The Supreme court of Pakistan has temporarily suspends Babar Awan’s licence

An 11-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry resumed the hearing of the Bhuttoo reference case.

The counsel for the government, Babar Awan requested the court to give him time to submit his reply regarding the contempt notice served to him.

The court observed that no one would be allowed to ridicule the courts.

Babar said that he respects the court.

The apex court rejected Babar’s stance and suspended his licence on temporary basis. The court also ordered the government to appoint a new counsel to pursue Bhutto reference case.

The Supreme Court will take up National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) implementation case today

A seven-judge larger bench headed by Justice Nasir ul Mulk will commence hearing into the important case.

Attorney General Maulvi Anwar ul Haq will appear before the apex court to give his arguments.

In the previous hearing, a five-judge bench had said that government and NAB had implemented the NRO ruling. The Supreme Court proposed six options and directed the AG to come up with his arguments in the next hearing before a larger bench.

On the other hand, Justice Qazi Essa-led three-member commission will resume meeting in Islamabad High Court.

The commission has summoned Mansoor Ijaz, Hussain Haqqani and DG ISI and others.

White House spokesman Jay Carney said US cannot confirm that Hakimullah was killed in drone strike

We cannot comment on Hakeemullah Mehsud s death because we don t have any information on it, White House spokesman Jay Carney said.

He said that the stories on Mehsud’s death originated from Pakistani intelligence officials.

He said that there was no communication from Pakistan about the parliamentary committee recommendations on relationship with US.

Earlier, a foreign news agency quoted Pakistani intelligence officials as saying that they intercepted militant radio communications indicate leader of Pakistani Taliban may have been killed in a recent US drone strike.

A Taliban official denied that.

The claim that the Pakistani Taliban chief was killed came from officials who said they intercepted a number of Taliban radio conversations. In about a half a dozen intercepts, the militants discussed whether their chief, Hakimullah Mehsud, was killed on Jan 12 in the North Waziristan tribal area. Some militants confirmed Mehsud was dead, and one criticized others for talking about the issue over the radio.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to reporters.

Pakistani Taliban spokesman Asimullah Mehsud denied the group’s leader was killed and said he was not in the area where the drone strike occurred.

Arfa Karim, Pak talent and world's youngest Microsoft Certified Professional, has passed away

She breathed her last after being in coma for over 26 days at CMH Lahore. Arfa had earned the certification at the age of 9. She died at the age of 16.

She suffered an epileptic seizure that caused severe heart and brain damage. This ultimately led to a heart attack. She had been on life support.

Arfa suffered cardiac arrest on December 22, and had been under treatment at CMH since.

Microsoft had also arranged a team which was following her case closely along with Pakistani doctors.

Her funeral will be offered in native city Faisalabad.

Army Chief is furious with prime minister for statements criticising Army

And he wants that they should be either clarified or withdrawn, a senior military source told Reuters on Saturday.

"The army chief complained to the president about the prime minister s statements, and said they needed to be either clarified or withdrawn," the source told Reuters.

"He said such statements were divisive and made the country more vulnerable."

Earlier, President Zardari met Army Chief amid a civilian-military standoff that is shaking the government, a spokesman said.

"Chief of the army staff General Ashfaq Kayani called on President Zardari in his office today," the president s spokesman Farhatullah Babar told AFP.

He gave few details about the unscheduled meeting beyond that, saying the "current security situation came under discussion". --Agencies

Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) rejected CENTCOM finding on NATO attack on Salala posts

Rejecting CENTCOM probe’s report on Salala posts, Defence Committee of the Cabinet Saturday endorsed the report prepared by Pakistani army on the NATO attack carried out on November 26.

According to sources the committee that met here in the Prime Minister House under chairmanship of Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani also observed that only regrets on the incident claiming 24 lives of Pakistani soldiers is not sufficient.

The committee noted that the GHQ report saying that Pakistani forces were not taken into confidence prior to the attack launched by NATO at the dawn of November 26 and then despite intimidation about the strike on Pakistani posts another attack was carried out is based on facts.

The committee also suggested further tough steps as far supply to NATO in Afghanistan is concerned and recommended for approval of more taxes in this connection.

The committee was supporting stoppage of drone attacks in Pakistani areas and submitted recommendations on Pak-US relations.

The meeting expressed its satisfaction over the 35 recommendations of Parliamentary Committee on National Security.

The defence committee demanded apology on part of US and NATO for the sad incident of November 26 besides compensation for the damages and causalities.

The NATO attack along Afghan border in November created reaction across Pakistan and Islamabad ordered US to vacate Shamsi base besides blocking NATO supply via Pakistan.

Several countries including US vowed to launch impartial probe into the incident. A couple of weeks ago US made its investigation report regarding the NATO attack public and expressed only regrets over the incident but findings of the report were rejected by Pakistan. Pakistan army submitted its own report on the attacks.

Sources privy to the committee’s meeting informed that the Pakistani Investigation report would soon be shared with US, NATO and international community.

The meeting of Defence Committee of the Cabinet was attended by Senior Minister for Industries and Defence Productions, Minister for Defence, Foreign Minister, Finance Minister, Interior Minister, Information Minister, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Army Staff, Air Chief, Naval Chief, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Foreign Secretary and Director General of Intelligence Bureau.

Four suicide bombers have been killed in attack on Dera Ismail Khan DPO's office

A suicide bomber blew himself up as militants armed with guns launched an attack on a police station in northwest Pakistan Saturday, officials said.

The attackers targeted the main police station in Dera Ismail Khan city, provincial information minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain told AFP.

The body of a suicide bomber was lying at the gate of the police station, he said. Two other militants were also dead.

Police spokesman Mohammad Hanif said police shot dead two militants and at least two others blew themselves up.

One policeman and three civilians were al;so reportedly killed.

About half a dozen militants stormed the station located in a sensitive area housing government offices, district courts and lawyers offices, he said.

They hurled hand grenades and opened fire on the office of district police chief, he said.

Authorities summoned troops and commandos ringed the area, police said.

A heavy exchange of gunfire erupted between militants and law enforcement agencies. The situation remains tense in the area that mostly houses government offices and courts. A heavy contingent of security forces was still present at the scene late into Saturday night.

Militants storm office of District Police Officer in Dera Ismail Khan

A suicide bomber blew himself up as militants armed with guns launched an attack on a police station in northwest Pakistan Saturday, officials said.

The attackers targeted the main police station in Dera Ismail Khan city, provincial information minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain told AFP.

The body of a suicide bomber was lying at the gate of the police station, he said. Two other militants were also dead.

Police spokesman Mohammad Hanif said police shot dead two militants and at least one other blew himself up.

About half a dozen militants stormed the station located in a sensitive area housing government offices, district courts and lawyers offices, he said.

They hurled hand grenades and opened fire on the office of district police chief, he said.

Authorities summoned troops and commandos ringed the area, police said.

A heavy exchange of gunfire erupted between militants and law enforcement agencies. There were no immediate reports of police or civilian casualties.

Rawalpindi Accountability Court ordered to free former secretary establishment Ismail Qureshi

The court ordered Ismail Qureshi to cooperate the NAB in investigation. Qureshi assured the court of his full cooperation and said he would remain in touch with the authorities during investigation.

Investigation officer of the National Accountability Bureau informed the court that he has no objection if Qureshi ensure complete cooperation in investigation.

The court directed the investigation officer to arrest Qureshi if any solid proof surfaces against him.

Ismail Qureshi is the brother of former FIA officer Zafar Qureshi, who investigated NICL scam.   

Aitzaz Ahsan says that he has not acting as a mediator between executive and the judiciary

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Aitzaz Ahsan on Saturday said that President Asif Ali Zardari would have immunity in Switzerland also, there is no problem in writing letter to the Swiss authorities.

Talking to media in Lahore, the PPP leader said that he is not acting as a mediator between the government and the judiciary.

Moreover, Ahsan said that his stance differs from PPP’s decision regarding writing letter to Swiss authorities.

Ahsan further said that democracy in the country will not be in danger if the president or prime minister is removed constitutionally.

Responding to a question regarding court’s order on the NRO implementation case, Aitzaz Ahsan said the government had not been given six options, it had, in fact, been told that the court could use all the six options listed in the order.

PML-N has decided to bring no-confidence motion against PM Gilani

The PML-N has made this decision in principle to forestall the coalition parties intention to move of pro-President and -PM resolution in the National Assembly on Friday.

A joint session of PML-N Central Executive Committee and parliamentary party was held with Nawaz Sharif in the chair. Further strategy was reviewed while keeping in view the current socio-political and economic situation of the country.

While talking to the media, Nawaz Sharif said that the Central Executive Committee of the PML-N has approved to bring no-confidence motion against the prime minister, launch long march and street protests against the government.

He said that other parties would also be communicated to prepare a unanimous strategy for anti-government campaign. The session said that democracy has been endangered due to poor policies, adding that institutions are being destroyed with the passage of time without leaving any ray of hope of their reinstatement.

He said that the government institutions including the PIA, Pakistan Railways, Steel Mills, PSO and PEPCO are facing loss worth billions on a daily basis. Poverty, inflation, unemployment and gas and power loadshedding have snatched away the right of living from the people, he said.

He said that change has become order of the day; however, the PML-would not favour unconstitutional steps.

Meeting was told that Nawaz Sharif has had a meeting with Fazlur Rehman, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Liaqat Baloch and Sajid Mir.

The PML-Q Ch Shujaat has said that present political situation will become normal within a week

A delegation of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), comprising Khurshid Shah, Naveed Qamar, Pervaiz Ashraf and Qamar Zaman Kaira, called on Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PMQ-Q) president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain at his residence to discuss present political situation in the country.

Addressing a joint press conference after the meeting Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said that politicians should work with open mind, adding that all issues should be resolved collectively.

Responding to a question, he said they are part of the government and added that being a coalition partner his party will support the government. He said that everything will be back to normal within a week.

Speaking on the occasion PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira said that everything was under control. “What tensions you see now, we have agreed to defuse it according to law and the constitution. It is being painted as a clash of institutions but it really is not,” Kaira said.

President Zardari will return to Pakistan on Friday from a trip to Dubai

The foreign ministry spokesman said this on Thursday, as tension between the civilian government and military grew.

"President Zardari arrived in Dubai on a private visit and will return tomorrow," Abdul Basit said.

The body of Pir Pagara reached Karachi from London during early hours of Thursday

The body of Pir Pagara was brought to Karachi from London on PIA flight PK 788 on Thursday morning.
His body will be taken to Sukkur by a special C130 plane from where it will be taken to Pir Jo Goth on a helicopter.
The funeral prayers of Pir Pagara will be offered at 3:00pm in Pir Jo Goth and he will be buried at his ancestral graveyard.

PM Gilani claims COAS Gen Kayani informed him in advance about ISPR statement

Talking to the media in Islamabad, PM Gilani said that he dismissed the secretary defence for disciplinary reasons.
About his interview with the Chinese newspaper, the PM said the interview was scheduled before the visit of the COAS to China. He said he did not have anything personal against anyone, but rules of business were violated when COAS and ISI DG filed replies to the Supreme Court while bypassing Defence and Law ministries.
Asked if the ISPR violated the rules of business by making a clarification to his interview in which the COAS and the ISI DG were accused of violating the legal procedure. PM Gilani said COAS Gen Kayani did talk to him and inform him of the desire to issue a statement. "I said it s okay if you want to give a clarification, I don t have any problem," said the PM.
PM Gilani said it’s not the first time that he has been elected to the parliament. He said his family has been into politics since the Mughal era.
PM Gilani also said that he was surprised that the Supreme Court declared him a dishonest man without hearing him.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said that US back democratic system in Pakistan

Briefing the newsmen in Washington, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said that though the United States is not playing any role in present political crisis in Pakistan but said her country will back civil democratic system in Pakistan.
State Department spokeswoman said the tensions were a domestic issue of Pakistan. "It s obviously an internal matter for Pakistan to settle," she said. The US continues to have "broad contact" with all aspects of Pakistani leadership, Nuland said.
Meanwhile, the British High Commission has also backed democracy in Pakistan.

Pir Pagara has passed away in London where he had lately gone for medical treatment

Pir Pagara, the chief of Muslim League Functional and spiritual leader of the Hurs, developed complexities after a surgery on a cyst at a Karachi hospital.

He was flown to London last week as advised by Pakistani doctors, but his condition deteriorated rapidly and he breathed his last at a London hospital.

Pagara was also uncle of PM Gilani. Political circles across the political spectrum have expressed grief over his death.

Pir Paga had been a noted figure in the politics of Pakistan.

Pir Pagara s body will arrive Pakistan on Thursday.

Drone attack in Miranshah kills 4

A US drone attack targetting a militant compound in Pakistan s tribal area near the Afghan border killed four militants late Tuesday, security officials said.

Two missiles hit a compound on the outer skirts of Miranshah, in the North Waziristan region, killing four, one official said.

This is the first such strike since Nov. 17 last year, and comes at a time when anti-U.S. sentiment in Pakistan is running high after a Nov. 26 NATO cross-border air attack killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.

Supreme Court issued its verdict in NRO case on Tuesday and asked CJ to form larger bench

A five member bench of the Supreme Court has decided to refer the six options relating to the NRO implementation case to the Chief Justice for constitution of a larger bench for hearing of these options.

The Supreme Court said in its order that the government has not implemented the verdict of apex court despite the lapse of two years and the responsible are being protected.

 

“Apparently the prime minister is not an honest man and he violated his oath,” the apex court observed

 

The Supreme Court regretted the chairman NAB and attorney general’s statements during the hearing of the case.
 
The bench has given six options to proceed with the case.
 
1: Contempt proceedings against the Chief Executive and the Federal Secretary.
 2: To indict the prime minister under Article 63(1)(g) and declare disqualified to be elected as member of parliament.

 3: The court may form a commission to get the verdict implemented.

 4: To take action against the President for violating the constitution

 5: Contempt proceedings against Chairman NAB may be initiated on misconduct.

 6: The people of Pakistan may decide the matter

 

The court also recommended the case to the chief justice to form a larger bench to hear the case on January 16.

Earlier, the case was heard by a five-judge bench of the apex court headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa. During the hearing, Justice Khosa said that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) declared Ahmed Riaz Sheikh and Adnan Khwaja as innocent without conducting proper inquiries.

Justice Khosa moreover inquired of NAB officials as to what became of action against former attorney-general Malik Qayyum.

To that, NAB’s Prosecutor-General K K Agha said that Qayyum had been following court orders and that his actions were not illegal.

 He further said that no criminal intentions were involved in the appointment of Ahmed Riaz Sheikh.

President convened an emergency meeting of coalition parties to review the SC verdict in NRO case

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani have convened an emergency meeting in which coalition parties will be taken into confidence over the Supreme Court order in NRO implementation case and next political strategy will be devised, Dunya News reported.

According to Dunya News, President Zaradi also called the members of PPP’s core committee in Islamabad in this regard. Important and crucial decision are expected in the meeting.

PML-N has decided to increase pressure on government to implement NRO verdict.

The NRO decision by the SC has rendered the PPP government a legal blow which many fear would be too much for the government to handle as it is already embroiled in many other issues, foremost among them being the failure to deliver basic necessities to the common man.   

PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif has called a meeting of the party to convey all members that the party wants the government to implement the Supreme Court’s NRO and all other verdicts. The party has also decided to initiate contacts with other parties to have court verdicts implemented.

The PML-N says by hiding behind Article 248 of the Constitution, the PPP government has proved that there is something wrong at the bottom.

On the other hand, PML-N leader Raja Zafarul Haq called on JUI chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman and conveyed him Nawaz Sharif’s message.

Nawaz to appear before memo commission today

Pakistan Muslim League-N President Nawaz Sharif will appear before the memogate commission which is scheduled to meet here at Supreme Court today (Monday), Geo News reported.

The memogate commission formed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan is investigating into the issue of memo that was handed over to Mike Mullen through US businessman of Pakistan origin Mansoor Ijaz allegedly on behalf of Pakistan government.

Mansoor Ijaz had also written a letter to the Commission in which he said he was ready to visit Pakistan and requested for provision of complete security to him and the evidence he would be in possession of.

Foreign hands involved in Nawaz return to Pakistan...... Imran Khan

Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan has disclosed in his book that former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf had mysteriously given approval to Nawaz Sharif for his return to Pakistan.
According to Imran Khan's book 'Me and my Pakistan,' foreign hands were involved in Nawaz Sharif's return to Pakistan.
Imran Khan also wrote in his book that, Nawaz Sharif left the meeting of All Pakistan Democratic Movement (APDM) for 40 minutes to respond to British foreign minister's phone call.
Addressing the launching ceremony of his book in Islamabad, Imran Khan said that terming 'Tsunami of people' as a result of establishment's support is disrespect for the nation.
Imran Khan also alleged that Pervez Elahi on the directives of Musharraf gave money to a leader of Islami Jamiat e Talaba (IJT) to manhandle him (Imran) in Punjab University.
He said that ANP Chief Asfandyar Wali was persuaded in his US visit for participation in general elections.
Imran Khan said that he is hopeful for the future of Pakistan. He said that he dedicated his book to his sons Suleman, Qasim and all the youth of Pakistan.

Musharraf to land in Karachi between Jan 27, 30

Former President and chairman of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) Pervez Musharraf on Sunday announced to return to Pakistan between January 27 and 30.
"I will be back to Pakistan between January 27 and 30," the former president said while addressing a public gathering near Mazar-e-Quaid through video conferencing from Dubai.
He said his first stop to Pakistan would be Karachi.
"I will come to Pakistan," he said, adding attempts were being made to scare him off but he was not the kind who could be terrified.
He said he was making the decision to return to Pakistan in view of the enthusiasm and passion of the people who have come from every part of the country to participate in Sunday's rally in Karachi.
"I will take the risk and put my life at stake for the people of Pakistan."
He said he was coming for Pakistan and for the people of Pakistan, asserting he wanted to put the country back on path that leads to progress and development.
Musharraf said he would rebuild the economy of Pakistan and make people prosperous.
Pervez Musharraf said he had support from all ethnic groups of Pakistan and he was in favour of a separate Hazara province.
“This is not a tsunami but an earthquake” is how the former president described the APML rally in Karachi.
Musharraf further said in his innings he had scored a century adding that he should not be compared to those who scored a duck or those who were yet to play an innings.
“I ran Pakistan successfully for ten years, and steered it towards prosperity.”
He said the first thing he did after coming to power in the area of development was he issued order in 1999 for the renovation of Mazar-e-Quaid.
Listing achievements of his past rule, he said all utility services were available at cheap rates; trains used to leave on time, begging bowl had been broken, Pakistan was pulled out of the clutches of IMF, foreign investment was coming to the country, Pakistanis were coming back to the country and people felt proud calling themselves Pakistanis.
"Pakistan made progress in every sector," he claimed.
He also mentioned projects of Lyari Express Way and Northern Bypass initiated during his rule in Karachi and praised Muttahida Qaumi Movement's Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad and Mustafa Kamal.

President Zardari says 'why would my govt write to Swiss courts?'

President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday said he would only remain president for the next 12-15 months after which the next government may write to Swiss courts, adding 'why would my government do so?'
In an interview with Geo News senior anchor Hamid Mir, President Zardari said NRO case and Swiss courts would have a significance in history, thus, 'neither I nor my Prime Minister would want such a thing to be part of the history' (which says his own government wrote against him to the Swiss courts.
To a question, the President said was not afraid of Article-248 and that he considered Swiss case as a trial of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed's grave.
He then said it is his party's decision not to write to Swiss courts.

Memogate case
Commenting on the ‘memogate scandal’, President Zardari said he would respect the decision of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security’s (PCNS) decision because he believed the Parliament was supreme.
Early Elections
He said he was not afraid of early elections and was ready to talk to PML-N’s Nawaz Sharif for the same.
Chief Justice 'not from my village'
To another question an outspoken Zardari denied any rivalry with the Chief Justice, saying (in good humour), he didn't come from my village.
Why CJP's attention was drawn to BB's murder case?
Asked why in his last speech in Garhi Khuda Buksh he drew attention of the Chief Justice of Pakistan towards the murder case of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the President said the lower judiciary, which functions under the Chief Justice, was supposed to reach a judgment in the case.
He said the FIA had submitted the challans with the court and asked why four judges had been changed during the course of hearing.
Hamid Saeed Kazmi is innocent
He went on to say that he also considered the former minister for religious affairs Hamid Saeed Kazmi as 'non-guilty' in the Hajj scam case. His bail should be accepted and this kind of proceedings should be held at a sessions court.
Rehman Malik was not responsible for BB's security
To a question in connection with the security to Ms Bhutto during her Liaquat Bagh rally, President Zardari gave Rehman Malik a clean chit by saying that he was not responsible for BB's security.
BB's public meeting was organized by 'one personality'
He said BB's public meeting at Liaquat Bagh was organized by one personality whose name he did not want to take. "Rehman Malik and we were against holding of this public meeting," he added.
BB was stopped from returning to Pakistan
President Zardari said he and his children tried to stop Benazir Bhutto from returning to Pakistan but she could not be convinced.
I know about BB's murderers
He was asked to recall his speech on BB's first death anniversary in which he said he knew about her murderers but now her fourth anniversary had also passed, he said he still stood firm on what he said. "I have reached till Baitullah Mehsud but I won't put a full stop there, I want to move further ahead. Condoleezza Rice's (former US secretary of state) book also has a hint that points towards it."
The President also referred to BB's email to Mark Siegel in which she said in case of her assassination Pervez Musharraf be held responsible. "He (Pervez Musharraf) will be responsible; he is part of the FIR. Why is the judge not taking actions against him?" he asked.
Why Guard of honour to Pervez Musharraf?
When asked why Pervez Musharraf was given a guard of honour, he said it was the officers at Presidential House that did so.
Pervez Musharraf's trial would have demoralized the Army
He further said 'putting Pervez Musharraf on trial would have demoralized the army and the entire institution.'
To a question on whether the parliament should hold Pervez Musharraf's trial under article-6, President Zardari said 'I think collective wisdom will prevail'.
Qatil League is a 'name of a mindset'
When asked who he had referred to as 'Qatil League', he said it was a name of 'a force, a mindset'. "If you think it was Musharraf's government, I don't think so. Musharraf was just a Prima Donna of that mindset."
Why did you call Nawaz Sharif a Maulvi?
To a question whether he considered Nawaz Sharif 'a Maulvi', he said 'you cannot deny the fact that he (Nawaz Sharif) started politics from Zia-ul-Haq'.
Extension in terms to COAS and DG ISI
To a question on why he did not listen to the advice of Nawaz Sharif on not granting extension Chief of Army Staff and DG ISI, he said the advice was given through media (and not in person).
President Asif Zardari said if Nawaz Sharif had serious objections to the granting of extensions, he should have come out on street against the decision. "He (Nawaz Sharif) should have at least get a resolution passed in Punjab Assembly against the decision."
ZAB reference to Supreme Court
When asked why Benazir Bhutto during her two stints sent no reference in Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's case, President Zardari said she wanted to but could not do so and now he, his party and every single child (of Pakistan) wanted this reference to be taken up.
Interaction with media
President Zardari said he faced a character assassination for the past four years but remained patient. But now I would initiate a media interaction, he added.
Indus Airlines
To another question, if President Zardari's sister wanted to start 'Indus Airlines', he said today 'I am asking the Defence Minister on record to cancel the license to Indus Airlines'. He said his sister was too busy in politics.
On Shah Mehmood Qureshi
President Asif Zardari called Shah Mehmood Qureshi a 'politician' who could not digest the fact of the Prime Minister being a Prime Minister.
When asked why Qureshi swore on the Holy Quran and claimed the Atomic Programme was not safe under President Zardari, he said what if the same was not in Asif Zardari's control. "Asif Zardari had handed over all his powers to Parliament many month before this claim."
On Tehreek-e-Insaf
When asked to comment on Nawaz Sharif's view of Tehreek-e-Insaf being supported by a section of 'Establishment', President Zardari said the more the number of players on ground the better. "Doesn't matter if it is getting a push from a section (of Establishment) or gaining ground on its own."
He said he only saw one problem with Tehreek-e-Insaf. He said Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto had brought 99 percent new candidates but 'you (Imran Khan) want to bring 96 percent old candidates who have switched 4 parties.'
On PIA, Railways, WAPDA
When asked to comment on the deteriorating condition of state-run organizations like PIA, Railways and WAPDA, etc, the President said: “Media think it was so, but I don’t think so, these entities have only weakened”.

Snowfall continues in AJK, upper parts of the country

Intermittent snowfall continued in upper parts of the country including Azad Kashmir to keep the weather chilly besides shutting major roads for traffic, Geo News reported.
In Kel, Neelum, Leepa, Sadhan Gali, But Sherh, Punjal Gali and Seer Kot of Azad Kashmir snowfall is continuing over the past for days.
Snowfall in also reported in upper parts of Baltistan division, Chitral, Murree, various areas of Hazara division, Abbottabad and others.
Sporadic snowfall has dropped mercury level in Bajoaur, Khyber Agency, Upper and Lower Dir and others.
More than one feet snow was reported in the Galliyat in Abbottabad district. The snowfall was also heavy in the mountainous areas of Mansehra and Battagram district.
The links roads in Naran in Mansehra and in the Ilai valley in Battagram were blocked due to the snowfall.
The authorities managed to clear the snow from the Lowari Pass to enable small vehicles to continuing plying on the road linking Upper Dir district with Chitral.
With the start of snowfall, tourists have made their way towards these areas. In Murree, tourists are enjoying the pleasant weather, while vehicles of some tourists have struck in the snow.
Meanwhile, residents of mountainous areas have struck in their homes and facing several problems due to this.

Sherry arrives in Washington to assume new job

 The Pakistan's ambassador designate to the United States, Sherry Rehman, carrying heavy and complex agenda on her shoulders reached Washington Saturday afternoon to assume her assignment.
She was received by acting ambassador Iffat Gardezi and other officials of the mission in Washington. The diplomatic sources told The News here that she would be visiting the State Department early this week to have exchange of preliminary brief before submitting here credentials to the host President Barack Obama on 17th of this month. She will start attending her office the day she will have a meeting with the State Department officials.
It is believed that Sherry would give her perspective of the situation back in her country as she had extensive meetings with senior officials prior to her departure to the United States. Unlike her predecessor she enjoys the total confidence of all stakeholders and it is expected that she would be able to look after her assignment in a more effective manner. A journalist turned politician and now diplomat, Sherry Rehman will not be 'one-person's ambassador' in Washington who will have to work for the country and its objectives.
"She is clearheaded person who has nothing to hide and incidentally she is well known to the important people across the border west and east both. It has made her more useful and effective envoy," the sources said.
Sherry's daughter Marvi and spouse Nadim Hussain have also accompanied her to Washington. Sherry Rehman has gone to Washington at very critical juncture of ties of the two countries and she will have to play role for revival of the relations between the two capitals in the light of fresh terms of engagement to be determined by the Parliament.
It is expected that the day she will be presenting her credentials to the US president, she would be carrying the outlines of the new terms of engagement with her. Pakistan and the United States will enter into high profile dialogue immediate after her formal assuming the office as the two countries have to repair the damage to their relationship.
The multi-tier interaction on various echelons will lay the foundation of new relationship of the two countries. Sherry Rehman will have to come in it and play vital role in the process that would be having historic significance. It would also be a test of Sherry's diplomatic skill, the sources reminded.

Ready to talk to PML-N..... President Zardari

President Asif Ali Zardari, after a long time, has given an interview to Geo News, which would be aired tomorrow (Saturday).
This is his first interview to any news channel after a considerable hiatus.
Talking to senior Geo News anchor, Hamid Mir in an exclusive interview, President Zardari opened his heart on the key national issues.
Geo News broadcast the highlights of the interview Friday night.
Commenting on ‘memogate scandal’, he said that he would respect the Parliamentary Committee on National Security’s (PCNS) decision for he believed the Parliament was supreme.
He said he was not afraid of early elections and was ready to talk to PML-N’s Nawaz Sharif for the same.
During the interview President rejected that national entities like PIA, Railways, WAPDA, etc. were inching towards collapse.

“Media think it was so, but I don’t think so, these entities have only weakened”, President said.
To a question an outspoken Zardari denied any rivalry with the Chief Justice, saying (in good humour), he didn't come from my village.

Punjab govt to contact SC on gas crisis..... Shahbaz

Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif said that no issue will be discusses with President Asif Ali Zardari and his government will consult the Supreme Court on gas crisis in Punjab, Geo News reported Saturday.
CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif along with his delegation reached Lahore from Turkey via Dubai. The plane could not land on time at Lahore Airport due to fog and was delayed by 1.5 hours.
While talking to media, Shahbaz told his visit to Turkey was of great importance in the backdrop of foreign investment in the transport sector. He told that metro bus service with the help of a private Turkish bank will soon start in many cities of Punjab including Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi and Multan.
Shahbaz Sharif said that the provincial government will soon go to the Supreme Court over the prevailing gas crisis in Punjab and that no issue will be discussed with President Zardari.
The CM Punjab told that solid waste management machinery will soon reach Lahore from Turkey and the project will also be expanded to other cities of the province.

180 Indian prisoners freed from Landhi Jail

Pakistan has freed 179 Indian fishermen and one civilian from Karachi’s Landhi Jail as a goodwill gesture on the new year, Geo News reported Saturday.
According to sources, the freed fishermen will reach Lahore from where they will be handed over to Indian authority at Wagha Border on Sunday.
There are still 276 fishermen held in Pakistani jails while more than 480 boats are in Pakistan custody.

New provinces issue dominates NA

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Friday once again raised voice on the issue of new provinces and threatened to stage a walk out from the assembly along with coalition partners, Geo News reported.
MQM leader Haider Abbas Rizvi, on point of order, said the resolution of new provinces was not included in Friday's agenda of the assembly.
On this, Deputy Speaker Faisal Karim Kundi said how could it be included when the resolution was not presented in the NA.
Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani reiterated commitment for the creation of a Saraiki province and pointed out that consensus on this matter has been evolved and is at mature stage.
Speaking in the National Assembly, the prime minister said, after the consensus gaining maturity, it is our responsibility to be more careful so our ultimate objective of a new province may not fall prey to anybody's politics.
The prime minister said the government used all platforms and brought the resolution in the Punjab Assembly for the Saraiki province but no debate was held.
After failing to get any response, the government was compelled to bring this issue to the National Assembly.
"We are more supportive even than you because majority of members is supporting me," he said and called upon political parties to evolve consensus for Hazara province on the pattern of Saraki province.
Prime Minister said Chaudhry Shujjat and Gohar Ayub also met him in connection with Hazara province.
However, Gilani said he took up the issues with ANP President Asfandyar Wali, who suggested to evolve consensus within PPP. So, the matter was referred to the PPP manifesto committee for consensus.
He said he has asked the Chief whips of political parties to meet Speaker National Assembly for creation of provinces. If they want to table separate resolutions for new provinces, the government would not oppose.
MQM's Farooq Sattar warned that if voting was not held on the resolution, MQM would boycott the session along with FATA, PML-Q and JUI MNAs.
Ghulam Ahmed Bilour of ANP said it is not even a year that the provinces were empowered and now the conspiracies were being hatched to reverse that. Today, if Punjab and KP were shattered, tomorrow it would be Sindh's turn.
Federal Law Minister Mola Bux Chandio said division of Sindh would not be tolerated.
Khursheed Shah said government would bring Hazara province bill and for that consensus would be made, adding that voting on new provinces could not be carried out in National Assembly.
MQM MNAs continuously raised slogans during the debate.

Nawaz stresses redressal of Balochistan grievances

PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif is in Quetta for 2-day visit where he met with the delegation of National Party lead by Senator Dr Abdul Malik Baloch at MPA hostel, Geo News reported Friday.
While addressing the delegation, Nawaz regretted the military operation in Balochistan and said that people of the province were not treated fairly and their sentiments were hurt but it is the time for accountability and address their issues.
He questioned the PPP government that what steps were taken to solve the problems of Balochistan including the issues of target killings, kidnappings, and recovering missing persons. He also asked what did the government do to address the murder of Nawab Akbar Bugti.
The PML-N chief also highlighted that no action had been taken after the Kharotabad incident, where five foreigners were killed by security forces. He said that without addressing these issues, peace cannot be restored in the province and that the Balochistan package is not enough to solve its problems.
Nawaz said that he had many plans for the province and pledged for serious efforts to uplift the province if elected again.
He said that Balochistan’s Gawadar port had the potential to compete with Dubai and other Gulf countries. He said it was his dream to develop Gawadar and that he does not know who stopped the developments.
The PML-N leader also said that everything in Balochistan had been destroyed, and that this had ended up hurting the people of this province.

Memogate.....Ijaz submits BlackBerry PIN to commission

Pakistani American businessman Mansoor Ijaz on Friday submitted his BlackBerry Personal Identification Number (PIN) to the three-member commission headed by Balochistan High Court (BHC) Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa probing the controversial Memogate scandal, urging the ex-ambassador to the US, Hussain Haqqani to submit PIN as well.
It is pertinent to mention here that the probing commission had earlier given a number of orders and sent out a spate of notices to all respondents of the case, besides seeking the equipment used to communicate over, and then send, the memo in question and also ordered that message records be requested from Research in Motion (RIM) - the Canada-based service provider of BlackBerry Messenger, through which the two Ijaz and former ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani allegedly exchanged messages regarding the memo.
Appearing for Mansoor Ijaz, Senior Advocate Akram Sheikh informed the Secretary of Commission that on instruction his client has offered to waive his privacy rights with regard to the two Pin nos, on which he was in communication with Former Ambassador Haqqani and has also prayed that commission may ask Hussain Haqqani also to waive his privacy rights with regard to two Pin nos on which he had been communicating with Sheikh's client.
Sheikh submitted this will make the probe into the matter expeditious and commission shall be able to meet the deadline fixed by the Supreme Court.
He had further prayed the commission to issue direction for issuance of visa to him either to Swiss Embassy or British High Commission London.
The commission has also summoned President Asif Ali Zardari, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (DG-ISI) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif on January 9.

Mullah Omar confirms peace talks with US

Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar has confirmed opening peace talks with the US authorities, Geo News reported on Thursday.
Mullah Omar made two demands - release of Afghan prisoners from Guantanamo Bay detention facility and complete pull out of US-led forces from Afghanistan.
However, the US state department said that no decision had yet been made on releasing the Taliban detainees from Guantanamo Bay prison.

Memogate...... Commission issues notice to President Zardari

The three member judicial commission formed by the Supreme Court to probe memogate has issued a notice to President Asif Ali Zardari.
During its last meeting the commission had decided that notices would be issued to all parties linked with the memo scandal.
Notices have also been issued to Army Chief Kayani, DG ISI Shuja Pasha PML-N president Nawaz Sharif.
The commission will hold its next meeting on January 9.

Ijaz ready to visit Pakistan; asks for security

The central character of memogate scandal, the US businessman Mansoor Ijaz has agreed to come to Pakistan and appear before the memogate commission, Geo News reported on Wednesday.

However, Ijaz has written a letter to the commission, requesting it to ensure security to him and to the data he would be in possession of when he arrives in Pakistan.
Mansoor Ijaz asked for a security 'that could satisfy me and my family'. He also touched matters relating to his visa in the letter.
According to sources, the memogate commission has sent letters to the concerned authorities to ensure provision of security to Hussain Haqqani and Mansoor Ijaz.

Pentagon hopes Pakistan will reopen Nato supply routes

The United States continues military dialogue with Pakistan despite recent serious setbacks, because the US-Pakistani relationship is very important, Pentagon spokesman George Little said on Tuesday.
The US has conducted "a thorough investigation" into the border incident in late November, in which 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed in a NATO air strike near the Afghanistan border, and "expressed our deepest regret to the Pakistani people," the spokesman told reporters.
"We have acknowledged and take responsibility for the mistakes we made on Nov. 25-26, " he said, adding that the US has also offered to compensate the families of those killed and wounded in the incident.
Despite the US moves to remedy the relations damaged by the attack, ground supply routes through Pakistan remained closed to coalition forces in Afghanistan. "We are hopeful that our Pakistani partners will reopen the ground supply routes," Little said.
"The relationship with Pakistan is important on many levels. They're an important partner, and we cooperate with them on counterterrorism and other efforts," Little said.

CNG, transporter associations call off strike

The talks between the Secretary Petroleum and Natural Resources Muhammad Ejaz Chaudhry and Chairman All Pakistan CNG Association Ghiyas Paracha (APCNGA) successfully concluded here on Tuesday.
The meeting was attended by Acting Chairman OGRA and Senior officers of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Finance and representatives of CNG sector.
After the meeting, the secretary told media that all the issues with the CNG association and transporters association had been amicably resolved and they have called off their strike with immediate effect.
He said demands of the CNG association had been accepted and gas loadshedding duration had been reduced. Now, the CNG supply would resume on the third day at 10 pm, he added.
He said the cess had been reduced for the CNG sector by 10 per cent from 60 per cent to 50 per cent and the OGRA would issue new notification in this regard.
He said a committee had been constituted to review tariff formula for the CNG sector and its proposals would be approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).
He said the decision of OGRA regarding ban on filling of CNG in Public Transport vehicles had been suspended for 30 days and during this period the cylinders would be tested and the public safety measures would be jointly monitored.
He said he had been told by the Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain to resolve issues in a democratic manner.
Replying to a question, the secretary also rejected the impression that CNG sector was deliberately being targeted by reducing pressure in gas supply to filling stations.
The Central Chairman of the CNG Association Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha said he had no personal enmity with any official and he was struggling for the promotion of the CNG sector.
He said after fulfillment of demands, the association had decided to end strike, immediately.

Two killed, 20 hurt in Peshawar blast

A blast in the basement of a building at Peshawar's Arbab Road has killed two while 20 people have been injured.
The nature of the blast is not known. The affectees were shifted to Khyber Teaching Hospital.
The blast rocked nearby buildings while shops in the plaza were also damaged.

Last chance for govt on NRO implementation..... SC

A five-member Supreme Court bench hearing NRO implementation case told the government that it was its last chance to follow court orders. After that no order would be issued, instead, action would be taken, Geo News reported Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the court summoned Chairman of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on January 10.
The bench ordered investigations against former OGDCL chief Adnan Khwaja.
‘How were Adnan Khwaja and Ahmed Riaz appointed,’ Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa asked.

Transport strike, CNG closure irk citizens

CNG suspension for the past three days along with transporters’ strike ignited violent protests by stranded commuters and paralysed life in and around Islamabad on Tuesday as well, Geo News reported. The protests started from Monday when the commuters kept on waiting for public transport for hours and could not find any.
Gas loadshedding under the load management program has made life miserable for the students and office staff who are unable to reach their destination.
Taking advantage of the situation, taxi drivers kept over charging the passengers who had no other way to travel.
Angry protesters attacked the running vehicles at Murree Road and blocked GT Road.
Students and officer-goers are gathering at Bhara Kahu area to protest against unavailability of passenger vehicles due to a strike by public transporters and CNG dealers.
Additional security has bee n deployed in the affected areas to keep the situation under control.

Pak, India exchange lists of nuclear installations

Pakistan and India on Sunday exchanged lists of their nuclear installations and facilities under a two-decade-old pact prohibiting attacks on atomic assets.
The governments of the two countries are required to exchange lists of their nuclear installations and facilities on January 1 every year under the terms of the "Agreement on Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities" that was signed in December 1988.
This was the 21st consecutive year that the lists of nuclear facilities were exchanged since 1992.
The two sides also exchanged list of prisoners currently being held in each other's jails under a separate pact.
The two countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners twice a year under the Agreement on Consular Access signed in May 2008.

Zero poverty' foremost priority..... PM

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Sunday said that alleviation of poverty was the government’s foremost priority, Geo News reported.

Addressing the wedding ceremony of fifty couples, he said that previous governments had ignored issues of deprived people of the country but the PPP-led government initiated several revolutionary welfare projects.

The mass-marriage event was organized by Ameer Begum Welfare Trust at Expo Centre here.

Prime Minister Gilani said the government had introduced projects for providing employment to youths and for the improvement of life of the commonman.

Asma tells Haqqani to get another lawyer

Leading lawyer, Asma Jahangir Sunday refused to plead for the former envoy to the US, Husain Haqqani, in the 'memo scandal' case, Geo News reported.
Jehangir said she was qutting as Haqqani's lawyer as she had "no confidence" in the commission formed by the Supreme Court to conduct an inquiry into the ‘memo scandal'.
Jahangir added, she had told Haqqani to find another lawyer to represent him in the top court as well as the judicial commission.
A nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry last week formed a commission comprising the Chief Justices of the High Courts of Islamabad, Balochistan and Sindh for the same.
She accused the judges of premiere court were acting a acolytes of the establishment.
She said, "And if nine judges of the Supreme Court can be (under their influence), then I am sorry to say I cannot have any expectations from High Court judges, who are under (the apex court judges)."
"Should we close our eyes? Should we allow ourselves to be fooled?... I have told my client he can appear before the commission if he wants to, and he will go. I have no confidence at all (in the commission)," Jahangir told local media.
"This is the court's order and we have to follow it but I told (Haqqani) to engage some other lawyer," she said.

New Year welcomed with fireworks, aerial firing

Like other parts of the world, New Year 2012, was welcomed across the country with fireworks display and aerial firing, Geo News reported.
Youth gathered at sea view Clifton, Karachi and displayed firework and resorted to aerial firing to welcome the New Year.
Karachi Port Trust (KPT) organized fireworks display at sea view. Large number of Karachiites witnessed the event.
Revelers flooded into the streets of Karachi on motorcycles and other vehicles to celebrate the new year.
Police conducted snap checking and heavy contingent of Rangers was also present to avoid any untoward incident.
Meanwhile, three people were reportedly killed and 40 others injured in the aerial firing resorted to celebrate the new year in different parts of the metropolis.
New year was also welcomed with firework and aerial firing in Lahore, Hyderabad, Peshawar and other parts of the country.
In Peshawar, youth performed dance on the beat of drum to celebrate beginning of the new year.

'N' flood to wash away 'world eleven..... Sharif

PML-N president Nawaz Sharif Saturday said none other than PML-N would pioneer a grand change in the country, Geo News reported.
He said this while addressing a massive rally here.
Talking to a capacity crowd in a jam-packed stadium, he said the passion and the turnover in Gujranwala today reminded him of the long march for the restoration of judiciary.
Sharif said he was proud of the people of Gujranwala and the city was a stronghold of PML-N.
The PML-N president said the nation was faced by numerous challenges and people were suffering.
“Corruption is at its highest level in Pakistan,” Sharif said.
Sharif added that the government keeps on raising the prices of gas and electricity, but fails to provide these services, adding he would not sit back in silence if the gas tariff was jacked up next year.
Sharif said, “Had we been in the government today, there would have been no shortage of gas or electricity.”
Lamenting the current energy crisis, he said owing to ill management the masses were not even able to keep their kitchens warm and cooking, adding electricity had also become a rare commodity in Pakistan.
"The nation has been pauperized, which was intolerable. A nation, which turned down billions of dollars can never beg", said PML-N Quaid.
It’s a pity that PIA and Pakistan Railways were as good as nothing, people were not even able to make both ends meet, deprivation reigned supreme everywhere, and our great rulers were bagging national wealth, Sharif said.
He said, Pakistan has become a laughing stock in the comity of nations.
Announcing his team, Sharif warned his political rivals saying, new he was not afraid of the players, who were trying to trap gullible youth, adding this (Gujranwala) flood would wash away the newly formed 'world eleven'.
He also announced three hundred thousand laptops for students next year.

SC’s ‘memo commission’ meets on Jan 2

The judicial commission formed to probe into ‘memogate scandal’ will meet on January 2, 2012, Geo News reported.
According to sources the head of commission, Justice Faaiz Esa Chief Justice Balochistan High Court, has been called in.
Commission’s secretary, Session Judge Islamabad High Court, has issued a notice in this regard.
The commission, constituted by Supreme Court of Pakistan, would sift through the evidence and gather testimonies, to bring the facts to fore.
The commission has been invested with special powers enabling it to engage forensic and cybercrime experts in the course of investigation.