GEO PAKISTAN

PPP, PML-Q talks for coalition enter final stage

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) have completed their homework for entering into a coalition to form a broad-based government, Geo News reported on Saturday. According to sources, nearly all the issues have been settled and negotiations entered in final stage between the two parties as President Asif Ali Zardari has accepted the demand of PML-Q for the slot of Deputy Prime Minister. Chaudhry brothers would hold a meeting in this regard with the President tomorrow (Sunday). PML-Q delegation would also take the Prime Minister into confidence on power sharing formula. The sources said that PML-Q had demanded seven federal ministries besides their state ministers and governorship in Punjab or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The ministries that PML-Q demanded included foreign, water and power, petroleum and communication. According to the agreement, President Asif Ali Zardari has assured five ministries to PML-Q. The sources further said this power sharing formula would be announced following the signing of a written agreement between the two parties.

GEO PAKISTAN

Nation’s honor not to be traded for prosperity: COAS

RAWALPINDI: The Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Saturday asserted that the nation’s honor and integrity will not be traded just in exchange for “prosperity”, Geo News reported. “What’s in national interest and what’s not is a decision only you Pakistanis have the right to make,” the Army Chief said in his address on the occasion of Yaum-e-Shuhada here. General Kayani pointed out that Pakistan was today going through the most tumultuous times in its history but ‘we should not let ourselves overcome by frustration and pessimism’. “We believe in one army, one family and one nation and we will have to rise above personal interests and think for a strong Pakistan,” he asserted. He said Pakistani nation and its armed forces are like one unit. “A prosperous Pakistan is in the interest of all …. we want to co exist peacefully with our neighbours,” he added.

Geo World

US slaps sanctions on Syria

WASHINGTON: The United States Friday imposed sanctions and blocked assets of the powerful brother of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, several other officials and of the country's intelligence services. The move had been promised as Washington seeks to punish Syria for its brutal crackdown on opposition protesters in the latest turmoil as revolution sweeps the Middle East. In an executive order, Obama sanctioned Maher Al-Assad, who commands Syria's feared Fourth Armored Division, Ali Mamluk the director of the Intelligence Directorate, and Atif Najib, the former head of the directorate for Daraa province, where much of the violence is taking place. The Syrian intelligence directorate as a whole and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which Washington accused of providing material support to the crackdown, was also named in the sanctions order. The measures block any property in the United States or in the possession or control of Americans belonging to the named individuals and entities and prevents them entering transactions with US individuals. The sanctions were unveiled as tens of thousands of protesters poured onto the streets across Syria following a call for a "day of rage" against the Assad government after weekly Muslim prayers. (AFP)

GEO Pakistan

PPP, PML-Q talks for coalition enter final stage

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) have completed their homework for entering into a coalition to form a broad-based government, Geo News reported on Saturday. According to sources, nearly all the issues have been settled and negotiations entered in final stage between the two parties as President Asif Ali Zardari has accepted the demand of PML-Q for the slot of Deputy Prime Minister. Chaudhry brothers would hold a meeting in this regard with the President tomorrow (Sunday). PML-Q delegation would also take the Prime Minister into confidence on power sharing formula. The sources said that PML-Q had demanded seven federal ministries besides their state ministers and governorship in Punjab or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The ministries that PML-Q demanded included foreign, water and power, petroleum and communication. According to the agreement, President Asif Ali Zardari has assured five ministries to PML-Q. The sources further said this power sharing formula would be announced following the signing of a written agreement between the two parties.

GEO PAKISTAN

PML-Q yet to decide whether to join coalition: Shujaat

Updated at: Wednesday, April 27, 2011  ISLAMABAD: PML-Q Chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said on Wednesday that his party had yet to take final decision about joining the coalition government and that rumours about it were baseless, Geo News reported. Talking to media following meeting with MQM delegation here, Chaudhry Shujaat said PML-Q had various offers but yet not decided about joining the federal government. MQM leader Farooq Sattar said their friendship was deeper than any coalition, adding that they could resolve problems of masses collectively. He further said that cooperation and contact between PML-Q and MQM would continue.

GEO Entertainment

Kate's dress to become instant global focus

Updated  Wednesday, April 27, 2011  LONDON: Two billion viewers, 1,900 guests, four bridesmaids and two cakes -- but when Prince William and Kate Middleton marry on Friday, there can only be one dress. All eyes will be on Kate's wedding gown as she makes the long walk down the aisle at Westminster Abbey, as a symbol of her personality, her style and crucially, what kind of queen she may one day become. "It's the dress that is going to receive the most instant and global attention ever," said Edwina Ehrman, curator of a forthcoming exhibition on wedding gowns at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Palace officials have refused to divulge details of the dress to ensure the maximum impact when Kate steps out of the car -- but also ensuring that expectations are impossibly high. "This dress is so much more than a dress," said Alexandra Shulman, the editor of the British edition of Vogue, in a recent article. "Her dress is not simply her wedding dress but a big flag, symbolising her taste, her commitment (or otherwise) to fashion, her attitude to money at a time when the country is in economic doldrums." From the moment she appears, Kate's gown will become the subject of countless blogs and Tweets, while retailers will move quickly to get reproductions on the high streets and the image printed on souvenirs. "We have to remember that this dress is going to be seen forever. She is our future queen," said Caroline Castigliano, a British wedding dress designer. The media have named several candidates to make the gown. Much attention has surrounded Sarah Burton, a British designer and creative director at Alexander McQueen, who was reportedly recommended to Kate by Shulman. Other fashion editors have tipped Sophie Cranston, a relative unknown who worked for McQueen before setting up her own label, Libelula. But in the absence of hard facts, experts are left to speculate on what kind of dress would suit Kate and what would be fitting of the bride of the second-in-line to the throne. William's mother Diana wore a voluminous fairytale gown with a huge train when she married Prince Charles in 1981, but modern fashion demands something sleeker. Kate will also want to make the most of her slim figure. However, she must also meet the demands of her 13th century Gothic surroundings, not to mention the expectations of the assembled guests and the estimated two billion viewers watching on television at home. "Westminster Abbey is a vast building and she will look like a tiny speck unless she wears something with some length in a train, or volume," Ehrman told AFP. The dress will almost certainly be white and most commentators believe Kate will wear a veil, although whether this will be accompanied by a tiara, the ultimate royal accessory, depends on what image Kate wants to project. "The unknown is how far she's going to present herself as absolutely the traditional bride, and how far her designer might collaborate with her just to give her that bit of difference," Ehrman said. (AFP)

GEO WORLD

 Kadhafi seen on 'back foot' as fighting rages

 Updated Wednesday, April 27, 2011
 MISRATA: Libyan rebels appear to be gaining ground against Moamer Kadhafi, the British defence minister said Tuesday, despite a deadly attack on Misrata port by the Libyan strongman's forces.

"We've seen some momentum gained in the last few days. We've seen some progress made in Misrata. And it's very clear that the regime is on the back foot," British Defence Secretary Liam Fox said.

After nearly three hours of talks at the Pentagon with US Defence Secretary Robert Gates, Fox painted an optimistic picture of the Libya conflict despite fears on both sides of the Atlantic that the war could turn into a stalemate.

A NATO spokeswoman, meanwhile, said the alliance was considering sending a civilian "contact point" to Libya's eastern rebel bastion of Benghazi in order to improve political relations with the opposition.

Earlier Tuesday, forces loyal to the veteran Libyan leader, who has ruled the north African nation for some four decades, fired Grad rockets at Misrata port, killing at least three refugees and forcing an aid ship to stay out to sea.

As the United States and its allies pondered how to help the rebels, US President Barack Obama formally ordered a drawdown of $25 million in urgent, non-lethal American aid to Libya's Transitional National Council.

Officials said last week the aid could include vehicles, fuel trucks, ambulances, medical equipment, protective vests, binoculars, and radios.

A day after allied warplanes struck Kadhafi's compound in Tripoli, Gates and Fox also insisted that command centres for the regime's forces were legitimate targets.

"We have considered all along command and control centres to be a legitimate target and we have taken those out elsewhere," Gates told reporters.

Earlier, Tripoli said it had asked Russia to convene an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council over what it called an "assassination attempt" on Kadhafi when the NATO raid destroyed his office on Sunday night.

Tripoli said the bombardments went against Security Council resolutions 1970 and 1973, which passed thanks to a Russian abstention, and "were in violation of international laws and conventions."

Kadhafi's chief ally in Latin America, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez accused NATO of trying to kill his "friend."

"You know that Kadhafi is our friend, but this has nothing to do with friendship. Who has the right to drop bombs like this? They are looking for Kadhafi to kill him," said the leader of Latin America's radical left.

"We don't agree with everything Kadhafi is doing or has done, but who has the right to drop bombs on him each morning?"

Chavez also announced that Kadhafi was sending a delegation to Venezuela in a bid to try to negotiate a peaceful solution to the fighting which has raged
in Libya since mid-February, causing scores of deaths and thousands of casualties.

In northwestern Misrata, several Grad rockets hit the port and an International Organisation for Migration (IOM) ship that had come to rescue refugees remained offshore as a precaution, a journalist said.

At least three African refugees were killed in the attack, a medic and a Western journalist said. The medical source also spoke of "around 20 wounded."

The IOM ship had been due to take on board 550 African refugees, of whom some 2,000 are reported to be still stranded in Misrata.

NATO warplanes overflew the rebel-held city where explosions were also heard after 24 hours of relative calm. At least one air strike was reported.

"NATO asked that the IOM boat leave the port," said a rebel source, adding that "around 20 vehicles" containing Kadhafi loyalists were approaching.

Elsewhere, witnesses in the northwestern town of Kabao reported insurgents fought heavy battles against Kadhafi's forces, leaving dozens of regime troops dead and many captured.

Witnesses said 45 loyalists were killed and 17 captured around the town of 15,000 people 50 kilometres (31 miles) east of Nalut. Two rebels had also been killed and three wounded on Monday.

Misrata's port has been a strategic conduit for international humanitarian aid, as well as rebel fighter reinforcements and guns and ammunition from their Benghazi stronghold.

Rebels there had said they pushed Kadhafi's troops out after a siege lasting more than seven weeks, but opposition officials in Benghazi downplayed the reports.

"The situation in Misrata remains grave. The revolutionaries are in control but they remain surrounded and bombed," opposition Transitional National Council spokesman Jalal al-Gallal told AFP.

TNC military spokesman Colonel Ahmed Omar Bani also dismissed reports of significant progress in Misrata.

"It is a disaster there," he said. "Kadhafi is not going anywhere. Misrata is the key to Tripoli. If he lets go of Misrata, he will let go of Tripoli. He is not crazy enough to do that."

Tripoli said it asked the African Union to convene an extraordinary summit to find ways for the continent to fight "external forces."

And, a day after Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said Italy's air force would take part in "targeted action" in Libya, Rome announced it would host a meeting on May 5 of the international contact group on Libya.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, meanwhile, praised the UN Security Council's action on Libya for allowing military action to patrol a no-fly zone and taking sanctions against Kadhafi's regime.

"Clearly, the Security Council's decisive and unified action has saved many lives," the UN chief said.

"It is also clear that the Libyan regime has lost both legitimacy and credibility, particularly in terms of protecting its people and addressing their legitimate aspirations for change," he said.

Russia, however, has stressed it will not back a new UN Security Council resolution on further intervention in Libya.

Moscow could back new UN action if it "calls for an immediate end to all violence, bloodshed, the use of force, military action, and calls on all sides to immediately sit down at the negotiating table," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

Meanwhile, the former chief of the CIA praised Kadhafi's past cooperation with the United States and said his downfall could complicate US interests in the short term.

"Whatever you think of Kadhafi and Mussa Kussa... they were good and they were good counter-terrorism partners," said retired general Michael Hayden, referring to the former Libyan foreign minister who has defected. (AFP)

GEO BUSINESS

Pak-India trade talks begin

Updated at: 1500 PST,  Wednesday, April 27, 2011  ISLAMABAD: India and Pakistan on Wednesday began their first trade talks since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, opening a two-day session designed to boost business between the two neighbours. Secretary Commerce and Trade Zafar Mahmood and his Indian counterpart Rahul Khullar led the talks at a five-star hotel in Islamabad. "I believe that this meeting will take the dialogue process forward and by the end of the meeting all issues relating to facilitation and promotion of bilateral trade could be addressed with consensus," Mahmood said. Mahmood said the talks had an "open agenda" and the two sides would discuss "all the issues" of interest to both countries. He said improving trade would economically benefit both countries and the region. Pakistan's economy languishes far behind that of India. "Pakistan understands that there is a great potential to further increase the bilateral trade," Mahmood said. Khullar called for a quick turnaround of trade after four previous rounds of commerce talks ground to a halt in the wake of the Mumbai attacks. "This is a process that was interrupted and that must resume and go on. It must acquire significantly fast momentum if only to catch up for the time that we have lost," Khullar said. "We are ready and willing to move forward and our only perspective here is one of constructive engagement to move the bilateral trade agenda and commercial agenda ahead and fast." Trade between Pakistan and India is around $2 billion. (AFP)

GEO PAKISTAN

3 Afghan troops killed in border clash with Pak forces

Updated at: 1452 PST,  Wednesday, April 27, 2011  PESHAWAR: Three Afghan troops were killed, while two Pakistani soldiers wounded in a clash that ensued with the Afghan National Army’s border violations. Sources said that Afghan National Army troops near South Waziristan border intruded into the Pakistani side that led to a deadly clash between Pakistani forces with the intruding Afghan troops resulting three Afghan soldiers dead, while two Pakistani forces sustained injuries. Following the clash Pak-Afghan border and Angoor Adda Bazaar were closed for all sorts of traffic.

GEO BUSINESS

Asian shares mixed despite Wall Street rally

Updated Wednesday, April 27, 2011  HONG KONG: Asian shares were mixed Wednesday despite a solid lead from Wall Street following strong earnings by top US firms, with traders in Japan ignoring a cut in the country's debt rating outlook. Trade was muted ahead of a key policy decision by the US Federal Reserve, while dealers also had an eye on the release of corporate results in Japan, which began after the market closed. Tokyo gained 1.39 percent, with the Nikkei up 133.15 points at 9,691.84. South Korean shares closed flat, trimming earlier gains, with the benchmark KOSPI up 0.40 points at 2,206.70. Sydney ended 0.83 percent weaker on concerns over falling metals prices and higher inflation, analysts said. The S&P/ASX 200 was down 40.9 points at 4,872.9. Consumer prices rose 1.6 percent quarter-on-quarter in March, above estimates of a 1.2 percent spike, and jumped 3.3 percent from a year earlier. Hong Kong shares fell 0.48 percent, mirroring losses on the mainland amid rising concerns that Beijing will introduce fresh measures to rein in property prices. The benchmark Hang Seng Index fell 114.84 points to 23,892.84. The Shanghai Composite Index ended 13.57 points, or 0.46 percent, lower at 2,925.41. Both markets had been up by lunch time. Investors around the region took their early trading cues from Wall Street where the Dow jumped 0.93 percent to a near three-year high on Tuesday following more strong earnings reports from corporate America. The tech-rich Nasdaq Composite gained 0.77 percent and the S&P 500, a broad measure of the markets, added 0.90 percent. Ratings agency Standard & Poor's downgraded its outlook on Japan's debt to negative from stable, citing the impact of last month's devastating earthquake-tsunami and the resulting nuclear crisis. It also said the cost of rebuilding could range from 20 trillion yen to 50 trillion yen ($245 billion to $612 billion). The greenback was at 81.73 yen in Tokyo, slightly up from 81.55 in New York late Tuesday. The euro was at $1.4681 from $1.4636 while the single currency rose to 119.99 yen from 119.38 yen. (AFP)

GEO PAKISTAN

4 killed, 56 injured in Navy buses attack

KARACHI: Four people including two personnel of Pakistan Navy were killed in two separate terrorist attacks targeting Pakistan Navy buses in Karachi on Tuesday morning, a spokesman of Pakistan Navy said. He identified the dead as Sub-Lieutenant Iqbal and Umar Farooq, a Sailor of Pakistan Navy, Dr. Nazia, a civilian working with Pakistan Navy, and Muhammad Sharif, a civilian employee of Pakistan Navy. Of the 56 injured being treated at Pakistan Navy hospitals, some were discharged after providing them with first aid. The spokesman pointed out that two Navy buses were targeted in two different parts of the metropolis almost simultaneously. The buses, he added, were taking the staff to their respective units. The two Navy buses were targeted in Defence Phase two and Mohajir Camp in Baldia Town area here. The Commander Karachi, Rear Admiral Syed Khawar Ali, visited the hospitals and inquired about the health of the injured, the spokesman further stated that the Naval Headquarters has ordered an inquiry. The Inquiry Committee has been directed to submit its report to the Naval Headquarters. (APP)

GEO PAKISTAN

Nearly 500 Taliban escape in huge Afghan jail break

KABUL: Almost 500 Taliban prisoners have escaped from Kandahar prison in southern Afghanistan through a tunnel hundreds of metres long, according to officials. The Taliban said it was behind the huge jail break and that all of those who escaped were members of the militant Islamist organisation. "A tunnel hundreds of metres long was dug from the south of the prison into the prison and 476 political prisoners escaped last night," said prison director General Ghulam Dastageer Mayar. The acting police chief of Kandahar, Shair Shah Yousufzai, also confirmed the escape, saying: "Last night some political prisoners broke out of the prison and have escaped." Taliban spokesman Yousuf Ahmadi said the militant Islamists were responsible for the mass break-out. "Prisoners dug a 360-metre-long tunnel to the south of the prison. "They started getting out of the prison at 11:00 pm (1830 GMT) last night and by early morning today, 541 prisoners escaped the prison," he said. "They all have made it safe to our centres and there was no fighting." Ahmadi that 106 were Taliban commanders while the rest were footsoldiers. The Taliban are known to exaggerate their claims. The jail break is the second major escape in three years from Kandahar prison. In 2008, around 1,000 prisoners including members of the Taliban escaped after the Taliban used a truck bomb to blow open the gates. A statement from the Kandahar provincial governor's office insisted that "a number" of the prisoners had since been recaptured without giving precise figures. It added that a search was under way for the rest of the escapees. The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said it was on standby to provide assistance if requested by Afghan officials. "We have no involvement at this point," said ISAF spokesman Major Michael Johnson in Kabul. "If we're asked to assist in any capacity, we would certainly be standing by to do that." Kandahar is seen as the birthplace of the movement and the city and surrounding area is scene of some of the worst fighting inAfghanistan. The police chief of Kandahar was killed by a Taliban suicide bomber dressed in police uniform 10 days ago, dealing a serious blow to security in the province. There are around 130,000 international troops in Afghanistan, two-thirds of them from the United States, battling the Taliban and other insurgents. Limited withdrawals from seven relatively peaceful areas, only one of which is in southern Afghanistan, are due to start in July ahead of the planned end of foreign combat operations in 2014. But senior US officials are increasingly stressing the importance of longer-term relations between it and Afghanistan, while warning that the Taliban could still launch some of its worst attacks. (AFP)

GEO PAKISTAN

 Passenger coach set ablaze in Sibi, 12 killed

 QUETTA: A passenger coach was set ablaze at the national highway in Sibi, killing at least twelve people including four children in the wee hours of Tuesday, eyewitnesses said.

According to the eyewitnesses, on the way from Peshawar to Quetta, the coach was set on fire by some unidentified men at national highway near a local hotel in Sibi.

Local administration reached the site soon after the incident; meanwhile, relief activities were also kicked off and dead bodies were shifted to hospitals.

GEO PAKISTAN

Zulqarnain leaves London, heads back to Pakistan

 

LONDON: Former wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider has left London to return to Pakistan, Geo News reported. He would arrive in Islamabad on Monday morning.
The wicketkeeper stunned the cricket world last November when he fled ...

 

GEO PAKISTAN

Imran urges politicians to ‘end hypocrisy’

PESHAWAR: Tehreek-e-Insaf Chief Imran Khan Sunday gave one month deadline to the government for halting the drone attacks and issued a warning that in case of failure the NATO supply line would be blocked and if the strikes still continued ‘we will march toward Islamabad’, Geo News reported.
Addressing a sit-in being staged against the US predator strikes under the auspices of TI here, Imran Khan exhorted the politicians to shake off ‘hypocrisy’ on the issue of drone attacks.
“The resolution passed against the drone strikes be implemented,” the TI Chief urged the government.
Imran Khan said a country whose elite class does not give tax can never make progress. “Only the poor are being made to suffer through inflation that is a result of rich being allowed to get away with not paying the tax,” he regretted.He termed the Chief Justice of Pakistan as the brightest ray of hope for the country.
The TI Chief called for allowing media and human rights organizations to travel inside FATA and asked these organizations to put together an independent fact-finding report on drone attacks.
“Pakistan is brimming over with natural resources which if fully tapped will end our dependence on US aid,” he said, adding, the objective of Tehreek-e-Insaf was to build a strong Pakistan.
He said TI wanted a Pakistan whose passport was looked at with respect in every part of the world.
Imran Khan thanked Javed Hashmi, Marvi Memon, Akhundzada Chattan and other political leaders for attending the sit-in.

International Tribune Herald

President of Yemen Offers to Leave, With Conditions

Reuters

Police officers were confronted by a large crowd of antigovernment demonstrators in the Yemeni city of Taiz on Friday.CAIRO — Yemen’s embattled president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, said Saturday that he accepted a proposal by Arab mediators that would shift power to his deputy 30 days from the signing of a formal agreement and grant him and his family, who occupy key positions in Yemen’s security apparatus, immunity from prosecution.

Geo Pakistan

 Karachi be made a province, Shahbaz demands

 Updated at: 1746 PST,  Sunday, April 24, 2011
 DERA ISMAEL KHAN: Chief Minister Punjab Mian Mohammed Shahbaz Sharif Sunday called for formation of new provinces in Sindh province as being demanded in Punjab, adding that Karachi be made a province, Geo News reported.

Addressing a ceremony of laying the foundation stone of a school building, CM Punjab termed those killed in North Waziristan in US drone attacks as being his brothers.
Shahbaz said US drone attacks are promoting terrorism in Pakistan. “This government cannot stop missile attacks because they are earning dollars in exchange of those attacks,” he revealed.Advising government he said, we will have to break begging-bowl if we want to lead an honorable life.He said that being beggars and nuclear power are two different facts, which cannot run shoulder-to-shoulder.
Denying to comment on his party’s leader Makhdoom Javaid Hashmi’s statement, Shahbaz prayed for his long life.Not only should new provinces be formed in South Punjab but Karachi should also be made a new province

Asad Shafiq and Misbah-ul-Haq steered Pakistan to victory with an unbroken 134-run stand

© GEO NEWS

GEO PAKISTAN

Joining PPP be linked to new provinces, PML-Q asked

LAHORE: PML-Q’s newly elected member of National Assembly, Owais Leghari and a delegation of Hazara Division in separate meetings with Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Pervez Elahi on Saturday demanded that PML-Q’s joining the PPP-led government be linked with formation of Siraiki and Hazara provinces, Geo News reported.Sardar Owais Leghari, Senator Jamal Khan Leghari, MNA Jafar Leghari, MPA Yousuf Leghari and Mohsin Leghari were present at the meeting held at the residence of Chaundry Shujaat Hussain in Lahore.The delegation from Hazara comprised Syed Qasim Shah and Sardar Yousuf.Both the delegations expressing their reservations to joining hands with the PPP, said the coalition should be formed on the basis of a demand for Siraiki province, having Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan division as its constituents.Owais Leghari made it clear to the Chaudhry brothers that in case the coalition is formed on any other agenda, he would be part of the same.On this the Chaudhry brothers held out the assurance that no decision would be made without party consultation.

Militants' back broken, says COAS 

 ISLAMABAD: Military has broken the back of militants, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani said in a speech on Saturday.Addressing a Passing Out Parade of 123rd PMA Long Course at Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, General Kayani said Pakistan army was fully aware of the internal and external threats faced by the country."In the war against terrorism, our officers and soldiers have made great sacrifices and have achieved tremendous success," he said in a speech. "The terrorists' backbone has been broken and Inshallah (God willing) we will soon prevail."
General Kayani said that the nation gives its priority to the independence and sovereignty of the country over any other thing.COAS told cadets that this is the beginning of a long course, adding that they would get the chance to lead the most courageous army.

Legendary Moin Akhtar laid to rest

 Updated at: 0606 PST,  Saturday, April 23, 2011
 KARACHI: Legendary humourist Moin Akhter has been laid to rest in Model Colony graveyard, here on Saturday.

Earlier, funeral prayer of Moin, led by Junaid Jamshed was offered after Zohar prayers in Toheed mosque of Malir Cantt.

Various actors, politicians, social workers among thousands of people attended the funeral prayer of Moin Akhtar.

Pakistan’s pride Moin Akhtar passes away

KARACHI: Moin Akhtar, the legendary artist of television, stage and film passed away after having a heart attack here on Friday, Geo News reported. Moin Akhtar, 61, was taken to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) where he breathed his last during treatment. Moin Akhtar was a television, film and stage actor, as well as a comedian, impersonator, and a host. He was also a play writer, singer, film director and a producer. A highly dynamic and versatile performer from Karachi, Moin Akhtar made his debut appearance on PTV on 6 September 1966, in a variety show telecast on the occasion of the first defense day of Pakistan. Since then, he had performed numerous roles in TV plays/shows and later teamed up with Anwar Maqsood and Bushra Ansari to get an overwhelming public applause. Whether on the stage or on the screen, Moin Akhtar was one of the most sought after actors in Pakistani entertainment industry. His apparent attempts to avoid vulgar in his humor has rendered him a favorite amongst family audiences. He is an inspiration for the generations to come and is one of the few that stands out so distinguishably. Akhtar was fluent in several languages, including English, Bengali, Sindhi, Punjabi, Memon, Pushto, Gujarati and others, while in the Urdu-speaking world, he is beloved for providing humor for people of all ages, and with an etiquette that remains unmatched. He has a following not only in Pakistan but on the other side of the border, India, too due to the stage shows, Bakra Qiston Pe and Buddha Ghar Pe Hai with Umer Sharif. It would not be wrong to say that his ardent fans are spread all around the globe. Moin Akhtar rose to the national spotlight and gathered critical acclaim for his performance in the drama Rosy /Rozy, in which he played the role of a female TV artist. Rozy was an Urdu adaptation of Hollywood movie Tootsie starring Dustin Hoffman. Moreover, in a talk-show namely Loose Talk, which began in 2005 on a private television channel, he has appeared as a different disguised guest who is interviewed by Anwar Maqsood, the writer and the host of the program. Loose Talk ended after over 400 episodes, each seen with Moin disguised as a different personality.

GEO PAKISTAN

Tarbela, Mangla reserves rise after rains

LAHORE: Tarbela and Mangla Dams water reserves continues gradually picking up, as the water level in Tarbela Dam surged to 1387.45 feet showing a rise of 9.45 feet from the dead level. Flood Forecasting Division said that Tarbela Dam reserve with inlet of 50,100 and outlet with 5,000 cusec less stood at 20,000 cusec. On the other hand, the water level in Mangla Dam went up to 1106 feet with a rise of 66 feet from the dead level. Mangla Dam water inflow recorded at 93,465 and outflow at 42,000 cusec. The usable water reserve in Tarbela Dam has surged to 1, 18,000 acre-feet and in Mangla Dam at 7,61,000 acre-feet. The total usable water reserves in Tarbela and Mangla Dams recorded at 8,00,179 acre-feet.

GEO PAKISTAN

PML-N quits 18th amend implementation commission

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) has resolved to bid farewell to 18th amendment implementation commission here on Wednesday, Geo News has learnt. According to sources privy to PML-N, the decision came in the backdrop of government’s much criticized resolve to devolve Higher Education Commission (HEC). Also, PML-N had reservations over the government’s decision to transfer assets to provinces, sources claimed. Sources said that PML-N’s senior leader and the Deputy Chairman of the commission Ishaq Dar wrote a five-page letter to Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani to apprise latter of his party’s resolve and tendered his resignation being Deputy Chairman of the commission

CIA will not halt operations in Pakistan: US official

WASHINGTON: The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has no plans to suspend "operations" in Pakistan against terror suspects despite objections from leaders in Islamabad, a US official said Thursday. Pakistan has criticized missile strikes by US drone aircraft against in the country but CIA Director Leon Panetta has told intelligence officials that he has a duty to prevent attacks on the United States, the senior official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told French news agency. "Panetta has been clear with his Pakistani counterparts that his fundamental responsibility is to protect the American people, and he will not halt operations that support that objective," the official said. The CIA chief on Monday held several hours of talks at the agency's headquarters outside Washington with Lieutenant General Ahmad Shuja Pasha, the head of Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI). (AFP)

GEO PAKISTAN

Govt in contact with MQM, JUI over cabinet expansion: Gilani

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Tuesday said that his party is in contact with JUI and MQM among all political parties in order to expand the size of the Federal Cabinet. Talking to media in Islamabad, Prime Minister said that nothing is definite in the politics, adding that the negotiation is the continuous process. In a reply to a question, Gilani said that government has already public the clear-cut policy over drone attacks issue. He termed his visit to Afghanistan very significant.

PML-Q agrees to join national govt

Updated at: 1544 PST,  Tuesday, April 19, 2011  ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) was trying to form a "national reconciliation government" to steer the country out of crises and Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) has agreed to the proposed power sharing formula. According to the sources, PML-Q has been offered a Senior Minister, four federal ministers, eight ministers of state and UN ambassadorship. The PPP was also in talks with old allies Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)

Pakistan successfully tests fires ballistic missile

 Updated at: 1103 PST,  Tuesday, April 19, 2011
 RAWALPINDI: Pakistan successfully tested a surface-to-surface, short-range ballistic missile Nasr, Geo News reported.

Nasr, a multi-tube ballistic missile of Hatf series can hit with atomic warhead up to 60kms, according to a statement by the Inter Services Public Relations.

UK Border Agency nabs 30 illegal Pakistani workers

Updated at: 2226 PST,  Thursday, April 14, 2011  ISLAMABAD: The UK Border Agency has arrested over 300 illegal workers including over 30 Pakistani nationals in a series of enforcement operations across the UK, Geo News reported. According to the UK High Commission steps are now being taken to remove the majority of these illegal workers from the UK. Carol Doughty, Regional Director, UK Border Agency Pakistan and the Gulf in a statement said, “We welcome 1000’s of genuine visitors from Pakistan to the UK each year but we want people to understand that there is no future for them in the UK if they choose to go by illegal means or overstay their visa.” He said the illegal workers when caught are faced with deportation and even the possibility of prison. The UK and Pakistan have a close and productive relationship through strong ties of history, citizens, trade, investment and security. “We continue to work with the Pakistani Government to highlight these dangers and to promote the right way to go about getting a visa,” he said. He said the vast majority of migrants to the UK are law-abiding and want to abide by the conditions of their visa. “We are keen to support them. However, it is perfectly reasonable not to tolerate those who abuse our visa system,” he added. He said, “We do not single out Pakistanis - we will not tolerate this abuse from any nationality. We will take action against all of those who are living in the UK illegally, including those who overstay, illegal entrants and those working without permission.” The UK Immigration Minister Damian Green said, “UK Border Agency officers across the country have carried out a major enforcement crackdown which has generated a large number of arrests, cash seizures and prosecutions.”

Roof of police station in Faisalabad collapses

Updated at: 0249 PST,  Tuesday, April 19, 2011  FAISALABAD: Several police officials have been buried under the debris as roof of Civil Lines police station collapsed, Geo News reported. According to police, the roof of police station had dilapidated after the suicide attack on it. Rescue and relief activities have been initiated after the incident.

Pasha’s US visit was govt-approved: PM

 Updated at: 2227 PST,  Monday, April 18, 2011
 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Monday said that his government had proved to the world that civil and military leaderships had no differences on the issues of national interests, Geo News reported.

He said DG ISI Ahmed Shuja Pasha’s visit to US was government-approved, advising ministers and political leaders not to suspect Pakistan’s intelligence agencies.

“Our government will not compromise the sovereignty

Ranbir wants to be in Dhoom 3

Updated at: 1950 PST,  Sunday, April 17, 2011  MUMBAI: Ranbir Kapoor has revealed that he is keen to become part of the Dhoom action franchise. The actor said that he wants to be able to flex his muscles as an action hero for the first time, Hindustan Times has revealed. He told the paper: "If another sequel to the Dhoom series is planned, I would love to be part of it. "I hope that at some point I get an action film so that I can make a good body and put on some muscle. If I hit a villain it should look real." Kapoor has mostly been seen in romances and youth films such as Wake Up Sid. Dhoom spawned one sequel in 2006, two years after the original film about a motorcycle gang. The 2004 movie starred John Abraham, Abhishek Bachchan and Esha Deol. The third instalment of the action series was announced in February this year, with Bachchan expected to take on his previous role. (Online)

Shahbaz for cooperation with China on drone technology

 Updated at: 2243 PST,  Sunday, April 17, 2011
 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif Sunday highlighting the lasting ties of friendship with China, called for enhancing cooperation with China for development of drone technology in the backdrop of drone strikes, Geo News reported.

Talking to media men just before embarking on China tour here at Lahore airport, Shahbaz Sharif said during the visit a number of matters would be discussed including projects relating to transport,

9 MQM men killed in 48 hrs: Raza Haroon

Updated at 20:2 PST Thursday, April 14, 2011

 

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) member Raza Haroon has said that all attempts to suppress his party by ‘killing MQM workers and sympathizers’ was in, no way, in the interest of Sindh and existing democratic set up, Geo News reported Thursday.

He said this while addressing a press conference here at Khursheed Begum Memorial Hall along with members of MQM Coordination Committee.

Raza Haroon said 9 MQM workers and sympathizers had been made victims of targeted killing during the past 48 hours in the city. According to him, a total of 83 MQM activists and supporters had been murdered since January.

“Despite this situation, the MQM workers have not lost patience,” he maintained, regretting that no serious action was taken by the federal or provincial government to rein in the killers.

He said it was due to MQM’s growing popularity, that MQM is once again being confined to Karachi through an organized and malicious conspiracy.

Raza Haroon demanded of the President, Prime Minister and concerned authorities to have an action initiated against the ‘killers of MQM workers and sympathizer

US Congress approves spending cut bill

Updated at 6:19 PST Friday, April 15, 2011

 

WASHINGTON: The US Congress on Thursday sent President Barack Obama a bill cutting some $40 billion from domestic programs and foreign aid, a skirmish in a broader war over the cash-strapped government's finances.

The Senate voted 81-19 to pass the measure after the House of Representatives approved it by a 260-167 margin, sending it to Obama to sign into law and freeing polarized lawmakers to turn to other bitter spending feuds.

The White House highlighted how support from both its Democratic allies and Republican foes had ensured passage of the bill, which funds the US government through September 30, ahead of what may be far more divisive battles.

"There are tough challenges ahead, from growing our economy to reducing our deficit, but we must build on this bipartisan compromise to tackle these issues and meet the expectations of the American people," said spokesman Jay Carney.

Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell put the onus on Democrats, saying: "Now, everyone claims to see the crises we face -- even those who've done so much to create them, and who've tried for too long to ignore them."

Lawmakers turned to fights over long-term visions for how to steward the US economy and government finances, battles sure to shape Obama's 2012 reelection bid in the face of fired-up Republican opposition.

And they faced an already bitter debate over Obama's request to lift a cap on Washington's ability to borrow money.

The Treasury Department thinks the government will max out its debt limit by May 16. But if the ceiling is not raised by then, the Treasury could juggle payments, giving it until around July 8 before it runs out of cash.

In the House, Republican Speaker John Boehner needed Democratic votes to pass the spending bill after suffering 59 Republican defections, many tied to the archconservative "Tea Party" movement seeking deeper cuts and inclined to view compromise with the White House as betrayal.

"Listen, this bill is not perfect. No cause for celebration. This is just one step," Boehner said at a press conference before the vote, promising "there's more to come."

The spending compromise sliced deep into overseas food aid, the US State Department budget and environmental programs -- including efforts to combat climate change -- while boosting military spending.

Eighty-one Democrats voted for the bill, showcasing a fragile political alliance that could smooth the way to approving an increase in the US "debt ceiling," a step the Tea Party fiercely opposes.

"Our choice in this divided government is whether we will come together, work together and try to make the best possible agreement together," said number-two House Democrat Steny Hoyer. "The American people expect us to do that."

The House on Friday was expected to approve the Republicans' budget, effectively a non-binding blueprint that serves as a political party's or candidate's core economic message to voters.

Obama unveiled a drive Wednesday to reduce US deficits by $4 trillion over 12 years or less and savaged a Republican budget that would lower taxes on the richest Americans while slicing into health care for the poor and elderly.

"There's nothing serious about a plan that claims to reduce the deficit by spending a trillion dollars on tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires," he said, denouncing calls to cut clean energy, education and transportation.

Republican House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, whose plan claims to cut $4.4 trillion from the deficit over a decade, blasted the president's message as a "political broadside from our campaigner-in-chief."

Some Republicans fret privately that Ryan's plan -- which calls for cuts to the Medicare and Medicaid programs that offer health care to the elderly and the poor -- could carry a huge political cost by driving off older voters.

But Boehner has made clear his party stands with Ryan, calling his blueprint "a plan to seize the next generation."

The speaker and other senior Republican leaders have also said they cannot accept raising Washington's ability to borrow above the current limit of $14.294 trillion unless it is coupled to "significant" plans to cut spending.

After talks at the White House on Wednesday, Boehner told reporters that Obama had indicated a willingness to sign a debt ceiling increase with conditions attached.

But Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said "we don't have to attach anything" and that long-term reductions could come "separately.

Afghan war can’t be won sans Pak support: PM

 Updated at: 2147 PST,  Wednesday, April 13, 2011
 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday told the National Assembly that diplomatic pressure was being applied on the USA to stop drone attacks in FATA and America will have to stop it.

In reply to various issues raised by Leader of the Opposition, Ch. Nisar Ali Khan, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan was a responsible nuclear state and diplomatic channels were being used to compel the USA to stop drone attacks

Fed. cabinet ratifies Hajj policy 2011

Updated at: 1920 PST,  Wednesday, April 13, 2011  ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet has approved Hajj Policy 2011 on Wednesday, Geo News reported late Wednesday. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani chaired the cabinet meeting here at Prime Minister House. Under Hajj policy 2011, there will be no draw for reward of Hajj entry this year, as formula of “First come, First-served” will be applied to ensure transparency in the entire process.

GEO Business

Pak may lift ban on cement export to India

Updated at: 1825 PST,  Wednesday, April 13, 2011  ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is very likely to lift ban off export of cement to India latest by next month, which will follow transportation of cement to neighbour through land route, Geo News reported on Monday. Federal government sources told Geo News, a summary seeking ratification on export of cement to India through Wagha route has been sent to cabinet by ministry of Trade and Production. He informed that a notification was likely to be issued after prime minister’s approval. It is pertinent to mention here that the ban on cement export to India was put in place after the Mumbai mayhem. India is facing acute shortage of cement at this point of time. India would allow Pakistan to import many goods and material in exchange of cement, sources hoped. Meanwhile, the trade community has hailed promotion of trade with India, adding that trade ties after coming back on track would serve masses and industries here alike.

LM Babar resigns to plead ZAB case retrial

Updated at: 1158 PST,  Wednesday, April 13, 2011  ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has said that a larger bench would be constituted for hearing of the presidential reference relating presidential reference for revisiting the death sentence passed against the former Prime Minister, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1979. During the hearing, Federal Law Minister, Babar Awan prayed for arguing the case on behalf of the federation and presented his resignation from the ministerial post to the Supreme Court to fully qualify himself for pleading the retrial case. The Apex court three-member bench headed by the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry comprising of Jusrice Sair Ali and Justice Ghulam Rabbani started hearing the presidential reference Wednesday. Several federal ministers and leaders of the Pakistan People’s Party were also present on this occasion. Chief Justice in his opening remarks said that Bhutto was held in high esteem not only in the country, but also abroad. “He has read those books, which Bhutto wrote in the jail cell”, CJ recalled. As the hearing set off, Law Minister Babar Awan prayed for arguing on behalf of the federation and said that he was resigning from his ministerial post for this purpose. The court appreciated his gesture. “We are taking the issue very seriously and will give it due importance, larger bench will be constituted” CJ added as he adjourned the hearing till Thursday. Chief Justice said that Babar Awan’s counsel licence if restored today, then the matter of his arguing the case would be taken up tomorrow. He said that judicial aides would be taken from all the four provinces in this case and there could be nine or ten such aides. Chief Justice said that in this courtroom the history of the military dictator would not be repeated.

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