PM orders 10pc job quota for women

NOWSHERA VIRKAN: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has directed all departments to ensure the implementation of the 10 percent employment quota for women.

Addressing the ground-breaking ceremony of Rs 82.311 million Nowshera Virkan inter-change project on Sunday, he said the PPP government would leave no stone unturned to empower the masses in all walks of life.

Gilani said the wish of Benazir Bhutto had been realised with the restoration of democracy in the country and “we have been successful to some extent to provide solace to her departed soul through such initiatives”.

He said the people were the basis of power under the vision of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.

“The country will prosper only if the people flourish in their enterprises,” he said. Gilani said such a huge gathering and enthusiasm of the people had strengthened his belief that the blood of the martyred leadership would not go to waste.

The prime minister said a land lord, an affluent or a poor man each had one vote, and the poor would bring a revolution through their votes. Recalling the PPP’s services for the country, he said, “The PPP has given the country a constitution and the 18th Amendment and strengthened institutions, including parliament and the judiciary.” Enumerating pro-people initiatives of the PPP government, Gilani said the government had lifted the ban from student, as well as labour unions in the country, and given 50 percent raise in the salaries.

About the government’s steps to strengthen the federation, he said the “PPP has given the NFC Award to the nation, empowered the people of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), as well as women in the country”. He said the PPP government had started several schemes, including the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to end the deprivation among the less privileged masses of the country.

“The PPP government is considering introducing health-insurance and provide free electricity and gas units to the poor strata of society,” he added.

The prime minister said technical education training would be imparted to the poor masses in order to enable them to earn their livelihood through skill learning. “PPP government will soon succeed in launching three and five marla residential schemes for the poor in the country,” the premier added.

Gilani directed the Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf to upgrade the Nowshehra Virkan grid-station. He also directed to develop a playground for the youth of the area. Gilani also inaugurated a natural gas project in the town. app

PM orders 10pc job quota for women

NOWSHERA VIRKAN: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has directed all departments to ensure the implementation of the 10 percent employment quota for women.

Addressing the ground-breaking ceremony of Rs 82.311 million Nowshera Virkan inter-change project on Sunday, he said the PPP government would leave no stone unturned to empower the masses in all walks of life.

Gilani said the wish of Benazir Bhutto had been realised with the restoration of democracy in the country and “we have been successful to some extent to provide solace to her departed soul through such initiatives”.

He said the people were the basis of power under the vision of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.

“The country will prosper only if the people flourish in their enterprises,” he said. Gilani said such a huge gathering and enthusiasm of the people had strengthened his belief that the blood of the martyred leadership would not go to waste.

The prime minister said a land lord, an affluent or a poor man each had one vote, and the poor would bring a revolution through their votes. Recalling the PPP’s services for the country, he said, “The PPP has given the country a constitution and the 18th Amendment and strengthened institutions, including parliament and the judiciary.” Enumerating pro-people initiatives of the PPP government, Gilani said the government had lifted the ban from student, as well as labour unions in the country, and given 50 percent raise in the salaries.

About the government’s steps to strengthen the federation, he said the “PPP has given the NFC Award to the nation, empowered the people of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), as well as women in the country”. He said the PPP government had started several schemes, including the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to end the deprivation among the less privileged masses of the country.

“The PPP government is considering introducing health-insurance and provide free electricity and gas units to the poor strata of society,” he added.

The prime minister said technical education training would be imparted to the poor masses in order to enable them to earn their livelihood through skill learning. “PPP government will soon succeed in launching three and five marla residential schemes for the poor in the country,” the premier added.

Gilani directed the Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf to upgrade the Nowshehra Virkan grid-station. He also directed to develop a playground for the youth of the area. Gilani also inaugurated a natural gas project in the town. app

Assault on judiciary

The judiciary is considered a vital pillar of national strength. Justice is the fulcrum that keeps people contended and ensures the respectful image of any society. Pakistan’s bleak period of military rule from General Ayub Khan to General Pervez Musharraf is a saga of utter degradation of the apex court, which ‘legitimised’ ouster of the elected leaders on contrived pleas of corruption and inefficiency, and Parliament compliantly endorsed the judgments. The outgoing dictator, who was given a proper send-off under the civil government, as if he were a rightful ruler, was an act which shows how puerile is our political mind. A viable military is indeed a very important element of national power, but it must not transgress its obligation to remain glued to its professional acumen, and be in a state of constant readiness to take on the ‘enemy’, should it embark upon any adventure against Pakistan. The blunder Musharraf committed resulted in the Kargil fiasco.


I once had an opportunity to visit Sri Lanka to attend a Conference on Brahimi Commission Report on UN Peace Keeping Operation (2002), which was attended by top brass retired military officers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, besides some prominent foreign scholars. Other Pakistanis attending the conference were Lt Gen (Retd) Talat Masood and Maj Gen (Retd) Jamshed Ayaz. Often after dinner we would have interactional sessions with several Indian army officers. Discussions mainly converged on the Kashmir issue and the so-called crossborder terrorism on the part of Pakistan. What became clear was that Musharraf was the most “hated” among the Indian army personnel. It was only after he reneged from the historical UN Resolution on Kashmir and offered a so-called “out-of-box” approach; he became relatively acceptable to the Indian Establishment. This clearly highlights the dangers of the military or in fact any other institution, taking unilateral steps on sensitive issues. Each institution must carry out its own job diligently without interfering in the working of others

APC to hammer out anti-terror policy: Gilani

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told the Senate on Thursday that consensus on a “national policy against terrorism” would be the aim of an all-parties conference (APC) he plans to convene on a suggestion from PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif.

But he did not indicate when he would call the conference for which he said “we will first do homework” and talk to each party separately, in remarks after the upper house unanimously adopted a flagship pro-poor government bill named after the assassinated PPP leader Benazir Bhutto.

“That will be a national policy against terrorism,” the prime minister said about the possible outcome of the APC, without clarifying whether it would mean altering or advancing what the government calls its policy of “three-Ds” – dialogue, development and deterrence – applied so far in tackling Taliban militants in the Malakand division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the adjacent Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

It was in a telephone talk between them early this month that Mr Sharif made the APC proposal, which Mr Gilani said he had “accepted readily” to take the country’s political leadership into confidence on issues such as violence in Balochistan, target killings in Karachi and what he called the “scenario in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab”.

The prime minister’s remarks came when a senior PML-N senator, Raja Zafarul Haq, suggested that Mr Gilani should have an “exchange of views” with parliamentary leaders on the government’s anti-terrorism strategy that he said needed to be reviewed.

The Senate vote, without any opposition, on the Benazir Income

Support Programme (BISP) Bill, which was passed by the National Assembly on June 28, now leaves only a formal signature by President Asif Ali Zardari to make the 25-clause draft into a permanent law with his wife’s name inscribed on it.

The programme which the bill said sought “to provide financial assistance and other social protection and safety net measures to economically distressed persons and families has already been in operation under a presidential ordinance.

The PML-N had sought to rename the BISP in the National Assembly as Qaumi (national) Income Support Programme but withdrew its amendment after loud protests from PPP members.

No such move was made in the Senate although PML-N’s Pervaiz

Rashid objected to what he saw as a waste of money in frequent media advertisements of the programme, to which the prime minister agreed in his remarks later while assuring the house that there would be no political discrimination in the distribution of funds.

BBH claims providing free of cost medicines to indoor patients Zakat fund not available as yet

After a gap of over two months, the administration of Benazir Bhutto Hospital resumed local purchase of life saving drugs to provide them free of cost to its patients particularly in wards however a number of patients still complain of purchasing medicines from open market.

The BBH administration was not purchasing medicines and surgical disposables from open market through local purchase (LP) for long to provide them free of cost to all its patients in wards while at outpatient department, most of the patients still have to purchase medicines from open market.

The hospital administration says that it is not possible to provide free of cost medicines and disposables to all patients in wards and at OPD because of shortage of funds.

“We have started providing free of cost treatment to maximum possible number of patients in wards of the hospital however patients at OPD are being given medicines free of cost on condition of their availability in the hospital’s medical store,” said BBH chief Dr. Asif Qadir Mir while talking to ‘The News’.

He said that the old contracts of LP have been extended for another three months that has enabled the hospital administration to provide free of cost treatment to significant number of patients in wards. “The indoor patients are being provided at least over 70 per cent of treatment free of cost.” He said that the BBH has started placing orders for medicines through LP while the process of awarding new contracts on the subject is in progress.

“After award of new LP contracts, the BBH would be able to provide free of cost treatment to 100 per cent indoor patients,” he claimed.

It merits mentioning here that the BBH administration started providing all types of medicines free of cost to all its patients in the beginning of July last year on the call of Punjab Health Department that, on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif, had planned to make medication free of cost for patients in wards in most of the public sector hospitals of the province. The practice, however, could not be continued smoothly for more than four months at the allied hospitals in town.

To a query, Dr. Mir said that a number of patients at the hospital are being facilitated through assistance from Bait-ul-Mal, “however ‘Zakat’ fund has not been made available to the hospital as yet for the current fiscal year.” It is important that Bait-ul-Mal is operated under federal government while Zakat fund is provided by the provincial administration.

To a query, Dr Mir claimed that BBH has been providing absolutely free of cost treatment to patients at emergency department, Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care Unit and operation theatres of the hospital.

It is pertinent to mention that most of the patients reaching allied hospitals belong to low and lower middle class that do not afford treatment at private clinics and hospitals. A number of patients expressed to ‘The News’ that if the provincial government cannot not afford provision of free of cost treatment to all indoor and OPD patients in public sector hospitals, then the Punjab CM should avoid making tall claims.

BBH claims providing free of cost medicines to indoor patients Zakat fund not available as yet

After a gap of over two months, the administration of Benazir Bhutto Hospital resumed local purchase of life saving drugs to provide them free of cost to its patients particularly in wards however a number of patients still complain of purchasing medicines from open market.

The BBH administration was not purchasing medicines and surgical disposables from open market through local purchase (LP) for long to provide them free of cost to all its patients in wards while at outpatient department, most of the patients still have to purchase medicines from open market.

The hospital administration says that it is not possible to provide free of cost medicines and disposables to all patients in wards and at OPD because of shortage of funds.

“We have started providing free of cost treatment to maximum possible number of patients in wards of the hospital however patients at OPD are being given medicines free of cost on condition of their availability in the hospital’s medical store,” said BBH chief Dr. Asif Qadir Mir while talking to ‘The News’.

He said that the old contracts of LP have been extended for another three months that has enabled the hospital administration to provide free of cost treatment to significant number of patients in wards. “The indoor patients are being provided at least over 70 per cent of treatment free of cost.” He said that the BBH has started placing orders for medicines through LP while the process of awarding new contracts on the subject is in progress.

“After award of new LP contracts, the BBH would be able to provide free of cost treatment to 100 per cent indoor patients,” he claimed.

It merits mentioning here that the BBH administration started providing all types of medicines free of cost to all its patients in the beginning of July last year on the call of Punjab Health Department that, on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif, had planned to make medication free of cost for patients in wards in most of the public sector hospitals of the province. The practice, however, could not be continued smoothly for more than four months at the allied hospitals in town.

To a query, Dr. Mir said that a number of patients at the hospital are being facilitated through assistance from Bait-ul-Mal, “however ‘Zakat’ fund has not been made available to the hospital as yet for the current fiscal year.” It is important that Bait-ul-Mal is operated under federal government while Zakat fund is provided by the provincial administration.

To a query, Dr Mir claimed that BBH has been providing absolutely free of cost treatment to patients at emergency department, Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care Unit and operation theatres of the hospital.

It is pertinent to mention that most of the patients reaching allied hospitals belong to low and lower middle class that do not afford treatment at private clinics and hospitals. A number of patients expressed to ‘The News’ that if the provincial government cannot not afford provision of free of cost treatment to all indoor and OPD patients in public sector hospitals, then the Punjab CM should avoid making tall claims.

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Torrential rains around noon ensured the third abandonment in four games played over two days in Trinidad, keeping Windward Islands and Combined Campuses and Colleges indoors for the final league game of the Caribbean T20. The more anticipated match-up of the day, between Guyana and Barbados met a similar fate earlier in the day leaving the tournament organisers worried about the knock-out games of the tournament to be played at the same venue over the next two days. Click here for more news

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The BlackBerry 9780 was the subject of a story we recently reported on as the handset wound up getting filed on a UAProf. Basically a refreshed Bold 9700, it does look that the handset will be launched with the new BlackBerry 6 OS under the hood, and come equipped with the new WebKit browser.
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Masti Khel clarifies his position to Mian Nawaz Sharif through a letter

ISLAMABAD: Member of Punjab Assembly Sana Ullah Masti Khel had sent a letter to Mian Nawaz Sharif clarifying his position with reference to presentation of resolution against media in the provincial assembly besides giving details about the circumstance under which the resolution was moved.

In his letter Sana Ullah Masti Khel said 17 members of all the parties being represented in the assembly had worked out the resolution and the main factor behind tabling the resolution was the resentment sparked by the baseless criticism and irresponsible reporting by a section of the press against the members of assembly.

“It is correct that I should have brought the resolution into the notice of party leadership before its presentation but such a situation had been created by the speeches delivered by members of assembly that forced him to move this resolution. The resolution was not based on any malafide intent.

He hoped that Mian Nawaz Sharif would accept his regret otherwise whatever decision was taken by PML-N Quaid would be acceptable to him.

PML-N Quaid has constituted a special committee under senior provincial advisor Sardar Zulfiqar Khosa to work out its recommendation on this matter. The committee will finalize its recommendations within 3 days and submit the report to Mian Nawaz Sharif.

Masti Khel clarifies his position to Mian Nawaz Sharif through a letter

ISLAMABAD: Member of Punjab Assembly Sana Ullah Masti Khel had sent a letter to Mian Nawaz Sharif clarifying his position with reference to presentation of resolution against media in the provincial assembly besides giving details about the circumstance under which the resolution was moved.

In his letter Sana Ullah Masti Khel said 17 members of all the parties being represented in the assembly had worked out the resolution and the main factor behind tabling the resolution was the resentment sparked by the baseless criticism and irresponsible reporting by a section of the press against the members of assembly.

“It is correct that I should have brought the resolution into the notice of party leadership before its presentation but such a situation had been created by the speeches delivered by members of assembly that forced him to move this resolution. The resolution was not based on any malafide intent.

He hoped that Mian Nawaz Sharif would accept his regret otherwise whatever decision was taken by PML-N Quaid would be acceptable to him.

PML-N Quaid has constituted a special committee under senior provincial advisor Sardar Zulfiqar Khosa to work out its recommendation on this matter. The committee will finalize its recommendations within 3 days and submit the report to Mian Nawaz Sharif.

Musharraf's aides foresee no future for his party

LAHORE – Former president General (r) Pervez Musharraf’s efforts to fulfil his political ambitions are dimming, as majority of his former colleagues do not foresee any political role of Musharraf in future, while they also oppose contacts of their partymen with him.
However, some of them support him, visualising a vacuum in political sphere of the country, TheNation has learnt.

Musharraf in a bid to accomplish his political plans met with his former colleagues in Dubai and asked them to muster support for him by persuading his old colleagues back home to assemble under one umbrella.

However, many of his old colleagues in PML-Q, PML-Q (like-minded group) and other sidelined

Muslim Leaguers not only opposed the contacts of their partymen with Musharraf but also disowned their meetings in Dubai by saying they would seek an explanation from all those who saw Musharraf in Dubai, informed insiders in the stated factions of Leagues quoting senior party leaders.

Insiders in Musharraf’s camp told this scribe from Dubai on Tuesday that former president met with several politicians belonging to PML-Q (like-minded group) and PML-Q including Raza Hayat Hiraj, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Ameer Muqam, Ch Shahbaz, Ishaq Khakwani, Raees Munir Ahmed, Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Lala Nisar Khan, Syed Charag-ud-Din, Hamid Nasir Chattha and Khursheed Mehmood Kasuri, Dr Sher Afgan Niazi, Asjad Malhi, Maj-Gen (r) Rashid Qureshi and Dr Amjad Hussain besides former secretary election commission Kunwar Dilshad.
Musharraf, it is stated also had talked to Pir of Pagaro on telephone to discuss the possibilities of his role in politics.

Without divulging the names, the insiders claimed that some key figures of two major parties also called on Musharraf in Dubai. Musharraf has nominated Ch Shahbaz as chief coordinator, Pakistan of his party ‘All Pakistan Muslim League’ besides constituting a five-member delegation comprising Dr Sher Afgan Niazi, Ch Shahbaz, Barrister Muhammad Saif, Dr Amjad and Fawad Chaudary who would meet Pir of Pagaro by the end of this month to discuss the political future of Musharraf in the backdrop of former president’s conversation with Pir of Pagaro, revealed the insiders.

Insiders claimed that Hamid Nasir Chattha, Khursheed Mehmood Kasuri and Pir of Pagaro told Musharraf that they foresee his role in country’s politics in the times to come.

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Test match cricket continues to come thick and fast as Pakistan finally take on the home team on this tour. Their three-wicket victory against Australia has sent a surge of confidence through a young side and the next four Tests promise to be an enthralling contest with England eager to build momentum ahead of the Ashes series. Click here for more news

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When the G1 appeared on T-Mobile, it had a hefty amount of curiosity factor built-in, being the first device with Google`s own mobile OS since they bought the Android startup. The interface wasn`t that polished and functional, and there weren`t much, if any, apps behind it, so the year-old iPhone felt it had nothing to worry about. Click here for more news

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Craig Kieswetter produced a timely return to form as Somerset crushed Northamptonshire by seven wickets at Taunton to reach the Friends Provident t20 Finals Day. The England one-day wicketkeeper hit 33 off 28 balls, with a six and four fours to help his side chase down a simple target of 113 with three overs to spare. Peter Trego (30) and James Hildreth (25 not out) were the other main contributors. Click here more news

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Craig Kieswetter produced a timely return to form as Somerset crushed Northamptonshire by seven wickets at Taunton to reach the Friends Provident t20 Finals Day. The England one-day wicketkeeper hit 33 off 28 balls, with a six and four fours to help his side chase down a simple target of 113 with three overs to spare. Peter Trego (30) and James Hildreth (25 not out) were the other main contributors. Click here more news

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HTC announced Tuesday that it`s launching its own name brand of smartphones in China, with four phones set to take the stage this year. Although the mobile phone maker already holds a presence in the Chinese market, its phones there have previously been sold under the Dopod brand. These will be the first phones in China to carry the HTC name. Click here more news

Benazir Uni official among crash victims

ISLAMABAD: A government officer working in the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Media University was also among the passengers of the crashed Airblue flight. Officials in the Information Ministry said that Farooq Khan, a project director at Benazir University,

Had died in the plane crash. The official was travelling from Karachi to Islamabad to meet family members. At least 146 passengers, including two infants, five children and 29 women, were onboard the flight. app

Air Blue Plane crash in Islamabad 140 Killed

A passenger plane has crashed in Islamabad, killing more than 140 people on board and six crew members. The Airbus A330 crashed near Islamabad airport after a flight from Karachi. The plane was on its way from Turkey to Islamabad via Karachi.
Five people have been rescued from the wreckage of a private airliner crashed at Margalla Hills early on Wednesday.

One hundred and forty-six people including 139 adults, five kids and five crewmembers were onboard whereas 12 are those lucky people who missed the flight.




According to sources, an airbus 320 bound for Islamabad departed from Karachi at 7:50 am. The local residents said plane made low flight before the crash.

Rescue operation is underway despite difficulties because of hilly location of the incident site.

Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik said five wounded being shifted to hospital whereas rescue operation and search for black box is underway. The airport control tower had signaled landing approach to the plane when it was just eight kilometers away from the airport, reports said.
ISLAMABAD: Five people have been rescued from the wreckage of a private airliner crashed at Margalla Hills early on Wednesday.

One hundred and forty-six people including 139 adults, five kids and five crewmembers were onboard whereas 12 are those lucky people who missed the flight.

According to sources, an airbus 320 bound for Islamabad departed from Karachi at 7:50 am. The local residents said plane made low flight before the crash.

Rescue operation is underway despite difficulties because of hilly location of the incident site.

Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik said five wounded being shifted to hospital whereas rescue operation and search for black box is underway. The airport control tower had signaled landing approach to the plane when it was just eight kilometers away from the airport, reports said.

The relief teams have rushed to Margalla hills. The airplane lost contact with the control tower of Islamabad airport just before the crash. It is worth mentioning that lack of visibility due to rainy weather might have caused the incident.

PPP not to support Musharraf : Sumsam

ISLAMABAD, July 27 (APP): State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Syed Sumsam Ali Shah Bhukhari on Tuesday said that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) would not support former dictator Pervez Musharraf if he decided to participate in national politics.Talking to a private TV channel, he said Musharraf did not have any more role in country’s politics and added that the former dictator had committed many mistakes during his tenure . The minister said that it was the leadership of the Peoples Party that had ousted Pervez Musharraf and added no dictator had ever dared enter politics after he quit the office.
Replying to a question about extending the tenure of Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani,

The minister said this was done on the basis of leadership qualities of the general and his role in war against terror.
Sumsam Ali Bhukhari said it was well known that General Kayani had played a vital role in war against terrorism.
He said that that the Pakistan People’s Party had the tradition of always taking decisions in the larger interest of the country.
He said that the People’s Party was a symbol of the Federation and it was working for welfare of the masses.

Nawaz okays launch of PML-N in AJK

LAHORE: The PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif has accorded a formal approval for the launching of his party in the AJK.He granted this approval at a meeting with the ex-AJK prime minister Raja Farooq Haider at Raiwand Farm here on Tuesday.

PML-N senior leader Senators Muhammad Zafarul Haq and Senator Pervez Rashid were also present on the occasion. Farooq Haider apprised the PML-N chief of no-trust motion tabled by opposition parties led by Muslim Conference chief Sardar Atiq.

Nawaz said he had already made up his mind to form N-league in the AJK. However, he deferred his decision due to reconciliation with Sardar Qayum and Sardar Atiq. He said the PML-N is dead set against govt intervention in the AJK political and administrative matters. He said it is “our long term demand that the elected representatives over there should be given full authority to conduct political and administrative matters”.

“It has now become essential to launch the PML-N for the people of Kashmir and continuation of freedom movement,” he said. According to sources, Nawaz has also constituted a committee to organise the party in the AJK. Senior leader Raja Zafarul Haq will be the head of the committee.

Member Kashmir Council Sardar Farooq Sikandar has been appointed as the PML-N Secretary General in the AJK while they discussed the names of Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, Raja Farooq and Sardar Sikandar for the party presidentship in the AJK.

The three members committee would review and choose the party president in the AJK among Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry and Sardar Sikandar. The committee would soon finalise the name of president and present the report to Nawaz Sharif.

Findings of Bhutto commission final: Ban

Rejecting Pakistan's appeal to reopen the U.N. probe into the assassination of the former Premier, Benazir Bhutto, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said “the work of the commission is complete”.

Last week, Islamabad had raised objections to the report that was presented by a U.N.-appointed three-member panel in April.

“The work of the Commission is complete,” said Farhan Haq, spokesperson for the U.N. chief. “The Secretary-General stands by the report and has full confidence in the Committee's judgement,” said the spokesman.

In a letter addressed to Mr. Ban, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had objected over several aspects of the report of the U.N. commission, including the panel's observations implying a nexus between the Pakistan Army and the Taliban.

“Comments and observations about the Pakistani Army, Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) or the so-called Establishment, are only the opinions of the members of the Commission,” said the letter.

Benazir Bhutto was killed on December 27, 2007 when a suicide bomber exploded himself close to her car in Rawalpindi while she was campaigning for the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in parliamentary and provincial elections.

The inquiry of commission which was set up in 2009 to ascertain the facts and circumstances of Bhutto's death, concluded that the assassination could have been prevented.

The three-member fact finding commission, which was headed by Chile's former U.N. ambassador Heraldo Munoz, presented its report on April 15.

Musharraf’s initiative of congratulating Gen. Kayani

THE extension in tenure of the Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani by the government is receiving mixed signals among the media as well as the politicians. There are a number of analysts, who have praised the decision of the government while there are some who have questioned the tenure of extension. Amongst the politicians too the opinion is divided. Some have no qualms about it while the grouse of others is that they were not consulted prior to the announcement. Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, for example who has raised his voice that his party will not quit the coalition government, however, the JUI-F was not taken into confidence over COAS extension. Leader of the Opposition, Mian Nawaz Sharif has stated that he had advised the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani against extending the tenure of the incumbent COAS. Mian Sahib would be critical. After all it was own blunder in his unceremoniously sacking the then Army Chief, when he was in mid air on return to Karachi from Sri Lanka, clandestinely appointing his crony as the new army chief and not permitting General Musharraf’s air craft to land in Pakistan that cost Mian Sahib his Prime Ministership. Mian Sahib had to remain in exile for eight years after cutting a deal with Musharraf. Mian Sahib’s anger and angst against the army is understandable, although it does not prevent his brother and other senior colleagues in discreetly calling on the Army Chief under cover of darkness; that is another story. However, one leader who has shown civility and large heartedness is the Former President Pervez Musharraf, who rang up Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and congratulated him on extension in his service. Wishing him all the best, Pervez Musharraf in a statement declared that under the able leadership of General Kayani the Pakistani armed forces would prove to be more beneficial for country’s security and stability. The former President said that the decision to extend the services of the army chief was inevitable for maintaining continuity of successes achieved in war against terror. This very act puts Musharraf in a different league of gentlemen, for whom it is prudent to be chivalrous, civil and courteous.

Since assuming the top post in November 2007, Kayani has done much to efface the ignominious record of his predecessor, Pervez Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan for eight years as a military dictator. In the battle against militants in South Waziristan and the Swat Valley, the army’s fresh resolve has been rewarded with significant success and popular support. Relations with the Pentagon and NATO have improved, and Kayani is well regarded by senior Western military officers. By shunning the overtly political role claimed by his predecessor, Kayani has also done much to rebuild the army’s public image. Although it is an unprecedented move since former Army Chiefs and dictators like Ayub Khan, Yahya, Zia and Musharraf had been granting extensions to themselves, this is the first time that a democratically elected government, has extended the tenure of office of an Army Chief that too on pure merit and not under coercion or intimidation. Kayani, a cool and composed professional soldier, who had numerous opportunities to grab power in the past two and a half years during various crises, like the restoration of judiciary’s Long March and other moments of anarchy, has proven beyond a shadow of doubt that he has no political ambitions. Instead, he lived up to his promise of taking the Army back to its professional duties and not meddle in the affairs of the state and thus not only provided a much needed respite to the budding democracy and restored the tarnished image of the army but also lent a helping hand to the politicians when they needed a helping hand in steadying the boat. Kayani’s stature has risen in the eyes of the public because he is viewed as a picture of stability and has had a calming effect. The Kerry Lugar Bill, India’s belligerence, the onslaught of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan at the behest of RAW, all challenges were met with a rock steady hand, after careful deliberation and meticulous planning. Indeed the unparalleled success of the Pakistan Army against the terrorists in Swat and South Waziristan not only won Kayani accolades in Pakistan but the NATO Commanders heralded Pakistan’s operations and Admiral Mike Mullen went to the extent of visiting the areas cleared of the miscreants and requested General Kayani to share his experiences with the NATO and ISAF commander in Afghanistan so that they could emulate him.

‘PPP govt to complete tenure owing to Zardari’s political wisdom’

Chief Minister (CM) Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah on Monday declared that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)-led government would complete its tenure owing to the political wisdom of President and PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Khan Zardari.

Addressing a gathering held at the People’s Secretariat to mark the 55th birth anniversary of President Zardari, Shah said, “The president believes in the politics of reconciliation which was initiated by late PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto.” The CM vowed that the PPP would apprehend the killers of Benazir Bhutto and take them to task.

He also spoke about the government’s initiatives in social sector including the grant of lands to landless women, Benazir Bhutto Income Support Programme, youth skill development programme, etc.

PPP President Karachi Najmi Alam, General Secretary Saeed Ghani, provincial ministers, leaders as well as women and children were present on the occasion. A birthday cake was also cut on the occasion.

Meanwhile, a large number of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) workers announced to donate their organs, following in the footstep of their leader, on the occasion of Zardari’s birth anniversary.

Adviser to Sindh Chief Minister on Information Jameel Soomro and other party workers organized a function at Bilqis Edhi Foundation and celebrated the birthday of Zardari with orphan children.

Abdul Sattar Edhi and children cut the birthday cake of Zardari.

Party leaders distributed gifts among the children besides serving them with food.

The PPP leaders appreciated the discipline of the children and lauded the services of Abdul Sattar Edhi and his wife Bilqis Edhi for their work for humanity.

Later, Jameel Soomro, Sharmila Farooqui, Waqar Mehdi, Rashid Rabbani, Ejaz Durrani and other party activists signed forms to donate their organs.

The city chapter of the PPP also celebrated the birthday of their co-chairman at the People’s Secretariat.

It is worth noting here that Zadari left for Dubai on Sunday night to celebrate his birthday with his children.

Nawaz: Pan-institutional accountability must

Lahore—Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Quaid Nawaz Sharif has said that accountability of every state institution including army must be carried out through parliament.

He said this while responding to a question of media men regarding extension in the service of General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani as COAS after enquiring the health of PML-N leader Makhdoom Javed Hashmi in Lahore General Hospital on Monday.

Nawaz said the PML-N waged a just struggle for good traditions instead of power. We are waging a struggle for strengthening of democratic institutions.

Nawaz remained with Makhdoom Javed Hashmi for some time and expressed good wishes for him. He also inquired from doctors about present health condition of PML-N leader.

The PML-N Quaid told reporters that Makhdoom Javed Hashmi is speedily recovering. He said Makhdoom Javed Hashmi is an asset for the party who not only courageously faced dictatorship but rendered sacrifices for the cause of democracy.

Responding to a question, Sharif said he would never compromise on principles and those who are saying that he would be left alone would see the results in the year 2013. He also recited verses in support of his argument on this occasion.

About the fake degree holders, the PML-N Quaid asked the government to purge fake degree holders from every institution of the country. “The PML-N will never compromise on this issue. If there is any possible threat to us due to the action against the fake degree holders, we don’t care…they must be expelled,” he asserted. He also asked media personnel to expose fake degree holders either they are within government, any institution or even in the media. “Fake degree holders are the black sheep… I request the media to expose such elements,” he said. He also said he had asked the Chairman National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Education Abid Sher Ali to remain committed on the issue and make no compromise.

Regarding passage of resolution against media by the Punjab Assembly, the PML-N leader said no body would be allowed to use PML-N’s platform against media. He said that the media is doing the right job and PML-N fully supports the media freedom. He said that resolution in Punjab Assembly on July 9 was condemnable while appropriate action will be taken against PML-N legislator Sanaullah Mastikhel.

Musharraf calls Kayani on his 3-year extension

LAHORE: Former president Pervez Musharraf called Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Kayani and congratulated him on the three-years extension in his service tenure, a private TV channel reported on Saturday.

The former president, conveying his best wishes, said that General Kayani’ contribution, as army chief, would be beneficial towards the national integrity and stability of the country.

Musharraf’s spokesman Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif confirmed the telephonic conversation, and said Musharraf called it the right decision for the continuation of the success in the war against terrorism.

The Pakistan Army, under the command of General Kayani, have launched successful operations against terrorists in Swat, Malakand and South Waziristan, the channel added.

18 ministers tender resignations

ISLAMABAD: A political crisis triggered by the tabling of a no-confidence motion against the prime minister of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) intensified on Sunday after 18 ministers tendered resignations to AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider.

Separately, Haider moved to announce the formation of Nawaz League just after the return of PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan.

Earlier, the general council of the Muslim Conference, which met in Islamabad at the Kashmir House, empowered Haider to take “any decision he deems appropriate, including the formation of PML-N”. Online news agency quoted Haider as saying that although he had powers to dissolve the AJK assembly, he had not used them. “If the (no-confidence) motion succeeds, I will walk (my way) home,” the AJK prime minister said, adding that interference in Azad Kashmir had intensified. He also said that he would start his new political career in “consultation with PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif”.

According to Haider, federal Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira has acknowledged he was “doing well” while Minister for Water and Power Raja Parvez Ashraf had also termed him adequate.

Meanwhile, Kaira has termed Farooq Haider’s allegations against President Asif Ali Zardari unfounded and baseless. According to media reports, the federal minister said that Haider had initiated the campaign against the president without “any provocation in a bid to gain cheap popularity, which he had lost because of his wrong policies in Azad Kashmir”.

APP quoted Kaira as saying that the AJK premier “just wants to hide his incompetence.” Accusing Haider of not governing Azad Kashmir in accordance with the wishes of the masses, Kaira said that the PPP government should not be held responsible for the dissolution of AJK government. “There is nothing illegal about the involvement of the federal government in AJK affairs.”

At the Kashmir House, Haider accused Sardar Atiq to be the one who had “killed Muslim Conference” and said that members of his faction were not ready to go along with him. “I will not allow corruption in the assembly nor will I allow anyone from Muzaffarabad to devour Mirpur’s rights.”

Blaming Atiq for continually “disturbing the region’s political atmosphere”, Haider praised Shahbaz Sharif and the entire PML-N leadership for providing support.

The meeting was also addressed by Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Shah Ghulam Qadir, Minister for Local Bodies Raja Naseer, Minister for Forestry Sardar Naeem, Food Minister Shaukat Ali Shah, Finance Minister Raja Nisar Ahmad, Agriculture Minister Maj (retd) Mansaf Dad, former minister Sardar Tahir Anwar, Chairman of the Implementation Commission Sardar Altaf and president of the AJK Supreme Court Bar Association Mirza Zafar.

Participants were, however, stopped from raising slogans against the leadership of Sardar Atiq by the AJK prime minister and the ministers.

During the meeting, it was decided to set up the PML-N chapter in the region immediately “to get rid of betrayers and disloyal elements”. The participants also viewed the no-confidence motion as “a move to stab the Muslim Conference in the back”.

According to a press statement issued by the Kashmir House, Nawaz Sharif has decided to reach Islamabad directly from Duabi on Monday, July 26.

The voting on the no-confidence motion is likely to be held on the same day.

Hearing of Benazir Bhutto assassination case adjourned till July, 31

RAWALPINDI: Anti Terrorism Court (ATC) Rawalpindi division could not resume hearing of Mumbai attack and Benazir assassination cases on Saturday as Judge Malik Ikram Awan of the court had proceeded to Lahore to participate in the meeting of chief justice of Lahore High Court (LHC).

The next hearing has been fixed on July, 31. The court was to issue further orders on the reply to show cause notice issued to FIA besides taking up bail plea of Zakr ur Rehman Lakhvi for further arguments.

SHC hears appeal of convicts in Musharraf case

The counsel for the convicts in a case pertaining to the conspiracy to kill former president Pervez Musharraf contended that the confessional statements of the appellants could not be used against them for conviction as the same was not corroborated by the prosecution with other evidence.

An anti-terrorism court in Karachi had in 2008 found Mohammad Imran, Haneef and Mohammad Ashraf guilty of hatching a conspiracy to kill the then president, Pervez Musharaf, and sentenced them to an aggregate 35 years in prison.

The court, however, had acquitted Sharib Arsalan Farooqui, Mohammad Jameel and Waseem Akhtar, co-accused in the same case, as the charge against them could not be proved by the prosecution.

The prosecution alleged that the accused, who had been against the Musharraf government’s policies on Afghanistan and Kashmir after 9/11, planned to assassinate him and fitted an explosive to a vehicle at Shahra-e-Faisal in Karachi to blow the convoy of the former president on April 26, 2002, but failed to achieve their objective.

The appellants’ counsel, Abdul Waheed Katpar, contended that the confessional statements of Imran, Hanif and Ashraf were neither obtained voluntarily nor were they conducted by the judicial magistrate in accordance with the law and dictum laid down by the superior courts, submitting that they could not be used against them for conviction as the same were not corroborated by the prosecution with other evidence.

The counsel also said that the appellants retracted from their statements in the trial court and such statements could not be pressed into service of conviction until they were corroborated in material particulars apart from confessional statements.

He submitted that no offence under the charge of conspiracy was made out.

He said that the prosecution’s case was of no evidence, and the conviction was unsubstantial. The SHC’s division bench, headed by Justice Shahid Anwar Bajwa, adjourned the hearing till July 26.

Zardari for demilitarising Siachen ‘Talks failed due to India’s internal problems’

KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the time has come to demilitarise the Siachen front and both Pakistan and India should withdraw their forces from that front because of heavy expenditure.

He was talking to the office-bearers of Hyderabad, Sukkur and Larkana Press Clubs on Friday here at the CM House. While commenting on the recently-concluded Pak-India talks, Zardari said the talks failed due to India’s internal political problems. However, he added that Pakistan was hopeful of resumption of a meaningful dialogue with India.

He said that the glacier at Siachen was melting and because of this, India would suffer heavy losses, and high military expenditures on that front were a burden on both Pakistan and India. He said Pakistan wanted to continue the dialogue process with India and he was hopeful that the water issue with the neighbour will be resolved amicably and with mutual understanding.

The president said that the Establishment was not involved in the murder of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, adding that it was the Taliban factor that was involved in her assassination. The United Nationsí commission, constituted to probe the murder of the PPP chairperson, released its report in a very short period, he said.

He said Osama Bin Laden was provided money to remove the first Benazir Bhutto government. Zardari said the PPP saved Pakistan after the murder of its chairperson and raised slogans like ëPakistan Khappayí.

The president said that there was no need for a confrontation on water because ìwater is the need of all the four provincesî and urged the provinces to take steps to harness water. He said the people did not accept the nationalist forces and added that being a national party, the PPP had the responsibility to protect the rights of the people of the whole country.

He said the government was trying to introduce the Chinese irrigation system for better utilisation of water and increase the agriculture production. He said the government was taking steps to overcome the power crisis, which the previous regime had totally ignoredand which was the main cause of the shortfall of electricity.

Nawaz had advised Gilani against extending COAS’ tenure

LONDON: Nawaz Sharif’s consistent advice to both Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and President Asif Ali Zardari not to give extension to COAS Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has failed to get the desired results.

Knowledgeable sources confirmed that every time Nawaz Sharif met either PM Gilani or President Zardari, he did not fail to tell them how he was treated on that fateful night of October 12, 1999 at the hands of the top military commander, whom he had picked after ignoring his senior General Ali Kuli Khan.

The dramatic news of extension in service of the Army chief is said to have come as a major surprise for the Nawaz Camp here in London, as he was not expecting this to happen. He has been telling the media in the past that in his view, General Kayani would not apply for an extension. In his interview with Geo TV in December last year, Nawaz Sharif had said the same thing; he did not think General Kayani would be interested in getting an extension in service. The indirect message for General Kayani was that he should not consider the option of extension and go home with honour and dignity.

Sources revealed that when last year Prime Minister Gilani visited the Sharif brothers at Raiwind, he gave the impression that the military was fully behind him. But Nawaz cautioned him to be more circumspect. He told him that during his second tenure, one day a file was brought to him with the note to allot 25 acres of land in the name of the corps commander, Rawalpindi, who belonged to Faisalabad. When he showed reluctance to sign, his confidant told him there was no harm in granting this favour to a corps commander who might be of some help to his government one day. Nawaz bought his argument and signed the file but was shocked to see on October 12, 1999, the same general walking towards him in the besieged PM House to force him to resign. This same general not only threatened Nawaz but also ensured that he was handcuffed and transported to Karachi in a faulty plane, which took several hours to reach its destination.

Soon after this meeting at Raiwind, Sharif had met President Zardari in Islamabad at a dinner and once again Nawaz narrated to his host how he was betrayed and mistreated by General Musharraf for whom he had gone an extra mile to make him the Army chief. Nawaz also recalled how General Zia treated ZAB. In 1998, Nawaz repeated the mistake of ZAB and appointed Musharraf after ignoring General Ali Kuli and Musharraf too would have liked to send him to the gallows had Bill Clinton not come to his rescue.

The sources said Nawaz had been trying hard to convey to the Gilani-Zardari duo that politicians should not give extension to generals and should only appoint the senior-most army commander as the Army chief, as this would bring professionalism to the Army.

Nawaz had advised Gilani against extending COAS’ tenure

LONDON: Nawaz Sharif’s consistent advice to both Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and President Asif Ali Zardari not to give extension to COAS Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has failed to get the desired results.

Knowledgeable sources confirmed that every time Nawaz Sharif met either PM Gilani or President Zardari, he did not fail to tell them how he was treated on that fateful night of October 12, 1999 at the hands of the top military commander, whom he had picked after ignoring his senior General Ali Kuli Khan.

The dramatic news of extension in service of the Army chief is said to have come as a major surprise for the Nawaz Camp here in London, as he was not expecting this to happen. He has been telling the media in the past that in his view, General Kayani would not apply for an extension. In his interview with Geo TV in December last year, Nawaz Sharif had said the same thing; he did not think General Kayani would be interested in getting an extension in service. The indirect message for General Kayani was that he should not consider the option of extension and go home with honour and dignity.

Sources revealed that when last year Prime Minister Gilani visited the Sharif brothers at Raiwind, he gave the impression that the military was fully behind him. But Nawaz cautioned him to be more circumspect. He told him that during his second tenure, one day a file was brought to him with the note to allot 25 acres of land in the name of the corps commander, Rawalpindi, who belonged to Faisalabad. When he showed reluctance to sign, his confidant told him there was no harm in granting this favour to a corps commander who might be of some help to his government one day. Nawaz bought his argument and signed the file but was shocked to see on October 12, 1999, the same general walking towards him in the besieged PM House to force him to resign. This same general not only threatened Nawaz but also ensured that he was handcuffed and transported to Karachi in a faulty plane, which took several hours to reach its destination.

Soon after this meeting at Raiwind, Sharif had met President Zardari in Islamabad at a dinner and once again Nawaz narrated to his host how he was betrayed and mistreated by General Musharraf for whom he had gone an extra mile to make him the Army chief. Nawaz also recalled how General Zia treated ZAB. In 1998, Nawaz repeated the mistake of ZAB and appointed Musharraf after ignoring General Ali Kuli and Musharraf too would have liked to send him to the gallows had Bill Clinton not come to his rescue.

The sources said Nawaz had been trying hard to convey to the Gilani-Zardari duo that politicians should not give extension to generals and should only appoint the senior-most army commander as the Army chief, as this would bring professionalism to the Army.

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World converted noble Pakistanis into warriors, says Zardari

KARACHI: The federal government was fighting terrorism to give a safer and better Pakistan to the future generations, President Asif Ali Zardari said on Thursday.

The president made these remarks while addressing the signing of the ‘gift of life’ certificate by him for donating all his body organs for deserving patients, at the Bilawal House. Zardari said that the world had converted noble Pakistanis into warriors. Although this chapter was closed now but Pakistan was still trying to adapt to the changed circumstances, the president said. “Those who are pointing fingers at us, my message for them is that we did not create this new format of war. This is not Pakistan-specific and this is not made in our laboratories. Yes, we are guilty of saving the world and you are guilty of forgetting us, your allies,” he added.

Zardari told the audience that Pakistan was going through various turmoils and turbulences. In Swat, the country had handled the world’s largest displacement of 2.5 million people, the president said.

The president called upon the world to consider Pakistanis such as organ transplant surgeon Dr Adib Rizvi, Abdul Sattar Edhi and Benazir Bhutto. He said that Rizvi and Edhi could have made fortunes by adopting other professions. Zardari announced that Pakistan would nominate Rizvi’s name for the Nobel Peace Prize. app

Nawaz enquires about health of Javed Hashmi

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday enquired about the health of party's senior leader Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, who is suffering from brain hemorrhage.

Nawaz Sharif, who is presently in London, telephoned the family members of the veteran politician and assured them of the best medical facilities.

He also gave special directives to Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif about treatment of Hashmi.

The PML-N Quaid appealed to the nation to pray for early recovery of Javed Hashmi.

Musharraf expresses wish to work for country’s prosperi

Former President Pervez Musharraf has said that he wants to work for prosperity of the country and people by coming into power again adding the present leadership has failed.

Talking to media after attending the reception party given by the Pakistani community in his honor here on Thursday, he said that he was always present for rendering services to the country.

He said that his colleagues made him emotional to come again into country’s politics, adding that if the Pakistani people associated expectations with him, he would have to proceed and do something.

He said that he had deliberately decided to leave the power despite knowing that Pakistan would not run in a right way ahead that was why, he added, he prayed for Pakistan while resigning from the presidency.

To a query regarding Pakistan Muslim League-N Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif, Gen. (r) Pervez Musharraf said that Nawaz Sharif did not give rational statements and said he would not make any comment on his statements.

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OKARA CITY NEWS

OKARA: Former president Pervez Musharraf has urged people to forge unity in their ranks to strengthen democracy and Pakistan.

The message was conveyed by All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) district president Kamran Khan Lodhi in a meeting at a local hotel. He had convened the meting on the call of Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif. Pervez Musharraf in his message said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah materialised the dream of separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent. The former president said people were facing danger to their freedom and democracy. Nation will have to fight price hike, poverty, hunger and deprivation by promoting truthfulness, justice and freedom for every individual, he said and urged people of Pakistan to join APML for rebuilding Pakistan. The meeting was attended by Wajid Ali, Sheikh Ijaz Nadeem, Dr Asif Bhatti, Malik Muhammad Yar Wattoo and others.

Girl abducted, raped for several days

From Our Correspondent

OKARA: A girl was abducted and later raped for several days at 30/4L village.

Accused Maqsoodan Bibi and Jallan Bibi went to the house of Rashid Ahmad and took his daughter ‘A’ for some work. Later, the accused women took her to some unknown place where accused Muhammad Jamil raped her for several days which also made her pregnant. On Wednesday, the girl got a chance and she escaped from the accused custody and reached her home. Police have registered a case.

VALUABLES LOOTED: A police constable and another man were looted by five dacoits near 27/2L village on Wednesday.

Constable Ghulam Fareed of Sadar police and another man were patrolling when the dacoits intercepted them and snatched their bike and weapons from them. Sadar police have registered a case.

PML-N’s ‘ring of five’ ruling the scene

LAHORE: A ‘ring of five’ in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, running the party’s affairs, has created unrest in various tiers of the party leadership in all four federating units of the country.

The PML- N’s organisations throughout the country were dissolved on September 8, 2009 by party chief Nawaz Sharif, with an announcement to re-organise the party by March 23, 2010, but the deadline has been extended to September, as the previous target has not been met.

In the absence of the party’s organisation at any level, its affairs are run by a ‘ring of five’ and all the decisions are taken by it at the Sharif’s Raiwind residence. Nawaz heads the meetings, while opposition leader in the National Assembly Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan, MNA Khawaja Asif, Punjab government spokesman Senator Pervaiz Rasheed and Senior Adviser to the Chief Minister Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa are the brains that discuss the matters and take a decision.

On various occasions, Khawaja Saad Rafique and the party chief’s nephew, MNA Hamza Shahbaz, also participate in the meeting.

Since there are no working committees at the central and provincial levels, nor have office-bearers been chosen at any level, every matter is considered by the party chief. Nawaz then takes the issue to his aforementioned core team and takes a policy decision. All the members of this team belong to Punjab, mostly Lahore, while representation from other provinces is minimal. Although they are invited to the meetings, but very rarely – it has happened only twice in 10 months.

This situation has created unrest at different tiers of the party, especially in provinces other than Punjab. Though the leaders belonging to these areas do not speak out loud, they vent out their frustration at various levels.

A senior politician from Sindh, on condition of anonymity, said, “The PML-N is a national party having a strong leadership and is the future of the country. They should consider the ground realities before taking a decision. You cannot take the right decision about Sindh without consulting someone living in the province. Likewise, a person living in Balochistan can tell you better about his province, but the prevailing situation of the party is that a few people from Punjab sit at Raiwind and take decision on an issue pertaining to the entire country.”

“The PML-N leadership should take a wise decision because the PPP doesn’t have a leadership and the current PPP top brass is not acceptable to the people. The PML-N has a strong leader in Nawaz Sharif. There is a vacuum of leadership in other parties and the time is ripe to fill the gap. The party leadership should take wise decisions and include the party leadership of all provinces in the decision-making process. The party takes all decisions in Lahore. We cannot speak up due to the leadership’s pressure, but we’re not satisfied with the situation. You can see that making Senator Khuda-e-Noor the provincial coordinator was criticised. Had the party leadership taken the decision after consulting the people of Balochistan, the situation would have been different,” another senior party leader from Balochistan said.

A senior PML-N leader from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa expressed similar sentiments. “The party got maximum seats in the province after Punjab, as no seat was won by PML-N candidates in Balochistan and Sindh, but the party tarnished its image in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the issue of changing the name of the province. The party used to have a strong hold in Hazara, its candidates won most of the seats of national and provincial assemblies from the area, but it has lost its grip now, as its decision to change the name of the province damaged the party massively,” the PML- N leader commented.

To a question that Mehtab Abbasi, a noted PML-N leader from Hazara and former chief minister of the province, was a member of the constitutional committee of the National Assembly that recommended changing the province’s name, he replied that the party had changed its stance several times that resulted in the masses losing trust in it.

The PML-N leaders from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) emphasised the need to complete the organisational work as soon as possible and take the decisions at a Central Working Committee meeting.

The situation in Punjab is not any different, but the PML-N’s leadership in KP is much more under pressure from the party leadership than in the other provinces.

A senior party leader from Lahore said all decisions were taken by a select group of leaders and most of them are either non-elected or were not present in the country in the past.

All the members of the ‘ring of five’ were unaffected during the Sharif family’s exile, while those who suffered and struggled during that time have become “back-benchers” now.

Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan and Khawaja Saad Rafique were MNAs, Pervaiz Rasheed was out of the country with Nawaz Sharif and Zulfiqar Khosa’s son, Dost Muhammad Khosa, was the naib nazim of his district government after forming an alliance with a Musharraf-backed candidate, Sardar Maqsood Leghari.

Zulfiqar Khosa is also blamed for being in negotiations with those at the helm of affairs at that time. MPA Moonis Elahi, the son of former Punjab CM Pervaiz Elahi, speaking on the floor of the House once, disclosed that an elder of the Khosa tribe used to meet his father during those days. The party leaders, who were roughed up during the Musharraf regime on the roads, have now become backbenchers, while the party’s affairs are in the

hands of others.

The leaders refrain from speaking openly, but say a lot under anonymity. “The beneficiary group is ruling the party, while the resistant group is on the back benches. This is the irony that we were beaten up on the roads, sent to jails, and spent a lot of money from our own pockets to keep the party running. We struggled to bring our leadership back, but we are ignored now. No one asks us, but the ‘photo group’ of that time is reaping all the benefits today,” a PML-N leader form Lahore said while expressing frustration.

The ‘resistant group’ has almost been forgotten by the party and is never considered while making decisions. The party’s former president, Javed Hashmi, is a big example. Hashmi, who spent almost his entire tenure in jail, is seldom seen at the Raiwind meetings. He openly differs with the party’s various decisions.

Another member of the group, Ahsan Iqbal, who has found refuge in defending the party on TV, is also on the backbenches. A PML-N leader had a good reason to be on the backbench, “The friends during your days in power are always different from your friends during struggle. I’m not angry by having this notion in my mind. I’m happy despite being ignored by the party.”

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Babar Awan using Benazir’s bulletproof car

LAHORE: Law Minister Dr Babar Awan is presently riding the car which was used by slain PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto during her tour of Punjab, sources in the PPP have revealed.

The sources stated that the slain PPP chairperson used a bullet-proof land cruiser with number BF-7775 mostly during her visit to the Punjab. However, the same car had been handed over to Senator Dr Zaheerud Din Babar by President Asif Zardari.

Senator Babar Awan, one of the closest aides of President Zardari at present, is on a visit to the Punjab and meeting with bar associations and announcing grants for them, which has invoked severe reaction from the PML-N. Awan has also been under severe criticism from the PPP camp led by Naheed Khan after the Liaquat Bagh tragedy.

End.

Musharraf's confidants see no 'political' role for him in Pakistan in future

Former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf might have vowed to return to the country's political stage riding on his newly floated political party, however, his former colleagues, whom Musharraf trusted to help him in his motive, are not very enthusiastic about the general's future.

Musharraf recently held meetings with several of his former confidants and leaders of like minded parties in Dubai.

Insiders in the Musharraf camp revealed that Musharraf met several PML-Q leaders, including Raza Hayat Hiraj, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Chaudhury Shahbaz, Ishaq Khakwani, Raees Munir Ahmed and others, but several leaders in PML-Q and other leaders have denied meeting Musharraf.

PML (Zia ) chief Ejazul Haq, and Humayun Akhtar Khan, president and secretary general of PML-Q (like-minded group) have also denied reports of making any contact with the retired general.

Sources close to Musharraf disclosed that the politicians who met Musharraf in Dubai told him that there was not a single political personality of international stature in the newly formed alliance of three Leagues, and Musharraf was the only person who could lead the proposed coalition or the greater political alliance likely to be formed this year.

Musharraf would make public his vision and manifesto and the date for his return only after final efforts about the formation of greater political alliance, as he was solely banking on the support of the stated coalition, The Nation reports.

Insiders quoted leaders who took part in the Dubai meeting, as saying that efforts to form a larger political alliance are likely to take a practical shape by the end of August following which Musharraf could announce a date of for his return from London, where he is currently living on an unannounced self-exile. (ANI)

The new power play

NRO has served its purpose as conceived. PPP, the main beneficiary, is now trying to consign it to the archives of a bygone age. It says there is no use beating a dead horse. But the Supreme Court verdict stands in the way. All kinds of contrivances are being resorted to in order to abort the effect of that verdict. The emerging reality in national polity appears to favour the PPP position. The shape that reality is taking is PPP-military alliance for governance. PPP is the facade, the military holds the strings. When Mr Zardari therefore asserts that no opposition can dislodge the present PPP dispensation, he has solid ground to say that.

On the other hand, the Brothers Corporation which goes by the name of PML (N) is out of the loop. It is being cornered constantly. The sudden outburst of a maligning campaign against the Punjab Government is not without sponsorship and purpose. Regrettably, Nawaz Sharif, twice failed to judge the military psyche, once when he showed the door to General Karamat, and again, when he failed to read the signal of a guard of honour given to General Musharraf on his departure. General Yahya lost half of Pakistan, while boozing and merry-making, but when he died, he was buried with full military honours by none else than the self-proclaimed Mard-e-Momin. Not only the PPP but also ANP is in the loop after Asfandyar Wali’s ‘fruitful’ visit to Washington early last year. MQM is also in the bag. Altaf Bhai is basking in the British sunshine. Nawaz Sharif was tricked into many missteps both by Zardari and his own flawed reading of the new realities. His decision to support the change of NWFP’s name to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cost him his strongest constituency of Hazara, whose vote in favour of joining Pakistan was the deciding factor in’ the historic referendum at the time of independence. His nomination of his son-in-law’s younger brother as PML(N) candidate in Mansehra resulted in a defeat at an awkward moment.

Instead of looking at the political scenario from an ivory tower of his own making, he should have realised that given his past track record, the military would be wary of a smooth working equation with him. He should also have known, the proverbial vengefulness of the elephant. US did not spare Bhutto for his nuclear ambitions. How could it overlook Nawaz’s defiance in detonating the bomb. His latest pleadings to the Prime Minister, which he readily accepted, to convene an all-parties conference to chalk out a comprehensive plan of action against ‘terrorism’ is being seen as an effort to remain relevant in the new power play. Terrorism is essentially the result of the quite thinly-disguised Judo-Christian crusade against Muslims all over the world together with the urge to grab their “abundant energy and other key resources for their exclusive access and exploitation.As a fellow-traveller when India, for instance, brands resistance fighters against its occupation in Kashmir as terrorists, the West may readily chime in to promote its own agenda but can we in Pakistan join the chorus. For us they are freedom fighters. Nawaz Sharif therefore fumbled again in picking up the fight against ‘terrorism’ as his first priority. He ignored the wide divergence of views held by the people about what they regard as ‘terrorism’ and whom they consider as ‘terrorists’. Voices were raised in massive rallies of protest against the Data Durbar tragedy throughout Pakistan that the hands behind it are of those who are bent on fanning sectarian conflict.

Again, when Nawaz Sharif rightly castigated the dastardly attack on Ahmadi places of worship, resulting in a heavy loss of innocent lives, his incautious choice of words in calling them ‘brothers’ was politically naive and made him an easy target of those religious elements who thrive on hatred of Ahmadis. He could have avoided that without diluting his condemnation of the crime. Now look at the other end of the spectrum. It is PPP’s political culture not to tolerate a political rival of consequence. Didn’t Bhutto constantly conspire against the opposition governments in NWFP and Balochistan and ultimately dismissed them. Didn’t he then follow it up with ordering military action in Balochistan? The genii he unleashed ultimately devoured him. There is a lesson in this for the present PPP outfit, which is a pygmy version of ZAB ‘s. Does the PPP think that with military’s pat on its back, it can rule as “master of all that I survey”: loot’ grab and squander or that it can not only defy the judiciary but campaign to bring down the judicial edifice and get away unscathed. It is PPP’s penchant for cantankerous politics that has further eroded the standing of the civilian component in national polity.

What is needed is a radical reassessment and reorientation of national polity — an agreement on an institutional working equation between the civilians and the military in governance. Repeated military interventions and willing civilian collaboration have established new ground realities. Unless these are recognised and necessary power adjustments made avowedly, the national polity will continue to be in doldrums as at present. On its parts, the military has to get down from the high horse and realise that it is not sophisticated hardware that ensures security but a contented people. We should have learnt that lesson for good after the 1971 national tragedy.

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Benazir Bhutto Chair at KU launched

KARACHI: The launching ceremony of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Chair at the University of Karachi was held at the campus on Tuesday. Sindh Culture Minister Sassui Palejo was the chief guest on the occasion.

The culture minister also presented a cheque of Rs 25 million, which was announced by Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah at a function held at the University of Karachi. She promised to arrange a further Rs 100 million for research and other expenses of the chair. She announced that an auditorium would also be built in the university, with the capacity for 2,000 people where the offices of the Chair would be constructed.

Palejo said the basic objective of the chair should be to delve deep into the oriental school of thought introduced to the West by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto by her ideologies that helped in bridging the gap between the East and the West, as her main objective was to end the clash between the two polarities.

In a message read out on the occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari said that there was a vast treasure of the ideas, thoughts and philosophy of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto as well as on the life she lived so gloriously and vigorously.

Vice-Chancellor of Karachi University Prof Dr Pirzada Qasim, PPP leaders Prof ND Khan and Taj Haider appreciating the efforts of establishing the chair, said it was pertinent to research and redefine the political and democratic philosophy of Benazir Bhutto because academia could not be separated from democracy.

Pirzada Qasim said that establishing this chair at Karachi University was similar to organising and rejuvenating the history of Pakistan.

Barrister Saif denies Musharraf seeking security from Pak Army

ISLAMABAD—PML Central Leader Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif has denied that former President Pervez Musharraf sought security from the Pak Army. In a statement issued here Monday, he said the former President did not ask the Pak Army for provision of security to him, but as former President and Chief of Army Staff, he has the constitution right to have security.

Barrister Saif said government and the Pak Army will provide security to Pervez Musharraf. He said on the return of former President, a force of workers of APML will be formed which will provide security to him.

He said Pervez Musharraf will take part on country’s politics and he will soon arrive Pakistan . Referring to Ejazul Haq’s press conference regarding merger of PML factions, Barrister Saif said that Ejazul Haq is appeasing Nawaz Sahrif and he has no say in Pakistani politics. Barrister Saif claimed that Pervez Musharraf will lead the PML after the merger.—NNI

PML-N plans to increase pressure on PPP

LAHORE: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has decided to seek ways and means for putting pressure on the PPP-led government on the fake degrees issue.

Seeing the PPP in panic, the PML-N suspects that efforts are afoot to conceal a `wrong’. For the purpose, a meeting of PML-N elders is being scheduled after the return of party chief Nawaz Sharif from London by the weekend.

“Yes, we are planning to hold a consultative meeting of senior party leaders to take stock of the overall political situation, fake degrees and the security conference (that had been proposed by Nawaz Sharif two weeks ago),” PML-N spokesman Ahsan Iqbal told Dawn on Monday.

The consultation would be held after the party chief’s return within four days, he added.

The fake degrees issue will provide the PML-N with a chance to repulse some of the pressure it has been facing from the PPP for the past couple of months as well as further eroding moral grounds its political rival is standing on.

“Common sense says there is something wrong because of which they (the PPP) have gone so much panicky,” said Ahsan when asked if the PML-N had done any calculations on fake degrees of parliamentarians from Sindh, the power base of the PPP.

“The way they are exerting pressure on Higher Education Commission Chairman Javed Leghari by arresting his brother Farooq Leghari in different cases shows that the PPP government wants to influence and delay the process of verification of degrees to conceal the facts.”

The PML-N on Sunday issued a statement on behalf of Nawaz Sharif condemning the government for allegedly victimising the HEC chairman.

SECURITY MOOT
As the PML-N is anxiously awaiting response on the anti-terror national conference proposed by its chief a couple of weeks ago, the PPP-led federal government seems to be in no hurry and has put the issue on the back burner as no preparations in this regard are being reported from any quarter.

In the wake of suicide attack on Hazrat Ali Hajveri’s shrine in Lahore, Nawaz had on July 3 suggested the government convene an all-party conference also inviting people from civil society, media and other walks of life to hammer out a unanimous strategy against terrorism.

Within hours, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani phoned the PML-N leader accepting his proposal, hinting at convening the moot in a week.

Nawaz then, through a letter, advised Gilani some steps before holding the security conference.

These included getting feedback from intelligence and security forces, asking all stakeholders to do homework before coming to the moot, evolving a plan of action beforehand and not devising a policy that was not going to be implemented.

Asked if the party would host the security moot, as hinted at by Nawaz while tabling the proposal, in case the government did not go for it, Ahsan said although they were ready to play the host, the federal government was in better position in this regard for it had the critical intelligence input required for framing a counter-strategy.

All attempts to contact federal information minister Qamar Zaman Kaira and PPP information secretary Fauzia Wahab to seek their comments failed.

UN rejects govt stance on Benazir report

UNITED NATIONS: The UN Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-moon, rejected on Monday the Pakistan government’s position on the Benazir Bhutto Inquiry Commission report, saying that “the work of the commission is complete.

In a letter delivered to Pakistan’s permanent mission to the United Nations, the UN chief “reiterated his strong support for the commission and stated that the commission carried out its work professionally in fulfilment of the Terms of Reference agreed between the government of Pakistan and the secretariat and noted by the Security Council”.

The UN Chief said “the report speaks for itself and can be helpful to any subsequent investigations”.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had questioned the “credibility and reliability” of the report and said that “the lack of source attribution leads to vagueness and ambiguity in some parts of the report which has undermined its credibility as a fact-finding report”.

Mr Ban asserted in the letter that “the terms of reference of the commission called for the commission to conduct an inquiry into the facts and circumstances of the assassination of Ms Bhutto”.

“The report painstakingly sets out the facts regarding the assassination and provides an extensive description of the circumstances around the crime,” he said.

The UN spokesman said in a statement: “The secretary-general has full confidence in the committee’s judgment. He believes that the report produced by the commission speaks for itself and can be helpful to any subsequent investigation.”

In his letter Mr Qureshi mentioned, among other things, lack of attention paid to any international dimension of the Dec 27, 2007, killing of the former prime minister.

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Musharraf plans return, looks to Army for security

LONDON: Former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf finally kicked off his campaign to return to Pakistan as he launched an attack on Saturday from Dubai against his political rivals — Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari — and their poor governance and said the Army would provide him security on his return within coming months.

Musharraf said if the military was under any constraints not to provide him security, he would raise his own private security on his return to Pakistan in the coming months to face both Nawaz Sahrif and Asif Ali Zardari.

General Musharraf told his top aides in a six-hour-long marathon meeting in Dubai on Saturday that he was willing to face any legal proceedings against him and would even face jail if a fair trial was conducted. “I have many top legal minds assisting me and they will come to my aid if I need them,” he was quoted by sources as saying during the crucial meeting.

Top sources told The News in London that Gen Musharraf had convened a meeting at his flat in downtown Dubai, which was attended by former foreign minister Khurshid Kusuri, Hamid Nasir Chattha, Ishaq Khan Khakwani, Raza Hiraj, Ch Shahbaz, Barrister Saif, Ch Fawwad, Dr Amjad, Lt Gen (retd) Muzaffar, ex-QMG, and Maj Gen (retd) Rashid Quershi. The meeting lasted for over six hours. The deteriorating law and order situation and economic meltdown in Pakistan was discussed in detail.

Sources said General (retd) Musharraf vowed to return to Pakistan in the Dubai meeting aimed at chalking out his return strategy. This was first time he held a serious meeting with his aides to stage a comeback to Pakistan and face his main rival Nawaz Sharif.

During his discourse, Musharraf made it clear whatever he did in curtailing the activities of extremist elements, he did it in his capacity as the president and Army chief. “This is exactly in the same manner as the current set up: the chief executive, the army chief and the corp commanders of Peshawar and Rawalpindi were carrying out their duties,” he told his aides.

One source said that Gen Musharraf actually sent a message to present Pakistani leadership and his key opponents who wanted to put him on trial that even present military leadership was busy in the same activities as it was the call of duty.

Sources said that the timetable for the return of Gen Musharraf to Pakistan and launching of the political party also came under discussion. Many views were exchanged on all the subjects. Musharraf was said to be very confident about his return to Pakistan. During his meeting with his former colleagues he addressed the concerns and questions, which might have been in their minds. Musharraf emphasized that it was the duty of the government, the armed forces and the paramilitary forces to contain the extremists and protect the people.

He said he had served the country well (much and far better than the bad governance and misrule of the last two and a half years rule of the PPP and the PML-N). He said that the people were in far better position than they were in now. He stated that he got hundreds of messages everyday in praise of his years in office. He further deliberated that after serving for nine years and attaining the highest offices in the army and as head of the state, he was not really aspiring for any personal political gain, but wanted to help Pakistan from sliding further down. He said the present political leadership of the country was not capable to serve the people and their repeated coming to office, for the third and fourth time, in the past two decades had shown that they were void of any acumen to provide good governance or even learnt anything from their past mistakes.

The sources said Musharraf appreciated the efforts of the leaders of various factions of the Muslim League uniting against the PML-N and wished them well. He stated that he was not against the Chaudhrys of Gujrat and would be very happy to receive them. He further reiterated that his doors were open for all his former colleagues and called upon them to shun their differences.