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.