Panel to grill sleuths becomes a reality - The Nation, Pakistan

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI – President Asif Ali Zardari Wednesday signed into law the National Commission for Human Rights Bill 2012, handing ample powers to a to-be-formed civilian entity to grill military and intelligence organisations over alleged rights abuses.
The bill was signed at a special ceremony at Bilawal House, Karachi that was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Federal Ministers Rehman Malik and Moula Bakhsh Chandio, Adviser to Prime Minister on Human Rights Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, provincial ministers and senior federal and provincial government officials.
This development has evoked a mixed reaction from security and legal circles as some analysts believed the law could invite gratuitous civilian interference into the work of security and intelligence agencies, scuttling their capability to effectively discharge their national duty and leading them to demoralisation.
Some legal circles also expressed their reservations over the role of foreign nations in providing financial assistance to the commission, which, they believed, would increase indirect foreign interference in bid to bashing Pakistan’s military as well as its national intelligence agencies.
However, there are others who support the PPP-led ruling alliance over the commission and are dubbing it as a landmark development.
“Today Pakistan has fulfilled a core requirement of the two-decade-old Paris Declaration calling upon the states to set up independent human rights commissions that was reiterated by the United Nations in 2008 soon after the present government took office,” Presidential Spokesperson Farhatullah Babar told the media in Karachi.
“An international commitment outstanding for the past nearly quarter of a century has been fulfilled today. It is no mean achievement considering the fact that Pakistan is fighting war against militancy and complaints of human rights violations have been surfacing.”
Elaborating the points in the Bill, he said the Commission, headquartered in Islamabad, would consist of ten members including Chairperson and a member each from the four provinces, Fata and Islamabad Capital Territory, minority communities and the Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women and at least two shall be the women members in this Commission.
“A person shall be eligible for appointment as Chairperson, who has been, or is qualified to be, a judge of the Supreme Court or a person having demonstrable knowledge of, or practical knowledge of, or practical experience in, matters relating to human rights. Similarly a member shall not be less than forty years of age and shall have knowledge and experience relating to human rights. The Chairperson and members shall hold the office for a term of four years that may be extended once.”
According to the law, the Federal Government shall invite suggestions for suitable persons for appointment as Chairperson and members of the Commission and, after proper scrutiny, shall submit a list of these persons to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly.
It says the Prime Minister shall, in consultation with the Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, forward three names for each post to a Parliamentary Committee for hearing and confirmation of any one person for each post. In case there is no consensus between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, each shall forward separate lists to the bi-partisan and bicameral Parliamentary Committee who in turn shall approve the nominations and forward them to the President for appointment.
The Law says the Chairperson and the member may be removed from office on the grounds and in the manner provided for in Article 209 of the Constitution.
The Commission would perform its functions either taking suo moto or on a petition presented to it by a victim or any person on his behalf for violation of human right or abetment thereof and the negligence in the prevention of such violation, by a public servant. It can intervene in any proceeding involving any allegation of violation of human rights pending before a court by making application for becoming a party to the proceeding before the court.
The Commission or any person authorised by it may visit any jail, place of detention or any other institution or place under the control of the Government or its agencies, where convicts, under trial prisoners, detainees or other person are lodged or detained for purposes of ascertaining the legality of their detention as well as to find out whether the provisions of the applicable laws or other provision relating to the inmates living conditions and their other rights are being complied with.
It would review the safeguards provided by or under the Constitution or any other law for the time being in force for the protection of human rights and recommend adoption of new legislation, the amendment of existing law and adoption or amendment of administrative measures for their effective implementation. It would also review the factors, including acts of terrorism that inhibit the enjoyment of human rights and recommend appropriate remedial measures. The Commission would undertake and promote research in the field of human rights, maintain database on the complaints and development of human rights norms.
The Commission would also spread human rights literacy among various section of society and promote awareness of the safeguards available for the protection of these rights through publications, print and electronic media, seminars and other available means in all major languages of the country.
The Commission would submit independent reports to the Government on the state of human rights in Pakistan for incorporation in reports to United Nations bodies or committees. It would also develop a national plan of action for the promotion and protection of human rights.
The law says that the when the inquiry of Commission discloses the violation of human rights, it would recommend the action and interim relief to the victim to the Government or authority concerned.
The Commission would have all the powers of a Civil Court trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908). It may call for information or report in cases of human rights form Government or its organisation.
“While dealing with the human rights violation cases involving the members of the armed forces, the Commission may either on its own motion or on receipt of a petition seek a report from the Federal Government. In case a complaint against intelligence agencies is made, the Commission would refer the complaint to the competent authority concerned.
The Law states that the Commission would have complete financial and administrative independence.
The Federal Government would specify a Court of Session to be a Human Rights Court for Islamabad Capital Territory and appoint an advocate on the recommendation of the Commission for the purpose of speedy trial of cases relating to human rights in that Court.
There shall be established a National Commission for Human Rights Fund under the Commission whose sources would include contribution from the Federal Government, grants, endowment and income there from etc. The Commission may from time to time accept unconditional grants or contributions from donors and non-governmental organization in a transparent manner with approval from the Federal Government. The Fund would be audited by the Auditor General of Pakistan, the law says.
The Commission would prepare its Annual and Special Reports and present them to the Federal Government which would be laid before the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament), by the Government along with a Memorandum indicating the action taken or proposed to be taken on the recommendation of the Commission and reasons for non-implementation of the recommendations, if any.
The Spokesperson said that law signed today was first introduced as bill in the National Assembly in 2008 and passed by the Parliament this year.
The Adviser on Human Rights who was present at the signing ceremony will now formally write to the Speaker National Assembly urging her to form the Parliamentary Committee for hearings and confirmation in each of the posts in the Commission the names for which will be forwarded to it by the Prime Minister in consultation with the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly in accordance with the new law.

He said that out of the nine core international human rights treaties Pakistan has already signed seven core treaties. Discussions and consultations are going on in respect of the remaining two core treaties relating to enforced disappearances and a labour related treaty. Discussion on a resolution urging the government to sign the convention on preventing enforced disappearances has already commenced in the last session of the Senate and will be taken up at the next Private Member’s Day in the upper House under the Rules, he said.

Panel to grill sleuths comes into reality

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CM orders early arrest of Dr Aftab killers - The Nation, Pakistan

KARACHI – Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has strongly condemned the murder of renowned Neurosurgeon Dr Aftab Qureshi.
He directed Additional IG Police Karachi and DIG Police Hyderabad to investigate the brutal murder and present report regarding the sad incident immediately. He also directed the concerned police officers to arrest the criminals without any delay. Qaim has further expressed his deep sorrows on the incident and has sympathised with the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, the CM Sindh has also taken serious notice of the news items published in different dailies in which it has been pointed out that inspite of ban on manufacturing, distribution and sale of Ghutka in the province, the banned item is being manufactured and sold without any check. Qaim directed the Sindh IG Police and SSPs of all the districts to ensure implementation of ban strictly and take effective action against the persons involved in this illegal trade.
DUHS CONDEMNS MURDER OF DR AFTAB QURESHI: Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), all the faculty members, professors and teaching staff have been deeply shocked and saddened over the news of murder of Neurosurgeon Dr Aftab Qureshi who was kidnapped last week from Karachi.
In a press release issued by the university, Dow University has strongly condemned the killing of Neurosurgeon Dr Aftab Qureshi. Repeated incidents of doctors’ murders and kidnappings have created panic among them.
The DUHS demanded the government to take immediate action and demanded thorough investigation and the culprits be brought to the court of justice. Through this Press Release, the religious scholars and orators are also requested to preach them to come to the right path and abstain from paining the humanity. They can change the brain setup of such people.

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Shahbaz calls nation to get united to save judiciary from conspiracies - The Nation, Pakistan

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Friday said that Arslan Iftikhar’s case was a conspiracy against the judiciary and called upon the whole nation to stand by the Supreme Court at this critical time. Speaking at a ceremony held to commemorate the third death anniversary of Dr Sarfraz Naeemi at Jamia Naeema, the Punjab CM said that it was a duty of all nation to lend support to the Court, and described Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry as the last hope for justice. He said that he had rejected an offer by President Asif Ali Zardari to withdraw all the cases framed during Pervez Musharraf’s tenure in return for extension of Justice Dogar’s term, adding Raza Rabbani was an eyewitness of this offer. He said Arsalan’s case would be decided by the judges of the Supreme Court. “If judiciary is cornered then Ali Baba and his forty thieves’ gang would occupy the country. Ali Baba and his forty thieves have pushed the country to dark era. Last four year’s period is the darkest era in the history of Pakistan,” he added. About establishment of his office at Minar e Pakistan, he said that it was not like staging a show and those who criticized them should offer a better show, adding that he felt ashamed that yet killers of Srafraz Naeemi were still at large.

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Renowned TV actor Ibrahim Nafees dies - The Nation, Pakistan

KARACHI  - Renowned TV, film and theatre artist Ibrahim Nafees breathed his last on Sunday after protracted illness. He was 72.
Nafees had been under treatment at a private hospital since April 28. He was suffering from various infections and lost his vision after an injury two years ago.
Born and raised in Agra, India, Nafees got preliminary education from Jaunpur. Nafees started his career as an actor on Radio Pakistan, Hyderabad.
The versatile actor played scores of character roles in movies and stage dramas. He also played key roles in more than 250 films and TV plays. Nafees was among the few actors in Pakistan who got training in drama acting in the UK.
He played many memorable roles in films. One of his best performances was in the movie ‘Heera aur Pathar’, which was a very popular movie with Waheed Murad in the lead role.
‘Aik Haqeeqat So Afsanay’ and ‘Afshan’ were top TV serials in which he performed.
Ibrahim Nafees also played an unforgettable character in one of the most popular comedy stage dramas ‘Bakra Qiston Pay’ along with comedy king Umar Sharif.

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Stock market closes slightly higher amid thin volume - The Nation, Pakistan

KARACHI - Equity market closed higher amid thin trades as investors remained cautious ahead of federal budget announcements due next month.
At Karachi stock market benchmark KSE-100 share index gained 17.96 points or 0.13 percent to close the day at 13,875.74 points as compared to the 13,857.78 points of the last working day on Friday.
Ahsan Mehanti analyst at KSE said trading remained in narrow range as investors awaited announcements on military aid to Pakistan during President visit for Chicago conference amid hopes for improvement in Pak-US relations on resumption of NATO supplies. Fall in global commodities and stocks affected the sentiments despite foreign interest in banking and oil sector stocks.
KSE-Allshare index added 12.52 points or 0.13 percent to close the day at 9,750.31 points, KSE-30 share index increased 25.44 points or 0.21 percent to end the day at 12,006.24 points while KMI-30 share index improved 24.01 points or 0.10 percent to conclude the  trading session at 23,889.65 points.
Expert said after a fall of 375 points last week local market shows signs of consolidation. Low volumes indicated that speculators are on the sidelines in the absence of any major trigger. DGKC remained in the limelight as investors accumulated shares in hope that local cement prices will recover soon.
Market traded 81.448 million shares after opening at 175.707 million shares and the value of traded shares was Rs 2.121 billion. Trading took pace in 361 companies where loser out numbered the gainers 143 to 139 while the values of 79 stocks remain unchanged. 
Active list was topped by JS Bank Ltd with 10.720 million shares as it closed at Rs 5.80 after opening at Rs 5.20 added Re 0.6. JS Co was on the second position with 8.070 million shares shed Re 0.23 to lock at Rs 16.34. It was followed by DGK Cement with 7.21 million shares off Re 21 to end at Rs 40.28, Bankislami Pakistan  with 6.841 million shares lost Re 0.72 to stop at Rs 10.11 and Engro Foods Ltd 3.403 million shares up Re 0.88 to end at Rs 65.63.
Mithchells Fruit and Wyeth Pak Limited were the top traded companies of the day increased by Rs 10.73 and Rs 10.00 while the top losers were led by Rafhan MaizeXD and Dreamworld off by Rs 72.82 and Rs 21.15 respectively. 

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KBD delay incurring Rs132 billion loss a year - The Nation, Pakistan

LAHORE – Former WAPDA chairman Engineer Shamsul Mulk says Pakistan’s economy has been facing a Rs132 billion annual loss due to inordinate delay in execution of Kalabagh Dam (KBD) project.Addressing a ‘Grand Debate of KBD’ at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Monday, the Khyber PK former chief minister added that if KBD was constructed, the Rs132 billion paid by consumers countrywide in terms of costly electricity generation could have been saved. Engineer Shamsul Mulk was of the view that the reluctance of rulers in building KBD would bring adverse effects on the federation of Pakistan.“Agriculture farmers of Khyber-PK would have to pay Rs5000 per acre aabyana (agriculture tax) for watering their lands against Rs500 by the farmers of the other parts of the country if the KBD would not be constructed,” he held. LCCI President Irfan Qaiser Sheikh, Vice-chairman Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT) Dr Miftah Ismail, WAPDA former chairman Tariq Hameed, Pakistan Engineers Forum’s Ghalib Atta, LCCI Senior Vice-President Kashif Younis Meher, former provincial minister Mumtaz Khan Manais, Salman Najib and LCCI former senior vice-president Engineer Sohail Lashari also spoke on the occasion. Speakers were unanimous in saying that all those who were opposing the KBD were enemies of the country and were playing with the country’s future. They urged the government for early construction of the project and said that the dam was inevitable for survival of Pakistan. “If the government fails to take any practical steps in the construction of KBD, poverty and hunger will be the endless fate which may lead the country to irrecoverable disaster,” they held in one voice.Shamsul Mulk, the chief guest of the programme, said that there was no threat to Nowshehra city in construction of KBD as it was 150 feet above the water level. Eminent engineer added that it was very unfortunate that the decision markers had nothing to lose rather they continued to enjoy all perks under the sky and even if they made wrong decisions, these were the masses who suffered. Shamsul Mulk said that Kalabagh Dam was not only beneficial to Punjab alone but it would be more helpful in erasing poverty from Khyber-PK. The dam would irrigate 800,000 acres of cultivable land in Khyber-PK that was located 100-150 feet above the Indus river level in the province, he said, adding the land could only be brought under cultivation if the river level was raised. The rising of river was only possible if Kalabagh Dam was built, he argued. The KPK former CM was of the view that the politicians who were opposing the construction of the dam were in fact enemies of the people of the KP province and they did not even saw a dam in their lives.  “Kalabagh Dam issue has been so much politicised and the delay in construction of dam is a part of a great game against the country. Some political parties are manipulating the issue for their advantage,” he regretted. He asked the civil society to play a crucial role in creating a larger consensus as new large water reservoirs would benefit every Pakistani.  LCCI President Irfan Qaiser Sheikh said that a further delay in gathering a consensus from all stakeholders on the construction of unduly politicised Kalabagh Dam would cost the country and its coming generations very dearly. He said that all the stakeholders should show some greater maturity on the issue of Kalabagh. It was the high time that all undue stands should be brushed aside to save the country from that era of darkness. He said that unlike Pakistan, India was constructing dams at every possible site. Irfan Qaiser said that every one knew that the existing dams were constantly silting up leaving ever decreasing capacity to store water. The construction of KBD along with other new dams was desperately needed to store adequate water, he added. More importantly, he said, as a result of melting of glaciers due to global warming, the sword remained hanging over our heads in the shape of floods.  An opinion gained widespread support across the country that the losses of recent floods in Pakistan which were estimated to be more than 45 billion dollars could have been reduced if big dams and water reservoirs were in place, he held. Electricity generation through thermal sources is estimated to cost almost Rs.16 per unit whereas the same can be produced at Rs.2.5 to Rs.3 through Hydel, he said and urged the Punjab Assembly — which he said so far had neither passed any resolution in favour of KBD nor against it — to pass a resolution if favour of KBD constructing. He said if the government failed to take any practical step in constructing water reservoirs, poverty, hunger and war would be the endless fate that might lead Pakistan to a disaster.A joint resolution for early construction of KBD in larger interests of the country and its people was passed unanimously at the end of the debate. 

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National, Al-Noor, United, Vital-V win in Champions League - The Nation, Pakistan

KARACHI   - National Cricket Club Lahore, Al-Noor Gymkhana,  United Sports and Vital-V made winning starts on the opening day of Pakistan Champions Cricket League here on Monday.
Slow left arm spinner Zubair Khan captured three wickets
for 14 runs to spin National CC to a 36 runs victory over Dragon Club Hong Kong at Aga Khan Gymkhana Ground.
Imran Ghani produced a fine all-round show by scoring 26 off 20 balls with five boundaries and also took two wickets for 15 runs with his leg-breaks but that failed to save Hong Kong from defeat. M Bilal smashed a rapid 47 with eight boundaries and one six for the winners.
At TMC Ground, leg-spinner Saad Naseem took four wickets for 15 runs to bowl Al-Noor Gymkhana to 64 runs win over
Korangi Al-Fateh. Pakistan discard Fawad Alam made 35 with two boundaries and took two wickets for 16 runs.
Zafar Katpar blasted an unbeaten 64 with seven sixes to guide United Sports to a five wicket victory over Landhi Friends at Landhi Gymkhana Ground.
At RLCA Ground Gulberg, Vital-V defeated Muslim Gymkhana Lahore by 28 runs thanks to four wicket haul by left arm spinner Kashif Bhatti.
Earlier the event on Sunday night was inaugurated at a colourful ceremony by Patron Inchief of Champions League, Senator Syed Mustufa Kamal by striking the ball.
Chairman Organizing Committee Syed Asif Hasnain, Sindh
Ministers Faisal Sabzwari, Shaikh M Afzal, former Pakistan Captains Rashid Latif, Moin Khan, ex-Test cricketers Sarfraz Nawaz, Basit Ali, Jalaluddin, Sikandar Bakht, Danish Kaneria, Arshad Khan, KCCA President Syed Sirajul Islam Bukhari, Secretary Prof. Ejaz Ahmed Farooqi, Senator Farogh Nasim, Commissioner Karachi Roshan Ali Shaikh, Administrator Baldia Malir Dr. Mukhtar Palejo, MNAs Iqbal M Ali, Rasheed Godil, Sufyan Yousuf MPAs Syed Khalid Ahmed, Aamir Moin Pirzada, Alim-ur-Rehman and other officials were also present on the occasion.
Summarized scores:
National CC Lahore bt Hong Kong by 36 runs. National CC 137-6 in 20 overs (Bilal 47, Waqas Ahmed 31 not out, Imran Ghani 2-15, Ishtiaq 2-17) v Dragon Club Hong Kong 101 all out in 17.3 overs (Imran Ghani 26, Haseeb Amjad 21, Zubair Khan 3-14, M. Bilal 2-9, Mohsin Anwar 2-17, Hafiz Hasan 2- 17).
Al-Noor Gymkhana bt Korangi Al-Fateh by 64 runs. Al-Noor Gym 151-8 in 20 overs (Fawad Alam 35, Saeed Nadeem 34,
Zeeshan Aziz 2-23, Farrukh 2-25) v Korangi Al-Fateh 87 all out
in 19.2 overs (Waseem Naeem 16, Saad Naseem 4-15, Junaid Zia 2-15, Fawad Alam 2-16).
United Sports bt Landhi Friends by five wickets: Landhi Friends 160-7 in 20 overs (Abdul Salam 39, Wajid Ali 24, Shahid 23*, Osama Shah 3-25, Syed Faazullah 2-32) v United Sports 161-5 in 19.4 overs (Zafar Katpar 64*, M Ali 30, Sharjeel Ahmed 2-23).
Vital-V bt Muslim Gymkhana by 28 runs: Vital-V 115-9 in 20 overs (Waqas 24, Hanif Malik 14, Noman Aslam 2-16, Junaid Jan 2-20, Farhan Nazir 2-23) v Muslim Gym 87 all out in 19.2 overs (Arsalan Bajwa 20, Kashif Bhatti 4-23, Yasir Hussain 2-21).

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IHC dissolves PM's Task Force on Islamabad - The Nation, Pakistan

ISLAMABAD - The Islamabad High Court on Monday dissolved the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Islamabad with immediate effect and ruled that there was no such law in the Constitution of the country, which allows establishment of such type of force.
Justice Shaukat Siddiqui heard the petition filed by Barrister Zafraullah who challenged the establishment of PM’s Task Force and claimed that Faisal Sakhi Butt, Chairman of PM’s Task Force, was illegally heading the civic body (CDA).
In the petition, he filed in the Islamabad High Court earlier this month, Barrister Zafraullah claimed that only the CDA chairman can head the civic body according to rules and regulations.
Complying with the petitioner, the Islamabad High Court judge Shaukat Siddiqui ordered to dissolve the Prime Minister Task Force with immediate effect and asked the CDA chairman to head the civic body (Capital Development Authority) according rules and regulations and adjourned the hearing until 3rd week of June.
It is pertinent to mention that the Islamabad High Court during its last hearing on May 11, 2012, had barred the chairperson of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Islamabad from acting in capacity of chairman until May 21. On Monday, resuming hearing of the case, the Islamabad High Court cancelled the notification of establishment of CDA Task Force and adjourned hearing until next month.
During the previous hearing, the court had summoned Butt while hearing a petition filed by a Kashmiri migrant regarding land allotment. Counsel for the petitioner, Advocate Niazullah Niazi, informed the court that while Butt is not the CDA chairman, it is he who is actually running the civic body.
The petition is based on the non-provision of compensation to Niazi’s client for 39 kanals.
Faisal Sakhi Butt after being appointed Chairman of the PM’s Task Force on Islamabad had virtually commanded the civic authority’s affairs, which was quite hard for many to digest as they consider that there was no room for establishment this Task Force in the Constitution.
Even a big chunk of money was spent on the publicity of Faisal Sakh Butt through banners carrying his pictures erected in almost all parts of the federal capital.

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PML-N will not join DPC long march - The Nation, Pakistan

PML-N is not willing to join the long march of Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC) which is going to stage from Karachi to Islamabad on May 27 to resist resumption of the Nato supplies to Afghanistan through Pakistan territory. Sources in the party say that the PML-N wants to distance itself from the Council on the question of long march for various reasons.
They said the PML-N itself had on the table the option of long march against the government which however, was not against the restoration of Nato supplies but to make the government obey the Supreme Court decisions.
The PML-N protest march will undoubtedly be led by the party President Nawaz Sharif while in case of DPC, these matters will be in the control of others. Sources maintain that with exception to certain parties, the Council also includes those which hold an extreme view against America and are swayed by that sentiments without having much stakes in elections and their objects as such, stand in contrast with that of the PML-N, which has to contest elections and also has reservations on resumption of Nato supplies but is acting according to its viewpoint to deal with the issue.

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PU teachers extend boycott - The Nation, Pakistan

LAHORE – Punjab University Academic Staff Association (PU ASA) extended boycott of classes till Thursday in protest of attack on two senior teachers by Islami Jamiat-e-Tulaba (IJT) activists a few days back.
PU ASA held its general body meeting on Monday. The meeting was presided over by PU ASA president Dr Amer Sarwar and attended by about 400 hundred teachers. The meeting unanimously decided to boycott classes till Thursday.
The teachers demanded the government to banish political elements from the university. Talking on the occasion, Dr Amer Sarwar said that the police had arrested some students responsible for the attack however they had been released on bail. He said Punjab government had formed a committee comprising of provincial law minister Rana Sana Ullah, CCPO and MPA Khawaja Imran Nazeer to probe the issue.
Later, the teachers took out a protest rally. According to the general secretary of PU ASA, the association will hold its general body meeting on Thursday in order to formulate further strategy.
Meanwhie, Islami Jamiat-e-Tulaba (IJT) activists staged a protest demonstration at Campus Bridge, University of the Punjab here on Monday for not yet made arrest of the killers of their colleague Awias Aqeel.
The IJT workers took out protest rally from PU Hostels and stated sit-in on the Canal Road, causing massive traffic jam on both sides of the road. The protesters were chanting slogans against Punjab police and PU administration. They also demanded of termination of Punjab University Vice-Chancellor Dr Mujahid Kamran. Addressing the protesters, IJT leader Haris Saeed said that despite span of eight days, Punjab police had failed to arrest the killers. He demanded restoration of educational activities in the varsity immediately. 

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No restrictions on expansion of Pak-Iran ties, says Nejad - The Nation, Pakistan

TEHRAN - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stressed that Tehran sees no restriction or impediment to the further expansion of its relations and cooperation with Islamabad.
Speaking at a meeting with Pakistani Minister of National Regulations and Services Firdous Ashiq Awan in Tehran on Sunday, Ahmadinejad said that the relations between Iran and Pakistan are growing fast in different fields and at different levels, reported Fars News Agency.
“There is no restriction or impediment to the further bolstering of cooperation between the two countries,” Ahmadinejad said, and urged both states’ officials to take effective steps to further deepen and improve mutual cooperation.
According to IRNA news agency,  Ahmadinejad said the two sides’ relations are now developing fast and there is no barrier to this end. Grounds are prepared for expansion of mutual relations and cooperation in the fields of culture and women’s affairs particularly women’s healthcare, he said. Pakistan has a powerful nation which resists all problems and difficulties, he said.
During the meeting, Firdous said that the two countries are highly motivated to boost mutual cooperation, and expressed the hope that Iran-Pakistan ties would become a role-model for other regional states.
She hoped to witness further expansion of relations and cooperation between the two countries in order to make them an exemplary model for other nations.
The government and people of Pakistan call for broadening of ties with Iran, she said, adding that they not only defend their rights but also care about the legitimate rights of all Muslims.
A trilateral meeting between Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan had a clear message for those seeking to sow seeds of discords among countries of the region, she said.
Despite of all pressures and limitations imposed by foreigners, the two sides can overcome all difficulties and expand all out relations, she said.
She also called for utilization of Iran’s valuable expertise and services assets in various fields such as health and medical treatment.

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Thar Coal project - The Nation, Pakistan

This note is in response to the intellectual dishonesty charges raised by Dr A Q Khan against Dr Samar Mubarikmand. I am in agreement with Dr Khan due to the following reasons:
1. Dr Khan is a metallurgist which is linked with mining while Dr Samar's area is Electronics which is far removed from natural deposits like Thar Coal.
2. Development of Thar Coal is vital for the energy future of Pakistan for which established technologies should be applied for fast track development.
3. Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) is an emerging technology which is not in commercial production any where in the world. All plants quoted by Dr Samar are pilot plants.
4. UCG Association in UK is the premier body that is involved in the development of this technology. I have just returned after presenting a paper in its international conference on May 02, 2012. According to the guidelines as laid down by the International Energy Association (UCG ISBN 978-92-9029-471-9) UCG is unsuitable for a shallow mineable deposit like Thar.
5. Presence of water close to the coal deposits is a big problem for UCG. According to the Thar Coal Energy Board (TCEB ) all the 18 holes dug by Dr Samar's team were hit by water. Similar was the fate of the 8 feet dia well dug earlier by a contractor.
6. Dr Samar's pilot work has to be evaluated by experts before moving into commercial production. The false propaganda must end emotional appeals by un-informed individuals cannot get funds.
The professional evaluation by experts will provide an opportunity to Dr Samar to withdraw gracefully from this misadventure. Digging for a Test Pit is the only way forward. Commercial Mining using established technologies can deliver the much needed fuel to fulfill the energy needs of the country. UCG is at least 5 years away from commercial application and is UN-suitable for Thar, Pakistan needs coal today for which mining is the only viable approach, a test pit followed by a production mine is required.
DR FARID A. MALIK,
Lahore, May 20.

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CM terms Metro Bus a cultural change - The Nation, Pakistan

LAHORE - Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that the provincial government is introducing a new transport culture in the shape of metro bus service through which commuters will not only get rid of uncomfortable and old traveling means but they will reach their destination on time through rapid and comfortable transport.
Addressing the meeting held to review the progress on the project of metro bus service on Sunday, he said the work on the project of metro bus service was going on speedily. He said this project was a revolution in the public transport sector which will help transform the public transport system according to international standard.
Shahbaz Sharif said the project of metro bus service reflected the public service vision of Punjab government. He said under this vision, government resources were being utilised for improving the condition of common man and the development work on the first phase of 32 kilometer long metro bus service project from Gajumata to Shahdara was being carried out speedily. The chief minister said the bus stops of metro bus service had been designed keeping in view the needs of the passengers where level boarding would be arranged for the disabled and old age passengers for boarding in the bus. He said that the passengers would feel comfort due to facility of fan, potable water and clean toilets on these bus stops.
Terming the project of metro bus service a great cultural change in public transport system in Pakistan, Shahbaz Sharif directed that the provision of facility of escalators for disabled passengers should also be considered. He said that the air-conditioned bus service in the hot weather of Punjab was not less than a blessing for citizens. He said the uncomfortable traveling means like chingchi and old buses were against the human dignity. Therefore, comfortable and rapid public transport of international standard is being introduced for commuters, he added.
Shahbaz Sharif said women, students, disabled and common man equally benefit from this facility. He said that due to the high standard of metro bus service, the people belonging to elite segment will also prefer to travel with common man in these buses as this service will be rapid, comfortable and reliable. Shahbaz Sharif directed that beautiful landscaping of flyovers be made coming in the route of metro bus service.
He said that due to use of horticulture expertise, the concrete structure will give an eye-catching look naturally. Earlier, representative of NESPAK Azhar Masood informed the meeting about various technical aspects of metro bus service.
Chairman Lahore Transport Company Khawaja Ahmad Hasaan, Vice Chairman Mehr Ishtiaq Ahmad, Head of Metro Bus Authority Sibtain Fazl-e-Haleem, Chairman Planning & Development, Provincial Secretaries, DG LDA and other officers attended the meeting.

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Four more killed in drive-by shootings - The Nation, Pakistan

KARACHI – Four people were killed and three others wounded in drive-by shootings in different parts of the metropolis on Sunday.In the first incident, unidentified gunmen, riding a motorbike, killed a driver of the Al-Khidmat Foundation in Orangi Town. Identified as 50-year-old Tariq, son of Ghulam Haider, the victim was heading somewhere when the attackers opened fire on him, leaving him fatally wounded. He was ferried to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Later, the body was handed over to the heirs.According to SHO Matiullah, Tariq was a resident of Iqbal Baloch Colony. The officer said that according to initial investigation, he was killed over personal enmity. No case was registered till the filling of this report.Separately, a man was killed in Gul Goth of Gulshan-e-Maymar area within the precincts of the Sohrab Goth Police Station. The victim was identified as 60-year-old Manzoor alias Fakir, son of Siraj. DSP Iftikhar Lodhi said the victim, a soothsayer, was gunned down inside his “Astana” by three unidentified armed attackers. Lodhi further said the victim had defrauded one of his clients, suspecting that he might have been killed over the monetary dispute. Manzoor hailed from Punjab. Further investigation is in progress. The body was shifted to the ASH and later handed over to the heirs after the completion of medico-legal formalities.Separately, a young man was shot dead over resistance on Mir Bux Road near Medina Market within the remits of the Jackson Police Station. Two unidentified burglars entered a general store and tried to snatch valuables from the victim, namely 20-year-old Mohammad Siddique, son of Abdullah Khan.As he offered resistance, one of the bandits opened fire on him, killing him instantly. The body was shifted to the CHK for medico-legal formalities. Police officials said the victim hailed from Quetta. Later, the body was handed over to the heirs.In another incident, a man was gunned down near an Eidgah ground within the jurisdiction of the Nazimabad Police Station. Identity of the victim could not be ascertained until the filing of this report. Police officials said the victim was standing near the eidgah when unidentified armed men opened fire on him. The victim was hit by a bullet in the head that caused his instant death. DSP Shahid Abbas said the victim appeared to be Pakhtoon. After medico-legal formalities, the body was moved to the Edhi Morgue for identification.In another act of violence, a sub-inspector, identified as Shahnawaz, was wounded when unidentified attackers opened fire at him in Binori Mohalla of Orangi Town within the remits of the Mominabad Police Station. The police officer has been stationed at the Central Jail Karachi. According to SHO Nasir Mehmood, the policeman was shot at five times on his way to his home. The SHO said the motive behind the attack was yet to be ascertained. The injured policeman was shifted to a private hospital, where his condition was stated to be critical.Another man was wounded by an unidentified bike-borne duo in Baldia Town. He was taken to the Civil Hospital Karachi. Separately, a man, Aurangzeb, 32, son of Ishaq, was injured in an armed attack in Nazimabad area. Police officials said the injured man was associated with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s unit 182. 

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Reunification of PML - The Nation, Pakistan

It is heartening to know that Sibighatullah Rashadi, successor of late Pir Pagaro has expressed the desire that all factions of the Pakistan Muslim League must stand under one umbrella and contest the next general elections by forming alliance with Jamaat-i-Islami and MQM. He is deeply involved in fulfilling the mission of his late father to see all splinter groups of Muslim League reunite into a single strong political entity. But this objective could only be achieved if all the leaders constantly stay in touch with each other. The political philosophy of all PML factions is based on Pakistan ideology. And if that is truly so why can’t they join forces to rid the country of current political turmoil? Mian Nawaz Sharif and Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain must shun their arrogance, sink their differences and shake hands in the larger interest of the party as well as the country. It should not be made a question of prestige. If their goal is to see the country progress in line with the vision of the Father of the nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Poet of the East, Dr Allama Iqbal, they should not waste further time. People are facing worst form of governance, ever-growing inflation and the curse of loadshedding. The current regime has failed miserably in resolving the multiple crises afflicting the country. A strong PML would be better able to take the challenge head on. Their rivals do not want to see them together since they know that a strong League would certainly perform better in general elections. The onus is on Nawaz Sharif to take the first step.

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Three MQM activists among eight killed in Karachi - The Nation, Pakistan

At least eight persons including three activists of MQM were killed in separate incidents of violence in different areas of the city after Tuesday midnight.
According to details, bullet riddled and tortured bodies of two persons were retrieved from Malir Cantonment area. The bodies were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital where they were identified as Muhammad Azhar Khan and Kamran Ali. The deceased were activists of MQM and hailed from Ehsanabad area in Scheme-33 of Sohrab Goth.
The Sohrab Goth area remained tense after the discovery of the two MQM workers’ bodies and the party leadership also protested against the double murder. They demanded that the authorities immediately arrest the murderers of the activists.
Armed motorcyclists gunned down senior MQM worker Anwer Alam alias Babu near the party’s sector office close to Noorani Kabab House in Ferozabad area.
Following the murder, armed miscreants resorted to aerial firing and forced the traders to close their businesses. Activists and the leadership of the MQM launched a protest and demanded that the authorities arrest the killers.
Syed Mehdi Raza, aged between 40 and 45, was shot to death in Nazimabad No-2 near the Jamia Imamia Imambargah.
Tension gripped the area after Raza’s slaying and unidentified men resorted to aerial firing and created panic among the locals. The funeral prayers of the deceased were offered at the Alay Aba Imambargah and he was buried at the Wadi-e-Islam in North Karachi.
Separately, Registrar of the Dawood College of Engineering and Technology Ghulam Shabbir Bhaghio and his 25-year-old son Farooq were shot at near Time Medicos on the National Stadium Road in the New Town police limits.
The victims lived in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal area. Both victims are struggling for their lives and remain in critical condition.
Two more bodies were found lying near the Navy Boundry Wall of Ilyas Goth in Ibrahim Haidri area. The bodies were shifted to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC).
Also, a tortured and bullet riddled body was found from the Malir City area near Bakra Piri. Police said that criminals kidnapped the victim from an unknown location and dumped his body in the area after brutally torturing the man and killing him. Meanwhile one person was killed and two injured when unknown miscreants hurdled a hand grenade at a hotel in Quaidabad area and fled the scene. The injured including a minor were rushed to hospital for treatment. The building of adjacent hotel was also partially damaged due to the blast.

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Nod given to 0.1m acres for the landless - The Nation, Pakistan

KARACHI – To further indicate its intent on empowering the farming community, the PPP-led Sindh government on Tuesday gave a policy guideline for the allotment of 0.1 million acres of state land to landless farmers in the next fiscal year. This scheme to distribute state land free of cost, among other uplift projects, is being seen as the ruling party’s deliberate attempt to enlarge its vote bank through presenting an election-oriented budget. A high-level meeting, chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, provided the policy to allot at least 25 acres to each farmer, especially to women farmers, in the next financial year. Revenue Department officials told the meeting that at present there were 53,208 acres available in “katcha” areas and 6,500 acres in “pacca” areas.As per the official data, the government has so far distributed 56,187 acres of land to 6,100 landless farmers. “Most of these allottees are facing litigation in Thatta and other districts of the province. Even, in some districts the agricultural land allotted could not be utilised due to the lack of irrigation water,” sources said. Contending that his government was representing all sections of society and striving to resolve the problems of labourers, peasants, students, the chief minister, while issuing the policy guideline, stressed that the process of land distribution should be carried out transparently, for which a proper publicity campaign be arranged after the submission of verified figures by deputy commissioners. It is still unclear whether Qaim’s instructions are carried out. He said that previously, every farmer was granted 16 acres of land, but the government was now going to grant 25-acre to each landless farmer, keeping in view the present conditions.The chief minister said the programme of distribution of land among landless farmers was an important one that aimed at helping the farming community to eke out living for their families, besides enhancing food production for the betterment of the national economy. Qaim further said that under the directives of President Asif Ali Zardari, assistance to the tune of Rs50,000, in the shape of agriculture inputs, such as seeds, fertiliser and water, had been provided to the allottees for a piece of 4-acre land.The chief minister stressed upon the deputy commissioners to pay full attention towards this prestigious task and also ensure implementation of the previously distributed land. He directed the Board of Revenue to furnish details of available state land in pacca and katcha areas together with any forestland. He said that committees already formed at the district level would be made active and functional, while all the deputy commissioners should conduct surveys to verify and confirm the vacant and available land figures in their respective districts.He also ordered the Irrigation Department to ensure water supply to the districts wherein farmers were given free land. The meeting was attended by CM’s Advisor, Sajid Bambhan, BOR senior member Shahzore Shamoon, consultant Nazar Muhamad Laghari and coordinator Faisal Uqaili.

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Survey of Punjab schools ordered - The Nation, Pakistan

LAHORE - Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed education department to undertake an emergency survey of the schools throughout Punjab for catering to their needs and providing them facilities required for the purpose of education.
He issued these instructions during a surprise visit to Government Girls Elementary School, Fareed Town, Gujranwala. Education Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, MNA Khurram Dastagir Khan, Advocate General Punjab, Ashtar Ausaf Ali and PML-N local leaders were also present.
The CM said it needs consideration that despite provision of resources for education department, the projects for improving condition of schools could not be completed. He said that the schools of rural and thickly populated urban areas are facing shortage of proper furniture and had the officers of education department paid regular visits to the schools, their condition could have been improved within six months. He said that poor condition of schools is an outcome of indifference of district officers of the education department and added had authorities of education department acted with a sense of responsibility, he (the CM) would not need to go from one place to another to rectify the situation.
He said that he was shocked to see the dilapidated condition of Fareed Town Elementary School where almost no facility for 763 students is available. He said after observing the situation, he has decided that survey of all schools of the province be conducted and in the light of the data thus collected, planning should be made for the provision of necessary facilities to those schools on priority basis where there is an extreme shortage. During inspection of Government Girls Elementary School, he directed that 10 marla land adjacent to the school be acquired and construction of the new building of the school be completed within the summer vacation.
Under this project, a primary school equipped with all facilities will be constructed at the existing site and the middle classes of the school will be shifted to the high school which is located at a distance of 600 yards. The Chief Minister also went to the different classrooms of the school.
Commissioner Gujranwala Division said that top priority would be given to the provision of basic facilities to schools and in the light of the instructions passed by the CM.

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Corps commanders to meet today - The Nation, Pakistan

RAWALPINDI - Corps Commanders will meet here on Wednesday (today).
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani is expected to take the corps commanders into confidence over a possible resumption of supplies to Nato troops in Afghanistan, sources were quoted as saying.
Islamabad shut its Afghan border to Nato supplies after US airstrikes killed 24 soldiers in November. But Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said on Monday that it was time to ‘move on’, conceding a key demand from the West in time for Pakistan to attend the Nato summit in Chicago on Sunday and Monday. Pakistan has called for an end to US drone strikes targeting Taliban and al Qaeda militants on its soil, and a formal apology for the November killings.
“It was important to make a point, Pakistan has made a point and we now need to move on and go into a positive zone and try to conduct our relations,” Khar told a news conference. “We are trying to put this relationship, you know, in a positive zone and I am quite sure that we will be successful in doing so,” she said.

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SC rejects Musa plea to replace investigation officer - The Nation, Pakistan

ISLAMABAD - The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected Musa Gilani’s plea that he had been targeted for being the prime minister’s son and the case be assigned to any other official, as he had no confidence in Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Director General Brigadier Fahim Ahmed Khan, who was the investigation officer in the matter.
The junior Gilani in a 12-page statement, submitted through his counsel Salman Akram Raja, expressed dissatisfaction over the conduct of Fahim, alleging that his continued involvement in the case would be prejudice against him.
Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, who is heading a three-member bench also comprising Justice Jawwad S Khawaja and Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, asked the defence counsel that the evidence should only be undertaken by the trial court.
“In the order dated 20 April we have asked the ANF authorities to conduct the investigation of the case fairly, independently and transparently and do not malign anyone unnecessarily in view of the importance of the case.”
The chief justice said it was very serious issue, which brought disgrace to Pakistan. The court issued a notice to Ministry of Narcotics Control Acting Secretary Zafar Abbas Lak after being informed that he had become very active in the investigation.
It noted Zafar Abbas got involved in the investigation and he also took over the charge of the ANF DG after assuming the office, adding that he had also transferred the then director Brig Fahim and Deputy Director Abid Zulfiqar by amending the SRO allegedly in back dates. Justice Jawwad remarked why the acting secretary had transferred the investigation officers. “We are here to find out truth,” he added.
During the proceeding, Brig Fahim said probe could not be completed due to non-availability of some of the persons involved in the crime as they were out of the country. He said hindrances were created in the investigation and the list of the persons visiting the PM’s House had not been provided so far.
Fahim further said Khushnood Lashari, the principal secretary to the prime minister, did not fully cooperate with the inquiry team. However, the court directed the ANF to provide fair opportunity to Lashari in joining the investigation.
Fahim and Abid Zulfiqar said it had been noticed Tanvir Ahmed, who worked as deputy director in Ministry of Health, was pressurised and compelled to give statement in favour of Khushnood Lashari. Zulfiqar also told that the FIA bundled up Tanvir and produced him before the magistrate Kamran where his statement was recorded under section 164 CrPC in the FIR No 40. The court observed if desired, the ANF could submit application mentioning the facts given by Tanvir Ahmed. Salman Raja representing Khushnood Lashari and Musa Ali Gilani denied the facts narrated that Lashari in a meeting with Fahim had asked him to remove the name of Musa Gilani from the case and they would ruin the two accused pharmaceutical companies.
Justice Jawwad, while addressing Raja, remarked he was accepting that a meeting took place between Lashari and Fahim at the PM’s House but not divulging the content of the discussion.
Brig Fahim told the court that out of a total of 9,000 kg of imported ephedrine, 6,500 kg was given to Berlex and 2,500 kg to DANAS pharmaceutical companies, adding that the DG Health Ministry gave permission for the import.
He further said according to the INCB, 6,400 kg ephedrine was seized in Iran and 750 kg ephedrine in Iraq that smuggled to in those countries from Pakistan. He said 200 kg ephedrine was seized in Karachi.
Salman Raja said the issue took place on 23-03-2010 but at that time ANF did not take any notice of it. But Fahim said an FIR 40 was registered against the accused in October 2011, when the 25 companies, to whom the quota was not provided, made a hue and cry and former health minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin raised the issue in the Parliament.
The court again issued notices to the respondents, mentioned in Sheikh Rashid petition, as they had not filed replies. Later, the bench adjourned the hearing for three weeks.

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