Saturday, November 28, 2009
By Riaz Khan Daudzai
PESHAWAR: The traders of the NWFP in general and those of the provincial metropolis in particular have paid the highest price on Eid for the ongoing militancy, price-hike and scare in the wake of terror acts that rocked the city and scattered places elsewhere in the province in succession over the last two months.
During a survey just a day ahead of Eidul Azha, it was found that the overall business activities fell by 70 per cent while the fashion houses, both in the downtown city and cantonment and those at the posh University Road, Tehkal, Abdarra Road, lost their 80 per cent business to the militancy that scared off shoppers as security threats continued to grip every bazaar of the provincial capital for last three months.
Four powerful blasts shattered the major business centres of the provincial metropolis, including Khyber Bazaar, Chiri Koban Meena Bazaar, Khyber Bazaar and cantonment, during the last two months that inflicted around Rs1 billion losses on the traders and common people.
Major fashion houses continued to pass through the lean period of their business history as the major outlets like Imperial, Wadoosd’s Sons, Day to Day, Shah Posh, Joly, R-Sheen and Surkhab (just to mention a few) faced a 30 per cent slump, while the fashion houses like Novelty Store, which were once hot spots for fashion enthusiasts, remained closed on Friday, just a day before Eid.
Malik Mehar Ilahi, general secretary of the Action Committee of Tajiran, a conglomerate of six trade bodies formed after the militancy hit the business centres, also blamed the government partially for the poor business activities.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Dr Shahid to stand his ground come what may
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
News Desk
RAWALPINDI: Renowned anchorperson Dr Shahid Masood on Monday revealed that he had been facing a ‘campaign of incentives and abuses’ from the most important personalities of the country for quite some time. But recently he was conveyed death threat in obvious words.
Talking in Geo TV programme ‘Meray Mutabiq’, he said he had conveyed the names of these important personalities to the Geo network and Jang Group management and owners. He said the people must have understood who are the personalities, as he did not want to discuss their names at present. However, he said he had told his organisation to let the people know these names if something happened to him.
Dr Shahid said he was advised by his friends and well-wishers several times to be diplomatic while commenting on different incidents of huge importance. He recalled that Pervez Musharraf had closed down his and Hamid Mir’s programmes and later shut down Geo TV.
Similar tactics are being used by the democratic government, he said, adding that he does not know what pressure is being endured by the Jang Group and his other colleagues in performance of their duties. He said he does not know what decision Geo TV and Jang Group management would take after such an intense pressure. He said it was being alleged that only one media group was hatching conspiracies at the behest of undemocratic powers.
“Sometimes it is alleged that it is working on American agenda and receiving billions of rupees to destabilise the country. Sometimes it is blamed as pro-Taliban.”
He said similar allegations were levelled during the last days of Pervez Musharraf when ‘we talked about an independent judiciary’. “After his ouster, Musharraf himself admitted that his biggest mistake was to remove Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. What was wrong in what we had said?” he asked.
He said: “Neither we have written or said anything about Musharraf’s personal life nor we are writing or saying anything about Zardari’s personal life though it is people’s right to know everything about their leaders.”
He said: “We are just reminding the people that Rs165 billion of their money has been looted whereas you are forced to stand in queues to buy flour and sugar, despite being subjected to terrorism.”
He said he was missing Benazir Bhutto and wondered that what would have been her reaction had she been alive. She left this world with the promise to hoist the national flag on the residence of Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry. “Had she been alive, today’s rulers would not have been in their current positions.”
Expressing his sorrow and shock over the closure of ‘Meray Mutabiq’, senior analyst Shaheen Sehbai said this undemocratic act in a democratic government had reminded of the regime of Pervez Musharraf. He said nobody could strengthen his rule by threatening and harassing journalists and anchorpersons, rather the rulers who do so lose the power soon. This is very dangerous for the country, he said, wondering as to what type of these popular and elected public representatives are if a journalist could shake them.
Supporting Dr Shahid Masood’s viewpoint, Sehbai said Pakistani laws are not applicable in Switzerland and if the cases against the president are opened in Swiss and Spanish courts after the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) lapses, those courts could penalise the PPP co-chairman and could also get red warrant issued by the Interpol.
Talking to Dr Shahid Masood, senior journalist Ansar Abbasi said the media plays the role of ears and eyes if the government sees it in its true perspective. He said if the media people talk of corruption, they are in fact helping the government. He said ridiculous things that take place in Pakistan do not occur in the world.
He said the Agosta Submarines issue has not been revived by the Pakistani media but was highlighted abroad. He said is it a matter of pride for Pakistan whatever appeared in the French media. He said there could be no indemnity abroad and according to a legal expert the Swiss court was proceeding with the cases.
News Desk
RAWALPINDI: Renowned anchorperson Dr Shahid Masood on Monday revealed that he had been facing a ‘campaign of incentives and abuses’ from the most important personalities of the country for quite some time. But recently he was conveyed death threat in obvious words.
Talking in Geo TV programme ‘Meray Mutabiq’, he said he had conveyed the names of these important personalities to the Geo network and Jang Group management and owners. He said the people must have understood who are the personalities, as he did not want to discuss their names at present. However, he said he had told his organisation to let the people know these names if something happened to him.
Dr Shahid said he was advised by his friends and well-wishers several times to be diplomatic while commenting on different incidents of huge importance. He recalled that Pervez Musharraf had closed down his and Hamid Mir’s programmes and later shut down Geo TV.
Similar tactics are being used by the democratic government, he said, adding that he does not know what pressure is being endured by the Jang Group and his other colleagues in performance of their duties. He said he does not know what decision Geo TV and Jang Group management would take after such an intense pressure. He said it was being alleged that only one media group was hatching conspiracies at the behest of undemocratic powers.
“Sometimes it is alleged that it is working on American agenda and receiving billions of rupees to destabilise the country. Sometimes it is blamed as pro-Taliban.”
He said similar allegations were levelled during the last days of Pervez Musharraf when ‘we talked about an independent judiciary’. “After his ouster, Musharraf himself admitted that his biggest mistake was to remove Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. What was wrong in what we had said?” he asked.
He said: “Neither we have written or said anything about Musharraf’s personal life nor we are writing or saying anything about Zardari’s personal life though it is people’s right to know everything about their leaders.”
He said: “We are just reminding the people that Rs165 billion of their money has been looted whereas you are forced to stand in queues to buy flour and sugar, despite being subjected to terrorism.”
He said he was missing Benazir Bhutto and wondered that what would have been her reaction had she been alive. She left this world with the promise to hoist the national flag on the residence of Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry. “Had she been alive, today’s rulers would not have been in their current positions.”
Expressing his sorrow and shock over the closure of ‘Meray Mutabiq’, senior analyst Shaheen Sehbai said this undemocratic act in a democratic government had reminded of the regime of Pervez Musharraf. He said nobody could strengthen his rule by threatening and harassing journalists and anchorpersons, rather the rulers who do so lose the power soon. This is very dangerous for the country, he said, wondering as to what type of these popular and elected public representatives are if a journalist could shake them.
Supporting Dr Shahid Masood’s viewpoint, Sehbai said Pakistani laws are not applicable in Switzerland and if the cases against the president are opened in Swiss and Spanish courts after the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) lapses, those courts could penalise the PPP co-chairman and could also get red warrant issued by the Interpol.
Talking to Dr Shahid Masood, senior journalist Ansar Abbasi said the media plays the role of ears and eyes if the government sees it in its true perspective. He said if the media people talk of corruption, they are in fact helping the government. He said ridiculous things that take place in Pakistan do not occur in the world.
He said the Agosta Submarines issue has not been revived by the Pakistani media but was highlighted abroad. He said is it a matter of pride for Pakistan whatever appeared in the French media. He said there could be no indemnity abroad and according to a legal expert the Swiss court was proceeding with the cases.
Zardari, Gilani discuss constitutional package
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday night held another meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari, focusing on bringing the constitutional package in parliament after presenting the Balochistan package. It was their second meeting in as many days.
Political sources said the government’s focus has now shifted to presenting the constitutional package by the end of the current year so that it could be passed early next year. The idea is that issues relating to the repeal of the 17th Amendment and 58-2(b) should be settled before the president addresses the joint session of parliament.
The presidential sources described the meeting as routine, saying such consultations were common.
The president congratulated the prime minister over the announcement of the ‘Aghaz-e-Haqooqe Balochistan’ package in the joint sitting of parliament. He hoped that the package would be instrumental in winning the hearts and minds of the people of the province.
He advised the government that an effective monitoring mechanism should be put in place to check the implementation of the package.
By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday night held another meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari, focusing on bringing the constitutional package in parliament after presenting the Balochistan package. It was their second meeting in as many days.
Political sources said the government’s focus has now shifted to presenting the constitutional package by the end of the current year so that it could be passed early next year. The idea is that issues relating to the repeal of the 17th Amendment and 58-2(b) should be settled before the president addresses the joint session of parliament.
The presidential sources described the meeting as routine, saying such consultations were common.
The president congratulated the prime minister over the announcement of the ‘Aghaz-e-Haqooqe Balochistan’ package in the joint sitting of parliament. He hoped that the package would be instrumental in winning the hearts and minds of the people of the province.
He advised the government that an effective monitoring mechanism should be put in place to check the implementation of the package.
Nation not to be robbed of its rights thr’ farce: Zardari
KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari said that none can rob people of their rights just by farcing, Geo News reported Wednesday.
Addressing a large public gathering on the Foundation Day of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) here, he said a public leader comes into existence only by having recourse to his people, adding he does not fear any conspiracy and every plot would be braced.
In emotionally charged speech the President said said, ‘Our existence is contingent upon the existence of Pakistan, as we are nothing if there is no Pakistan; we want a new Pakistan for the new generation.’
‘This is the day of Shaheed Zulfiqar Bhutto,’ Zardari said adding Parliament and the opposition do not want to derail the democracy.
‘We would not flinch back from even going to gallows by following the footsteps of Bhutto,’ Zardari said adding the slogans of ‘Jiey Bhutto’ are being raised from Gilgit-Baltistan.
President Zardari said, ‘We want the strength for Mian Nawaz Sharif and his party and those fond of politics, should wait for next elections.’
"Even after the martyrdom of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, I still assert 'Pakistan Khapay'," he added.
Addressing a large public gathering on the Foundation Day of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) here, he said a public leader comes into existence only by having recourse to his people, adding he does not fear any conspiracy and every plot would be braced.
In emotionally charged speech the President said said, ‘Our existence is contingent upon the existence of Pakistan, as we are nothing if there is no Pakistan; we want a new Pakistan for the new generation.’
‘This is the day of Shaheed Zulfiqar Bhutto,’ Zardari said adding Parliament and the opposition do not want to derail the democracy.
‘We would not flinch back from even going to gallows by following the footsteps of Bhutto,’ Zardari said adding the slogans of ‘Jiey Bhutto’ are being raised from Gilgit-Baltistan.
President Zardari said, ‘We want the strength for Mian Nawaz Sharif and his party and those fond of politics, should wait for next elections.’
"Even after the martyrdom of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, I still assert 'Pakistan Khapay'," he added.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Regrets, but no apology from Brown over e-mails sent by Damian McBride
Gordon Brown bowed to pressure and expressed his “great regret” last night over a smear campaign planned by his former head of strategy and planning in No 10.
The personal letters from the Prime Minister to David Cameron and other senior Conservatives slurred by Damian McBride stopped short of a full apology.
In trying to contain the fallout from the allegations contained in Mr McBride’s e-mails, the Prime Minister insisted that no other adviser or minister had been involved.
Mr Brown also wrote to Sir Gus O’Donnell, the head of the Civil Service, strengthening the rules for political aides.
The Tories are pressing for an official investigation into the creation of a website, Red Rag, intended to serve as a Labour “attack blog”.
Mr McBride resigned at the weekend after it was revealed that he had sent Derek Draper, the former spin doctor, items for publication on the website, including a series of unfounded allegations against senior Conservatives and their spouses.
Yesterday morning Alan Johnson, the Health Secretary, toured broadcasting studios saying that Mr McBride’s unfounded allegations were “disgusting” and had shamed Labour. He said that it was unfair to expect the Prime Minister to apologise for something about which he had no knowledge, but that Mr Brown would want to learn lessons “about his private office and about how things are done in Downing Street” after the incident.
By the afternoon Mr Brown had released a carefully worded letter to Sir Gus. He said that the e-mails were “a matter of great regret” and that “all of us in public life have a responsibility to ensure that those we employ and who are involved in our parties observe the highest standards”.
He wrote: “Mr McBride has apologised and done so unreservedly. But it is also important to make sure such behaviour does not happen again. Any activity such as this that affects the reputation of our politics is a matter of great regret to me and I am ready to take whatever action is necessary to improve our political system.”
A revised code of conduct for special advisers should in future include “a more explicit assurance . . . that not only are the highest standards expected of political advisers but that the preparation or dissemination of inappropriate material or personal attacks have no part to play in the job of being a special adviser.”
He added: “I have also written personally to all those who were subject to these unsubstantiated claims.”
Source: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6088015.ece
The personal letters from the Prime Minister to David Cameron and other senior Conservatives slurred by Damian McBride stopped short of a full apology.
In trying to contain the fallout from the allegations contained in Mr McBride’s e-mails, the Prime Minister insisted that no other adviser or minister had been involved.
Mr Brown also wrote to Sir Gus O’Donnell, the head of the Civil Service, strengthening the rules for political aides.
The Tories are pressing for an official investigation into the creation of a website, Red Rag, intended to serve as a Labour “attack blog”.
Mr McBride resigned at the weekend after it was revealed that he had sent Derek Draper, the former spin doctor, items for publication on the website, including a series of unfounded allegations against senior Conservatives and their spouses.
Yesterday morning Alan Johnson, the Health Secretary, toured broadcasting studios saying that Mr McBride’s unfounded allegations were “disgusting” and had shamed Labour. He said that it was unfair to expect the Prime Minister to apologise for something about which he had no knowledge, but that Mr Brown would want to learn lessons “about his private office and about how things are done in Downing Street” after the incident.
By the afternoon Mr Brown had released a carefully worded letter to Sir Gus. He said that the e-mails were “a matter of great regret” and that “all of us in public life have a responsibility to ensure that those we employ and who are involved in our parties observe the highest standards”.
He wrote: “Mr McBride has apologised and done so unreservedly. But it is also important to make sure such behaviour does not happen again. Any activity such as this that affects the reputation of our politics is a matter of great regret to me and I am ready to take whatever action is necessary to improve our political system.”
A revised code of conduct for special advisers should in future include “a more explicit assurance . . . that not only are the highest standards expected of political advisers but that the preparation or dissemination of inappropriate material or personal attacks have no part to play in the job of being a special adviser.”
He added: “I have also written personally to all those who were subject to these unsubstantiated claims.”
Source: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6088015.ece
North Korea threatens to restore nuclear faciliites
North Korea threatened to reopen a nuclear power plant, process more plutonium for nuclear weapons and withdraw permanently from international disarmament negotiations today, after the UN Security Council condemned its firing of a long-range rocket earlier this month.
The furious reaction came a few hours after the Security Council issued a statement, unanimously agreed by its 15 members. Despite falling short of a formal resolution, which was blocked by North Korea’s former communist allies, Russia and China, the “presidential statement” denounces the rocket launch and calls for a blacklist of North Korean companies, as agreed in a resolution three years ago.
A statement from the country’s Foreign Ministry carried on the state-run Korean Central News Agency, “resolutely condemns” the UN move. “The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea will strengthen its nuclear deterrent for its defence by all means,” the statement said.
“We have no choice but to further strengthen our nuclear deterrent to cope with additional military threats by hostile forces. We will take steps to restore disabled nuclear facilities... and reprocess used fuel rods that came from experimental nuclear reactors.”
Since last summer, North Korea has suspended activity at its Yongbyon nuclear power plant, where in the past it has extracted plutonium from spent fuel rods believed to have gone into the manufacture of about half a dozen nuclear warheads.
That breakthrough came after protracted discussions at the Six Party Talks, which brought together the US, China, Japan, Russia and South Korea in an effort to persuade Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear programme. In today’s statement the North insisted that those talks were over.
“There is no need for the Six-Party Talks any more,” it said. “We will never again take part in such talks and will not be bound by any agreement reached at the talks.”
The strength of the reaction is in keeping with North Korea’s rhetorical style and it does not necessarily mark the end of the negotiations or the full resumption of the nuclear programme. But it indicates that the process of engagement with the North has taken a step back, after slow and painstaking progress in the last two years of the Bush administration.
The Security Council statement said that the committee monitoring sanctions against North Korea must report within ten days on companies, equipment and technologies that should be blacklisted under the 2006 sanctions resolution, which was never enforced. If the committee fails to act, the council itself will come up with a list by April 30.
The furious reaction came a few hours after the Security Council issued a statement, unanimously agreed by its 15 members. Despite falling short of a formal resolution, which was blocked by North Korea’s former communist allies, Russia and China, the “presidential statement” denounces the rocket launch and calls for a blacklist of North Korean companies, as agreed in a resolution three years ago.
A statement from the country’s Foreign Ministry carried on the state-run Korean Central News Agency, “resolutely condemns” the UN move. “The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea will strengthen its nuclear deterrent for its defence by all means,” the statement said.
“We have no choice but to further strengthen our nuclear deterrent to cope with additional military threats by hostile forces. We will take steps to restore disabled nuclear facilities... and reprocess used fuel rods that came from experimental nuclear reactors.”
Since last summer, North Korea has suspended activity at its Yongbyon nuclear power plant, where in the past it has extracted plutonium from spent fuel rods believed to have gone into the manufacture of about half a dozen nuclear warheads.
That breakthrough came after protracted discussions at the Six Party Talks, which brought together the US, China, Japan, Russia and South Korea in an effort to persuade Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear programme. In today’s statement the North insisted that those talks were over.
“There is no need for the Six-Party Talks any more,” it said. “We will never again take part in such talks and will not be bound by any agreement reached at the talks.”
The strength of the reaction is in keeping with North Korea’s rhetorical style and it does not necessarily mark the end of the negotiations or the full resumption of the nuclear programme. But it indicates that the process of engagement with the North has taken a step back, after slow and painstaking progress in the last two years of the Bush administration.
The Security Council statement said that the committee monitoring sanctions against North Korea must report within ten days on companies, equipment and technologies that should be blacklisted under the 2006 sanctions resolution, which was never enforced. If the committee fails to act, the council itself will come up with a list by April 30.
End to travel and money ban as Barack Obama opens up to Cuba
President Obama yesterday loosened the American embargo against Cuba by lifting curbs on family travel and money transfers, as well as allowing US telecommunications companies to operate on the island for the first time in almost half a century.
The announcement, made only days before Mr Obama travels to Trinidad for a Summit of the Americas, represents a significant crack in the hardline policy adopted by Washington since the Communist revolution in Cuba in 1959.
Although the US trade embargo has been left largely intact, the White House indicated that it would consider further measures including the introduction of direct commercial flights if Havana responded by expanding democratic rights.
“President Obama has directed that a series of steps be taken to reach out to the Cuban people to support their desire to enjoy basic human rights and to freely determine their country’s future,” Robert Gibbs, a spokesman for the White House said.
Mr Obama indicated that he was willing to engage with the Communist regime but knows this needs to be handled sensitively with Cuban exiles who wield huge influence in the key electoral state of Florida.
Perhaps significantly, he did not make the announcement. Instead Dan Restrepo, a special assistant for Latin America, told a White House briefing that “US policy towards Cuba is not frozen in time”.
The policy means that US telecommunications companies and satellite radio and television service providers can seek licences to operate in Cuba. Aides said that this will foster the growth of freedom of speech and expression in the one-party state.
“The President would like to see greater freedom for the Cuban people,” Mr Gibbs said. “There are actions that he can and has taken today to open up the flow of information to provide some important steps to help that. But he’s not the only person in this equation . . . in many ways that depends on the actions of the Cuban Government.”
The easing of restrictions on money transfers is designed to make Cubans less dependent on the Castro Government by allowing an estimated 1.5 million Americans with relatives on the island to help them out of often impoverished circumstances.
Travel restrictions imposed by the Bush Administration had limited trips by family members to two weeks every three years. Francisco Hernandez, the head of the exile group the Cuban American National Foundation, was once a staunch supporter of travel restrictions, but supported the announcement. He said that it would make Cubans more independent of the state “not only in economic terms but in terms of information, and contacts with the outside world”.
Republican Congressmen from Florida, however, condemned the decision as a serious mistake.
The announcement, made only days before Mr Obama travels to Trinidad for a Summit of the Americas, represents a significant crack in the hardline policy adopted by Washington since the Communist revolution in Cuba in 1959.
Although the US trade embargo has been left largely intact, the White House indicated that it would consider further measures including the introduction of direct commercial flights if Havana responded by expanding democratic rights.
“President Obama has directed that a series of steps be taken to reach out to the Cuban people to support their desire to enjoy basic human rights and to freely determine their country’s future,” Robert Gibbs, a spokesman for the White House said.
Mr Obama indicated that he was willing to engage with the Communist regime but knows this needs to be handled sensitively with Cuban exiles who wield huge influence in the key electoral state of Florida.
Perhaps significantly, he did not make the announcement. Instead Dan Restrepo, a special assistant for Latin America, told a White House briefing that “US policy towards Cuba is not frozen in time”.
The policy means that US telecommunications companies and satellite radio and television service providers can seek licences to operate in Cuba. Aides said that this will foster the growth of freedom of speech and expression in the one-party state.
“The President would like to see greater freedom for the Cuban people,” Mr Gibbs said. “There are actions that he can and has taken today to open up the flow of information to provide some important steps to help that. But he’s not the only person in this equation . . . in many ways that depends on the actions of the Cuban Government.”
The easing of restrictions on money transfers is designed to make Cubans less dependent on the Castro Government by allowing an estimated 1.5 million Americans with relatives on the island to help them out of often impoverished circumstances.
Travel restrictions imposed by the Bush Administration had limited trips by family members to two weeks every three years. Francisco Hernandez, the head of the exile group the Cuban American National Foundation, was once a staunch supporter of travel restrictions, but supported the announcement. He said that it would make Cubans more independent of the state “not only in economic terms but in terms of information, and contacts with the outside world”.
Republican Congressmen from Florida, however, condemned the decision as a serious mistake.
Swat Taliban welcome signing of Nizam-e-Adl
PESHAWAR: Welcoming the signing of the Nizam-e-Adl Regulation, Maulana Fazlullah-led Taliban on Monday hinted at laying down arms while members of the Tanzim Nifaz Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM) said they would go to Buner district to end militancy.
Talking to The News, spokesman for the Swat militants Muslim Khan said the lawmakers proved that they were brave and Islam-friendly people. “We saw the proof today that our country, the sole nuclear power in the Islamic world with a strong Army, is an independent country,” Muslim said and added that Pakistan would prosper if the rulers started taking decisions independently.
To a question about laying down arms after the signing of the regulation, he said: “We don’t have tanks or other heavy weapons but guns. And from now on our guns will not fire bullets for this end — enforcement of Shariah.” “The purpose for which we are struggling has been achieved, so now it is of no use to pick up arms,” he said. However, when asked to give a clear answer in ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ he claimed they had halted their activities on February 15 but would say ‘yes’ to laying down arms.
Veteran leader of the Awami National Party and former federal minister, Afzal Khan, was still unclear as to who would have writ in Swat — the Taliban or the government. “Two of a trade seldom agree,” he said. “The Taliban have no legal right to take action against anyone, even criminals, as it is the job of the government and it is to be seen whether they abandon that or continue.”
“Those who have held talks with the Taliban are in a better position to say whether they will lay down arms and remain peaceful,” he said, when asked about the Taliban promise to lay down arms after enforcement of Nizam-e-Adl.
Asked if he welcomed the signing of the Nizam-e-Adl, he said the people of Swat valley were interested in peace and if it brought clam, he would welcome it. “When it is ensured that people are not killed, their homes not looted and they are not harassed, I will say it brought peace and will then welcome it. However, it is yet to be seen whether such activities are stopped,” Afzal Khan, who bravely faced militants and did not leave his home due to their attacks, said. He said that even after the peace deal, the militants looted people’s houses.
TNSM spokesman Amir Izzat Khan welcomed the decision of the president to sign the law but he linked peace with the implementation of the law and installation of Qazis, who will have the power to take up all cases. “This historic decision will be remembered for a long time,” he appreciated.
He said that now there would be no violence in the Malakand region and even across the NWFP. “Today (Tuesday) Maulana Sufi Muhammad is arriving here (Batkhela) and we will leave for Buner to evict militants,” Khan said. Kanjur Amn Jirga chief Inamur Rahman also lauded the president for giving approval to the law.
Source: http://thenews.jang.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=21504
Talking to The News, spokesman for the Swat militants Muslim Khan said the lawmakers proved that they were brave and Islam-friendly people. “We saw the proof today that our country, the sole nuclear power in the Islamic world with a strong Army, is an independent country,” Muslim said and added that Pakistan would prosper if the rulers started taking decisions independently.
To a question about laying down arms after the signing of the regulation, he said: “We don’t have tanks or other heavy weapons but guns. And from now on our guns will not fire bullets for this end — enforcement of Shariah.” “The purpose for which we are struggling has been achieved, so now it is of no use to pick up arms,” he said. However, when asked to give a clear answer in ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ he claimed they had halted their activities on February 15 but would say ‘yes’ to laying down arms.
Veteran leader of the Awami National Party and former federal minister, Afzal Khan, was still unclear as to who would have writ in Swat — the Taliban or the government. “Two of a trade seldom agree,” he said. “The Taliban have no legal right to take action against anyone, even criminals, as it is the job of the government and it is to be seen whether they abandon that or continue.”
“Those who have held talks with the Taliban are in a better position to say whether they will lay down arms and remain peaceful,” he said, when asked about the Taliban promise to lay down arms after enforcement of Nizam-e-Adl.
Asked if he welcomed the signing of the Nizam-e-Adl, he said the people of Swat valley were interested in peace and if it brought clam, he would welcome it. “When it is ensured that people are not killed, their homes not looted and they are not harassed, I will say it brought peace and will then welcome it. However, it is yet to be seen whether such activities are stopped,” Afzal Khan, who bravely faced militants and did not leave his home due to their attacks, said. He said that even after the peace deal, the militants looted people’s houses.
TNSM spokesman Amir Izzat Khan welcomed the decision of the president to sign the law but he linked peace with the implementation of the law and installation of Qazis, who will have the power to take up all cases. “This historic decision will be remembered for a long time,” he appreciated.
He said that now there would be no violence in the Malakand region and even across the NWFP. “Today (Tuesday) Maulana Sufi Muhammad is arriving here (Batkhela) and we will leave for Buner to evict militants,” Khan said. Kanjur Amn Jirga chief Inamur Rahman also lauded the president for giving approval to the law.
Source: http://thenews.jang.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=21504
15 drown as boat capsizes in Indus River
MIANWALI: Fifteen people have been drowned when a boat capsized in Indus River on Tuesday.
According to sources, a boat carrying 15 people including two women and three children has capsized in Indus River at Kandian near Mianwali. They were on their way to Katcha area for reaping wheat.
The officials of Sargodha administration have reached the scene and swimmers have recovered the bodies of six men and two children so far while search operation for remaining bodies is underway.
According to sources, a boat carrying 15 people including two women and three children has capsized in Indus River at Kandian near Mianwali. They were on their way to Katcha area for reaping wheat.
The officials of Sargodha administration have reached the scene and swimmers have recovered the bodies of six men and two children so far while search operation for remaining bodies is underway.
Advancing clocks to help utilize maximum daylight
ISLAMABAD: Advancing clocks by an hour from April 15 (Tuesday night) all over the country would help utilize maximum daylight and conserve energy.
The daylight saving would be adopted by advancing the clocks by an hour with effect from April 15, according to a notification issued by Ministry of Interior.
The daylight saving would be adopted by advancing the clocks by an hour with effect from April 15, according to a notification issued by Ministry of Interior.
Advancing clocks to help utilize maximum daylight
ISLAMABAD: Advancing clocks by an hour from April 15 (Tuesday night) all over the country would help utilize maximum daylight and conserve energy.
The daylight saving would be adopted by advancing the clocks by an hour with effect from April 15, according to a notification issued by Ministry of Interior.
The daylight saving would be adopted by advancing the clocks by an hour with effect from April 15, according to a notification issued by Ministry of Interior.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Govt approves Oil, Gas Policy-2009
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Petroleum has approved Oil and Gas Policy-2009.
The spokesman of Petroleum Ministry G.A. Sabri, the policy has the support of the concerned departments as well as companies.
The policy also envisages social service during the exploration of oil and gas.
It also says that 50 per cent jobs of untrained workers will be provided to the locals of the area where exploration activities are carried out.
Source: http://thenews.com.pk/updates.asp?id=72130
The spokesman of Petroleum Ministry G.A. Sabri, the policy has the support of the concerned departments as well as companies.
The policy also envisages social service during the exploration of oil and gas.
It also says that 50 per cent jobs of untrained workers will be provided to the locals of the area where exploration activities are carried out.
Source: http://thenews.com.pk/updates.asp?id=72130
Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar leaves SC
ISLAMABAD: The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar spent his last day at the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday.
Justice Dogar will lay down office tomorrow. He assumed responsibilities on November 3, 2007 after chief justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry was deposed by former President Pervez Musharraf.
A dinner will be hosted in his honour this evening. After Justice Dogar’s retirement, Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry will assume charge as Chief Justice of Pakistan on March 22.
Source: The News
Justice Dogar will lay down office tomorrow. He assumed responsibilities on November 3, 2007 after chief justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry was deposed by former President Pervez Musharraf.
A dinner will be hosted in his honour this evening. After Justice Dogar’s retirement, Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry will assume charge as Chief Justice of Pakistan on March 22.
Source: The News
Sherry says ministers’ interference made her call it a day
KARACHI: Former Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sherry Rehman said on Friday that interference of some ministers in the affairs of her ministry made her call it a day.
Talking to journalists at Karachi airport, Sherry said she believes in politics of principles and tendered resignation on the basis of principles.
The PPP leader said she does not want to weaken the government in any way as country’s security and stability lies in politics of reconciliation and moderation. “PPP is determined to take on challenges and reconciliation is the need of hour”, she said.
“Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had decided not to curb media and I have fulfilled my responsibility in this connection,” she added.
Source: The News
Talking to journalists at Karachi airport, Sherry said she believes in politics of principles and tendered resignation on the basis of principles.
The PPP leader said she does not want to weaken the government in any way as country’s security and stability lies in politics of reconciliation and moderation. “PPP is determined to take on challenges and reconciliation is the need of hour”, she said.
“Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had decided not to curb media and I have fulfilled my responsibility in this connection,” she added.
Source: The News
Sharif brothers’ ineligibility revision petition: Security Bonds deposited
ISLAMABAD: The government has deposited security bonds of Rs10000 each relating to the revision petitions of Sharif brothers’ electoral disqualification case.
The filing of petitions for the constitution of a larger bench and obtaining stay order is likely.
It may be recalled that yesterday objections were raised on the revision appeals for not depositing the fees.
On the other hand, Justice Musa K. Laghari, who had headed the bench upholding Sharif brothers’ electoral disqualification by LHC, is not holding court today.
Source: http://thenews.com.pk/updates.asp?id=72093
The filing of petitions for the constitution of a larger bench and obtaining stay order is likely.
It may be recalled that yesterday objections were raised on the revision appeals for not depositing the fees.
On the other hand, Justice Musa K. Laghari, who had headed the bench upholding Sharif brothers’ electoral disqualification by LHC, is not holding court today.
Source: http://thenews.com.pk/updates.asp?id=72093
Thursday, March 19, 2009
PML-N to work for restoration of ’73 Constitution: Nawaz
LAHORE: PML-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif has said that the party would work for the restoration of the 1973 Constitution in its original form.
Addressing the PML-N parliamentary party in the Punjab here at Raiwind on Wednesday, he said the PML-N has talked to Prime Minister Gilani for repealing the 17th Amendment and reinstating the 1973 Constitution in its original form. PML-N President Mian Shahbaz Sharif also addressed the meeting attended by 208 MPAs.
Mian Nawaz Sharif said that the PML-N would continue its struggle to safeguard public interests. He said that the PML-N would not ignore those who rendered sacrifices for the party in difficult times.
“The purpose of the long march was the restoration of Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and other deposed judges. Ending of governors’ rule was not part of the agenda,” he said, adding if that had been the case, the marchers would not have abandoned their journey towards Islamabad.
Addressing the parliamentary party, Mian Shahbaz Sharif said that the public was sure that Mian Nawaz Sharif would not compromise on principles and on future of the country. He said that the US diplomat and Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrook was told that Mian Nawaz Sharif was facing life threats. He said he had informed the US diplomat that Nawaz Sharif could not go back on his words now. “If Nawaz Sharif desired, no one had the courage to continue with governor’s rule in the Punjab,” Shahbaz said.
Later while briefing media persons on the parliamentary meeting, PML-N Punjab President Sardar Zulfiqar Khosa said there were 208 parliamentarians in the meeting, including 33 from the PML-Q. He said the governor had no authority to withhold the convening of the assembly session. He said the governor should immediately convene the assembly session for transferring power to the party enjoying majority in the House. He said the governor would be given hard response if he tried to play any foul. He asked as to why PPP ministers and parliamentarians did not make any complaint against the PML-N government during the past one year?
Addressing the PML-N parliamentary party in the Punjab here at Raiwind on Wednesday, he said the PML-N has talked to Prime Minister Gilani for repealing the 17th Amendment and reinstating the 1973 Constitution in its original form. PML-N President Mian Shahbaz Sharif also addressed the meeting attended by 208 MPAs.
Mian Nawaz Sharif said that the PML-N would continue its struggle to safeguard public interests. He said that the PML-N would not ignore those who rendered sacrifices for the party in difficult times.
“The purpose of the long march was the restoration of Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and other deposed judges. Ending of governors’ rule was not part of the agenda,” he said, adding if that had been the case, the marchers would not have abandoned their journey towards Islamabad.
Addressing the parliamentary party, Mian Shahbaz Sharif said that the public was sure that Mian Nawaz Sharif would not compromise on principles and on future of the country. He said that the US diplomat and Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrook was told that Mian Nawaz Sharif was facing life threats. He said he had informed the US diplomat that Nawaz Sharif could not go back on his words now. “If Nawaz Sharif desired, no one had the courage to continue with governor’s rule in the Punjab,” Shahbaz said.
Later while briefing media persons on the parliamentary meeting, PML-N Punjab President Sardar Zulfiqar Khosa said there were 208 parliamentarians in the meeting, including 33 from the PML-Q. He said the governor had no authority to withhold the convening of the assembly session. He said the governor should immediately convene the assembly session for transferring power to the party enjoying majority in the House. He said the governor would be given hard response if he tried to play any foul. He asked as to why PPP ministers and parliamentarians did not make any complaint against the PML-N government during the past one year?
Balance of power will shift to Parliament: PM Gilani
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani said he would seek to tip the balance of power back toward parliament, a move that could help restore democratic checks and balances in the country.
In an interview to US newspaper, Premier Gilani vowed to return to parliament authority that it lost in 2002 when former leader Pervez Musharraf gave sweeping powers to the presidency, including the power to dismiss parliament.
"We are committed to changing the system," Gilani said. "My main endeavor is to end the politics of confrontation."
"I am sure we can work with Nawaz Sharif in strengthening the democratic process," premier said. "We have to return to parliamentary democracy.”
Mr. Gilani said he would offer Mr. Sharif the opportunity to rejoin the governing coalition. Mr. Sharif's party was part of the coalition after the elections but he quit over disagreements with Mr. Zardari.
"I hope we will go back to our relations," Mr. Gilani said. "I can offer Nawaz Sharif to join the coalition at an appropriate time. That shows our resolve for the reconciliation."
"We need to implement the charter of democracy signed by two former prime ministers," prime minister added.
In an interview to US newspaper, Premier Gilani vowed to return to parliament authority that it lost in 2002 when former leader Pervez Musharraf gave sweeping powers to the presidency, including the power to dismiss parliament.
"We are committed to changing the system," Gilani said. "My main endeavor is to end the politics of confrontation."
"I am sure we can work with Nawaz Sharif in strengthening the democratic process," premier said. "We have to return to parliamentary democracy.”
Mr. Gilani said he would offer Mr. Sharif the opportunity to rejoin the governing coalition. Mr. Sharif's party was part of the coalition after the elections but he quit over disagreements with Mr. Zardari.
"I hope we will go back to our relations," Mr. Gilani said. "I can offer Nawaz Sharif to join the coalition at an appropriate time. That shows our resolve for the reconciliation."
"We need to implement the charter of democracy signed by two former prime ministers," prime minister added.
A Leader is Born - Nawaz Sharif
Twice Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif was hitherto no doubt recognized as a politician of consequence in Pakistan. On the 15th of March, however, a Leader was born. Within moments, his leadership had steered a nation to rebirth.
Not withstanding the brilliant and determined campaign of the lawyers, and the pivotal role played relentlessly by the media, it was the courage, resolve, and acumen of Mian Nawaz Sharif that eventually harnessed the awareness and sentiment created in the public, and turned it into a people’s power to be reckoned with.
He stood his ground, and led from the front. Had Mian Nawaz Sharif failed to lead the March personally, the sea of humanity would not have emerged; had he given in to fears of assassination, or gone into hiding to evade arrest, or accepted orders of house arrest and remained within the four walls of his house, or backed down fearing a martial law, history certainly would not have been made on this Ides of March.
In a defining moment on the morning of the15th of March, in the footsteps of The Quaid Mohammed Ali Jinnah, he gave a call for civil disobedience and called on people to come out and change their destiny and save their country. Then, screwing his courage to the sticking place he emerged to lead - for better or for worse. This moment was his ascent to the stature of a true leader. Neither did he know whether the masses would really rise, and nor, ironically did the masses know before this moment, whether he would be able to overcome the material and intangible barriers to come out and steward them towards their goal. He came forth, and then there was magic. The proverbial sea parted, and history was in motion.
None may be minimized: without the brains of the lawyers and judges, the legal intricacies and the counter arguments to the government’s absurd and bizarre positions, could neither have been understood nor articulated effectively. Without the media, its collective intelligence, grit and sacrifices, the same could not have been communicated and disseminated effectively. And finally without political ownership and leadership of the cause, such expression of public sentiment on a large scale would not have been possible.
It is ironic that decades ago Pakistan was exhorted by the Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah to never desert the principles of Faith, Unity and Discipline. The Quaid’s advice unfortunately has largely remained unheeded till now. Today, without Faith in the justness of the cause, faith in the possibility of change, faith in their ability to change destiny if only they struggled, the people would not have achieved what they did. Without Unity of purpose between stakeholders, again the movement would have come to naught. Neither the civil society and the legal community, nor the media and the political parties could have achieved what they did, standing alone. The finest example of Discipline was the non-violence of the Marchers, not to mention the discipline within the various groups of stake-holders, in following the calls of their respective leaderships.
Last but not least, an unsung hero must be mentioned – as much for what he did not do, as for what he did. In the dramatic tableau that played out, one man exhibited integrity, wisdom, restraint - and will - of supreme proportions. The remarkable role he played, has not only earned him trust and respect of the people of Pakistan, but also elevated the prestige of the institution he leads. Because of him today, the nation is once more able to stand tall and be proud of the armed forces of its country.
Source: http://pkpolitics.com/2009/03/17/a-leader-is-born/
by Gul Bukhari
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