ابن جلال

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One person killed two injured in road mishap


Quetta : One person was killed and two others injured seriously on Tuesday when two speeding cars collided at Bibinani near the Bolan district.

Sources informed that the accident occurred between two cars killing one person who was identified as Mir Chand on the spot and two others Nand Ram and Makhi Chand injured seriously.

Injured were shifted to Mach Civil Hospital.

All three victims hailed from Jaffarabad district.

Local police have also registered a case in to the accident.
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Dialogue for judges’ reinstatement to be succeeded: Shahbaz

DUBAI: Leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) Mian Shahbaz Sharif has expressed hope that ongoing dialogue for judges restoration would succeed.

Talking to the media persons in Dubai on Tuesday, he said PML-N was serious to achieve progress in dialogue with courage and it is hoped that negotiation would succeed.

He said that deposed judges should be reinstated according to the Murree Declaration.

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3 policemen killed in grenade attack

Anwar Ali

PESHAWAR: Three policemen were killed and an SHO sustained injuries when miscreants hurled a hand grenade and opened fire at a police van here on Tuesday.

According to details, a team of Lachi Police Station was following a snatched vehicle being ridden by the accused that suddenly riders attacked the police with gun fire and hand grenades near Samari area.

The attack by the miscreants left police driver, Ghufran and constable, Shah Noon besides Sartaj dead on the spot whereas the SHO Zafarullah Khan sustained severe injuries.

They were immediately shifted to Fauji Foundation Hospital, Lachi.

Police launched a grand operation in the area after the incident to hunt the unknown militants.

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Govt likely to change Kashmir policy

ISLAMABAD: The Federal government has decided to change the Kashmir policy, source said on Tuesday.

According to the new policy, Pakistan, while adopting a flexible attitude in dialogue process with Indian, would move forwards towards solution of the issue to provide rights to the people of Indian occupied Kashmir.

The government source said that new ruling government has decided to change its policy regarding occupied Kashmir.

The source added that the government realized that it should to convince India
for getting rid of the people of Jammu and Kashmir from Indian oppression by opting a flexible stance on the issue.

According to the new Kashmir policy, the government would take the cabinet and the opposition leaders into confidence besides the chairman Kashmir Committee Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan had been supporting the solution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations’ resolutions in the past and condemned Indian cruelties at every fora.

Analysts said that change in the old Kashmir policy would pave the way for relief to the people of Indian occupied Kashmir and India would be compelled to give the fundamental rights to the Kashmiris who are struggling for their right of self determination for the past sixty years.

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Nawaz leaves for Dubai in last ditch effort on judges’ issue

ISLAMABAD: The chief of PML-N and former Prime Minister, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif will leave for Dubai Tuesday later night in a bid to end the deadlock in talks with PPP over restoration of judges.

He would meet co-Chairperson of Pakistan Peoples Party, Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday.

It is pertinent to mention here that only today Wednesday is the day of the deadline for the restoration of the judges.

Sources said that it would be the last ditch effort by Nawaz Sharif and can be final round of talks between Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif on Judges issue.

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Sindh Govt to lay off all contractual employees

KARACHI: The Sindh Cabinet has approved a plan of laying off the contract staff of BPS-1 to BPS-22 serving in various departments across the province.

The announcement to this effect was made by Sindh Information Minister, Shazia Marri at a press conference here on Tuesday.

“No extension will be made in the period of employment of contractual staff”, she said, adding “re-employment of the relieved staff will not take place in future”.

She also announced that the name of district Nawabshah will be changed by passing a resolution by the provincial assembly.

Replying a question, she said the figures provided to her show as many as 300 employees of BPS-1 to BPS-11 will be dismissed.


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‘Pak tribal areas command & control centers for Al-Qaeda’: Europol Report

LONDON: Tribal areas in Pakistan are the "command and control centre" for Al-Qaeda's planning attacks in the EU, said an annual report issued by the European Police (Europol) Office on Tuesday.

The "Terrorism Situation and Trend Report-2008" is an important awareness tool for decision-makers at the European level, and is likely to generate a policy discussion and response across the EU.

"Afghanistan and Pakistan in general and the Pashtoon areas in particular are of utmost importance to EU counter-terrorism. The tribal areas of Pakistan host a number of terrorist training camps operating in support of the Afghan Taliban, pro-Taliban Pakistani groups and foreign Mujahideen.

Afghan Taliban and pro-Taliban groups in Pakistan have links to the increasingly active core-structure of Al-Qaeda that is currently based in the Pashtoon tribal areas in western Pakistan.

There, it is believed to have reorganized and rebuilt its capabilities as well as its command and control functions. Over the past five years much of the command, control and inspiration for planning attacks came from Al-Qaeda's remaining core leadership in the tribal areas of Pakistan," the Dawn quoted the report as saying while emphasizing on the need for policy focus on troubled spots.

It said that in the past, terrorist links between Pakistan and the EU were almost exclusively focused on the UK, "but now the terrorism is expanding in the EU".

The foiled plot in Germany, related to an Uzbek group based in the tribal areas, and recent cases in the UK and Denmark indicated an increasingly assertive and efficient Pakistani-based command and control of terrorism in the EU, it said and added that a number of EU nationals who attended training in Pakistan were later involved in terrorist offences in the EU.

The report said that in 2007, member states had observed an "increasing number of plots confined to a single member state but with links to Al-Qaeda-affiliated groups based in Pakistan".

Majority of the arrested suspects in the foiled attacks in Germany and Denmark had received some form of training in Pakistan, it added.

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Kyrgyzstan can export 1 Billion KW of Hydl electricity to Pakistan: Dr. Aitmurzaev

ISLAMABAD: Mr.Muhammad Ijaz Abbasi, President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) said that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan has to work for strengthening Trade and Economic Relations as Pakistan is the most suitable country for Central Asian States.

Dr.Nurlan Aitmurzaev, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan visited ICCI alongwith Mr. Almazbek Idiriov, Third Secretary and said that total trade of Kyrgyzstan with Pakistan is extremely low and aggressively needs to be enhanced.

He said that Kyrgyzstan is a growing economy and its major export is electricity, electrical products, semi-conductors and etc. He added that Kyrgyzstan has the capacity to export 1billion KW of Hydl electricity and has recently signed an agreement “Central Asian and South Asian Region of Electricity Market (CASAREM)” four countries (Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan and Pakistan) with World Bank and Asian Development bank to export electricity. Its secretarial will be in Afghanistan. He further said that Kyrgyzstan is building two new Hydl energy plants and invited Pakistani businessmen to invest in these projects.

He said that Kyrgyzstan Embassy was established in 2006 in Pakistan and is now working to enhance its relations with Pakistan. He said that Pakistan is a very important country for Kyrgyzstan and is the most suitable route of trade. He said that Kyrgyzstan prefers brotherly countries for investment and invited Pakistani companies to invest in Kyrgyzstan. He informed that recently in an international exhibition 35 Pakistani firms has participated.

Dr.Nurlan promised to give a briefing on trade potentials and investment opportunities of Kyrgyzstan at ICCI to the business community; which was agreed by the President and 21st of May, 2008 has been fixed for the same. He further said that the two countries should cooperate with each other to improve the trade and economic relations. He said that Pakistani businessmen are participating in Kyrgyzstan’s business activities and invited ICCI to bring a group of businessmen for visit to Kyrgyzstan and look at the possibilities of trade and investment.

Mr.Muhammad Ijaz Abbasi, said that the trade volume between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan is very low, which should be promoted with by joint ventures in the fields of interest. He said that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan has good brotherly relations and hoped that these relations would be further strengthened and trade between them would flourish in the years to come.

President said that Pakistan is short of energy and can benefit from the electrical capabilities of Kyrgyzstan to meet Pakistan’s energy requirements. He said that both countries can also cooperate in information technology, agriculture, textile and tourism sectors to explore more opportunities for investment.

Mr.Muhammad Ijaz Abbasi said that there exist good scope for exports of ready-made garments, cotton products, engineering goods, consumer goods, pharmaceutical, rice, textile fabrics, sports good, surgical instruments and tents from Pakistan and import of electricity, electrical products and etc from Kyrgyzstan.

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Pak Navy to be made effective force capable of meeting security challenges: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Tuesday said the government would strengthen Pakistan Navy to make it an effective force capable of meeting security challenges.

During his visit to Naval Headquarters, the Prime Minister said he fully realized the importance of maritime sector for its defence as well as economic potential.
Gilani said the country’s navy was fully prepared and geared up to safeguard maritime interests in terms of defence.

He expressed the confidence in the professional capabilities of Pakistan Navy with regard to the defence of country’s maritime frontiers.
He said Pakistan’s lifeline is its international trade that almost in totality is carried through the sea.

Earlier on arrival at NHQs, the Prime Minister was received by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir.

The Prime Minister was presented guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Navy. Later, he was introduced to Chief of Staff and Principle Staff Officers serving at Naval Headquarters.

A detailed briefing was given to Prime Minister by Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) Rear Admiral Shahid Iqbal on ‘Emerging Maritime Environment and Naval Strategy Aspects’. Federal Ministers for Defence, Finance and Foreign Affairs along with senior officers of Pakistan Navy attended the briefing.

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Gilani holds meeting with Musharraf

RAWALPINDI: A meeting between President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani held here on Tuesday to discuss key national issues.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani reached the presidential camp office here from Islamabad, was received by President Musharraf.

During their meeting both agreed to avoid any clash for the sake of democracy and democratic institutions.

President Musharraf reiterated to support the new government under the constitution and will work to strengthen democracy in the country.

The president and prime minister discussed law and order situation, price hike and Pakistan-India peace dialogue. .

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Sarabjit's family returns home

LAHORE: Indian spy Sarabjit's family left for India through Wagah border on Tuesday.

They came to Pakistan to meet the incarcerated Sarabjit and to appeal to the government for his release.

In this regard, Sarabjit's family asked to meet Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif and PPP co-chairperson Asif Zardari but both the leaders could not manage due to their political engagements.

Before leaving for India Sarabjit's sister Dalbir Kaur said she will demand the government for the release of Pakistani prisoners imprisoned in Indian jails.

Pakistani government ordered death sentence to Sarabjit as he was allegedly involved in spying and act of terrorism.

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Eleven killed, seven injured in S. Waziristan road mishap

WANA: As many as eleven persons were killed and seven injured when a passenger coaster fell into a gorge turn in a village Ainjar in South Waziristan Agency on Tuesday.

Reports said the accident occurred when driver of the coaster lost control while negotiating a sharp turn and trying to avoid head on collision with the pick up coming from opposite direction.

The injured were immediately shifted to Headquarters Hospital Wana.

The condition of four injured passengers is stated to be critical.

The driver lost control of the vehicle while the injured passengers stated.

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Cotton suffered Rs 2 bln loss due to mealy bug

CHISHTIAN: The cotton crop suffered a loss of Rs 2 billion in the area due to massive attack of mealy bug last year, agriculture experts observed here Tuesday.

Addressing a seminar,they stressed upon the urgent need to curb the growth of this new insect which has been playing havoc with cotton.

The experts called for a full-fledged and multi-pronged strategy to weed out the mealy bug in order to save cotton-based exports.

The agricultural experts said that proper application of prescribed pesticides in the affected fields can help overcome this menace.

They advised the farmers to burn the affected plants and bury them deep inside the earth so that this dangerous pest may not spread to healthy fields.

The speakers included—Muhammad Nadeem, Muhammad Arshad, MPA Muhammad Afzal, tehsil nazim Haji Muhammad Akram and others.

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Army Aviation chopper makes crash landing in Gujranwala

ISLAMABAD: A training helicopter of Pakistan Army Aviation Tuesday made a crash landing at the Gujranwala Army Aviation School, Rahwali.

According to ISPR, both the pilot Noman and instructor Ishtaiq Kiyani of the “Scheweizer” twin seater training helicopter which was on routine training mission, ejected safely.

A Board of Enquiry has been ordered into the incident.

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FBR mulls over a proposal for electronic payment of Sales Tax Refund

FAISALABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is mulling a proposal for electronic payment of Sales Tax Refund through computer to eliminate unnecessary delays and procedural hurdles in payment of sales tax refund.

This was disclosed by Collector Sales Tax Pervez Sultan Rana in a meeting with the members of Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) here Tuesday.

He said that Textile Exporters had been generally complaining of delay in issuance of refund cheques even after all the formalities and documentation in refund processing has been completed and the final amount of refund had been sanctioned but the issuance of cheque took many more months.

The new proposal under consideration would be prescribing immediate transfer of the sanctioned amount of sales tax refund into the computer of the exporter claimant through electronic transfer. Responding to the procedural and structural impediments in the existing refund regime pin pointed Mian Tahir Ishaque Bharara Chairman PTEA such as lack of data feeding in STARR system, part payment of refund claim due to minor objections beyond the control of the exporter resulting in holding back of major portion of refund claim, verification of suppliers return from other Collectorates and non-payment of refund after the acceptance of exporter’s appeal; the Collector Sales Tax stated that both the refund system and STARR system have been formulated by the FBR and were intended to expedite the payment of refund. However, in view of the experiences encountered in the implementation and practical working of these systems the Collectorate had formulated and forwarded to FBR certain improvements and modifications in the Sales Tax Refund Regime.

He further disclosed that the FBR was considering an other proposal to totally eliminate the manual checking and objections in the processing of refund claims and the FBR was mulling the idea of mechanical and computerized processing of refund claims totally eliminating the manual checking.

If this system was enforced the refund of sales tax to exporters would not only be expedited but many unnecessary hassles would also be eliminated, he hoped.

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PML-N, PPP talks on Judges’ restoration issue ended in futile

Dubai: Talks between the two major ruling coalition partners Pakistan People’s Party and Muslim League-N on Tuesday ended without any break through over the restoration of judges.

Muslim League-N delegation is returning home in a flight at 3:00 pm from Dubai after the failure of talks.

Co-chairman, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Asif Ali Zardari's and president Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Shahbaz Sharif held talks at Zardari's residence in Dubai but could not come to any conclusion on the issue.

PML-N members have avoided media to tell the detail of talks.

On Monday the two sides had a marathon session spread over several hours before they left the talks inconclusive prior to the dinner.

According to the sources the leaders of Muslim League-N have told their PPP coalition partners that they could announce about quitting the ministries tomorrow evening.

The final decision however will be made and announced by the party chief Mian Nawaz Sharif in a policy statement.

The deadlock was reportedly on linkage of the resolution for judges' restoration with the constitutional package for the judiciary, and the PPP was not ready to take the two, separately.

On the other hand, the PML-N also refused to get the two - resolution and constitutional package - linked and made it clear to the PPP that the resolution and the constitutional package were two separate things and both must be treated separately.

Further, there was a deadlock on the constitutional package too, as the PML-N was opposed to slashing down the tenure of the judges and simply wanted the restoration of the superior courts judges to pre-November 3 position. But PPP wanted to get the resolution linked with the constitutional package and insisted that the two should be tabled simultaneously in the Lower House of Parliament.

The proposals formulated by the seven-member committee from two sides to hammer out differences on the issue, were discussed between Asif Zardari and Shahbaz Sharif. But, having failed to break the ice, the two sides left the negotiating table empty handed, said sources privy to the talks.

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Lawyers’ representatives to meet Zardari on his return from Dubai

ISLAMABAD: Representatives of the lawyer fraternity will be holding a crucial meeting with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairman, Asif Ali Zardari on his return from Dubai to abreast themselves with his view point on restoration of the deposed judges.

Sources said the lawyers decided to meet Asif Ali Zardari after the irking situation evolved as the 30-day deadline set for restoration of the deposed judges has almost elapsed and the uncertainty on the issue has increased manifolds.

During the lawyer would give a clear indication to the PPP leaders to face lawyers’ long march in case judges were not restored.

The lawyers have consulted leading leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-N also in this regard, who assured the lawyers’ community that PML-N would withdraw all its ministers from the federal cabinet in case the judges were not restored.

PML-N has also taken into confidence the lawyer leaders for not going on long march in case the 30-day deadline exceeds by few days, which the lawyer leaders responded positively by saying that this could be acceded to only if the judges were restored after few days.

Sources said that PML-N has assured practically taking part in lawyers’ long march, if the judges were not restored.

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Bullet riddle body of a young man found from Ahsanabad area in Kar

KARACHI: A bullet –riddle body of 20-year old person has been found from Karachi Ahsanabad area, police said Tuesday.

The deceased was identified as Zeeshan Muzaffar. According to Sohrab Goth police, a motorbike, cell phone and helmet were recovered near the body.

Zeeshan was stated tom be the resident of Manzoor Colony area of Mehmoodabad and has been subjected to target killing.

Police has handed the body over to Zeeshan’s relative and started investigation.

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