Tension prevails in Gilgit, Hunza Nagar post Kohistan killings

GILGIT: Tension has gripped different areas in Gilgit and Hunza Nagar after 16 passengers were brutally killed in Kohistan on Tuesday,

Meanwhile the funeral prayers of 15 identified victims was held on Tuesday, while curfew has been imposed in Gilgit.

Local residents were already restricted to their houses while thin transport was observed on the roads.

Sixteen people were killed in a sectarian attack when unidentified gunmen forced them to disembark from four Gilgit-bound passenger buses and sprayed them with bullets in Kohistan district on Tuesday.

District Police Officer, Kohistan, Muhammad Ilyas said the armed men hiding on both sides of the road intercepted many buses in the Harban Nala area early in the day and ordered more than 100 passengers to get off the vehicles.

Violence erupted in Gilgit as a result of the attack, claiming at least one life.

The deceased has been identified as Ubaidullah, who was shot dead near the public school roundabout in the Joeyal area.

All government and private offices, educational institutions and business centres across Gilgit-Baltistan were shut down after the news of attack reached the area.

Security in the six districts of Gilgit-Baltistan was put on red alert.

All exit and entry points to Gilgit have been completely sealed on the directives of the deputy commissioner.

Section 144 has also been imposed banning assembly of four or more persons and the display of arms.

Educational institutions have also been closed in Gilgit for three days as a precautionary measure in the wake of a posible violent reaction by the victim community members.

Five bodies recovered from Karachi house

KARACHI: Five dead bodies were recovered from a bungalow situated in Askari II area of Karachi on Wednesday,

According to SP Clifton Traiq Dharejo, five members of a family were found dead from a bungalow in Askari II.

The victims include a couple, their son and his wife and a child.

Police said that it is not yet confirmed that whether they were killed due to enmity or resisting in an armed robbery.

US drawing up new UN resolution on Syria: diplomats

UNITED NATIONS: The United States is drawing up a new draft UN Security Council resolution on Syria demanding humanitarian access to protest cities where thousands have been killed, diplomats said Tuesday.

If put to a vote it would be the third time Western nations have tried to get a Security Council resolution on the 11 month old crisis.

Britain, France and Germany, with Arab support, took the lead on the last two resolutions, which were vetoed by Russia and China.

"This resolution will concentrate on humanitarian access to the cities, but it will indicate that the government is the cause of the crisis," one diplomat said.

"At the moment there are just tentative contacts on the resolution," another Security Council diplomat said, confirming work on the outline. "It has not been sent to the whole council and we don't know when this will happen."

The United Nations says that more than 7,500 people have been killed in Syria since the eruption nearly one year ago of popular protests against the Assad family's 40-year reign.

Western nations hope that focusing on the humanitarian crisis will persuade Russia and China not to use their powers as permanent members of the 15-member council to veto any resolution. (AFP)

Coalition- Qurans improperly burned at Afghan base

Taliban bomber kills nine at Nato base over Quran

KABUL: A Taliban suicide car bomber targeting a Nato base at Jalalabad airport in eastern Afghanistan killed nine people on Monday, following days of deadly anti-US protests over the burning of the Quran.

Six civilians, an Afghan soldier and two local guards were killed, police said, but there were no reports of Nato casualties, according to a spokesman for the US-led International Security Assistance Force.

Taliban insurgents claimed responsibility for the blast, saying it was in revenge for the burning of Qurans at a US military base, taking the toll in six days of violent protests across the country to around 40 people.

"The foreign forces have insulted our religion and this attack was revenge," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told.

SHO, police official injured; four accused held

QUETTA: Two policemen including SHO were injured when a police team raided a house to arrest a gang involved in kidnapping for ransom.

Talking to 'Geo News', CCPO Quetta Ahsan Mehboob said Saryab police station team headed by SHO Raja Abdul Qayyum conducted raid at a house located at Munir Mengal road when it was attacked by the accused as a result SHO other police official were injured.

Later, heavy contingent of police arrived and arrested four accused. Police also recovered huge quantity of arms and ammunition.

CCPO further said more raids were being conducted to arrest other accomplices of the accused.

Shooting at Ohio school, suspect in custody: police

WASHINGTON: A suspect was in custody in Ohio Monday after a shooting at a high school, police said.

A report in the Cleveland Plain Dealer said four students were injured at Chardon High School in northeast Ohio.

The Geauga County Sheriff's office said a suspect was being held after the shooting in the city of Chardon but provided no additional details.

"There was a shooting. They have the suspect in custody," a sheriff's spokeswoman told AFP.

Television images showed the school on lockdown with armed security forces on site, and parents were seen gathering on the school grounds

5 killed, 24 injured in Nowshera blast

NOWSHERA: A blast hit the site where Awami National Party (ANP) was holding a public rally. Five people were killed while 24 others, including four policemen were injured.

The bomb went off soon after chief minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Amir Haider Hoti, and other ministers in his provincial cabinet had left the meeting in the town of Nowshera.

According to police, a remote-controlled bomb fixed in a motorcycle hit the ANP rally venue after the public address concluded.

Approximately three kg of explosives were used in the blast, police said. The site of the blast was cordoned off after the blast.

Speaking to Geonews, ANP leader Zahid Khan said the target of the attack was ANP leadership and workers.

Provincial Information Minister Mian Iftikhar said that the leadership of the ANP was informed about the blast when their helicopter had left the site.

Ifthikhar said initial reports indicate that the device was detonated by remote control.

Sharmeen Chinoy's ‘Saving Face’ wins first Oscar for Pakistan

LOS ANGELES: Pakistani filmmaker and first-time Oscar nominee Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy won an Academy Award on Monday for her documentary about acid attack victims, a first for a Pakistani.

In her acceptance speech, Chinoy dedicated the award to the women of Pakistan. "All the women in Pakistan working for change, don't give up on your dreams, this is for you," she said.

Directed by Daniel Junge and produced by Sharmeen Chinoy, the film follows British plastic surgeon Dr. Mohammad Jawad, who returns to his homeland to help victims of acid burns.

More than 100 people, mainly women and girls, are disfigured in acid attacks every year in Pakistan, although groups helping survivors say many more cases go unreported.

"The women who decided to be a part of the documentary did so because they wanted to make their voices heard and wanted to bring attention to this form of assault," Chinoy said in an interview conducted before she won the Oscar.

"The main reason that they are in 'Saving Face' is to make their stories heard and have an impact."

Many victims are women attacked by their husbands, and others assaulted for turning down a proposal of marriage. One girl in the documentary describes how she was burned after rejecting the advances of her teacher. She was 13 at the time.

Another woman featured in the film is 25-year-old Rukhsana, whose husband threw acid on her and her sister-in-law doused her in gasoline before her mother-in-law lit a match and set her on fire.

Chinoy said she hopes the cases in her film will resonate for others in Pakistan.

"It is a story of hope with a powerful message for the Pakistani audience. I felt this would be a great way to show how Pakistanis can help other Pakistanis overcome their problems," she said.

Chinoy's films have won international acclaim. Her 2010 documentary, Pakistan's Taliban Generation, won an International Emmy Award.

The documentary competed against "God Is the Bigger Elvis," a Rebecca Cammisa and Julie Anderson film about a mid-century starlet who chose the church over Hollywood; "The Barber of Birmingham," a Gail Dolgin and Robin Fryday film that follows the life of 85-year-old barber James Armstrong and the legacy of the civil rights movement; James Spione's war film "Incident in New Baghdad"; and "The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom," a film by Lucy Walker and Kira Carstensen that follows survivors of Japan's 2011 earthquake and their struggle to recover from the wave that crushed their homes and lives.

Case registered against Waheeda Shah

TANDO MOHAMMAD KHAN: A case has been registered against Waheeda Shah, a Pakistan People's Party candidate in Saturday's by elections who slapped a female Assistant Presiding Officer at a polling station here.

On the directives of the Provincial Election Commissioner, Retuning Officer Ali Asghar went to the police station in Tando Mohammad Khan and after an investigation the case was registered against Waheeda Shah.

According to the police the case was filed under 86/3 b. Under this clause Shah will be tried for interfering with official affairs and can face a prison sentence of three months.

Sindh Home Minister Mansoor Wasan said the incident was being investigated

Attabad Lake blockade demolished

ATTABAD: The temporary embankment of the new spillway of Attabad lake was demolished through bombing Monday,

A high alert was declared in Hunza and people in nearby villages were evacuated. The local residents moved to higher grounds while police force was deployed at routes leading towards lower areas and River Indus.

Karakoram Highway was closed for traffic and boat service was also suspended in the lake.

According to the Commissioner Hazara Division, the water level in the River Indus can rise due to the opening of the spillway.

Official sources state that with the opening of the spillway, 50,000 cusecs of water will be released which may lead to floods.

Section 144 was imposed in the district, educational institutions were closed and holidays was declared in government offices as precautionary measures.

US envoy in Kabul urges calm, redoubling of peace efforts

WASHINGTON — The American ambassador to Afghanistan vowed Sunday to "redouble" efforts despite an insidious Taliban attack at the interior ministry in Kabul that killed two US military officers.

NATO pulled all its advisors out of government ministries after the shootings on Saturday, which were blamed on a rogue Afghan intelligence official and claimed by the Taliban as a response to a recent Koran burning incident at a US base.

"Tensions are running very high here and I think we need to let things calm down, return to a more normal atmosphere, and then get on with business," said Ambassador Ryan Crocker, on a sixth day of violent anti-American protests.

"This is not the time to decide that we're done here. We have got to redouble our efforts. We've got to create a situation in which Al-Qaeda is not coming back," he told CNN's "State of the Union" program.

The two slain American officers, working as NATO advisors, were in the interior ministry on Saturday when "an individual" turned his weapon against the pair, the military alliance said, without giving further details.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the shootings, saying it was in revenge for the burning of the Korans -- an incident that forced President Barrack Obama to apologize to the Afghan people.

The toll since the Koran burning incident at the Bagram airbase north of Kabul, which inflamed anti-Western sentiment already smoldering in Afghanistan over abuses by US-led foreign troops, rose Sunday to more than 30.

Senator John McCain, also speaking to CNN, said he understood the "anger and frustration and sorrow" that the American people feel at the "terribly unfortunate situation" in Afghanistan but urged them to stay the course.

"Have no doubt, that if Afghanistan reverts to a chaotic situation, you will see Al-Qaeda come back and it again be a base eventually of attacks on the United States of America," warned McCain, a celebrated Vietnam veteran who lost out to Obama in the 2008 presidential race.

A US-led coalition invaded Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States that left almost 3,000 people dead, hoping to ensure that Al-Qaeda would never again have safe haven to plot such destruction.

Nearly 90,000 US troops remain deployed in Afghanistan, propping up the government of Western-backed President Hamid Karzai. There are plans for the force to decline to 68,000 by the end of September.

Top Afghan officials and American commanders have suggested the United States will likely retain a military presence in Afghanistan after 2014, when Afghan army and police are due to take over security for the whole country.

Karzai has repeatedly invited the Taliban for direct talks with his government, urging neighboring Pakistan -- where many insurgents hide out in the rugged border areas -- to help facilitate negotiation efforts.

Oscars ceremony begins in Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD: Hollywood's biggest night got under way on Sunday with the start of the 84th Academy Awards ceremony, as two odes to
film-making -- "The Artist" and "Hugo" -- go head-to-head for Oscars glory.

"The Artist," a silent black-and-white tribute to American cinema, earned 10 Oscar nominations, just one fewer than Martin Scorsese's "Hugo," a 3D family film that looks at the work of a early French film pioneer.

Billy Crystal, in his ninth appearance as Oscars host, opened the show with a comic video montage of scenes from films nominated for best picture and others from 2011 that earned warm applause from the A-list audience.

Following months of campaigning and a flurry of lesser prizes, Tinseltown's annual awards season has reached its high point with the most prestigious honors of them all -- the coveted golden Oscar statuettes.

Hundreds of millions around the globe were expected to tune in for the ceremony, after A-listers strutted their stuff down the most-watched red carpet in the world. (AFP)

Slapped APO defends Waheeda Shah at press conference

TANDO MUHAMMAD KHAN: Waheeda Shah, the Pakistan People's Party's candidate who slapped an Assistant Presiding Officer (APO) in a polling station Saturday, held a press conference and got the humiliated officer to speak in her favor,( batkhela -movies)

Waheeda Shah had the APO accompany her to the press conference held today and got the latter to give a statement in the former's support.

However, the people from Waheeda Shah's own constituency said the woman in Burqa was not the one who was slapped and humiliated yesterday.

Nothing could be said with certainty whether the woman at press conference was the same woman who was subjected to the ill treatment on Saturday. Even if it is believed the woman was the same, her defending the wrongdoer may lay bare the helplessness of the officer but it cannot give Waheeda Shah a clean chit.

It clearly appears to be a case of the powerful Waheeda Shah, a big landlord of the area, getting the poor teacher named Shagufta to give a statement against the herself (Shagufta) and in the former's defence.

Perhaps Shagufta would have thought that if Waheeda Shah could beat her in front of cameras what worse she must be capable of doing in their absence.

Memogate: Mansoor Ijaz says court to analyze evidence submitted

KARACHI: Mansoor Ijaz, the central figure in memo scandal, on Sunday said he had presented all the evidence before the Judicial Commission probing the issue and now it was court's job to analyze it,

Speaking to Sana Bucha in a Geo News program 'Lekin', Ijaz said his counsel Akram Sheikh's cross examination could get lengthy and that perhaps the latter may not say yes to.

He said he had presented his account before the memo commission in a fearless manner and submitted all the relevant evidence before it.

Osama Bin Laden’s Abbottabad house demolition completed

ABBOTTABAD: The Pakistani home of al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, the place where he was killed after the biggest manhunt in history, is no more.

Pakistan security forces completed the demolition of bin Laden's compound on Sunday, erasing a symbol of humiliation for Pakistan's military that has marked one of the most difficult periods in U.S.-Pakistan ties.

Bin Laden was killed in the house in Abbottabad on May 2, 2011 by U.S. commandos in a daring night raid that left the Pakistani military angry it had not been consulted. While much of the world cheered the death, Pakistan fumed over what it called a violation of its sovereignty.

"The process of demolishing the compound on Saturday evening has been completed on Sunday night," a senior security official said in Abbottabad, requesting anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media.

"The whole structure of the building has been razed to the ground. It actually took some time as the process of demolition and removing the wreckage was going on simultaneously."

Why Pakistani authorities decided to demolish the structure now is unclear.

During the demolition, security forces cordoned off the compound and restricted nearby residents' movements. Life in the rest of the military town continued as normal, with children playing cricket and flying kites, and couples strolling or shopping.

The Pakistani military and local security forces had begun moving heavy machinery into the area on Saturday evening.

Residents had complained of problems due to security measures since the killing of bin Laden, with many saying it was better to remove the building and let people live their lives.

On the moonless night of May 2, Navy SEALs swooped in on specially modified Blackhawk choppers, forced their way to the top floor of the house and killed bin Laden with shots to the head and the chest.

One helicopter was damaged and forced to land, leaving the SEAL team to pile into a remaining chopper along with the al Qaeda chief's body. The Pakistani army says it knew nothing of the operation until it was over.

The United States has said it kept the raid secret because it feared elements within Pakistan - possibly connected with its spy agency or military - could tip off bin Laden.

The relationship has never recovered. It deteriorated further after an attack by NATO helicopters on a Pakistan border post in November left 24 Pakistani soldiers dead.

Pakistan has closed off NATO supply routes to troops in Afghanistan. A Pakistani doctor who helped the United States verify bin Laden's location in Abbottabad is in a military prison facing possible treason charges for working for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.

Mandela seen leaving hospital in good health

JOHANNESBURG: Former South African president Nelson Mandela was comfortable in hospital on Saturday after undergoing a "diagnostic procedure" for abdominal pains, the government said, telling people not to panic about the health of the 93-year-old anti-apartheid leader.

A statement from President Jacob Zuma said Mandela, who is popularly known by his clan name, Madiba, should be discharged on Sunday or Monday after being checked out for a "long-standing abdominal complaint".

"Madiba is fine and fully conscious and the doctors are satisfied with his condition, which they say is consistent with his age," it said.

"He was in good health before admission in hospital but doctors felt the complaint needed a thorough investigation.

"We are happy that he is not in any danger and thank the doctors for their hard work and professionalism."

Although short on medical details, the openness and speed of the government response stood in contrast to a year ago when Mandela was admitted to hospital with respiratory problems.

Then, Zuma's office took hours to confirm media reports of his declining health, leading to a scrum of local and international reporters outside Johannesburg's Milpark hospital.

The government has not said where Mandela is, although security has been tightened at Pretoria's "1 Military" hospital, which is officially responsible for the health of sitting and former presidents.

Amid earlier unconfirmed reports that Mandela was undergoing a hernia operation, a spokesman for the ruling Africa National Congress (ANC) went on television to tell South Africa's 50 million people there was nothing to worry about.

"There's no need for panic," ANC spokesman Keith Khoza told the e-News channel. "It was not an emergency admission. It was planned."

Mandela has been in poor health since his hospitalisation a year ago, and has not appeared in public since. He has spent his time at his home in Johannesburg's northern suburbs and his ancestral village of Qunu in the impoverished Eastern Cape.

As South Africa's first black president, Mandela occupies a central position in the psyche of a country that was ruled by the 10 percent white minority until the first all-race elections in 1994.

Earlier this month, Zuma and the central bank issued a new set of bank notes bearing his image.

However, he has long since withdrawn from active participation in politics and public life in Africa's biggest economy, having stood down at the end of his first term in office in 1999.

His last major public appearance was in July 2010 at the final of the World Cup in Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium. (Reuters)

Kasur: NA-140 results run into controversy

KASUR: The by-polls in constituency NA-140 have run into controversy after the initially declared results were changed late in the night,  reported.

According to sources, earlier an independent candidate Azeem Lakhvi was reported to have won the seat defeating another independent runner, Malik Rasheed Khan, but the tables seemed to have been turned in the favour of the latter after the final tally.

Upon this Azeem Lakhvi’s supporters protested and staged a sit-in, which was in progress till the filing of report.

Election Commission of Pakistan has offered a recount in the Sunday afternoon (today) in the presence of both parties to settle the matter.

US drone crashes in North Waristan

MIRANSHAH: A US drone crashed in North Waziristan near the Afghan border late Saturday, officials said.

The unmanned reconnaissance aircraft came down in the mountainous Machikhel area about 30 kilometres (20 miles) east of Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan region, which is frequently targeted by drone strikes against Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants, military and security officials said.

"A US drone crashed, apparently due to some technical fault," a military official in the northwestern city of Peshawar told AFP.

Security officials in the region confirmed the crash saying it fell in the mountains.

The crash site has been surrounded by militants, one security official said, refusing to confirm claims by some Taliban that the drone was shot down by insurgents.

Militants had taken away parts of the wreckage, a security official said.

President Barack Obama last month confirmed for the first time that US drones target Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants on Pakistani soil, but American officials do not discuss details of the covert programme.

At least 13 militants were killed in two drone attacks on February 16 in North Waziristan and a week earlier Badar Mansoor, described as the "de facto leader of Al-Qaeda in Pakistan" was killed in a missile strike, also in North Waziristan.

The United States says Pakistan's tribal belt provides sanctuary to Taliban fighting in Afghanistan, Al-Qaeda groups plotting attacks on the West, and Pakistani Taliban who routinely bomb Pakistan, and other foreign fighters.

The US strikes are deeply unpopular among the Pakistani public, who see the attacks as a violation of sovereignty and who blame the government's US alliance for much of the violence plaguing the country.

US diplomatic cables leaked by WikiLeaks in late 2010 showed that Pakistan's civilian and military leaders privately supported the attacks, despite public condemnation. According to an AFP tally, 45 US missile strikes were reported in Pakistan's tribal belt in 2009, the year Obama took office, 101 in 2010 and 64 in 2011.

The programme has dramatically increased as the Obama administration looks to withdraw all foreign combat troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014. (AFP)

Osama compound demolition underway

ABBOTABAD: The demolition of Osama bin Laden's compound is underway and so far 70 percent of the structure has been brought down,  Saturday.

Heavy machinery has been deployed to raze Osama bin Laden's compound situated in Bilal Town, Abbottabad. A large number of security personnel is also present at the location.

Earlier, flood lights had been installed around the compound and all the routes leading to it were sealed.

Evacuations in Syria as diplomatic pressure mounts

AMMAN/BEIRUT: The first wounded and sick women trapped in the most embattled district of the Syrian city of Homs have been evacuated, and talks were held to evacuate more on Saturday, while pressure mounted on President Bashar al-Assad's government to call a ceasefire and let in humanitarian aid.

Assad's forces killed 103 people in Syria on Friday in the bombardment of the besieged city of Homs and in attacks on the countryside of Hama and the east and north of the country, the activist group Local Coordination Committees said.

Most of those killed were civilians, including 14 children and one woman, it said.

The killings continued the same day that Western and Arab nations meeting in Tunis mounted the biggest diplomatic push in weeks to end Syria's 11-month-old crackdown on the opposition.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned Assad -- and his backers inside Syria and abroad -- that they will be held to account for the crackdown on opponents and what she described as a humanitarian catastrophe in Syria.

Addressing her comments to Russia and China, which vetoed tough action on Syria in the United Nations, she said: "They are setting themselves not only against the Syrian people but also the entire Arab awakening."

"It's quite distressing to see permanent members of the Security Council using their veto when people are being murdered - women, children, brave young men -- houses are being destroyed. It is just despicable."

"I am convinced Assad's days are numbered, but I regret that there will be more killing before he goes," she said.

President Barack Obama, speaking in Washington, said: "It is prime time to stop the killing of Syrian citizens by their own government."

"All of us seeing the terrible pictures coming out of Syria and Homs recently recognize it is absolutely imperative for the international community to rally in sending a clear message to President Assad that it is time for a transition."

Diplomatic moves are hamstrung, so far at least, because there is little appetite for military intervention in Syria and attempts to ease Assad out via the United Nations Security Council have been stymied by Russian and Chinese vetoes.

Beijing and Moscow declined invitations to attend the meeting in Tunisia.

In a tacit acknowledgement that the scope for pressuring Assad through diplomacy is limited, some of the delegates at the conference -- especially Gulf states long opposed to Assad -- pressed for an international peacekeeping force in Syria and favored arming the Syrian rebels.

The Syrian opposition, meanwhile, appeared to be taking matters into its own hands, saying it was supplying weapons to rebels inside Syria while Western and other states turned a blind eye.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal led the hawkish camp, saying that arming the Syrian rebels would be "an excellent idea."

EVACUATED TO SAFE AREA

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said the Syrian Arab Red Crescent initially brought out seven women and children from the besieged Baba Amro district of Homs and took them to a hospital in elsewhere in the city.

A further 20 uninjured women and children were evacuated later and taken to "a safe area," ICRC chief spokeswoman Carla Haddad said. Foreign journalists trapped in the area were not among them.

"It's a first step forward," Haddad told Reuters. "The priority now is evacuating the seriously wounded or sick.

"We are continuing discussions to resume the operation tomorrow morning."

With the bombardment of opposition-held neighborhoods in Homs entering its fourth week on Friday, the ICRC has been negotiating with the Syrian government and opposition forces to bring out the sick and wounded from Baba Amro.

But foreign journalists trapped in Baba Amro, two of them badly wounded, refused to leave the besieged neighborhood without an ICRC and foreign diplomatic presence, and a commitment to a full humanitarian ceasefire, it said.

Two of the journalists, Edith Bouvier and Paul Conroy, need urgent medical care. The bodies of slain journalists Marie Colvin and Remi Ochlik, killed this week, remain in Baba Amro.

A Syrian Foreign Ministry official, quoted by the state news agency, said attempts to bring the journalists out of the area had been obstructed by opposition groups.

"Authorities in Homs sent a number of notables of the city and ambulances from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to receive the foreign journalists who had entered Syria illegally," the official said.

"Despite continuing this effort for several hours with armed groups in Baba Amr, these groups refused to hand over the wounded and the bodies - putting the life of the wounded French woman in danger and hindering the return of the bodies (of the two dead journalists) to their respective countries."

A French and ICRC plan to get international medical teams in to extract the foreign journalists and tend to the neighborhood's most badly wounded was rejected by the Assad government, activist group Avaaz said.

With the wounded being taken only as far as a hospital in Homs, it was unlikely men would agree to leave the area for fear of falling into the hands of Syrian security forces.

"Baba Amro is being hit with 122mm artillery directed at it from surrounding villages. A father and his 14-year-old son were among those killed. They were trying to flee the shelling when shrapnel hit them in the street," resident Mohammad al-Homsi said.

Activists also said Syrian security forces lined up and shot dead at least 18 people in a village in the central western Hama province. A video uploaded by activists showed people wrapping the bloodied bodies of children and at least four adults. Several had been shot through the head. (Reuters)

US state's biggest lobster returned to Atlantic Ocean

PORTLAND: The biggest lobster ever caught in Maine, a 27-pounder (12.25 kg) nicknamed "Rocky" with claws tough enough to snap a man's arm, was released back into the ocean after being trapped in a shrimp net last week, marine officials said.

The 40-inch (one-meter) male crustacean, about the size of a 3-year-old child, was freed in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, said Elaine Jones, education director for the state's Department of Marine Resources.

"All the weight is in the claws," Jones said. "It would break your arm."

The lobster was caught near the seaside village of Cushing and brought to the Maine State Aquarium in West Boothbay. The state restricts fishermen from keeping lobsters that measure more than 5 inches from the eye to the start of the tail.

Because he became acclimated to the water near the aquarium, the lobster was released in West Boothbay rather than where he was caught.

Scientists are unable to accurately estimate the age of lobsters of this size, said Jones.

The marine lab has no record of a larger lobster being caught in the state, she said. The world's largest recorded lobster was a 44-pounder (20-kg) caught off Nova Scotia in 1977, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Maine lobstermen hauled in a record 100 million pounds (45.4 tons) of lobsters last year, due in part to overfishing of predators such as haddock, cod and monkfish.

Railway tracks blown up in parts of Sindh

NAWABSHAH/HYDERABAD: Lengths of railway tracks were blown up in Nawabshah, Hyderabad, and Pud Eidan somewhere before and after dawn stopping the up and down traffic, Geo News reported.

According to police two blasts were heard before they found out a sizable part of the main track, going through Long Khan Kairio village area of Nawabshah, has been damaged.

Later a couple of similar blasts were also reported from Qasimabad area of Hyderabad, where 1-2 feet long rail tracks came off in the wake of explosions. To boot, blasts near Latifabad area also reportedly damaged the rails taking the tally to four in Hyderabad alone that too within hours.

Moreover, culprits, also targeted rails near Pud Eaidan area using the same modus operandi i.e. two IEDs planted close by detonating one after another.

Reports of a similar sabotage also came from Kotri and Ghotki.

All the up and down trains have been stopped to safety.

Fortunately no passenger/cargo train was anywhere near the blast sites, otherwise major casualties could have been the outcome of these perpetrations.

Police have condoned off the site to launch an investigation as well search for probable explosive devices or the culprits hiding nearby.

President Zardari meets Governor Balochistan Zulfiqar Magsi

KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari held a meeting with Governor Balochistan Nawaz Zulfiqar Magsi.

During the meeting President Zardari tasked Governor Magsi to eliminate the grievances of disgruntled Baloch leaders.

The President also summoned the National Assembly session on March 1 an said he to was willing to talk to disgruntled Baloch leaders.

On Thursday, Interior Minister Rehman Malik and announced that cases against exiled Baloch leaders would be withdrawn.

The announcement was however not welcomed by Baloch leaders.

Prime Minister Gilani, DG ISI Pasha discuss security situation

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Gilani met with DG ISI Lt.General Shuja Pasha on Friday.

During the Pasha informed the Prime Minister Gilani about the security situation in the country and the region.

Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir was also present during this meeting.

According to the PM house press release, the situation in Afghanistan was also discussed during this meeting.

US sees strong democratic government in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and United States need to sit together to resolve the issue of supply of NATO to Afghanistan and ensured that attack by NATO at Salala Check Post would not be held in future.

This was stated by Congressman David Dreier Chairman, House Democracy Partnership and Chairman House Rules Committee while talking to newsmen here at Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services.

Congressman David Dreier is leading a US Congressional delegation to Pakistan which is the first ever high profile visit from United States after the Salala incident that disturbed Pak-US relations and Pakistan stopped the NATO supply and canceled a number of bilateral visits.

The other members of this bipartisan Congressional delegation included Congressman James Moran, Member House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Joe Wilson, Member House Democracy Partnership House Armed Services Committee, House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Adrian Smith, Member Subcommittees on Trade and Social Security, House Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Kenny Merchant, Member Subcommittees on select Revenue Measures, Oversight and Social Security, House Ways and Means Committee, Father Patrick Conroy, Chaplain of the House of Representative and other staff of these Congressmen.

It was the first ever visit of US Congressmen to the newly constructed Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) which was completed with the support of USAID.

Replying to a question, David Dreier said, "We believe that partnership between the elected representatives of two countries is very important to further promote bilateral relations."

He said it will help in ensuring the goals of providing jobs, security, progress and prosperity in Pakistan.

He also expressed sorrow and grief on the loss of lives in yesterday's tragic incident of bomb blast in Peshawar.

David said, "it is so important for us to do what we can do to ensure that people have their voices heard through their elected leaders".

He said, "I believe that a strong, vibrant, and civilian government through legislative bodies is the best way to do that."

Referring to Pak-US relations, he said, "we have difficulty in our relationships". He said it is the first high level delegation visiting Pakistan following the Salala incident of November 26."

The Congressman said, "the visit of the US Congressional delegation on the invitation of Pakistan government is an important signal that Pakistan wants to continue towards closely with the people of United States and the US government, to address our shared concerns."

He said, "We do have common enemy, that is radical elements who want to kill innocent citizens, and we are determined to do every thing possible we can to bring that to end. It is universal right for the people to believe that they can live with their families in peace and security."

He said the PIPS programme is important as it is to strengthen the bilateral relations and promote economic activities.

He said,"I want to see to eliminate all tariff bearers between Pakistan and United States and gratify to see the strengthening relationships in this regard."

Referring to the visit of Afghan President Hamid Karzai to Pakistan last week, he said, it is a positive sign. He said the visit of Speaker of Indian Lok Sabha to Pakistan was also welcome sign between Pak-India relations.

Replying to a question, Congressman David who first came to Pakistan 25 years ago said, "Pakistan and US relations are at many levels that also include people to people, military to military and government to government, and they are partners in the struggle against the radicalism."

He said it was a great loss to Pakistan that it has lost 36,000 lives in fight against terrorism that include 5,000 military personnels. He however said United States sees a strong democratic government here in Pakistan.

On the issue of Balochistan and a resolution moved at the House of Representatives, Congressman David said, "I believe that statement of one member of the Congress is not indicative of the overwhelming will of US Congress or of the Government of the United States."

He said, "But at the same time we believe strongly in independent and sovereign Pakistan."

Replying to another question, Congressman David said when he talked about relationship of two countries, he said, the Salala attack was very sad incident. He said the military men and women both in Pakistan and United States are courageous people, and the lost of civilian lives, is absolutely horrifying, but equally horrifying the loss of lives of those who are focused on security.

He said, "so we are deeply saddened, by that occurrence, but it is very complexd situation, but keeping in view the challenge at the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, there is uncertainty at this border."

He said, "we continue to condole with those families who lost their relatives in this incident, but it is important for us to move ahead.

"I believe that this high level visit from USA, at the invitation of government of Pakistan, is a clear indication of the desire demonstrated by the people of Pakistan, through their government, as well as United States, to build these relations once again," he added.

Regarding NATO supply, he said, "it is important for us to again come together united against our common enemy, and any thing can be done to facilitate, that include NATO supply is important.we never ever again see tragedy like that Salala attack."

Answering a question about role of Indian lobby in US Congress to disturb Pak-US relations, he said there is free debate on all subjects.

He said strengthened ties between Pakistan and India are very welcomed. He said people of Pakistan understand there is very strong commitment for this country in US leadership.

He said in a vibrant civilian government, the debate will continue and people of Pakistan will not suffer.

Earlier, addressing a group of parliamentarians, Congressman David said the relations between Pakistan and United States remained a roller coaster in the past.

He said politics is a substitute for war and strong relations between the politically elected and democratic institutions play important role in promoting bilateral relations.

He said the visit of current Congressional delegation will further promote Pak-US relations in different fields.

David said US always extended cooperation and assistance to Pakistan for strengthening its democratic institutions, for its peace, security and stability.

He said US wants stable and secure Pakistan where people could get food, shelter and jobs and people could have their representation in the democratically elected parliament.

He said secure and safe future of Pakistan is important for the United States and added "we are here to strengthen partnership between the parliaments of two countries".

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Four killed in Afghan anti-US protests

KABUL: Four people were killed when anti-US protests turned violent in the western province of Herat on Friday, an official said.

Two died as demonstrators surged towards the US consulate while two more were killed in Adraskan district, said provincial spokesman Moheedin Noori. (AFP)

Mansoor Ijaz continues testimony via video link

ISLAMABAD/LONDON: Mansoor Ijaz arrived at the Pakistani High Commission in London on Friday to record his testimony via video link in front of the memo commission.

This is the third day that Ijaz’s testimony is being recorded and the central character of the memo scandal arrived at the High Commission with his wife who was given permission to attend the hearing.

While talking to Geo News in London he said details of the memo were sent to Husain Haqqani via phone and voice mail and the former ambassador acknowledged receiving it.

Secretary of the three-judge commission Raja Jawad Abbas, PML-N lawyers Rashid A Razvi, Mustafa Ramday and Rana Intezar, and head of the chancery at the Pakistan High Commission Aftab Hassan Khan are present in London.

Husain Haqqani's counsel Zahid Bukhari and Mansoor Ijaz's lawyer Akram Sheikh are in Pakistan.

The judicial commission is chaired by Chief Justice Balochistan High Court, Qazi Faiz Isa, while other two members are Chief Justice Sindh High Court, Musheer Alam and Chief Justice Islamabad High Court, Iqbal Hameed-ur-Rehman.

During Friday's testimony, Ijaz handed over four pages of his Blackberry phone bill to the commission from May 23, 2011 which contained the record of his communication with Husain Haqqani.

Zahid Bukhari, the counsel for Haqqani said the copies of the bill did not contain the name and number and were thus ineligible.

Ijaz informed the commission that he had emailed the original bill and the hidden numbers were private.

The commission ordered the US businessman to write a letter to the phone company asking for a certified copy of the bill and then send it to Islamabad.

Ijaz further informed the commission that Haqqani was using two SIMs, for official and private use.

In September, Ijaz said that Haqqani sent him a Blackberry message saying he was resigning as ambassador. Mansoor Ijaz said he replied to the message stating that “you (Haqqani) are doing a good job then why are you resigning.”

The former ambassador said that if I (Haqqani) am doing a good job then you (Ijaz) should tell the US.

During Thursday’s hearing, Mansoor Ijaz testified that he had written the controversial memo after receiving points from Husain Haqqani and had then delivered it to James Jones.

Pakistan condemns Quran desecration in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday strongly condemned the desecration of Holy Quran at a US airbase in Afghanistan, saying it was important that "utterly irresponsible and reprehensible things do not recur".

"On behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan, we condemn in strongest possible terms the desecration of Holy Quran" in Afghanistan," foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Basit told a press briefing in Islamabad.

"It is absolutely important that such utterly irresponsible and reprehensible things do not recur," he added.

US: Seven Marines killed in helicopter collision

WASHINGTON: Seven US Marines were killed when two helicopters collided during a night training exercise at an Arizona base, the military said Thursday.

The crash occurred on Wednesday evening "along the California/Arizona border just outside of the Yuma Training Range Complex," the US Marine Corps said in a statement.

The troops who died were from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing based at Miramar, in southern California.

"The aircraft, an AH-1W 'Cobra' and an UH-1Y 'Huey', were conducting routine training operations" when they collided around 8:00 pm (0300 GMT Thursday), the Marine Corps said.

The crash was under investigation and there were no survivors in the accident, officials said.

The Marines conduct the bulk of their aviation training at the vast Yuma air station in Arizona.

Arizona's senior US Senator John McCain expressed his condolences after the crash.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the seven Marines killed in the helicopter collision last night near Yuma, Arizona," McCain, a former US Navy pilot who was taken prisoner during the Vietnam War, said in a statement.

"This tragedy is a grave reminder of the sacrifices the men and women of our armed forces make to keep us safe -- both in training here at home and in combat abroad."

The crash was the latest mishap for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Two Marines were killed in September when their helicopter went down during training at California's Camp Pendleton, north of San Diego, setting off a brush fire.

In August, two Marines had to eject from their F/A-18 fighter jet before it crashed in the Pacific Ocean. They were rescued four hours later.

In July, a veteran Marine aviator was killed when his UH-1Y helicopter crashed at Camp Pendleton. (AFP)

Pasha, Petraeus held secret meeting: report

WASHINGTON: A US newspaper has claimed that a secret meeting between DG ISI Lt General Ahmed Shuja Pasha and CIA chief Gen David Petraeus was held this month.

The paper said the meeting took place this month in which both the officials discussed anti-terror cooperation between the two countries.

The report further stated that the US wanted to send special envoy to Pakistan Afghanistan Mark Grossman along with a high level delegation to Pakistan.

Memo scandal: Mansoor Ijaz's testimony concludes

ISLAMABAD: The central character of memogate, Mansoor Ijaz Thursday said he had himself prepared the controversial memorandum in the light of points dictated to him by Pakistan's former ambassador Hussain Haqqani,

On second day of the Memo Commission's proceedings held in London for recording Ijaz's statement, Mansoor Ijaz said he had sent the memo to James Jones on May 10 which the latter forwarded (to Mike Mullen) on May 11.

He said on May 12 Husain Haqqani informed him that either the US President (Barrack Obama) or Mike Mullen had telephoned Rawalpindi (GHQ).

The Judicial Commission on memo scandal headed by its Chairman Justice Faiz Isa continued the recording of Mansoor Ijaz's statement on the second day through a video link from Pakistan High Commission in London.

Mansoor Ijaz said many exchanges of messages took place between him and Husain Haqqani which he can send the Memo Commission through email.

He said he also talked to Haqqani on the phone and the conversion lasted for 2 minutes and 34 seconds. I told him the draft of the memo was ready and then emailed it to Haqqani on May 9, he added.

Mansoor Ijaz also showed this email to the commission from his email account.

He said they discussed some of the points of the memo in another telephonic conversation held later between the two.

Ijaz said he had asked Haqqani if he had the permission of Boss (President) to which the he replied 'yes'.

Ijaz said he then sent the memo in PDF format to Gen James Jones on the night between May 9 and 10, 2011 at 1:28 AM after getting a green signal from Haqqani.

He sent a final email to Husain Haqqani and Gen James Jones at 8:45 AM on May 10. The identity of Jones was kept hidden in the email sent to Haqqani, he added.

"I did not want Haqqani to know who was helping me," Mansoor Ijaz.

Justice Esa, the Chairman of the Judicial Commission directed Mansoor Ijaz to speak in short phrases while recording his testimony.

Haqqani's counsel, Zahid Bukhari also objected on the manner in which Mansoor Ijaz spoke while recording his testimony.

Mansoor Ijaz said it was his understanding that Haqqani had directives from the Pakistani President. However, he also said the civilian government needed to be strengthened against the ‘bad boys’. He explained that the term 'bad boys' in the messages referred to Army chief or ISI chief.

Ijaz said Haqqani had messaged that the US could get access to Osama bin Laden’s widows.

The Commission observed that the bill Mansoor Ijaz had provided yesterday did not bear his name. In response, Ijaz said that the phone was under his corporation and it could be verified.

The Judicial Commission today instructed Mansoor Ijaz to cooperate with Husain Haqqani's counsel, Zahid Bukhari if the latter wanted to cross-examine the former and termed forensic examination of evidences at this stage as premature.

Yesterday, the Haqqani's counsel had requested the Commission to put the evidence provided by Mansoor Ijaz through forensic examination and to cross-examine Ijaz in London.

The commission today took exception to the airing of proceedings' footage on various TV Channels and warned of action in case it is repeated.

During yesterday's proceedings Ijaz said, Pakistan's former ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani appeared to be agitated and nervous and spoke rapidly at the start of his conversation with me on May 09, 2011.

He said Haqqani asked him if he could convey a message, through the US authorities, to Gen Kayani to stand down. Haqqani also said that in return, Pakistan government would allow American boots on its soil, Ijaz added while appearing before the commission for the first time.

The proceedings were held with the help of video conferencing with Secretary Memo Commission Raja Jawad Abbas and Lawyer of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Rashid A Rizvi in London while Husain Haqqani's counsel Zahid Bukhari and Mansoor Ijaz's lawyer Akram Sheikh were in Pakistan.

The judicial commission was chaired by Chief Justice Baluchistan High Court, Qazi Faiz Isa, while other two members are Chief Justice Sindh High Court, Musheer Alam and Chief Justice Islamabad High Court, Iqbal Hameed-ur-Rehman.

Pakistan too important to turn our back on: Clinton

LONDON: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Thursday that Pakistan was too important for Washington to turn its back on, following ice-breaking talks with her Pakistani counterpart.

Clinton and Hina Rabbani Khar spoke for an hour and a half on the sidelines of a London conference on Somalia, in a first step towards thawing relations that were frozen in November when US air strikes killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.

Clinton said there would still be "ups and downs" in the relationship but that neither side could afford to shun the other.

"Building and sustaining a relationship based on mutual interest and mutual respect takes constant care and work, from both sides," Clinton told a press conference.

"I'm sure we will continue to have our ups and downs. But this relationship is simply too important to turn our back on -- for both nations.

"And we both remain committed to continue working to improve understanding and cooperation."

Relations between Pakistan and the United States were severely damaged last year by a covert American raid that killed terror chief Osama bin Laden, as well as the air strikes on the soldiers.

Clinton and Khar discussed tackling violent extremism, supporting Afghan-led reconciliation and improving ties between Washington and Islamabad, the secretary of state said.

She spoke of "difficult times which I admit we are in", adding that there had been "a lot of swirling in the air of who said what when that does not accurately reflect the state of the relationship".

The meeting was an important chance to "keep the lines of communication open" and "the work hasn't stopped", she added.

The United States says Pakistan's tribal belt provides sanctuary to Taliban fighting in Afghanistan, Al-Qaeda groups plotting attacks on the West, Pakistani Taliban who routinely bomb Pakistan and other foreign fighters.

President Barack Obama last month confirmed for the first time that US drones target Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants on Pakistani soil, but American officials do not discuss details of the covert programme.

The US strikes are deeply unpopular among the Pakistani public, who see the attacks as a violation of sovereignty and who blame the government's US alliance for much of the violence plaguing the country. (AFP)

Cases against Baloch leaders to be withdrawn: Rehman Malik

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik has announced that cases against Harbiyar Marri, Brahamdagh Bugti and other Baloch leaders will be withdrawn.

Speaking after a meeting on Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan, Malik said he would welcome the Baloch leaders back to Pakistan personally.

The Interior Minister added that he had met Harbiyar Marri in London.

Commenting on Pervez Musharraf and calls of the Baloch leadership that action should be taken against the former president, Malik said he would take action once the Balochistan government wrote to him.

Malik also called on the Baloch and national leadership to attend the governments All Parties Conference on Balochistan.

Memogate scandal: Mansoor Ijaz testifies in London

LONDON: Mansoor Ijaz, the protagonist of Memo scandal, Wednesday recorded his statement via video link from London with the Judicial Commission (JC) probing the issue and presented the stock of evidence in his possession to corroborate his claims,

During today's session, Mansoor Ijaz handed over to the JC a 29-page testimony along with a number of evidence including his BlackBerry, PIN, phone numbers, emails, code words, documents and other key information in connection with writing of the memo and its delivery to Admiral Mike Mullen through James Jones.

He also provided details of his meetings with DG ISI Ahmed Shuja Pasha and former Ambassador to the US Hussain Haqqani.

The proceedings were held in Pakistan High Commission in London with a videoconferencing facility in the presence of Secretary Memo Commission Raja Jawad Abbas and Lawyer of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Rashid A Rizvi.

Husain Haqqani's counsel Zahid Bukhari and Mansoor Ijaz's lawyer Akram Sheikh participated in the proceedings from Pakistan.

The Judicial Commission was chaired by Chief Justice Baluchistan High Court, Qazi Faiz Isa, alsong with two other members Chief Justice Sindh High Court, Musheer Alam and Chief Justice Islamabad High Court, Iqbal Hameed-ur-Rehman.

The Judicial Commission had consented to videoconferencing after the memogate scandal's prime witness refused to arrive in Pakistan fearing for his life.

During the proceedings, the US businessman informed the commission about his communication with US Husain Haqqan and provided the Blackberry PIN and email of the former ambassador.

Ijaz said that communication between him and Haqqani started in May, 2011.

He said Haqqani informed him that the Army wanted to topple the government and that the government wanted to send a message to the US through Admiral Mike Mullen.

According to Ijaz, Haqqani also informed him about the government’s intention to form a new security team and that US opinions would be considered in the formation of the Abbottabad commission if they assisted in the removal of General Kayani.

Ijaz further said that Haqqani had decided to use code words for key figures during their conversations. The President of Pakistan was referred to as boss or friend; Americans were called Isphani while people from Pakistan were called friends.

The US businessman also handed over the copy of his phone bill to the secretary of the memo commission during his testimony.

The commission will resume its proceedings on Thursday at 2 pm (Pakistan time)

Mansoor Ijaz's testimony via video link: Live updates

ISLAMABAD: The proceedings of the Memo Commission to record Mansoor Ijaz's statement are underway.


Secretary Memo Commission Raja Jawad Abbas and Lawyer of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Rashid A Rizvi are at the London High Commission while Husain Haqqani's counsel Zahid Bukhari and Mansoor Ijaz's lawyer Akram Sheikh are in Pakistan.

The judicial commission is chaired by Chief Justice Baluchistan High Court, Qazi Faiz Isa, while other two members are Chief Justice Sindh High Court, Musheer Alam and Chief Justice Islamabad High Court, Iqbal Hameed-ur-Rehman.

07:00 pm: Memo Commission concludes session. Proceedings will resume at 14:00(PST)

06:40 pm: Ijaz provides bill to memo commission but asks for some numbers to remain private. Ijaz says he called James Jones following his conversation with Haqqani.

06:30 pm: The bill contains the numbers of James Jones and other important people: Mansoor Ijaz

06:18 pm: Mansoor provides phone bill of conversations with Haqqani to secretary commission. Husain Haqqani's lawyer says the bill is not original but is a copy.

06:16 pm: Code words were decided to be used during my conversation with Haqqani because the matter was sensitive.President of Pakistan was called boss or friend during the conversation while the Americans were referred to as Ispahani: Mansoor Ijaz
People from Pakistan were called friend: Ijaz

06:10 pm: Haqqani said the government wanted to form a commission to probe the Abbottabad incident and if Kayani was removed then American opinions would also be considered: Mansoor Ijaz
Haqqani also spoke of cooperation in the Mumbai probe: Ijaz

05:50 pm: Ijaz hands over notice of phone conversations with Husain Haqqani to secretary memo commission who signs it and makes it part of the record.

05:45 pm: Haqqani said the Pakistani President wanted to form a new national security team: Mansoor Ijaz

05:30 pm: Haqqani wanted the US to send a message to COAS Kayani: Ijaz
Haqqani wanted to send the message through Milke Mullen but I did not know him. Haqqani knew that General Jones was my acquaintance: Ijaz

05:12 pm: Haqqani’s messages were rushed and he was nervous: Mansoor Ijaz

05:05 pm: Haqqani said the Army was putting pressure on the government and President Zardari: Mansoor Ijaz
Haqqani said the Army wanted to topple the government: Mansoor Ijaz

04:35 pm: Memo Commission session adjourned for 30 minutes.

04:27 pm: Contact with Haqqani started on May 3: Mansoor Ijaz

4:18 pm. Mansoor Ijaz provides his and Husain Haqqani's BlackBerry pin.Ijaz also provides Haqqani's email address.

03:26 pm: Mansoor showed his BlackBerry phone set to the commission.

02:55 pm: Mansoor Ijaz said he met former ISI chief Ahsan-ul-Haq in 2003 in Brussels and Pervez Musharraf in 2005 and 2006 in London. Last meeting with Asif Ali Zardari was in 2009. I met ISI chief Shuja Pasha in 2011 in a London hotel, he said.

02:25 pm: Zahid Bukhari requested the bench that he wanted to cross-question Mansoor Ijaz in person so he may be facilitated. The commission asked him to submit application for the same.

02:17 pm: The commission questioned Ijaz whether he can speak Urdu upon which he replied in negative.

02:13 pm: Secretary commission authenticated that the person present is Mansoor Ijaz and showed his passport to the commission.

02:06 pm: Mansoor Ijaz handed over the evidences to secretary commission.

02:04 pm: Attorney General Pakistan Maulvi Anwarul Haq told the commission that BlackBerry company has once again refused to share data.

01:50 pm: Mansoor Ijaz arrived at Pakistan's High Commission in London to testify before the memo commission via video link.

The judicial commission investigating the memogate scandal had consented to videoconferencing after the memogate scandal's prime witness refused to arrive in Pakistan fearing for his life.

Brahamdagh Bugti supports US Balochistan resolution

QUETTA: Leader of Balochistan Republican Party (BRP) Nawabzada Brahamdagh Bugti said on Wednesday that he supports the US Congress resolution on Balochistan's self-determination,

Brahamdagh Bugti, grandson of slain Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, was addressing the media over telephone from Switzerland and said that attacks were being carried out and bodies were being dumped in the province for two years while the operation is underway in the province for the past six years.

‘Balochistan issue could not be resolved through packages,’ he added.

Brahamdagh said the elements responsible for atrocities in Balochistan are now talking about the All Parties’ Conference. He said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif has now realized the plight of Baloch people.

He claimed that by raising the Balochistan issue, Nawaz wants to save his political interests.

He said the situation in Balochistan was not hidden from any one but nobody paid attention towards the deteriorating situation of the province.

Nawaz attaches conditions to Balochistan APC

ISLAMABAD: PML-N president Nawaz Sharif has attached conditions to his party attending the governments All Parties Conference (APC) on Balochistan.

Sharif called on the government to arrest the killers of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti and to recover of the missing parsons.

According to the party statement, the PML-N will only take part in the APC when these conditions are met.

CJ expresses displeasure over police performance

LAHORE: A two-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Wednesday observed that police and prosecution do not fulfill their responsibilities,

The bench observed this while hearing a bail application of Ali Nawaz, involved in the killing of his wife advocate Shabnum Faryal, at the Supreme Court's Lahore Registry.

The bench was informed that the charge sheet in the case had not been presented to the court for the last eight months.

The Inspector General of Punjab Police and Inspector General of Prisons Punjab appeared before the bench.

The CJ reprimanded the police officers on failure to submit the charge sheet in time and questioned as to what was happening in the department.

Justice Iftikhar remarked that the police only wanted to avail perks and privileges without doing anything. Prisoners also have rights, the CJ added. The courts are then held responsible for delays in the cases, he remarked.

The bench also sought details about the prisoners lodged in jails across the Punjab from the provincial home secretary.

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Iran says its nuclear activities non-negotiable

EHRAN: Iran said on Tuesday it views its nuclear activities as a non-negotiable right, but confirmed they will be discussed in mooted talks with world powers aimed at defusing a crisis containing the seeds of a new Middle East war.

"The issue of our country's peaceful nuclear activities will be on the agenda of talks between Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany)," foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told reporters in a televised briefing.

"Our main demand is recognition of our right to possess the (nuclear) technology for peaceful purposes," Mehmanparast said.

"That right has been achieved, and we don't think there is a negotiable issue regarding our nuclear activities."

Mehmanparast's comments came on the second day of a two-day visit by officials from the UN nuclear watchdog for talks focused on "possible military dimensions" of the nuclear programme.

The ministry spokesman said the aim of the visit by officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency was not inspections but to talk about "a framework to pursue dialogue and cooperation between Iran and the IAEA."

An IAEA visit to Tehran late last month was inconclusive.

Tensions have risen dramatically this year over Iran's nuclear programme, which much of the West suspects includes research to develop atomic weapons. (AFP)

BB Murder: Musharraf to be brought back via Interpol, says Malik

KARACHI: Interior Minister Rehman Malik announced in the Sindh Assembly that there would be a red notice issued through Interpol for the arrest of former President Pervez Musharraf and he would be brought back to Pakistan.

Malik was briefing the provincial assembly about the murder investigation of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

During the briefing Malik informed the MPA’s that former president
Pervez Musharraf denied Benazir Bhutto the promised security.

Before Benazir's arrival, Musharraf in the presence of Mark Segel told Benazir not to come back and threatened her to face consequences but
Benazir said she would decide about her homecoming plan herself.

The interior minister said 27 terrorist groups were involved in the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.

While detailing the investigations, the minister said there was a phone call regarding the incident in our notice and after a gap of 1 1/2 years the SIM was used again on the basis of which the culprit was arrested.

With the help of the arrested man, important details were disclosed including the information of the bombers’ stay at a particular seminary and about the execution of plan. From the planner to executioner, everyone was identified during the probe.

Malik added that there were multiple attempts on the life of the former prime minister and one of the attacks was planned by Khalid Shekih and his brother.

The minister hoped that the case would reach the logical conclusion soon.

Informed Benazir Bhutto about threats: Musharraf

Dubai: Former President Pervez Musharraf said on Tuesday that he had telephoned former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and informed her of the threats she faced.

Musharraf was responding to statements made by Interior Minister Rehman Malik in the Sindh Assembly in which Malik said that the former president did not provide Benazir adequate security and was threatened by her.

“Benazir did not consider me to be a threat,” Musharraf said.

Musharraf added that providing security to Benazir Bhutto was the responsibility of the provincial government and her principal security was being handled by PPP workers.

The former president also raised the question regarding who had asked Benazir Bhutto to come out of the sun roof of the jeep she was traveling in prior to her assassination.

Musharraf further said that he had met Benazir twice in Dubai but had not spoken to her since October 18.

“Rehman Malik was not present during these meetings” Musharraf added.

Commenting on his return, Musharraf said he was willing to face the courts.

Khar calls for new terms of engagement with US

LONDON: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar struck a defiant note during her official trip to the United Kingdom, in which she bluntly told the United States to be transparent and predictable for a sustainable relationship with Pakistan, and to be open in the same way that the UK has been with Pakistan about its shared goals and objectives.

Hina Rabbani Khar was addressing a joint press conference with British Foreign Secretary William Hague at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) here after conducting a series of meetings with the British leadership as part of the Enchanted Strategic Dialogue.

Both foreign ministers poured praise on each other and the “close and growing ties” between the two countries, but the Pakistani foreign secretary bluntly said that the United States will have to understand and accept the “preconditions” that Pakistan will set as a bedrock of its relations with the Washington, which will mean “pursuing what’s in the mutual interest, pursuing a track which is predictable, transparent and sustainable”. She also said the relations between the US and Pakistan had been obscure in the past, but that policy was no longer workable and needed new definition.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said that a year old Enhanced Strategic Dialogue between the two countries was about strengthening the practical cooperation between and unlocking the abundant potential in the mutual relationship.

“The fact that we have such a dialogue is testament to the fact that this is a mature relationship which is growing stronger all the time. In Britain we are committed to a relationship with Pakistan that is deep, long term and strategic. We value its many distinctive characteristics; such as the close personal ties between hundreds of thousands of our citizens, our crucial partnership against terrorism, our important trade ties and our unswerving commitment to Pakistan’s development and to its democratic future. For all these reasons Pakistan’s future matters greatly to us and so we will be an enduring friend to the government and people of Pakistan.”

He said Britain understood the terrible losses terrorism has inflicted upon Pakistan and “we feel them deeply too,” adding that the people of Pakistan will always have “our sympathy, our understanding, and our robust support in addressing these problems”.

He said the two sides discussed how to increase bilateral trade to £2.5 billion by 2015, and particularly welcomed the World Trade Organisation’s decision to grant a waiver for an EU trade package for Pakistan.

As Britain prepared to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and host the Olympics, Hague hoped that the people of Pakistan would be able to “share in this with us, and [both events] promise to be a rewarding time for our cultural and sporting ties.” He thanked Pakistan for its “principled position on the Syrian issue”. He also said Britain will support Pakistan on all international platforms to achieve its development targets.

The News asked both foreign secretaries if the two officials were on the same page with regard to negotiations with the Taliban, and, being the strongest foreign ally of the United States, what the UK’s take on the strained Pak-US relations was.

William Hague acknowledged that the Pak-US relations were also discussed in the meeting but said that while Britain wished good relations between the countries, it was for the two countries to determine how they conduct their dealings. He added that Britain supported political reconciliation in Afghanistan which has a wider scope and which is in the interest of the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Tellingly, Ms Khar said that Pakistan supported a reconciliation with the Taliban that was “Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-driven from the front” but also added that Pakistan and the United Kingdom were on the same page in terms of the Afghan situation.

She remarked that the UK has done exceedingly well in proving itself as a reliable and trustworthy partner. She thanked the UK for its continued support to Pakistan for gaining market access in the west, and expressed her hope that this support continue unabatedly.

The Pakistani foreign secretary also affirmed that the friendship was reflected whenever Pakistan was hit by quakes and floods, and that the people of the UK had proven that they would stand behind Pakistan in its hour of need.

She informed William Hague that Pakistan understood the pain of the Afghan people and mentioned that in its quest to achieve peace and stability in the region Pakistan has lost thousands of its people in the war on terror, especially in the context of suicide bombings, which now stand at an “uncountable” rate. She told British media that Pakistan wished to be understood and its objectives and concerns recognised. She also said that Pakistan and Afghanistan were back on track to developing good relations.

William Hague enquired about the Nato-Isaf supply routes blockade but Khar apprised him that the decision to block the routes, following the killings of Pakistani soldiers, was taken by parliament, and that land routes will remain closed till the policy review is complete. “We have agreed to meet every six months to review progress on various strands,” she stipulated.

The Pakistani foreign minister also addressed a gathering organised by the Oxford University president and the Oxford University Pakistan Society president, where she stressed the role of democracy in establishing the rights of the people.

Khar said that democracy, demography and dissonance (self criticism and analysis) were “key factors of our national life” which would bring about progress and prosperity to Pakistan. The demographic features, she said, would determine the future course for economic development and dissonance would show the path for analysing endeavours to help correct the attitudes and behaviours, she emphasised.

The issue of Balochistan, the minister clearly stated, was “an internal matter of Pakistan and will be resolved by the provincial assembly and not by the US Congress”. Meanwhile, in an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Khar assured the UK that tension with the United States following the Nato air strike last November would not derail Pakistan’s cooperation with British security services in the run-up to the Olympic games.

She said the US must accept the new rules of engagement to be set by the Pakistani parliament, and advised the West to learn lessons from the Iraq war and refrain from attacking Iran. She said that Pakistan was not seeking to use the killing of 24 soldiers by Nato as leverage in its ties with Britain, and stressed that both the countries enjoyed intensive cooperation with each other which was getting stronger. “We are getting the right results. In the minds of the average Pakistani, our relationship with the UK is seen in a positive light,” the minister added.

Memogate: RIM yet again refuses to give data

ISLAMABAD: The Blackberry manufacturing company Research in Motion (RIM) has once again refused the Pakistan government’s request to provide communication details that took between the memogate characters, Mansoor Ijaz and former Pakistan ambassador Husain Haqqani,  Tuesday.

The reply has been received by the government of Pakistan while the commission has also been informed.

The Judicial Commission tasked with probing the memo scandal had directed the Attorney General to once again write to RIM for releasing Blackberry data.

The commission also directed the Foreign Ministry to present details regarding any existing agreement between Pakistan and Canada regarding exchange of dossier.

Spain, Greece protests against spending cuts

ATHENS: Thousands of protestors in Greece -- hundreds of thousands in Spain -- took to the streets Sunday to protest spending cuts they say will force ordinary people to bear the brunt of the debt crisis.

As Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos flew out to Brussels to try to clinch a new 130-billion-euro bailout for the debt-crippled country, 3,500 joined two separate rallies in the Greek capital.

Another 1,200 meanwhile demonstrated in the second city of Thessaloniki.

In Spain, there were protests in more than 50 towns and cities. The largest were in Madrid and Barcelona, Spain's second city, both of which drew hundreds of thousands of demonstrators, said AFP reporters at the scene.

In Athens, hundreds of police shadowed the latest demonstrations, held a week after parliament passed new austerity measures as rioters torched dozens of buildings in the Greek capital.

A group of youths on Sunday threw stones and bottles at a cordon of riot police guarding the parliament building, who retaliated with bursts of tear gas.

Papademos was set for talks with officials in Brussels ahead of Monday's crucial Eurogroup meeting of eurozone ministers, his office said. A European source told AFP that Papademos would also attend the Eurogroup meeting.

On the streets of Athens however, anger was growing against what many people here resent as stringent measures imposed from abroad.

"We Are Greeks, Merkel and Sarkozy Are Freaks," said one banner on the streets of Athens, referring to the German and French leaders.

The latest government measures include a 22-percent cut in the minimum wage, while pensions of more than 1,300 euros ($1,700) a month will be slashed by 12 percent, heaping further hardship on ordinary Greeks.

"The measures are the worst thing that could have happened. It is outrageous," said pensioner Christos Artemis. "All the people are suffering. Shortly we will be asking ourselves where the bread is."

Unions reject what they brand "unacceptable demands" set by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund, saying they violate workers' rights and collective agreements.

But EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding said Greece should focus on getting itself out of its economic mess.

"I wish the Greeks would concentrate on rebuilding their state rather than blaming scapegoats outside Greece for their plight," Reding, who is also vice-president of the European Commission, told the Austrian daily Kurier.

In the Spanish capital Madrid, protesters marched under sunny skies in a demonstration organised by the two largest unions, the CCOO and UGT.

At the head of the march was a large banner that read "No to the unfair, inefficient and useless reform" and the crowd chanted "strike! strike! strike!" as it made its way to the central Puerta del Sol square.

"We have to take action," said 44-year-old unemployed construction worker Victor Orgando, who wore a black hat decorated with a red CCOO union sticker.

"They start like this and then they will continue to eliminate rights."

Among the participants were members of the "indignant" social protest movement that sprang up across Spain before local elections in May; and teachers protesting education spending cuts.

"I am here because of the labour reforms but also because of the cuts to public services," said Clemencia Alvarado, a 54-year-old Madrid teacher who wore a green protest T-shirt.

Many of the protestors made a similar point, objecting not just to the latest labour market reform measures but to the government spending cuts aimed at reining in the public deficit.

Under the reform approved by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's government on February 11, maximum severance pay is slashed to 33 days' salary for each year worked from 45 days, going back 24 years at most.

It also makes it easier for companies to opt out of sector-wide or country-wide union collective wage agreements.

The government has made the labour market reform, along with steep spending cuts and a plan to clean up the country's banks, a cornerstone of its efforts to revive the economy.

Rajoy defended the labour reform at a congress of his Popular Party in Seville, saying it was "fair, good for Spain and necessary.

"This is the reform that Spain needs to stop it from being the country in Europe that destroys the most jobs. It puts us on the same level as the most advanced countries in Europe," he added.

Unemployment in Spain has tripled since 2007, when it dropped to a low of 7.95 percent a year before the property bubble burst, laying waste to millions of jobs in the construction sector. (AFP)

No end to loadshedding: MD PEPCO

ISLAMABAD: MD Pepco, Rasul Khan Mahsud has clearly stated that loadhsedding would not be ending anytime soon.

According to Mahsusd, loadhsedding cannot be eliminated under the current circumstances.

Mahsud also spoke about statements made by the Water and Power Minister regarding the elimination of loadshedding and said he was astonished when he heard them.

Speaking to the media MD PEPCO said there was an electricity shortfall due to unavailability of fuel.

Mahsud claimed that 4,000-5,000 MW could be added to the national grid if fuel was supplied.

Secretary Water and Power, Imtiaz Qazi who was also present at the news conference said that six thermal power plants were closed due to the unavailability of fuel and if these plants were operational then 1,400 MW could be added to the national grid.

FO summons acting US Ambassador

ISLAMABAD: Acting US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Hoagland was summoned by the Foreign Office on Monday.

Hoagland was summoned to register a protest regarding the resolution presented in the US Congress about Balochistan.

According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the resolution is a violation of the UN charter and it would have a negative impact on Pak-US relations.

On Sunday, Hoagland while speaking to Geo News said Balochistan was an important issue but not part of US foreign policy.

He added that supporting Balochistan's independence was not the policy of the Obama administration.

Preparations complete to record Mansoor Ijaz’s statement

ISLAMABAD: The Judicial Commission tasked with probing memogate has completed preparations to record Mansoor Ijaz’s statement via video-link. 

The rehearsal for the recording will take place on Monday. 

Two large screens have been installed at the Islamabad High Court where the commission meets. 

Ijaz’s statement will be recorded on February 22 from London and will be monitored by the commission’s secretary. 

SC to look into increasing cases of polio, hepatitis

LAHORE: The Supreme Court (SC) has observed that the court will not only review the drug reaction issue but will also look into the matter of increasing number of polio and hepatitis cases, Geo News reported.

A two-member bench of the SC resumed the hearing of the PIC drug reaction case at the Lahore Registry.

The bench noted that strikes do not suit the respected profession of doctors. Refusing to treat patients is against basic human rights, the court observed.

During proceedings‚ the apex court sought assistance from five senior doctors to furnish recommendations to deal with the spread of polio‚ hepatitis and spurious drugs.

Later, the SC adjourned the hearing of suo motu regarding spurious drugs till Wednesday.

Mexican prison riot leaves 44 dead

MONTERREY: At least 44 inmates were killed in a Mexican prison riot on Sunday, just days after a deadly inferno in a jail in Honduras, again highlighting terrible overcrowding in Latin American prisons.

The deaths occurred as clashes broke out in the early hours of Sunday between rival gangs at Apodaca prison, near Monterrey, which was holding some 3,000 inmates despite an official capacity of 1,500.

Notorious for violence and overcrowding, prisons in the region are beset by a litany of problems such as rampant drug trafficking and gang members seeking to settle scores.

The prison population in Mexico and Central America has swollen in line with the region's increasingly important role in the cocaine trafficking trade, meaning outdated facilities are straining at the seams.

Families gathered Sunday outside the Apodaca prison, located some 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the northern city of Monterrey, awaiting news of loved ones in a desperate scene, with some women fainting.

"We have 44 deaths," state security spokesman Jorge Domene told reporters, adding the casualties were not killed by firearms but had suffered stab wounds.

Domene said the fight likely was part of a turf war between the brutal Zetas drug gang and their former employers, the Gulf cartel, for control of the prison.

Monterrey, an industrial hub and Mexico's third largest city, has seen an upsurge in violence in recent months blamed on fighting between the two groups.

Domene said the situation inside the prison was now calm and that forensic teams were working to identify the bodies.

It was the second deadly such brawl in recent months in the Monterrey area after seven inmates died and 12 were injured in a clash in October at Cadereyta prison.

The toll from the two incidents appeared to top the total deaths in Monterrey's three main prisons in all of last year, when 50 inmates died from executions, brawls, and suspected suicides, according to official data.

In Honduras, the toll of Tuesday's blaze at the overcrowded Comayagua prison, thought to be the world's worst-ever prison fire, rose by one to 359 dead, after an inmate succumbed to severe burn injuries.

Anger was building among families over the slow return of bodies and at the slow pace of the investigation into the cause of the blaze.

Only 38 bodies have so far been identified in the morgue in the Honduran capital Tegucigalpa, and just 19 have been returned to their families for burial.

Forensics experts were conducting blood tests on corpses, many too charred to be identified by sight, in a bid to discover their identities.

Expert teams from the United States, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru are helping the Honduran authorities with their investigations into the fire, the cause of which remains unclear. (AFP)

Iran stops oil sales to British, French companies

TEHRAN: Iran has stopped selling crude to British and French companies, the oil ministry said on Sunday.

"Exporting crude to British and French companies has been stopped ... we will sell our oil to new customers," spokesman Alireza Nikzad was quoted as saying by the ministry of petroleum website.

The move appeared to be in retaliation for a decision by the European Union in January to stop importing crude from Iran from July 1 over its disputed nuclear programme, which the West says is aimed at building bombs. Iran denies this.

Iran's oil minister said on Feb. 4 that the Islamic state would cut its oil exports to "some" European countries.

"We have our own customers ... The replacements for these companies have been considered by Iran," Nikzad said. (Reuters

Altaf links strong Pakistan to empowered women

KARACHI: Founder leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movment (MQM), Altaf Hussain on Sunday linked a strong Pakistan to empowered women. 

Addressing a mammoth rally of women titled 'Empowered women, strong Pakistan' near Mazar-e-Quaid, Altaf Husain said that the massive rally at Mazar-e-Quaid proved that even the women supporters of MQM 'are enough to compete against other politicians'.

The MQM Chief claimed that Sunday's rally of women was the biggest not only in the history of Pakistan or the Asian continent but the entire world.

He said the aim of today's rally was to ensure women's empowerment in the country and that those who meted out ill treatment to women should be hanged.

Altaf Hussain said that MQM had come out to challenge the antiquated customs that had been in practice to suppress women and other weak segments of society. "It was MQM that staged a million march for the rights of Baloch people and also got the bill for women empowerment passed by the Parliament."

The MQM Chief put the number of women who turned up at Sunday's public meeting near Mazar-e-Quaid at one million. "If anyone is keen to witness revolution, come to Bagh-e-Quaid," he claimed and challenged that even a combined rally of all the parties of the country could not beat today's turnover.

He regretted that even today, women in rural areas of the country were deprived of their basic rights and that is why MQM, instead of paying only lip service, took practical steps to safeguard their rights.

Criticising the US congressmen bill on Balochistan, Hussain questioned as to why the learned brains of Pakistan failed to pay heed to the pressing situation of the province and address its issues?

He termed the current unrest in Balochistan as a failure of government, warning that the province had been pushed to the brink of separation.

Altaf Hussain said MQM stood with women who were struggling for the recovery of missing persons and demanded of the government secure their release and expose the abductors.

The MQM Chief said if every citizen was ensured his rights, the concept of minority would automatically fade away.

He said MQM wanted politics to be done in the country on the basis of merit and that it wanted an end to hereditary politics, terming it no less than 'a thuggery'.

He said MQM ensured increased woman participation in the country's politics.

Hussain described the Sunday's rally as the biggest show of people's solidarity.