stratfor that New Delhi is going through the diplomatic motions in order to give Pakistan the opportunity to take care of the militant problem itself — but the Indians know that Islamabad has neither the will nor the capability to address their concerns," Stratfor said. Three weeks after the attacks, India has gone out of its way to reassure everyone that it is not thinking of military action on Pakistan. This was most recently conveyed by Indian high commissioner to Pakistan Satyabrata Pal to Awami National Party chief Afsandyar Wali Khan in Islamabad. But India continues to tell all its international interlocutors that its patience will not last long, particularly if Islamabad cannot crack down on terrorism. India's actions thus far have been to build a kind of international consensus that the attacks were sourced in Pakistan. It has led to a huge spurt in international pressure on Pakistan to "do more" to combat terrorism. Almost every member of the international community also believes that the next attack in India would see the gloves come off.How far do you agree to the idea that India has finalized preparation to assault on Pakistan? What kinds of defective measures should be taken by Pakistan to respond properly in case India strikes? To what extent do you agree to this report?

Nawaz late to show flexibility in his stance’: Shujaat

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has said the political situation of the country would have been ‘entirely different’ had Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif shown flexibility in his stance earlier over the reunification of Pakistan Muslim League (PML) factions. “The flexibility in Nawaz’s stance has come really late. It is also not meant to unite the PML, instead it is aimed at saving the Punjab government,” said Shujaat while addressing a ceremony on the eve of PML foundation day celebrations here on Monday. He said Nawaz had missed two important opportunities for an alliance of PML factions, one immediately after the February 18 elections last year and the other on the eve of the presidential elections. The PML-Q chief said Nawaz should ‘prefer national interest to personal ego’, and proposed talks aimed at an alliance of PML factions. Shujaat said the PML-N had also rejected the role of a senior journalist purportedly mediating between the PML-Q and the PML-N. Shujaat said he had put forward the following points for the formation of an alliance, “The alliance should not be aimed at saving or toppling a government, and the Sharif brothers should change their attitude and refrain from making insulting remarks”. He also called for an end to the alleged victimisation of PML-Q workers. “The Pervaiz Elahi regime protected the Sharif family’s businesses, while they were in exile, but the things being done by Shahbaz Sharif’s government are an open secret,” he said.

IHC adjourns Farah Dogar case hearing till Jan. 15

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has adjourned the hearing of the case challenging Farah Hameed Dogar’s additional marks until January 15.Former Attorney General, Malik Qayyum appeared on behalf of Farah Hameed pleading that the examination marks could be reassessed. IHC Chief Justice Court today during the hearing, taking notice of the absence of applicant’s lawyer Iqbal Jaffery, adjourned the hearing until January 15. Earlier, IHC Chief Justice at one point said that the record of Farah Dogar’s examination papers was available in the court and if Malik Qayyum wanted, he could see it.After the hearing, Malik Qayyum talking to media said that the Supreme Court in one of its decisions in 2004 had declared defunct the rule relating to the prohibition of reassessing the examination papers’ numbers and, therefore, the papers’ remarking as well as reassessment could also be done.

PM to make policy statement on Indian warning today

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Tuesday that Indian government was issuing statements under public pressure, while Pakistan had always showed responsibility in this regard.He was speaking to reporters after attending an international conference organized in the federal capital on the issue of environment.To a question about India’s warning of breaking up ties with Islamabad, Prime Minister said he would issue a policy statement in the assembly today.About repeal of 17th and other constitutional amendments, Premier Gilani said Pakistan People Party (PPP) is constituting a committee to review the drafts being tabled in the Parliament in this connection.” Parliament would also decide on the powers of President and Prime Minister, he added.

50-member medical team to leave for Gaza next week

LAHORE: A 50-member team of doctors and para-medical staff will go to Palestine next week for the treatment of Palestinian people injured in Israel’s war on Gaza, Dr. Javed Ikram, Principal, Allama Iqbal Medical College said on Tuesday.Addressing a press conference here, Dr. Ikram said that more than 11, 000 Palestinian men, women and children had sustained injuries. A team of Jinnah Hospital would fly to Palestine for their treatment, he said.He said that doctors and nurses would bear the expenses themselves. “We need about Rs90 million for the treatment of injured persons. We have collected Rs6 million in just two days,” he said.

Priya Dutt denies rift over Sanjay's SP link

NEW DELHI: After the Samajwadi Party announced it is fielding actor Sanjay Dutt for Lok Sabha polls, sister and Congress MP Priya Dutt said that she was shocked and upset that Sanjay did not consult her on the move.Expressing her disappointment, Priya said Sanjay's decision to associate with Sawajwadi Party for the Lok Sabha polls, saying "we have always been a Congress family"."Definitely there is disappointment. We have always been a Congress family. I wish he had fought for the Congress party," Dutt, a sitting MP from northwest Mumbai seat, said.She, however, said her brother's decision to associate with Samajwadi Party was completely an individual one and that there was no family feud over it."There is no family feud. Everybody is free to take a decision for himself or herself. This is Sanjay's decision and he has to take responsibility for this," she said.

Tensions between Indo-Pak soared after Nov 26: Indian army chief

NEWS DELHI: Indian army chief, Gen. Deepak Kapoor Wednesday said tensions between Pakistan and India escalated after November 26, 2008.Talking to Indian media, Gen. Deepak Kapoor confirmed that Pakistan has redeployed troops along the two countries' tense border but said his forces were ready for all eventualities.He said India has kept all the options open.The Indian army chief termed the clashes between Indian army and militants in Poonch as a major one.

Hamas has not yet met terms for ceasefire: US official

WASHINGTON: Hamas has not yet met terms for a ceasefire in Israel's 19-day military offensive in the Gaza Strip, a State Department official said Wednesday, contradicting reports from the Middle East. "It's not a done deal yet. They're still working it. There are a number of Hamas conditions that are having to be dealt with," the official told media on condition of anonymity after the White House voiced skepticism about Hamas. In Cairo, an Egyptian diplomat said Hamas has accepted an Egyptian truce proposal and Egypt is awaiting Israel's response. Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos told reporters in Jerusalem that Hamas has accepted it. The U.S. State Department official did not say which Hamas conditions were posing a problem. Hamas insists on an end to Israel's blockade of the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, and an opening up of crossing points to normal traffic. The Egyptian plan calls for an "immediate ceasefire and acceptance of withdrawal" of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, but talks are required to determine who monitors crossing points. Israel has made an end to its offensive conditional on a halt to Gaza rocket fire against southern Israel and creating an effective mechanism to halt smuggling into the territory from Egypt.

Thirteen killed in new Israeli strikes on Gaza: medics

GAZA CITY: Israeli jets carried out a fresh wave of deadly air strikes across the Gaza Strip late on Wednesday, killing at least 13 Palestinians, including a 13-year-old boy, medics and witnesses said. Four people were killed in an air raid near the Sufa crossing, close to the southern town of Rafah, said the sources. Three civilians were also killed in a house east of Khan Yunis in the center of the narrow coastal strip while the 13-year-old died in a strike on the Sabra neighbourhood in southwestern Gaza City, in the north. Medics said that two suspected militants were also killed in bombing around the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza in a strike that also wounded two cameraman from a Hamas television channel. The latest deaths brought the overall Palestinian toll since the start of Operation Cast Lead on December 27 to 1,020.

Three killed as boat capsized in Kahuta nullah

KAHUTA: Three people were killed when a boat capsized in Kahuta nullah on Thursday. At least 40 people were onboard when a boat capsized in RLK Tangi Dam near Khadot area.Rescue operation is underway after the incident and three bodies have been recovered so far. The divers of Pakistan Navy are carrying out rescue activities.

Famous comedian Shakeel Siddiqui beaten up in India

MUMBAI: A prominent Pakistan’s television and stage actor Shakeel Siddiqui was beaten up by some Indian fundamentalist elements in Mumbai on Wednesday, Geo T.V reported.Famous comedian Shakeel was expected to perform in the famous show ‘Comedy Circus’. For that purpose he was staying in Mumbai, but it seems a group of thugs belonging to Nationalist/fundamentalist Indian mindset has badly beaten the terrific comedian. At the moment it seems a horrible news, as Shakeel has been a famous person in India and was a source of bringing joy to million of faces all across the sub-continent.It will be interesting to see how this story unfolds and how it would affect the media relations between both the countries. Ghajini is just released in Pakistan after a slight delay and this horrific news is going to further affect the constant deteriorating situation between the two nuclear Nations.

Two dacoits killed, 1 held in Lahore police encounter

LAHORE: Two plunderers were killed while one was arrested in a police encounter in Lahore on Wednesday, police sources reported.Sources added that police wanted three in different cases. Police, having registered case against held dacoit, have launched investigation

Rains paralyze life in Karachi

KARACHI: Showers have been reported in different parts of Karachi on late Wednesday paralyzing the hustle and bustle of the metropolis as the recent wave of rain has intensified the cold weather in the city, witnesses said.People, wearing warm clothes, were seen rushing to their homes suspending their late night activities, sources said.Metrological department has forecast some more showers and cloudy weather to prevail on Thursday.

Political institutions in Pakistan must be authoritative: Biden

WASHINGTON: On the occasion of his briefing to President-elect Obama on Pakistan’s recent visit, U.S. Vice President-elect Joseph Biden said, for the swift progress of Pakistan it in indispensable that the political institutions in Pakistan should be authoritative instead of individuals or personalities.VP-elect said I went to read Pakistan stance over various issues instead of delivering our policy. “I did not reveal the policy of new U.S. government instead my visit was meant for hearing from Pakistani government ”.Briefing Obama, Biden also informed that he had left some of US governments’ reservations with Pakistani government. Biden said that government and the people of Pakistan have extended their good wishes for president-elect Obama for his tenure as U.S. president.Talking to media after briefing President-elect said Al-Qaeda and Osam Bin Ladin are still the chief threat to United States’ sovereignty.He added to take all actions necessary to wipe out Al-Qaeda bases

Two policemen killed, 11 injured in Karachi

KARACHI: Two police officials were killed while eleven others including the head of anti-violent crime cell SSP Farooq Awan and an ASI were critically injured during a clash with miscreants in Sohrab Goath area on early Thursday, Geo T.V reported.Heavy troops of Police and Rangers have cordoned off the area and exchange of fire between security officials and militants is still underway meanwhile, injured have been shifted to Agha Khan hospitals, police sources said.Hospital sources have confirmed that two police constables, injured in the encounter, have succumbed to injuries.CCPO Waseem Ahmed said that the encounter took place as police carried out a raid on the information that suspects were hiding there. Police also recovered weaponry from the crime scene.Police have arrested some of the suspects, sources said and have shifted them to unknown place for further investigation. Police sources also confirmed four among held culprits have links with banned religious outfit.

Militant killed in Swat operation

SWAT: A militant killed and two others injured during security forces operation continued against militant in different parts of Swat.According to sources, a militant was killed and two others injured during security forces action in Charbagh area while Kanju-Kabal Road has been closed for traffic.Meanwhile, exchange of fire between security forces and militants underway in Kot area of tehsil Charbagh whereas security forces pounding militants positions in tehsil Kabal and Matta and Manglore area of Mingora.

Govt. is willing to eliminate 17 th amendment: PM Gilani

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said government is determined for the elimination of 17th amendment and whenever unanimous bill would be presented in the assembly, Peoples Party would support it.Talking to media men in ministry of information, PM Gilani said a policy has been evolved for good governance, departmental visits and briefings. He said notification of termination of Mahmood Durrani had been issued therefore he does not want to comment on the issue.About Pak- India tension, PM said both are nuclear states and there is no chance of war between them. People Party had opposed the 17th amendment and formation of National Security Council.

Musharraf rules out military solution of terrorism

MICHIGAN: Former President Pervez Musharraf said US has not fulfilled the promises made with Pakistan.Addressing the annual dinner of World Affairs Council, Musharraf said Pakistan is doing all that it can against terrorism and it deserves cooperation instead of criticism."Pakistan is a victim of terrorism and Pakistani government is trying to cope up with terrorism, “ he added.Defending Pakistan, Musharraf said at least seven hundred terrorists were killed and key leaders of Al Qaeda were arrested by Pakistan. Pakistan Army is doing well to root out terrorism but victory could not be achieved only by using military might at Pak-Afghan bordering areas. He said resolving economic and social problems of the people would eliminate terrorism.

U.S. ambassador meets President Zardari

ISLAMABAD: Anne W. Patterson, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan met President Asif Zardari on Thursday. According to sources, President’s proposed tour of U.S., investigations of Mumbai attacks and regional situation were discussed during the one-on-one meeting. This was the third meeting between U.S. envoy and President Zardari in a week.

Pak vows to bring Mumbai attackers to justice

ISLAMABAD: Interior Adviser Rehman Malik said on Thursday that Pakistan is committed to bringing the perpetrators of Mumbai attacks to justice. He said Pakistan and India were nuclear states and that the Indian government was under intense public pressure to act.Talking to journalists here, Malik said the government of Pakistan had launched probe into Mumbai attacks soon after the tragic incident occurred. ‘The government has banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah publications and shut down six Dawah’s websites”, advisor said. Malik further said that 124 activists of Jamaat-ud-Dawah were nabbed including Hafiz Saeed, Mufti Abdur Rehman, Colonnel (Retd.) Nazir Ahmed, Amir Hamza and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and five camps were closed down. He said the FIA was looking into the Indian dossier but more evidence was required.Interior Advisor said that Pakistan had assured India of its unconditional support to India in Mumbai probe. He urged India to establish direct diplomatic channels with Pakistan for the exchange of information on Mumbai attacks instead of using indirect channels.

Two policemen killed, 11 injured in Karachi

KARACHI: Two police officials were killed while eleven others including the head of anti-violent crime cell SSP Farooq Awan and an ASI were critically injured during a clash with miscreants in Sohrab Goath area on early Thursday, Geo T.V reported.Heavy troops of Police and Rangers have cordoned off the area and exchange of fire between security officials and militants is still underway meanwhile, injured have been shifted to Agha Khan hospitals, police sources said.Hospital sources have confirmed that two police constables, injured in the encounter, have succumbed to injuries.CCPO Waseem Ahmed said that the encounter took place as police carried out a raid on the information that suspects were hiding there. Police also recovered weaponry from the crime scene.Police have arrested some of the suspects, sources said and have shifted them to unknown place for further investigation. Police sources also confirmed four among held culprits have links with banned religious outfit.

Four killed in road mishap in Nawabshah

NAWABSHAH: Four people were killed including three police officials and a former UC Nazim in a car-oil tanker collision on National Highway near Nawabshah while two other policemen were critically injured, police sources said on Thursday.The accident occurred as the police officers together with a friend former UC Nazim Haji Arshad Awan were riding on a car on national highway. Due to darkness they could not see an oil tanker ahead, parked due to engine failure, and marched into it.Hospital sources confirmed all deceased had died on the spot while two were seriously injured.

India got intelligence five days before Mumbai attacks: Tehlka

MUMBAI: India government had received the vital and critical intelligence five days before Mumbai attacks which had been simply ignored. According to Indian web site Tehlka.com, sources in the highest quarters in New Delhi have told that the mobile numbers that were used by the Mumbai terrorists were available with the Intelligence Bureau at least five days before 26/11.Highly placed sources shared the contents of a ‘Secret’ note that contains 35 mobile numbers. Of the 35 SIM cards, 32 had been purchased from Kolkata and three from Delhi and sent to Pakistan-adminstered Kashmir by mid- November. Highly placed sources reveal that crucial and stunning piece of information was received by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) on 21 November, at least five full days before Ajmal Amir Kasav, the lone surviving terrorist and his nine accomplices got off the inflatable dinghy at Mumbai’s Badhwar Park on the evening of 26/11. The Prime Minister and Home Minister are aware that for all the five crucial days that the numbers were available, they were not being monitored. The lapse is all the more critical because at least three of the 32 numbers contained in the Secret note, were the exact same cell numbers that the Mumbai terrorists used to keep in touch with their handlers in Pakistan. It is well possible that the terrorists only activated their mobile numbers after reaching Mumbai but that does not excuse the fact that the numbers were not put under surveillance despite the knowledge that they had been sent to trained militants in PoK.On 18 September, for example, the Research and Analysis Wing had intercepted a satellite phone conversation, which clearly indicated that a hotel at the Gateway of India in Mumbai would be targeted. Crucially, the intercept also revealed that the sea route would be used to launch this operation. Again, on 24 September, RAW recorded another conversation. This time, the hotels were mentioned by name and they included the Taj, the Sea Rock Hotel and the Marriott hotel. If these inputs were being analysed, it would have become clearer that hotels in Mumbai would be attacked and that the sea route would be used.Security breached ease with which Mumbai came under attack brought back the question of internal security.