SC dismissed govt’s petition against Maulana Abdul Aziz

The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday dismissed Federation’s petition against the decision of granting bail to Maulana Abdul Aziz, the former cleric of Lal Masjid.

The SC bench comprised of Justice Javed Iqbal and Justice Ijaz Chaudhry has dismissed the government’s petition after hearing the case. SC also adjourned the hearing of children’s library case till Thursday and directed government to submit its reply in next hearing.

Maulana Aziz had been granted bail in 25 out of 27 cases, while he was acquitted in one case. He had been behind the bar since his arrest on July 3, 2007.

Oil hovers near $51 in Asia

Oil hovered near $51 a barrel Tuesday in Asia as investors mulled whether crude's two-month rally can be sustained while global demand remains weak.

Benchmark crude for May delivery rose 14 cents to $51.19 a barrel by midday in Singapore in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell $1.46 on Monday to settle at$51.05.

Oil traders are looking to the beginning of first quarter corporate earnings season Tuesday for signs the worst of a severe recession could be over in the U.S.

Journalist hurls shoe at Indian home minister

A Sikh journalist on Tuesday hurled a shoe at home minister P Chidambaram protesting against CBI's clean chit to senior Congress leader Shoe hurled at home minister P Chidambaram during a press conference in New Delhi. The shoe, however, missed its target.

Chidambaram, who was addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi, was surprised when Jarnail Singh, a journalist from Hindi daily Dainik Jagran, flung the shoe and an alert home minister quickly moved away to see it pass by him.

"Please take him away," said Chidambaram who smiled and later added "gently, gently" as the journalist was escorted out of the press conference hall. Later, he was taken away by police. It is not clear whether any case has been registered against him against the backdrop of Chidambaram saying "I forgive him".

As the action caused a flutter in the hall, a composed Chidambaram appealed to the reporters, "let not the action of one emotional person hijack the entire press conference. I have answered his questions to the best of my ability."

It all started with the journalist asking him about the clean chit given by CBI to Tytler in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case under pressure from the government.

"First of all let me make it clear that CBI is not under the home ministry. To my knowledge neither the home ministry nor any ministry of the government had put any pressure on the CBI," Chidambaram said.

"CBI has only given a report to the court. It is for the court to accept or reject or ask for further investigation by CBI. Let us wait for the court decision," he said.

As the journalist persisted with his questions, Chidambaram told him "no arguments, you are using this forum..." following which the journalist hurled his shoe.

An unapologetic Singh said he will not apologise for his action, though his manner of protest might have been wrong. "My manner of protest might have been wrong, but I did not intend to hurt anyone," he said.

The Iraqi journalist who shot to worldwide fame for hurling his shoes at Bush last year was jailed for three years. Muntadhar al-Zaidi shocked the world by throwing his shoes at then US president George W Bush in December.

Sitting in the third row at a press conference attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, the reporter 'jumped up' and shouted "It is the farewell kiss, you dog."

UN initial investigative team reaches Pakistan

A United Nations (UN) initial investigative team for Benazir Bhutto’s murder probe arrived here on a two-day visit.

A six-member team headed by Mark Quarterman will prepare a review report about technical and security assistance for central investigative commission. The team comprised of political experts, legal experts, field support and consultants.

The team would likely visit the place of murder and meet with police and officials of law enforcement agencies.

Foreign troops not acceptable: Pak

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said US has accepted Pakistan’s position on foreign troops as Pakistan won’t allow foreign troops on its soil.

Addressing a joint press conference with Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Richard Holbrooke, special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, foreign minister said drone attacks also came under discussion during meeting with US officials. We neither get nor give blank cheques. US also acknowledge anti- terror efforts made by Pakistan. Pakistan is defending its borders.

Qureshi said Afghganistan, US and Pakistan will hold talks on May 6-7 in Washington. War against terrorism is not possible without mutual trust. Pakistan is a victim of terrorism and seeking political support from ‘Friends of Pakistan’.

Richard Holbrooke, special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, said Pakistan, Afghanistan and US facing common threat and these countries have common interests. US wants to assist Pakistan in countering threats. We should look forward.

Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at this occasion said US has long commitment to Pakistan. During meetings with Pakistani political leaders, we had tried to develop mutual trust. We are optimistic about Pakistani people and leadership, he added.