FTC Should Tread Carefully With Mobile: NRF - Supermarket News

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation on Friday urged the Federal Trade Commission to move cautiously in establishing regulations for mobile payments, and said any rules that are adopted should parallel those for the underlying form of payment and not be specific to the technology.

“Mobile technology and processes are just beginning to emerge and we won’t know which practices the public will like or what methods will provide new benefits until the technology begins to coalesce,” NRF’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel Mallory Duncan said in a statement. “The government should not impose regulations that would forestall yet-to-be-imagined advances and innovation in order to avoid potential ‘harm’ based largely on speculation.

“Some of the best innovations on the Internet today might have been suspect a generation ago but today they are benefits few consumers would want to live without,” Duncan added. “The public very often embraces change as the ‘future’ becomes ‘now.’ Familiarity breeds content.”

In-Depth Report: Mobile Payment's Birth Pangs

Duncan noted that a phone itself is “just a device, not a payment” and that actual payment could take place via a credit or debit card, directly from a bank account, be processed through the user’s phone bill, or be made through other means. Any privacy rules developed for mobile payments should be no more restrictive than those for the underlying form of payment, he said.

Duncan said federal officials need to address a number of issues including a definition of what constitutes a mobile payment. While the term is largely used to mean a payment made in a bricks-and-mortar store using a smartphone, officials need to decide whether a payment made for an online purchase on the same device constitutes a mobile payment, or if payments made on a portable device like an iPad tablet or a laptop computer are “mobile.”

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Blast heard during search operation in Lyari - Business Recorder

KARACHI: A huge explosion has been heard on Cheel Chowk in Lyari, the media reported on Saturday.

In what can be called a war zone, at least two people were killed and more than 15 suspects detained during a joint operation conducted by the Police and Rangers on the second consecutive day.

The killings have brought the death toll so far to at least 7 in the last two days of violence in the area.

Police vehicles were being attacked with rockets.

Women and children came out of their homes but were sent back in by law enforcement agencies.

Talking to the media, SSP CID Aslam Chaudhry said that forces will rid the area of criminal elements and bring the law and order situation under control tomorrow or the day after if not today.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2012

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Chairman NAB says country steeped in corruption; says cases pending against ... - South Asian News Agency

South Asian News Agency (SANA) · April 27, 2012 ·

KARACHI,(SANA): Chairman National Accountability Bureau, admiral (retd) Fasih Bukhari has said that a method has been devised to net the big fish involved in corruption.

He added that the country was steeped in corruption. Addressing a press conference, Fasih Bukhari said 300 new investigators were also being hired in the NAB.

The investigators will be retired bureaucrat, he informed. The cases against the president are pending due to the immunity of the office, he maintained. The co-accused of the cases against the president has been acquitted, he added. It is not possible to readily eradicate corruption but it can be controlled, he said.

He said that investigations are underway against former attorney general Malik Qayyum and he has ensured to return back till the 30th of April, adding that if he will not return back than the red warrants would be issued.

Later on talking to state run TV Fasih Bukhari said that the legal reforms are necessary to curb corruption from country, adding that the NAB is facing shortage of staff and total strength at present is at 28 percent, adding that the government has allowed recruitments and 300 investigative officers will be inducted soon. He said that for 300 posts more than one lakh people have applied, adding that the people will be recruited through NTS.

He said that it is difficult to stop the white collar crimes as there is difficult to trace out the evidences in these cases.

He said that the investigations into the IPPs case is in progress, adding that the NAB doses not want to hold incomplete investigations so that the accused could not be rescued.

He said that after the independence of the judiciary the independence of the bureaucracy is also necessary.

He said that said that the appreciation of honest officers is necessary; adding that the new inducted officers will be trained.

He said that children should be trained in public administration and this should be taught to children in studies, adding that the children should be informed about their responsibilities.

He said that the support can be taken from the statistics to stop tax theft, adding that the according to the verdict of the Supreme Court it is duty of NAB to stop corruption at large scale, adding that it is necessary to make ensure less use of prerogative rights.

He said that NAB will ensuring the money of Double Shah scam, adding that the investigations are underway in this case. Fasih Bukhari said that NAB will continue to inform the media about its performance.
Ends-SANA-ZS

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November 1, 2011 October 31, 2011 October 30, 2011 October 29, 2011 October 28, 2011 October 26, 2011 October 25, 2011 October 24, 2011 October 23, 2011 October 22, 2011 October 21, 2011 October 20, 2011 October 19, 2011 October 18, 2011 October 17, 2011 October 16, 2011 October 15, 2011 October 14, 2011 October 13, 2011 October 12, 2011 October 11, 2011 October 10, 2011 October 9, 2011 October 8, 2011 October 7, 2011 October 6, 2011 October 5, 2011 October 4, 2011 October 3, 2011 October 2, 2011 October 1, 2011 September 30, 2011 September 29, 2011 September 28, 2011 September 27, 2011 September 26, 2011 September 25, 2011 September 24, 2011 September 23, 2011 September 22, 2011 September 21, 2011 September 20, 2011 September 18, 2011 September 17, 2011 September 16, 2011 September 15, 2011 September 14, 2011 September 13, 2011 September 12, 2011 September 11, 2011 September 10, 2011 September 9, 2011 September 8, 2011 September 7, 2011 September 6, 2011 September 5, 2011 August 30, 2011 August 29, 2011 August 28, 2011 August 27, 2011 August 26, 2011 August 24, 2011 August 23, 2011 August 22, 2011 August 21, 2011 August 20, 2011 August 19, 2011 August 18, 2011 August 17, 2011 August 16, 2011 August 15, 2011 August 13, 2011 August 12, 2011 August 11, 2011 August 10, 2011 August 9, 2011 August 8, 2011 August 7, 2011 August 6, 2011 August 4, 2011 August 2, 2011 August 1, 2011 July 30, 2011 July 29, 2011 July 28, 2011 July 27, 2011 July 26, 2011 July 25, 2011 July 24, 2011 July 23, 2011 July 22, 2011 July 21, 2011 July 20, 2011 July 19, 2011 July 18, 2011 July 17, 2011 July 16, 2011 July 15, 2011 July 14, 2011 July 12, 2011 July 11, 2011 July 10, 2011 July 8, 2011 July 6, 2011 July 5, 2011 July 4, 2011 July 3, 2011 July 2, 2011 July 1, 2011 June 30, 2011 June 29, 2011 June 28, 2011 June 27, 2011 June 26, 2011 June 25, 2011 June 24, 2011 June 23, 2011 June 22, 2011 June 21, 2011 June 20, 2011 June 18, 2011 June 17, 2011 June 16, 2011 June 15, 2011 June 14, 2011 June 13, 2011 June 12, 2011 June 11, 2011 June 10, 2011 June 9, 2011 June 8, 2011 June 7, 2011 June 6, 2011 June 5, 2011 June 4, 2011 June 3, 2011 June 2, 2011 June 1, 2011 May 31, 2011 May 30, 2011 May 29, 2011 May 28, 2011 May 27, 2011 May 26, 2011 May 25, 2011 May 24, 2011 May 23, 2011 May 22, 2011 May 21, 2011 May 20, 2011 May 19, 2011 May 18, 2011 May 17, 2011 May 16, 2011 May 15, 2011 May 14, 2011 May 13, 2011 May 12, 2011 May 11, 2011 May 10, 2011 May 9, 2011 May 8, 2011 May 7, 2011 May 6, 2011 May 5, 2011 May 4, 2011 May 3, 2011 May 2, 2011 May 1, 2011 April 30, 2011 April 29, 2011 April 28, 2011 April 27, 2011 April 26, 2011 April 24, 2011 April 23, 2011 April 22, 2011 April 21, 2011 April 20, 2011 April 19, 2011 April 18, 2011 April 17, 2011 April 16, 2011

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Rumpus on campus: QAU closed for four days - DAWN.com

ISLAMABAD, April 27: Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) authorities closed the university for four days, and ordered some 800 final-year students to vacate hostels, after violence by some disgruntled students rocked the campus on Friday.

University sources said the action would not hurt the studies much because of the weekend and May Day holiday and on Wednesday the university would be rehearsing for the convocation ceremony set for May 3.

A group of hostel residents allegedly took advantage of the presence of media on the campus, to cover an International Conference on Social Sciences, to air grievances they had been nursing for a year and went violent.

Witnesses said the disgruntled group gathered at the entrance of the university on Friday morning, holding placards bearing their grievances and demands, and did nothing more than disrupt the traffic. But as their number increased, the protesters reportedly marched on the auditorium of the Earth Sciences Department where the conference was underway.

There they went violent, breaking down glass and other things, making some participants to leave the conference. There were no foreign delegates though at the conference. Police was called in and dispersed the rowdy students.

Inspector Shahid Mehmood of Secretariat Police Station who answered the call told Dawn that no FIR was registered as the university filed no complaint.

A disgruntled student asked about the group’s grievances said it wanted the university management to ensure “quality services” to hostel inmates, initiate legal proceedings against a university bus driver who had killed a student in an accident, waive off the fine imposed on 25 members of the group after a clash with another group last year, and allow the revival of Quaideen Students Federation (QSF).“We will go for tougher action if the university management did not listen to us,” warned the student.

A university teacher confided to Dawn on condition of anonymity that the students which clashed last year belonged to Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan. QAU had lodged an FIR with the police, naming six students, after the June 2011 incident which had closed the university for a few days.

QAU Vice-Chancellor Prof Masoom Yasinzai, recalling the incident, said: “Some students had fought at the start of their semester last year.

Now, at the closing of the academic year, they are trying to put pressure (for rescinding the disciplinary taken against them). Yesterday a group of students came to me seeking permission to reorganise the QSF but I told them that I am not authorised to allow that.”

Students’ unions in educational institutions were banned by the military regime of Gen Ziaul Haq in late 1970s and remain so.

Prof Yasinzai looked reluctant to take “the painful action of expelling” the students behind the latest incident but said the disciplinary committee of the university would certainly probe Friday’s rumpus and find ways to punish the guilty.

Dozens of hostel students, fearing possible eviction, staged a counter protest against the troublemakers.

“They were a small group out to agitate issues to their own benefit. The vast majority of us are just interested in pursuing their studies in peace,” Moazzam Durrani, a student of Anthropology Department, told Dawn speaking for “the 8,000 students of the university”.

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Six people dead as grand operation begins in Lyari - PakistanToday.com.pk

 0 58 mins ago   |   KARACHI - Six people were shot dead, while five, including 2 policemen, were injured in Lyari as the government began a grand clearance operation in Karachi’s troubled area on Friday.

The operation began in early hours of Friday and heavy contingents of police and Frontier Constabulary began looking for criminals hiding in the locality.

A man was shot dead in Gabol Park while five people, including police personnel, were injured in the operation, according to a private TV channel.

CID SSP Chaudhary Aslam Khan was also present during the operation and a squad of women police also took part in the operation for the very first time.

Law enforcement personnel faced resistance upon their arrival and blockades were placed at all entry and exit points of the area.

A police armored personnel carrier (APC) came under a grenade attack in Nawa Lane area of Lyari. No loss of life was reported in the attack.

Loud explosions and firing were heard in Sango Lane, Cheel Chowk and Aath Chowk, causing panic and fear among the residents.

In light of the ongoing unrest, board examinations of class nine, which were re-scheduled for today, were postponed again.

The operation follows incidents on Wednesday when a policeman was gunned down during an exchange of fire with a suspected gangster and the killing of a political activist.

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Malik links improved policing to rise in FDI - Business Recorder

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMAABD:  Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Friday said that police was playing vital role in maintaining law and order in the country, therefore it should be provided modern training to counter criminals using latest weapons and technology.

"Modern technology has created a lot of challenges for police as its increasing use is promoting crime. Hence the skill of police force should be improved according to new trends to tackle criminals," he said while addressing the passing out parade of the 37th Specialized Training Programme (STP) of the Assistant Superintendent of Police batch held here at the National Police Academy (NPA). The STP comprises 35 officers including a lady officer.

He said that he had directed secretary Ministry of Interior to establish an Information Technology (IT) department in police academy aimed at providing training to new officers for curbing cyber crimes.

The Minister said that successful policing was not possible without the participation of general public. "Police is playing very important role in the economic development of the country," he said. Malik said that if police ensure strict law and order foreign investors would come and invest here.

He said that public would lose confidence when police fails to ensure security of public property. Malik said that pay package of the employees of the academy would be made equal to pay package offered to police training school of capital police after July this year and announced 25 percent extra allowance for the employee of the academy.

Shoaib Ahamd, commandant National Police Academy, speaking on the occasion said that no society could progress when its citizens were not free of fear and not confident of the security of their lives and property. "To achieve a vibrant society and indeed a state, it is necessary to have professionally well trained police force which has the necessary vision to meet the challenges of modern day policing," he said.

He said that the graduating officers would do their job honestly and would  succeed in earning the respect of the public and government. Despite the sever constraints of human resource, the academy in the present premises has with the support of foreign government been able to train more than 5600 officers belonging to various law enforcement agencies, he said. Shoaib said that they had earlier drawn the attention of the government to the severe resource constraints faced by the academy due to which the academy has not been able to attract and retain quality police officers. The academy has also requested for enhancement of pay package of employees of the academy to overcome the problem. The police academy has lower pay package than the pay package offered to employees of police training school Islamabad, he said.

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Rumble in the house - PakistanToday.com.pk

 0 7 hours ago   |   

Shouting, screaming and other parliamentary activity

Ah, how times change. Hacks of the Press Gallery variety would testify that the prime minister used to be treated with a level of deference by the members of the League at the worst of times. Case in point: the governor raj in the Punjab. Amidst the pandemonium unleashed in the house by the Leaguers in the session following the move, the prime minister steps in. Nothing if not placatory, he managed to calm them down, with some stating the only reason they didn’t walk out of the house was the prime minister’s plea.

Whether the premier was playing the good cop or the League was attempting to buttress his ego and trying to drive a wedge between the president and him, there was no great rift between them. Slowly and gradually, yes, the prime minister’s alleged corruption did become the focal point for some of the Leaguers but the gloves never were quite off. The way they were the other day with the Leader of the Opposition Chaudhry Nisar saying, in typical sub-continental adversarial manner, that he would see how the PPP brings in their convicted PM in the house.

Well, the PPP did bring their guy into the house and if any Leaguer didn’t see it, if was perhaps because they had walked out of the house. The premier, also, wasn’t his peaceful self. No one but the speaker and the parliament can deseat me, he said. He accused the League’s leadership of having huge egos which rendered them unable to take any criticism or participate in a working parliament. If the parliament and its sanctity is one’s only bulwark, one owns it and uses it as a weapon. It is up to the prime minister, then, to wear his remarkable attendance record at the house like a badge and bring attention to the Punjab chief minister’s apparent aversion to visiting the provincial parliament. A jibe, also, at the elder Sharif’s dismal parliamentary record during his stints in the prime minister’s office.

These are, unfortunately, interesting times. At the hustle proceeds, both sides are digging in their heels in the parliament, the Q is in silent assent with the government, the ANP is vocal about its support to the government and the MQM, being what it is, is hedging its bets till the dust settles.

Nothing like a bit of fireworks.

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Talks between US, Pakistan fail - report - Independent Online

.

High-level talks on ending a diplomatic deadlock between the United States and Pakistan have ended in failure over Pakistani demands for an apology from the United States, The New York Times reported Saturday.

The newspaper said US special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc Grossman left the Pakistani capital Friday night with no agreement.

The departure followed two days of discussions aimed at patching up the damage caused by a US air strike last November that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers on the Afghanistan border, the report said.

The United States refuses to apologize for the strike.

The incident has damaged the precarious US-Pakistani partnership and provoked outrage in Islamabad, which has retaliated by cutting off NATO supply routes to Afghanistan.

The United States and Pakistan disagree about the precise sequence of events in the deadliest single cross-border attack of the 10-year war in Afghanistan.

Pakistan denies shooting first, and has accused the Americans of an intentional attack on its troops.

The administration of President Barack Obama had been seriously debating whether to say “I'm sorry” to Pakistan's satisfaction - until April 15, when multiple simultaneous attacks struck Kabul and other Afghan cities, The Times said.

“What changed was the 15th of April,” the paper quotes an unnamed senior administration official as saying.

US military and intelligence officials concluded that the attacks were directed by the Haqqani network, a group working from a base in North Waziristan in Pakistan's tribal belt, the report said.

That swung the raging debate on whether Obama or another senior US official should go beyond the expression of regret that the administration had already given, and apologize, the paper said.

Without the apology, Pakistani officials say they cannot reopen the NATO supply routes into Afghanistan that have been closed since November, the report said.

The United States, in turn, is withholding from Pakistan between $1.18 billion and $3 billion (2.26 billion euros) of promised military aid.

The continuing deadlock does not bode well for Pakistan's attendance at a NATO meeting in Chicago in three weeks, assuming it is even invited, The Times said.

US administration officials acknowledged Friday that the stalemate would not be resolved quickly, the paper noted. - Sapa-AFP

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Karachi violence leaves five lives, Gabol escaped attack - South Asian News Agency

South Asian News Agency (SANA) · April 27, 2012 ·

KARACHI, (SANA): At least five people including two policemen have been killed and more than a done were injured during firing and hand grenade attacks in Lyari area of the Karachi on Friday. Police have arrested more than 20 suspected from various areas of the city. Meanwhile Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Nabeel Gabol escaped in an attack at Miran Naka road, Lyari area of the city.

Miscreants threw a hand grenade on Gabol’s vehicle when he was on way to participate in funeral of slain PPP worker Malik Muhammad Khan. I am safe and alright, Gabol told while talking to media. The PPP leader said that he knows how to confront those who cause unrest in the area.

The string of gunfire which halted for a little while in Karachi area of Lyari, began afresh causing renewed panic among the people.
According to details, at least five people were also injured when unidentified miscreants hurled hand grenade on the police in Lyari area of Agra Taj.

Meantime, the FC personnel had been called on the spot. Meantime, various Lyari areas are witnessing riots and burning tires. A man has been arrested from Cheel Chow which is the worst hit by violence.

A man was shot dead in Nawa Lane area of Lyari and a girl was killed in Korangi area, meanwhile a police man died who was injured in firing incident in Pak colony area.

The matriculation examination paper slated for Friday has been cancelled and new date will announced later.
Ends-SANA-AA-ZS

http://www.sananews.net/english/karachi-violence-leaves-five-lives-gabol-escaped-attack/ Select Day April 27, 2012 April 26, 2012 April 25, 2012 April 24, 2012 April 23, 2012 April 22, 2012 April 21, 2012 April 20, 2012 April 19, 2012 April 18, 2012 April 17, 2012 April 16, 2012 April 15, 2012 April 14, 2012 April 13, 2012 April 12, 2012 April 11, 2012 April 10, 2012 April 9, 2012 April 8, 2012 April 7, 2012 April 6, 2012 April 5, 2012 April 4, 2012 April 3, 2012 April 2, 2012 April 1, 2012 March 31, 2012 March 30, 2012 March 29, 2012 March 28, 2012 March 27, 2012 March 26, 2012 March 25, 2012 March 24, 2012 March 23, 2012 March 22, 2012 March 21, 2012 March 20, 2012 March 19, 2012 March 17, 2012 March 15, 2012 March 14, 2012 March 13, 2012 March 12, 2012 March 11, 2012 March 10, 2012 March 9, 2012 March 8, 2012 March 7, 2012 March 6, 2012 March 5, 2012 March 4, 2012 March 3, 2012 March 2, 2012 March 1, 2012 February 29, 2012 February 28, 2012 February 27, 2012 February 26, 2012 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30, 2011 October 29, 2011 October 28, 2011 October 26, 2011 October 25, 2011 October 24, 2011 October 23, 2011 October 22, 2011 October 21, 2011 October 20, 2011 October 19, 2011 October 18, 2011 October 17, 2011 October 16, 2011 October 15, 2011 October 14, 2011 October 13, 2011 October 12, 2011 October 11, 2011 October 10, 2011 October 9, 2011 October 8, 2011 October 7, 2011 October 6, 2011 October 5, 2011 October 4, 2011 October 3, 2011 October 2, 2011 October 1, 2011 September 30, 2011 September 29, 2011 September 28, 2011 September 27, 2011 September 26, 2011 September 25, 2011 September 24, 2011 September 23, 2011 September 22, 2011 September 21, 2011 September 20, 2011 September 18, 2011 September 17, 2011 September 16, 2011 September 15, 2011 September 14, 2011 September 13, 2011 September 12, 2011 September 11, 2011 September 10, 2011 September 9, 2011 September 8, 2011 September 7, 2011 September 6, 2011 September 5, 2011 August 30, 2011 August 29, 2011 August 28, 2011 August 27, 2011 August 26, 2011 August 24, 2011 August 23, 2011 August 22, 2011 August 21, 2011 August 20, 2011 August 19, 2011 August 18, 2011 August 17, 2011 August 16, 2011 August 15, 2011 August 13, 2011 August 12, 2011 August 11, 2011 August 10, 2011 August 9, 2011 August 8, 2011 August 7, 2011 August 6, 2011 August 4, 2011 August 2, 2011 August 1, 2011 July 30, 2011 July 29, 2011 July 28, 2011 July 27, 2011 July 26, 2011 July 25, 2011 July 24, 2011 July 23, 2011 July 22, 2011 July 21, 2011 July 20, 2011 July 19, 2011 July 18, 2011 July 17, 2011 July 16, 2011 July 15, 2011 July 14, 2011 July 12, 2011 July 11, 2011 July 10, 2011 July 8, 2011 July 6, 2011 July 5, 2011 July 4, 2011 July 3, 2011 July 2, 2011 July 1, 2011 June 30, 2011 June 29, 2011 June 28, 2011 June 27, 2011 June 26, 2011 June 25, 2011 June 24, 2011 June 23, 2011 June 22, 2011 June 21, 2011 June 20, 2011 June 18, 2011 June 17, 2011 June 16, 2011 June 15, 2011 June 14, 2011 June 13, 2011 June 12, 2011 June 11, 2011 June 10, 2011 June 9, 2011 June 8, 2011 June 7, 2011 June 6, 2011 June 5, 2011 June 4, 2011 June 3, 2011 June 2, 2011 June 1, 2011 May 31, 2011 May 30, 2011 May 29, 2011 May 28, 2011 May 27, 2011 May 26, 2011 May 25, 2011 May 24, 2011 May 23, 2011 May 22, 2011 May 21, 2011 May 20, 2011 May 19, 2011 May 18, 2011 May 17, 2011 May 16, 2011 May 15, 2011 May 14, 2011 May 13, 2011 May 12, 2011 May 11, 2011 May 10, 2011 May 9, 2011 May 8, 2011 May 7, 2011 May 6, 2011 May 5, 2011 May 4, 2011 May 3, 2011 May 2, 2011 May 1, 2011 April 30, 2011 April 29, 2011 April 28, 2011 April 27, 2011 April 26, 2011 April 24, 2011 April 23, 2011 April 22, 2011 April 21, 2011 April 20, 2011 April 19, 2011 April 18, 2011 April 17, 2011 April 16, 2011

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Pak ISI claims it tipped off CIA on Osama hideout - Firstpost

Washington: Stung by lingering suspicions that it was complicit in sheltering Osama bin Laden, Pakistan’s spy agency has claimed credit for helping US intelligence agencies locate the high-walled hideout of the terror mastermind.

“The lead and the information actually came from US,” a senior official of the Inter-Services Intelligence told Washington Post, in what the paper said was a push for recognition ahead of the anniversary of the stealth raid that killed bin Laden.

Slain al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

The official claimed that it was ISI which had provided CIA with a cellphone number that eventually led to an al-Qaeda courier Abu Ahmad al-Kuwaiti, the paper said.

“Any hit on al-Qaeda anywhere in the world has happened with our help,” the official said.

“They knew who the number belonged to,” the official said, adding that he had worked closely with the CIA and turned over thousands of suspect numbers. “But after that, their cooperation with us ended.”

“It is the story of an extreme trust deficit and betrayal,” the official lamented.

But the Post said that US officials disputed the ISI version.

“The fact is, our knowledge of the number didn’t come from them telling us about it,” the paper quoted US officials as saying.

The paper said many Pakistani politicians have described the 2 May raid as an assault on Pakistan’s sovereignty and an example of US arrogance. A Pakistani doctor who helped the CIA in the hunt for bin Laden remains in custody on charges of treason, and his associates are barred from working.

PTI

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Multimillion-rupee: Ali Musa pleads innocence in ephedrine case - The Express Tribune

The PM’s son is quizze­d for two hours by ANF invest­igator­s. The PM’s son is quizzed for two hours by ANF investigators.

RAWALPINDI: 

Ali Musa Gilani, son of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, appeared before the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) in the case concerning alleged misuse of the controlled chemical ephedrine on Thursday.

Gilani appeared before the investigators along with his counsel, Fawad Chaudhry, and pleaded innocence and ignorance on the subject of influencing officials of the federal health ministry for allocating a huge quota of ephedrine to two pharmaceutical companies, in violation of the law.

Ali Musa, who was named in the Supreme Court as the main accused in the multi-million-rupee scandal, was questioned for almost two hours by ANF Rawalpindi Joint Director Colonel Tauqeer, Deputy Director Abid Zulfiqar and Joint Director Legal Col (retd) Shabbir, an ANF official requesting anonymity told The Express Tribune. After his testimony, Ali Musa spoke to the media and denied allegations of involvement in the case.

“The ANF had questioned three men named Musa earlier in the case. If someone has used my name or position to influence the health officials, the investigators should look for the impersonator,” he said, adding, “I was abroad for studies in the days when the ephedrine was allegedly allocated to the companies.”

According to ANF sources, Ali Musa said during his testimony that he had never met former director general health Dr Rasheed Jumma.

“I am not an accused in the case. The Supreme Court has only directed the ANF to question me and I have returned before schedule to appear before the ANF team. I was to return on April 30,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Anti-Narcotics Court Special Judge Zaffar Iqbal Chaudhry rejected the plea for pre-arrest bails of Dr Rasheed Jumma, Berlex Lab International Director Rizwan Khan and Danas Pharmaceutical Director Col (retd) Tahirul Wadood Lahoti. The men were not present in court when the order was announced.

The ANF has already arrested Ansar Farooq Chaudhry, chief executive of Danas Pharmaceutical Islamabad and Iftikhar Khan Babar, chief executive of Berlex Lab International. Another accused, Tauqeer Ali Khan, said to be close aide of Ali Musa Gilani, obtained pre-arrest bail from a court in Multan.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 27th, 2012.

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Shahzain Bugti, associates consent to arrest - The Express Tribune

Bugti says he is being framed, adding that he is hopefu­l of being releas­ed soon. Bugti says he is being framed, adding that he is hopeful of being released soon. PHOTO: FILE

QUETTA:  Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) provincial president Nawabzada Shahzain Bugti, while speaking to the media outside his residence on Saturday, consented to being arrested along with his associates following the non-bailable warrant issued against him, Express News reported.

Bugti told the media that he was being framed and that the case was fabricated, adding that the agencies had made his lawyer “disappear”, referring to his advocate being kidnapped some time ago.

“I am hopeful of being released soon”, Bugti told the press.

Earlier, following the non-bailable arrest warrants issued by Additional Session Judge – V Quetta Sayed Zulfiqar Naqvi against 27 persons including provincial president of the Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) Nawabzada Shahzain Bugti, security forces surrounded his residence on Saturday.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Zafarullah Zehri entered the house to talk to Bugti who had said that he would address the media after the meeting.

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Gilani: Only the parliament can remove me - gulfnews.com

Islamabad: In his first appearance in the National Assembly after the Supreme Court convicted him of contempt of court, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani declared yesterday that only the parliament had the authority to remove.

Lawmakers of the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N), which says it does not recognise him as prime minister after the conviction, walked out of the lower house of the parliament as Gilani entered the hall.

A session of the assembly overnight, which was not attended by Gilani, was marred by a rumpus as opposition and government legislators engaged in a noisy exchange of invectives and thumped desks.

"I am unanimously elected prime minister of 180 million people of Pakistan and no one, but the parliament can remove me. If the parliament de-notifies me today I will step down at once," Gilani said amid applause by the deputies belonging to Pakistan People's Party and its coalition partners.

Article continues below

Under the rules the Speaker of the National Assembly will examine if a question arises on whether a member of the assembly is liable to disqualification and if necessary send the issue to the Election Commission for a decision, a process which takes four months. "No one other than the Speaker of the National Assembly can de-notify me," the prime minister told the cheering legislators.

By-election

He cited Thursday's victory of a PPP candidate against PML-N nominee in a by-election in his home town Multan on a vacant seat of the legislature of the opposition-ruled Punjab assembly and also the earlier electoral success from the area of one of his sons.

This was evidence of the nation's support and confidence in the PPP and its leadership, he claimed, vowing that the coalition government was pursuing a policy of strengthening democracy in the country. "we shall not allow democracy to be derailed," he said.

Gilani challenged PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif to adopt the constitutional route to realise their desire to remove him from office. "I challenge them to bring a no-confidence motion against me in the assembly."

Parliamentary sources said the Supreme Court's verdict has been received by National Assembly Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza, who belongs to PPP.

A seven-judge bench on Thursday punished Gilani with token imprisonment till the rising of the court while the verdict also opened the door for disqualification in accordance with the constitution's procedures.

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Missile woman - Khaleej Times

Tessy Thomas was the toast of the Indian media last week after she test fired India?s fiercest weapon but on the way back from the mission, she confessed that what gave her a high and helped her relax was cooking for her family and indulging in a game of badminton?both of which she has been unable to do for a couple of years now as her career hit a high note.

Thomas grew up in tranquil Alappuzha in Kerala, suth India, among meandering backwaters and coconut palms, but was always fascinated by the action at Thumba, in Thiruvananthapuram, where India launched its rockets.

The world of math and science was her other passion. Then, in 1985, she was one of the 10 youngsters selected for a Defence Research and Development Programme which brought her up close with the world of missiles and changed her life forever.

India’s former president and missile man, APJ Abdul Kalam, spotted her talent and mentored her for a brief while, further arousing her curiosity in the missile programme.

It has been a long haul for this simple woman with her ready smile. She struggled initially with even the small things, such as figuring out how to ride an automatic scooter, she told a gathering of heavy weight women at a recently held women’s congress in Bangalore. But that struggle and a rather painful fall from her scooter, taught her to master everything, even the simplest gadget, before she used it. To this day, that is her philosophy.

Working her way laboriously up in what was essentially once a male domain, Thomas showed that it is indeed possible for a woman to equal, if not better, her male colleagues when she was chosen to head the Agni-IV team as project director for vehicles and mission and later, was project director (mission) for the more sophisticated Agni V launch.

Thomas herself does not recognise the role of gender and says talent is what matters. “Science shows no gender discrimination, and in that sense offers hope to a society where discrimination is practised.”

At DRDO there is a three-fold increase in the number of women scientists and she is convinced the numbers will surge in the coming years.

While she herself is a proponent of work-life balance, Thomas is also a very driven woman who is continually on the ball where work is concerned. Her next mission? A multiple re-entry vehicle, she said on the very day she successfully test-fired the Agni V.

Her family will have to wait for a while before they get to enjoy her cooking. So will her game of badminton….

—sudhamenon2006@gmail.com

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Gayari: 8 points identified for further probe - South Asian News Agency

South Asian News Agency (SANA) · April 27, 2012 ·

RAWALPINDI, (SANA): The search and rescue operation at the Gayari sector in Siachen continues.

According to an ISPR press release, the Ground Penetrating Rader (GPR) team has taken readings at 26 different points out of which eight have been identified for further probe.

Work at the identified points is in progress while a 300 feet long course has been hauled over the avalanche for the restoration of the channel by employing dozers.

139 soldiers and civilians were buried underneath the avalanche which took place on April 7. Rescuers have been dealing with harsh weather conditions during the operation and have been aided by foreign teams.
Ends-SANA-AA-ZS

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For Obama, Bin Laden Killing Becomes Campaign Tool - NPR

WASHINGTON April 27, 2012, 06:02 pm ET

WASHINGTON (AP) — The killing of Osama bin Laden, first presented as a moment of national unity by President Barack Obama, has become something else: a political weapon.

Obama's re-election campaign is portraying his risky decision to go after America's top enemy as a defining difference with his Republican presidential opponent, suggesting Mitt Romney might not have had the guts to order a mission that put lives and perhaps a presidency at stake.

Obama himself is opening up on the raid again — and opening the secretive White House Situation Room as an interview stage — to hail the one-year anniversary.

The broader goal for Obama, whether through campaign web videos or the trappings of the White House, is not to just to remind voters of an enormous victory on his watch. It is to maximize a political narrative that he has the courage to make tough calls that his opponent might not.

"Does anybody doubt that had the mission failed, it would have written the beginning of the end of the president's first term?" Vice President Joe Biden says in laying out Obama's foreign policy campaign message. "We know what President Obama did. We can't say for certain what Governor Romney would have done."

The strategy underscores the fact that the Obama who ordered the raid as commander in chief is now seeking a second term as president. The risk is the political blowback that can come if he is seen as crossing a line into politicizing national security.

"Sad," said a Romney spokeswoman. "Shameless," said 2008 Obama election foe John McCain.

Biden even combined the killing of the al-Qaida leader and Obama's support for a failing auto industry into what he called a re-election bumper sticker message.

"It's pretty simple: Osama bin Laden is dead and General Motors is alive," the vice president said in a speech on Thursday.

Obama's campaign followed that Friday with a new web video questioning whether Romney would have taken the same path Obama did. If features a quote from a 2007 Romney interview in which he said it was not worth "moving heaven and earth spending billions of dollars just trying to catch one person."

That prompted Obama's 2008 opponent, Arizona's McCain, to issue a scathing statement in which he accused Obama of playing politics with the bin Laden killing and "diminishing the memory of September 11th."

"This is the same president who said, after bin Laden was dead, that we shouldn't 'spike the ball' after the touchdown," he said. "And now Barack Obama is not only trying to score political points by invoking Osama bin Laden, he is doing a shameless end-zone dance to help himself get re-elected."

The president's initial words on the bin Laden mission — a raid for which he received wide praise, including from Romney — were ones of sober thanks. Addressing the nation late that night of May 1, 2011, in Washington, Obama said: "Tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11."

So much for that, the Romney campaign said Friday.

"It's now sad to see the Obama campaign seek to use an event that unified our country to once again divide us, in order to distract voters' attention from the failures of his administration," Romney spokeswoman Andrea Saul said.

Obama campaign spokesman Ben LaBolt declined comment for this story, saying Biden's speech and the new campaign video speak for themselves.

White House spokesman Jay Carney said the bin Laden raid is a part of Obama's foreign policy story, and "I think the way that we've handled it represents exactly the balance you need to strike."

President George W. Bush, when seeking re-election in 2004, faced criticism that he was politicizing the memory of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, including with a video at the Republican National Convention that credited him with "the heart of a president."

Steve Schmidt, a spokesman and strategist for that Bush campaign, said the bin Laden killing is fair game as a campaign message for Obama.

"It was a courageous political decision to launch the raid where bin Laden was killed. The stakes were enormous," Schmidt said. "Had it gone south, there would have been tremendous political ramifications for the president. It's a real event that happened on his watch, by his command."

In perspective, Schmidt added, the issue won't be a determining factor in an election to be driven by the economy.

Bin Laden was killed in Pakistan by U.S. Navy SEALs. The terror leader was living in a compound in one of Islamabad's suburbs, having evaded capture for nearly 10 years.

The episode is featured prominently in a longer Obama campaign video, narrated by actor Tom Hanks, as an example of decisive leadership.

Obama sent in the U.S. forces with no assurance that bin Laden was at the site, leading to a heart-pounding scene in the Situation Room, captured in one of the most famous photos of Obama's presidency.

From that room, Obama will relive the moment in prime time. The White House granted NBC News' Brian Williams access to the Situation Room, and interviews with Obama and top members of his security team, for a special that has been taped and will air on Wednesday.

It is unclear if the room has been used before as the setting for such an interview. NBC News called it a first for network television. White House national security spokesman Tommy Vietor said the room itself is only classified if the topic being discussed is, and that reporters have been inside the room before.

Said Schmidt: "It's part of the advantage of being an incumbent president."

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Af-Pak,US work on good Taliban safe passage - Indian Express

Afghanistan, Pakistan and the US on Friday agreed to explore ways to arrange safe passage for Taliban militants wanting to join the Afghan reconciliation process as the three countries resumed contacts to facilitate the endgame in Afghanistan.

Senior officials of the three countries decided to form two new sub-groups to push the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

One sub-group, comprising officials from permanent missions at the United Nations, will coordinate activities at the world body while the second will examine the issue of safe passage for Afghan Taliban militants who give up violence.

Deputy Foreign Minister Jawed Ludin, who led the Afghan team at the meeting of the ?Core Group? of the three countries, said Kabul expected Islamabad to facilitate contacts with the Taliban. Safe passage for militants taking part in talks will have a cascading effect and encourage other rebels to join the peace process, he said.

?We need to be able to find those who are willing to talk wherever they are... We need to provide safe passage and an environment where they feel safe and confident that they can engage in peace talks,? said Ludin.

The American team at the talks was led by Special Representative Marc Grossman while Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jillani headed the Pakistani side.

The Core Group of the three countries met in Islamabad for the first time since September last year as part of efforts to revive stalled talks with the Taliban and to resume cooperation for the endgame in Afghanistan.

... contd.

Tags: Taliban, Afghan reconciliation process, Afghan Taliban militants

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United States helps strengthen Pakistani Civil Society - Associated Press of Pakistan

People of Pakistan and Japan have centuries old contacts: Japan FM - TOKYO, April 27 (APP): Pakistan is a beautiful country blessed with a lot historical and cultural assets, including the Indus Valley and Gandhara civilizations. This was stated by Japan’s Foreign Minister, Koichiro Genba, while addressing a reception arranged by Pakistan Embassy in a local hotel here to mark the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan. The Japanese Foreign Minister said that the people from the present day Pakistan had centuries old contacts with the people of Japan. He said recent research had revealed that even in the 18th century trade prevailed between Japan and the areas consisting present Pakistan. The Japanese Foreign Minister appreciated Pakistan’s assistance in the wake of Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.

Arif Lohar says his US tour is aimed at sharing ?our wish for peace? - NEW YORK, April 27 (APP): Pakistan’s famous folk singer Arif Lohar, who is in the United States bringing Sufi music to Americans audiences in various cities across the country, calls himself both “a fakir and a safir (a wandering mystic and a cultural ambassador). All the world over, the language is music, he said in an interview with The New York Times. The styles are different, the
nuances are different. But the language is the same. I am here representing my country and my culture. I have connected with people, and it feels so good to connect in that way,” said Lohar, who is set to perform at Asia Society in New York Friday night—the show is sold out.

Grossman had productive meetings on full range of issues: US - WASHINGTON, April 26 (APP): The United States on Thursday described the  U.S. delegations talks with Pakistani officials as productive as the two sides engaged in discussions on full range of issues in the wake of Pakistani Parliaments new guidelines on way forward in the bilateral relations. The State Department said the U.S. inter-agency team, led by special  envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Marc Grossman, affirmed Washingtons resolve to work with Pakistan going forward on wide-ranging areas.

US says wants to see PM contempt issue settled justly, transparently - WASHINGTON, April 26 (APP): The United States sees the issue of contempt of court against Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilai as an internal Pakistani matter and expects it to be resolved  justly and transparently, the State Department said Thursday. State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland, asked at the daily  briefing to comment  on the Supreme Court’s conviction verdict earlier Thursday in the contempt case against the prime minister,  said:

Hillary Clinton to visit China, Bangladesh, India next week - WASHINGTON, April 26 (APP): U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will next week visit China, Bangladesh, and India on a regional trip during which she will discuss bilateral relations with leaders of the three countries. In Beijing May 3-4, Secretary Clinton and Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner will join their Chinese co-chairs, Vice Premier Wang Qishan and State Councilor Dai Bingguo, for the fourth joint meeting of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED), the State Department said.
LAHORE, Apr 26 (APP)- The 34th National Boxing Championships on Thursday reached to final stage after all the national champions eased into the title-fight round here at the Punjab College Hall. On the fourth day of the event there was only one RSC O/C (referee stopped contest outclass) and a knock out decisions and a walk over but none of the boxers who entered into the ring retired.  All the bouts were played till the last second and the decisions were  made on points.
  LAHORE, Apr 26 (APP)- The newly appointed, Chief Executive Officer of USA Cricket Association, Nabeel Ahmed said that USACA will seek cooperation from different cricket boards including Pakistan Cricket Board to lift the level of cricket in America. “We have been assigned a challenging task to raise the standards of USA cricket and definitely we will be taking all necessary measures to give new dimensions to our cricket,” he told APP from Detroit here on Thursday. The newly elected CEO of USACA firmly believes that noted cricket boards of the world can benefit the cricket in USA where the passion for cricket is ever growing and youth is taking cricket as a sport, said Nabeel from Pakistani origin and a former Senior Vice President of USACA.
  LAHORE, April 26 (APP) - Pakistan Olympic Association entered into a new era by launching its webiste to provide update information regarding national olympic committee and its affiliated national sports federations. “ It is a new chapter in country’s sports that we have developed a major source of information sharing regarding Pakistan’s sports for our own people and sports lover around the globe”,said Lt Gen retd Syed Arif Hasan, President,POA at a news conference to unveil the salient features of the POA website after Executive Committee meeting of the POA here on Thursday.
  LAHORE, April 26 (APP) - Top national players moved into the quarter finals of the men singles of the 14th All Pakistan Aamer Hayat Khan Rokhri Badminton Tournament after winning their respective ties here on Thursday at New Khan Hall. No upset was recorded in the single matches and Wajid Ali (Wapda), Shoaib Hafeez (Punjab), Shabbar Hussain (Wapda), Waqas Ahmed (Wapda) and Attique Ch (Wapda) breezed into the next round of the event.
  KARACHI, Apr. 26 (APP) - Pakistan’s top cuemen Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Sultan won their last league games but failed to qualify for the last 16 round of 28th Asian Snooker Championship in Doha (Qatar), according to information received here on Thursday. Asif was taken to full distance by Bashar Hussain Abdulmajid of Qatar before grabbing 4-3 wins.
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You need to login.Saleem Shahzad Inquiry Commission Report Chinese Prime Minister Visit to Pakistan Presidential address to the joint sitting of parliament

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7-member bench of SC convicts Prime Minister Gilani till rising of court - Business Recorder (blog)

ISLAMABAD: A seven member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Nasir ul Mulk, convicted Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani till rising of court in a contempt case, initiated against him for not implementing NRO judgement.

The bench comprising Justice Nasir ul Mulk, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmany, Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, Justice Ijaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Muhammad Athar Saeed announced the verdict as reserved on April 24.

The Prime Minister remained standing for 30 seconds after the announceemnt of judgement.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and a large number of cabinet members including Qamar Zaman Kaira, Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Rehman Malik, Babar Ghauri, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Sardar Israrullah Zehri, Makhdoom Shahabuddin and Dr. Firdous Aashiq Awan besides others including Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Governor Punjab Sardar Latif Khan Khosa were also present in the court room at the time of announcement of the judgment.

Ch. Shujaat Hussain accompnied the Prime Minister in the court room.

The judgement was reserved by the bench headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk on April 24 after conclusion of arguments by Attorney General for Pakistan Irfan Qadir and barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, counsel for the Prime Minister.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2012

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Kausar calls for coordinated efforts to protect environment - Pakistan Observer

Peshawar?Khyber Pakthunkhwa Governor, Barrister Masood Kausar on Wednesday underlined the need for coordinated efforts by the all stakeholders for protection of environment and sustainable conservation of forests. Pakistan Forest Institute (PFI) should take a lead role to bolster bio-diversity resources through adaptation of modern techniques and quality research work. The Governor expressed these views while addressing the 49th convocation of Pakistan Forests Institute (PFI), as a Chief Guest here on Wednesday.

The Governor awarded degrees to 40 Forestry graduates ie 12 M.Sc and 28 B.Sc courses for session 2009-11 besides decorating position holders with gold and silver medals during an impressive ceremony here at PFI Auditorium. The function was also addressed by Khyber Pakthunkhwa Environment Minister Wajid Ali Khan and Secretary Environment KP/Director General PFI, Said Badshah Bukhari. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said Pakistan has very limited forest resources despite fertile land and vast mountains ranges and asked PFI to take a lead role in enhancing forests, conservation of wildlife and bio-diversity resources through adaptation of modern techniques and quality research work imperative for the socio-economic development of people.

The Governor said great responsibilities lied on forestry graduates to utilize their energies in meeting the challenges of conservation for forest resources and its rational utilization for benefits of present and future generation. In fact, the Government said special focus should be made on conducting extensive afforstration in rural and mountainous areas by involving all segments of the society to bring maximum areas under plantation and vegetative cover. To offsets the effects of desertification, global warming and climatic change, he said, focus should be made on plantation especially in rural and mountainous areas to make Pakistan lush green, adding Khyber Pakthunkhwa is very rich in mountains and have vast plains that needed to be fully taped.

The Governor said that forestry graduates can play a vital role by creating awareness and educating public about importance of forests and its impact on environment. He said Islam also emphasizes on acquire of education and conducting research work. ?We have rich culture, tradition, customs as the land of Khyber Pakthunkhwa is very fertile in producing renowned doctors, engineers, lawyers, educationalists and environmentalists, who had shown their mettle in and outside the country and underlined the need of producing graduates of highest integrity and par excellence to shoulder future?s responsibilities The Governor said the government was giving top focus on promotion of education especially women education to take full advantage of talents of women folk, adding equal opportunities to male and female have been provided to get quality education in fields of their interests in line with vision of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed and ANP leader Khan Abdul Wali Khan.

The Governor hope that girls would also prove their worth as they did in others disciplines in the tough field of forestry. In his address, the Minister for Environment Wajid Ali Khan said the issues of global warming, desertification and climatic changes was posting serious threats to global environment and it could only be combated through joint and coordinated efforts and better linkages among forests institutes of the world and enhanced connectivity.

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3 killed as blast rocks Lahore Railway station - Oneindia

Lahore, Apr 25: A powerful bomb blast has rocked a crowded railway station here on late Tuesday, according to Geo TV news report.

At least three people are dead and more than 40 others are wounded in the explosion, the report said.

According to police, the bomb that was planted in a bag exploded shortly after the Awami Express, travelling from Karachi to Peshawar, pulled into platform no 2 at the Lahore railway station.

A railway police constable and a porter were among those killed. The identity of the third person killed by the blast could not immediately be ascertained, officials said.

The injured were shifted to Meo and Ganga Ram Hospital, a spokesman for the state-run Rescue 1122 service said. A 10-year-old boy and several women were among the wounded.

Meanwhile, police and other security agencies have cordoned off the entire area.

Five of the injured were in a critical condition, officials at Mayo Hospital and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said.

Senior Superintendent Shahzad Sultan of the Railway Police said that scores of people were present in a lounge for a private business train when the bomb went off.

"The explosive device was planted in a bag. The blast occurred when a porter lifted the bag," he said.

The blast was heard from several kilometres away and blew out the large windows of the lounge and several people were hit by shards of glass.

No group claimed responsibility for the blast though such attacks are usually blamed on the Pakistani Taliban.

Lahore police chief Aslam Tareen told reporters at the site of the blast: "It was an act of terrorism in a public place. We have to find out how they (terrorists) entered the railway station with the explosive device despite checks".

Tareen said the bomb disposal squad had estimated that six to eight kilograms of explosives were used in the attack.

Muhammad Hamid, a passenger who was injured, said: "I was present near the business lounge when I heard a bang and fell unconscious. I regained consciousness when rescue officials were shifting me to Mayo Hospital".

Footage on television showed the blast had caused extensive damage to the lounge. Benches were smashed and pieces of glass and debris lay on the floor.

People were evacuated after security forces cordoned off the railway station and adjacent areas.

All train services in Lahore were suspended following the attack and security forces searched all trains at the station, officials said.

PTI

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Man held for chopping off two women - DAWN.com

KARACHI, April 24: Police on Tuesday claimed to have arrested a man for allegedly killing at least two women, chopping off their body parts and dumping them at different places.

The body parts of at least two women were found in different places in March and earlier this month.

DSP Qaiser Ali Shah said the suspect, Muhammad Rafiq Soomro, was arrested in Patel Para.

He said the held suspect and his friend Iqbal were rickshaw drivers and were involved in chopping off the bodies of two women during the last two months. They threw away the body parts of the victims within the remit of the Soldier Bazaar and Jamshed Quarters police stations, he added. The recovery of all parts of a body took three days.

The police said the suspect allegedly killed a woman, Nasreen, and started using her cellphone. The police traced the location and carried out a raid and arrested the suspect. However, his accomplice was not present at the time of the raid.

The DSP said the held suspect disclosed to the police that he and his accomplice killed those women since they did not like “their profession”.

The police said Rafiq originally hailed from Sukkur and was a father of two. He appeared to be a psychopath, they added.

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Pakistan Police Defuse Passenger Train Bomb - Naharnet

Pakistani police defused a bomb on a passenger train in the country's northwest on Wednesday, officials said, hours after a blast at a station in the eastern city of Lahore killed two people.

A guard found the bomb in a briefcase in the early hours of the morning on the train from Karachi to Peshawar, the main town in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, near the Afghan border.

"The bomb fitted with detonator and batteries was packed with old clothes in a briefcase lying unattended in one of the coaches of the Awam Express," police officer Mazhar Abbas told Agence France Presse.

The train guard found the briefcase after a wedding party got down from the train at Attock station, he said.

"The guard checked from the wedding party members and remaining passengers in the coach but nobody claimed its ownership."

A bomb disposal squad was then summoned who defused the device, he said.

Mohammed Sajjad, a police investigation official, told AFP the bomb carried 13 kilograms of explosives as well as ball bearings and some nuts and bolts.

"Luckily a major tragedy has been averted," he added.

At least two people were killed on Tuesday when a bomb exploded near the waiting lounge of a luxury train at the main railway station in Lahore.

Pakistan suffers frequent attacks blamed on Taliban and al-Qaida-linked militants, who are most active in the lawless tribal belt in the northwest of the country on the border with Afghanistan.

Islamist militants have killed more than 4,900 people across Pakistan since government troops raided an extremist mosque in Islamabad in July 2007.

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VCs demand 4 pc of GDP for education - The News International

PESHAWAR: The vice-chancellors of various universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tuesday declared to launch a national movement to press the government to allocate at least four percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) for education.

They urged the parliamentarians and policy-makers to utilise energies and resources for making four percent allocation as mandatory for education, which they said was a panacea to all the problems of the country.

The vice-chancellors of 15 public sector universities and heads of degree awarding institutions met at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Peshawar, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Higher Education Qazi Mohammad Asad on the occasion of the visit of Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Javed Laghari and executive director HEC Sohail H Naqvi to the provincial metropolis.

Vice-chancellor UET, Peshawar, Syed Imtiaz Gilani in his inaugural remarks said that the vice chancellors were now very clear that unless and until education was promoted, nothing would improve in the country.

He said the vice-chancellors were now open to demand adequate investment in education. Global average investment in education is five percent of GDP while Pakistan is spending only 1.7 percent which is even not enough to bear the recurring expenditures of universities, he added.

Javed Laghari stressed the need for promotion of quality education. He said that only education was a solution to all the problems faced by the country. Every problem from air crash to railway’s bankruptcy and floods was being faced due to lack of quality education, he said.

He said they would focus attention of formation of similar forums in other provinces to have better policy regarding education.Laghari lauded the performance of the UET. He said that the return rate of PhD scholars sent by UET abroad was 100 percent and they were making great contribution in promotion of research culture in the province.

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PTI UK chapter in a trouble - News Pakistan

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 12:31:24 by Faisal Farooq

Imran Khan, the chief of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been asked by the PTI UK Coordination Committee (PTI-UKCC) to interfere immediately in the UK affairs of the party to hold free and fair polls of the panel.

In a press note issued by the PTI-UKCC, it has rejected the January 2012 irregular elections, announcing that the action by a group to suspend other members is annulled. The group asked PTI chief Imran Khan to investigate all polls irregularities so that free and fair elections can be held in the UK at the earliest.

The statement observed, “the PTI-UKCC, setup to deal with the issue of irregular PTIUK elections, has the support of a large number of old and new PTI members, said that they outwardly reject the results and do not recognize the disputed elected body”.

It continued that the senior PTI leaders namely Rabia Zia, Wajid Abbasi, MA Raja, Dr Raana Dar, Muhammad Bin Qasim, Khurram Naeem, Sobia Zia have not been suspended from PTIUK.

The press note noted, “PTI-UKCC strongly condemns the cheap publicity stunts of the disputed elected body for maligning PTI & its die hard workers by publishing a fake suspension letters in their own personal capacity to the media and on Insaf forums”.

According to the statement, Shahid Dastgir is not even a paid member of PTIUK and had taken it upon himself to externalize an internal party matter.

The senior PTI leadership has been asked to take abrupt action on those who are damaging the party especially in international chapters where people do not expect dirty politics, it added.

The press note further said, “The disputed body is in fear of PTIUK election irregularities being investigated by an independent body in Pakistan and they are desperate as they are not being recognized by the majority in the UK as they participated in bogus elections. The body has lost its confidence as has not been able to deliver in terms of fund raising or paid membership”.

Related News:

COAS leaves for United Kingdom on an official visitCOAS visits Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Ministry of Defence at United KingdomUnited Kingdom considers deploying naval assets to Strait of HormuzTime to devise new terms of engagement with United StatesUnited Nations warned Iran over hidden intentions of building nuclear weaponsTags: Imran Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, PTI, PTI-UK, PTI-UKCC, United Kingdom

Short URL: http://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=20217

Posted by Faisal Farooq on Apr 25 2012. Filed under Pakistan, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

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Stillborn apology: Pakistan, US fail to break logjam - The Express Tribune

Offici­als say Washin­gton is reluct­ant to tender a public apolog­y over the death of two dozen Pakist­ani soldie­rs. Officials say Washington is reluctant to tender a public apology over the death of two dozen Pakistani soldiers.

ISLAMABAD: 

Indefinitely delaying the much-anticipated reengagement process between the two allies, Pakistan and the US have ended up in a deadlock over the issue of a public apology for last year’s deadly Nato airstrike.

The formal apology is one of the key preconditions set by Pakistan’s parliament to revive cooperation with the US and reopen Nato supply routes blocked since the airstrike at Salala which killed two dozen Pakistan Army soldiers.

However, Pakistani officials have now disclosed that Washington is reluctant to accept the demand.

The apparent hesitation on part of the Obama administration to tender a public apology over the incident has led to a stalemate, said a Pakistani diplomat, familiar with the development.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the diplomat added that Washington had earlier displayed signs of ‘willingness’ to apologise but President Barrack Obama’s public ratings, in an election year, appear to have forced the administration to rethink its decision.

The recent attacks in Kabul, blamed on the Haqqani network, have also complicated the situation and made it difficult for Obama to take such a step at a time when his political rivals are calling for a tough action against Pakistan.

In an attempt to find a midway, the White House was planning to send veteran Democrat Senator John Kerry to Pakistan but the visit was postponed after Islamabad apparently refused to accept his apology.

“Our position is that we want the White House to make the apology,” said another official.

He said the two sides were trying to break the impasse and the issue would come up for discussions during the upcoming visit of US special representative for the region Marc Grossman, who is expected to arrive here today (Wednesday) on a two-day trip.

Despite repeated attempts, foreign ministry spokesperson Moazam Ali Khan could not be reached for an official reaction over this development.

The US Embassy also refused to comment on the specifics.

“The US is ready to engage with Pakistan on all issues when it is ready for discussions,” said an American diplomat.

His remarks appear to suggest that Pakistan has not yet made up its mind to revive cooperation with the US in the light of the new recommendations approved by parliament.

Recently, US Ambassador Cameron Munter said his country was eager to resume cooperation with Pakistan but would not accept all of its demands.

Officials said the government had put on hold the process after US reservations surfaced on the issue of the formal apology.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25th, 2012.

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Climate change: Call to establish flood risk zone - DAWN.com

Displaced women cross a flooded field carrying bags of donated food, as they take refuge on a roadside in Mirpur Khas.—AP Photo

KARACHI: Given that drastic climate change is inevitable, the only way to lessen its impact is to prepare ourselves and adapt to it in the best possible manner.

In this regard, a city-specific roadmap was discussed at a workshop, Climate change adaptation strategy for Karachi — a roadmap, at a hotel on Tuesday.

Organised by a non-governmental organisation, Shehri — Citizens for a Better Environment, the event identified and examined various factors that led to the present climatic conditions, and assessed the critical vulnerabilities that Karachi may be exposed to due to climate change.

Urban planner Farhan Anwar highlighted the need to involve the city government in order to realise an improvement in adapting to climate change.

Using visual aid, Anwar identified areas that are vulnerable to floods, droughts, sea-level rise and extreme heat events. He laid emphasis on the urgent need for a strategy to combat climate change in Karachi

He noted that a national disaster management report had discussed the impact of climate change on transport, energy and other sectors when it should have taken into account urban areas, which are important stakeholders.

Referring to the areas that are dotted with slums and hill settlements threatened by floods, Anwar said that there was a vital need to establish a ‘flood risk zone’ in order to rate the risk possibility.

“And to do that, we need a flood plan map, he added.

“Apart from Malir and Lyari rivers, we have bloated drainage and sewage systems,” he said, “In worst case scenario, in terms of flooding, storm water and rainfall, 50 per cent of the entire population in vulnerable areas will have to be evacuated. We need a surface management plan for Karachi, and should evaluate and improve the design and maintenance of drainage system.”

While discussing the critical challenges, Anwar noted that there was no effective policy or regulation in place to deal with disasters.

“The rural Karachi will be threatened by drought-like situation,” warned Anwar, drawing attention to the obvious effects of climate change, including a decrease in green spaces and cultivated farmland.

He also highlighted the economic impact of climate change in coastal areas, especially to the fisheries.

“We need a flood insurance cover and develop a ground water profile and policy,” he said, while stressing on a drought plan for Karachi along with a revision policies in various institutions.

Earlier, Roland de Souza of Shehri took his audience through a series of visual slides and highlighted the cost the world was paying for its luxuries. He called the entire issue a ‘cancer’ and advised the audience to make others aware of this ‘disease’.

“In 2010, the country affected most was Pakistan, and there will be a repeat of this,” he warned, zeroing in on elite consumerism and increased dependence on private vehicles as major causes of greenhouse emission.

Dr Noman Ahmed, professor and chairman of architecture and planning department at the NED University, discussed the role of stakeholders and other various entities in combating climate change. Replying to a query, Dr Ahmed underlined the importance of public participation regarding climate change.

“We need to demonstrate the negative impact of climate change in our day-to-day lives, and this will rapidly bring awareness among the public,” he said.

General Secretary of Shehri Amber Alibhai noted that at present our institutions cannot deal with the task of mitigating dramatic climate changes.

Highlighting the water problem, she cited the example of Gadap where people had given up crop cultivation due to water scarcity. Another reason, she said, was gravel excavation that had a serious impact on the city.

“Reti bajri comes from riverbeds that we need for our sustainability,” she said, adding that this is a serious impact of real estate that should be addressed.

A short documentary on the hazards of climate change, put together by students of the NED University, was also screened at the workshop.

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Bhoja aircraft banned for general flights - Pakistan Observer

Islamabad?The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Tuesday banned Bhoja Air Lines planes for general flights after finding some of the planes unfit to fly.

CAA had started inspection of passenger aircrafts operated by private airlines earlier on Monday after the fatal crash in Islamabad.

According to a private television channel, Airworthiness Instructor CAA cancelled the Airworthiness Certificate for 2 flights of Bhoja Airlines bound for Islamabad via Lahore from Karachi.

? During inspection?, Instructor said, ? Planes were found unfit for general flights both domestic and international. They are grounded until clearance and obtainment of Airworthiness Certificate?.

He further added that objections were raised on the constituent parts of Bhoja Airlines planes including Landing Gear and Doors during inspection.

Planes carrying national flag of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had already obtained airworthiness certificate from CAA.

Captain Mujahid al Islam, head of the team probing Bhoja Airline?s airliner crash, has said that the investigation into the tragic incident could take three months.

While talking to media at the crash site in Hussainabad on Tuesday he said several evidences of the incident have been sealed, adding that work to remove the remains would be begun within two days.

It is pertinent to mention here that a nine-member team is investigating the issue. The number of the team can be raised if needed.

A team of insurance company has also reached Pakistan which would provide compensation to the affected families after investigative report is finalised.

Meanwhile the Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that there should be an independent judicial commission for investigation into Bhoja air liner crash, which took lives of 127 passengers and crew members.

Addressing the laptop distributing ceremony to the female students who showed outstanding academic performances in Allama Iqbal Government Girls College, he said ?I see a ray of hope and enthusiasm among students and hope the students will change the future of Pakistan?. He added that the students can save Pakistan from Ali Baba and forty thieves who are hell bent in looting the country.

The chief minister further said that 127 people lost their precious lives in the ill-fated air crash and the government was bound to set up an independent judicial commission for investigation in the tragic incident.

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Pakistan successfully test fires ballistic N-missile - PakTribune.com

25 April, 2012

Pakistan successfully test fired a nuclear-capable intermediate range ballistic missile on Wednesday, the military said, less than a week after India test launched a long range missile. The exact range of the missile was not revealed, but retired General Talat Masood, a defence analyst, told AFP.

Intermediate range ballistic missiles could up to 2,500 to 3,000 kilometres (1,550 to 1,850 miles) away -- which would put almost all of arch-rival India within reach. On Thursday India test fired its long range Agni V missile, which can deliver a one-tonne nuclear warhead anywhere in China.

"Pakistan today successfully conducted the launch of the intermediate range ballistic missile Hatf IV Shaheen-1A weapon system," Pakistan's military said in a statement. India and Pakistan -- which have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947 -- have routinely carried out missile tests since both demonstrated nuclear weapons capability in 1998.

Pakistan's most recent missile test came last month with the launch of the short-range nuclear-capable Abdali, while in April 2008 it tested the Shaheen II, or Hatf VI, missile with a range of 2,000 kilometres. Wednesday's missile, which landed in the sea, was a version of the Shaheen-1 with improvements in range and technical parameters, the military said, and can carry nuclear and conventional warheads.

"This is part of Pakistan's programme to develop nuclear and missile deterrence. It has a series of missiles in its inventory. This is perhaps the longest range missile in its programme," retired general Masood told AFP. "The whole object is essentially India-centric while India's own programme is directed towards China. Pakistan is engaged in improving its missile system as India continues to increase its capability."

Director General Strategic Plans Division Lieutenant General Khalid Ahmed Kidwai congratulated scientists and engineers on the successful launch, and the accuracy of the missile in reaching the target. He said the improved version of Shaheen 1A would further consolidate and strengthen Pakistan's deterrence abilities.

Pakistan's arsenal includes short, medium and long range missiles named after Muslim conquerors.India's missile test last week brought a muted international response, with China downplaying its significance, insisting the countries were partners not rivals, and Washington calling for "restraint" among nuclear powers.

This was in sharp contrast to the widespread fury and condemnation that greeted North Korea's unsuccessful test launch of a long-range rocket on April 13. India and Pakistan were on the brink of war in 2002 over the disputed territory of Kashmir, but a slow-moving peace dialogue resumed last March after a three-year suspension following the November 2008 Mumbai attacks.

End.

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Entire cabinet to accompany Gilani for contempt verdict - DAWN.com

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. — File Photo
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday said he would appear before the seven-member bench of the Supreme Court on April 26.
“I will appear before the Supreme Court tomorrow,” Gilani told his cabinet, while chairing the weekly cabinet meeting here at the PM Secretariat.
Gilani said he had always honoured the court’s decisions and fully respects its verdicts.
Moreover, the prime minister announced during the meeting that if any other cabinet member wished to accompany him, he was welcome.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the entire cabinet would accompany the prime minister when he appears before the apex court.
Gilani will be making his third appearance on Thursday in front of the SC bench, headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk, hearing a contempt case against him.
The court is expected to either exonerate the prime minister of all charges, or slap him with contempt.
Gilani had earlier appeared before the Supreme Court on Jan 19 and Feb 13.
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