Saturday, June 26, 2010

Rs.8b subsidy allocated for electricity: Hafeez


ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance Senator Abdul Hafeez Sheikh said Saturday the government has allocated additional subsidy of Rs. 8 billion in federal budget for fiscal year 2010-11 by not hiking power tariff, Geo news reported.

This he said talking to Geo news after attending post-budget seminar. A total of 216 development projects will see completion in current financial year, he revealed.

The completion of development projects keeps the key status now for the welfare of common men, he noted.

Federal Minister for Information Qamar Zaman Kaira told Geo news several issues concerning with NFC awards still stand unresolved, which will much likely be settled once the time of their implementation comes.

SAARC members pledge cooperation against terrorism

ISLAMABAD: The 3rd SAARC conference of Ministers for Interior/Home here on Saturday passed resolutions for regional cooperation against terrorism and smuggling while India stressed effective multilateral cooperation to tackle terrorism, declaring it ‘biggest challenge to the region’.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik presided over the SAARC moot which paid particular focus to steps for cooperation towards efforts aimed at crushing terrorism and eliminating smuggling of narcotics.

At the outset, Rehman Malik highlighted the aims and objectives of the conference and spelt out Pakistan’s policy the central point of which was to seek regional cooperation to address the current challenges.

Zardari, Musharraf were in harmony, says Nawaz

SIALKOT: Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) chief Mian Nawaz Sharif Saturday came out strongly against the government for shirking its responsibility to act upon the judiciary’s rulings, Geo News reported Saturday.

Addressing a public gathering here, he said the government is all intent on evading the verdicts of the judiciary, stressing upon it to fall in with the court orders.

‘If the government fails to do so, we will force it to capitulate to the judiciary.’

Friday, June 25, 2010

Michael Jackson's death triggers billion dollar bonanza


LOS ANGELES: Soaring music sales, a blockbuster movie and an array of commercial spin-offs: Michael Jackson's demise has lent weight to the wry showbusiness maxim that death is the ultimate career move.

In the final years of his life, Jackson's finances were widely reported to be in chaos, with the singer facing foreclosure on his famed Neverland Ranch and struggling with debts of roughly 500 million dollars

However in the 12 months since Jackson's death on June 25 last year, the King of Pop's empire has witnessed a money-spinning resurgence, generating revenues estimated at more than one billion dollars, according to one report.

Jackson murdered for money, claims sister LaToya

NEW YORK: Michael Jackson was murdered because he was worth “more dead than alive”, his sister has said.

In an interview, LaToya Jackson insisted: “He was murdered for his catalogue. They knew that, and they knew Michael was worth so much more dead than alive.”

Pak, India kids exchange handkerchiefs under Aman Ki Asha venture

WAGHA: The torch of XIX Commonwealth Games, Queen’s Baton Relay, has been handed over to host nation India in a glaring and sparkling ceremony at Wagha Border on early Friday.

A large number of Pakistan’s Olympians 12 Commonwealth gold medalists, government officials and members civil society were also present on the occasion at the memorable moment to convey a loving message in good will gesture and a message of peace under the joint venture of Indian media organization and Pakistan’s leading news giant ‘Jang Group’ named ‘Aman Ki Asha’.

Chidambaram asks Pak to prosecute Mumbai attacks perpetrators

NEW DELHI: Indian Home Minister P Chidambaram has asked Pakistan to prosecute Mumbai attacks perpetrators. Chidambaram will arrive in Islamabad today to attend SAARC interior ministers conference. He would likely meet Interior Minister Rehman Malik.According to Indian media reports, Chidambaram before departure to Pakistan said that Pakistan should take action against those involved in Mumbai attacks.

Police mistakenly shoot govt servant in Faisalabad

FAISALABAD: Policemen during patrolling mistakenly shot dead a government servant and only brother of five sisters in Faisalabad, Geo News reported Friday.

Police sources said Muhammad Amjad, resident of Digkot and an employee of post office was standing roadside when police petrol opened fire at him assuming him a dacoit. Amjad was died on the spot. Later, relatives of Amjad hold protest demonstration against the incident. Police have arrested the four policemen on petrol and registered case against them.

Poverty-hit mother poisons 4 kids in Lahore

LAHORE: A mother has killed her four children by feeding them poison including three daughters and later ate herself in Liaquata colony here on Friday morning, Geo news reported.

Munazza, wife of a constable police, had reportedly been fed up of their fragile financial conditions, which prompted her to feed four minor kids poison and eat herself too.

The kids have been declared dead by doctors while Munazza has been shifted to hospital in critical condition, hospital sources told Geo news.

The children were aged in between 3 to 9 years, witnesses told media.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Private data from Austria, Denmark, Ireland deleted: Google

Google has deleted private wireless data mistakenly collected by its "Street View" cars in Austria, Denmark and Ireland, the Internet giant said in a letter to US lawmakers.
Google, in the letter posted online Friday on the website of the Energy and Commerce Committee of the US House of Representatives, also reiterated that the data was never used in any Google product or service.
Google also repeated an apology for the gathering of personal information sent over unsecured wireless networks by the Street View cars used to create the panoramic pictures featured in Google Maps
The letter from Pablo Chavez, Google's director of public policy, was in response to questions posed by US Congressmen Henry Waxman, Joe Barton and Edward Markey to Google chief executive Eric Schmidt.
According to Google, Sreet View cars taking photographs of cities in more than 30 countries inadvertently gathered fragments of personal information, so-called payload data, sent over unsecured Wi-Fi systems.
In the letter, Chavez said that "at the request of authorities in Ireland, Denmark, and Austria, we deleted payload data identified as coming from those countries."

Sindh Budget allocates Rs30b to Police

The police specific grant, in Sindh Budget, has been increased to 29.60 billion rupees while decision has been taken to impose a tax on oil supplies, from Karachi to in side the country, SAMAA reported on Friday.

According to the budget documents received by SAMAA, it is suggested that the grant assigned to police for next fiscal year, should be mounted up to Rs 29.60 billion while for the purchase of weapons and other necessities along with CCTV cameras, Rs 1.7 billion, and for the improvement of prisons, Rs 200 million should be allocated.

The target, in Sindh Budget, for receiving tax on services has been set to RS 25 billion. The income through NFC award Rs 207.30 billion while income of oil and gas royalty is estimated to Rs 53.70 billion.

In other suggestions, of Sindh Budget, it is included that 2 percent tax on commercial property and 2.5 percent tax on other property shall be imposed. Further more Sindh provincial government has decided for next fiscal year to impose 0.8 percent infrastructure tax on all the oil supplies, through tankers and pipe lines, from Karachi to the interior of country.

The private companies will also be liable to pay this new tax but the oil supply for NATO will be exempted from it. Government is expecting to get Rs 4.5 billion from new tax while the ratio of stamp duty is also likely to change.

Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, who also holds the portfolio of finance department, is likely to present the Budget for fiscal year 2010-11 on Friday.

The total outlay for for the next fiscal year is Rs400 billion, in which Rs133 billions will be allocated to the Annual Development Program.

While the volume of non-developmental budget is likely to be Rs290 billion.

Karachi target killing claims 2 more lives

The target killing spree in Karachi continues with two more victims of firing incidents, SAMAA reported today.

In the latest continuation of Karachi target killings, firing of unidentified persons took life of 40 years old Mehmood-ul-Hassan in the area of Nazimabad no.3 while in Umar Colony of Ferozabad area, Sher Islam Afridi has been killed by the firing of unknown assailants. While giving details to SAMAA, SP Jamshed Town Amir Farooqi told that it is a matter of target killing.

According to details, the series of riots, agitations, blockage and burnings has continued in Buffer Zone, Shadman and North Karachi areas, while unknown persons started firing in Nazimabad, consequently shops of the area have been closed and extreme fear and harassment spread in the area.

Government’s end seer will fail: Kaira

Minister of Information Qamar-uz-zaman Kaira says he and Rehman Malik are Punjabi, term Punjabi Taliban is not an abuse and provincial government will decide about the start of operation in Southern Punjab, SAMAA reported on Friday.

At Lahore airport kaira, talking to journalists, further added that tiny issues do take place in collision government but it’s a normal custom and those who give dates about the collapse of government, will fail.

Drinking coffee may reduce risk of diabetes

The American Chemical Society ( ACS) presented new findings on Wednesday to prove that drinking coffee may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

The ACS said the study, conducted by researchers at Nagoya University in Japan, was based on animal tests.

The scientists fed either water or coffee to a group of laboratory mice commonly used to study diabetes. Coffee consumption prevented the development of high-blood sugar and also improved insulin sensitivity in the mice, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes.

Coffee also caused a cascade of other beneficial changes in the fatty liver and inflammatory adipocytokines related to a reduced diabetes risk.

Additional lab studies showed that caffeine may be "one of the most effective anti-diabetic compounds in coffee," according to the ACS.

Past studies have suggested that regular coffee drinking may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, little of that evidence comes from studies on lab animals used to do research that cannot be done in humans.

Type 2 diabetes affects millions in the United States and is on the rise worldwide.

Kid fell from swing in Islamabad dies

A child died while another five sustained injuries after having fallen down from a swing situated in Rawal Lake View Park in Islamabad on Friday, Geo news reported.

The accident took place due to breakage of swing; meanwhile, the Park Director and Manager have been suspended while the contractor has been rounded up, sources told Geo news.

The accident took place at 20:00 hours in Rawal Lake View Park on Friday. The deceased kid named Absar Younis was aged 10 years and was hailing from Wah Factory who was on picnic along his family.

The park was immediately vacated and all lights were turned off

Karachi tense, as 3 dead in firing incidents


Various Karachi areas are tense as at least three people were killed in the firing incidents continued overnight, Geo News reported Saturday.

The firing that started yesterday evening, triggered panic, resulting in the closure of all the commercial areas in the affected areas, and the people woke through the night.

Govt has no choice but to write for reopening Swiss cases: Qazi

President SCBA Qazi Anwar has warned the establishment from being aggressive with the judiciary and said we would not allow this being done.

The government has no other choice but to write letter to Swiss authorities for reopening cases against President Asif Ali Zardari involving $ 60 million parked in foreign banks.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

No indiscipline in team camp: Waqar

National cricket team coach Waqar Younus claims that no indiscipline existed in the cricket team camp, SAMAA reported today.

Waqar Younus, talking to journalists in Lahore, said that they gave special heed to the improvement of players fielding for Asia Cup and selected only those bowlers who are completely fit, so we expect an excellent performance from the players.

At the same eve captain Shahid Afridi said that to give rest to Saeed Ajmal, we can give chance to Abdul Rehman, “My advice has been taken for the selection of team, players have done hard labor which will bring good results” Afridi added.

‘Operation in N.Waziristan govt’s next priority’

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said here on Wednesday that operation in North Waziristan is government’s next priority.

While addressing to the European security summit in Istanbul, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that Pakistan is following the strategy of unanimity to curb terrorism from the country.

Talking about Pak-India relation, FM Qureshi said that Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna will visit Pakistan till July 15, 2010 to discuss bilateral relations of both countries.

Himesh Khan handed over to NAB

The Accountability Court of Lahore has handed over here on Wednesday, main accused of Punjab Bank scandal case Himesh Khan to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on 14 days physical remand.

Accountability Court has ordered to present the suspect again on June 2, 2010.

Barrister Mehmood lawyer of Himesh Khan, told the court that Supreme Court had allowed Himesh Khan to meet lawyers instead of that, first officials used to sit with him and now NAB official keeps the photocopies of lawyers’ notes with them. This is the violation of court orders.

NATO tankers attacked in Islamabad, 8 dead

Unknown assailants stormed trucks ferrying supplies to NATO and US forces in Afghanistan on late Tuesday night, killing at least eight people and destroying dozens of vehicle.

The incident took place near Sang Jani area in Islamabad on late Tuesday night when armed militants attacked the NATO tankers and set them on fire.

Police told SAMAA that some 20 terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on the convoy of over 100 tankers and set them on fire. As a result of the fire, eight people were killed and several wounded.

Following the incident, police reached the scene and launched search operation by cordoning off the area.

Fire tenders and Rescue 1122 vehicles were immediately called in to extinguish the fire, which was later brought under control.

According to reports reaching here, police have arrested some suspected persons during a search operation launched immediately after the attack on NATO tankers.

Meanwhile, taking notice of the attack, Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik ordered commandoes and police force to reach the scene.

Babar Awan grabbed 45 million

Haris Afzal, son of the main character of Haris Steel case,Sheikh Afzal, has alleged Babar Awan of grabbing Rs 45 million from them, to arrange settlement with the judges on case, SAMAA reported on Thursday.

During a press conference arranged at Lahore Press Club, Haris Afzal along with her mother Fariha Afzal and manager Aamir Islam further alleged that NAB investigation officers asked for Rs 250 million for the plea bargain settlement. He also disclosed that they have paid Rs 15 million to Aitzaz Ahsan, as prosecution fee, for our case.

Talking at the same eve Fariha Afzal, wife of Sheikh Afzal, said that his husband is suffering from various kind of illness including Hepatitus, but he has been kept in the dark room. She demanded that his husband should be given A or B class in the prison.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Apple unveils iPhone with video chat

Apple has unveiled a next-generation iPhone that features video chat, can shoot and edit high-definition quality video and has a crisper resolution screen.
"We are going to take the biggest leap since the original iPhone," Apple chief executive Steve Jobs said as he showed off the "iPhone 4" at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference here.
The iPhone 4 will go on sale on June 24 in Britain, France, Germany, Japan and the United States and will cost 199 dollars for the 16 gigabyte model and 299 dollars for the 32GB version.
The touchscreen smartphone, which comes in black and white versions, will be available in 18 other countries in July and 24 more in August.
The iPhone 4 includes more than 100 new features including a front-facing video camera to allow for video-conferencing between iPhones, a better still camera, an improved battery and a screen with significantly higher resolution.

18th Amendment hearing today

A 17-member larger bench of the Supreme Court hearing of the petitions challenging various clauses of the 18th constitutional amendment resuming today (Tuesday), SAMAA reported.

“The ministers in Pakistan are angels and check and balance is just for judges,” said Justice Ramday in his remarks. When the hearing started under the chairman ship of Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Senior Lawyer Hamid Khan in his arguments said that during the making of 1973 constitution, consultation of Chief justice was included in appointing judges. In America Senate have the rights to appoint judges as Presidential system prevails there.

Utility stores increase prices by 25pc

Utility Stores Corporation has increased the prices of essential items by 5 to 25 percent, sources said on Tuesday.

Utility stores have increased the prices of 150 essential items including edibles after government has announced the budget for next fiscal year.

According to sources this raise in prices is due to increase in tax and sales tax from packing and manufacturing companies imposed on essential items.

The new prices have been immediately implemented in utility stores.

Load shedding temporarily ended: PEPCO

Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) announced that the ongoing power load shedding in the country for domestic consumers has been terminated, as the demand and supply of electricity equaled, reported SAMAA today (Tuesday).

According to Pepco spokesman, due to torrential rains in Province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit -Baltistan and Punjab, demand of electricity have lessen to 12, 717 MW , thus difference between demand and supply of electricity ended. Due to zero shortfalls PEPCO had exempted the domestic consumers from load shedding.

Aitzaz, PG NAB accused of bribe


Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) sent a letter of accusation, for taking money from Malik Sheikh Afzal in Haris Steel Mill case, against Aitzaz Ahsan and Prosecutor General NAB Irfan Qadir to Legal Action Committee, SAMAA reported today.

According to details the meeting of PBC executive committee, headed by Chairman Nasrullah Warraich, was held in Islamabad today. According to Nasrullah warraich, the meeting considered an application submitted by Hashmatullah Habib advocate.

Gold price jumped to record height

Gold price in local market jumped to a record height, and after increase of Rs950, it reached to a record high price of Rs39,500 per tola, SAMAA reported Tuesday.

The price of gold in world market is increased to US dollars 1,252 per ounce, and after rise in international market, gold price in local market jumped up to the record high price of Rs39,500, showing an instant increase of Rs950 per tola.

The price of 10 grams gold, after an addition of Rs800, is increased to Rs33,857.

Musharaf led APML starts political voyage

Pervez Musharaf led All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) has started its political endeavor and claimed of joining it, by many workers of other political parties, SAMAA reported today.

According to details, barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, along with Major General (Retired) Rashid Qureshi, two close confidants of Pervez Musharaf, during a press conference, held in Karachi Press Club, declared that their party has started its political activities.

Remote control in brain for cholesterol regulation

U.S. researchers have found that circulation of cholesterol is regulated in the brain by the hunger-signaling hormone ghrelin, according to a study appearing online in Nature Neuroscience.

This finding points to a new potential target for the pharmacologic control of cholesterol levels, said researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC).

MQM to protest against power tariff hike: Ghauri

Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Khan Ghauri Monday announced that Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) will protest against the rise in power tariff.

Talking to newsmen after addressing a press conference, Babar Ghauri said MQM parliamentarians will have their protest registered.

Sania to play two more years

The spouse of Pakistani Test cricketer Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza has said she will quit tennis within two years, Geo news reported.

She said, “I want to concentrate on my married life and it is not any an easy job to stay away from husband soon after marriage”. “I will quit in two years”, she announced.

She said this while talking to media following her victory in very first encounter after wedding.

Sania defeated Taiwan’s Yung Jan by 6-1 and 6-4 in a match of WTA tournament here in Birmingham.

“I don’t want to disturb my personal life due to tennis”, she added.

Normalcy still to be restored in Gwadar

Communication network in the Gwadar city was still not restored that was damaged by heavy rains and situation was still out of control, Geo News reported.

A C-130 plane of Pakistan Air Force arrived today with relief goods. Damaged roads hampered distribution of relief items.

The tropical cyclone Phet played havoc in the Gwadar district on Saturday as over 40 villages were inundated in rainwater. Heavy rains and strong winds resulted in the death of a woman and 30 persons received injuries.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Phet enters India; sea turns to normal

The panic-triggering tropical cyclone Phet that kept Karachiites worried for over past couple of days, moved past Sindh’s coastline and fizzled out by turning into less-pressure winds, Geo News reported Monday.

Petrol reaches Rs.100/liter as Gwadar hit by food shortage

After cyclone and torrential rains, Gwadar is facing shortage of food items whereas petrol price has reached to Rs.100 per liter.

The land route between Gwadar, Jevani, Pasni, Pushkan and more than 50 other villages has been cut off and corps have been destroyed due to dams burst in adjoining areas of Gwadar. District administration provided tents to affectees shifted in the relief camps. The rain and cyclone affected areas facing shortage of foodstuff where as prices of petrol and LPG have reached to Rs.100 and Rs. 80 per liter and kg respectively.

Implementing SC orders no issue: PM

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Supreme Court decisions will be implemented in words and spirit and there is no issue of implementing them, SAMAA reported Monday.

Addressing a news conference with Balochistan Governor Zulfiqar Magsee in Quetta, PM Gilani said that problems of Balochistan province will be solved and the provincial government has been instructed to provide final list of missing persons.

Indian PM admits killing innocent Kashmiris

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh admits loss of innocent kashmiris’ lives and presented talks proposal to anti terrorism groups, during an address in Srinagar on Monday.

Singh, during his address in Srinagar, said that Indo-Pak dialogue can only be meaningful if Islamabad prevents the usage of its land for terrorism.

Notification to close CNG pumps reversed

All Pakistan CNG Association claims that Sui Northern Gas Company (SNGCL) has reversed the notification about closing CNG stations for five days.

SAMAA reported on Monday that chairman All Pakistan CNG Association, Ghayas Abdullah Paracha has said that CNG stations in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa will remain close on Tuesday and Friday.

He further added that Sui Northern Gas Company has reversed the notification about the closure of CNG stations for five days. The SNGCL has taken this decision after discussions with the CNG Association.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Federal budget 2010-11

The next budget (2010-11) will unveil tough taxation measures, including hiking the standard rate of the GST by one per cent to 17 per cent from the existing 16 per cent, abolishing sales tax and income exemptions and increasing excise duty on cigarettes, air conditioners, refrigerators and other items.

PCB removes fine on captain

Pakistan Cricket Board on Thursday withdrew the Rs three million fine it had slapped on captain Shahid Afridi for the ball-biting episode in Perth while the Akmal brothers — Kamran and Umar — got their penalties halved.

Sarkozy involved in arms deal scandal with Pakistan


French President Sarkozy was caught up in a long-simmering kickbacks scandal yesterday when police in Luxembourg named him as the creator of a company that handled tens of millions of pounds in illegal funds.

Kaneria appeals against County ban

Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria lodged an appeal before an English Cricket Board (ECB) against the decision to suspend his registration from County Championship.Kaneria is representing Essex in English County Championship. ECB had suspended Kaneria over match-fixing charges. However, Kaneria has once again denied the charges and field an appeal against the decision.

The spokesman of ECB has confirmed that ECB has received Kaneria’s appeal.

Quakes jolt upper parts of country

Earthquakes measuring 5.3 in magnitude struck upper parts of the country including Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar around 05:10 pm.

The temblors were centered at Hindu Kush range. No reports of damage have been received.

Pak economy affected by terrorism: PM

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday said that Pakistan’s economy has been affected by terrorism, adding that, “Opening of Pakistani products in European markets is an important need of time.”

While meeting with European Union’s President Jerzy Buzek and leaders of Parliamentary Committees, PM Gilani said that better access of Pakistani products to European markets is a prime need of this moment.

State Minister for Information Samsam Bukhari said that PM Gilani stressed the need to finalize the free trade agreement between Pakistan and the European Union.

PM Gilani urged the European Union to play its role to initiate development programs in war affected areas of Pakistan.

Ajmal Kasab challenges death sentence in HC

Convicted Ajmal Kasab has challenge his death sentence in High Court, here todat (Friday) learnt SAMAA.

Arthur Road jail authorities confirmed an appeal letter by Kasab along with a copy of the judgment running into over 1,500 pages was forwarded to the high court. The jail petition sent by Kasab has also requested that a lawyer from the legal aid panel be appointed to represent him in the high court.

The High Court Legal Services Committee (HCLSC) has received Kasab’s application which is likely to be placed before Acting Chief Justice JN Patel, who is the patron in chief of Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA), and senior judge Justice Ranjana Desai, chairperson of the HCLSC.

Rescue activities suspend in Hunza

HUNZA: Rescue activities have suspended in Hunza due to bad weather here on Friday.

The water outflow from Ataabad Lake spillway is more than 4,100 cusecs. Due to high water level the Karakoram Highway between Gilgit and Hunza has been closed for indefinite period.

Light rain spell continues in Hunza since last night. Due to cloudy weather, army helicopters could not take relief good to affectees of Gilmit and Shishkit.

Authorities tried to start helicopter service from Gilgit to Hunza last day but it had to be suspended due to bad weather.

On the other hand, the water inflow in Ataabad Lake reached to 5,000 cusecs whereas the outflow is 4,100.

The water flow under the Ginesh bridge is 48,00 cusecs, however there is no immediate danger threat.

Transport fares rise despite oil price cut

The government has raised the public transport fares despite reduction in natural gas tariff approved by the Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), SAMAA reported here today (Friday).

Arshad Bukhari, President of Bus Owners Association had informed SAMAA that travelers in Karachi have to pay more than one rupee for 1-5 km, as per the permission of government. The minimum fare of buses will be 11Rs whereas maximum 14 Rs. Fares of mini buses too have been raised. The minimum fares of mini buses are Rs 12 and maximum Rs 15. Increment in fares is unfair, public says.

‘Pakistanis are united against terrorism’

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Friday that Pakistani people are united against terrorism.

While addressing to the joint press conference with Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, PM Gilani said that the situation of instability in adjacent areas of Pakistan will bring negative impacts on the development of these areas. Pakistan is playing a vital role in maintaining world peace.

Pakistan not to compromise on water issues with India

Foreign Office Thursday said Pakistan will not compromise on water issues in the upcoming dialogue with India.

Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit in his weekly press briefing while replying to a question about US-India Strategic dialogue and its possible repercussions on Pakistan, said the United States has taken Pakistan into confidence on Indo-US Strategic dialogue.

The spokesman said Pakistan hoped the US-India relations would be a factor of stability in South Asia.

Replying to a question about India's role in Afghanistan, the spokesman said Pakistan has always maintained that relations between the two countries should not be at the cost of Pakistan's security and stability.

Israel-freed three Pakistanis accorded warm welcome

Three Pakistanis including two senior journalists after being freed from Israel’s detention have arrived home back late on Thursday night, Geo news reported.

Released journalists Talat Hussain and Raza Mehmood Agha were accorded warm welcome at Benazir International airport.

Federal Home Minister Rehman Malik, the relatives of journalists, representatives from civil society and journalists from twin cities – Islamabad and Rawalpindi, sprinkled rose petals on them.

Talking to media at airport, released journalist Talat Hussain said Israeli attack on Freedom Aid Flotilla has unveiled the evil designs of international big giants of democracy.

Israel has once again torn apart ethical values by killing innocent people through launching air raids but big powers were criminally silent, he said.

He vowed to revisit Gaza or Israel for feeding journalistic responsibilities.

Landslide kills 8; leaves 10 wounded in Skardu


At least eight people were killed and another ten were injured on occurrence of landslide in Kharming subdivision located in Skardu on Thursday night, Geo news reported.

According to sources, the injured people were rescued and are being admitted to hospital near Kharming.

The landslide also smashed 8 houses as reported by local people.

Rescue teams jointly led by Deputy Commissioner Skardu Mohammed Ali and Assistant Commissioner Mohammedi have arrived on the incident site and have kicked off rescue efforts.

Gwadar receives rainfall as cyclone Phet maintain intensity

Despite hitting the coast of the Gulf state of Oman, tropical cyclone Phet maintain its intensity as coastal areas of Gwadar received downpour with gutsy winds ahead of cyclone on Friday, which said to be re-curved to the coastal belt of Sindh and Balochistan.

Director General Metrological department Dr.Qamaruzzaman Chaudhry told Geo News that cyclone will re-curved to Pakistan.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Friday declared sensitive in Lahore

Lahore Police have declared Friday very sensitive and put the force on high alert today. SSP Operations Lahore, Chaudhry Shafiq ordered snap checking and search operation in the city.

In a letter to IG Punjab Tariq Salim Dogar SSP operations demanded 500 bulletproof jackets and latest weaponry to cope with the situation.

We have declared Friday sensitive because most of the attacks occurred on that day, police official said.

Gilani for bringing NRO architect to book

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani was critical of those who were against the National Reconciliation Ordinance and said no one questioned the creators of the NRO.

He rejected the "campaign" against democracy and said the system was here to stay and get stronger and all such conspiracies would be foiled.

Addressing a large Pakistani community here at a local hotel where he was staying, Gilani said the people of Pakistan have always supported democracy and will continue to do so as they believe that it was the only thing that could provide them relief in the long term.

Pak Journalist, Talat Hussain arriving today

Pakistani journalist Talat Hussain, along with other two natives arriving back to Pakistan today (Thursday) following their release by the Israeli authorities, reported SAMAA.

All the three Pakistanis were deported to Jordan yesterday. Foreign office spokesman Abdul Basit told in a statement that arrangements for the safe arrival of Talat Hussain, Raza Mehmood and Nadeem Ahmad Khan have been made.



While talking to SAMAA via satellite phone from Jordan, Mr, Talat said that up till now whatever has been shown on western media regarding Israel brutality is just a ten percent of it, he said he will tell all the detailed ground realities after his arrival.

Malik spreads parochialism: CM Punjab

Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharief said that Interior Minister Rehman Malik is seeking to spread provincial parochialism by calling terrorists as Punjabi Taliban, SAMAA reported Thursday.

While talking to media at the residence of police man killed in the terrorist attack on Jinnah hospital of the city, Shahbaz Sharief announced to give Rs3 million to the widow of the martyred police man and Rs200000 to every child of the police man and said to bear educational and medical expenses of the children of the policeman.

Chief Minister Punjab said that Rehman Malik conspired to spread provincialism by tagging terrorists in the province as Punjabi Taliban. Minister of Ports and Shipping Nabil Gabol said that vote bank of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) is in the Punjab only. While talking to SAMAA he said for the law and order of the Punjab Shahbaz Sharief is responsible.He said statement of Shahbaz Sharief against Rehman Malik is a conspiracy against federation.

Pak nuke arsenal bigger than India

After racing ahead of India in ballistic and cruise missiles Pakistan seems to be surging ahead on the nuclear front too according to the recent statistics of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), learnt SAMAA today (Thursday).

A series of recent estimates by international nuclear watchdogs and reputed think tanks hold that Pakistan has a total of 70 to 90 warheads compared to India's 60 to 80.

It is said in report that even as global fears about the possibility of jihadis gaining access to Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, Pakistan’s enriched uranium or technical know-how continue.

SIPRI estimates there are a whopping 22,600 active, inactive and stored nuclear warheads around the globe, out of which Russia has more than 12,000 warheads, US has 9,600, France comes third with 300, followed by UK with 225 and Israel has an arsenal of 80 warheads.