Seven militants arrested in Khyber

A military operation against militants was underway in Bara tehsil. — Photo by Reuters

LANDI KOTAL: Security forces arrested seven suspected militants and recovered a huge cache of explosives from the Akakhel area of Khyber agency’s Bara tehsil.

A military operation against militants was underway in Bara tehsil.

A curfew was also imposed in the area and heavy forces were deployed on the main check post in Bara.

At least 100 local and foreign Taliban militants were killed during the operation, security officials said. Over 200 militants were arrested and most of the area was cleared during the ongoing operation, they said. — DawnNews

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Tags: Khyber agency,Bara tehsil,Landi Kotal

‘Democracy, govt inaction cannot co-exist’

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif has said democracy and the government’s inaction cannot co-exist, a private news channel reported on Saturday. Nawaz said parliament should be made supreme and matters of national interest must be resolved through consultation. Presiding over the provincial organising committee meeting of the PML-N, he demanded the government bring those involved in the assassination of Nawab Akbar Bugti to justice. He said those who got their loans waived off and violated the constitution should also be held accountable. During the meeting, the PML-N chief was briefed on the draft local government law, which has been prepared for introduction in the Punjab Assembly. He was informed that amendments had been made in the bill after feedback from representatives of the government at the district and division level. Intra-party elections, tentatively scheduled for March were also discussed in the meeting. Nawaz said democratic societies do not forgive corruption, and no compromise would be made on national interests. He said electricity, gas and water crises should be solved on war footing. staff report.........LINK

‘Charter of Democracy should have been implemented’

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. — Reuters photo

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Sunday said that the Charter of Democracy (CoD) should have been implemented immediately in the country as per commitment.

Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Gilani said soon the people of Pakistan will hear good news on the controversial 17th amendment, 58(2)-b and removal of the bar on becoming prime minister for the third time.

Praising the achievements of the government, Gilani said Aghaz-i-Huqooq-i-Balochistan package, army action against militants, Gilgit-Baltistan elections and consensus of all provinces on NFC Award top the list.

He reiterated that there is mutual understanding between the government and the armed forces. He said militants were now targeting civilians in a state of disappointment as security forces were hitting them hard in Waziristan and other areas.

Prime Minister Gilani said 2.5 billion rupees were given to the NWFP government for rehabilitation of people from South Waziristan while 9.6 billion rupees were allocated for rehabilitation of those in Malakand.

Gilani said the government doesn’t believe in political confrontation and that the Nawaz-league was cooperating with the government. — DawnNews

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Tags: Yousuf Raza Gilani,Charter of Democracy,17th amendment

PAF to get eight new F-16 jets by June 2010: Qamar

Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman delivers a speech during the induction ceremony of the first Saab-2000 Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) aircraft in the PAF fleet at PAF Base Minhas in Kamra on Dec 29, 2009. - APP photo

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman has said that the country will get eight new F-16 fighter jets by June 2010.

The Air Chief Marshal said that after the induction of hi-tech Saab-2000 Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) aircraft in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), the country’s frontiers have become more secure.

In an exclusive interview with DawnNews, the air chief said that the PAF was in the process of getting more advanced weapons which would significantly enhance its capability.—DawnNews

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Tags: F-16,F16,air force,jet,jets,plane,aircraft

India told to beware of strategic mistake

General Tariq Majid, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee. –APP/ File photo

ISLAMABAD: Any misadventure by India against Pakistan will be a strategic mistake and amount to putting itself on the road to destruction, the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, said here on Saturday.

Commenting on the Indian army chief’s statement about preparations to fight China and Pakistan simultaneously, Gen Tariq Majeed said: “Leave alone China, Gen Deepak Kapoor knows very well what the Indian armed forces cannot do and Pakistani armed forces can pull off militarily.”

He expressed doubt about the statement attributed to Gen Kapoor, saying he could not be so “outlandish in strategic postulations to put India on a self-destructive path”.

Gen Majeed, however, said that if the report were correct, the uncalled-for rhetoric only depicted a lack of strategic acumen.

The statement by Gen Majid followed a tit-for-tat reply the previous day to the Indian army chief by his Pakistan counterpart, Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, warning India against treading an adventurous path and declaring that the Pakistan Army was prepared to respond to any existing, potential or emerging threat.

An official told Dawn that Pakistan’s quest for peace in South Asia must not be misconstrued as weakness. “Pakistan’s armed forces have all the ability to frustrate evil designs of the enemy.” He lamented that instead of coming out with a positive response to Pakistan’s efforts for resumption of the stalled peace process, such irresponsible statements were emanating from New Delhi, along with claims of Kashmir being an integral part of India.

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Tags: General Tariq Majid,General Deepak Kapoor,india pakistan armed forces,india pakistan relations

Court exempts Malik from personal appearance

RAWALPINDI: The Special Accountability Court on Saturday exempted Interior Minister Rehman Malik from appearing in person before the court in two references.

Earlier, Malik appeared before the special accountability judge in two references, submitted copies of bail – granted by the Lahore High Court – and sought exemption from appearing before the court in person. The court admitted his application and issued notices to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) before adjourning the hearing until January 12.

According to details, after the winter holidays, special accountability judge Najamul Hassan began hearing the cases that had been reopened after the Supreme Court decision regarding the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).

In his application, Malik stated that it would not be possible for him to personally appear before the court owing to official engagements, both in Pakistan and abroad.

Talking to reporters after appearing before the court, the minister said the judiciary was completely independent and “we all respect it”.

“I will appear before the court whenever the court summons me. The people who have lodged these cases against me will also have to appear before courts,” he added......LINK.

Karachi market fire still raging

Updated at: 1234 PST, Tuesday, December 29, 2009
KARACHI: The fire on Bolton Market buildings lighted by the enraged people after the suicide blast in central mourning procession, could not be extinguished thus far, Geo News reported Tuesday.

The intense fire caused a potion of the affected building to fall down.

Following the suicide blast yesterday on tenth of Muharramul Haram in the central mourning procession, the over 1100 shops, godowns and offices were gutted.

Also, three banks and over 70 vehicles around MA Jinnah Road were torched.

The inferno at Bolton Market was brought under control after continuous efforts lasting for four hours; however, the blaze soon raged again after some moments. The clouds of smoke are still seen hovering over the markets including Bolton Market.

Meanwhile, a part of two-storey building caved in due to the intense fire. The low-intensity explosions are being heard even today owing to the chemicals housed at some shops.

The security personnel stationed there are trying to keep people off the affected sites.

Meantime, two more vehicles have been set ablaze in Korangi and Pehalwan Goth today’s morning...LINK

President did not pinpoint anyone: Kaira

ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari in his address to PPP workers on second death anniversary of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto talked about strengthening state institutions and he (Zardari) did not pinpoint anyone for negative propaganda against the party.Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira Sunday told Express News that President Asif Ali Zardari did not name anyone and talked about non state actors, who are trying to destabilise the system.

PPP lost several workers during the campaign for a independent judiciary, Kaira said adding that President in his address did not even hint about clash of state institutions.

Responding to a question he said, a gang of four journalists, belonging to a giant media group, are hatching conspiracies against the popularly elected government of Pakistan Peoples’ Party. They used to support Taliban.

One such disgruntled journalist was in the forefront for praising Zardari during the election campaign of the president and later was appointed Chairman PTV. Another gang member is the citizen of the United States, the minister said.LINK

Now power crisis to end in the next summer: Pervez Ashraf

By Saleem Chandio
& Bachal Chandio
KARACHI: Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that power crisis would be resolved in June/July of coming and there would be no power shortfall in the next summer.
Addressing a press conference at Karachi Press Club on Thursday, he said government wants to generate electricity from hydel power, which is a long-term plan. He informed that at present 65 percent of electricity is generated through fuel and the cost will reduce if the same power is generated through hydel source.
“For the time being, to meet the present requirement ’rental power project’ was introduced for short term, which was criticized by people without any consideration,” he said adding audit of the project by ADB and other formalities caused delay in its operation and power crisis could not be resolved on the given schedule.
He was of the view that previous government did not make any concrete measures to resolve electricity crisis and power shortfall. He said planning failure was behind it. He said no dams could be built in past years to save water and generate electricity.
He said IPPs are ready, but there is no gas available to operate them. He further said that gas reduces the cost of power generation by one-third as compared to furnace oil.
He said it is among the priorities of government to resolve power crisis and that the government is already providing subsidy on electricity to provide relief to the people. “The cost of each unit is Rs 8.20-9, whereas it is available to people at Rs 5-5.5,” he said.
Regarding KESC’s performance, he said that the KESC should follow the terms of its agreement and improve its performance. He said excess billing would not be tolerated and action would be taken against any such report.
He said Karachi being a cosmopolitan city is being provided with 700 MW of electricity on daily basis in spite of shortfall all over the country. He said power distribution system in Karachi is very old and it would be modified by 30th June 2010.
He urged people to identify those who steal electricity and said government has initiated drive against power theft in the whole country. He further said that government would clear all its dues to KESC, PEPCO and other related authorities so that all the matters could be resolved.
Earlier, the minister congratulated newly elected body of Karachi Press Club and appreciated that democratic procedure is followed in KPC elections every time. He praised performance of media and said that it has struggled for democracy.
On the occasion, prayer was held for senior journalist Najeeb Ahmed, and for all those who lost their life in attack on Peshawar Press Club.LINK

We support democracy, not the corrupt: Nawaz

Sunday, December 27, 2009
Says govt should have removed NRO-tainted ministers; wants SC verdict implemented in letter and spirit; no support to cut CJ’s tenure

By Muhammad Anis

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and PML-N Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said the PPP government should have sought resignations from NRO beneficiaries, who are in the government.

“The government should have moved for getting resignations from NRO beneficiaries following the Supreme Court verdict declaring the NRO as unconstitutional,” Nawaz Sharif said while talking to newsmen after chairing a party meeting here at the Punjab House.

Accompanied by Shahbaz Sharif, Raja Zafarul Haque, Ahsan Iqbal and others, Nawaz Sharif said instead of implementing the Supreme Court verdict the government removed the law secretary.

He made it clear to the government that PML-N support to it and the ongoing democratic system should not be misinterpreted. “Our support to democracy does not mean that the corrupt elements are given a free hand and they are forgiven,” he said.

To a question, Sharif said the PML-N would not support any government move aimed at reducing the tenure of the chief justice of Pakistan. “So far the government has not brought any such move before us but if such a move is initiated, we will not support it,” he said.

He maintained that the PML-N would not offer its support to any unconstitutional and illegal measure. About the impression that the PML-N is playing the role of a friendly opposition, Nawaz Sharif said his party never ignored the blunders and mistakes of the government.

He pointed out that the PPP government should have started implementation of the Supreme Court verdict without waiting for the detailed judgment of the apex court against the NRO.

“The government says it is waiting for the detailed judgment of the Supreme Court. What more does the government want as the SC has given a 17-page judgment,” he said.

He emphasised that the SC decision should be fully implemented and there should be no defiance on it. “The government should have asked the beneficiaries of the NRO to resign and get clearance certificates from the Supreme Court for serving on any post,” he said.

Responding to a question, Nawaz Sharif maintained that there would be no question of not supporting the PPP government if it implemented the Charter of Democracy (CoD), abolished the 17th Amendment, established good governance and implemented the Supreme Court verdict against the NRO in letter and spirit. He stressed that government would have to show sincerity in doing away with 17th Amendment. “What a pity that a dictator gets 17th Amendment passed in a few seconds but the democratic forces have not been able to abolish it in two years,” he lamented.

To a query about the new accountability law, Nawaz Sharif said the PML-N believed that government had got an opportunity to get rid of the 17th Amendment through the Parliament but many other issues including the change of name of NWFP, were clubbed with it causing undue delay. “We parted ways with the PPP government with heavy heart only because the government did not meet the deadline for implementation of CoD and abolition of 17th Amendment,” Nawaz said. After parting ways with the PPP government, the PML-N parliamentarians remained occupying treasury benches in the Parliament with a hope to get positive response from the government. “We opted for opposition benches after getting disappointed,” he added.

He said had the government implemented the CoD and fulfilled other promises made with the PML-N leadership, its popularity graph would have elevated and its credibility improved.

About giving any deadline to the government on implementation of the CoD and taking other measures, Nawaz Sharif said no more deadline as it is time for the government to take practical steps.

He also praised the Supreme Court for taking notice of the written-off loans. “Those who got their loans written off are even more rich and they are living in palaces,” he said.

He told a questioner that democracy was not facing any threat from outside forces but said the undemocratic measures could endanger the democratic process. “I do not feel any danger to democracy from third forces rather undemocratic steps can endanger the process,” he observed.

About the new accountability law, he said the PML-N had forwarded its recommendations to the government in this connection saying it would be more effective law if these recommendations were given consideration.

To a question about meeting President Asif Ali Zardari, he said there is no harm in the meeting but it should be productive and result-oriented.

He said the PML-N meeting also constituted a five-member committee headed by Sartaj Aziz to meet leadership of Awami National Party (ANP) on issue of change in the name of NWFP.

The consultative meeting of party’s senior leaders chaired by Nawaz Sharif also nominated party worker Malik Shakil Awan as PML-N candidate for bye-elections from NA-55 Rawalpindi.

“We have nominated a party worker who hails from middle class for National Assembly seat which reflects that PML-N believes in democratic values,” Nawaz Sharif said.

He said party workers from Rawalpindi were also called to the meeting to decide the nomination and Shakil Awan’s name was approved with consensus.

Online adds: Nawaz Sharif said, “We demand four things from the PPP government. First, the government should act on the Charter of Democracy in true means. Second, the government should repeal 17th Amendment. Third, the government should implement the verdicts of the Supreme Court. Fourth, the government must adopt all the rules of good governance and work for betterment of the nation.”

He said all parties must continue consultations on issues faced by the country. No single party can handle these issues alone, he added. He said the challenges faced by the country are very complicated and unity is needed to face them. All parties need to work together for the betterment of the people and for the development of the country, he said.

Nawaz appreciated the role of Shahbaz Sharif and other CMs for playing vital role in announcing the NFC Award.

Replying to another question, Nawaz said he has strong relationship with Saudi Arabia that is why they keep on meeting each other.LINK

I didn’t write off loans of rich: Musharraf

LONDON: Former president Pervez Musharraf has said he has never written off loan of any rich or influential individual.

He, however, said he had written off loans of the poor, especially those struck by natural calamities. Musharraf stated this on the social networking site, Facebook, while replying to questions.

He said the loans of the poor were written off in drought-hit areas of Balochistan and Sindh in 2000, the earthquake victims in 2005, the flood-hit areas of Balochistan and Sindh in 2006 and as part of the agriculture-reform package for the poor. It was always made sure that this special relief was not availed by well-off individuals. “I have never written off a single loan on an individual basis.” Replying to a question whether he would return to Pakistan or not, Musharraf said he would surely return to the country. The timing, however, is of the essence.

He said his return was mainly dependent on the domestic environment. As far as forming a new party or making an alliance is concerned, one has to be pragmatic. The existing politicians have their importance and a definite role to play. He said he would have to generate direct public support to try something original. He said he believed in a military maxim: “Never reinforce failure.” He said the allegations of handing over Pakistanis to the US were baseless and he did not handed over a single Pakistani to the US or any other foreign country. Those taken by the US were captured in Afghanistan and not given to the US.

“Our policy was clear: Pakistanis will be tried in Pakistan; whereas foreigners will be offered to their own countries first and in case of refusal (which was invariably the case), will be handed over to the US.”LINK

End.

Prime Minister Gilani takes the lead

ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (APP): It was a diplomatic coup by PM Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani in Sharm-el-Shaikh with his Indian counterpart which earned a favourable response from the harsh Indian lobby and led to the de-linking of terrorism as a pre condition for the resumption of composite dialogue between the two nuclear powers. And now once again our unanimously elected Prime Minister has taken the lead. PM Gilani has taken a giant humanitarian step by releasing 100 detained Indian fishermen.

Indeed it is a very timely and commendable gesture which deserves accolades.
It was in the second week of July, 2009, that on the invitation of Pakistan Fishermen Forum (PFF) that I visited Ebrahim Hydri, a fishermen village at Karachi’s coastal area. The event was a reception by PFF in honour of a three-member delegation of Indian peace activists on a visit to Pakistan.
All the speeches and slogans were directed to a pressing issue faced by the fisherman on both sides of the border that they are often harassed, tortured and arrested on charges of crossing the border in the sea.
Mai Bhagi, a 60 years old woman from Rehri, another fisherman village on Karachi coast, was on my right at the stage; she came with a list of four family members who had left for fishing in the sea and never returned home.
“It has been more than 15 years now that they are in Indian jails. Here are the names and details; I beg you to please help me and get them released”, she said while handing over the list to the Indian delegation.
Just two chairs next to her on the stage was Kavita Srivastava, peace activist from Rajasthan in India. She also had a list of Indian fishermen who are in Pakistani jails for years.
“I have also brought a list of Indian fishermen who are in Pakistani jails simply for just crossing into the Pakistani waters by mistake”, she said handing over the list to me.
“When I was leaving India, families of detained fishermen came to me and asked for help; please do something”, she added with tears in her eyes.
Srivastava, though not directly affected, brought the pain of the families of poor Indian fishermen who are suffering as their loved ones languish in Pakistani jails.
She shared how women have been rendered destitute and children stopped from going to school after the bread earners of the family were arrested by Pakistani authorities.
In contrast to Srivastava, we had Mai Bhagi, the one who is directly affected and her pain and agony was brutally visible when she spoke to a crowd of 500 men and women who had gathered to greet the Indian delegation.
“There is not a single adult member in the family.
Our women and children do domestic work to barely survive. We are helpless. It is only a letter once a year, which brings hopes that our loved ones are alive,” she added.
Unfortunately, poor and helpless fishermen from Pakistan and India are arrested by each other’s Maritime Authorities on charges of violation of border in the sea and sent to jail for an indefinite period.
Majeed Motani, a fishermen leader from Ebrahim Hydri gave us a true picture of what exactly happens. Motani along with ten other fishermen went on a fishing trip. Unable to catch fish in the nearby waters, they went deep into the sea, two days had passed, tired, they went to sleep. On the third night they woke up to shouts and screams and found themselves surrounded by Indian navy boats.
Next day they were in a jail in India.
“We did not know whether we crossed the border or we were arrested from Pakistani waters. There is no demarcation, how could we find that we have crossed the Pakistani waters,” lamented Motani.
And then he broke into tears to share the heavy price he and his colleagues had to pay by languishing in Indian jails for two years.
Motani was amongst the few lucky ones who got back in two years while many others still languish in Indian jails.
In any other part of the world this issue would have been simple. Fishermen violating sea borders would have been given verbal warnings and they would have just moved their boats back. Maximum they would have been arrested and released on the very next day.
Unfortunately, in the case of India and Pakistan, these poor fishermen fall victim to political hostilities between the two countries. These hostilities are now six decades old and have achieved nothing except sufferings for the common people.
It is the complicated State policy in such matters which make things difficult and often even people like me who are part of the government fail to understand the logic behind all such actions.
Once arrested these detained fishermen spend their time in misery and deprivation. They live in isolation as there is no channel of communication as their families have no means of knowing as to what happened to their loved ones.
They are at the mercy of the jail officials. In short they are treated like war criminals.
Strained relations between two rival countries have contributed so negatively that even those fishermen who have completed their sentences in jails cannot get back to their respective countries for years.
The lengthy process is that the two countries will first agree on a list of people in each other’s jails and then the exchange of prisoners will be on an equal number basis. This means that India will release only 50 people if the number of Indian prisoners released by Pakistan is 50 regardless of the number of Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails.
Undoubtedly, this is an inhuman act particularly when no fishermen arrested by both the countries during all these years have ever been proved guilty of any heinous crime.
Time has come to think about this issue seriously and find a just, humane and permanent solution of the problem. If it is difficult to work out a solution within the legal frame work of the two countries then the United Nations convention on sea laws can be taken as a guiding principle.
It is in the interest of both India and Pakistan that they safeguard the rights of their citizens specially the poor and marginalized fishermen.
In Ibrahim Hydri all demands were directed to me both from Indian delegates as well as from Pakistani civil society representatives who requested that I take up this issue with the federal government.
Subsequently I passed on the message to the highest authority.
Similarly Srivastava also promised to deliver Mai Bhagi’s message to the Indian government. We decided to stand up together to promote peace, harmony and to stand up against the forces of hatred and enmity in order protects the rights of our poor fishermen.
Prime Minister Gilani deserves highest praise for taking such a humanitarian initiative of releasing Indian fishermen.
It is not only a gesture of goodwill but he has set an example of humane treatment in accordance with our Islamic faith which teaches compassion.
This worthy action will no doubt act as a confidence building measure between India and Pakistan.
It is now time for India to reciprocate with equal magnanimity and release our Pakistani fishermen suffering in Indian Jails for decades. LINK

Rich Tributes: Paid to Quaid-e-Azam; President Zardari Visits Mausoleum

Pakistan Times Special Correspondent

KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari, Friday visited the Mazar of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah to pay homage to the Founder of Pakistan on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

The President, who was accompanied by Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan, laid floral wreath at the Mazar-e-Quaid and offered Fateha.

President Asif Ali Zardari has urged the Pakistanis to unite and reclaim the values which Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah bequeathed to the nation as his heritage.

I wish to felicitate the nation on birth anniversary of the Quaid and urge the people to forge unity in their ranks to preserve and protect their democratic and political rights and make Pakistan a shining example of prosperity and progress, President Zardari said in his message to the nation on 133rd birth anniversary of the Quaid.

President Zardari said the birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is a day of rededication to the ideals and principles of the Father of the Nation.

It is a day of introspection and reflection to pause and ponder as to what steps we can take to protect the ideals and principles for which the Quaid created this homeland, he said.

President Zardari said the Quaid created Pakistan for the welfare of the masses, adding; We cannot allow the country and the people remain caught in a cycle of poverty, unemployment, and despondency.

He said; the government is trying to tackle the challenges of preservation of democratic polity, development and poverty alleviation through programs like the Benazir Income Support Program.

This requires strengthening of democracy and democratic institutions because it ensures development and progress, he said.

He reiterated that to strengthen democracy, the Constitution will soon be rid of all undemocratic clauses to make it truly federal and democratic in character in accordance with the vision of the founding fathers. I, in my address to the Parliament urged that it should be done quickly and I have no doubt that it will be done soon, he said.

Zardari said the Quaid stood for constitutionalism, rule of law, respect for human rights, tolerance, pluralism and honoring the mandate of the people.

He said; It is the dream of Pakistan Peoples Party to reclaim Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam and unleash the creative powers of the people through freedom, justice, the rule of law and an end to terrorism and violence.....LINK

Hidden forces conspiring against democracy: Zardari

* President says masses support PPP, will help it foil conspiracies against system
* Some forces want to limit PPP to Sindh

By Razzak Abro

KARACHI: Hidden forces are conspiring against democracy in the country, President Asif Ali Zardari said on Thursday.

Presiding over a meeting of Sindh cabinet members belonging to the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), the president said the people were aware of the conspiracies against the government and would support the PPP in foiling every attempt against the democratic system.

He said the party was not against any institution and respected the courts. However, President Zardari added, “The party will foil all these conspiracies with the support of the people.”

Restriction: He said the PPP was a federal party that had its roots in all provinces, but “some elements wanted to restrict it to Sindh only”.

Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and Sindh Assembly Speaker Nisar Khuhro were also present in the meeting, which lasted three hours.

According to sources, the overall political situation was reviewed in the meeting and a consensus was reached on the decision that the party would start a mass contact campaign to counter all conspiracies against the party leadership and the democratic system.

Sindh Information Minister Shazia Marri later told reporters that the president had said all decisions would be made in accordance with the law and the constitution.

Quoting the president, the provincial information minister said the PPP had neither confronted any institution in the past nor would it do so in the future.

She said the president told the meeting that the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award would be formally signed within the next few days, adding that implementation of the Aghaze Haqooqe Balochistan Package was also in progress.

The sources said some of the participants had asked the president to expedite efforts to resolve the issue of provincial autonomy. They were of the opinion that if the issue of provincial autonomy was resolved, it would be another feather in the PPP’s cap.

Meanwhile, official sources told Daily Times that the president would remain in the province for a few days. They said during the week-long stay, Zardari is expected to inaugurate development projects in Karachi, Hyderabad and Larkana. These projects include the recently developed Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Park in Boat Basin area in Karachi. The sources said he was also likely to distribute Benazir Income Support Programme cards among eligible women in Larkana....LINK

Supreme Court rejects Malik's request for verbal explanation

ISLAMABAD, The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected Interior Minister Rehman Malik's request to verbally give explanation that he had not committed contempt by setting up a joint investigation team to probe into Rs 22 billion loss incurred by Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM).

A three-member bench of the Supreme Court comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali and Justice Khilji Arif Hussain was hearing a suo motu case initiated against the alleged corruption in Pakistan Steel Mills. Earlier on December 17, the court had issued notice to the minister for transferring FIA Director General Tariq Khosa, terming it an act of interference in the court affairs, as he was investigating the loss of Rs 22 billion in PSM.

Appearing on the notice, Rehman Malik said: "I believe in the rule of law and in the Constitution of Pakistan." He sought permission to verbally explain his position in the case, but the court rejected his plea and directed him to personally appear along with a written reply on January 25. "We would proceed according to rules, first of all you have to give the reply to the showcause notice," the Chief Justice observed.

Rehman Malik said he could not engage or discuss with a counsel due to his hectic schedule, therefore, be granted some time to do the needful, which the court accepted. The court also made it clear that he would again have to appear in person on the next date of hearing.

Appearing on notice, Azam Khan, Director Legal FIA presented a progress report on the case. Muhammad Zubair, Director Filed FIA Karachi informed the court that four FIRs have so far been registered in the case and further cases would be registered against the accused persons in coming days.

Earlier, Zubair did not disclose the names of those against whom cases were registered or were to be registered. However, later on to a query by the counsel of Abbas Group of Industries, he said case was registered against the company. Given details, Zubair said that case was registered against Malik Bashir, Khalid Khan and Ms Sabeen Sakina.

Afterwards, the court directed the FIA to conduct proceedings without any influence particularly influence of this court. The Supreme Court had taken suo motu notice of the case on an article published in a local newspaper regarding corruption of Rs 22 billion in Pakistan Steel Mills. It was said in the article that the government still does not know the exact losses, as there are varied figures. It's the PSM management, which estimated the concern's losses at Rs 22bn.

"Interestingly, Moeen Aftab Sheikh, PSM chairman, was removed even before an inquiry was instituted or a report submitted about his supposed wrongdoings," it said. Pakistan Steel's provisional financial documents for the period ended June 30, 2009 show that the corporation faced a historical loss of Rs 22.143 billion during July-June of 2008-09 as compared to a profit of Rs 2.375 billion in 2007-08.

The current liabilities of the corporation surged to Rs 28.129 billion in 2009, which stood at Rs 8.24 billion in FY08. Meanwhile, talking to reporters at the Supreme Court, Rehman Malik said, "The PPP government completely respects the courts and their decisions." He said he came to appear before the court like an ordinary citizen....LINK

Power shortage: Just suffer for a few more months: minister

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf has advised electricity consumers to endure power shortage for a few more months, saying all matters about overcoming electricity shortfall have been resolved and power shortage would be overcome by June 2010.

Talking to the media at Karachi Press Club on Thursday, Ashraf justified the decision to increase electricity tariffs, saying it was necessary because the government could not take responsibility for all the subsidies. The government is currently generating power at Rs 8.20 to Rs 9 per unit, he added. He said the country would have to shoulder high prices of furnace oil if the government does not switch to hydel power generation. Pakistan State Oil Managing Director Irfan Qureshi had also previously warned about the difficulties the country could face due to depleting furnace oil production, he added.

He also said his ministry had approached the Asian Development Bank for auditing 2,250 projects that had been cleared and it was only after this clearance that the government had given the rental power projects the green light, which even though was a costly bet, but gravely needed. The rental power projects would satisfy the power needs of the country by June 2010, he added.

He further said, “The independent power projects are ready, but the law and order situation and the issue of availability of gas is scaring away the investors.”

He was of the view that the availability of gas in the months leading to summer would be an attraction for the investors.

He reminded that Pakistan’s annual requirement was somewhere between 0.8 percent and 1.8 percent. This demand would double in the next 10 years and some very unpopular decisions are needed to meet these demands, he added.

Ashraf said it was unfortunate that construction of dams was progressing at a slow pace, pointing out that besides Mangla and Tarbela, the country did not have any other dams to depend on for water power generation. He also said this was the reason why Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was attaching importance with the under-construction Ghazi Barotha Dam.

Pakistan’s current annual requirement of electricity is 6,400 megawatts and “in 1994, we (the PPP government) had started an investment programme in the power sector, in which five companies had decided to generate 5,000 megawatts of electricity. After our government was removed those investors were harassed...some of them were even jailed and the entire programme had to be scrapped. Things were so bad that not a single penny of investment has come in the power sector since then,” he commented. He also attacked the Karachi Electric Supply Company for its dismal performance and warned the management of strict action if it failed to honour its commitments.

He said the system of transmission was obsolete and demanded the KESC to revamp it for smooth supply of electricity. He also said the ministry was thinking of deploying police and magistrates to catch power thieves. staff report.....LINK

5% customs duty on import of cotton yarn eliminated

ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Committee on Textile here on Wednesday decided to eliminate 5 percent customs duty on import of cotton yarn falling under chapter 52 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

Status quo would be maintained on export of cotton yarn and it has been decided that Cabinet Committee will keep the Yarn exports under review and would only take corrective measures if exports cross the level of 50 million kg per month.

Federal Minister for Textile Industry, Rana M. Farooq Saeed Khan, presided over the 2nd meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Textile here today to review the production, prices and domestic availability of cotton yarn.

Federal Secretary for Textile Industry Dr Waqar Masood Khan briefed the meeting on the production trends, exports and availability of yarn for the value added export sector. After in-depth deliberation in which all factors were examined, it was decided that corrective measures are required to be taken urgently to provide a level playing field to all stakeholders in the textiles chain and need of all should be fulfilled in a competitive manner. The Cabinet Committee therefore, took the following decision:-

Customs duty on import of cotton yarn falling under Chapter 52 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule will be removed with immediate effect. The Cabinet Committee will keep the Yarn exports under review and may take corrective measures if exports cross the level of 50 million kg per month. Exports of yarn will be allowed only against L/Cs and advance cash received through normal banking channels and following registrations of contracts with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). It has been decided that the next meeting of the Committee will be held on 8th January 2010 to review the situation.

It was informed to the Committee that the quantum of cotton yarn exports from Pakistan has declined to 59,000 tonnes in November compared to 73 thousand tonnes in October, easing prices for the local industry and providing official agencies a sufficient room to continue with a liberalized trade regime.

The ministerial committee discussed the availability of yarn for local buyers in the face of surging exports. Some quarters in the textile industry were pushing the government to ban yarn export, or at least tax it, after prices surged to an all time high level in late October.

But officials, both at textile and agriculture ministries, continued to maintain that any such move would deprive cotton grower of an opportunity to get a reasonable return by exposing to a exploitation by industrialists.

Official sources at the MINTAX told the meeting that that figures compiled by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) have suggested a ‘substantial’ decrease in exports during the month of November. Quoting from the TDAP’s report, the official informed that about 300 thousand tonnes of yarn has been sold to buyers outside Pakistan during the period of past five months between July and November.

Meeting was attended by Mr. Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture, Ms. Hina Rabani Khar, State Minister for Finance, Mr. Zafar Mahmood, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Mr. Abdul Ghaffar Soomro, Secretary, Industries & Production, Mr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehman, Secretary, Food & Agriculture, Mr. Muhammad Saleem Khan, Secretary, Investment, Rao Manzar Hayat, Secretary, Industries Government of Punjab, Dr. S.M. Younus, Member, Planning Commission, Mr. Munir Qureshi, Member Customs, Federal Board of Revenue, Mr. Ahmed Hussain, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Tahir Hussain, Commissioner, Faisalabad and Mr. Mohid Ullah Shah, CE, TDAP and officers of Ministry of Textile Industry participated in the meeting....LINK

133rd birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam

Lahore, Pakistan News :- The nation is celebrating the 133rd birth anniversary of the founding father of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, today with a pledge to make the country a true democratic and welfare state.

Jinnah, born in Karachi on December 25, 1876, spearheaded the South Asian Muslims’ movement for the creation of a separate homeland, which culminated on August 14, 1947, in the establishment of Pakistan.

The day will start with special prayers at major mosques for the solidarity and prosperity of the country and freedom of the Indian occupied Kashmir. Political, cultural and social organizations will hold meetings and seminars to highlight the life and services of the Quaid.

Declamation contests will be held at various educational institutions. Newspapers will bring out special supplements on Quaid-e-Azam Day while radio and television will air programmes on the life of the great leader. All commercial and business centres, government and private offices, will remain closed as Friday has been declared a public holiday.

Special programs will be arranged in all the cities, towns and villages of the country as well as in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. The national flag is to be hoisted at principal government buildings throughout the country. The Mausoleum of the Quaid-e-Azam in Karachi, Quaid-e-Azam Museum (Wazir Mansion, Karachi) and Flag Staff House (Shahrahe-e-Faisal, Karachi) will also be illuminated along with special exhibition of relics of Quaid-e-Azam.

In this connection, Pakistan National Council of the Arts is celebrating Quaid-e-Azam week. On the occasion, Radio Pakistan, PTV and private TV channels will broadcast and telecast programs highlighting the significance of the day as well as present programs on the life and achievements of The Great Quaid.

The newspapers will also publish special articles on the life, ideas and achievements of the Father of the Nation. Provincial governments and private organizations will also arrange charitable and other national activities to mark the day...LINK

Afzal Sindhu transferred to railways ministry

Afzal Sindhu had made public the list of NRO beneficiaries which also contained the name of Zardari.—File photo

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Law and Justice Mohammad Afzal Sindhu has been made Minister of State for Railways.

As Minister of State for Law, Mr Sindhu had made public the list of NRO beneficiaries which also contained the name of President Asif Ali Zardari.

He remained in the media limelight till the issue landed in the Supreme Court which nullified the ordinance on Dec 16.

Mr Sindhu, a veteran PPP leader who has the distinction of being a member of the party’s central executive committee during the days of late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, is among the most senior and respected persons in the party.

Although he announced the names of NRO beneficiaries on the directives of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, the list upset senior party leaders because it contained the name of Mr Zardari.

Recently the government merged the ministry of law into that of parliamentary affairs, headed by Dr Babar Awan with Mehreen Anwar Raja as minister of state.

A press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Secretariat on Wednesday said that Afzal Sindhu had been made Minister of State for Railways. The ministry is headed by Ghulam Ahmad Bilour of the ANP.

Despite repeated attempts, Mr Sindhu could not be contacted for his comments on the development.

APP adds: The federal government has appointed Justice (retd) Muhammad Aqil Mirza as Secretary Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

Law and Justice Division Secretary Justice (retd) Riaz Kayani has been made Secretary of the Human Rights Division in place of Muhammad Farid Khan who has been appointed chairman of the Pakistan Science Foundation, according to an official handout issued on Wednesday.

Parliamentary Affairs Secretary Hifzur Rehman has been transferred to the Tourism Division as its secretary. LINK
Tags: Afzal Sindhu,NRO,railways ministry

Suicide attack on Imambargah in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: A suicide bomber has struck an Imambargah in Rawalpindi, police sources said. The blast took place at the enterance to the Imambargah.

Initial reports suggest that at least two people have been killed in the attack. Three others were wounded including a policeman.

Security has been heightened across the country during the month of Muharram in wake of the recent upsurge in militant attacks. -DawnNews

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Tags: suicide bombing,rawalpindi,imambargah