Not well enough to visit Pak, says Wajid

 Pakistan's High Commissioner in UK Wajid Shamsul Hassan has said that he could not come to Pakistan due to his worsening health so he would not be able to present himself before Abbottabad Commission.
In a letter written to Abbottabad Commission, Wajid Shamsul Hassan said that he could not travel to Pakistan because he is not feeling well.
The Commissioner has been made party by the commission of Abbottabad commission.
He said that he was ready to give his stance via video conference. However, Abbottabad Commission refused to record his statements via internet conference.

Transporters to observe strike against CNG closure

Transporters have announced to observe strike in Karachi against closure of CNG, Geo News reported.
Talking 'Geo News' President Karachi Transport Itehad (KTI) Irshad Bukhari said their business is badly affected by two-day weekly CNG closure, adding that transporters would register their protest by observing strike today

Nationwide gas emergency announced

Petroleum Minister Dr Asim Hussain has announced a nationwide gas emergency and advised that CNG stations would have to be shut from January 2012.
The petroleum minister said the pressure was so low that compressors could shutdown anytime and in that case there would be no gas for two weeks.
Hussain said that the Chairman of the All Pakistan CNG Association was indulging in politics and should stop robbing the nation.
“Stations are stealing gas” Hussain added.

Relevant authorities evaluating US report......FO

Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said on Thursday that relevant authorities were evaluating the Pentagon’s report on the Nato attack.
Basit said that relations with the US had their ups and downs over the last year and Pakistan wanted relations on the basis of mutual interest.
Basit added the nation’s prosperity and security were the two most important aspects of foreign policy.
The spokesperson said that China held a great deal of importance in foreign policy while relations with Iran had strengthened.
On Afghanistan, Basit said thousands of Pakistani’s were playing their role for the propriety of Pakistan.

US mulls transfer of Taliban prisoner in perilous peace bid

The Obama administration is considering transferring to Afghan custody a senior Taliban official suspected of major human rights abuses as part of a long-shot bid to improve the prospects of a peace deal in Afghanistan.
The potential hand-over of Mohammed Fazl, a 'high-risk detainee' held at the Guantanamo Bay military prison since early 2002, has set off alarms on Capitol Hill and among some US intelligence officials.
As a senior commander of the Taliban army, Fazl is alleged to be responsible for the killing of thousands of Afghanistan's minority between 1998 and 2001.
Senior US officials have said their 10-month-long effort to set up substantive negotiations between the weak government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the Taliban has reached a make-or-break moment.
The detainees, the officials emphasized, would not be set free, but remain in some sort of further custody. It is unclear precisely what conditions they would be held under.

CNG stations reopen in Lahore, Multan region

 All CNG stations in Lahore and Multan regions reopened at 6am today (Thursday) after three-day closure, while in Sindh including Karachi CNG pumps would resume supply at 9am after 24 hours, Geo News reported.
In different districts of Sargodha, CNG stations have been shut for three days. Pumps stopped supply at 6am today till at 6am Sunday.
Rows of vehicles mainly commercial vehicles were witnessed at fuel pumps waiting to be filled.
It may be noted here that owing to shortage, gas loadshedding for all the sectors including industries has been started under gas load management programme across the country.

Nation’s sovereignty being destroyed...... Nawaz

PML-N president Nawaz Sharif said on Wednesday that the Supreme Court’s verdicts were being trampled upon, while the nation’s sovereignty was being destroyed.
Nawaz was speaking to the PML-N general workers council in Peshawar and said the nation was being kept in the dark and the truth was being kept from them.
Speaking on the memogate issue, Nawaz Sharif reiterated that he had gone to the Supreme Court to expose the truth.

Pakistan rejects US report on Nato attack

Pakistan has rejected the US report pertaining to Nato’s attack on Pakistani check post on November 26 that killed 24 soldiers.
The report has been rejected on the basis that with Brigadier General Stephen Clark as head, the investigation can never bring out unbiased findings.
According to sources, Pakistan has dismissed the report on Nato attack as the head of investigating team Brigadier General Stephen Clark has been linked to the strategic team involved in the attack.
That is why, he is believed to be an inappropriate choice to carry out investigation as a neutral party.
A report by military investigators was delivered to COAS General Ashfaq Kayani on Sunday by a US officer based in Islamabad, who explained the findings to the general, Pentagon spokesman Captain John Kirby told reporters.
The full report from the joint US-Nato investigative team was not released publicly until Monday to allow time for the Pakistani leadership to read the findings first, Kirby said.
"We wanted General Kayani to be able to see the entire thing," he said. The approach represented "an appropriate professional courtesy" to Kayani, he added.
A summary of the report was released Thursday and the officer who led the investigation, Brigadier General Stephen Clark, briefed reporters by phone the same day.

US briefs COAS Kayani on investigation

The American military has briefed Pakistan's army chief on its investigation into US air strikes that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers on the Afghan border last month, officials said Tuesday.
A report by military investigators was delivered to General Ashfaq Kayani on Sunday by a US officer based in Islamabad, who explained the findings to the general, Pentagon spokesman Captain John Kirby told reporters.
The full report from the joint US-NATO investigative team was not released publicly until Monday to allow time for the Pakistani leadership to read the findings first, Kirby said.
"We wanted General Kayani to be able to see the entire thing," he said. The approach represented "an appropriate professional courtesy" to Kayani, he added.
A summary of the report was released Thursday and the officer who led the investigation, Brigadier General Stephen Clark, briefed reporters by phone the same day.

No clash of state institutions if all work under Constitution.... Gilani

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said there existed no possibility of a clash among state institutions provided they all worked within the ambit of the Constitution.
In a brief interaction with media persons after offering fateha at the mausoleum of Benazir Bhutto, Gilani said the Parliament was supreme and would take decisions on all issues of national importance. He said the supremacy of the Parliament would be ensured.
To a question whether any conspiracy was being hatched against the government, the prime minister said Pakistan People's Party (PPP) was not an ordinary party and was strong enough to confront any conspiracy.
He said certain elements from time to time had been trying to create differences between judiciary and the government and also between the President and the Prime Minister, but all in vain.
Gilani said he had already dispelled the notion of de-notifying General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani and DG ISI General Shuja Pasha.
He said the government's attention was diverted many a times from serving the masses, however it remain committed.
Gilani termed Benazir Bhutto's death not only a national but an international tragedy.
On question about investigation into Benazir Bhutto's murder, the premier said he was not in a position to remark on it as the matter was subjudice.
Gilani termed those as "weak-hearted" who had left the PPP, and said it was good as such people could damage the party at the time of election.
He termed those who were joining Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf as "a bunch of opportunists".
He said the workers of PPP were committed and brave-hearted, while the weaker ones had left it.
Gilani said the government was pursuing the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and said the 80 per cent work on the Charter of Democracy had been completed.

Nation doesn’t stand matters written in Memo...... CJ

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, while hearing the memo scandal case, in his remarks said, “Pakistanis are a living nation, they do not tolerate the matters written in the memo, federation considers it only a piece of paper, then why was such a key-meeting held in the prime minister house, why was the resignation taken from Haqqani and why did the prime minister order an investigations?”
The nine-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry was hearing the Memogate scandal case.
Submitting the replies on behalf of the federation, Attorney General said that a meeting relating to the memo issue was held on November 22 at the prime minister house where Haqqani gave his resignation, which was approved the very next day and thereby a notification was issued. Haqqani had offered to resign earlier also, he said.
Attorney General further said that the prime minister had ordered for an investigation into the memo scandal on November 22.
Chief Justice asked when the federation calls the memo a mere piece of paper, but on this piece of paper a meeting of the president, prime minister and army chief was held and the prime minister ordered an investigation.
Why was the resignation taken from Haqqani, chief justice enquired.
Chief Justice said both the accuser and those falling within the purview of this accusation want investigations.
Mansoor Ijaz is still firm on his stance and he has provided Black Berry’s photographs in his reply.
The entire nation stands united on making no compromise relating to the country’s security, integrity, sovereignty and independence.

Benazir Bhutto's 4th death anniversary today

he fourth martyrdom anniversary of the Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto would be observed with great reverence on Tuesday throughout the country.
The day would dawn with special prayers in mosques for the departed soul of the charismatic leader and first women Prime Minister of Muslim world and progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
Quran Khawani would also be held for eternal peace of Shaheed-e-Jamhoriat. Special congregations will be held in small and major towns to pay rich tributes to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto for her meritorious service for the nation.
Several other activities have been planned to pay tribute to Benazir Bhutto on her death anniversary throughout the country.
Senior leaders of Pakistan people's Party (PPP), members National and provincial assemblies and office bearers of the party and the followers of Benazir Bhutto will participate in these events.
Senators, MNAs, MPAs, leaders and workers of PPP from different parts of the country in large number have left for Garhi Khuda Bakhsh including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh, Fata, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
All wings of PPP including Labour Wing, Peoples Doctors Forum, Doctors Forum, Lawyers Forum, Women and Youth Wings have also moved to Garhi Khuda Bakhsh in large caravans.
A large number of Peoples Students Federation's activists across the country will also visit Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to express ideological solidarity, sentiments and admirations with their supreme leader.
In Rawalpindi, the local leadership of all PPP wings and a large number of workers will visit the memorial site at Liaquat Bagh to pay homage and offer fateha for their charismatic leader, who was assassinated on December 27, 2007.
The PPP has decided to organize a big public meeting on December 27, at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to pay tribute to the great leader in recognition of her life-long struggle for the cause of democracy and protection of the rights of people.
All necessary arrangements are being made to facilitate the workers and general public on the occasion and to make the public meeting exemplary and historical.
A caravan of Pakistan People's Party Punjab workers left for Larkana on Monday to join ceremonies on 4th death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed.
The 4th death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed will also be observed in Azad Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan with due reverence and honour.
A major rally of PPP leadership led by AJK Prime Minister Ch. Abdul Majeed will reach Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on Tuesday to attend ceremony at her mausoleum.
The leaders and workers of Pakistan Peoples Party have chalked out special programmes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA for this important occasion.
Special programmes have been planned to highlight her matchless services and struggle in the fields of politics, democracy, economic, foreign relations and human rights.
Television Channels would air special programmes and newspapers would publish special supplements in connection with the anniversary of Benazir Bhutto.
Social, educational and literary organizations will also arrange special programmes where speakers would pay rich tribute for her meritorious service for the nation and most particularly for giving the supreme sacrifice of her life for maintaining national unity and solidarity among people and democracy.

Foolish to talk about COAS, DG ISI removal...... PM

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Monday that he was satisfied with the performance of the Army Chief and General Kayani had not asked for an extension in his tenure.
Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani in response to a question about the extension of Gen. Kayani and Gen. Pasha said, "You cannot change the Generals in the middle of war," - a reference to the war on terror.
"That was on my request", he said, adding they did not seek extension. "Gen. Kayani is pro-democracy," he further remarked.
"It was foolish to talk about the Army Chief and DG ISI being removed" Gilani said.
The prime minister added that former ambassador Husain Haqqani had resigned before he had asked for his resignation.
To another question, Gilani also rejected the notion of any tension between the government and army and said, "how can we run a government if there is any tension."
"Today I talked to the Chairman Joint Chiefs of the Staff Committee on certain issue," Gilani added.
About his recent speech in the National Assembly, the prime minister said addressing the National Assembly and Senate was his prerogative.
To a question, the prime minister said after the attack of NATO forces, meeting of the Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) was called, political and civil leadership assembled and decisions pertaining to national security were taken.
Nato supply was halted, Shamsi air base was vacated, Bonn conference was boycotted and "we showed solidarity with the 24 brave martyred soldiers and military", he added.
The prime minister said, at the meeting of DCC, it was decided to refer the matter to Parliamentary Committee on National Security that will prepare recommendations to be put before the joint sitting of the Parliament, so it can decide new terms of engagement with United States, Nato and Isaf.
To another question, he said the memo issue was referred to Parliamentary Committee on National Security.
To another question, he said, judicial commission on Abbottabad incident is looking into the issue of presence of Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan.
The prime minister said performance of their democratically elected government cannot be compared with regime of Gen Musharraf, which had no mandate to rule people of the country through a referendum.
He said at the start of the PPP government, PML-N Senator Ishaq Dar was the Finance Minister and he was on record about the dismal state of the economy inherited from the Musharraf regime.
He said 2012 will be year of Balochistan and during the year, the government will also focus its attention on controlling inflation and the issue of circular debt.
Minister for Finance has been asked to follow a time-line to restructure public sector organizations including PIA, Railways, Pepco and others, Gilani said, adding, the government cannot go on using the option of borrowing and printing money as it will not be good for the economy.
It is right of the opposition to play to the gallery and embarrass the government, he said and added, he had been in the government many times and since 1947 he was constantly hearing the statements that Pakistan was going through very difficult times.
Politics is a day-to-day affair and nobody should worry whether the country or religion is in danger, he remarked.
Gilani said he realizes that people are facing problem of electricity and gas shortages but want to provide relief within available resources as every government will like to get vote on the basis of its performance.
The prime minister said it is customary not to accept the result of elections. The same happened in 1977 elections when results were not accepted and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and opposition parties held talks and all points were agreed but the third force came and a long martial law followed.

PM Gilani to a question said he never stated that the government should complete its tenure rather he always stressed that parliament, which is a nascent institution, should complete its tenure.
The premier said he never insisted to stay in office. "It is not a bed of roses. It is a bed of thorns", he remarked.
Gilani, however, added that there were constitutional means to change the government. "I am striving that I remain in office or not, but the parliament should complete its tenure as it is a nascent institution," he added.
The PM said all the political parties including the PTI, who he believed were not in hurry for elections, did not want to uproot the system.
When his attention was drawn to the entry of old politicians in Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf, Gilani remarked that all former foreign ministers are now part of the "revolution".
To a question about problems in Balochistan, the PM mentioned to the government's initiatives like the NFC Award, provincial autonomy, enhanced budgetary allocations, job quotas etc but said, the people in Balochistan want protection of life and property, which is their right.
He assured that the government would continue to focus on the issue of protection of life and property in the province during next year also by taking all the state agencies on board.
To a question about Pak-US relations after Nato attack on Pakistani border post, the Prime Minister said contrary to Gen. Musharraf who offered all out support to the United States only after a telephone call, his government would not compromise on the country's sovereignty and respect.
He said new terms of engagement with the US would be decided in the light of recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security that has been tasked to do in light of the important decisions taken at the DCC following the NATO attack.
To another question, the prime minister said Mian Nawaz Sharif, who also suffered, is equally sincere with democracy and whole the nation is with us on this issue.
He said the PML-N is showing political maturity and always supported the government on major national issues.
In response to a question about Imran Khan's remarks about President Zardari, Gilani said, President Zardari is a successful politician and it was his vision that made the PPP to form coalition governments at the federal and provincial levels.
"It is not a joke, but political performance", he remarked.
The PM welcomed the statements of Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Altaf Hussain about Seraiki province and said Pakistan People's Party, which gave rights to Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Fata, would not disappoint the people of Southern Punjab.
About the rallies of PTI, he said, it was his considered opinion that the governments did not need to show political muscles.

US military urges more trust with Pakistan after probe

The head of US Central Command urged greater trust and communications with the Pakistani military on Monday amid a diplomatic crisis after US air strikes killed 24 Pakistani soldiers last month.
General James Mattis made his recommendations after his command, which oversees US military operations across a wide swath of North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, released the results of its own investigation into the November 25-26 incident.
A joint US-Nato investigation unveiled last week portrayed a disastrous spate of errors and botched communication in which both sides failed to inform the other about their operational plans or the location of troops.
"The strongest take-away from this incident is the fundamental fact that we must improve border coordination and this requires a foundational level of trust on both sides of the border," Mattis said in a statement.
The deadliest single cross-border attack of the 10-year war in Afghanistan, the strike has plunged the precarious Pakistani-US alliance to its lowest ebb in a decade with both sides in dispute about the precise sequence of events.
Islamabad rejected the earlier US inquiry after the Americans insisted their troops responded only after coming under heavy machine-gun and mortar fire.
Although the US-Nato probe acknowledged the Americans had relayed "incorrect mapping information" to a Pakistani liaison officer that gave the wrong location for Pakistani troops at border outposts, the CENTCOM report made no mention of discipline of US or Nato personnel.
But Mattis directed Nato's International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) commander General John Allen to take a number of corrective actions to improve the now-moribund relationship with Islamabad, including fostering "improved, mutual trust" between forces working in the mostly lawless border areas.
Troops should also "clarify authorities, responsibilities, and standard operating procedures" in the area as well as conduct formal exercises and drills to improve coordination and reduce chances of conflict.
Mattis also called for "full disclosure of all border area facilities and installations" on both sides of the border, with updates using a shared database and map as well as organizing coordination visits.
The comments came as The New York Times reported that US officials believe a counterterrorism alliance with Pakistan can survive only in a limited form, as a deterioration in ties complicates the ability to launch attacks against Islamic extremists and move supplies into Afghanistan.
"We've closed the chapter on the post-9/11 period," the Times quoted a senior US official as saying. "Pakistan has told us very clearly that they are re-evaluating the entire relationship.

US urges Pakistan to share border-post map

The head of the US Central Command is urging Pakistan to share a map of its facilities and installations near the Afghan border to help avert episodes like the one that killed 24 Pakistani forces last month.
US Marine Corps General James Mattis, the commander, said in a statement on Monday that the strike's chief lesson was that "we must improve border coordination and this requires a foundational level of trust on both sides of the border."
Mattis told the allied commander in Afghanistan, General John Allen, to take steps to prevent "friendly fire" incidents and share them with Pakistan's military "if possible," an apparent reference to continuing strains.
Mattis directed Allen, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force, to seek full disclosure of all facilities and installations on both sides of the frontier as soon as possible.
This should include "systematic updates based on a common data base and map, and incorporating periodic reciprocal coordination visits," he said. (Reuters) REUTERS

Imran promises to fulfill Quaid's dream

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chief Imran Khan on Sunday promised the nation on Quaid's birth anniversary that he will fulfill the dream of the Founder of the nation, saying 'I will do what Quaid-e-Azam wanted to do'.
Addressing tens of thousands of his supporters at a grand rally near the Quaid's mausoleum here on Sunday, he said: "I promise on Quaid-e-Azam's birth anniversary that I will do what the Quaid-e-Azam wanted to do."
He said Quaid-e-Azam wanted to make Pakistan an Islamic welfare state and that he would turn the country into one.
Imran Khan in his speech punctuated with loud slogans of the cheering crowd and national songs, said he would introduce a strong justice system in Pakistan under which free justice would be provided to the poor.
"Quaid-e-Azam never wanted you to bow before anyone, I will ensure that you don't have to bow before anyone."
He said one more wicket was about to fall and announced that Pakistan People's Party leader Sardar Assef Ahmed ‘called me up today, saying he would soon join Tehreek-e-Insaf’.
Imran Khan lamented that even animals had access to better justice in Europe than the human being in Pakistan.
The PTI Chief said he would bring a team that will be selected on merit to transform Pakistan into a welfare state.
He said this team would function under Jehangir Tareen to present economic policies, labour policies, tax reforms, education policies as well as foreign policies before the nation. There will be a policy paper on all issues, he added.
Imran Khan announced that his government would organize two seminars every month to present his parties' policies.
"During Tehreek-e-Insaf rule a civil system will be introduced which will ensure that even Imran Khan's car is stopped for over-speeding."
He said Pakistan was supposed to become a welfare state, adding the very first welfare state of the world was formed during Khilafat-e-Rashida which was based on Islamic principles.
He said Tehreek-e-Insaf would root out corruption within 90 days and bring about reforms in the overall system.
He welcomed Javed Hashmi into the folds of Tehree-e-Insaf and hailed his 'bravery'.
Talking about agricultural reforms, Imran Khan said free seeds would provided to the farmers while fertilizers would supplied at cheap rates to maximize the produce.
Imran Khan said a Chinese company wanted to bring 19 billion dollar investment to Pakistan but it did not due to worst law and order situation in Karachi.
"You don't need a rocket science in Pakistan, just bring a team of honest leaders that carries out self accountablity," he asserted.
He promised that the major corruption will be eliminated within 90 days of coming into power. Pakistan suffers a loss of 300 crores per day, he regretted.
"The days of Zardari's rule are numbered, so do not worry."
Speaking about Balochistan, he said: "We will seek forgiveness from Balochistan people and remove their grievances by developing the deprived province."
Announcing about Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's next public meeting, he said 'the next stop for the Tsunami will be Quetta on March 23'.
Responding to Nawaz Sharif's 10-over match, Imran Khan asked him to organize the match as early as possible as 'you might no longer have a team' (in near future).
He said Sindhis, Urdu speaking, Memons, Punjabis, people from Hazara, Multan, Gilgit Balitistan besides minorities were present at the rally.
Imran Khan also greeted the Christian community on the occasion of Christmas saying "Merry Christmas".
He specially thanked Zulfiqar Ali who he said sold his mobile phone and came all the way from Dera Ghazi Khan to attend the rally.
Imran Khan congratulated the Karachiites for 'beating the Tsunami of Lahore'.
Talking to his diehard cohorts, an optimistic Khan said, “The team I led went all the way to clinch the world cup; my Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital team managed to achieve what many trashed as impossibility, now I want you to be on my team to make a new Pakistan become a reality."

PM constitutes Task Force to resolve SOEs problems

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani during the Federal Cabinet meeting here at the Sindh Governor House formed a Task Force to address the issues of failing state owned enterprises (SOE).
PM Gilani said the elected government has been following the principles of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and is taking all decisions through consultation with the elected representatives.
Addressing the 100th meeting of the federal cabinet held here in connection with the birth anniversary of the father of the nation the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Gilani said the parliament will complete its five years term. He said that this will strengthen the democratic institutions.
"It's the honour for the present government that it has completed its 45 months and it will complete the five year term given to it by the people of Pakistan", he said.
He said it is the first federal cabinet of the democratic government that had held 100 meetings in 45 months and today it had completed the century.
Gilani said it is the best way to pay homage to father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah that the democratic government has completed 45 months.
The PM constituted a Task Force under the Finance Minister to resolve the problems of the national institutions like PIA, Pepco, Steel Mill and Pakistan Railway.
He announced that 2012 will be year of Baluchistan and assured that the people of Baluchistan will get their fundamental rights.
He said the government took all the decisions with consultation in the parliament.
Gilani said elected parliament is performing its job and is taking all the decisions through mutual consultations within the parliament to ensure this process will continue.
The prime minister said the democratic government ensured the freedom of press and independence of judiciary. He said there is no political prisoner in the country today.
He said the government has due reverence for the independence of judiciary and gave respect to its decisions by accepting them with an open heart.
Gilani said, "It is the credit of this democratic government that it took the decision to constitute National Finance Commission, passed 18th constitutional amendment and restored the 1973 constitution in its original form unanimously through the parliament."
He said following the principles of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah the government took decisions to strengthen the democratic institutions and took the decisions on all important issues through mutual consultation.
The prime minister said the government organized All Parties Conference twice to have consultation on national issues and even invited those politicians having no representation in the parliament.
He said President Asif Ali Zardari, who surrender his powers to the parliament also addressed three times to the joint session of the parliament. This is another record in the parliamentary history as none of his predecessors had fulfilled this constitutional requirement.
Referring to the foreign policy, Gilani said in line with the principles of the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the democratic government adopted the policy to have relations with all the countries including its neighbours with honour and dignity.
On the Kashmir issue, the premier said, "The government has very clear policy on Kashmir issue and wants to resolve it in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Kashmir."
Appreciating the contribution of Pakistan Army in defending the country, the Prime Minister said the Armed Forces have given sacrifices to defend its frontiers.
PM Gilani vowed that sovereignty, integrity and solidarity of the country would be protected at all cost and assuring to give any sacrifice for this lofty purpose.
Quoting the address of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to Bar Association Karachi on January 25, 1948, the PM said the Quaid said, "Islam and its Idealism have taught democracy. Islam has taught equality, Justice and fair play to everybody. What reason is there for any one to fear democracy, equality, freedom on the highest standard of integrity and on the basis of fair play and justice for everybody."
He said the Quaid-e-Azam envisaged making his vision about democracy, the future Constitution of Pakistan and wanted to show it to the world.
He said Quaid-e-Azam on 14th December, 1946 said, "Democracy is in the blood of Musalmans, who look upon complete equality of manhood (mankind) and believe in fraternity, equality and liberty."
Gilani said, "Our government has made efforts to protect the constitutional rights of Minorities and will continue to do so."
He said Mohtarma Shaheed Benazir Bhutto sacrificed her life but never compromised on supremacy of the parliament.
The PM said the government would continue the mission of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.
He said the government has also been following the reconciliation process initiated by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and taking all decisions with mutual consultation of all stakeholders.
The members of the federal cabinet appreciated the decision of Prime Minister Gilani to hold the cabinet meeting in Karachi on the 135th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Quaid’s 136th birth anniversary today

The nation is celebrating the136th birth anniversary of the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah today (December 25) with great enthusiasm and national spirit, Geo News reported.

On this occasion, an impressive ceremony of the change of guards took place at the Mazar-e-Quaid (Quiad’s Mausoleum) here in the city. An elegant and smart contingent of the Pakistan Military Kakul Academy led by the PMA Major General Mazhar Jamil assumed the responsibility of the guards.

A number of activities being arranged to highlight the Quaid’s guiding principles of peace and harmony in the country. The day reminds about the Quaid’s historic struggle for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Sub-continent where every citizen could live according to his faith and dignity.

The celebrations taking place both at public and private levels by holding befitting functions to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation for his heroic struggle for an independent homeland. The main event took place at the Quaid’s Mausoleum in Karachi with the change of guard.

The Ministry of National Heritage and Integration has specially designed colourful float to pay homage to the Father of the Nation on the day here.

The float, with the theme Unity, Faith and Discipline, represents culture of all the provinces and display photographic representation of Quaid-i-Azam and his unique belongings.

A documentary film on Quaid-i-Azam will be shown on a large screen which will be attended by a large number of diplomats, high ranking government officials, cultural personalities as well as general public.

Meanwhile, a special sitting in connection with the Quaid-i-Azam day was held at Alhamra Hall, Lahore on Saturday, which was presided by Senior Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister, Zulfiqar Ali Khosa.

Liaqat Baloch, Syed Fakhar Imam, Senator Muhammed Ali Durrani, Khawaja Saad Rafiq MNA, Hamza Shahbaz Sharif, MNA and Waleed Iqbal Advocate were also present on the occasion.

A number of social, cultural and educational programmes also being arranged in Peshawar, Quetta and cities to pay tribute to the Quaid-i-Azam on Sunday.

All set for PTI rally

All arrangements for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf rally scheduled for December 25 at Bagh-e-Quaid, adjacent to the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, have been finalised.
PTI chief Imran Khan, late Saturday night, visited the venue of his hyped-up rally to make sure arrangements were up to his satisfaction.
During the visit he directed his party workers to leave no stone unturned to make this congregation historic.
Everything seemed fine by the time he left the venue, located next to Mazar-e-Quaid, but soon after he was gone a car parked outside the venue caught fire and firemen was called in to put the flames out.
Later it was found out that the car belonged to PTI (Balochistan) Joint Secretary Siddique Yousuf. Police believe a short circuit started the fire.
Sarwar Rajput, information secretary of the PTI, disclosed that the final touches to the arrangements included dividing the main area into four sections — one section for women, another for families, the third for youths and the fourth for the general public.
About 60,000 chairs have been placed in the ground, which is said to have a total capacity of 200,000.
A dedicated gate has been set up for the entry of media personnel, for whom a separate seating arrangement has also been made. The main stage has been divided into an upper part and a lower part. The upper stage has been arranged for the party’s central leaders, who have come from across the country.
Four points in the city have been set up where the PTI’s workforce will help direct traffic. These will be at Nishtar Park, Taekwando at old Numaish, the City District Government parking plaza and Kashmir Road.
35 shuttle services have been set up to pick and drop people to the venue. Aside from the security provided by the government, the party has arranged for some 1,500 security workers, who will be deployed in and around the rally venue.
Though the venue of the PTI rally was filled with banners showing portraits of former cricketer Imran Khan and the founder of the nation Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the outside of the venue was awash with flags of the PPP rally that is taking place on December 27.
PTI leaders are convinced that this rally will be a milestone in Pakistan’s political history and that it will be larger than the party’s Minar-e-Pakistan rally, as Karachi features people of various ethnic backgrounds and has more politically active youths.
Analysts say PTI has thrown in its full might to take this public gathering to the top in the political history of the metropolis.
This time around Imran Khan seemed as surefooted he could be despite all the odds, which analysts dub as the early signs of a blockbuster event.
That the turnout would set the next direction for PTI's political pursuit was one thing that all analysts had no two opinions about.
"If Imran succeeded in swinging it right, things would become easier for him down the road", said an analyst.

Info Minister, Ashiq Awan resigns

Federal Information Minister, Firdaus Ashiq Awan Sunday sobbingly announced to resign in a special federal cabinet meeting held this morning here, Geo News reported.
Prime Minister, Yusuf Raza Gilani was presiding over a special federal cabinet meeting held here in connection with the birth anniversary of the founder of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
Following Sherry Rahman and Qamruzzaman Kaira, Firdaus Ashiq Awan is the third information minister who resigned from this slot in the brief stint of PPP government during last four years.
Firdaus apparently hurt sobbingly announcing her resignation said that she fully endorse the vision and policy of the President (PPP Co-Chairman) and the prime minister, but in her self-appraisal declared herself to be incapable of the task reposed in her, she offered to resign.

Joined PTI to safeguard Pak interests......Hashmi

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan along with new PTI member and former PML-N leader Javed Hashmi and Shah Mehmood Qureshi addressed a joint press conference here on Saturday.

During the conference, Hashmi formally announced his joining the PTI.

After making the formal announcement, Javed Hashmi said that it was Khan’s determination to bring change that convinced him to join the party.

Hashmi admitted that Khan was his favourite cricketer but now he is a star politician as well.

He told the reporters that he and Khan have shared the same vision of a new Pakistan - free of corruption. Hashmi said that Khan asked him to join PTI for the sake of Pakistan and not the party.

Khan had told Hashmi, ‘Pakistan needs you,’ and that is why he joined PTI to work together to safeguard the national interests and to make it a corruption-free state.

Hashmi said that he has no differences with PML-N and the Sharif brothers are dear friends to him.

Observing the deteriorating condition of the country for the past one year, Hashmi decided it was the right time to join a party working vigorously to bring a positive change in Pakistan.

While addressing the press conference, Imran Khan expressed his joy over Hashmi joining the PTI and welcomed him in the party.

Khan said he knew Hashmi since he was sent to jail during the dictator’s rule due to his strong principles. He said that it was Hashmi’s stand on his principles that made him fit for the PTI. He said that after the joining of Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Javed Hashmi, PTI’s tsunami has gained momentum.

Khan said that we have united to achieve our common goal of stronger and safer Pakistan and to safeguard the national interests. He said that no deal was made with Hashmi and he has joined PTI unconditionally.

PTI chief said that Hashmi has brought his rich experience along to help achieve party goals, and only time will tell that his decision to join PTI was right.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi also welcomed Javed Hashmi in the PTI and said that it is the time of revolution when people have united on a common platform to achieve goals that are beyond personal interests.

Qureshi said that Hashmi’s step to join PTI has rejuvenated the party enthusiasm.

N-league not afraid of anyone's departure

Opposition leader Chaduhry Nisar on Saturday said his party Pakistan Muslim League-N was not afraid of anyone's departure and that his party was ready for snap polls, Geo News reported.
Addressing a press conference following Javed Hashmi's joining of Tehreek-e-Insaf, he said people's entry and exit would not make any difference and that those moving out would themselves have to pay the price.
He claimed that an agency was behind pushing the people towards Tehreek-e-Insaf.
He said politics was not a child's play Tehreek-e-Insaf would know in time 'what the politics is all about'. "Soon everyone will know that Imran Khan's revolution is no better than a bubble," he maintained.
He said he had known Imran Khan from the school days and 'I know things about him that I don't deem fit to disclose'.
Chaudhry Nisar said Shah Mehmood Qureshi had differences of personal nature with Javed Hashmi.
He said the rumour mill would continue to operate till the incumbent government remained in power.

COAS clarification welcomed in democratic circles..... PM

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Saturday that the statement by Army Chief Kayani was welcomed in democratic circles.
The prime minister was referring to a statement by COAS in which General Kayani had dismissed speculation about a military takeover.
“There will definitely be an improvement because of it,” Gilani said.
Prime Minister Gilani said that the season of rumours would end in March, which is when Senate elections are scheduled.
The prime wished Javed Hashmi success on joining the PTI.

ISPR rejects US NATO-attack probe report

nter Services Public Relations (ISPR) has rejected the findings of a US-NATO investigation into Mohmand Agency massacre of 26 Pakistani troops deployed on a border outpost, Geo News reported.
Terming the report as biased as well as lacking in key facts, a statement issued here said it had holes in it, which need to be filled in.
A formal reply would be launched after ISPR would receive the details of it, the statement added.

US admits its mistake in Nato attack

 America has finally confessed to its "mistake" in the NATO attack on a Pakistani border post in Mohmand, Geo News reported.

According to a statement issued by White House, the unprovoked attack that killed around 24 of Pakistani troops was a tactical error.
US was focusing on learning from its mistakes in the wake of the finding of the probe, the White House spokesperson said.
The statement also stressed on measures to avoid such incidents down the line.
President Barack Obama has also been briefed on the probe report.

Govt to do no harm to country..... President

President Asif Ali Zardari has said that government would not do anything against the sovereignty of the country, Geo News reported.
President said this while talking to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain over the phone.
On the other hand Altaf Hussain said that country cannot afford to have another confrontation in the given circumstances, adding it was imperative for all of us to deem the institutions entrusted with national security with due awe and reverence.
He urged all the institutions to devise strategies in the broader interest of the country.

There cannot be a State within a State...... PM Gilani

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Thursday said conspiracies were being hatched to oust the elected government, but vowed to fight for the rights of the people.
Addressing a gathering at the launch of an exhibition of rare photographs of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Pakistan Movement at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Gilani said he is here to serve the people of Pakistan.
The prime minister said, "conspiracies are being hatched to pack-up an elected government. We remain in the government or in opposition, we will continue to protect the rights of the people".
Gilani categorically stated, "there cannot be a State within a State. Nobody can say that he is not under the government."
"Every institution of this country including the Ministry of Defence is under the Prime Minister of Pakistan", he added.
He said there should be no ambiguity about it and nobody should claim himself as an independent. "They are being paid from the State Exchequer, from your revenue and from your taxes."
"If somebody thinks that they are not under the government, they are mistaken. They are under the government and they remain under the government, because we are the elected representatives of the people of Pakistan."
The prime minister said it was for the first time in Pakistan's history that the president handed over his powers to the Parliament and was a simple figure-head while the Prime Minister is the Chief Executive.
"Now all state institutions acquire their powers from the Parliament."
Prime Minister Gilani said, "We have the highest respect and regard for the army of Pakistan as they have stood firmly against the extremist and terrorists, confronting the country."
"Our army is disciplined and follows the Constitution," he said.
Gilani said it were the people of Pakistan who had taken ownership to the fight against terrorism. He said he took the responsibility of the military actions being taken in the country and said, "No army can fight, without the support of the people."
Prime Minister Gilani said he was the longest serving Prime Minister of Pakistan with 45 months in the office so far after Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Gilani said, if he cannot safeguard the rights of people of Pakistan, he will have no right to be the Prime Minister.
"If they say that they are not under the ministry of defence, then we should get out of this slavery, then this parliament has no importance, this system has no importance, then you are not sovereign," he said in the National Assembly.
"Nobody is above the law, all the institutions are subservient to the parliament," Gilani insisted.
He said the government had stood by the security services over a storm of American pressure over the Osama bin Laden killing, the November 26 Nato attack and the 2008 attacks on Mumbai.
"In the worst circumstances we doubled their salaries. They have to be accountable to parliament."
"We are being asked by the judicial commission (examining the May 2 US raid that killed bin Laden raid and how the Al-Qaeda leader lived in Pakistan undetected) about issuance of visas (to Americans).
"But I want to ask how was (bin Laden) living here for the past six years? On what type of visa was he living here? Why was security not taken care of, if he entered in Pakistan without a visa?"

US confident on Nato supplies resumption

Pentagon has expressed confidence that U.S.-Pakistani relations can be improved, and that Islamabad soon will re-open routes used to supply American troops in Afghanistan.
Government of Pakistan closed two crucial border crossings used for some time by the U.S. military in Chaman and Torkham after a Nov. 26 NATO strike that killed two dozen Pakistan Army troops in Mohmand Agency. That was just the latest incident to further escalate tensions between Washington and Islamabad.
Pentagon spokesman George Little told reporters Wednesday he believes the Pakistan supply routes would be re-opened to the U.S. military soon.
He stressed that American forces have “stockpiles” of what they need, describing the troops as “well supplied.”
More broadly, Little also touched on the tense and fragile U.S.-Pakistani relationship, which has been on a downward spiral since American commandos killed Osama bin Laden near Islamabad in early May.

Memogate....... COAS submits rejoinder to SC

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani has submitted his rejoinder to the Supreme Court, insisting that the‘memo is a reality’ and an attempt to lower the morale of Pakistan's armed forces.

Meanwhile, PML-N Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar, and Ghaus Ali Shah also submitted their rejoinder to the SC.
Talking to media, Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Maulvi Anwar ul Haq said that Kayani’s rejoinder had been submitted to the apex court.

AGP said that COAS stood firm on his old stance in the rejoinder. In an affidavit submitted in the court, Kayani said that all his earlier statements were based on facts and nothing had been kept hidden from the court.

According to AGP, army chief in his rejoinder said that memo issue was of national security and an attempt to lower the morale of army.
Anwar ul Haq said he had not yet received the affidavit and rejoinder of DG ISI Shuja Pasha. He, however, added that he was in contact with Pasha.
Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif in his rejoinder said that he had not sought stoppage of an inquiry being held by the parliament or administration, adding that in the same way parliament and administration could also not stop the court to play its constitutional role.
He said that his petition was maintainable under article 184 of the constitution.

Govt has no control on Army/ISI ops....... ministry

Ministry of Defence in its written reply to the Supreme Court of Pakistan in the memogate scandal case has said that it has no control on the Army/ISI operations, Geo News reported.

Sources privy to the matter told Geo News that defence ministry in the rejoinder had confessed to the fact that it had no handle whatsoever on any of the operations conducted by Pakistan Army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

The government only takes care of administrative affairs of these two institutions, thus the ministry was not in a position to answer or explain anything on the behalf of Pakistan Army, they added quoting the rejoinder.

It is pertinent to mention here that Supreme Court of Pakistan had ordered Ministry of Defence to submit a written reply on the same.
Meanwhile ISI chief, Gen Shuja Pasha in his reply to Supreme Court on the memo issue has reaffirmed his earlier stance.

PCNS seeks COAS, DG ISI statement from SC

The Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) met here and discussed the memogate scandal.
PCNS chairman Raza Rabbani said the committee had asked for the statements of Army Chief Kayani, DG ISI and others from the Supreme Court.
Rabbani while speaking to the media said the PML-N requested not to participate in the meeting but their request was denied.
Rabbani added that the committee would continue its investigation even after the Supreme Court ruling on the memo issue.

White House backs Biden's 'Taliban-friendly' statement

The White House on Monday defended Vice President Joe Biden for saying that the Taliban isn't an enemy of the United States despite the years spent fighting the militant Islamic group that gave a home to Al Qaeda and its leader Usama bin Laden while he plotted the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
"It's only regrettable when taken out of context," White House spokesman Jay Carney said of the vice president's remarks in an interview published
"It is a simple fact that we went into Afghanistan because of the attack on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. We are there now to ultimately defeat Al Qaeda, to stabilize Afghanistan and stabilize it in part so that Al Qaeda or other terrorists who have as their aim attacks on the United States cannot establish a foothold again in that country," Carney continued.
During Biden's interview with Newsweek last week, the vice president said it's "good enough" for the U.S. if Afghanistan stops being a "haven for people who do damage and have as a target the United States of America" and its allies. He added that the U.S. is supportive of a reconciliation process between the Afghan government and the Taliban even if it's questionable whether a reconciliation is possible.
"Look, the Taliban per se is not our enemy. That's critical," Biden said. "There is not a single statement that the president has ever made in any of our policy assertions that the Taliban is our enemy, because it threatens U.S. interests. If, in fact, the Taliban is able to collapse the existing government, which is cooperating with us in keeping the bad guys from being able to do damage to us, then that becomes a problem for us."
Biden said that the U.S. is on a dual track in Afghanistan -- keep the pressure on Al Qaeda and support a government that is strong enough to "negotiate with and not be overthrown by the Taliban."
Carney said the U.S. did not send the military into Afghanistan because the Taliban were in power, and the vice president's point was that "while we are fighting them, it is not the elimination -- the elimination of the Taliban is not the issue here."

Government should hold elections immediately......Nawaz Sharif

 PML-N president Nawaz Sharif has given a stern message to the government and told them to hold elections immediately, Geo News reported.

Sharif who is on a three day trip to Karachi and has been meeting leaders of various political parties said that if the government tries to finish its tenure then the situation in the country will worsen.

Sharif also said that the interference of the army at any level would not be tolerated.

Husain Haqqani appears before OBL Commission

Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani appeared before the Abbottabad Commission, Geo News reported.
Haqqani in his statement said that he was at the Heathrow airport when he heard about the US raid in Abbottababd.
According to Haqqani he was given directions to return to Washington DC immediately and asked to protest against the violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.
I faithfully and sincerely carried out directives, Haqqani said.
Haqqani said the operation was in violation of international laws and that he met US special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan in this regard.
In his statement Haqqani also said that he protested against the report prepared by US officials and the congress.
Speaking further, Haqqani also informed the commission about the attitude of the US following the raid.
Haqqani said that he had informed Islamabad about the threatening behaviour of the US and their intentions of not apologising.
The former ambassador added that the US demanded access to the family of Osama bin Laden and also demanded that the debris from the helicopter which crashed should be returned.
Speaking on the visa issue, Haqqani said that he never issued any visas without permission.

Time to play a Ten10 match with Imran....Nawaz Sharif

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Mian Nawaz Sharif has said that it's time to play a Ten10 match with Imran Khan, Geo News reported.
Talking to newsmen in Karachi he said he used to blast away Imran Khan’s in-swinging curveball for a four on the fine-leg fence in such a way that the turf blew off the outfield.
When asked would he pay a visit to President Zardari to inquire after his health, he prayed for him (President) to get well soon.

Memogate Case: SC says PPP ministers ridiculed court orders

A nine-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry resumed the hearing of infamous Memogate scandal case on Monday.
The court has sought the prime minister's reply over action against the federal ministers who criticised the December 1 SC orders.
The bench also asked the parties to submit replies within three days whether the petitions are admissible or not after the COAS, DG ISI and Mansoor Ijaz argued in favour of their maintainability.
During the hearing, CJ Iftikhar Chaudhry slammed the ministers' press conference after December 01 hearing of the case. He questioned whether it was government's action or ministers' individual act, and if it was individual act then what action was taken against the ministers who addressed/attended the conference.
It is pertinent to mention that Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Syed Khurshid Shah, Senator Babar Awan and Qamar Zaman Kaira addressed a joint press conference held at the Press Information Department (PID).
CJP Iftikhar Chaudhry reprimanded the Attorney General and asked him to present federation's stance over the ministers' conference.
He said that court's orders were ridiculed in the press conference while the PID was used to ridicule courts. The prime minister should have taken notice of the act.
The Chief Justice said even Asma Jehangir did not filed contempt of court petition over the matter. On which, Husain Haqqani's counsel Asma Jehangir told the court that she has not seen that press conference and that the court has the right to take action against such contempt.
Two petitioners of the memo case, Barrister Zafarullah and Advocate Tariq Asad gave arguments in favor of petitions and said the case can be heard on the basis of public importance.
Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry told the Attorney General that COAS Ashfaq Kayani gave important points in his reply. There was no reply from the president nor he defended the allegations against him, which means acceptance of the changes in civil cases.
The court also sought notifications of Husain Haqqani's resignation and acceptance along with the formation of Abbottabad commission.

COAS, President spoke for one minute...... ISPR

The ISPR has issued a statement about some events of the last 72 hours being attributed to the telephonic conversation between the President and COAS and the meeting between Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and COAS held on December 16, 2011.
According to the statement, the Prime Minister has already spoken on the subject in which he stated, “during the meeting with COAS on Friday night, I received a telephonic call from the President by chance. When I informed the President that I was having a meeting with the Army Chief, the President asked me to convey his regards to General Kayani. On this, COAS showed his desire to speak to the President.”
The telephonic conversation between the President and COAS lasted approximately one minute in which he enquired about the health of the President. Hence, attributing anything more to this telephonic conversation is unfounded and unnecessary.
As regards the meeting between the COAS and Prime Minister, a comprehensive press release has already been issued by the PM House which is unambiguous.

People steal chairs after PTI rally

A rally announcing the inclusion of Khursheed Kasuri to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) saw the stealing of chairs by those attending it.
People were seen stealing chairs at the end of the rally and fighting with each other over possession.
Pictures from the scene showed each individual making away with up to five chairs.
PTI workers were also seen trying to wrestle away chairs from the participants of the rally.
Speaking to Geo News Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said those who attended the rally had no allegiance to the PTI.
During a news conference when PTI chairman Imran Khan was asked about what took place after the rally, he replied that people were frustrated with the rising inflation, cost of food and feared that in the future they would steal chairs from peoples homes.

President Zardari arrives in Karachi from Dubai

President Asif Ali Zardari, who was in Dubai for nearly two weeks for medical treatment, arrived in Karachi on late Sunday night, Geo News reported.
The President arrived in a special plane that landed at PAF base Masror. The plane landed two minutes late.
In the President's plane all medical facilities as well as his personal doctor and other medics were also present. The President was accompanied by his daughter.
Earlier, the medical team of President Asif Ali Zardari declared him completely fit, allowing him to resume his official activities.

No room for martial law in Pakistan..... PM Gilani

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Saturday that there was no room for martial in the country, Geo News reported.

Prime Minister Gilani was speaking to the media at the wedding ceremony of Asma Jehangir’s daughter said the memo was a non issue.

The prime minister added that the future of democracy was secure in the country and conspiracies were being hatched to avoid the upcoming senate elections.

Asked when President Zardari would return, the prime minister replied he (President Zardari) would return when doctors allow him to travel.

Israel frees 550 Palestinian prisoners

Israel on Sunday freed 550 Palestinian prisoners, completing the second phase of the deal which saw Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit freed in October, Palestinians said.
Officials in the West Bank city of Ramallah said that the main contingent of freed prisoners entered the city, where thousands of well-wishers awaited them at the presidential headquarters.

MQM-H Chairman Afaq Ahmed released

MQM-H chairman Afaq Ahmed has been released from the central jail, Geo News reported.
Earlier, the Sindh Home Department had issued the notification orders for Ahmed's release.
According to DIG jails, the MQM-H chairman’s security has been handed over to Rangers while regional police would also provide security.
Ahmed is travelling to his residence in Landhi in an armoured vehicle.
According to sources, after release Afaq Ahmed headed home which is situated in Landhi No 6 with the security team headed by DIG East Akram Naeem Barooka.
He was shifted home in an armoured vehicle in view of security threat to Afaq Ahmed.
Later, Afaq Ahmed will visit Sherpao graveyard to pay his respect to the slain members of his party.

NATO supply route blockade enters 23rd day

Pakistan's blockade of the vital NATO/US supply line into Afghanistan entered its 23rd day on Sunday.
The supply line was suspended after the NATO troops raided checkposts inside Pakistan, killing 24 soldiers.
Hundreds of containers are awaiting at Chaman terminal.
Meanwhile, drivers of the NATO containers, standing at Pak borders, are facing many problems. Severe cold is adding miseries to the drivers already facing problems.
According to FC officials, Afghan police have also stopped hundreds of empty containers, returning from Afghanistan, in Spin Boldak.

Three Pakistani officials prepared memo, reveals Ijaz

The main character in the memogate scandal, Mansoor Ijaz has further disclosed that three high officials of Pakistan were involved in the preparation of memo and that he had informed General James Jones about Husain Haqqani while sending it.

In his reply submitted in the Supreme Court, Mansoor Ijaz claimed he had 19 minutes and 26 seconds conversation with General James Jones on telephone and that he had informed him about Husain Haqqani in the end.

The US businessman further revealed that alongwith the memo, he had also sent a covering letter to General Jones. He said, in the letter he had also mentioned about involvement of the personalities, served at military and government positions. Three officials jointly prepared the memo, he said and added that one of them said for delivering the memo to Mike Mullen.

Ijaz said he personally knew two out of these three officials.
Ijaz said he was also in contact with two US officials so that he could deliver the memo to Mike Mullen personally.
Mansoor Ijaz, in his statement submitted to SC, has blackened the names of these US officials so that these could not be read.
Mansoor Ijaz said he asked General James Jones to deliver the memo to Mike Mullen by May 10 at any cost so that Mullen could brief key Pakistani officials at White House on May 11, and the memo could become part of official document.

Ijaz never said Haqqani was involved in writting the memo.......James Jones

Former US National Security Advisor, General James Jones said that he had known Mansoor Ijaz since 2006 and was contacted by him a few days prior to May 9, Geo News reported.
It is pertinent to mention here that Ijaz claims he was first contacted by Husain Haqqani on May 9.
Jones said he was informed by Ijaz that he had a message from the top leadership of Pakistan and that he wanted to send it to Admiral Mike Mullen.
Jones adds Ijaz never used the name of Husain Haqqani during their conversation and that he informed Ijaz that he could not pass on a verbal message.
Jones claims that in his opinion Haqqani had no knowledge about the memo.
On May 9, Jones said that he received an email from Ijaz and added that he thought the memo was written by Ijaz himself.
According to Jones, the type of language used in the memo was similar to how Ijaz would speak.

Mansoor Ijaz backtracks on text message about DG ISI Gen Shuja Pasha

Mansoor Ijaz the US businessman at the centre of the memogate scandal has backtracked on his text message regarding DG ISI General Shuja Pasha.

A blog published in The Independent gave reference to a text message in which Ijaz said that a senior US official had informed him that DG ISI Shuja Pasha had approached senior Arab leaders about removing President Zardari and that permission had been granted.

The message published on the blog states: I was just informed by senior US intel that GD-SII Mr P asked for, and received permission from senior Arab leaders a few days ago to sack Z. For what its worth.
It is clearly written in the message that permission was asked for and given.

However Ijaz speaking on Geo News program Lekin said the following: “no one ever said to me (Ijaz) that General Pasha received permission from somebody to conduct a coup, that’s not what they said.”

Ijaz goes on to say “what they said was that he had toured Arab countries right after the bin Laden raid taken place and that he had in fact made clear to those Arab leaders that he met with that there were a significant degree of stress if you will between the civilian sector and the establishment about laying blame on what….again these are intelligence sources which are talking to me, I don’t have a transcript that says that, I don’t have the notes of a meeting in which any of those things were said.

Memogate conspiracy against govt and democracy.....PM Gilani

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Friday that there was no truth to the memo issue, Geo News reported.
The prime minister was chairing a meeting of the PPP Parliamentary Party which was also attended by PPP Co-Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
According to sources, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari told the meeting that whenever the PPP came into power there were always conspiracies against them and that even his mother’s government faced false accusations.
Prime Minister Gilani informed the meeting that memogate was a conspiracy against the government and democracy.
Some parliamentarians were of the opinion that if Husain Haqqani was made to resign then why was the same not expected from DG ISI Shuja Pasha.
Sources further add that it was decided in the meeting that a strong answer would be given to the developments which were talking place in the country.

Memo is a reality and there was a conspiracy against the army and national security...Kayani

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in his reply to the Supreme Court stated that the memo was a reality and a conspiracy was being hatched against the army and national security, Geo News reported.

In the reply General Kayani writes that the Financial Times published Mansoor Ijaz’s story about the memo on October 10.

COAS Kayani was informed about DG ISI General Pasha’s meeting with Mansoor Ijaz on October 24 and Pasha was of the opinion that there was enough evidence to validate the authenticity of the memo.

The DG ISI said there was evidence which illustrated that Ijaz was in touch with Hussain Haqqani between May 9-11 and that they exchanged text messages and phone calls.

Kayani says on October 28 the spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry and Presidency denied the memo in separate statements.

Admiral Mike Mullen through his spokesperson first denied receiving the memo on November 8 but a few days later confirmed its receipt.

The reply goes on to state that on November 13, during a meeting with Prime Minister Gilani, I (Kayani) advised that those points of the memo which were leaked were very sensitive and that a decision had to be made on its being real or not.

According to the reply Kayani strongly insisted that the Prime Minister summon Haqqani so he can brief the country’s leadership about this matter.

Kayani told the prime minister that time was limited and the sooner we found out the facts the better it would be.

On November 15, Kayani said he was called by the President for a meeting and met him at two in the afternoon.

According to Kayani the prime minister had already informed the president about his recommendations. President Zardari informed Kayani that the decision to summon Haqqani had already been made.

On November 21, US General James Jones confirmed that he had taken the memo to Mullen.

Kayani said that he was part of a meeting which also included the prime minister, president and DG ISI on November 22.

It was during this meeting that Haqqani briefed all of them and Prime Minister Gilani asked for Haqqani’s resignation and ordered an investigation.

Towards the end Kayani writes that there was enough evidence validating the memo and there should be full review to evaluate the circumstance and facts behind it.

General Kayani said that the memo tried to decrease the morale of the Pakistan Army but was unsuccessful in doing so.