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Posts Tagged ‘Karachi’

Rangers given go-ahead

January 22nd, 2011 | No Comments


ISLAMABAD – PPPÂ’s senior leadership has opposed military operation in violence-hit Karachi and suggested full-fledged action by Rangers to normalise the situation in the city, it has been learnt reliably.
A meeting of the Core Committee of PPP was held Friday night at the Aiwan-e-Sadr took serious note of the situation in the city. The meeting was presided over by PPP Co-Chairman President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.
According to sources, it was also noted in the meeting that there was a lack of liaison between Interior Minister Rehman and Sindh Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza which is badly affecting performance of the government.
The government has decided to launch full-fledged operation against criminals in order to bring situation to normal in Karachi. In the meeting, sources said, some PPP leaders strongly criticised the 10-point agenda, which has been presented by PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif so as to improve countryÂ’s economic situation and said Prime Minister Gilani should not blindly accept everything presented by the Opposition.
According to sources, three federal ministers also blasted Punjab Governor Latif Khosa for visiting the grave of Mian Sharif and said the governor, instead of visiting graves, should apprise the masses of corruption and inefficiency of the Punjab government. The meeting noted that the PPP is pursuing policy of reconciliation while the PML-N was doing everything to thwart this policy of the government.
A PPP leader told the meeting that the MQM were mounting their pressure for holding local bodies polls in Sindh, and the ongoing bloodbath in Karachi would end if holding of elections was announced.
A senior PPP leader was of the view that the government should not adopt policy of confrontation and JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman should be contacted to rejoin the government.
According to Waqt News TV channel, the MQM would also be invited to rejoin the Federal Cabinet.
Abrar Saeed adds: Reiterating to push forward the policy of reconciliation, it was the unanimous view of the central leadership of PPP to take along all the political forces in steering the country out of the prevailing political and economic crises.
The Core Committee of the party took serious notice of the sacking of over 4,000 employees by Karachi Electricity Supply Company (KESC) and constituted a three-member committee comprising Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khurshid Shah and Advisor to Prime Minister Senator Mian Raza Rabbani to take up the issue with the Government of Sindh.
The party reiterated its commitment to standby the working classes. It recalled the reinstatement of sacked employees in the recent past and said that it would not abandon the labour and the working classes.
The central leaders of the party came up with open debate on host of issues including the response to the 10-point formula given by the PML- N for sprucing up the governance and economic management, relations with the coalition partners, current spate of target killings and the ways and means to bring the port city of Karachi under the rule of law, and a number of matters of national importance.
It was also the consensus view of the party leadership that all the stakeholders should be taken into confidence while taking any crucial decision on Karachi unrest and it was further decided that all the options including deployment of Armed Forces in the port city would be placed before the All Parties Conference on Karachi peace due in Federal Capital on 26th of this month.
It was the unflinching stance of President Zardari that all the stakeholders including MQM and ANP would be taken on board while taking any policy decision regarding Karachi and he was optimistic that peace in the port city would be brought without taking any extreme administrative step.
Both the President and Prime Minister appreciated the 10-point demands put forth for steering the country out of prevailing economic mess and said that they had asked the other political parties in the Parliament to give their suggestions as well, so that a comprehensive national agenda for economic and administrative reformation could be evolved.
It was further decided in the meeting that the government should go about swiftly the revamping process of the state-owned corporations and also take other corrective measures for bringing overall improvement in the national economy.
It was further decided with voice vote that PPP would continue to stay part of the Government of Punjab in pursuance of its policy of reconciliation and would not let the Mian Shahbaz Sharif government destabilised.
The matters relating to the partyÂ’s reorganisation also came under discussion and in this connection party leaders were asked to reinvigorate the party set-up at grassroots level so that the party could show better results in the upcoming local bodies elections across the country.
At the outset of the meeting President Zardari, who is also Co-Chairman of Pakistan PeopleÂ’s Party, also briefed the members about his recent visit to UAE and America. He also shared the details of his meeting with President Obama with the participants of the meeting.
Besides President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani, the Core Committee meeting of the party was attended by Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, leader of the House in Senate, Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Minister for Commerce, Chaudhary Ahmad Mukhtar, Minister for Defence, Nazar Mohammed Gondal, Minister for Food & Agriculture, Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Rehman Malik, Interior Minister, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah, Minister for Labour & Manpower, Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Dr Babar Awan, Minister for Law & Justice, Raja Pervaz Ashraf, Minister for Water & Power, Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, Advisor to PM, Senator Jahangir Badar, Senator Faisal Raza Abidi, Rukhsana Bangash, MNA, Fauzia Wahab, MNA, Fauzia Habib, MNA, and Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar.
Staff Reporter from Karachi adds: Two activists of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) were gunned down in yet another incident of target killing in Joria Bazaar, Risala police said on Friday.
The incident took place near a shop situated in Joria Bazaar, when the victims, 50-year-old Haji Fareed, son of Abdul Hafeez; and Saeed, alias Gullo, were sitting there. Suddenly two armed men reached there on motorcycle and opened indiscriminate firing on them; resultantly both sustained to injuries.
Police shifted them to Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) for medical treatment where they breathed their last. With the news of killings spread, scores of MQM workers, leaders and sympathisers gathered in CHK. Tension engulfed the surrounding areas and all shops and market were closed.
SHO Faryad Bhatti said it was the incident of target killing. Haji Fareed was the father of five children and also used to run a grocery shop in the same vicinity and was also a very prominent social worker of the area. Victim Abdul Hafeez was an employee of City District Government (CDGK) and he was unmarried. Both victims were the activists of MQM.
Later, their funeral prayers were offered in Denso Hall. No case was registered till the filing of this report. It is pertinent to mention here that two activists of MQM had been gunned down in the same area four days ago.

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APC on burning Karachi on 26th

January 21st, 2011 | No Comments


KARACHI – The Sindh government Thursday convened an ‘All Parties ConferenceÂ’ (APC) at the provincial level on January 26 at the Chief MinisterÂ’s House to ascertain and discuss the law and order situation in the province, with particular reference to volatile Karachi.
The decision was made at a meeting held between Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik and provincial Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza at the CMÂ’s House.
Earlier, Mirza in a policy statement on the floor of Sindh Assembly in the morning categorically said that neither he as Sindh home minister nor Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, the IGP and the CCPO Karachi were taken into confidence about the operation by Rangers in city, especially in Orangi Town.
Just a few hours the harsh statement, the meeting lauded and appreciated the role of police, Rangers and Interior Ministry with respect to the efforts being made by Mirza and the Sindh Police for crushing the criminal activities of anti-social elements. They expressed satisfaction over measures adopted and results achieved so far, the official statement issued from the CMÂ’s House said.
Shah and Mirza lauded the assistance being extended by the federal govt, particularly the efforts of Malik, for combating the challenge and maintaining the law and order in all parts of the Karachi.
The also decided to ensure close coordination and liaison among them and hold regular meetings after every fortnight.
In response to the anger expressed by the Sindh government, Malik clarified that all the federal agencies and Rangers would coordinate the Sindh govt and the Home Department.
The three leaders vowed to resolve all issues to maintain at every cost and said the action against the criminal elements would continue without any discrimination.
They also appreciated the guidance of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for resolving the political and law and order issues.During the Sindh Assembly session, Mirza came hard against the federal government over RangersÂ’ operation in Karachi without taking the provincial government into confidence, as he threatened to withdraw the powers granted to the Rangers.
He was replying to PML-FÂ’s Marvi Rashdi who on a point of order drew MirzaÂ’s attention towards his statement in which he had showed unawareness about the operation in Karachi. The opposition member also pointed out that people were being killed in targeted shootings in Karachi, but it was strange that the minister concerned had no knowledge about the operation.
Replying to the point of order, Mirza affirmed that he stood by every word he had uttered.
“I still stand on my words. I was not taken into confidence on operation being initiated in the city through Rangers. Even, the Sindh chief minister, IG Police and CCPO were also not taken on board. I don’t know who gave the orders to Rangers to initiate operation. May be the federal government had given such orders.”
He said, “I had signed the summary, in which Rangers had given policing powers,” adding, “I can withdraw the powers.”
Mirza, “It is not a martial law; there is a civilian government. Therefore, the Rangers has to work under the civilian control.”
Agencies add: Rehman Malik told newsmen that he and Zulfiqar Mirza were unaware of the recent operation.
He said he did not interfere into the matter since it was administrative in nature.
Responding to MirzaÂ’s claim, Malik said the Rangers and police were subservient to the provincial home minister, adding that he would ensure sharing of intelligence gathered by the federal agencies with the provincial government.
He claimed that police did not raid former state minister Nabeel GabolÂ’s residence and the CCPO had informed him that he sent the police van to bring back the police security guards.
Malik said he came to Karachi on the directives of President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani.
The federal minister said some religious groups were dividing the nation and supporting the terrorists who had been aiming at destabilising the country. He would not allow anyone to disturb peace in Karachi, he vowed.
He informed the journalists that the security forces foiled a terrorism bid at the Sindh Assembly.
Later, Rehman called on Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad Khan where they promised to take indiscriminate action against those involved in criminal and terror activities without surrendering before any pressure.
Meanwhile, three people including a doctor were killed in various incidents of targeted killing in Karachi on Thursday.
The doctor was gunned down near Khaliq Jinnah Hall, Mahmood Shah Road in the limits of Eidgah Police Station. 30-year-old Dr Imran, son of Fasih, was on way to his home located in Gulshan-e-Iqbal from Lyari General Hospital in his car when armed men on a motorbike intercepted him at Mahmood Shah Road and managed to flee from the scene after shooting him.
The victim sustained bullet wounds and succumbed to his injuries on way to hospital. Police shifted his body to Civil Hospital for medico-legal formalities. SHO Amjad Kayani said that victim was ENT specialist in Lyari General Hospital. He added that the deceased was not affiliated with any political or religious party and had no personal enmity with any one.
In another incident, an ex-army man was shot dead in Frontier Colony in the limits of Pirabad police station. The victim 40-year-old Akbar Shah, son of Ameer Jan was a resident of Noorani Area Frontier Colony. He was standing at his shop when two armed men opened firing on him. Resultantly, he died on the spot. Police shifted his body to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. Police said he hailed from Swat. Police registered FIR against unidentified men on the complaint of his brother Mahmood Shah.
Similarly, an Afghan national was shot dead and another injured in MPR Colony in the jurisdiction of Orangi Town police station. The incident took place at MPR Colony where two armed men targeted 39-year-old Fakhar Uddin, son of Mohammad Khan. Resultantly, he died on the spot while Shireen Khan sustained injures and was rushed to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for treatment. Police said the victim was father of two children and used to run a cloth shop in Paposh Nagar area. Police so far have been unable to ascertain the motive behind the incident.
Meanwhile, a Chinese engineer was injured in a robbery attempt here in the jurisdiction of Boat Bassan police limits.
Police said that the victim, namely Shoe Young, drew Rs 5 million from a local bank branch and drove away when armed men intercepted his car and tried to loot him. Culprits remained unable to rob him and shot him on offering resistance.
Culprits managed to flee while police shifted the victim to the private hospital where doctors termed his condition stable. DSP Qamer Ahmed said that bandits fled away when police party on routine patrolling reached close to the crime scene.

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Rs37b lost in ISAF containers pilferage

January 20th, 2011 | No Comments


ISLAMABAD – Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhary on Wednesday hearing the embezzlement of billions of rupees in International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) containers case observed that revelations made in the Federal Tax Ombudsman report is just the tip of the iceberg, as further investigations could divulge much more.
The Federal Tax Ombudsman submitted a comprehensive report regarding fraud in the garb of Afghan Transit Trade, which testified that large number of containers carrying Afghan trade goods have been pilfered inside the country.
The report has made a startling disclosure that more than 50,000 transit containers have been pilfered within Pakistan that have caused a huge loss of approximately Rs19 to Rs37 billing to the countryÂ’s economy during the last four years. A three-member bench of apex court comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhary, Justice Ghulam Rabbani and Justice Khalil-ur-Rehman Ramday, while hearing the ISAF containers case ordered the authorities concerned to take a strict action against those involved in the case and issued them notices.
The Court on September 30, 2010 had directed the Federal Tax Ombudsman to file a comprehensive report over the permission of contraband items under the garb of food supplies to the ISAF in Afghanistan under the Afghan Transit Trade Agreement (ATTA). The court also sought a comprehensive report over 10,000 to 11,000 containers of ISAF which went missing from Karachi, as Customs has no record of these containers.
The Chief Justice said, “We have gone through the report, which is not only comprehensive to the point with the reference mentioned in the complaint of smuggling of foreign goods in the name of Afghan Transit Trade.”The report prima facie concluded that action is required to be taken against all the concerned officials of Customs. The court stated that for the sake of justice it would be appropriate to provide them an opportunity of hearing so they may also forward their comments in view of the report prepared by Federal Tax Ombudsman.
The court directed Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Salman Siddique to assist the court and provide a list of all officials, including former chairperson of CBR/FBR, who was holding the position from January 1, 2007 to December 24, 2010, the Members of Customs (Customs Collectors Karachi Port and Port of Qasim, Collectors of Quetta and Peshawar, Secretaries Commerce and Finance, Director General Customs Intelligence and Investigation and the relevant officers of NLC who were hold the charge during that period. The court said that the Chairman CBR might also identify any other officer, prima facie involved in the alleged corruption, so he may be summoned.
The court directed the FBR counsel to furnish the list by January 20, 2011 along with copies of the report prepared by the FTO, which shall be obtained from the office of the FTO as we have been given only six copies. On receipt of the names as mentioned above the office shall issue notices through the FBR for affecting service upon them. However, notice would be served on the DG NLC by the office itself.
The officers/officials to whom notices are issued are directed to file their comments, particularly in respect of the period during which they were holding the charge of the above posts.
The Chief Justice observed that right from top to the bottom officials are involved in the case. The Chief Justice asked the FBR chairman to proceed against the officials allegedly involved in the case, get them handcuffed and present their report in the court. The chairman FBR replied, “We have to take some measures and finalise the nitty-gritty of the plans.”
Justice Ramday said, “If someone is in this illusion that by deputing a person of his choice could influence the investigation is wrong, because the court would itself control the investigation.” He asked whom they could depend? If the economy will be bad then how would the country be run? Justice Ramday said, “Like Haris Steel Mills’ case the court could control the investigation of this case as well.
The Chief Justice asked Salman that if you have time then travel from Quetta to Chaman by road. The CJP said in the presence of Customs officials and the Levies goods are being smuggled in and out of the country, but no one is there to question them. He said because of smuggling the national exchequer faces a loss of $2 billion every year.
The Chief Justice further said that even the Islamabad markets are flooded with the smuggled goods. Justice Ramday said that the domestic barrowing have reached Rs4008 billion since 2008 to 2010. The court wondered that besides the smuggling of alcohol and arms, what else is being smuggled on the pretext of Afghan trade.
The case is adjourned till 27th January.

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Rangers comb Orangi Town

January 19th, 2011 | No Comments


KARACHI (Agencies) – In an extensive house-to-house search operation in Karachi, Rangers personnel on Tuesday detained over 500 people for questioning in the wake of a surge in target-killings which claimed nearly 40 lives during the last few days. Large quantity of arms and ammunition was also seized.
Rangers launched the search operation in Orangi Town in the morning and detained over 500 people for questioning. However, local residents claimed that about 600 people had been detained during the operation.
Despite operation, three more persons were killed. A 23-year-old youth Umair was gunned down in Nazimabad. The four bike riders killed a person in Gulshan Iqbal Town Block-4. Unknown people gunned down a security guard in Gulberg Town. The body has been shifted to Abbasi Shaheed hospital.
Contingents of troops kept guard during the search operation and people were asked to stay indoors. All markets, hotels and petrol pumps in the area were closed. Local residents said that children could not go to schools as the entire area was sealed.
Troops cordoned off the area and vehicles were banned from entering Orangi Town during the operation. Motorcycle riders faced identity checks.
Officials said that more search operations were expected to be conducted in other sensitive areas of Karachi.
According to another channel, after the initial investigation, 300 out of 500 arrested were found innocent and released.
Meanwhile, Sindh Home Department on Tuesday issued the notification to further extend the powers of Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) under Section 5 of Anti-Terrorism Action of 1997 for another three months.
According to a statement issued here by a spokesman of Home Department, Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Ali Mirza ordered the extension to the powers of the Rangers to help the Police Department and provide security to the peaceful citizens of the metropolis. He also ordered the Police Department to ensure presence of women police in search operations to uphold the sanctity of ‘Chaadar and Char Divari’. Moreover, he also ordered the police authorities to keep close coordination with the area elders in this regard. “It is our endeavour to ensure indiscriminate operation against anti-social elements,” he said.
Sources in Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) told APP here on Tuesday that the search operation was conducted in collaboration with the police and on the directives of the Home Department to check lawlessness, target killings and other general crimes.
The sources said that the Rangers also seized over 250 motorcycles during snap checkings in that area to check the violation of the ban on pillion riding in the evening hours. “All the suspects and two-wheelers have been seized and handed over to the police in their respective jurisdiction as per directives of the Home Department,” the source added.
Our staff reporter from Karachi adds: Residents had mixed reactions to TuesdayÂ’s operation. Some welcomed the move and others said the operation was causing problems for the general public.
Meanwhile, women came on the streets in protest against police and RangersÂ’ operation in Orangi Town. The operation lasted for six hours with over 500 arrests. Police and Rangers were stopped on the way by several local women when they were returning after concluding the operation. The women blamed security personnel for arresting innocent people and demanded their instant release.
Some people were of the view that security agencies detained passerby, bystanders and commuters on the way to their workplaces.
A random search operation of suspected houses was conducted by rangers in different areas of Orangi Town including Fakir Colony, Omer Baloch Mohalla, Pareshan Chowk, Hazara Colony and Farid Colony at around 3:00 a.m. and while door-to-door search was started at 05:30 a.m.
Residents of the area while talking to The Nation told that violence, target killings and unrest had already disturbed their routine life and now such sort of operations would further make the life of common man miserable.
The sources said that some criminal elements were also picked up by rangers. They said rangersÂ’ personnel misbehaved with families and even with journalists who reached there to cover the operation.
Meanwhile, SP Orangi Town, Khurram Waris, said that Rangers launched operation and police had only assisted them.
Meanwhile, an elderly man was shot dead in Jummah Goth Malir within the limits of Al Falah police station. The victim Gull Hassan Magsi, 63, son of Sabbab Ali Magsi, resident of Rafi Bungalows Malir, was gunned down by unidentified armed men in Jummah Goth, Malir.
The police added that the victim had reached Karachi from Dubai a week ago and hailed from Hub, Balochistan.
In another incident, a young man was shot dead while two others got injures in target killing near Disco Bakery in the limits of Mobina Town police station.
The incident took place in Block 4, Gulshan Iqbal where a 23-year-old Hewand, son of Ahmed Shah, was sitting along with his friends in his street. Suddenly two armed men riding a bike arrived there and opened indiscriminate fire at them. Hewand died on the spot while his friends Ahsan and Talha sustained injuries. They were later shifted to JPMC. The police said the victim was the resident of Bhayani Heights, Gulshan Iqbal, and hailed from Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, a security guard was also gunned down in Ancholi FB Area in the jurisdiction of Gulberg police station. The victim 24-year-old Noor Mohammad Jakhrani was performing his duty near Omar Mosque Block 18, FB Area, where two armed men opened firing on him killing on the spot.
The area police shifted his body to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital (ASH) for medico legal formalities. The police said the victim was the employee of a private security company.
Similarly, in another incident a labourer was found dead on Tuesday in Korangi ‘K’ area of Awami Colony. The victim was identified as Shabbir, son of Haji Abdul Qadir. The area police said that they also found two empty shells from the crime scene, which suggested that the culprits shot the victim and escaped. The deceased was the resident of Qazzafi Town. The case was registered against unidentified persons.

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Journalist among eight killed in Pakistan

January 14th, 2011 | No Comments

PakistanafmapA journalist of a private television channel was shot dead by a group of unidentified assailants in Pakistan’s southern city of Karachi, where at least seven others were also killed in different incidents of target killing, police said. Wali Khan Babar, 29, who was working with the Geo News, was attacked near Liaquatabad Dakkhana bus [...]

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PM says ‘yes’ to Nawaz agenda

January 10th, 2011 | No Comments


ISLAMABAD – Accepting the 10-point demands a day ahead of the ‘so-called ultimatumÂ’ given by Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that in his telephonic contact with Mian Nawaz Sharif he had assured him that government would not lose the opportunity of steering the country out of crises on implementing his agenda.
He was addressing the press conference at Prime MinisterÂ’s House soon after talking to Nawaz Sharif assuring him that government was ready to implement his agenda for bringing improvement in governance.
Before his chat with Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Gilani secured approval of the same from President Asif Ali Zardari and also took into confidence the parliamentary leaders including PML-Q President Ch Shujaat Hussain, MQM chief Altaf Hussain, PPP-S President Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, Functional League head Pir Pagara, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, ANP President Asfandyar Wali Khan and FATA MPs leader Munir Orakazi. All these national leaders have endorsed the decision of Pakistan PeopleÂ’s Party and hence it has acquired the shape of national agenda, Premier added.
To a question Prime Minister said that he did talk about the ultimatum given to his government by Nawaz Sharif but he said that he was quoted out of context and he had not given any ultimatum. Premier further said that after expressing the governmentÂ’s affirmative response on 10-point demands of Nawaz Sharif he once again put the question about the next deadline of 45 days but Main Nanas Shari said that as the government seemed sincere in implementing the 10-point demands put forth by him for sprucing up the governance so there was no more deadline.
Nawaz Sharif further said that as the government wanted to implement his agenda for putting the house in order so there is no question of showing the door to Pakistan PeopleÂ’s Party in Punjab, Prime Minister quoted Nawaz Sharif.
Prime Minister Gilani further informed that on his suggestion Nawaz Sharif had agreed to form a Parliamentary Committee under the head of Senator Ishaq Dar to take up the issues concerning PML-N with government in furthering 10-point agenda given by Mian Nawaz Sharif which he termed ‘national agenda.’
Prime Minister said that PPP would definitely take PML-N on board while appointing new Governor Punjab when asked whether PPP would take into confidence while appointing this important administrative slot in Punjab.
To a question Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raze Gilani said that his government was already working on the same lines to bring improvement in governance and to control leakage of funds from various corporations and state owned enterprises.
He said that the restructuring of Pakistan Railways, PIA, Pepco and Steel Mills was already on the agenda and in next cabinet meeting they would be going to discuss the ways and means to bring improvement in these state entities running into losses.
Prime Minister Gilani said that his government was pursuing the policy of reconciliation and referred to the unanimous passage of 18th Amendment, 19th Amendment, 7th NFC Award, political status granted to Gilgit-Baltistan and reforms package for Balochistan and termed it a result of the policy of reconciliation adopted by Pakistan PeopleÂ’s Party and expressed his partyÂ’s resolve to pursue the same in future as well.
To a question Premier Gilani said that in achieving these goals would only be possible through the active support of all the stakeholders in the Parliament and it was singular honour of the incumbent Parliament that it had done most of the legislation with consensus and hoped that they would be able to steer the country out of prevailing economic mess in same spirit of politics of reconciliation.
To another question about the following of Supreme Court verdicts Prime Minister said that PPP was having the singular honour of complete adherence to the each and every verdict of the apex court.
When his attention was drawn toward the governmentÂ’s non-implementation of NRO verdict of SC he replied that it was sheer bias when people talk about only one case out of 8,034 cases withdrawn under NRO and added that still the case on NRO is subjudice in the apex court and let the court take decision on the review petition of the government.
To another question about the fresh spate of target killing in Karachi he said that PPP in support of MQM and ANP would definitely bring normalcy to the port city which is the economic hub of the country and disturbance over their would have negative impact on the whole economy.
To a question about the allegations of corruption coming on his family members including his son in Haj scam Premier Gilani termed them as mere allegations and quickly added that the case of Haj scam was in the court and if someone have substantial proof he could submit the same in the court.
To a question about some of his wrong decisions Prime Minister said that out of over 10,000 decisions he had taken if some four or five decisions were wrong and said that it could be taken as error judgment. As the matter relating to some appointments were in the court of law and whatever would be the decision of the court it would be implemented in totality.
Responding to another question Prime Minister Gilani said that actually the persons who are hurling corruption allegations on him were targeting President Asif Ali Zardari and as he was defending him so they had also turned against him.
He further said that as President was the part of Parliament so it was his duty to defend him and this thing annoyed certain quarters, which had launched dirty campaign against him.
To another question he said that incumbent political dispensation was not going anywhere as for the first time in the history of the country the establishment was supportive of the political set-up and it was also for the first time that PPP and establishment were on one-page.
To another question he once again reiterated his governmentÂ’s stance that they would not bring any change in the blasphemy laws and added that during his chat with him Maulana Fazlur Rehman had also asked him about it and his reply was the same that government would not bring any change in the law.

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PPP smells a rat

January 6th, 2011 | No Comments


LAHORE/KARACHI – The PPP on Wednesday termed Salmaan TaseerÂ’s assassination a ‘political murderÂ’ with political motives, as Federal Law Minister Babar Awan in his media talk raised many questions regarding the incident and also pointed finger at the Punjab government for what he called a ‘criminal security lapseÂ’. ‘Why Salmaan Taseer was not provided the security cover of a Constitutional head of the province which is equal to that of the Chief Executive of the province, and which is given to Constitutional heads in other provinces tooÂ’, the Minister asked while talking to reporters at the residence of PPP leader Munawar Anjum where he had gone to condole the death of latterÂ’s mother.
Awan questioned why a person who had earlier been declared security risk and terminated from service was included in GovernorÂ’s security staff.
He said that security of Governor Taseer was handed over to the murderers, while describing the incident as a failure of security.
Terming TaseerÂ’s assassination a target killing and a political murder, he said Salmaan Taseer had one identity only; that of a political man, and his murder could not be without political motives
Is it the fate of PPP only to lift the bodies of its leaders? he asked.
Awan said it needed to be investigated whether it was a criminal security lapse or a conspiracy against the country and the present system. He feared that certain forces wanted to weaken the country through such acts.
He said it was vital to uncover what he called ‘real conspiracy’ behind the murder.
‘It’s not our job to reach at the real culprits, but it is highly important to investigate the matter’, he added, saying his party would not let any one to hush up the whole affair.
He said GovernorÂ’s assassination had raised many questions which must be answered. He further said his party did not want to indulge in any blame game, but it was necessary to conduct thorough investigation.
He said it would be an uphill task for only two civil servants to investigate such a big tragedy. Babar said he was not blaming any body for the murder and all his utterances were within the confines of the Constitution and law.
Babar also seemed dissatisfied over the security cover being provided to him as Federal Minister. ‘I have to arrange it myself, some times also seeking help from Rangers’, he told reporters, adding, that the security vehicles provided to him by Punjab government were without headlights and had weak tyres.
Meanwhile, addressing Punjab Assembly session on Wednesday, Senior Punjab Minister Raja Riaz and Finance Minister Tanvir Ashraf Kaira were also convinced that political motivation led to Salmaan TaseerÂ’s murder.
Meanwhile, the PPP parliamentary party in Punjab condemned the Taseer’s assassination as a ‘political murder’, and demanded tracing the real culprits and awarding exemplary punishment to them.
The emergency parliamentary party meeting was held here at the Punjab Assembly cafeteria with Senior Minister Raja Riaz in the chair.
Senator Babar Awan, Federal Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs and Rana Farooq Saeed also attended the meeting on the special invitation of PPP legislators.
The PPP Ministers Dr Tanvir-ul-Islam, Farooq Yusuf Ghurki, Ashraf Sohna, Neelam Jabbar and Haji Muhammad Ishaq besides a large number of legislators attended the meeting.
Addressing the participants, Babar Awan said that assassination of Salmaan Taseer was a test of patience for the PPP and its workers.
He said that the party has already faced a number of political murders.
He said that assassination of the Constitutional head of a province by a security guard was a big question mark.
He said that some miscreants were hatching conspiracies to weaken the Federation. He said that the PPP and the Federation were two sides of the same coin.
Neelam Jabbar, Sajida Mir, Azma Bokhari, Tariq Amin Hotiana, Irshad Ahmed Sial and Saleem Najmi also addressed the meeting.
The participants paid glowing tributes to Governor Punjab Salmaan Taseer for his brave stance against terrorism. The participants passed a resolution expressing the resolve to continue the mission of party founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto besides continuing the policy of national reconciliation of President Asif Zardari.
The resolution passed by the PPP MPAs also demanded probe into the killing of Salmaan Taseer and voiced for the tracing of real hands behind the gory incident.
In Karachi, PPP Central Information Secretary Fauzia Wahab termed that the assassination of Governor Punjab Salmaan Taseer a political murder, saying that his murder was not an act of extremism.
The PPP government has announced three-day mourning for Salman Taseer and the PPP also announced two-week mourning.
Talking to the media person after the condolence meeting at the People’s Secretariat, Fauzia Wahab said that killing of Salman Taseer was a part of pre-planned conspiracy and said “now we should remain alert to avert from this kind of terrorism.”
Commenting over the issue about who was the responsible for the security of Governor Punjab, she said that the controversy about the security responsibility of the Salman Taseer proved that the murder was political. She said that PPP MNA Sherry Rehman has privately submitted the bill to amend the blasphemy law in the National Assembly.
PPP Karachi organised the condolence meeting at the PeopleÂ’s Secretariat to express the condolence on the assassination of Governor Punjab Salman Taseer.
Meanwhile, Sindh Senior Minister Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq said that the religious political parties had defamed the face of Islam across the world. He said that these elements were hatching conspiracy to break the country.
Pir Mazhar vowed that PPP would continue its struggle against these extremist elements and striving to make enlightened and develop Pakistan. He said that extremists in the country were the remnants of former dictator Zia-ul-Haq and underlined the need to uproot the remnants of Zia-ul-Haq from the country.

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Gilani govt ‘terminally ill’

January 3rd, 2011 | No Comments


LAHORE/KARACHI – The government of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani lost its majority in the National Assembly on Sunday as Muttahida Qaumi Movement, which has 25 MNAs, decided to sit on Opposition benches on account of differences with the ruling PPP.
However, the prime minister told reporters in Lahore that the government would stay in power despite the MQMÂ’s decision. He said he was seeing no crisis in the country.
The government can, however, survive only if the PML-Q, having more than 50 MNAs, in the 342-member House, supports the government. However, the PML-Q leadership is in no mood to join hands with the government at this juncture.
The government can also survive if the PML-N, which has 91 MNAs, supports the government, even without joining the set-up.
After the MQMÂ’s decision, the prime minister enjoys the support of about 158 MNAs, or 14 less than the minimum number of votes required to form majority.
When the prime minister was asked if he could expect support from the PML-N, he said: “The question should be referred to Mian Nawaz Sharif”. He said the PML-N chief was supporting the democratic system and would not like to see its collapse.
Answering another question, the prime minister said if the political forces stood united, no third force would be able to think of intervening.
In Karachi, MQM finally decided to part ways with the government and sit on the Opposition benches in the Parliament. The decision was taken at the Coordination Committee meeting of MQM, which was simultaneously held at Karachi and London on Sunday evening.
Formal application to sit on the opposition benches would be submitted with the authorities concerned soon. However, the MQM has not made any decision yet about leaving the Sindh government where it is also a coalition partner of the PPP.
Two MQM ministers, Dr Farooq Sattar and Babar Khan Ghauri, resigned from the Federal Cabinet about a week ago as a protest for not taking steps to address the partyÂ’s reservations both at the Centre and Sindh.
Departure of the two federal ministers was the first strong indication that the MQM is not satisfied with the assurances given by President Asif Ali Zardari to MQM Quaid Altaf Hussain.
A couple of days back, during one of his telephonic addresses to his party cadre in Pakistan from London, the MQM Quaid hinted that the party would prefer to sit on the opposition benches in Islamabad after the PPP dragged its feet to address the issues raised by MQM with President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani.
The PPP was confident that MQM would remain part of the coalition. However, the announcement on Sunday evening will shake the PPP coalition government at the Centre. It was an unexpected move as for as the PPP is concerned. It is believed that MQMÂ’s decision is linked with hike in the POL prices. The MQM had advised the Government not to raise POL prices.
MQM Coordination Committee also criticised the fresh increase in the prices of petroleum products and demanded of the government to stop putting burden on the poor people.
In a statement issued from MQM office, the Rabita Committee said, “At the time when the poor people are struggling to earn bread for their children and are forced to live a deplorable life, as selling of children, suicides and immolations have become a common practice, therefore, increase in prices of POL products would bring in a fresh wave of price hike and add to the misery of the common people.”
They further said that the increase in POL prices would directly affect the prices of essential commodities and would prove to be a deathblow to the poor and middle class people.
“While the poor people are being taxed to pay debts obtained for extravagant expenses of the Government and on the other hand the prices of POL, gas, electricity and other essential items are being increased on almost daily basis.” They said that the MQM being a political party representing the poor people and middle class would never support any step that is not in their interest.
They said that the time demanded solid steps for welfare of the people, the national security and integrity of the country. They advised the Government to recover money from those who usurped the national wealth and were causing huge loss to the national exchequer by not paying taxes. They demanded of President Asif Zardari to take serious notice of this fresh increase in POL prices and take back the increase immediately.
Speaking in Lahore about the raise in the prices of petroleum products, Prime Minister Gilani said a regulatory authority took decisions keeping in mind the trend in the international market. If the government told the regulatory authority not to raise the prices, it would have to give subsidy, which was not possible in the prevailing circumstances.
PML-N spokesman Ahsan Iqbal, in an interview, said MQMÂ’s decision was a natural outcome of the situation. He said if the MQM sat on Opposition benches, the government could collapse.
Answering a question, he said morally speaking the prime minister should seek a vote of confidence from the House. However, he said, a minority government could also stay on.
Asked whether the PML-N could bring its own prime minister as replacement to Gilani, Ahsan said it was premature to say anything on the subject.
MQM leader Haider Abbas Rizvi told reporters in Karachi that his party would formally request the Senate chairman and the National Assembly speaker to allot MQM parliamentarians seats on Opposition benches.
In a related development, MQM chief Altaf Hussain contacted PML-Q leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, PML (Functional) President Pir Pagara and some other leaders.
MONITORING DESK ADDS: JUI-F Chief Maulan Fazal-ur-Rehman has said that opposition parties should sit together and fill the political vacuum. He was talking to Waqt News from Makkah. He said the real situation would arise after PML-N takes decision. He said he did not know what decision PML-N would take. PML-N decision would have impact on the future, he added.
Agencies add: MQM leader Altaf Hussain said if the political dynasties did not come to an end, PakistanÂ’s existence could come in danger. Altaf said the survival and future of Pakistan depended on the 98 per cent of Pakistanis who are poverty-stricken and working-class people, he said this during a telephonic address at a ceremony in Multan.
He said civil and military rulers of Pakistan had made this country dependent on foreign aid and loans. He said the country could not progress until the monopoly of a few families was abolished.
The MQM chief also said that a revolution was about to take place in Pakistan and the nation would end this antiquated system and take the country forward.
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Successful strike across country

January 1st, 2011 | No Comments


LAHORE\KARACHI\ISLAMABAD\PESHAWAR – Business activities ground to a halt on Friday as major markets across the country completely remained shut on the call of religious and political parties to protest against governmentÂ’s move to amend the Blasphemy Law.
Tahafuz-e-Namoos-e-Risalat (TNR), alliance of over 60 religious and religio- political parties, had given call for the countrywide shutter-down to convey strong message to the rulers regarding sentiments of the faithful about the law.
Besides closure of major business centres, component parties of TNR organised Hurmat-e-Rasool (PBUH) conferences in major cities where speakers threw light on the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and highlighted the importance of the Blasphemy Law. Ulema and Khatibs highlighted Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) and the issue of blasphemy during Juma sermons while unanimous resolutions, supporting Blasphemy Law, were also adopted during thousands of congregations across the country. Several khatibs said any change to the law would happen “over our dead bodies”. After the Juma prayers, rallies and demonstrations were staged outside mosques all over the country including Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta and Azad Kashmir.
Hundreds of thousands of peopled attending the rallies to raise their voice in support of the Blasphemy Law and against attempts by the government to change it.
The participants were carrying placards and banners inscribed with writings relating to the sanctity of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and importance of blasphemy law. Highly charged participants chanted slogans ‘Ghulami-e-Rasool (PBUH) main maut be kabool hai’, ‘death for those who commit blasphemy’ and ‘no one will be allowed to amend blasphemy law’.
They demanded that for showing sincerity, the government should initiate an action against Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer for campaigning against the law and it should also direct PPP MNA Sherry Rehman to withdraw the bill already tabled in the House.
The participants also chanted slogans against PPP MNA Sherry Rehman and Governor Punjab Salmaan Taseer for supporting changes in the law and Christian lady Aasia Bibi, a blasphemy accused.
In a joint statement, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Sahbzada Abual Khair Zubair, Syed Munawar Hasan and Hafiz Muhammad Saeed maintained that the successful shutter-down strike had sent a strong message to the rulers, vowing that the nation would not allow them to undo the countryÂ’s Islamic identity under foreign pressure. They stated that the nation had demonstrated complete unity by closing all business. They urged the rulers and all political forces to get approved resolutions in support of Blasphemy Law from the National assembly and Senate.
In Lahore, Tahafuz-e-Namoos-e-Risalat Mahaz organised Hurmat-e-Rasool rally outside the Lahore Press Club. Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi, Athar-ul-Qadri, Raza-e-Mustafa, Muhammad Ali Naqashbandi, Nawaz Kharal, Ziaul Haq Naqashbandi, Hasseb Qadri and other led the rally.
Addressing the participants, Dr Raghib Naeemi warned the rulers against introducing any amendment to the law, saying that the Muslims would not accept any punishment less than death for any blasphemer. He vowed to utilise all energies for protecting blasphemy law.
Speaking at a rally in Mansehra, JI Amir Syed Munawar Hasan said the government assurance against any amendment in the law would be acceptable only if Prime Minister Gilani personally made an announcement to this effect on the floor of the Parliament. He said for showing sincerity, the government should initiate action against the Punjab Governor for campaigning against the law.
Addressing Juma congregation at Jamia Masjid Al-Qadsia, JamaÂ’at-ud-DaÂ’wa Chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed urged the rulers to make sincere efforts for persuading the world community to pass the law regarding death sentence for those committing blasphemy against all prophets. He suggested the UN to step in and pass blasphemy law for all countries.
In Karachi, Sahibzada Fazal Karim, Haji Hanif Tayyab and Sarwat Ijaz Qadri lead the mammoth rally. Sahibzada Khalid Sultan led a huge public gathering in Quetta, Akhlaq Jalali in Rawalpindi, Shadab Raza Naqashbandi in Faisalabad, Daud Rizvi in Gujranwala, Afzal Qadri at Gujrat, Mehfooz Mashadi at Mandi Bahauddin, Arif Saeedi at Sukkur, Safdar Gilani at Mianwali, Ajmal Gilani at Narang Mandi while Mufti Fazal-ur-Rehman led rally at Okara.
Besides these cities, massive demonstrations were also staged in Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Narowal, Pasrur, Muridke, Sialkot, Jhelum, Jhang, Kasur, Raiwind, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Tank and Burewala. Business centres and shops also remained closed in these cities.
In several major cities including Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar, small markets in residential areas were completely closed till at noon. However, some of the traders opened their shops in the afternoon.
In Karachi, complete but peaceful shutter-down strike was observed across the metropolis. There was no public transport in the city, where demonstrators blocked traffic. Daily routine life was suspended as shops and markets throughout the metropolis remained closed.
Transporters fully took party in strike to make it successful and effective.
However, private cars and motorcycles were seen plying on the roads.
The people staged huge and small rallies in various parts of the city to give vent to their anger against proposed changes to the Blasphemy Law.
Sunni Ittehad Council Chief Sahibzada Fazal Karim took out a big rally from Numaish Chowrangi to Shah Alam Bukhari Eidgah, which was attended by a large number of people.
Speaking to the participants, Sunni Ittehad Council Chairman Fazal Karim threatened to launch a civil disobedience movement if the government tried to amend the law.
In Rawalpindi, on the call of Tahafuz-e-Namoos-e-Risalat (TNR), traders observed a complete shutter-down strike in the city against rulersÂ’ shameful attempt to change the Blasphemy Law. All the markets, shopping centres and Bazaars remained closed at Saddar, Bank Road, Chick Bazaar, Ganjmandi, Liaquat Road, City Saddar Road, Sotter Mandi, and other areas of the city.
After Juma prayers, hundreds of thousands of traders and ulema belonging to different schools of thought held a protest demonstration at Committee Chowk giving a clear warning to the government that entire nation would march towards Islamabad if the rulers tried to make any amendment in law.
While addressing the protesters, the speakers demanded removal of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer from his office as well as of former federal minister Sherry Rehman from PPP for their alleged efforts to get passed the amendment bill from the Parliament.
They came down hard on Interior Minister Rehman Malik over his failure to recite of Surah-e-Ikhlas correctly. They said such politicians had no right to rule the country and they should step-down immediately.
In Peshawar, traders community also observed complete shutter-down against the proposed changes to the Blasphemy Law and demanded that the Christian woman should be handed for committing blasphemy. Businesses remained closed and city-wide rallies were held by the religious parties to record their protest.

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Govt set to ‘adjust’ MQM

December 30th, 2010 | No Comments


KARACHI – As the PPP-led government is trying its best to woo back the renegade allies, President Asif Ali Zardari assured MQM chief Altaf Hussain late on Wednesday night that they would not let anyone to make the allied parties annoyed.
He promised to address all the reservations of the MQM and said necessary actions would be taken to accommodate them.
Zardari was talking to Altaf during a telephonic conversation, as the MQM chief pressed the president to listen their grievances. The top leaders of the two parties contacted in the presence of Sindh Governor Ishrat-ul-Ibad called on him twice at the Bilawal House in Karachi. Federal ministers Rehman Malik and Syed Khursheed Shah were also present on the occasion.
The hectic talks continued as the MQMÂ’s coordination committee held a meeting simultaneous in the metropolis and London.
Talking to media persons outside Bilawal House, Malik said Zardari had decided to stay in Karachi for next 10 days during which he would address all the reservations expressed the MQM once for all.
The two sides would list out all the differences and hold discussions in detail for finalising the matters, he said.
Rehman said those who were waiting for a clash between the two parties would remain unsuccessful as the allied parties would strengthen the mutual relations even further.
Replying to a question, he said any change in the Sindh cabinet was discretion of Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and he was not in a position to say any thing over the matter.
Earlier, President Zardari on Wednesday directed the Government of Sindh to continue reconciliation policy with its allies in the province.
However, after having a meeting with the president, the PPP ministers hinted at withdrawing plan regarding revival of old commissionerate system, which caused annoyance for MQM, sources said.
Zardari, during the meeting held at Bilawal House, was briefed by provincial ministers about the development works, performance of the ministers and law and order situation in the province. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, provincial ministers and PPP MPAs attended the meeting.
However, Advisor to CM on Information Ms. Sharmila Faruqui during her briefing to the media persons outside Bilawal House claimed that meeting did not discuss MQMÂ’s grievances and revival of Commissionerate System.
President Zardari directed the Government of Sindh that reconciliation process, which was initiated by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, would be continued with all the coalition partners including MQM, she added.
Meanwhile, sources privy to the meeting informed The Nation that President Zardari had directed the Sindh Chief Minister and Provincial Law Minister not to table bill for revival of Commissionerate System in the province unilaterally in the next session of the Assembly.
Earlier during a meeting with Sindh Governor Dr Eshratul Ebad at Bilawal House on Tuesday night, the President had also assured him of not tabling bill to abolish existing local government system and revive Commissionerate System in the province, sources said.
Meanwhile, Advisor to CM on Information Sharmila in her media briefing said that provincial ministers briefed President Zardari on the development works continued in the province.
Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza briefed the President about the overall law and order situation in the province. He shared the data of crime rate in province and there has been a significant decline in the crime ratio during the three-year period of the PPP government, she added.
She said that Advisor to CM on Planning and Development Kaisar Bengali and Provincial Minister for Rehabilitation of Flood Affectees, Haji Muzaffar Shujrah, briefed the President about the rehabilitation work in flood-affected areas. President Zardari asked the provincial legislators to regularly visit their constituencies to keep a close contact with their voters, she said.
The sources privy to the meeting further said that a PPP MPA Naeem Ahmad Kharal from Khairpur complained that no development works were being carried out in his constituency.
Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza while talking to media persons after the meeting said that his leaders had sacrificed their lives for democracy and he was also ready to sacrifice his ministry for the sake of democracy.

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MQM may quit Sindh govt: Altaf

December 29th, 2010 | No Comments


KARACHI – Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Quaid Altaf Hussain on Tuesday ratified the decision of MQM Rabita Committee regarding quitting the Federal Cabinet.
Speaking to a large gathering of MQM workers at Nine Zero, Altaf Hussain said that the future decisions would hinge upon the attitude of the Government. “If the Government did not change its attitude for better then we would sit on the opposition benches. The PPP leaders who are always saying that they do not need MQM in Sindh should adopt a resolution in this regard and we would come out of the Sindh Government immediately. We still want the PPP government to complete five years and that the democratic process continues. If the Government changes its course of action and works for the welfare of the people then MQM will continue to support it. MQM cannot be browbeaten into accepting government actions.”
He said MQM could no longer continue backing the Government on anti-public decisions, declaring that it is no use holding such ministries which incessantly fail to serve any good to masses.
He advised President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to work for the development and prosperity of the people. “Had Pakistan People’s Party acted upon my advice given time after time, the PPP and people would not have to face the present circumstances,” he regretted.
He said, “MQM is a democratic party and believes in democratic norms as well as following the principles of democracy with honesty and integrity.”
He said that MQM announced unconditional support by forgetting every other thing when the Co-Chairman of PPP Asif Ali Zardari came to Nine-Zero with his colleagues.
Altaf said that in the past three years whenever there was a difficult time, MQM lent its support to the Government and extended every possible cooperation to President Zardari. “Despite being a coalition partner our ministers were never consulted before taking important decisions and all the decisions were taken by the Federal Cabinet unilaterally,” he further said. “If the Government considers MQM as its coalition partner then it must realise that the coalition partners are not treated like enemy and strangers,” he further said.
He also came down hard on Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Nawaz Sharif for criticising MQM in the latter’s public meeting in Muzaffarabad, and called Nawaz ‘a by-product of dictatorship’.
Meanwhile, Altaf Hussain contacted JUI-F Chief Fazlur Rehman. Both the leaders discussed the current political situation.
Online adds: MQM chief Altaf Hussain has given a final warning to the Pakistan PeopleÂ’s Party-led government to mend its ways; otherwise, his party would be forced to part ways with the Sindh coalition too and move from government to the opposition benches.
He said the MQM could no longer continue backing the government on anti-public decisions, saying, “It is no use holding ministries which incessantly fail to serve any good to masses,” Altaf said, adding that the PPP had failed in controlling corruption and inflation.
He advised President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to work for the development and prosperity of the people. “Time has still not run out and now the ball is in PPP’s court,” he said, adding, “The MQM is not interested in continuing to be part of the government rather it wants to work for serving the masses facing severe hardship because of relentless price hike and corruption.
Talking about Nawaz Sharif, he said the PML-N chief was trained by the dictators and generals like Ziaul Haq and Durrani, adding that during the government of Nawaz, the Supreme Court of Pakistan was attacked and dishonoured. Nawaz had indirectly blamed the MQM during his speech in Muzaffarabad the other day for violence and killings in Karachi.
Meanwhile, the federal ministers of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Tuesday dispatched their resignations to President Asif Ali Zardari.
According to a statement issued from Nine-Zero, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Farooq Sattar, and Federal Minister of Ports and Shipping, Babar Ghauri, have faxed their resignations to President Zardari. The statement said the partyÂ’s reservations still existed.
Sources said that MQM would quit the provincial cabinet in the second phase in January if the negotiations of party with the ruling PPP failed.
However, the President House spokesman has said that the Presidency was nothing to do with the resignations as the matter was related to the Prime Minister House.
Meanwhile, to allay the concerns of Muttahida Qaumi Movement, the Pakistan PeopleÂ’s Party stalwarts have jumped into the fray and both President and Prime Minister have talked to the central leaders of MQM and Governor Sindh Ishratul Ibaad.
Sources in the Pakistan PeopleÂ’s Party informed The Nation that in a damage control bid President Asif Ali Zardari has asked Interior Minister Rehman Malik to have meeting with MQM leaders and look into their grievances with the government so that the same could be redressed forthwith.
Sources further informed that both President and Prime Minister also had a detailed telephonic conversation on the issue and various options were discussed to bring MQM round, as the withdrawal of support by MQM would plunge the coalition government in deep trouble.
Talking to The Nation Central Information Secretary of the party Ms Fouzia Wahab sounded optimistic about a PPP-MQM patch-up, as government was ready to address all their (MQM) genuine concerns and hoped that things would be normal soon.
She further said that President Asif Ali Zardari had already barred the party leaders to stop giving statements about the coalition partners while he had also talked to the top hierarchy of MQM on their concerns and government was already in the process of addressing the same.
She further said, “Democracy is in the interest of all the political players and MQM is no exception, so I hope MQM will not take any step detrimental to the incumbent political dispensation.”
She once again reiterated her partyÂ’s stance to continue pursuing politics of reconciliation and hoped that the other major political players in the arena would also display the same spirit of supporting and strengthening the political set-up at centre and provinces.
She further said that PPP would take up the concerns of the MQM in the upcoming CEC meeting of the party and would talk out the issues with MQM in friendly fashion.
Meanwhile, the two-member committee comprising Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah met at CM House on Tuesday and discussed the grievances of Muttahida Qaumi Movement, main coalition partner of ruling PPP in Sindh and federal government.
After announcement of MQM to quit federal cabinet, the President formed a special committee of Interior Minister and Sindh Chief Minister, directing them to engage in dialogue with MQM on their grievances.
According to CM House, the committee discussed the grievances raised by MQM about Reform General Sales Tax, Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar MirzaÂ’s harsh attitude towards them and other issues.
The MQM has main grievances over the proposed revival of Commissionrate system of old local government system in the province, which was already agreed by all the coalition partners and opposition benches in Sindh Assembly, except MQM.
Sources said that MQM made it clear that it will not accept shelving of existing local government system, introduced by former military dictator retired Gen Pervez Musharraf. Even, MQM wants more powers for the existing local government system comprising Nazims, but PPP in its draft bill of local government wants abolishment of this system, suggesting revival of Commissionrate system of old local government system to replace Nazims.
However, presently two ruling coalition partners, MQM and PPP, are sticking on their position on the subject.
Sources said that PPP believed that after devolution of provincial departments to three tiers — District, Tehsil/Town and Union Councils of local government, the provincial government of Sindh will have no check and balance on local government, leaving deterioration of system and increase in corruption.
Sources told The Nation that two-member committee also approached the Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat ul Ebad and decided to continue dialogue process on grievances of MQM.
After discussing the issues with MQM, the committee will submit initial report/recommendation and outcome of dialogue to President Asif Ali Zardari.
Meanwhile, a statement of CM House said that after discussion and consultation with the coalition partners, the committee would revisit the President and Prime Minister to submit the outcome of negotiation.
APP adds: JWP Chief Talal Bugti has appreciated the stance of MQM Chief Altaf Hussain on arrest of Shahzain Bugti. Bugti said this during a telephonic talk with MQM Rabita Committee member yousuf Shahwani, said a statement issued by MQM here on Tuesday. Talking to Bugti, Shahwani said Altaf has taken a bold and principled stand on situation of Balochistan, the MQM statement maintained.

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Another setback for Pakistan government as MQM parts ways

December 28th, 2010 | No Comments

PakistanafmapThe ruling coalition in Pakistan led by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has suffered a major setback as another of its key ally, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), decided to part ways with the government. “The reservations of the party have not been addressed and we are forced to make a decision to go our [...]

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MQM quits cabinet, not govt

December 28th, 2010 | No Comments


KARACHI – The Rabita (Coordination) Committee of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Monday decided to quit the federal cabinet. However, the party will not sit on the opposition benches in the National Assembly.
The decision was made in a joint meeting of the committee held in London and Karachi simultaneously. According to the decision, Federal Minster for Overseas Pakistanis Dr Farooq Sattar and Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Ghauri will tender their resignations in the first phase. It was also decided in the meeting that the MQM would soon make a about leaving the Sindh government. The MQM is of the view that the PPP government did not consider the proposals presented for the welfare of the masses. “The decision is a result of the government’s ignorance towards its coalition partner,” the MQM said.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Information Qamar Zaman Kaira said the MQM was an allied party and every effort would be made to address their grievances, as done earlier. Expressing the hope that the PPP will be able to woo back the coalition partner, he said they learnt about the decision through media, as the top leadership was busy in the ceremonies held in the connection with Benazir Bhutto’s death anniversary. He said, “We will discuss the matter in a meeting after returning to Islamabad and ascertain how much capacity we have.”
Kaira reiterated that the govt believed in the policy of reconciliation and wanted to move forward not only along with the allied but also the opposition parties.
On the other hand, President Asif Ali Zardari assigned Interior Minister Rehman Malik the task to persuade the MQM to withdraw the decision.
Agencies add: The meeting was called after the end of 10-day deadline fixed by the MQM leadership in the hope of an action over the controversial statement of Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza.
Both Farooq Sattar Babar Ghauri, both are currently abroad and they will submit their resignations today (Tuesday) after returning back to the country.
MQM leader Faisal Sabazwari while talking to a TV channel said his party was only resigning from the federal cabinet but it would continue to sit on the ruling benches in the National Assembly, adding that the MQM had not decided about the ministries in Sindh cabinet.
Expressing similar views, Haider Abbas Rizvi said, “We’ll not sit on the opposition benches,” adding that they would continue strengthening democracy in the country. He maintained that the MQM did not intend to mount the pressure on the government.
Commenting over the move, Faisal Raza Abidi, a prominent leader of PPP, described the MQM as an integral part of the government and said it would remain a part of the ruling alliance. He said, “This kind of minor issues do happen in any democratic set up and they will be addressed accordingly as the PPP committed to remove the MQM‘s reservations. “We hope that during next 24 hours all differences between the PPP and the MQM will be resolved and everything will be fine,” claimed the PPP leader.

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I may contribute to Akshay’s film again: Pakistani rapper Bohemia

December 27th, 2010 | No Comments

Pakistani rapper BohemiaUS-based Pakistani rapper Bohemia, who collaborated with Akshay Kumar in “Chandni Chowk To China” for the snazzy version of the title track, is expecting to ink another deal with the Bollywood star. “Last month I had a meeting with Akshay bhai again. Hopefully, I will again contribute in his another film. Talks are on with [...]

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PML-N not govt-friendly

December 27th, 2010 | No Comments


MIRPUR – Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) was formally launched on Sunday in Azad Kashmir, thus becoming a new entity in the political arena of the area.
The announcement regarding the formation of the PML-N, AJK chapter, was made by the partyÂ’s Quaid and former prime minister Mian Nawaz Sharif at a public meeting in Muzaffarabad. More than 20,000 people attended the rally addressed by him. Former AJK prime minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan, ex speaker AJK assembly Shah Ghulam Qadir, PML-N leader Raja Zafarul Haq and other senior leaders and activists were present on the occasion.
Elaborating the objective of forming his party in AJK, Nawaz said since he had always considered Muslim Conference as his Muslim League, he was never in favour of launching the PML-N in AJK in the past. But the circumstances compelled him to launch his partyÂ’s chapter in AJK after those (leaders of Muslim Conference) whom he considered his allies in AJK, supported former dictator General Pervez Musharraf.
Nawaz said he was keen to be with the aggrieved people when deadly earthquake struck Azad Kashmir on October 8, 2005, but he was not allowed to do so by dictator Musharraf.
He said the PML-N would get the mandate from the democracy-loving people of Pakistan and AJK instead of licking the shoes of any dictator in the next general elections in the country.
Nawaz categorically dispelled the impression that the PML-N was friendly opposition.
“PML (N) is Pakistan-friendly and not the government-friendly opposition party,” Nawaz said adding that the party would continue working and striving hard for the speedy progress, prosperity, security and sovereignty of Pakistan.
Meanwhile both Raja Farooq Haider and Shah Ghulam Qadir, formerly frontline leaders of Muslim Conference, elaborated the causes of parting their ways from the MC along with nine other lawmakers in the AJK Legislative Assembly. They said the decision was taken keeping in view the traditional betrayal of commitment and somersault by the incumbent Prime Minister Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan.
Farooq Haider accused Attique of splitting MC for vested interests.
Agencies add: Nawaz Sharif criticised MQM for its alleged involvement in May 12 massacre in Karachi and violence in the city after assassination of Dr Imran Farooq.
“Those who are talking about revolution should answer why massacre was carried out in Karachi when Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry arrived in Karachi on May 12,” asked the PML-N chief.
The MQM was an ally in Pervez Musharraf regime and its leader Mustafa Kamal was mayor of Karachi in 2007 when the May 12 riots took place in the city.
Nawaz said those demanding revolution should define this word. “Is it the revolution that MQM leader Imran Farooq is murdered in London and dozens of people are killed in Karachi in its reaction?”
He said PML-N is a revolutionary party. He himself is an innovative person, adding that the PML-N is a sign of revolution.
The PML-N Chief lamented that the country witnessed massive mismangement in the flood aid. He said corruption is rampant and asked the governmet to mend its ways.

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‘It’s not Quaid’s Pakistan’

December 26th, 2010 | No Comments


LAHORE – It is not the Pakistan envisaged by the Founder of the Nation as the notorious, corrupt and fake degree-holders have become the decision-makers, while the Quaid wanted the country to be free from the evils of sectarianism, nepotism, terrorism and corruption.
People will reject such a democratic system where the poor have been left with little choice to lead better life, and the country cannot be transformed in accordance with the ideals of the Quaid and Allama Iqbal without supremacy of justice, elimination of corruption and bridging the gap between the rich and poor.
These views were expressed by the speakers while addressing a function held to commemorate the 134th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah Saturday under the aegis of the Nazria-e-Pakistan Trust (NPT) in collaboration with the Tehreek-e-Pakistan WorkersÂ’ Trust. The function was presided over by Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif while guest of honour was President Azad Jammu Kashmir Raja Zulqarnain Khan. Editor-in-Chief The Nation and Chairman NPT Majid Nizami, Senator SM Zafar, Justice (r) Nasira Iqbal, Zaid Hamid, Prof Humayun Ahsan and Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali also spoke on the occasion. Secretary NPT Shahid Rasheed conducted the proceedings.
Majid Nizami thanked all participants, and was of the view that the huge attendance verified the fact that people revered the Quaid. “I believe that without the Quaid, Pakistan would not have been a possibility. Allama Iqbal wrote a letter to the Quaid and invited the latter to lead Muslims. The Pakistan Resolution was passed in 1940, and the country gained independence in 1947, but we lost East Pakistan because of our incapacities, which happened because of the Generals. The Bengalis who were in majority thought that they would never get a chance to rule since the Army was ruling continuously,” he said, while mentioning that he wanted to see Pakistan as welfare state of the Quaid and the Allama.
Shahbaz Sharif averred that people had no concern with a democracy when hard-earned money of the poor was looted and even Hujjaj were not spared, while people were running from pillar to post for seeking justice.
The CM said Pakistan was achieved after innumerable sacrifices, and faced atrocities of Hindus and Sikhs during migration from India, while millions of Muslims from Chittagong to Karachi gathered under Quaid’s leadership. “Sacrifices were made to get such a land where justice prevails sans cruelty, excesses and corruption, and equal opportunities of progress are for every hardworking and able citizen, but despite the lapse of 63 years, we have failed in transforming Pakistan in accordance with the ideals of the Quaid and Allama Iqbal,” he deplored, adding that all social strata took part in removing dictatorship and restoration of democracy, but today there was plundering everywhere under the cover of this democracy.
“People’s hard-earned money was looted and deposited in Swiss banks, which is yet to be recovered. Moreover, a handful of people are provided with a profiteering opportunity by creating sugar crisis after billions of rupees were also looted and transferred to Dubai during the Musharraf era,” he added.
He also alleged that during the previous regime, machines worth billions were imported for rural and basic health centres which were without doctors and nurses. He mentioned that his government was utilising all resources in a transparent manner and providing education and health to the masses. “These are important steps towards materialising the dreams of Pakistan envisioned by the Quaid. The Punjab govt has promoted culture of austerity in the province and one-dish programme is being implemented strictly in all government functions. Use of sugar has also been prohibited in public offices,” he said.
Shahbaz was of the view that no nation relying on foreign aid could progress, and only those nations survived, which depended upon their own resources. “We are a nuclear nation, but still forced to beg foreign aid. If we make hard-work, honesty and passion our mottos, Pakistan can regain its lost status and join the ranks of dignified nations,” he suggested.
He said the Quaid had declared Kashmir as lifeline of Pakistan, and Kashmir could only be made part of Pakistan if its people would start depending upon their over own resources, getting rid of foreign aid and strengthening economy on sound footings.
Raja Zulqarnain Khan was of the view if Pakistan would not have been a separate country despite IndiaÂ’s independence the Muslims would have been living in subjugation of the Hindus.
While inviting the NPT to the AJK, he observed that Pakistan was incomplete without Kashmir’s liberation. “If it is not done, we will face more problems in the future. All rivers flow down to Pakistan from the Occupied Kashmir, and in an effort to strangulate Pakistan, India is in the process of tunnelling waters of Neelum, Jhelum and Indus rivers,” he pointed out.
He also mentioned that the Kashmiri elders had come to Lahore on the Pakistan Resolution Day and promised that Kashmir would be part of Pakistan. He wanted that the govt must revisit its Kashmir policy prior to the cooling down of liberation passion. “Today we understand why the Quaid called Kashmir as lifeline of Pakistan. We have to take a stringent stance now,” he demanded.
While asserting that the Quaid was the only role model so far, SM Zafar quoted various examples of the Pakistan’s Founder to bring home the point that the Quaid respected law at every cost. He also mentioned that the Quaid’s Muslim League should be united for materialising his dreams. “He must be feeling happy at Pakistan’s progress, but also sad at current scenario. Divided Muslim League should be united,” he stressed.
Nasira Iqbal said women were not being given representation as per Quaid’s thought. “His vision is not being put to practice. The Accountability and Local government bills are yet to be passed, while despite judiciary’s independence, its decisions are not being actualised,” she observed.
Religious scholar Zaid Hamid maintained that the Quaid was a ‘Wali’ and a soldier of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), and the former was destined to do the job of Pakistan’s creation since Allah wanted this to happen. He quoted Pir Jamaat Ali Shah and Allama Shabbir Ahmed Usmani in this regard.
He was of the opinion that the Quaid and the Allama could not comprehended completely separately. “Pakistan is the second Islamic state after Medina, which was created for put Islam into practice, which will be done one day since Allah is selecting people to do this job,” he maintained.
Sultan Ahmed Ali wanted diagnoses of the problems. He maintained that since the Pakistan Ideology was not being followed, it was adding to the problems and the gravity of the situation. “We have been defeated because we have quit the Ideology of Pakistan,” he concluded.
Col (r) Jamshed Ahmed Tareen demanded the government to initiate probe why an out of order ambulance was sent to carry the Quaid to a hospital.
Prof Humayun Akhtar asked the people to believe that they were a nation, which should follow the path of truth, as was done by the Quaid. “The nation has woken up and knows the difference between right and wrong,” he said.
Prof Rafique Ahmed was of the view that QuaidÂ’s vision was still applicable, and the Founding Father wanted Pakistan to be an Islamic state.
Speakers also paid glowing tributes to Majid Nizami for his contribution towards the Pakistan ideology, and were of the view that his struggle for strong Pakistan would bear fruit.
The AJK President, while thanking Majid Nizami for extending invitation, and seeing the success of the NPT, said TrustÂ’s responsibility was not only limited to Lahore. He invited the Trust and Majid Nizami to AJK.
‘It’s not Quaid’s Pakistan’

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QuaidÂ’s birth anniversary today

December 25th, 2010 | No Comments


LAHORE – The nation will celebrate the 134th birth anniversary of the Founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah with national spirit and enthusiasm on Saturday (today).
The day has been announced a public holiday in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The national flag will be hoisted at all government buildings throughout the country. The day will dawn with special prayers in mosques for the great leader Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and prosperity and development of the country.
A 31-gun salute and 21-gun salute would be given in the Federal capital and provinces respectively.
The three services chiefs and people from all sections of the society will lay floral wreaths on behalf of their respective services at the mausoleum of the Quaid in Karachi. A number of political, social, cultural and educational organisations have chalked out programmes to mark the occasion in a befitting manner.
In Lahore, one of the main functions will be held at the Alhamra Hall, Shaarey Quaid-e-Azam at 10 am under the auspices of the Nazaria-e-Pakistan Trust in collaboration with the Tehreek-e-Pakistan Workers Trust.
The function will be presided over by Chief Minister Punjab Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif while guest of honour will be President Azad Jammu Kashmir Raja Zulqernain Khan.
Senator SM Zafar, Zahid Hamid, Justice (Retd) Nasira Iqbal, Dr Muhammad Ajmal Niazi, MNA Bushra Rehman, Prof Humayun Ahsan and Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali will also attend the function.
The PML-N Youth Wing will carry out a rally from Nasir Bagh to Faisal Chowk and will perform cake cutting ceremony for both Quaid-i-Azam and PML-N Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

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‘Good neighbours better than distant kin’

December 20th, 2010 | No Comments


ISLAMABAD – Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao has urged the international community to respect PakistanÂ’s efforts as it had rendered invaluable sacrifices in the war against terror.
“We should not link terrorism to any specific religion or nation, and avoid pursuing double standard while dealing with the issue. We should rather focus on the root causes of terrorism and ways to eliminate them,” he said while addressing a joint session of the Parliament.
Services chiefs, chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, provincial governors and chief ministers, ambassadors of the foreign missions in Pakistan and other senior Chinese and Pakistani officials also attended the historic address.
Chinese Premier is the first Chinese and 6th world dignitary to address the joint sitting began his speech by greeting the parliamentarians saying; “Assalam-o-Alaikum” and concluded his speech with unanimously lauded slogan, also in Urdu, “Pak-Cheen Dosti Zindabad”.
Premier Jiabao pledged, “China will remain steadfast in its support to Pakistan and will expect the same from the international community. The people of Pakistan will surely overcome (their) difficulties,” he added.
Chinese Premier also vowed to boost strategic cooperation with Pakistan as he wrapped up a three-day visit to Islamabad that concluded by signing deals worth around $35 billion between the two countries.
“It is our collective objective to strengthen strategic ties between our two countries. China and Pakistan are the all-weather strategic partners and share the sorrows and joys of each other as close brothers,” Jiabao said, amidst heavy thumping of desks during his address.
“Let’s stand together, with a new confidence, and begin a new era of progress and prosperity, by jointly confronting all challenges,” he said, adding that both the countries had reached the present stage after passing through difficult phases.
He said as people in Pakistan say that a good neighbour is a blessing, “We in China say it is better to have a good neighbour than a distant relative.” Jiabao expressed the belief that the Pakistani people would be able to surmount all difficulties and assured that “the Chinese government and people would firmly stand by you to face all challenges together.”
He strongly voiced China’s stance against terrorism saying it must not be linked to any particular country or religion. “There should be no dual standards in this regard,” he said and called for making efforts for addressing the real reasons that lead to terrorism. “China’s stance is clear and consistent.
China while standing along with Pakistan and the international community was making sincere efforts to promote cooperation in this regard,” he said.
He assured that China would continue to enhance interaction with Pakistan in all spheres. Premier Wen said Pakistan was passing through a difficult phase as it was facing many challenges and problems. But he was confident that the government and people of Pakistan were determined to tackle these and would move ahead.
“The government and people of Pakistan are united and moving forward to safeguard solidarity, prosperity and sovereignty of the country,” he added. He said the international community was also cognizant of the struggle and efforts being made by the people of Pakistan in facing difficulties and have assured their full support. Premier Wen Jiabao said “The people of Pakistan have neither been influenced by anyone in the past, nor will they be, in future.”
He said it was the joint strategic vision of China and Pakistan to have an all-weather strategic partnership and added that it was “in conformity with the national interests of the peoples of the two countries. It would help promote peace, stability and prosperity of the region.” He said “China and Pakistan ties will get more deeper, closer and stronger.”
Premier Wen Jiabao termed the Pak-China friendship as a pine tree, that remains evergreen despite the harshest of winter, and it has stood the test of time like a strong horse, whose worth is known only when it accomplishes a long journey.
The Chinese Premier assured that China would assist Pakistan in helping it rebuild the damaged infrastructure due to the devastating floods.
“China would fulfil all promises made to Pakistan in this regard,” Premier Wen Jiabao said. He said China supported Pakistan in gaining economic sovereignty and was keen to see it made progress in all spheres through enhanced trade and business. He said China would support Pakistan in energy, transport, infrastructure and other areas. He said that during his visit the two countries agreed to ink business deals worth $10 billion, reflecting wide scope of economic and trade growth between the two countries.
Jiabao said China believed that Pakistan would benefit from the bilateral trade deals and increase its exports to China. He said the ICBC bank has been given permission to open branches at Islamabad and Karachi. He said China was also willing to have a currency swap deal with Pakistan and hoped that their cooperation would enhance further in economic sphere. The Chinese Premier also assured increased cooperation in fields of education and culture.
He said the year 2011 would be celebrated as part of the 60th anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic relations and more exchanges between the two countries would take place in this regard. He said over the next three years, China would provide 500 scholarships to Pakistani students and conduct 2,000 cataract operations in next two years. Jiabao said next year 100 Pakistani students will participate in Chinese language programme in China. He expressed the hope that more Pakistanis would visit China and learn the language. He said over the years the two countries were engaged in student exchange programme and the practice would continue, as it would enhance their people to people cooperation, he added. “We should make joint efforts to meet challenges and promote harmonious and sustainable development of the world,” Premier Wen said. He recalled his visit to Pakistan five years back and said that with the warm welcome, he felt as if he were visiting his home. He said the people of China and Pakistan were like brothers and their ties are “deep rooted” and “rock solid” that have stood the test of time.
Premier Wen said Pakistan has always supported China in all those critical times and mentioned that it stood by China whether it was the issue of membership to the UN General Assembly, relations between the United States of America and China, or on the issues pertaining to Taiwan, Tibet and Sinkiang. The Chinese Premier also recalled that Pakistan was first to support China in the aftermath of the earthquake at the Sichuan province and rushed to its aid.
Prime Minister Gilani said that Sino-Pak friendship “was taller than mountains, deeper than oceans, stronger than steel and sweeter than honey”. Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Ch Nisar Ali Khan said there was no difference of opinion among all strata of Pakistani society as far as the friendship and unparalleled ties between the two countries were concerned.
Later, before leaving the House, Chinese premier shook hands with the heads of the parliamentary leaders sitting on the front and waved his hands to other members of the house in a gesture of respect.

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Zardari doesn’t have leadership acumen

December 6th, 2010 | No Comments


WASHINGTON (Agencies) – President Asif Ali Zardari doesn’t have leadership qualities while Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani seems to be playing a strong role to counter national crises, revealed the WikiLeaks quoting US Ambassador Anne W Peterson.
In a document written by Islamabad-based US Embassy in June 2009, the envoy said that even in the presence of President Zardari, PM Gilani had filled the gap of leadership whenever it was required to establish a political alliance to counter any national crisis. An example is quoted in this regard that it was PM Gilani who managed to win support of all parties against war or terror and approval for military action against extremists.
“PM Gilani, in his address to nation on May 7, won people’s backing for military operation in Swat and adjacent areas which earned a legal certificate for the military to take steps against Taliban.”
The document also stated that President Zardari realised that he was not a popular leader and he himself confessed of not having any experience of such a high post in the past.
It also said that President Zardari personally wanted to establish good ties with India but he could not go ahead without ArmyÂ’s consent.
Meanwhile, WikiLeaks has disclosed another key point regarding Pakistan-US ties, which is about putting a condition on Pakistan for securing a nuclear cooperation with superpower likewise India.
During a meeting with President Zardari in 2009, US Senator John Kerry placed a condition on Pakistan that the latter would have to ink a ‘New Security Arrangement’ accord with neighbour India, if it wanted a civil nuclear cooperation with US, according to leaked memos of US diplomatic cables, cited in a letter of the then US Ambassador Patterson.
Citing the letter, WikiLeaks claimed that Senator Kerry wanted Pakistan to make agreement with New Delhi on New Security Arrangement, if latter was looking for winning a cooperation with US on civil nuclear deal.
Kerry also urged Pakistan to strengthen democratic institutions first for the purpose, leaked diplomatic cables disclosed. The Senator said AQ Khan network was key hurdle in way of progress of Pakistan.
While, during the same sitting, President Zardari told him that India itself plotted Mumbai attacks in November 2008.
Zardari also told US Ambassador Patterson that Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) hardly enjoyed support of only 20 per cent population in Karachi. Although, MQM had adopted an aggressive posture but we wanted to take them along, said Zardari to Patterson, as reported by WikiLeaks.
According to leaked diplomatic memos, the party always emerged victorious only on the basis of delimitation of constituencies, Zardari further told her.
According to a latest disclosure by the WikiLeaks, President Asif Ali Zardari had told US Vice-President Joe Biden in 2009 that General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and the ISI would take him out.
Zardari was referring to an alleged plot to remove him form the office. The cable also added that Zardari had made extensive preparations in case he was killed.
When Joe Biden disclosed the conversation to former British prime minister Gordon Brown, he replied that Kayani did not want to be another Musharraf and he (Kayani) was cautious about President Zardari and the Sharif brothers.
Brown further said President Zardari’s was unclear about the war on terror, though he (Zardari) always used to say, “Every thing is Okay.”
The former UK premier said the roots of terrorism in Pakistan were very much complicated and the religious seminaries solely could not be blamed for the issue. “There are certain areas where terrorism is given air.”
Biden said it was quite difficult to convince Pakistan about enhancing capacity against terrorism, adding that Islamabad was focusing its defence with a perspective of a threat from India.

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‘Brinkley, Miliband pressed Zardari to send ISI chief to India following 26/11’: Cable

December 2nd, 2010 | No Comments

Asif Ali ZardariFollowing the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the then British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, and Ambassador Robert Brinkley pressed Pakistan to send ISI MG Ahmed Shuja Pasha to India, a US embassy cable posted by WikiLeaks has revealed. During a conversation with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, Miliband described Pasha as a welcome “new broom” and [...]

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