No War On Water Between Pak and India: Ranganathan

Pakistan News: Indus Waters Commissioner of India G Ranganathan has said water scarcity has been common between Pakistan and India which could not lead the two countries to war.

He was talking to media after signing of a memorandum for inspection of barrages on rivers.

Ranganathan said the two countries facing water scarcity due to lesser rainfall in the region.? India has been affected as much as Pakistan due to water shortage in Indus, he said.

He said a delegation of Pakistani water officials will visit India in March to hold formal talks on the issues related to river water.

Indus Commissioner of Pakistan Jamat Ali Shah informed the media that in the next round of the water talks India will present its data on water flow and discharge from Indus.

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Case Against Raja Perevez Ashraf Adjourned

RAWALPINDI Pakistan News: A local court of Rawalpindi adjourned hearing of the high court rioting case against Federal Minister of Water and Power Raja Perevez Ashraf till March 13. The court of civil judge Rawalpindi heard the case against Raja Pervez Ashraf, Naheed Khan and five others today. The judge summoned witnesses in the case and adjourned the proceedings.

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India Test-Fired Ballistic Missiles

India Test-Fired Ballistic Missiles: Latest News Update:India successfully test-fired two types of short-range ballistic missiles on Saturday.

According to Defence sources, the missile was fired from INS-Subhadra in the Bay of Bengal near Puri by Indian Navy personnel as part of training exercise. The 350-km range nuclear-capable 'Dhanush' missile is a naval version of 'Prithvi'.

The sophisticated radar systems located along the coast monitored the entire trajectory of the vehicle.

Lahore: Unidentified Persons Kill 3 Policemen

At least 3 police officials were killed and one other sustained injuries when unidentified persons opened fire at a police check post in Saman Abad area of Lahore. According to our correspondent, police officials stopped the motorcycle riders for checking when they opened fire. They fired 25-30 bullets, killing two officials including a sub-inspector and a constable on the spot. The attackers were riding motorcycle. The injured has been shifted to hospital. Police have cordoned off the area.

Woman, Daughter Publicly Tortured in Muzaffargarh

MUZAFFARGARH: A poor woman and her 12-year-old daughter were allegedly made undressed and tortured publicly on Saturday evening.? Sources said the barbaric accused suspected that the son of that woman had maintained some illicit relations with his (suspect's) daughter.

Meanwhile, former area councilor and eyewitnesses have confirmed occurrence of torture on woman and her young daughter after making duo naked in public through use of force. Police sources claimed issuance of medical checkup for both ladies to determine the truthfulness of their allegations through a medical report.

Subsequently, an FIR will be lodged against the alleged suspect in light of the said medical report, police said further.

Meanwhile, the accused, while defying charges leveled upon him, said the matter was of the distribution of water, which has also rendered my friend injured.

Jampur: Protest against unscheduled loadshedding

People took to streets against unscheduled loadshedding in tehsil Jampur of Rajanpur.

The protesters burnt the tyres and blocked the Indus Highway with containers. Heavy contingent of police called to avoid any untoward incident. According to sources, the protest is continued peacefully but they are angry as MEPCO didnt take any notice. The protesters are of the view that the protest will be continued till MEPCO officials come for talks.

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Jampur: Protest against unscheduled loadshedding was first posted on July 18, 2010 at 12:25 am.
Copyright @ A  Pakistan News.Com

15 Militants Killed in Orakzai

As many as 15 militants have been killed, while 10 others injured in a clash with the security forces during the ongoing military offensive in Orakzai Agency on Sunday.

Security forces pounded militants' hideouts in separate parts located in the heart of Orakzai Agency, resulting in killings of 15 terrorists and injuring ten others. Meanwhile, four hideouts were also completely destroyed during the action, sources said. On the other hand, 4 security personnel died in an explosion in Khyber Agency. The militants planted a remote-controlled bomb near Spin Qabar. The injured have been shifted to CMH Peshawar.

Two Brothers Killed in Roof Collapse in Lahore

Lahore, Pakistan News:?Two children were killed when the roof of old house in Shadary Town collapsed, police and rescue workers said.

The incessant spree of monsoon rains continued in most part of the country including Punjab. The roof of Shahdara Town resident Zaheer Abbas collapsed due to extensive rain. Shajar Ali 3 and his brother Rajab died on spot while their parents received injuries. The parents were discharged from hospital after treatment. Both the children were asleep when the incident took place. Zaheer Abbas informed that the roof of his house collapsed due to extensive rains.

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Two Brothers Killed in Roof Collapse in Lahore was first posted on July 23, 2010 at 8:46 am.
Copyright @ A  Pakistan News.Com

PM Gilani Says, Govt¡¯s Top Priority To Provide Shelter To Displaced

Pakistan News: PM Gilani Said on Monday that the top priority of his government was to provide shelter and tents to the people displaced due to the heavy floods. Talking to Professor Dr. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) here at the Prime Minister House he said his government was planning to offer cash compensation to the affected people for rebuilding their damaged or destroyed houses after the flood water receded. As the cash compensation? involves an amount of approximately US $ three billion, the international community, Islamic world in particular, should expedite their assistance to help Pakistan implement this plan, he added.

The Prime Minister appreciated the OIC Secretary General's gesture of expressing solidarity with the flood victims by visiting Pakistan and for mobilizing assistance from the Muslim world for them.

The Prime Minister thanked the Secretary General for convening the Emergency Coordination Meeting of relief organizations of OIC countries in Islamabad during which pledges of US $ one billion, including the assistance of US $ 5 � 7 million were made.

He also noted, with appreciation, the fact that the OIC Secretary General has earlier convened the Emergency Meeting of permanent representatives of OIC countries in Jeddah to sensitize the member states and create better awareness among them about the magnitude and scale of destruction and losses caused by this natural catastrophe.

The Prime Minister hoped that OIC efforts would soon be translated into practical support as time was the most important factor in the relief and rehabilitation efforts of his government.

The Prime Minister while assuring the OIC Secretary General of his government's full support to his proposals for establishing an OIC Emergency Disaster Response Fund to help member states in case of such natural disasters.

He underlined the need for OIC's focus on using its influence with Saudi Development Funds, Kuwait Development Fund and similar funds of the Gulf and other Muslim countries to help Pakistan in its rehabilitation and reconstruction phases.

The OIC Secretary General conveyed his heartfelt condolences and commensuration to the Prime Minister on the losses of lives and extensive damage to the properties and physical infrastructure caused by the floods and assured the Prime Minister that OIC will do whatever is possible to help Pakistan in this hour of need.

Dr. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu stated that his visit to flood the affected area of Rajanpur in the morning had further strengthened his impression that while the government of Pakistan was making organized efforts and was in control of the flood situation, yet it needed urgent assistance to cope up with this unprecedented devastation.

The Secretary General said that he had impressed upon the relief organizations of Muslim countries that destruction and losses of Pakistan's floods was far greater than the combined damages caused by Tsunami, earthquake of 2005 in Pakistan and Haiti last year, therefore, contributions and help should also be corresponding with the scale.

Noting the Prime Minister's top present priority for providing tents and shelters to displaced persons, Dr. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said OIC would try to generate funds for urgent procurement of tents from wherever possible for their urgent delivery to the government of Pakistan. He said that as head of this organization, he considers it a duty to mobilize Muslim Ummah for helping their Pakistani brethren in distress and hence would undertake every effort possible to galvanize Muslim world's support for Pakistan in these trying times.

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Sialkot Incident: Victims¡¯ Cousins Escape Murder Attempt

Sialkot Pakistan News: Cousins of the victims and also the witnesses of the Sialkot duo lynching incident are attacked by unknown persons who threatened them to stay away from the matter.

A few yards away from Naka-Pura Police station, some unknown persons attacked lynching victims' cousins, sons of Tariq butt, Maarij and Mutbahir and then ran away. Injured were taken to a private hospital where their health is out of danger.

Police arrived at the scene after the news was broadcasted on Dunya News. On this occasion the Uncle of the lynched brothers, Zarrar butt told media that they were getting threats to stay away from the matter. He said "we will do our best to get justice". Zarrar said police is not cooperating with them.

US Sen. Kerry Calls On COAS General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan News: US lawmaker John Kerry has arrived here in Pakistan on two-day official visit on Monday night, Geo news reported.

According to sources, following his arrival, Kerry called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani.

According to ISPR sources, Kerry � the Chairman of Foreign Relations Committee of US Senate � shortly after his arrival in Pakistan, held meeting with COAS Kayani and discussed the issues of bilateral interests.

Sources said, he is also scheduled to hold sittings with other key leadership of Pakistan politics during his two-day-long visit.

He will likely to call on President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani to hold discussions pertaining to Pakistan's efforts in war on terrorism, US drone strikes on Pakistan land and the burning issue of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui � detained in US and convicted of shooting US troops in Afghanistan.

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Court Acquits Usman Farooqui:Steel Mills Corruption Case

Accountability Court in Karachi acquitted Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) former chairman Usman Farooqui in a corruption case on Friday, Dunya News reported.

Farooqui was accused of corruption, causing a loss of Rs17 million to the national exchequer during purchase of a ferrous manganese contract while misusing his office as PSM chairman in Dec 1995.

The petitioner's counsel earlier contended that all other co-defendants in the case had been acquitted by the Accountability Court due to lack of evidence and the petitioner was in jail at the time the case was registered against him but he was not produced before the trial court to defend charges against him.

The applicant moved an application in court seeking Farooqui's acquittal saying that the baseless case has been registered against him.

The court judge Riaz Rajput in his verdict today announced acquittal of Usman Farooqui.

Asif Ali Zardari Felicitates Nation on Passage of 18th Amendment Bill

President Asif Ali Zardari has congratulated the nation, all political parties and democratic forces on the unanimous approval of 18th Amendment Bill by the National Assembly on Thursday.

The National Assembly, in a very charged atmosphere, Thursday unanimously passed the historic Constitution (18th amendment) Bill, 2010, aimed at restoring the 1973 Constitution to its original form.

The President in a message hailed the approval of 18th Amendment Bill by the Lower House of Parliament as vindication of struggle for democracy and hoped that Senate (the Upper House of Parliament) will also adopt the bill very soon.

President Zardari said the passage of 18th Amendment Bill by the National Assembly showed the political wisdom, maturity, patriotism and commitment to democracy of all political parties and leaders.

Troops Arrest 10 Militants in Bajaur

KHAR: Security forces in a search operation in Bajaur tribal region arrested 10 militants with heavy arms and munitions, sources said.

The troops in search operation in Yousuf Abad area of Bajaur captured 10 militants with heavy arms, the sources added.

Court Extends Physical Remand : Hamesh Khan Till July 22

An accountability court in Lahore extended the remand of former Bank of Punjab (BoP) president Hamesh Khan and main accused of Rs 9 billion loan scam till July 22.

NAB officials requested the court that new investigation team led by Additional IG Aftab Sultan is investigating the case, so remand should be extended. Hamesh's lawyer said that NAB failed to present any proof in the court. Hamesh Khan's physical remand has been extended till July 22.

Hamesh Khan is accused of sanctioning loans worth Rs9 billion to Sheikh Afzal, the chief executive of Haris Steel Mills, on fake identity cards.

The National Accountability Bureau said Rs6.1 billion have been recovered in the Bank of Punjab scam case so far.

Gilani meets CMs, discusses good governance

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani urged all the four chief ministers to ensure good governance and legislate laws in this regard on Sunday.

Gilani stated these views during a meeting with all the four CMs at PM House in Islamabad ahead of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting scheduled to be held today. Talking on the occasion, the PM said that the issues faced by the common man are being resolved due to the policy of reconciliation. He also called upon the public representatives to address the pubic grievances at the earliest.

It merits to mention that the Council of Common Interests (CCI) is meeting today to resolve inter-provincial disputes regarding water-sharing, tax on services and the approval of Bhasha Dam to meet World Banks conditions for financing, sources said. Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani will chair the CCI meeting, which will take up an eight-point agenda.

Being members of the CCI, all four chief ministers and the special representatives from the four provinces  Naveed Qamar (Sindh), Yousaf Raza Gilani (Punjab), Humayun Aziz Kurd (Balochistan) and Arbab Alamgir (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)  will attend the meeting.The sources said the CCI would deliberate on the dispute between the federal government and Sindh on the levy of tax on services, the recent dispute over water sharing from Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal, the determination of jurisdiction of fishermen of Sindh and Balochistan and Balochistans demand for the release of over Rs 100 billion in arrears against gas development surcharge.

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Gilani meets CMs, discusses good governance was first posted on July 18, 2010 at 12:45 pm.
Copyright @ A  Pakistan News.Com

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Nawaz Condemns Govt Attitude Towards HEC Chairman

Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Nawaz Sharif has condemned the attitude of the government towards Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, Javed Laghari. He warned the government to avoid using unfair means against the HEC chairman, adding that PML-N would not tolerate such attitude of the government for long time.

Nawaz condemned the apprehension of Laghari's brother, Farooq Laghari, and police raids on his house. He said that the fake degree holders are being given protection. He urged that such unfair steps are not be helpful to democracy. He said that the entire nation stands besides Laghari.

Govt is trying to persuade HEC chairman to suppress fake degree issue, says Naseem Zehra

Director Current Affairs at Dunya News Naseem Zehra said that the Government is trying to adopt unfair means to persuade Javid Laghari. She urged that the fake degree issue must be resolved. She said that the government is trying to suppress the matter since some important PPP names are also involve in the issue. She added that no clash is foreseen between PPP and PML-N on fake degree issue. She urged that the issue will influence the political climate of the country.

Govt is trying to avenge from HEC chairman, says Mujeeb Shami

Famous analyst Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami while talking to Dunya News informed that the government is trying to target Leghari family to avenge from HEC chairman Javed Laghari. He urged that the entire nation now has a lot of expectations are from the judiciary regarding the fake degree issue. He informed that the fake degree issue is getting perplexed. People in the government want to protect high level leadership.

Pakistan Wont Take Dictation on War on Terror: Kaira

Federal Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira has categorically stated that Pakistan would not take dictation from any country regarding the launch of army operation in any part of the country, and added that Pakistan is fighting the war on terror for its own interests.

During a press conference in London on Friday, the Federal Information Minister said that the extension in the service period of chief of army staff is done in view of the ongoing war on terror as the change in command would not be conducive in such a situation. He maintained that the presence of army chief was necessary for the continuity of war on terror. He called upon the media to act objectively and responsibly in broadcasting any news on India or Pakistan.

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Pakistan Wont Take Dictation on War on Terror: Kaira was first posted on July 23, 2010 at 4:16 pm.
Copyright @ A  Pakistan News.Com

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No Funds Received From Federal Govt For Flood Recovery: Iftikhar

Pakistan News: Mian Iftikhar Hussain said that the provincial government has distributed 4.70 crore among the family members of 148 persons who killed in floods in the province.

In a press conference in Peshawar, he said that financial help of flood affectees has been started and funds have been issued to DCOs of all districts. He said that it was also being tried to pay at least Rs 20,000 to each flood-hit family. He said that federal government didn't pay any funds for flood recovery.



Karachi Unrest: Another 6 Mowed Down

Karachi Pakistan News: Another 6 people have been shot dead in different incidents of violence and torture in Karachi,? on Tuesday.

Unidentified miscreants gunned down Kamran, 27, in Sarjani Town. Furious people set three cars on fire and a petrol pump to protest killing of two people by Rangers firing.

Four people were mowed down in separate incidents of North Nazimabad, Sohrab Goth, Guru Mandar and Landhi while three dead bodies were found from Ibrahim Haidery, Malir and Bhains Colony. Two persons received serious injuries in Malir while a bus has been torched in Abu-Al-Hassan Isfahan Road.

India Admitted its Citizens’ Involvement in Mumbai Attacks: Malik

LAHORE Pakistan News : Interior Minister Rehman Malik said Thursday that India had admitted the involvement of Indian citizens in Mumbai attacks. He was talking to media at Lahore High Court as he came here in connection with his two cases. A division bench of Lahore High Court comprising Chief Justice Khawaja Sharif and Justice Waqar Hassan Mir adjourned the hearing till March 17. Malik said said that three terrorist groups had come to light in India for their terrorist activities.

To a query, he said that Pakistan wanted good relations with India. “All issues would be discussed in the dialogue”, he said, adding that the dialogue process has support from the international community.

To a question, he said that Swat operation was complete, adding that only minor incidents of terrorism were taking place in tribal areas. “Pakistan government and the Army deserve appreciation for achieving big success against war on terror”, he said.

Rehman Malik said that all others fighting against Pakistan have a lesson to learn from this “success” and thus mend their ways, adding,”All efforts to destabilize Pakistan would be foiled.” He said that peace in the region is linked with the stability in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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Prime Minister:The World Has Been Prepared To Invest In Pakistan

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President Changes Rehman Malik¡¯s Dismissal Into Retirement

President Asif Ali Zardari has changed interior minister Rehman Malik's 1998 dismissal from the post of additional DG FIA into retirement under section 23 of the civil servants act.

According to a notification issued by Interior Ministry the summary of the change was sent by the law ministry to the prime minister. The summary said Malik was dismissed in absentia in 1998 by the then Nawaz Sharif government.

The summary recommended that the dismissal should be turned into retirement. Prime Minister Gilani approved the summary and forwarded it to the President House where a final approval was also given.

It is pertinent to mention that after the approval Rehman Malik would be entitled to receive all post retirement benefits.

Slain Student Ali Raza Laid To Rest

SHORKOT : Pakistani student Ali Raza, who was killed in violence in Kyrgyzstan, laid to rest in his native Shorkot on Wednesday morning as the town mourns his tragic death, reported by Apknews.com

Around 267 Pakistani students stranded in violent hit Kyrgyz city Osh have returned home through two special flights of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) C130 aircrafts.

The dead body of Ali Raza was brought home in second flight on Tuesday evening, which was later handed over to the family.

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PPP MPA Tests Positive For Dengue

KARACHI: PPP MPA Haji Munawar Abbasi, who was hospitalized on Thursday, tested positive for dengue, SAMAA reported Friday.

Abbasi was admitted to a local hospital with high fever. He immediately underwent several tests for dengue virus at the hospital.

According to the doctors, Abbasi's white cells have dropped from 150, 000 to 50, 000. His treatment is still underway.



Pak, UK interests are common: Saeeda Warsi

UK Conservative Party Chairperson Saeeda Warsi has said that a strong and prosperous Pakistan is in interest of England.

Warsi said that the interests of Pakistan and UK are same, and adding that if we stabilize Pakistan through investment, it would also benefit UK. Warsi said that her father belonged to Labour Party while her mother is a Conservative.

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Pak, UK interests are common: Saeeda Warsi was first posted on July 18, 2010 at 4:05 pm.
Copyright @ A  Pakistan News.Com

Strategic Dialogue between Pakistan and US to begin today

The strategic dialogue between Pakistan and US will be held today. US has assured Pakistan upon overcoming the energy and water crisis; where as President Asif Ali Zardari has said that militants would not be allowed to disrupt the negotiations.

Hillary Clinton who was leading a high level US delegation on Sunday evening called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Matters relating to the strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the US, bilateral relations, regional situation, fight against militancy and mutual cooperation and assistance to Pakistan were discussed during the meeting. Spokesperson to President Farhatullah Babar said that the President called for a focused and result oriented strategic dialogue adding that issues relating to Pakistans energy needs were most important and needed to be dealt with urgently. Other subjects that came under discussion during the talks included drone attacks, post-conflict rehabilitation of the affected areas, strengthening of the law enforcing agencies and the timely reimbursement of coalition support funds arrears. Earlier Hillary Clinton had a meeting with Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in which he said Pakistan had prepared a set of documents envisaging future plans for taking the relationship beyond the war on terror and Kerry Lugar assistance programme.  He expressed the hope that the Fifth Round of Strategic Dialogue scheduled for Monday to be co-chaired by Foreign Minister of Pakistan and US Secretary of State will be productive and produce positive results.

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Strategic Dialogue between Pakistan and US to begin today was first posted on July 19, 2010 at 8:50 am.
Copyright @ A  Pakistan News.Com

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Mullen Arrives in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The US Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen arrived in Islamabad on Saturday. He will meet Pakistan Army Chief Gen. Ashfaque Pervez Kayani and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen. Tariq Majeed.

He will discuss defence cooperation, strategic dialogue, sitution in Afghanistan including war on terror.

On the eve of his one-day visit, Admiral Mike Mullen acknowledged worries over extremist sanctuaries in Pakistan, including the Haqqani network.

US officials have praised Pakistan for moving against militants in the northwest but have urged the military to expand its operations to include the Haqqani network.

Sialkot Lynching: Court Sends ex-DPO, 6 Others On Remand

Anti-terror court on Wednesday sent ex-DPO Waqar Chauhan and 6 other police personnel to jail on seven-day remand regarding Sialkot lynching of two innocent brothers.

Earlier, ex-DPO Chauhan along with six other policemen including Yaseen, Bashir, Ahmed, Nazir, Naseer Ahmed and Muhammad Akram were brought to the court under strict security.

Interestingly, Waqar Chauhan was brought from another entry point to evade media as he was not hand-cuffed.

Special prosecutor Rana Bakhtiar appeared before the court, however the court sent the accused on seven-day remand despite the fact that police did not demanded it. The court rejected Chauhan's request for B-class in the jail.

Later, all the accused were shifted to Sialkot district jail.

All Pak Universities Academic Staff Observing ‘Black Day’

Pakistan News: Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff is observing ‘Black Day’ today in a protest against blockade of funds. Educational activities in the 72 universities countrywide will remain suspended and teachers against the cut-off in the budgets will stage protest.

HEC on the other hand says students and teachers rejecting to protest against 4-year degree program, under the new education system, have bought more than 26 thousand forms. HEC further says they are unhappy with the check-and-balance of the governing boards of the colleges and universities who want to have six figure salaries without even teaching a word.

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PM Gilani Saya, Pakistan Needs Huge Investment For Reconstruction

Islamabad, Pakistan News: PM Gilani Tuesday Said Pakistan requires huge investment for reconstruction and rehabilitation in the flood affected areas. Talking to a delegation of UAE Red Crescent Gilani said priority of his government was to provide shelter and housing to the dislocated people, reconstruct damaged schools, hospitals, farm to market roads and restore damaged bridges and railway tracks in the affected areas.He said the international community, particularly close friends of Pakistan like UAE will have to come forward to take part in the rehabilitation and reconstruction phases.

The Prime Minister apprised the UAE Red Crescent Society delegation of the massive destruction caused by the floods and the measures undertaken by his government for helping the displaced.

He said the first tranche of Rs 20,000 per family was being distributed in a transparent and judicious way, while the second tranche of Rs 80,000 will be disbursed in the near future.

He said he would soon be chairing the meeting of the Council of Common Interests in this regard.

Gilani reaffirmed that his government was committed to ensure transparency in disbursement of assistance received from abroad. He said National Oversight Disaster Management Council comprising experienced civil servants and former members of judiciary of high repute would be working voluntarily to monitor the process, while a website has been setup showing the donations received and their utilization.

The Prime Minister hoped that international community will focus on the immediate needs of provision of winter tents to the flood affected as the winter season was due to set in soon. He said tents would be procured locally as it was the most economical arrangement.

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Committee Constituted To Investigate Electricity Theft

LAHORE PAKISTAN NEWS: Lahore Electricity Supply Company (Lesco) on Tuesday constituted a committee to investigate the theft of electricity in public gathering of PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, Aaj News reported. Chief Executive Lesco Azhar Iqbal said the three-member committee has been constituted to investigate the illegal electricity connection in a PML-N gathering in NA-123 constituency and will submit the report within three hours.

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NA-123 By-Polls: EC Notifies All Polling Stations Sensitive

Iran Shows Tendency To Supply oil To Pakistan On Deferred Payments

Iran shows tendency to supply oil to Pakistan on deferred payment basis. Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said Pakistan desires to strengthenbrotherly relations with Iran and cement these ties into concrete economic linkages through commerce and Trade.

Both countries, he added, have the capabilities to face and resolve the economic and security challenges bilaterally and at regional level. The prime minister was talking with Seyed Ameer Mansoor Borghei'e, Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran who called on him at the Prime Minister House on Monday afternoon.

The prime minister expressed confidence that the Iranian Deputy Minister's meetings in Islamabad would prove fruitful in preparing concrete proposals for the forthcoming Joint Economic Commission's meeting to be held in August this year.

He specified the areas of economic cooperation which included Pakistan-Iran oil pipeline project, electricity supply to Pakistan, supply of oil on deferred payment and enhancing trade under Preferential Trade Agreement signed in 2005.

The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister apprised the prime minister that his meeting with the Economic Advisor earlier morning had been very fruitful and he is looking forward to his interaction with the Ministers of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Water and Power as well as Railways to fast track implementation of the projects in their respective areas.

He apprised the prime minister that before his visit to Pakistan, he had met the Iranian Minister for Petroleum to discuss supply of oil to Pakistan on deferred payment basis.

The Iranian Minister for Petroleum was quite positive on the proposal and was hopeful that it would be materialized in the near future.

He expressed the hope that the Prime Minister would be able to undertake official visit to Iran within this year during which the Iranian side would also like to take him to the province of Gilan.

The prime minister responded that time frame of his visit to Iran would be agreed upon on mutually agreed dates. He asked the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister to convey his greetings and regards to the President of Iran.

Special Secretary Foreign Affairs, Secretaries Railways and Petroleum were also present in the meeting.

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Lahore: Bye-Poll Underway in PP-160

The bye-election is being held in PP-160 constituency at Lahore for the Provincial Assembly seat. Rangers have been deployed at 13 polling stations in PP-160, officials said.

The election started at 8 am this morning and will continue till 5 pm. The total number of polling stations in the constituency is 178.

The election will be held under voters' lists of 2008 with 187,300 registered voters (106,000 men and 81,300 women).

After the withdrawal of nomination papers by six candidates, 11 are in the run. The major contest is likely between Malik Saiful Malook (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz), Zaheer Abbas Khokhar (Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf) and Jahangir Bara (Jamaat-i-Islami).

Every candidate has pledged to change the fate of PP-160 people. The PTI candidate talks about a 'change', JI's for 'Waada Nahi Kaam' and PML-N's for bringing a 'revolution'.

The JI workers have warned the PML-N government of using official machinery in the election. "PML-N and PTI candidates are members of the land mafia and they do not believe in fair polls," JI worker Muhammad Ali said.

On the other hand, PTI workers said the PML-N candidate was misusing the laws of wall-chalking. All banners and posters of the PTI candidate had been removed "forcefully", said PTI's Abdul Nasir.

"We do not want to indulge in a blame game. Our development work speaks our performance," says a PML-N supporter Rajab.

Localities of Ali Razaabad, Fatehabad, Hussainabad, Azeemabad, Barkatpura, Kachi Kothi, Niaz Beg, PCSIR, Wapda Town and Valencia fall in the constituency.

Sargodha: Mother Sells Her Son for Rs22 Thousand

A mother sold her son for Rs22 thousand to meet up with the expenses of her husbands illness.

Syed Tahir Muhammad an Imam by profession in Sargodha is suffering from cardiac problems for the last 10-years. Initially the family sold their furniture to meet up with the expenses of his disease. Earlier during the year Rs22 thousand were spent on the illness of Tahirs son Abdullah. Tahirs wife, Nusrat unable to meet up with the expenses of her sons illness sold her child to Khalid who brought the child to Lahore to his sister’s home.

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Sargodha: Mother Sells Her Son for Rs22 Thousand was first posted on July 19, 2010 at 12:19 am.
Copyright @ A  Pakistan News.Com

Hillary Clinton Opens Pakistan Talks With New Aid Projects

Full Story And Original Content.Thnewspk.com Islamabad,: U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton opened a high-level talks with Pakistan on Monday announced several new projects for assistance to improve water supply in the country, energy and health. These projects are part of more than $ 7.5 billion aid effort to convince Pakistanis that Washington was not [...]

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Funeral Of Mian Rashid Offered

NOWSHEHRA: Mian Iftikhar Hussain's slain son Mian Rashid Hussain was buried at a local graveyard amid moving scenes here on Sunday. Hussain, 27, was gunned down by three unidentified assailants at a local market in Nowshehra on Saturday night. Earlier, thousands of people, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Amir Haider Hoti, provincial ministers and ANP leaders, attended the funeral prayers of Mian Rashid.

PML-N leader Iqbal Zafar Jhagra and Punjab minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman also attended the funeral prayers.

Meanwhile, an FIR was lodged at the Pabbi Police Station against Hussain's murder in the light of statement of Mian Amjad Hussain, who was also wounded in the attack.

Police said that they have nominated three unknown assailants in the FIR

LHR: 37 killed, 250 Injured In Youm-e-Ali Procession Blasts

Lahore, Pakistan News: At least 37 persons have been killed and more than 250 others got injured in three suicide blasts occurred in Lahore when processions of Youm-e-Ali were on their way to conclude at Karbala Gamay Shah. DCO Sajjad Bhutta while talking to apk News? confirmed that 28 people were killed in the blasts.

First blast occurred near Karbala Gamay Shah in Youm-e-Ali procession when a suicide bomber blew himself up while he was being frisked by the constable. Two persons along with the constable were martyred in the blast.

According to Mayo hospital sources, at least 120 injured persons have been taken there who were injured in subsequent stampede. Women, children and policemen were among the injured. At least 40 injured were shifted to Ganga Ram hospital while 20 injured were shifted to Services Hospital. Situation of few of the injured is stated to be critical. Fear and panic prevailed at the blast sight which was occurred just after the Iftar time. A large number of people were gathered in Karbala Gamay Shah to commemorate Youm-e-Ali.

Second blast was also occurred near Karbala Gamay Shah in which several people were injured. Another blast was occurred in Bhati chowk which was occurred 20 minutes after the first blast. Commissioner Lahore Khusru Pervaiz has confirmed that all three blast were suicide blasts.

Angry people set two vehicles ablaze and attacked Rescue 1122 team who reached the spot for relief activities. Violent people have attacked SP City office and set the police station Lower Mall ablaze. While police resorted to aerial firing and shelling to disperse the violent people. Police have also arrested a suspected person.

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah while talking to Dunya News strongly condemned this unfortunate incident took place in Lahore. He said that the government put security on high alert but he said that every person and vehicle cannot be checked.

Earlier, three persons were injured in aerial firing in Empress Market in Youm-e-Ali procession in Karachi today. At least 20 suspected persons have been arrested.

Conspiracy Being Hatched Against Government: Rehman Malik

Pakistan News: Interior Minister Rehman Malik said that he didn't want to react on Rana Sanaullah's statement as it was possible he (Sanaullah) didn't issue any such statement. He said that people who weren't part of the government should avoid hatching conspiracy against the government.

Talking to media outside the Parliament House, Malik said that democracy was running properly in the country and many governments were derailed in the part on the name of corruption but nothing was proved. He said that action would be held against Taliban, no matter they were in Balochistan or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said that Lashkar-e-Jhangvi was a terrorist organization and it had claimed responsibility after every terror incident. He said that attempts were being made to destabilize the country. He said, "Every day such news come the government will fall, such impression should not be given that Government and Army are working separately."

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5 killed in Separate Incidents

Pakistan News: Five people died in separate incidents reported in the city on Saturday. Mumtaz Rind, 25, died under mysterious circumstances inside Landhi Jail, while the jail authorities said that Rind died a natural death. After the death of Rind his family launched a protest outside the Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) and alleged that the jail staff killed Rind after torturing him.

Police sources said that Rind was arrested by the Sharafi Goth police in a dacoity and attempt to murder case on March 17, 2009.

He was mentally disturbed for the past few days. The deceased belonged to Obaroo (Sindh). In Karachi he was residing in Kohi Goth, Shah Latif. Rind was arrested by the police two years back in the same case. He was imprisoned and later released on bail.

On Friday Rind was ill and was shifted to the CHK where he was pronounced dead. The deceased was a patient of Hepatitis-C and it was the cause of his death, the jail authorities confirmed. While the family alleged that the deceased was killed due to torture. However no torture marks were seen on the deceased's body, hospital sources said. A case was reported at the police station.

MISHAPS: Faisal was crushed by a speeding truck in the Jackson police limits. Police sources said that Faisal was riding his motorcycle (KDE-0367) when a speeding truck (TTB-487) crushed him at the Native Jetty Bridge.

Passers-by caught the accused driver and shifted the body of Faisal to the hospital. The public brutally thrashed the driver. Later the police took the accused driver Ansar into custody and seized the vehicles. A case was registered and investigation is under way.

In a separate case, an unidentified woman, 55, was crushed by a speeding unidentified car at Korangi no 5, in the Awami Colony police limits.

Meanwhile, Ghulam Haider was crushed by a speeding car in the Darakhshan police limits. Police sources said that the deceased was a security guard of SMS Security Company and was the resident of Gizri Katchiabadi.

On Saturday afternoon he went to work. While crossing the road at Khayaban-i-Shehbaz a speeding car crushed him. The deceased was married and leaves behind three children. A case was reported at the police station.

SUICIDE: Asim Butt, an artist by profession, had ended his life by hanging himself to a ceiling fan. A case was reported at the Defence police station. Police said that the deceased was the resident of a flat situated in South Circular Avenue, Phase-II, DHA.

It is not yet clear if the deceased had committed suicide as some articles of the house were tampered with. They have taken into custody the cell phone of the deceased. Further probe is under way.

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Leaders Of Ruling Coalition Discuss Political situation

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani today met with President Asif Ali Zardari to exchange views on the current political situation arising after the release of Supreme Court's detailed ruling on NRO.

The Prime Minister held a one-on-one meeting with the President to discuss key national issues.

Following the meeting of President Zardari and Premier Gilani, leaders of the ruling parties held a consultative meeting at the presidency.

Premier Gilani was also present in the meeting.

The participants of the meeting exchanged views on country's political situation and other important issues.

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Bhawana SHO Arrested, DSP Suspended For Torturing

LAHORE Pakistan News: Inspector General of the Punjab Police Tariq Saleem Dogar took notice of torture incident at Bhawana police station and directed to arrest the SHO and suspend DSP for involvement in the incident. According to police sources, the IG Punjab police took severe notice of the torture incident at Bhawana police station and called DPO Chiniot to account for the incident. Earlier, DPO Chiniot on the directives from Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, registered case against four employees including sub-inspector of Bhawana police station after suspending them.

DPO Chiniot Fayyaz Sunbal told? that Bhawana sub-inspector Obaidullah Kaliar and constables including Muhammed Afzal, Sajjad and Sarfraz tortured in public Riaz, Wajid Kumhar, Zeeshan Lohar and Sharif Lohar, who are accused of involvement in a robbery at rice truck.

The case against these police personnel has been registered; however, further clauses would be included as the medical report is received.

Abducted Child Recovered; Flown To UK:Rana Sanaullah

The child abducted from Jhelum some seven days ago has been recovered the other day.

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, confirmed that the child Sahil was recovered the other day, and added that he has flown to England along with his father. Sanaullah told that close relatives were involved in the kidnapping, adding that child's recovery was deliberately kept in secret till today. The minor namely Sahil has been kidnapped during a dacoity bid a week ago from Jhelum.

The kidnappers demanded heavy ransom for return of the child.

Too Early To Pronounce On NY Bomber Probe:FM Qureshi

LAHORE : Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Friday it was premature to draw any conclusions on investigations into a Pakistani-American charged with terrorism over a New York bomb plot.

“It would be too early to say anything at the moment until the investigations are concluded,” Qureshi told reporters in Lahore.

“The media is just exaggerating. What is being published is all estimates and speculation,” he added.

Faisal Shahzad is accused of planting a large but poorly made car bomb in crowded Times Square on Saturday.

“We will extend full cooperation to the United States and we will share all information with them and they will share their information with us because we have a shared objective,” Qureshi reiterated.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2010

Chairman HEC calls on PM Gilani

Chairman Higher Education Commission Javed Laghair called on Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday.

Source said that the HEC Chairman apprise the PM of the development regarding the evaluation of parliamentarians degrees. Earlier, Javed wrote a letter to the PM pleading for a meeting, which was accepted by the latter.

It merits to mention that the brother of HEC Chairman and former DCO Farooq Leghari had been held in corruption charges, while the CM Sindh Zulfiqar Mirza also pressurized Javed Leghari to tender resignation.

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Chairman HEC calls on PM Gilani was first posted on July 19, 2010 at 12:55 pm.
Copyright @ A  Pakistan News.Com

Violence erupts after two Christians shot dead in Faisalabad

Faisalabad, Pakistan News :-Violent clashes erupted as a result of the killing of two Christian brothers accused of writing a blasphemous pamphlet critical of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) in Faisalabad. A policeman was also injured.

An unidentified youth shot dead Rashid Emmanuel, and his brother Sajjad, and left their police escort critically wounded, as they left a court hearing. Both the brothers were rushed to Allied hospital where they were pronounced dead. Following the incident demonstrators burned tyres and held protests in Waris Pura neighborhood of Faisalabad.

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Violence erupts after two Christians shot dead in Faisalabad was first posted on July 19, 2010 at 10:14 pm.
Copyright @ A  Pakistan News.Com

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Sargodha By-Polls: Riaz Urges Nawaz To Brace For More Shocks

Pakistan People's Party Senior Minister Raja Riaz has said that the  unprecedented defeat at Sargodha by-polls cleared much of PML-N  misperceptions.

Talking to media in Lahore on Tuesday, Riaz called upon PML-N chief  Nawaz Sharif not to be anxious about Sargodha defeat as more such shocks  are also round the corner.

The minister said that PPP is dong politics of reconciliation, but  deplored that some PML-N ministers are behaving negatively. He added  that PPP always took decisions in view of the larger interests of the  country.



Rehman Malik Directs IG Punjab, Sind To Submit Reports On Youm-e-Ali Attacks

Pakistan News: Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik condemns terror attacks on Shi-ite processions in Lahore and Karachi and directs IG Punjab, Sind to submit immediate reports on the incidents. Rehman Malik adjudged the attackers the "worst beings" on earth.

He directed IG Punab Tariq Saleem Dogar to submit immediate report on the suicide attacks on Shi-it procession in Lahore, in which 37 people were killed and more than 250 were injured. He also condemned the firing incident which happened in another Shi-ite procession in Karachi and directed IG Sind to submit immediate report on the incident.

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Pervez Musharraf is A Novice At Politics: Abidi

Pakistan News: PPP leader Faisal Raza Abidi has said that former president Pervez Musharraf is a novice at politics.

He was responding to Musharraf’s remarks, in which he advised Prime Minister Gilani to refrain from making irresponsible statements and focus on governance.

Speaking to SAMAA, he said millions of jiyalas (PPP workers) stand by the Prime Minister and that the former president has no understanding of the meaning of the Chief Justice

Asif Ali Zardari Takes Note Of Maid¡¯s Murder, Announces Rs.5 Lachs

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has taken serious notice of the reported death of a 10-year old maid due to physical torture and rape in Defence Lahore and directed Raja Riaz, Senior Minister Punjab to visit the victim family.

He also carried President's message to the aggrieved family of assurance of providence of justice to them at all costs.

Moreover, the President announced Rs. 500,000 for the aggrieved family.

Aitzaz Ahsan Sees No Order For Swiss Cases Reopening

PK NEWS: Senior lawyer and Pakistan Peoples Party stalwart Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan has claimed that Supreme Court of Pakistan didn't order the authorities to reopen Swiss cases. Talking to newsmen after attending a conference here Saturday, Ahsan claimed that Supreme Court in its verdict against National Reconciliation Ordinance did not issue orders for reopening corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari in Swiss courts. Former president Supreme Court Bar Association said that international laws restrict all the countries from summoning head of any other state in their courts. He said that criminal cases can not be filed against the office-holder of President of Pakistan as per Constitution. However, he added, the President may be impeached by the Parliament if he commits any wrongdoing.

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(PM) Yousaf Raza Gilani To Address The Nation Today

Pakistan News: Prime Minister (PM) Yousaf Raza Gilani will address the nation today evening at 7:00 PM to take the nation into confidence over the proposed constitutional amendments the government is going to introduce in the Parliament. In his address, the PM will explain the nation of the progress of Parliament's Constitutional Reforms Committee (CRC).

PM will address the nation on first Friday of every month on radio to take masses into confidence regarding the polices of the government. The reason for the radio address is that people who don't afford TV can also hear his speech. American President Barrack Obama also addresses the American nation at the start of every month.

39 killed, 95 Hurt in Lahore Twin Blasts

LAHORE Pakistan News: Punjab Police chief has said 39 persons were killed and 95 were injured in twin suicide attacks at R A Bazaar in Lahore cantonment area on Friday. Eleven security men were also killed in attacks, Inspector General Police of Punjab said. SSP Operations Lahore Chaudhry Shafeeque told media that both blasts that were happened with 15 second interval were suicide attacks.

He said the military vehicles in the cantonment area were targeted by the suicide bombers.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik has called report about bomb attacks in Lahore.

Talking to media Malik condemned the attack in Lahore. He said that a conspiracy to trigger sectarian violence in the country has been hatched by the anti-state elements.

Chief of Awami National Party Asfandyar Wali, has condemned Lahore bombings and expressed sympathy with the victims.

Speaker and deputy speaker of National Assembly, chairman and deputy chairman Senate, parliamentarians and others have condemned Lahore bomb attacks.

(Updated at 1445 PST)

According to earlier reports at least 20 persons were killed in two blasts at R A Bazaar in Lahore cantonment area on Friday, while 50 others were injured.

SSP Operations Lahore Chaudhry Shafeeque told media that both blasts that were happened with 15 second interval were suicide attacks.

He said the military vehicles in the cantonment area were targeted by the suicide bombers.

The relief teams and ambulances reached to the spot of the blasts and started relief operations after the twin explosions.

Police and security agencies personnel have cordoned off the area.

The dead and injured include women and children, reports said. The authorities have declared emergency in Lahore hospitals.

The roads leading to the cantonment areas have been closed.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani have condemned the bomb attack in Lahore.

Implementation On Decisions Of Federal Cabinet Reviewed

ISLAMABAD : The Federal Cabinet which met on Wednesday with Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in chair reviewed the status of implementation of decisions taken by it.

The meeting, held here at the Prime Minister Secretariat, was informed that 72 decisions were taken by the Cabinet during its 56 meetings held from March 25, 2008 to April 21, 2010.

As many as 62 decisions have been implemented while implementation on 10 decisions is under process due to consultation on some issues related to legislation concerning finance and the provincial governments.

The Cabinet also approved decisions of the Economic Coordination Council (ECC) taken on May 3, 2010.

The Cabinet considered draft for "Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electricity Power (Amendment) Bill, 2010". It was observed that unnecessary delays in processing and finalization of matters should be avoided as far as possible.

A committee was constituted headed by law minister to finalize the matters related to NEPRA.

The Cabinet constituted a Committee comprising the Minster for privatization, the adviser on finance and Senator Raza Rabbani to evaluate: The State Bank of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill, 2010 and the SBP Banking Services Corporation Ordinance (Repeal) Bill, 2010.

It approved the signing of an agreement between the Government of Tajikistan and the Government of Pakistan in the field of health; Ratification of Re-admission agreement between Pakistan and European Union and gave consent in principle to initiate Special Economic Zones Act, 2010.

The Cabinet approved to initiate negotiations on agreement on Promotion and Protection of Investment with ECO Member States; Negotiations on Agreement on Promotion and Protection of Investment with Mongolia.

It also discussed amendment in the Provincial Employees' Social Security Ordinance, 1965, which will be referred to the Implementation Commission on 18th Amendment.

A detailed presentation was made to the Cabinet on the contours of the proposed Hajj Policy. The Cabinet was informed that the new policy will be based on the principle of transparency and maximum facilitation to the pilgrims as enunciated by the prime minister.

After an extensive discussion which also focused on the desirability of providing economical and decent accommodation to the pilgrims through a transparent renting mechanism, the Cabinet decided to evaluate its legal implications.

In that context, it constituted a Committee headed by the minister for law and justice to make recommendations regarding the desirability of legislating a Bill on the subject.

Earlier, the Cabinet offered 'fateha' on the passing away of the mother-in-law of Interior Minister Rehman Malik.

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Farooq Leghari Would Not be Released Despite Bail

Despite the bail orders by the court, Farooq Leghari, the brother of Chairman HEC, would not be released.

An anti-corruption court released Farooq Leghari, brother of for Rs 2 Lac security deposit. As per the anti-corruption sources, Farooq would be held in another corruption case, as the department has many other cases against the captive.

On the other hand, Hyderabad bench of Sindh High Court adjourned the case against Farooq till July 21. The court also summoned the investigation officer and medical officer in the next hearing.

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Farooq Leghari Would Not be Released Despite Bail was first posted on July 19, 2010 at 4:09 pm.
Copyright @ A  Pakistan News.Com