Traffic Network Crippled in City Centre

Pakistan News: The traffic network of Karachi's city centre, and adjoining areas, was completely paralysed on Tuesday after many major thoroughfares were closed for security reasons due to the rally organised by the Jafferia Alliance Pakistan and Imamia Students Organisation.

Vehicular movement came to a complete standstill as gridlocks persisted, in many cases, for a couple of hours.

The traffic police seemed helpless, on one hand, in the face of the rally jamming the roads, and, on the other, major thoroughfares, such as Dr Ziauddin Ahmed Road, being blocked for security reasons.

Though the intention to hold the rally was announced on Sunday, there seemed to be little effort on the part of authorities – to either make arrangements to contain the fallout, or placate the concerns of the protestors in order to stop them from holding a rally in the city's centre in the middle of a working day.

The primary focus of the police and law-enforcement agencies personnel seemed to be protecting the Chief Minister House, Governor House, and the headquarters of the Rangers, with all possible roads leading to CM House and Governor House being barricaded and containers being placed on streets and arteries leading up to the residences of Ishratul Ebad and Qaim Ali Shah.

This blockade created a domino effect, with main thoroughfares and arteries linked to Dr Ziaduddin Ahmed Road developing severe gridlocks. These included M. R. Kayani Road, Aiwan-e-Tijarat Road, Aiwan-e-Saddar Road, Howshang Chowk, Racecourse, Fatimah Jinnah Road, and the PIDC intersection. Similar was the case on Court Road, Abdullah Haroon Road, Chaudhary Khaliquzzaman Road, Rafiqi H J Road, Sir Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah Road, and Shahrah-e-Liaquat Road.

The road leading from Hotel Metropole to Governor House was also blocked, as were the arteries leading from the Karachi Press Club to Zainab Market, and the segment from Arts Council to Chief Minister's House via Shaheen complex.

However, these stifling security measures by the personnel of law enforcement agencies only seemed to hit commuters as the protestors still managed to reach the PIDC intersection.

Meanwhile, traffic attempting to move towards the business hub of the city, I.I. Chudrigar Road, from Sharea Faisal were first hindered near Aisha Bawany School, as the already narrow corridor near Regent Plaza becoming further burdened by the increased volume of traffic. Those heading towards I.I. Chudrigar Road from Lucky Star and nearby areas ran into further gridlocks, as traffic remained at a standstill on the Regent Plaza intersection.

Many citizens attempted to bypass the rush on Sharea Faisal by heading towards Defence, and then adopting Sunset Boulevard and Mai Kolachi Bypass to reach Merewether Tower. Once traffic reached M.T Khan Road, however, they were met with more gridlocks, as only the Native Jetty Bridge and Jinnah Flyover seemed to be open for traffic. Other exits on the Jinnah Bridge were all gridlocked; interestingly, traffic waited in line on the segment of Jinnah Bridge opposite Merewether Tower, but traffic police officials merely told drivers that the only way to go was back towards Mai Kolachi Bypass.

All lanes of the I.I Chundrigar Road had been utilised to channel traffic towards Merewether Tower and away from Shaheen Complex. Traffic from M.A. Jinnah Road was also converging towards the intersection near Edhi Centre and Karachi Stock Exchange, but the thin strength of traffic police personnel as well as a seeming lack of civic sense ensured that motorists were stuck for up to three hours at the intersectio

India, Russia ink civil nuclear, defence pacts

India and Russia inked several pacts including on civil nuclear cooperation and supply and joint development of military hardware during a hectic day-long visit of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to New Delhi on Friday.
Russia will build up to 16 nuclear reactors at three locations in India, Russia’s deputy premier Sergei Ivanov, who accompanied Putin, told reporters. Russia is competing with French and American firms for lucrative contracts to build nuclear power plants for energy-hungry India because Asia’s third-largest economy needs to boost its supply to help sustain rapid economic growth.
Setting the tone for Putin’s one-day visit, mainly aimed at keeping one of the world’s biggest arms importers interested in Russian weapons, the erstwhile Cold War allies are also trying to strike an agreement on joint output of the fifth-generation fighter jet. Russia will build more than 1,000 stealth fighter jets within four decades, including at least 200 for its traditional weapons buyer India, the CEO of Russian plane maker Sukhoi, Mikhail Pogosyan, told reporters on the sidelines of Putin’s visit. Pogosyan also said he expected a joint venture with the state-run Indian company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to manufacture around 200 fifth-generation fighter jets.
Russia and India also signed a contract worth 1.5 billion US dollars on Friday for Moscow to supply 29 MiG 29 K fighters, Pogosyan said. Russia would deliver the long-delayed refurbished Gorshkov aircraft carrier to India by the end of 2012, added deputy premier Ivanov on an issue that has troubled relations between the two powers. Putin’s visit is likely to have produced deals worth more than 10 billion USD mainly in defence contracts, nuclear reactors and trade.
Putin denied a deal with Pakistan was on the cards on the lines of the nuclear power pact with India.Many countries of the world do not have any nuclear technical cooperation with Pakistan because we are concerned for our Indian friend. We sincerely count that our joint work, our efforts to counter-terrorism will produce positive substantial results in benefit of the two countries, he said. The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in hydrocarbons through greater collaboration between oil and gas companies, but did not announce any firm energy deals.

Lee Dewyze Hallelujah Video Performance American Idol

Lee Dewyze Hallelujah Video Performance American Idol Top 3 Season 9 – Here is the Lee Dewyze Hallelujah video of his performance on American Idol Top 3 Season 9 on Tues. May 18, 2010. He delivered a standout performance of the Leonard Cohen classic which was a Judge's Choice selection, picked for him by Simon Cowell. Judges considered it the best performance of the night, if not of the season.

President Zardari Arrives in Karachi

KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari has arrived here from Dubai on Sunday evening. The President visited the Chief Minister House and inquired about the health of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah who has been ill.

Karachi: DSP Among Three Gunned Down

Karachi, Pakistan News:: Violence rapidly increases in Karachi once gain as some unidentified gunmen killed three persons including DSP Nawaz Ranjha due to firing.

According to sources unidentified gunmen opened fire in front of Radio Pakistan on M.A. Jinnah road due to which DSP Nawaz Ranjha, Head Constable Jahangir and Dr. Najam ul Hassan got killed; where as a passerby woman known as Bilquis also sustained injuries. Soon after this incident, a heavy contingent of police reached the spot and cordoned off the whole area. Earlier in the area of Nazimabad, Karachi, the son of Shiite Religious Scholar Mirza Yousuf Hussian's son Mirza Khadim Hussain was murdered due to firing by some unidentified persons.

2 Hurt In Karachi

Pakistan News: At least two persons sustained injuries as two groups clashed in Shah Faisal Colony located in south of Karachi on Thursday,

According to details, in the Golden Town area of Shah Faisal Colony, two persons were injured during firing over a dispute.

Injured persons were identified as Malik Taufeeq (24) and Mohammed Rafique (37) who were shifted to hospital for medical attainment, police said.

Later, heavy amount of police contingents were deployed at sensitive parts of colony in order to prevent any other incident of firing.

91 Suspects Arrested in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI Pakistan NEWS: At least 91 people have been arrested during a search operation in Pir Wadhai and the adjacent areas,? . Afghan nationals are also among the arrested people.

According to SSP Operations Yasin Farooq, the Rawalpindi police conducted search operation in Pir Wadhai, Fauji Colony and the adjacent areas.

Elite Force and Lady Police also were the part of the operation.

Mary Richardson Kennedy Busted for DUI

BEDFORD, N.Y. (CBS/AP) Mary Richardson Kennedy, the wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., was arrested Saturday for drunken driving after a police officer saw her run over a curb outside a school in Westchester County, authorities said.

According to police, Kennedy’s blood-alcohol level was over the legal limit of 0.08 at 0.11 percent. She had said she was headed to pick people up at a fair.

Israel news : Aftermath of Israel¡¯s attack on Gaza flotilla

israel news

Early Monday morning, Israel attacked a flotilla of aid ships bound for the Gaza Strip; at least 16 people were killed in the pre-dawn raid, according to organisers and media sources.

We’ll be live-blogging the aftermath of this incident throughout the day; keep checking back for international reaction, news from our correspondents on the ground, photos and video. (All times are GMT, except where noted.)

Dera Allayar Drowned in Order To Save Shahbaz Airbase: Jamali

Pakistan News: Former Prime Minister Mir Zafar Ullah Khan Jamali said that in order to save Shahbaz Airbase, Jamali bypass was demolished and Dera Allayar was drowned; however he also said that Federal Minister Ejaz Jakhrani is a liar.

Talking to Dunya News, former Prime Minister said that nobody has so far contacted him and no aid has also reached to him till now. Despite of orders given by Corps Commander Quetta for halting the demolishing of bypass, the water was still spilled by cutting the bypass and drained into Dera Allayar, he added. This action was forcefully implemented even after civil administration, DPO, DCO and himself reached the site. Mir Zafar Ullah Jamali also said that when Shahbaz Airbase was being constructed, at that time DCO Jaccobabad Kazim Jatoi and Jakhranis' had a share in the contract.

On the other hand, Federal minister Ejaz Jakhrani denies the allegations. While talking to Dunya News he said “Jamali Bypass was torn to save Jacobabad city”.

Thanks for your comments

Asif Ali Zardari Urges US To Review Screening Regime For Pak

ISLAMABAD Pakistan News: Welcoming the US declarations of support to Pakistan's security and stability and economic development, President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized that the continued support must be based on mutual respect and trust.

The President was talking to US National Security Advisor General James Jones, who called on him here in the Presidency on Thursday. General James Jones was accompanied with the US Ambassador Anne W. Patterson and other senior US officials.

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Pakistan's Ambassador in the US Hussain Haqqani were also present in the meeting.

Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that security situation in the region, drone attacks, fight against militancy, rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons, strengthening of the law enforcing agencies, coalition support funds arrears, the new US screening procedures and Pakistan's energy needs were discussed in the meeting.

Tracing the history of militancy in the region, the President said that decades ago the international community chose to fight the rival ideology using the region as battleground. After defeating the rival ideology the international community abandoned the region and the militants it had nurtured resulting in a new wave of militancy in the region, the President remarked.

He said that the dynamics of the situation led Pakistan to become a security driven state neglecting social and human uplift. The international community now owed it to Pakistan and to itself to help rebuild the country economically and socially, he said.

Farhatullah Babar said that the President emphasized the need for democratic stability in Pakistan which he said could be ensured by pursuing a well structured economic development agenda in which the international community had a great role to play.

In this context the President reiterated the call for allowing greater market access to Pakistani goods in the U.S. and European markets and the need for early adoption of legislation in the US on Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (RoZs).

The President said that Pakistan had suffered a huge loss of over 35 billion dollars during the last eight years as a result of the fight against militancy in addition to the colossal and unquantifiable cost in terms of social and human losses which had almost crippled the nation's economy.

He said that it was important that the pledges made at the Friends of Democratic Pakistan forum were fulfilled. Indeed Pakistan needed a Marshal Plan to overcome its economic problems compounded by the fight against militancy, the President said.

The President also pointed out the delays in payments of arrears of Coalition Support Fund of over 1.5 billion dollars and called for early repayments of outstanding dues.

The President also expressed reservations over the new screening regime for Pakistani nationals and called for its review as it had created resentment in the country and led to doubts and misgivings among the people of Pakistan.

About the drone attacks on Pakistani territory, the President said that it undermined the national consensus against the war on militancy and reiterated Pakistan's call for transfer of drone technology to it for use by its own security forces against the militants for wider public acceptability.

Referring to the new Afghan strategy the President said that Pakistan has legitimate interests in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The US National Security advisor appreciated Pakistan's role in the war against extremism and militancy and assured continued strategic political and economic support to Pakistan to win this war.

Saudi Arabia To Visit FM Qureshi Next Month

MULTAN Pakistan News: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Saturday he would visit Saudi Arabia next month on the invitation of the Saudi counterpart. Talking to media at Multan airport, Qureshi said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy deep friendly relations and Saudi leaders wanted to take Pakistan into confidence on the recent visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia.

"So, I am going to Saudi Arabia on April 3 to discuss regional issues," he added.

To a question on reports of Indian intentions of seeking Saudi involvement in efforts for removing differences between Pakistan and India, he said he did not think India would have sought it because it always discouraged third party involvement in the matter.

"However, as far as Pakistan is concerned, we have no objection to the proposal," he added.

To a question on proof of Indian involvement in Pakistan, he said Pakistan had discussed the matter with India during the recent foreign secretary level talks.

He said India repeated its stance on the Mumbai incident and "Pakistan told them all suspects had been arrested and facing court trials. We have told them that courts in Pakistan are independent, like India," he added.

The minister condemned the Lahore bomb blasts which killed around 57 people and added that Pakistan had been facing Mumbai-like tragedies every other day.

He said India had not yet come up with a clear mind on resumption of dialogue with Pakistan.

The foreign minister said cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan would expand in diverse sectors and the target of enhancing the bilateral trade volume up to $5 billion by 2015 looked achievable.

"President Hamid Karzai, during his recent visit, appreciated Pakistan's proposal of tripartite cooperation involving Pakistan, China and Afghanistan to expand ties in the economic sector and trade," he added.

He said that the Afghan President had liked the idea and said he would discuss it with the Chinese leadership during his forthcoming visit to China.

Qureshi said Afghanistan had requested Pakistan to host a Pakistan-Afghanistan joint peace Jirga in Islamabad some time after April 29, the date set for Afghan Peace Jirga to be held in Kabul. He added that over 1000 representatives from parliament, senate, provincial legislation councils, civil society besides Afghan women would attend the Peace Jirga in Kabul. He hoped the initiative would yield good results.

Qureshi said the two countries also discussed issues related of mutual interest and the Afghan President had expressed resolve that his country's soil would not be allowed to be used against Pakistan.

The minister said Afghanistan was considering some projects over the Kabul river and Pakistan had proposed a bilateral engagement to devise a mechanism to plug chances of a misunderstanding on water between the two countries in future. "There is no misunderstanding today between the two countries," he added.

He said the joint declaration signed by Pakistan and Afghanistan indicated that bilateral relations had improved.

He said the Afghan Transit Trade Agreement had also been discussed and it was resolved to address all issues.

"Matters of setting up rail and road link between the two countries besides a CASA-1000 electricity project for the import of power to Pakistan via Afghanistan were also discussed," he added.

He said that Pakistan would cooperate in reconstruction of Afghanistan and was thinking how a consortium of Pakistani companies could help. Pakistan would also help Afghanistan strengthen its civilian institutions, he added.

He said the foreign relations committee had decided that people-to-people contact with Afghanistan should also improve and intelligentsia, academics and media delegations of the two countries should interact regularly to end misunderstandings.

To a question on Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, he said the government had provided sizable funds for legal assistance to her and was raising the issue in every meeting with US officials whether in Pakistan or in the US.

He said there was a consensus among all including the government, the opposition and civil society that Dr. Aafia should be released and efforts were being made for it.

To a question on reports discussed in a US committee on Lashkar-e-Taiba, he said he would soon visit the US to present Pakistan's point of view.

He said Pakistan wanted resumption of the composite dialogue with India. He added that many issues could be resolved through talks.

He said Pakistan was sincere in the trial of suspects of the Mumbai incident.

Call of Duty Black Ops Trailer Debuts ¨C Modern Warfare 2

A new Call of Duty: Black Ops trailer has been released by Activision. The game is due out November 9th.

It looks like Treyarch, Activision's in-house developer for the newest Call of Duty game, has learned a few things from Infinity Ward. The newest trailer for Call of Duty: Black Ops has been released, and if the trailer is any indication, the game's campaign will follow a more cinematic track than Treyarch's last entry, Call of Duty: World at War. WaW followed multiple storylines, but lacked the cinematic staging and "Hollywood movie" feel that Modern Warfare 2 thrived on.

ASUS Eee Tablet Computer

ASUS Eee Tablet

The ASUS Eee Tablet is one of those tablet products that you never quite thought of, but now that you know about it you really, really want it. Half graphics tablet ― with an amazing 2450 dpi input sensitivity which puts it on par with a Wacom Bamboo Pen & Touch graphics tablet ― and half monochromatic eReader, the ASUS Eee Tablet features a 8-inch screen with a 1024 x 768 resistive touchscreen panel and 64 levels of gray.

Asif Ali Zardari Arrives in Russia To Attend Quadripartite Summit

Pakistan News: President Zardari arrived in Sochi, Russia to attend the quadripartite summit on Wednesday (today).

On his arrival, Sochi Mayor and Pakistani envoy to Russia Khalid Khattak and other officials greeted President Zardari at the airport. Zardari would also meet with the Russian, Afghan and Tajik presidents on the sidelines of the summit. Sources said that the leaders of Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan would discuss security, terrorism, drugs and economic cooperation in the region.

Sketches Lead To Arrest of Accused of Chehlum Blasts

KARACHI Pakistan news: The intelligence agencies have claimed arresting an accused of Chehlum blasts with the help of sketches of allegedly involved offenders, Geo news reported on Saturday.

Sources told Geo news, two sketches of criminals, allegedly involved in carrying out two blasts on the eve of Chehlum in Karachi, were drawn with the help of CID police while one among them has been apprehended over grounds of suspicions.

Teams comprising officials from intelligence agencies and CID police are investigating the arrested accused having transferred him to unidentified location, police sources said.

He is the resident of NWFP province and belongs to a defunct religious outfit, sources told media.

Gujarat: Clashes Between The Activist of PML-N and PML-Q

Pakistan News: A man was injured due to clashes between the activist of PML-N and PML-Q. PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi went to register a case at Police Station against 50 activists of PML-N.

Speaking to the media, Pervaiz Elahi said that PML-N activist attacked shops where they found photographs of PML-Q leaders. He said that media was present and torture on shopkeepers was recorded in camera. Pervaiz Elahi also announced a strike in Gujarat tomorrow.



Registering case against PML-N activist in Gujarat was unfair, says Rana Sanaullah

PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah speaking to Dunya News said that the incident of Gujarat was of minor nature and registering a case against the activist of PML-N was disappointing.

National Grid FY10 Pre-tax Profit Rises

National Grid

(RTTNews) – Electricity and gas company National Grid Plc (  NG.L | PowerRating,  NGG | PowerRating) Thursday reported a 12% increase in fiscal 2010 pre-tax profit, reflecting lower operating costs, despite a decline in yearly revenues. The profit growth also reflects a gain from exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries. In addition, the board has recommended an 8% increase in its full-year dividend.

PM To Leave For Spain, Belgium To Attend EU Moot

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani will leave here Tuesday on an official visit to Spain and Belgium to further strengthen Pakistan-EU relations and to seek greater market access for Pakistani products. Gilani during his two-day visit to Spain, which is the current President of the powerful European Union, will discuss with its leaders ways to increase trade and commercial ties.

It will be Prime Minister Gilani's first visit to Spain, where he will apprise its leadership about the challenges the new democratic government was facing and the measures being taken to counter the threats of extremism and terrorism.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in the late 1950s and the two countries have since developed an institutional framework for bilateral collaboration in various areas.

Gilani is likely to have an audience with the King of Spain King Juan Carlos I, besides meeting Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, who will also host a working lunch for him.

He will meet with the President of Senate Francisco Javier Rojo Garcia before attending a reception by the Confederation of Employers and Industries of Spain (CEOE).

The prime minister will leave on the second leg of his visit to Belgium, where apart from meeting its leadership, he will? visit the European Parliament, the NATO headquarters and address the North Atlantic Council.

He will represent Pakistan at the second Pak-EU Summit on June 4, that will review progress on various issues identified jointly at the Summit last year, including the dedicated dialogue on trade.

EU Council President Herman van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso would lead the European delegation.

The summit is a follow-up to the first-ever EU-Pakistan Summit, held in Brussels on June 17 last year and was followed by the European Union (EU) foreign ministers' adoption of an action plan for Afghanistan and Pakistan on October 27, 2009.

COAS Visits Flood Hit Areas

Pakistan News: Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited flood-ravaged areas of Balochistan, South Punjab and Sindh and reviewed the relief measures.

According to ISPR, Kayani visited relief camps set up at Multan, Dera Murad Jamali and Dadu areas.

The COAS stressed upon coordination with the civil administration to mitigate the sufferings and rehabilitation of the flood-stricken people. He also issued orders to send medical students, nursing staff and doctors of the Army Medical College for relief activities.

5000 meters

5000 meters :Chad Hedrick (Spring, Texas) is focusing on the 1,500 and 1,000 meters this time around, so his 11th-place finish wasn’t that surprising. Same for Shani Davis, who placed 12th.Read More Read More

Blast Occurs At Karachi¡¯S Soldier Bazaar; Several Hurt

Blast Occurs At Karachi'S Soldier Bazaar; Several Hurt, KARACHI: A blast has occurred at crowded Soldier Bazaar of Karachi, police said.

The police said that unidentified men hurled explosives in Soldier Bazaar, injuring several people, including women and children.

Pak Urges World To Take Action Against Depictions

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Thursday firmly stated that it would take a sovereign decision as to when and where to undertake a military operation.

Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit, while responding to questions about possibility of a full-fledged operation in North Waziristan allegedly under pressure from the United States, said “Be it Tribal Areas or any other part, Pakistan will proceed in accordance with its own priorities and plans.”

Answering a question he said the United States has approached Pakistan for opening up of a Consulate in Quetta and the request is being processed.

He said Pakistan and the United States are working together to expedite issuance of visas. He clarified that except India there was no fixed quota for diplomatic presence of any country in Pakistan.

Pakistan and India have a mutual agreement about maximum number of personnel in their respective High Commissions in Islamabad and New Delhi, he added.

The spokesman said Pakistan strongly condemned publication of blasphemous caricatures of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) on the social network and website Facebook and Youtube.

He said such malicious and insulting contents hurt sentiments of Muslims around the world and cannot be accepted under the garb of freedom of expression.

Attacks on sacred religions, places, symbols and personalities are violations of fundamental rights and are not helpful for inter-faith harmony, he said.

He said Pakistan has always raised its voice against such incidents at all international fora, including the United Nations and OIC and during the course of bilateral interaction with various countries.

He said Pakistan has been calling for stern action to prohibit such acts that hurt feelings of Muslims.

He called upon the international community to address this issue as it is an extremely sensitive and emotional matter for Muslims across the world.

Replying to a question he held out assurance that Pakistan is making every effort to convey sentiments of the people to the Swedish and other governments.

Responding to another question he said the Swedish embassy in Islamabad was not closed.

The spokesman told a questioner that Pakistan has already communicated to India clearly indicating its intention to set up a court of arbitration on Kishan Ganga dispute as provided for under the dispute settlement mechanism of the Indus Basin Treaty.

He hoped that India would respond to the communication at the earliest so that Pakistan can proceed ahead to resolve the dispute amicably.

He said Pakistan and India need to build mutual trust and confidence. It is, therefore, necessary that they talk to each other with sincerity of purpose with a view to settling their differences and disputes, he added.

The spokesman said according to the list provided by India on first of January this year, there are 633 Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails, including 509 civilians and 124 fishermen.

In response to humanitarian gesture of Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani whereby 100 Indian fishermen were released in December last, India also released 31 Pakistan fishermen in January this year.

Seventeen civil prisoners were released by India in March following order of the Indian Supreme Court.? Now there are 585 Pakistani prisoners in India but the list provided by New Delhi doesn’t include names of 18 missing defence personnel of Pakistan.

He said since 2003, Pakistan has released about 3,000 Indian prisoners and India released 989 Pakistani prisoners.

Answering a question the spokesman said Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran M.B. Abbasi, who was injured in an attack recently, is OK and performing his duties. He said Pakistan is waiting for findings of Iranian investigations into the attack.

He hoped that presence of seven MPs of Pakistan origin in the British House of Common is a positive development and would help further strengthen relations between the two countries.

Pak Demands Emergency Sessions Of UN, Arab League, OIC

ISLAMABAD : Pakistan on Monday expressing concern on attack of Gaza-bound aid ships in international waters demanded the world community to take serious notice of this uncalled for incident.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi talking to newsmen at the Benazir International Airport this afternoon said, "Pakistan has strongly protested the incident." Foreign Minister asked the Secretary General OIC to convene emergency meeting of the OIC to discuss the issue with consultation and consensus with other members.

He said Untied Nations should also take immediate action on this incident. He said there was no moral and legal justification of this attack and it was also violation of international borders because the "Freedom Flotilla" carrying relief goods was attacked in the open sea.

He said Pakistan is also using all possible means to get information about the well being of the three Pakistani present in the Freedom Flotilla.

The Foreign Minister said he had talked to American Ambassador Anne Patterson by telephone to use her influence and diplomatic sources to get the latest information about the status of Pakistani journalists as Pakistan has not direct diplomatic links with Israel.

The "Freedom Flotilla" comprising six ships was forcefully stopped from reaching the Gaza Strip in defiance of an Israeli blockade.

The convoy includes the "Mavi Marmara," a large Turkish-flagged passenger vessel with about 600 people on board, two cargo ships and three other boats.

Two other boats are also Turkish-flagged, while another two are Greek and one more was from the United States.

More than 700 people, most of them from international non-governmental organizations, people of various nationalities, religions and from all walks of life including three Pakistani were on board.

About half of them were Turkish and the rest from 50 countries around the world.

The ships were carrying about 10,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including medical aid, food, clothing, prefabricated homes, toys, stationery items, iron bars and cement.

Foreign Minister Qureshi said according to latest reports, so far 20 people died in this incident and over 60 were injured due to attack on Freedom Flotilla.

He said Pakistan has great concern about the media persons the Executive Director of Aaj News , Syed Talat Hussain, and his producer, Raza Mahmood Agha, along with Nadeem Ahmed of Khubaid Foundation.

The Foreign Minister said he had talked to the wife of Talat Hussain to satisfy her that government of Pakistan is doing whatever is possible for the release of Talat Hussain and his colleagues.

Qureshi said, "Our embassy in Ankara, Cairo and Oman and other missions in EU have also been motivated to get information.

The Foreign Minister said first and top priority before the Pakistan government is to influence international community to condemn the issue and provide medical treatment to the injured there and avoid more aggression.

The Minister said he also talked to Pakistan's ambassador in Ankara and Cairo to get the latest information on this incident and informed about their status and also made efforts for their release.

"It is very serious issue, about 630 activists from 40 countries of the world were on board on Freedom Flotilla to provide human assistance to the Palestinian who were suffering from food and water," said the Foreign Minister.

He said there were eight ships in the Freedom Flotilla, from different countries including UK, Greece, which had been affected due this incident.

The Minister said the incident needs international attention.

Replying to a question, he said Pakistan is in touch with

Arab League, which has summoned its emergency meeting to take up the issue of attack by Israel on Freedom Flotilla.

The Foreign Minister said he would also consult with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Gilani and other political leaders to take future line of action on this incident.

Qureshi said he also tried to contact Foreign Minister of Turkey, but he is on board and could not talk to him. He said he will contact the Turkish Foreign Minister later this evening.

Replying to a question, he said, immediate priority before the Pakistan government is to recover the Pakistani media persons.

He said, "Our ambassador in Ankara is in touch with Turkish government."

He said neither Pakistan nor the international community is able to contact with the people who were on board Freedom Flotilla as there is no telephonic connection is available.

PM Gilani Assures Early Rehabilitation Of Swat

Pakistan News: Prime Minister Syed Youusf Raza Gilani grieved over the plight of once tourist hotspot Swat, and called upon people of the area to face the challenge.

Addressing the elders at Khawazakhela on Wendnesday, Gilani hailed the locals for giving refuge to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and extending huge sacrifices during the war on terror. 'The extremists wanted to take over Swat; they were pursuing a foreign agenda', the PM maintained.

He said everybody was taken on board regarding the Swat operation. The PM said the government managed to rehabilitate 2.5 million IDPs, and assured the people of Swat of all-out support in this hour of need. He said that food goods would be sent to many far-flung flood-ravaged areas after the weather turns better.

Earlier, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani visited flood-battered areas of Swat to review the relief measures

Chief Minister Shahbaz Says Country Cannot Afford Confrontation

LAHORE, Pakistan News Chief Minister of Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has said the country cannot afford confrontation and urged Muslim League (Nawaz) workers to observe restraint against any intrigue. Speaking in a meeting on law and order in Lahore, Shahbaz Sharif warned crackdown against kite-flying and twine making in the city. He directed for strict implementation of the law with regard to kite-flying in the province.

The perpetrators will not be pardoned at any cost in case of losses of innocent lives due to kite-flying, Punjab chief minister said.

PIA Budget Deficit Has Climbed Down By Rs:30 B

KARACHI PAKISTAN : PIA budget deficit has climbed down by 30 billion rupees at the end of year 2009, PIA authorities announced Tuesday.

According to financial results in Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE), PIA's budget deficit stood at Rs 5.82 billion by December 31, 2009 with per share down by Rs 2.72.

PIA suffered budget deficit by Rs. 36.13 billion during the same period in previous year with per share down by Rs. 17.79.

Market analyst Mohammed Sohail told, seeming decline in PIA's budget deficit was a result of slash in jet fuel during last year together with hike in airfares.

Also, rise in Hajj fares helped corporation better its financial matter, he added.

Top US Auto Regulator Says Car-Safety Bill May Need Changes

US Auto Regulator

WASHINGTON―The top U.S. auto regulator told a Senate panel Wednesday that some provisions of proposed vehicle-safety legislation might need to be scaled back, echoing industry concerns that the bill sets unrealistic deadlines for rolling out new car technology.

But David Strickland, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, came out forcefully for a provision that would broaden his agency’s authority to swiftly order recalls of vehicles deemed to be a public danger. The industry opposes the provision.

Corps Commanders Conference Underway At GHQ

ISLAMABAD : The Corps Commanders’ Conference is underway at General Headquarters on Thursday, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani is chairing the conference.

According to sources, all corps commanders and principal staff officers are attending the conference. The conference will review the ongoing operation in South Waziristan and conflicts prevailing in politics of the country.

1475 People Lost Their Lives in Flash Floods: Kaira

Pakistan News: Federal Minister for Information Qamar Zaman Kaira informed that the government and the Army is actively involve in building temporary bridges to restore the road links which were washed away due to recent flash floods.

He was speaking at press conference in Islamabad where he said that the federal government has accumulated vaccination to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases. He added that 1475 people lost their lives, over 2052 people were injured while at least 970,520 houses were destroyed.

Kaira informed that as many as 73 helicopters were participating in the relief operations. He added that road link between DG Khan and Muzaffargarh has been restored.

Shah Latif Spread Message of Ppeace: Altaf

LONDON: Muttahida Qaumi Movement Chief Altaf Hussain has said that Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai spread the message of peace, love and respect for mankind through his poetry and teachings.

In a statement on the occasion of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai's annual Urs, the MQM Chief said that Shah Latif did not differentiate people on the basis of language, colour, cast, creed, religion and faith.

"Shah Sahab had started the struggle hundreds of years ago for riding the society of religious extremism that we are facing nowadays," Altaf Hussain observed.

President Asif Zardari address joint session of Parliament

ISLAMABAD: The joint session of parliament is expected to be called on 16 or 17 March. While President Asif Ali Zardari has directed the Constitutional Reforms Committee to give final touch to the proposals before 15 March.

According to sources, the President has directed to make it sure that provincial autonomy should not weaken the federation.

President Zardari will announce these recommendations while addressing the parliament, sources added.

The President will also direct for constitutional amendment in the light of these proposals.

Amin Fahim Meets Zardari, Aitzaz

After the meeting with President Zardari, Federal Trade Minister Amin Fahim held an emergency meeting with Aitzaz Ahsan on Wednesday. Amin Fahim spoke to Aitzaz Ahsan and asked for a meeting with him. After the meeting, both the leaders attended dinner hosted by Mir Hazaar Khan Bajrani. Other members of the Cabinet were also present in the dinner. Earlier, Amin Fahim held a 2-hour long meeting with President Zardari and discussed matters of mutual interest.

UN Studying Govt Letter On BB Probe: Spokesman

The UN is studying a letter from the Pakistani government, which includes some comments and observations on the report of the UN commission on the 2007 assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, the world body's spokesman here said.

The letter, whose details have not been made public, was delivered to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's office by the Pakistan Mission to the UN in New York. "The letter has been received and is being studied," spokesman Martin Nesirky said in reply to a question at the regular briefing.

Nesirky deflected a question about whether the letter would be released as a UN document, repeating his earlier reply that it was under study. But other UN officials said it would be released since the Pakistani government had requested its circulation among member states.

The three-member commission, whose mandate expired on March 31, unveiled its report on April 15, saying the security arrangements by Pakistan's federal and local authorities to protect Bhutto were "fatally insufficient and ineffective" and subsequent investigations into her death were prejudiced and involved a whitewash

International Aid Of 772 Million Dollars Received: PM¡¯s Spokesman

Pakistan News: Prime Minister House's spokesman has said that we have so far received an international aid of 772 million dollars which will be used for relief and rehabilitation purposes of flood affectees.

The statement issued by spokesman Prime Minister House Islamabad clarified that out of 772 million dollar aid, 160 million dollars have been received directly; where as remaining amount will be received through UN and other agencies. According to the spokesman, World Bank and Asian Development Bank will give a loan of 3 billion dollars to Pakistan on pliable terms for the reconstruction, rehabilitation and relief activities of flood affectees.

MQM Calls For Notice into Activists¡¯ target killings

SANA: A rebel leader from northern Yemen says he is ready to agree to a cease-fire with the government.

In an audio recording posted on Yemeni Web sites Saturday, Shi’ite leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said he would accept a series of conditions set out by the government late last year.

The government offered the rebels a permanent cease-fire in September as long as they agreed to withdraw from the region, end attacks, and stop interfering in local government.

Shi’ites from the Zaidi sect have been fighting government troops in northern Yemen since 2004, accusing the government of denying them civil, economic and religious rights.

Also Saturday, Yemeni authorities arrested a suspected al-Qaida militant. Officials said he was preparing to carry out a suicide bombing in the eastern Hadramaut region.

The interior ministry said Saleh Abd al-Habib Saleh al-Shaush was wearing an explosive belt when he was detained. His exact target is still unknown, but the ministry says it was to be a major economic facility.

Yemen has recently attracted international focus after al-Qaida militants there claimed responsibility for a failed bombing attempt on a U.S.-bound passenger jet on Christmas Day (December 25).

The incident led Yemeni authorities to increase operations against al-Qaida.

Mullah Umars Close Kin Held In Karachi

KARACHI: Son-in-law Mullah Ummar, the prominent Afghan warlord, has reportedly been captured by security agencies in Karachi. Motasim Agha Jan was captured Thursday when intelligence agencies on tip off conducted raid on a house at Ehsan Abad area of the metropolis. Two accomplices of Jan were also arrested in the raid. Later, all the suspects were shifted to undisclosed place for further investigation.

On the other hand, local police, while contacted ARY NEWS correspondent expressed unawareness of the incident.

Hunza Lake Likely To Overflow in Few Hours

The distance between water and spillway at Attabad lake is reducing sharply and the outflow is likely to occur tomorrow.

Amid possibility of water outflow, Hunza authorities have closed Gilgit-Hunza section of Karkoram Highway for traffic and the helicopter service have been suspended. Article 144 has been imposed in the area to stop people travelling to the lower areas of the lake.

Civil and army officials are monitoring the situation around spillway through satellite cameras, and sirens will be sounded half an hour prior to the outflow of water. Red flags would also be raised in case of flooding and announcements would be made in the mosques of surrounding areas.

More areas of Gilgit and Shishkat have been inundated and road link between Gilgit and Hunza has also been blocked.

Chief Secretary Gilgit Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad said with the blockage of Karakoram and other roads, no food shortage is seen in the area.

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Road accident kills 10; Injures 15 Near Vehari

VEHARI: At least 10 passengers have died including two kids while another 15 sustained injuries as a Lahore-bound passenger coach overturned near Vehari.

According to rescue sources, the accident took place due to over-speeding when a speedy passenger coach overturned while taking a left turn.

Also, two children were among ten passengers who died on the spot, meanwhile, rescue efforts are underway. All wounded passengers have been rushed to hospital for medical aid.

Three among injured fellows are critical in condition, hospital sources told media.

Polling Underway For PP-13 Rawalpindi

Pakistan News: Polling for by-polls for PP-13 constituency is underway amid tight security in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

A neck-and-neck contest is expected between Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Haji Ghulam Raza and PML-Q candidate Chaudhry Adnan. A total of 11 candidates including Abid Pervez Mughal of Awami Muslim League (AML) are contesting for the seat.

An independent candidate, Raja Shahid, claimed that he has the support of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP). The PP-13 seat fell vacant when the Supreme Court disqualified PML-N MPA Yasir Raza for holding fake degree and ordered re-election in the constituency. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has set up 108 polling stations including 52 for women and 56 for men. Polling is expected to conclude at 5 pm.