War on terror: Pakistan to follow its own timeli ... - PakTribune.com

10 June, 2012

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is following a well-thought-out strategy to eradicate the menace of extremism and terrorism, and will follow its own timeline, said a Foreign Ministry spokesman.

"We strongly believe that such statements [like the one Panetta made] are misplaced and unhelpful in bringing about peace and stability in the region."

The spokesman said that Pakistan had strongly rejected US Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta's allegations that Pakistan was allowing terrorists' "safe havens" to operate on its border along Afghanistan, causing attacks on the US and coalition forces. Leon Panetta, who was on a visit to Kabul, said on Thursday that Washington was reaching the limits of its patience with Islamabad because of the safe havens the country offered to insurgents in neighbouring Afghanistan.

"We feel that the secretary of defence is oversimplifying some of the very complex issues we are all dealing with in our efforts against extremism and terrorism," the spokesman said. "These issues need to be seen in the context of overall peace and stability in Afghanistan and the broader region."

The spokesman said that Pakistan had repeatedly said that it would not allow its territory to be used against any country, nor would it allow any safe heavens on its territory. "We are fighting terrorism and extremism in our own national interest and nobody should doubt our resolve and determination in this regard. Our sacrifices remain unparallel and our resolve unshakable."

Last month, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, while on a visit to Islamabad, called upon the international community to realise sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the war on terror and the role it played against terrorists and for peace in the region. Turkey and UK, two important NATO countries, also praised Pakistan's role against terrorism. British Prime Minister David Cameron, on the occasion of the first annual summit of UK-Pakistan enhanced strategic dialogue, said that his country recognised the sacrifices Pakistan made in the face of terror.

Pakistan launched a series of operations in the Tribal Areas, including South Waziristan, along Afghan border and other parts of the country but the US was insisting on full-fledged operation in North Waziristan, allegedly home to the Haqqani network and other al Qaeda-linked outfits.

Panetta urged Pakistan to go after the Haqqani network. Strategists in Pakistan think that the army is stretched and the county's situation does not allow Pakistan to open a new front in North Waziristan, the biggest tribal agency out of the seven tribal divisions.

End.

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Five tourist women gang raped by cops in DG Khan - PakTribune.com

10 June, 2012

DERA GHAZI KHAN: Five girls, hailing form Lahore, were allegedly gang raped by border military police officials at Fort Minro in Dera Ghazi Khan, officials said on Saturday.

Commandant Border Military Police Tariq Basra told media that the girls had come to Dera Ghazi Khan for a visit and were allegedly raped by the security officials.

The girls told media that they were stopped by the security officials on the pretext of checking. They said the officials took them to police station where they were subjected to gang rape by five personnel.

The commandment said a team has been formed to investigate the matter while medical checkup has also been ordered.

He said the security personnel have been suspended.

Rehman Malik seeks report on Fort Manro incident

The Interior Minister Rehman Malik has took serious view of rape case with five tourists women in Fort Manro and sought the report from Chief Secretary and IG Punjab.

The Interior Minister has also instructed Deputy Director FIA Multan that he should submit the report by conducting probe after visiting the crime scene in person. He instructed to apprehend the culprits and bring them to the book.

He asked Punjab government to constitute ajoint investigation team and cooperate FIA in this regard.

He said that the investigation report would be ptreseted in National Assembly.

End.

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Pakistan will Restore Conditional Nato Supply - PakTribune.com

16 May, 2012

By Zaheerul Hassan

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has been invited to attend a Chicago conference. According to President's spokesman Sectary General of Nato has called President Zardari on Phone and officially invited him for North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato).

The invitation comes amid speculations that Pakistan is all set to re-open its ground routes for Nato supplies, which it closed after a cross border attack in Mohmand Agency that killed its 24 soldiers in November last year. Early on May 11, 2012, Nato Secretary Gen Andre Fohg Rasmussen said that Pakistan had not been invited to Nato conference in Chicago.

According to the reliable sources the meeting of the Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) at Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is in progress. Reportedly, the participants of the said meeting have been agreed to conditional supply of food items and other stuff (less arms and ammunition) to 130000 Nato's troops deployed in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, on May 14, 2012 Foreign Minister, Hina Rabbani Khar while talking to press conference indicated that Pakistan intend to restore the Nato supply suspended six months ago and causing tension between the west and Islamabad. She also stated that Pakistan and the US have divergence in some areas while share views in other areas and "we want to move to some positive zone over all the issues". Pakistani willingness of restoring of Nato supply reveals that apparently, US and Nato countries remained successful in played dirty tricks of pressurizing Pakistan over the Nato issue instead seeking apology over violating Pakistan sovereignty while attacking Salala Check Post.

I think it was the matter of nerves; Pakistan should take firm stand on the issue of drone attacks, raid on Check Post and should not restore Nato Supply unconditionally. It is mentioned here that if US is serious in improving and normalization of relationship with her former frontline ally of war on terror then she must avail golden chance of seeking apology on Salala Check Post at the occasion of Chicago Conference.

Pakistan should claim tariff for passages of Containers since it badly damaged our infrastructure. At present , a total of 3,676 military vehicles, including military hardware, arms and 1,732 containers belonging to Nato forces are at the port which was suppose to be cargo to Afghanistan. Actually, the discontinuation of supplies has frustrated Nato and U.S has weighed various options of supply of cargo but failed to go for change in supply route since it can bring devastating effects on already crumbling U.S and European economy.

Nevertheless, US and Western countries cannot afford to lost an ally like Pakistan when Osama has been killed last year and Obama has strong desire of leaving the region through clean exit from Afghanistan by 2014 and American masses also demanding of the withdrawal of soldiers back to their sweet homes as early as possible.

Anyhow, attendance of Chicago Conference will also provide a platform to Pakistan for putting across her point of view. At the same time US and Nato countries should have to stop playing dirty tricks against Pakistan. They must acknowledge the sacrifices of Pakistani civilians and security forces. Nato should take steps to share the finical burden of over 80 billions$. Thus we can say that deadlock in Pak-US relations will help in establishing regional peace. Moreover, Washington should know that that no solution to Afghan Conundrum is possible without taking into confidence the main player (Pakistan) of GWOT.

Pakistan should also ask US to release outstanding Coalition Support Fund (CSF) worth $1.2 billion, which has been withheld since December 2010. Government should ensure that restoration of Nato's supply through Pakistan should not be free of cost. In this connection fresh rule of business has to be evolved and Nato should be asked to pay the taxes for maintaining the infrastructure from Karachi to Pak-Afghan border. US should also be asked to give guarantee of stopping drone attacks, non interference in Balochistan and in Pak-Iran Gas Pipe Line Project.

The writer can be approached through zameer36@gmail.com

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SC issued contempt notice to Rehman Malik - PakTribune.com

16 May, 2012

ISLAMABAD: According to reports, the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) has issued contempt of court notice to Interior Minister Rehman Malik on violating court's orders in Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) corruption case.

According to sources, the SC issued contempt notice to the interior minister on constituting a new investigating team in PSM corruption case without court's consent.

The court has directed him to respond in two weeks.

The SC issued the contempt notice while announcing the verdict in a suo moto case regarding an alleged corruption of Rs 26 billion in the PSM today. The verdict was announced by Justice Tariq Pervaiz.

The court expressed complete dissatisfaction over the investigations conducted by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and ordered to transfer the case to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

The apex court ordered the NAB chief to carry out investigations under his supervision and to conclude the case in three months. The SC also ordered to cancel the bail of accused in the case.

On March 15, a three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, reserved judgement in this regard.

End.

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Punjab Assembly gives nod to trifurcate Punjab - PakTribune.com

10 May, 2012

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly has unanimously passed separate resolutions in favour of two new provinces – 'Southern Punjab' and 'Bahawalpur' – to be carved out of the southern areas of the current Punjab, resulting in trifurcation of the province.

Though the ruling party in the province, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), tried to get some political mileage on the issue after presenting the resolutions independently, the opposition, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), foiled the move.

Resultantly, both the treasury and opposition benches reached a consensus to table both resolutions in the House jointly and decided that the parliamentary leaders of every party in the assembly will move the resolutions one after the other and the presentation of both resolutions would be considered mutual.

Following the decision, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, opposition leader Raja Riaz, parliamentary leader of the PML-Q Chaudhry Zaheeruddin, parliamentary leader of PML-Functional (PML-F) Makhdoom Ahmad Mehmood and parliamentary leader of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) Ali Noor Niazi moved the resolutions one by one.

Consequently, 201 parliamentarians in the House at the time voted in favour of the resolutions. The assembly adopted the first resolution on Bahawalpur province, which stated that the people of Bahawalpur were struggling for restoration of their province and it was not a new demand but based on administrative, geographical, historical, constitutional and political facts, so on these grounds, former province of Bahawalpur should be restored without any delay.

The resolution also stated that the House wanted restoration of this province immediately, and it also demanded that the federal government constitute a national commission to decide all basic matters such as demarcation of the new province, its administrative, constitutional and legal matters and distribution of resources, and the proposed commission should complete its work on the new province as soon as possible.

Next, the House adopted the second resolution regarding 'Southern Punjab' province, which stated that the 'Southern Punjab' province be made immediately, and also that the federal government constitute a national commission to decide all basic matters such as demarcation of the new province, its administrative, constitutional and legal matters and 0distribution of resources, and it (proposed commission) should complete its work on the new province earliest.

Earlier, PPP's newly elected member of the provincial assembly from Multan, Usman Bhatti, and returning candidate on a reserved seat for women, Shamaila Rana of the PML-N, took their oaths. When Shamaila Rana was taking oath, opposition members chanted slogans against her, calling her "chor" and "dakoo". They shouted "shame shame" against her and also waved their ATM cards in front of her, referring to the reason of her resignation in August 2009 – alleged misuse of ATM cards of her two colleagues after stealing them. In response, PML-N legislators raised slogans of "Go Zardari Go!" and "Go Gilani Go!", turning the House into a fish market.

PPP members, especially Sajida Mir, Shaukat Basra, Hasan Murtaza and Nargis Faiz Malik, chanted of "alwida, alwida – Jati Umrah alwida", "Takht-e-Lahore thaa" and "dooji waari fare Zardari" (Zardari for the second time).

Later, the speaker adjourned the session for an indefinite period. After the session, some lawmakers from southern Punjab raised slogans in favour of two more provinces comprising Thal and Potohar.

End.

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Judiciary can't be allowed to exercise Article 58-2(b): Gilani - PakTribune.com

10 May, 2012

LONDON: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Wednesday the coalition government had done away with the controversial Article 58-2(b) of the constitution and the judiciary could not be allowed to exercise the same right.

"Article 58-2(b) is no more part of the constitution and it could not be devolved to courts," the prime minister told the media in London.

He said the clause that empowered the president to send packing any government was put in place by former dictator General Ziaul Haq but the democratic government did away with it.

Gilani said he was not surprised by the Supreme Court's detailed judgement in a contempt of court case against him because he knew the order would welcome him the moment he departed for the UK. "I was already expecting it," the prime minister said.

"I have the right to file an appeal against my conviction. And I will use this right," he said, adding that the country was witnessing "non-serious politics" which was bringing bad name to the country.

He said PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and PTI Chairman Imran Khan wanted to become prime minister without becoming members of parliament.

Gilani said the two politicians would have to work hard to outdo him in politics. He also called upon Nawaz Sharif to end his "undemocratic attitude". "The opposition is politically immature. After Senate elections, moves were made to block annual fiscal budget," he added.

Gilani said Pakistan and the United Kingdom were partners in the fight against terrorism and extremism.

Addressing a reception at the House of Commons, Gilani said, "We have repeatedly said that we would not allow our territory to be used for any kind of attacks on other countries and we expect that the soil of other countries would not be used against Pakistan."

He said the sacrifices made by Pakistan in its campaign against militancy, terrorism and extremism were unparalleled, adding that the resolve of the two countries in this regard remained unshakeable. "I am happy to state that there is not a single political prisoner in Pakistan today. Media is completely free and the civil society is robust and human rights organisations' assertions are making qualitative difference as far as the human rights are concerned."

End.

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Won't quit cricket for politics: Sachin - PakTribune.com

03 May, 2012

In his first comments since being nominated to the Rajya Sabha, Sachin Tendulkar today said that the ?biggest honour? not withstanding, he would not give up cricket to join politics.

In his first comments since being nominated to the Rajya Sabha, Sachin Tendulkar today said that the “biggest honour” not withstanding, he would not give up cricket to join politics.

“I have been nominated because I am a sportsman and not a politician. I am a sportsman and will always remain one. I am not going to enter politics giving up cricket, which is my life. I will continue to play cricket,” Tendulkar said at a function organised by a realty firm to felicitate him on Maharashtra Day.

To a large, cheering crowd of mainly students and IT professionals, Tendulkar said it was “the biggest honour to be nominated to Rajya Sabha”. “The honour has come from the President of the country... The likes of Lata Mangeshkar and Prithviraj Kapoor have graced the House. It is an honour...to follow in their footsteps,” he said.

Tendulkar said he had played for over 22 years, and believed the nomination to Parliament was the result of what he had achieved on the field. “This is the appreciation of a sportsman, not of a politician,” he said, adding, “I will contribute my expertise in cricket in the House”.

Tendulkar's Rajya Sabha nomination had been criticised by Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray as the Congress s “Dirty Picture”. “It is Congress s dirtiest play... the real Dirty Picture is this,” Thackeray had said. In an editorial, Sena mouthpiece Saamna said, “Crores of Sachin s fans would have liked to call him 'Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar'. Alas, he will now only be 'Sachin Tendulkar, MP'.”

End.

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Won't quit cricket for politics: Sachin - PakTribune.com

03 May, 2012

In his first comments since being nominated to the Rajya Sabha, Sachin Tendulkar today said that the ?biggest honour? not withstanding, he would not give up cricket to join politics.

In his first comments since being nominated to the Rajya Sabha, Sachin Tendulkar today said that the “biggest honour” not withstanding, he would not give up cricket to join politics.

“I have been nominated because I am a sportsman and not a politician. I am a sportsman and will always remain one. I am not going to enter politics giving up cricket, which is my life. I will continue to play cricket,” Tendulkar said at a function organised by a realty firm to felicitate him on Maharashtra Day.

To a large, cheering crowd of mainly students and IT professionals, Tendulkar said it was “the biggest honour to be nominated to Rajya Sabha”. “The honour has come from the President of the country... The likes of Lata Mangeshkar and Prithviraj Kapoor have graced the House. It is an honour...to follow in their footsteps,” he said.

Tendulkar said he had played for over 22 years, and believed the nomination to Parliament was the result of what he had achieved on the field. “This is the appreciation of a sportsman, not of a politician,” he said, adding, “I will contribute my expertise in cricket in the House”.

Tendulkar's Rajya Sabha nomination had been criticised by Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray as the Congress s “Dirty Picture”. “It is Congress s dirtiest play... the real Dirty Picture is this,” Thackeray had said. In an editorial, Sena mouthpiece Saamna said, “Crores of Sachin s fans would have liked to call him 'Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar'. Alas, he will now only be 'Sachin Tendulkar, MP'.”

End.

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SC summons Balochistan CM, home minister in Law ... - PakTribune.com

03 May, 2012

QUETTA: The chief justice of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, on Wednesday summoned Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani and Home Minister Zafarullah Zehri for today (Thursday) while hearing the case on deteriorating law and order in the province.

The court asked the two to provide, under Article 9 of the constitution, assurances that they would protect the lives of the citizens and put an end to the phenomenon of recovery of bodies in the province. The three-judge bench, whose two other members are Justice Khilji Arif Hussain and Justice Tariq Pervez, took serious exception to the recovery of two bullet-riddled bodies of missing persons whose relatives appeared before the court on Tuesday.

The court noted that police and provincial government had not been providing assurance to the court regarding the protection of life and property of citizens.

Earlier, the bench asked the Balochistan inspector general of police to give a guarantee that no more bodies will be found in the province. The IG said police will make utmost efforts to ensure the protection of citizens' life, but cannot give any guarantee.

Balochistan Chief Secretary Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad informed the court that the government had convened a meeting on missing persons' issue. He said FC, ISI and MI did not give any response when they were provided with the list of 62 missing persons.

Meanwhile, Justice Tariq Pervez remarked judiciary was not helpless and will go to any extent to ensure the implementation of law. The chief justice said provincial ministers were involved in kidnappings, and categorically stated the court will not sit silent on these issues and will ensure the implementation of constitution.

Meanwhile, a bullet-riddled body was found in Mastung area of Balochistan on Wednesday, police said.

Some passers-by spotted the body and informed police. Police rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area. The body was shifted to Mastung's Civil Hospital. The deceased was identified as Shah Zaman.

"The body had multiple wounds," sources said.

A case had been registered against unidentified people and an investigation was underway. On Tuesday, bodies of two Baloch missing persons, whose relatives appeared before the Supreme Court on Monday, were also found in the Coastal Highway area near District Headquarters Uthal, Lasbela.

End.

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Kayani wants continuity of democratic system - PakTribune.com

01 May, 2012

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Monday declared support for democratic system and said that the country's development and welfare depended on state institutions functioning within their constitutional limits.

The country's constitution has "clearly defined the responsibilities and functions of national institutions" and it was incumbent on them "to perform their duties with constitutional limits", Kayani said while addressing an event to mark the army's Youm-e-Shuhada (day of martyrs).

In an apparent reference to Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani's conviction by the Supreme Court for refusing to act on orders to revive graft cases against President Asif Zardari, the army chief said the prime objective of the democratic system was "to ensure the welfare, happiness and increased dignity of the people and the establishment of a balanced society where every person can get justice equally".

"This is the only way which can further strengthen Pakistan's national security," he said during the late night ceremony to honour soldiers killed in the line of duty while fighting terrorists. The army, he said, believed in a "strong democratic system and its continuation".

At the same time, Kayani touched on the national security situation and said Pakistan was "still in a state of war" despite unprecedented sacrifices made by the people and security forces in the campaign against terrorists and extremists.

The Pakistan Army, the Frontier Corps, the Pakistan Rangers and police had "achieved successes in many difficult areas while fighting against extremists and terrorists" while the people's sacrifices and steadfastness had boosted the morale of the armed forces.

"I am hopeful that we will emerge from this stage victorious with the help and prayers of the nation. We would be successful when we have a strong belief in the ideology of Pakistan. Any doubt about this ideology would weaken the country," Kayani told a gathering that included top military officials, defence attaches from various countries, ministers and relatives of the killed soldiers.

The army chief also referred to the unilateral American raid in Abbottabad that killed al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden and a cross-border NATO air strike at Salala Checkpost that left 24 Pakistani soldiers dead in November last year and said "some foreign elements had launched a campaign of mistrust" despite the sacrifices made by the Pakistani people and armed forces".

"This campaign pushed the entire nation into a psychological crisis and forced the nation to review relations with others," he said. "We think that others will have to keep in mind our sovereignty, pride and honour," the army chief added.

"While keeping the people's aspiration in mind, the armed forces will work according to any national policy forged through consensus to protect the country's sovereignty and honour," the country's top soldier said.

End.

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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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