Mel Gibson close to finalizing divorce

LOS ANGELES: Lawyers for actor Mel Gibson and his estranged wife Robyn submitted a proposed divorce settlement to a judge on Friday, moving the pair closer to finalizing their split after 31 years of marriage.

Gibson, 55, and his wife married in Australia in 1980 and have seven children together.

The couple separated in 2006 after Gibson was arrested for drunk driving in Malibu, California, and made anti-Semitic remarks that generated headlines around the world.

The actor's wife sued for divorce in April 2009, citing irreconcilable differences following Gibson's relationship with Oksana Grigorieva, with whom he has a 2-year-old daughter.

The "Lethal Weapon" star pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery following an altercation with Grigorieva in 2010, and was sentenced to three years' probation.

He recently settled a custody battle with his former girlfriend, agreeing to pay Grigorieva $750,000 and share custody of their daughter.

The Oscar winner's turbulent five years since his arrest and the anti-Semitic rant have tarnished his reputation and set back a remarkable career that had made him one of Hollywood's highest paid actors, directors and producers.

While no details of the divorce settlement were released, the actor was previously estimated to be worth $900 million, and he owns several properties in the wealthy, seaside enclave of Malibu, outside Los Angeles.

Europe stakes billion-dollar bet on new rocket

PARIS: A pencil-slim rocket is scheduled to lift into space from South America on Monday, carrying a billion-dollar bet that Europe can grab a juicy slice of the market to place satellites in low orbit.

The maiden flight of Vega culminates a decade-long plan to turn Europe's space base in Kourou, French Guiana, into the world's most versatile launch platform.

The launcher 30 metres (100 feet) long and three metres in diameter is designed to hoist loads ranging from 300 kilos (660 pounds) to 2.5 tonnes into orbits from 300 to 1,500 kilometres (187-937 miles) depending on mass.

If all goes well, Vega will complement the heavyweight Ariane 5, capable in its beefed-up version of lifting more than 20 tonnes, and the mid-range Soyuz, the Russian-Soviet veteran deployed to Kourou last year under a deal between Russia and the European Space Agency (ESA).

Vega aims to shoulder its way into a market already teeming with half a dozen existing or would-be competitors, including India, China and Russia -- which is selling launchers using a converted Cold War ballistic missile -- and US commercial firms.

"Vega is a flexible vehicle, with a mission to meet demand for small payloads," said Benoit Geffroy, an engineer at ESA's launchers department. "The big selling point will be punctuality," he said.

Rivals may pitch a lower launch price but then delay their launch, which inflicts hefty indirect costs on a satellite operator, he argued.

Italy has shouldered nearly 60 percent of the 776 million euros (1.008 billion dollars) cost of building the rocket.

ESA members have committed another 400 million euros in launch contracts and other work to guarantee Vega's future.

The rocket is centred on an Italian design that has raised eyebrows for its complexity.

Rocket makers usually try to reduce the number of stages as far as possible to avoid the risk of failure if a stage does not separate or if a motor refuses to ignite.

But Vega uses four stages to propel a small payload into low orbit. The reason: the rocket uses solid fuel, an energy source that cannot be turned on and off as easily as liquid propellant, so having additional stages offers flexibility in swiftly boosting or slowing a flight.

Another innovation, said Carine Leveau of France's National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), is a first stage whose body is made of light-but-tough carbon fibre, a precious gain in the quest for low-cost reliability.

Monday's launch, scheduled for 1000 GMT, is a "qualification" flight with a scientific payload.

Its main satellite, a tungsten sphere called Lares, is designed to study the so-called Lense-Thirring effect -- a strange component of Einstein's theory of general relativity which says that as Earth (or any other big mass) rotates, it drags space and time around with it.

To measure this, Lares is studded with reflectors on which ground-based laser beams will be aimed in order to measure the satellite's time and distance as it zips around the globe.

The other principal satellite, AlmaSat-1, will test new civilian technologies in Earth observation.

The rest of the payload is taken up by seven so-called picosatellites, essentially cubes each weighing less than a kilo (2.2 pounds), in which European universities have each packed a separate experiment.

They include the very first Polish, Romanian and Hungarian satellites, according to ESA. (AFP)

Memo commission decides to record Mansoor Ijaz's statement via video link

ISLAMABAD: The judicial commission constituted by the Supreme Court (SC) to probe memogate scandal resumed the hearing in Islamabad High Court today and decided to record Mansoor Ijaz’s statement via video link,

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

During today’s proceedings, the memo commission decided that Ijaz’s statement would be recorded through video link and issued orders for its implementation. The statement would be recorded in London on February 22.

The commission instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make necessary arrangements.

Barrister Zafarullah, while presenting his arguments, said that Mansoor Ijaz is an absconder in the US Supreme Court as well and that he would not appear even in the Pakistani High Commission in London to record his statement as it is also falls under the jurisdiction of Pakistan.

While giving arguments, Husain Haqqani’s lawyer Zahir Bukhari also told the court that Mansoor Ijaz is an absconder of an American court and that is why he is asking the commission to record his statement elsewhere. On this, Justice Isa told Bukhari that he would be heard completely on this issue once he gets the evidences of such accusations.

Mansoor Ijaz’s counsel Akram Sheikh told that the commission could record his client’s statement in London as he cannot come to Pakistan due to security reasons. On this, Barrister Zafarullah remarked that his statement should be recorded in the US.

During the break, petitioner in the memogate scandal Barrister Zafarullah and Akran Sheikh exchanged harsh words with each other on the issue of recording Ijaz’s statement abroad.

The Heroes who Made History Possible!

The 6th of February will always be remembered as the golden day in Pakistan’s cricket history. Not only did the Men in Green achieved the impossible by claiming a whitewash over England, they also tamed the English media that had called them chuckers, thrown ball tampering allegations at them as well as termed them spot-fixers during their last tour of the country.

 
This was the first time that Pakistan played like a winning unit in many years. Many of those who follow the game religiously had written off Misbah ul Haq and his men ahead of the series, and this scribe was one of them. I publicly apologize to the Pakistan cricket team for underestimating them, but aren’t they the best when cornered? Yes they are, and their unpredictable nature was one of the biggest factors that helped them tame the best in the world!


Both the batsmen and the bowlers gave more than their 100% and the credit of the success goes to the captain, Misbah ul Haq who remained calm even in tense situations. The batsmen displayed patience and presence of mind, due to which the batting clicked throughout the series, to the disappointment of the English team and media. Out of the 6 scores of over 250 runs in an innings, Pakistan dominated the chart with 4, including the 365 all out in the final innings of the series. The 338 runs in the first test were also the highlight of Pakistan’s first win in the series, whereas England’s 327 at Abu Dhabi was not enough to save the match.


Pakistan’s Azhar Ali was the only batsman in the series who scored more than 200 runs. In fact, he not only scored 251 runs in 5 innings at an average of 50, he also posted the highest score of the series – 157 in the third Test. Younis Khan followed with 193 runs, 127 of which came in the last match of the series. He may have scored just one score of more than 50 runs, but Mohammad Hafeez came third in the batsmen’s list with 190 runs, followed by the skipper Misbah ul Haq at 180 and youngster Asad Shafiq with 167 runs. Batting proved to be the main difference between both the sides as the top English batsman – Jonathan Trott – came on the list of most runs at number 6 with 161 runs, behind 5 Pakistanis.


Similarly, Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman dominated the bowling chart with 24 and 19 wickets respectively, followed by Monty Panesar with 14 scalps. While Ajmal remained the only bowler to take 10 wickets in the series, the left-arm spinners Rehman and Panesar shared two five-wicket hauls to finish at second and third position. Saeed Ajmal’s 7/55 at Dubai was the best bowling performance from either side, followed by Rehman’s 6/25 and Panesar’s 6/62 at Abu Dhabi.


The Test series is now over and will be followed by a one-dayer against Afghanistan and 4 one dayers and 3 Twenty20 internationals against England. It remains to be seen whether the selectors retain successful players like Azhar Ali for the limited overs or try youngsters against the reigning T20 World Champions. Whatever they decide, Pakistan will have the upper hand because they had outclassed, outsmarted and outwitted the world’s best side with determination, dedication and unity!

Drone strike kills six in North Waziristan

MIRANSHAH: At least six people have been killed when a drone fired two missiles in North Waziristan,

According to sources, an unmanned aircraft fired two missiles targeting a house. Six people were killed and several others injured in the strike in Spalga area.

The dead bodies and injured are being shifted to hospital.

21 civilians killed in Syria violence: activists

BEIRUT: At least 21 civilians and four soldiers were killed on Tuesday in violence across Syria, the majority of them in the flashpoint central city of Homs, activists said.

"At least nine civilians, including a woman, were killed by gunfire and shelling as (troops) attempt an assault on the Khaldiyeh neighbourhood of the city," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in a statement.

The Britain-based group said four Syrian troops were killed in the assault on Khaldiyeh, while six other civilians were killed in shelling of the Baba Amr neighborhood.

Elsewhere, five civilians were killed in clashes in Zabadani, located near the capital Damascus and the Lebanese border.

Clashes were also reported in Hula, in Homs province, where a 15-year-old boy was reported killed.

In Idlib, the army was shelling the village of Kafar Takharim, where there are members of the Free Syrian Army, made up of defectors and sympathisers, activists said.

"There are fierce clashes between soldiers and defectors," said the Local Coordination Committees, a loose umbrella organisation of opposition activists.

Clashes were also taking place in Basr al-Harir, in the southern province of Daraa, where 70 soldiers had defected, the LCC said.

According to rights groups, more than 6,000 people have died since the outbreak of the revolt in Syria mid-March. (AFP)

Maldives president resigns after police mutiny

MALE: The president of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed announced his resignation Tuesday during a televised press conference after a mutiny by the police and weeks of demonstrations.

"It will be better for the country in the current situation if I resign. I don't want to run the country with an iron fist. I am resigning," Nasheed said. (AFP)

Hezbollah gets support from Iran: Hassan Nasrallah

BEIRUT: Lebanon's Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Tuesday acknowledged for the first time that his party was solely funded and equipped by Iran and denied allegations the group was involved in the drug trade or money laundering.

"We have been receiving since 1982 all kinds of moral, political and material backing from the Islamic Republic of Iran," Nasrallah boasted in a television address on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).

His statement marked the first time he has openly admitted the source of the military and financial backing for his party.

"In the past we alluded partially to this truth," Nasrallah said. "We used to speak of a moral and political support while keeping silent when questioned about our military backing so as not to embarrass Iran. "But today ... we have decided to speak out."

Nasrallah denied reports that his organisation was linked to the drug trade or money laundering, saying it did not need to engage in such illicit activities.

"Drug trafficking is banned in Islam," he said. "And secondly, Iran's backing spares us the need for even a penny from anywhere in the world."

He added that Iran had never dictated conditions in exchange for its support.

Turning to Syria, Nasrallah denied reports that Hezbollah militants were fighting alongside government troops to put down a revolt that has claimed the lives of at least 6,000 people since mid-March according to opposition activists.

Hezbollah is the only party in Lebanon that refused to surrender its weapons after the country's 1975-1990 civil war on the grounds they are needed to protect the country from Israeli aggression. (AFP)

Two Karnataka ministers caught surfing porn

BANGALORE: Television cameras caught two BJP ministers — Lakshman Savadi and CC Patil — allegedly watching pornography on cellphone on the floor of the Karnataka assembly on Tuesday, The Times of India reported.

Savadi holds the cooperation portfolio while Patil is women and child development minister, the Indian media reported.

The Times of India writes that the ministers were caught in the act even as the House was in the middle of a heated debate. Close-ups of the ministers watching the salacious clip were beamed on TV channels in the evening, sparking a furore.

Soon after the news hit the airwaves, opposition parties, including Congress demanded the resignation of both ministers.

Chandio denies deadlock over 20th amend

ISLAMABAD: Claiming that the PML-N would soon come around on 20th constitutional amendment, Federal Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Mola Baksh Chandio Tuesday rejected any deadlock over the same,

Talking to newsmen in the premises of Parliament House, he said that his government would follow the policy of reconciliation on 20th amendment and other issue.

He added that a constitutional amendment required complete consensus, which would be achieved soon.

No progress on 20th amendment: Nisar

ISLAMABAD: Opposition leader in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Tuesday hoped that headway would be achieved on the 20th amendment of the Constitution by tomorrow,

Talking to media, he said no progress was made on the matter during negotiations today.

He said during the course of negotiations PML-N reiterated its stance.

Chaudhry Nisar said the legislators whose membership was suspended were not at fault because it was the Chief Election Commissioner who was actually responsible for this.

He said under the Constitution a chief election commissioner could not be granted extension in office term.

He said his party wanted a caretaker prime minister who enjoyed consensus of the entire nation. The caretaker PM should be capable of making possible the holding of transparent elections, he added.

"We have serious reservations over the word 'consultation' ….. the government only uses it as an information," he said, adding the government 'does not consult, it only informs'.

Appoint local commissioner for recording Ijaz statement abroad, asks Sheikh

ISLAMABAD: Akram Sheikh, the counsel for the central character of Memo scandal Mansoor Ijaz, Tuesday requested the judicial commission probing the issue to appoint a local commissioner to record his client’s statement aboard.

Shekih says Ijaz was ready to appear before the memo commission in Pakistan but changed his mind due to security concerns.

Lahore: 60-year-old recovered alive from debris

LAHORE: A 60-year-old woman was rescued alive from the rubble of a drug company after over 30 hours after the building collapsed due to a boiler explosion,

The woman has been rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Rescuers continue to search for survivours at the site of the factory collapse and say hope is not lost.

Three more dead bodies were recovered on Tuesday as the overall death toll rose to 19.

Suarez fails to inspire as Liverpool are held by Tottenham

Luis Suarez returned to Liverpool colors after an eight-game ban but the Uruguay striker couldn't transform his side's home fortunes as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Tottenham in the English Premier League.


Suarez's enforced spell on the sidelines came after the English Football Association found him guilty of racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra, but he couldn't break the deadlock in a tense game.
The point was a blow for both teams as third-placed Tottenham failed to grab a victory that would have seen them close within five points of leaders Manchester CIty, and three points of Manchester United in second.
For Liverpool, the draw is their eighth at Anfield this season -- a run that has hit their chances of qualifying for the European Champions League. They sit seventh, four points behind Chelsea in fourth.
After the match Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish suggested Suarez shouldn't have been banned in the first place.
He told Sky Sports: "I'm delighted that he is back. He should never have been away but we've taken the punishment and we've moved on. It would have been unfair to start him, he's not played since Boxing Day."

Heavy fog in Liverpool meant that Tottenham's manager Harry Redknapp was unable to attend the match -- his flight from London was canceled after he had spent the day in court where he is being tried on a charge of tax evasion.
The first half offered little in the way of chances, Jay Spearing's shot that arrowed just wide of Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel's post the highlight.
But the game came to life in the second half as Friedel saved Martin Kelly's long range shot before Suarez was introduced on 66 minutes to a standing ovation.

The striker wasted little time making an impact, but for the wrong reasons, as he was booked for kicking Scott Parker in the stomach while attempting a volley.
Suarez's strike partner Andy Carroll wasted a clear chance when he blazed over from 12 yards out after he'd taken down Steven Gerrard's cross.
It was Tottenham and Wales midfielder Gareth Bale who had the game's best chance as he went clean through on goal six minutes from time but he sent his shot straight at Pepe Reina.
In Spain, Granada beat Malaga 2-1 to climb out of the relegation zone in La Liga.
Odion Ighalo's opener for Granada was canceled out by Rondon but with nine minutes left Inigo Lopez scored the winner to move the home side into 14th place. Malaga remain eighth.

Namibia sponge fossils are world's first animals

JOHANNESBURG: Scientists digging in a Namibian national park have uncovered sponge-like fossils they say are the first animals, a discovery that would push the emergence of animal life back millions of years.

The tiny vase-shaped creatures' fossils were found in Namibia's Etosha National Park and other sites around the country in rocks between 760 and 550 million years old, a 10-member team of international researchers said in a paper published in the South African Journal of Science.

That means animals, previously thought to have emerged 600 million to 650 million years ago, actually appeared 100 million to 150 million years before that, the authors said.

It also means the hollow globs -- about the size of a dust speck and covered in holes that allowed fluid to pass in and out of their bodies -- were our ancestors, said co-author Tony Prave, a geologist at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

"If one looks at the family tree and projects this backward to where you have what's called the stem group, the ancestor of all animals, then yes, this would be our great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandmother," he told.

Prave said fossil evidence that animals emerged as long as 760 million years ago fit together neatly with what geneticists had hypothesised by looking at "molecular clocks", a means of gauging a species' age by looking at the percentage difference between its DNA and that of another species.

"The aspect of this that's rather satisfying, at least intellectually, is that it is in broad agreement with what geneticists would tell us based on looking at molecular clocks when we should see the first advent of large multi-cellular life forms," he said.

Philippine quake kills 43

MANILA: At least 43 people were killed when a powerful earthquake triggered landslides, collapsed homes and smashed bridges across the central Philippines on Monday, authorities said.

The 6.8-magntiude quake hit a narrow strait between the heavily populated island provinces of Negros and Cebu around lunchtime, with aftershocks nearly as strong causing further panic throughout the day.

The worst-hit area appeared to be Guihulngan, a coastal city in Negros close to the quake's epicentre, with 39 people confirmed killed there, according to local military commander Colonel Francisco Patrimonio.

He and local police said most of the victims had died as landslides buried homes, while others in the city of 100,000 people died as houses collapsed under the pressure of the quake itself.

"Some private homes collapsed along with our court house and parts of the public market. We got people out of the buildings but we could not evacuate the homes," police chief Senior Inspector Alvin Futalan told AFP.

Four other people were confirmed killed in other parts of Negros, where power outages were widespread and bridges as well as other vital infrastructure had been damaged, according to Patrimonio.

He and other government officials warned the death toll may rise, with reports of dozens of other people injured or missing in Guihulngan and nearby areas.

However, they said it was impossible to determine the exact number of missing, as power and many phone lines in the region were down and roads to the mountainous areas were impassable because of the landslides.

Patrimonio said that authorities were having to deal with looting, as well as the immediate rescue efforts, as some people took advantage of the chaos.

"Looting is now rampant in Guihulngan which forced us to commit (more troops) with the Philippine national police," he said.

In Cebu, a popular tourist destination and the country's second biggest city with 2.3 million residents, hotel guests scrambled to higher floors as unfounded rumours that a huge tsunami was bearing down spread by text message.

"There is news going around of tsunami waves, so we are doing our best to keep everybody calm," Barbi Patino, a spokesman for the 17-story Parklane International Hotel, told AFP shortly after the quake struck.

Civil defence chief Benito Ramos said the violent shaking of buildings in Cebu -- 50 kilometres (31 miles) from the epicentre -- led to broken windows and cracks on some walls.

But no high-rises sustained major damage and no deaths were reported in in the city.

Pedro Baldomino, a student in Cebu, said he saw many office workers leaving their buildings after a public announcement on radio warned people to brace for expected aftershocks.

"I was having lunch when the ground shook. Water spilled from glasses and plates clanked. Some of the diners rushed outside, some of us stayed underneath the tables," he said.

Almost four hours after the quake struck, a strong 6.2-magnitude aftershock hit the central Philippines, and then another struck measuring 6.0, causing further panic.

Over 200 less-powerful aftershocks were detected throughout the day, said provincial disaster monitoring executive director Angelo Tiongson.

Philippine government seismologists initially raised a precautionary tsunami alert over the quake, but lowered it two hours later.

The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said there was no danger of a widespread destructive tsunami.

The Philippines sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" -- a belt around the Pacific Ocean where friction between shifting tectonic plates causes frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. (AFP)

Madonna dazzles in Super Bowl half-time show

INDIANAPOLIS: Madonna on Sunday dazzled the Super Bowl crowd with an high-octane half-time show that started with an army of Roman gladiators and ended with a plea for world peace.

The glittering 12-minute performance at Lucas Oil Stadium featuring several guest stars had legions of fans racing to Twitter to give their thumbs-up, with some going so far as to declare it one of the best in Super Bowl history.

"Now THAT was a halftime show!" said @michaelsette7 of Toronto in a typical tweet of approval. "All hail the queen. Bow down everyone, bow down!"

Entertainment Weekly critic Ken Tucker agreed, calling Madonna's performance "joyous, unironic, open-hearted ... She was both in full command and full of generosity towards her massive audience."

With a new album titled "MDNA" out March 26, the 53-year-old Madonna teamed up with choreographer Jamie King and Canada's Cirque de Soleil for the most-watched musical interlude of any major sporting event in the world. (AFP)

China 'bans' airlines from joining EU carbon scheme

China has "banned" all airlines in the country from joining the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) aimed at cutting carbon emissions.

The authorities have also barred the airlines from increasing their fares or adding new charges for the scheme.

The ban comes just weeks after the China Air Transport Association said its members did not support the ETS.
The scheme, implemented from 1 January, levies a charge on flights in EU airspace based on carbon emissions.
'Severe challenges'
The scheme has come in for severe criticism not just from China but also from other countries such as the US and Canada.
China has claimed that the plan could cost Chinese airlines 95m euros ($124m, £79m) in extra annual costs.

Analysts said that given the global economic conditions and an uncertain outlook for the travel industry, airlines were wary of the scheme hurting their profits.

"The sector is already facing quite severe challenges," Chris De Lavigne of Frost & Sullivan told the BBC.

"The airline industry as a whole has already been hit by high fuel costs in the past couple of years and no one wants additional cost factors coming in."

According to EU estimates, the scheme will see the cost of air fares rise by between 2 and 12 euros per passenger.

'Very tricky'
The move by the Chinese authorities is likely to complicate the issue as the EU will have to decide on what measures it will take from here on.

"It is going to be very tricky. You have to wait and see how the EU will react," Siva Govindasamy of Flightglobal told the BBC.

"They would be able to stop the Chinese airlines from flying to the EU, but that could see retaliatory action by China which will not be good for either side," he added.

Analysts said that given the differences between the various parties involved, the matter may have to be resolved by an international body.

"It could potentially end up on the desk of the World Trade Organization as the countries who are against it have said it is an unfair trade practice," said Frost & Sullivan's Mr Lavigne.

"Both sides have claimed that this is either fair or unfair, so it is very difficult to see how this is going to shape up."

Syria crisis: Army steps up Homs shelling

Heavy artillery fire has been rocking Homs, as Syrian troops step up an assault on the restive city.

A BBC correspondent there describes almost constant blasts, in the fiercest attack in the 11-month uprising.

US President Barack Obama said it was important to resolve the conflict without outside military intervention.

Meanwhile, Russia and China defended their veto of a UN draft resolution criticising Syria - a move that angered opponents of President Bashar al-Assad.

Later the US State Department said it had closed its embassy in Damascus and pulled out all remaining staff because of security concerns.

Washington had warned in January that it would close the embassy if the government did not step up security.

'Not safe at all'
Homs, one of the main centres of resistance to Mr Assad's rule, has been under attack from government forces for several days.

Shelling resumed shortly after daybreak on Monday, says BBC's Paul Wood who has managed to get into the city, and hundreds of shells and mortars have been fired throughout the day.

Eyewitness Danny Abdul Dayem told the BBC the army was using rockets for the first time, with more than 300 falling on his locality since dawn.

"It's not safe at all, a rocket could land in this house right now," he said

Some rebels fighters have been firing automatic weapons in return, in what our correspondent calls a futile gesture.

The rebels claim that the shelling has hit a field hospital in the Baba Amr district, causing casualties. However, our correspondent says this is impossible to verify.

The facility is treating dozens of people wounded in previous assaults on Homs.

Mr Dayem said only one field hospital with four doctors was still operating in the city, and it was virtually impossible to get additional medication without being shot.

Another anti-government campaigner told the BBC the government was also using helicopters and tanks in the assault.

Activists say at least 40 people were killed on Monday.

Syrian state TV said "terrorist gangs" had blown up buildings in Homs.

The state-run Sana news agency reported that an oil pipeline near the city had been hit by an explosion on Monday. It also blamed "terrorists".

Both Syrian media and activists are also reporting clashes in the northern city of Idlib and the town of Zabadani, north-west of Damascus.

The government says it is fighting foreign-backed armed groups. Thousands of former army soldiers have defected to the rebel side, forming the Free Syrian Army.

The BBC's Jim Muir in neighbouring Lebanon says the conflict is beginning to look increasingly like a civil war with dangerous sectarian overtones.

The uprising is largely rooted in poorer sections of the Sunni community, our correspondent says, while the government draws its support mostly from Alawites, Christians and other minorities fearful of an Islamist takeover.

15 militants killed in Upper Orakzai

ORAKZAI: Security forces pounded militant hideouts with jet fighters, killing at least 15 and injuring eight militants in different areas of Upper Orakzai,

According to sources, security forces jet fighters destroyed four militant hideouts in Khadzai, Mamozai and Torsamant.

At least 15 militants were killed and eight others injured in the attacks of fighter jets.

Heathrow airport resumes flights after snow cancellations

LONDON: London's Heathrow Airport returned almost to normal on Monday after heavy snow forced hundreds of flight cancellations over the weekend, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

"Heathrow is open and our usual flight schedule is operating today," said a statement from the airport, the world's busiest air hub in terms of international passenger traffic.

"There will, however, be a handful of cancellations as result of yesterday's disruption. We advise passengers to contact their airlines to check before they come to the airport."

Heathrow had cancelled half of the 1,300 flights planned for Sunday as snow and fog descended on Britain, part of a European-wide cold snap that has claimed more than 300 lives.

Mass evacuation in Australia as flood waters rise

BRISBANE: Flood waters rose Monday in parts of Queensland as the Australian state raced to complete the largest evacuation in its history with police boosting their presence to prevent looting.

Thousands of Australians have been forced to abandon their homes as a record deluge sweeps through areas still reeling from last year's devastating flooding.

The area in most danger Monday was the town of St George, in Queensland's south, with most of its residents fleeing Sunday evening, although some 400 have stayed to help limit the damage despite a mandatory evacuation order.

Local mayor Donna Stewart said the swollen Balonne River in St George, flooding for the third time in less than two years, had reached 13.48 metres (44 feet) and was expected to keep rising until at least Tuesday night.

Forecasters have estimated it could top 15 metres, breaching the town's 14.5-metre levee, with fears mounting for other small towns south of St George, including Cunnamulla and Dirranbandi.

No electricity load shedding from Tuesday: Naveed Qamar

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Water and Power Naveed Qamar has said that there would be no electricity load shedding across the country from tomorrow (Tuesday).

Responding to a call attention notice during the National Assembly's session, he said that there would be no load shedding across the country from Tuesday.

Qamar added that the line losses of the distribution companies had been controlled to a great extent.

Factory collapse: 10 dead,several trapped in Lahore

LAHORE: At least ten people have been killed while several others including women and children are trapped under the rubble of a three-storey building of a pharmaceutical company which collapsed due to a boiler explosion,

Three houses alongside the building were also razed to the ground.

According to the details, ten dead bodies including that of a women and child and 12 injured people have been pulled out and shifted to the hospital.

Rescue workers and people continue to remove the debris in an effort to fear the approximately 50 people trapped inside. .

AFP adds: The three-storey building used to manufacture veterinary medicines came crashing down when a gas explosion ripped through the premises, police said.

Rescue workers dug through the rubble with bare hands, desperate to answer trembling cries for help from people trapped beneath concrete slabs as sobbing relatives urged rescuers to do everything possible to recover their loved ones.

Police said the factory was illegal without the proper registration and that they were looking to arrest its three partners.

The accident at the 25-year-old factory was likely to highlight poor safety procedures among Pakistani manufacturers and with a 12-year-old boy among the dead, the use of child labour.

Pakistan make historic clean sweep against England

DUBAI: Pakistan's bowlers sealed an emphatic 71-run win in the third and final Test against England here on Monday, wrapping up a humiliating 3-0 series whitewash in the process.

Set a daunting 324-run target, England were bowled out for 252 with paceman Umar Gul taking 4-61 and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal 4-67 to help Pakistan achieve a first-ever Test cleansweep against their opponents.
With the ball turning again it was always going to be a difficult task for England's batsmen, who have struggled to play the Pakistani spinners throughout the series, on a weary fourth day pitch at Dubai Stadium.

Pakistan won the first Test here by ten wickets and the second by 72 runs in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan have also become the first team to win a Test after being bowled out for under 100 since 1907 when England, shot out for 76, beat South Africa at Leeds.

It was England's seventh series whitewash, their first at the hands of Pakistan. Pakistan have now recorded five series whitewashes, their last coming in a 3-0 win over Bangladesh in 2003.

England's last series whitewash came in 2007 when they were routed by Australia 5-0.

So dominating have been Pakistanis spinners that Ajmal finished the series with 24 and Rehman with 19.

An elated Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq praised his team.

"It's a wonderful team effort," said Misbah, who now has won nine of the 15 Tests as captain, with one loss and five draws. "It's a big win against a big team, achieved through hard work."

England captain Andrew Strauss said the lack of run-making had left him disappointed.

"It's a bit of surprise as well as disappointment because we did not put scores on the board, and we must give credit to Pakistan," said Strauss who has lost his first series since losing to the West Indies in 2009.

"We have important lessons to learn from this defeat."

England, 89-2 at lunch, were still in with a chance with Alastair Cook (49) and Kevin Pietersen (18) batting well but they lost four wickets in the space of 84 runs.

They went to tea at 173-6.

Pietersen, who struggled for runs in the series, hit Abdul Rehman for a boundary and then hoisted him for a six to post England's 100. But Ajmal struck from the other end.

The off-spinner produced a beautiful delivery to bowl Pietersen through the gate for 18. He had a mere 67 runs for the series during which he was out to spinners on five occasions.

In his next over, Ajmal produced another sharp turning delivery which caught the edge of Cook's bat and was smartly held by a diving Younis Khan in the lone slip.

Ian Bell (10) and Eoin Morgan (31) added 37 for the fifth wicket but again failed to produce a big score in the series as Gul dismissed them in the space of just three runs.

Pakistan took the second new ball at 196-6 and the first ball saw Gul dismissing Stuart Broad (18) and then Graeme Swann on one.

Matt Prior remained not out at 49 when Monty Panesar was dismissed by Rehman for nine.

England had looked for big partnerships after resuming at 36-0 but that never transpired.

Pakistan could have wrapped the match earlier had they not dropped two crucial catches, the first off Strauss on 26 when wicket-keeper Adnan Akmal grassed a simple chance off Gul.

But that didn't hurt Pakistan as Rehman trapped the England captain in the very next over. Strauss challenged the decision by Australian umpire Steve Davis but his review failed.

Gul then let off Cook at 24 when he failed to hold a top-edge sweep off Rehman.

Cook had also benefited from a dropped catch on Saturday when Taufiq Umar let him off in the third slip off a miscued drive off Gul when he was four.

Ajmal then broke a dangerous looking 37-run stand between Cook and Jonathan Trott (18) by forcing a top-edge sweep which was smartly snapped up by Rehman at square-leg

Obama says US, Israel 'in lockstep' on Iran

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama on Sunday sought to reassure Americans over the threat posed by Iran, saying the United States was working "in lockstep" with Israel to bring Tehran to heel over its suspect nuclear program.

Obama said the Islamic republic was "feeling the pinch" of ever tougher sanctions imposed by the international community, and dismissed concerns that Tehran could retaliate by striking US soil, saying such a strike was unlikely.

"I've been very clear -- we're going to do everything we can to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon and creating a nuclear arms race in a volatile region," Obama said in a live pre-Super Bowl interview with NBC.

"We have mobilized the international community, in a way that is unprecedented. They are feeling the pinch. They are feeling the pressure," he said.

"My number one priority continues to be the security of the United States. But also, the security of Israel. And we're going to make sure that we work in lockstep, as we proceed to try to solve this -- hopefully diplomatically."

When asked if he believed the Jewish state would launch a pre-emptive strike on Iran's nuclear installations, Obama replied: "I don't think Israel has made a decision."

Asked if Washington would be consulted first, he said he couldn't go into specifics but added that the two allies had "closer intelligence and military consultations" than ever before.

On whether Iran could possibly strike US targets in retaliation, Obama said: "We don't see any evidence they have those intentions or capabilities."

He added: "Again, our goal is to resolve this diplomatically. That would be preferable. We're not going to take options off the table, though."

The US president cautioned that "any kind of additional military activity inside the Gulf is disruptive. And has a big effect on us. It can affect oil prices."

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman was due in Washington on Monday, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit the United States in early March, though a meeting between Netanyahu and Obama was not yet confirmed.

Obama says he 'deserves second term'

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama said Sunday that he deserved to be re-elected because the US economy is adding jobs and recovering, in stark contrast to the bleak monthly unemployment hikes he inherited in 2009.

In a pre-Super Bowl interview with NBC, Obama was reminded that three years ago, just days after he took office, he told the same network: "If I don't have it done in three years, it's going to be a one-term proposition."

Obama pointed to US job numbers issued Friday showing that 243,000 net new jobs were added in January, the fastest spurt in nine months and which brought the unemployment rate down to 8.3 percent.

"I deserve a second term. But we are not done," Obama said in the interview, stating that three years ago, "we were losing 750,000 jobs a month."

"Now, we're creating 250,000. We created the most manufacturing jobs since 1990. But we're not finished," Obama said, pointing to the need to see that "all American manufacturing is building again and selling overseas."

"We've got to make sure that we're pushing American energy. And that includes not just oil and gas, but clean energy," he added.

"We have to make sure that the skills of American workers are the best in the world. And we're making progress on that front."

SC deadline on 'by-polls legal cover' ends today

ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court of Pakistan’s deadline regarding legality of by-elections is ending today (Monday),

According to details the fate of 28 parliamentarians hangs in balance as they would be rendered disqualified if government failed to have the 20th Constitutional amendment pass both Upper and Lower Houses.

The Supreme Court will resume hearing today (Monday) on the petition filed by Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan on fake electoral lists of the Election Commission of Pakistan.

A four-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, will hear the case. Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, Justice Tariq Pervez and Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmani are other members of the bench.

Conspiracies to stop Senate polls: PM Gilani

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Youuf Raza Gilani said several conspiracies were hatched to stop the election of Senate, however, the government remained committed to holding of the election.

Gilani said that the government wanted unanimous passage of the 20th Constitutional Amendment and was holding discussions with allies and opposition to reach a mutual understanding on it.

Responding to questions of media persons at the end of the inaugural session of Seerat-un-Nabi (SAWW) Conference here, the prime minister said since the Parliament passed the previous amendments with consensus so the government desired to go ahead with the 20th Amendment in the same manner.

He said since the amendment was a very serious matter and the apex court had also directed to get a nod from the Parliament, therefore, the government was discussing the matter with its allies.

He said the process was going on and it was passing through the Parliamentary Committee for Law and Justice and different phases to seek point of view of the opposition parties.

He said the government wanted free, fair and transparent elections through an independent Election Commission.

Gilani said the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) was not a one-timer and had always suffered because of rigging in the elections and wanted to ensure transparency in the polls.

Gilani said a conspiracy was being hatched against the creation of a Seraiki province and the government would work even more effectively for its creation.

He said some earlier talked of restoration of the Bahawalpur state, but that move has fizzled out as there could not be a state within the state.

Gilani said many issues had to be taken into consideration for the creation of a new province. There should be a province that covers not only Bahawalpur, but also adjoining the areas in Southern Punjab, he added.

When asked whether he feared the courts, Gilani said the case was proceeding as part of a process. He, however, said it was the media that from day one has been giving dates of the collapse of government.

Responding to a question, the PM regretted that since long not even a single government was allowed to complete its term and it had led to a spate of problems that the nation was facing today.

He said Pakistan and India were created on the same date, but there was a stark difference in how they have continued with their system.

The completion of term by the Parliament is in the interest of the country, he added.

Replying to a question about the names of several candidates that were being named as Prime Minister, Gilani said any person, who qualifies to be a member of the National Assembly, qualifies to be Prime Minister.

When asked about his expected talks in Qatar and discussion on the future of Afghanistan, Gilani said a stable Afghanistan was vital.

"If there is any political reconciliation that is Afghan-led and Afghan-owned, we will support it."

Gilani said Pakistan was part of a core group that included Afghanistan and the United States and it meets regularly.

He said peace in Afghanistan was vital for the security and stability of Pakistan.

About reports of restoration of NATO supply, the Prime Minister referred to statements by some political parties who said they would not let these supplies open.

He said the government had not taken the decision to halt supplies on the request of these parties, but because of on national interest.

He said the government would follow the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on relations with the US as these would represent the views of the entire nation. (APP)

Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) celebrated with religious zeal, fervour

ISLAMABAD: The faithful on Sunday celebrated Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW) with religious zeal, fervour and a commitment to promote brotherhood and a welfare society as enshrined in the teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Rallies were taken out and congregations held to mark the day (12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal) and enlighten the followers of the Last Prophet (PBUH) with his teachings and practices.

Ulema and scholars addressed the gatherings across the country as cities and towns were tastefully decorated to celebrate the event in a befitting manner.

The day dawned with special prayers for development, peace, unity and brotherhood among the followers of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as well as a 31-gun salute in the Federal Capital and 21-gun salutes at the provincial headquarters.

It was a public holiday and special security arrangements were made to maintain law and order across the country on this occasion.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, and other leaders had issued separate messages in connection with the day. They urged the Ummah and the Pakistani nation to forge unity as taught by the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) to fight the present day challenges.

Quran Khawani was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr and prayers were offered for solidarity and salvage of the Ummah and the Pakistani nation.

Main event of the day was the annual National Seerat Conference where Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani reiterated that peace and security in the world can only be attained by following the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

The Prime Minister said the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is the only way for a better life in this world and hereafter and urged to follow his teachings of tolerance, understanding and respect for humanity.

Newspapers and magazines published special supplements, while television channels and radio stations arranged special `Naatia Mushairas' and quiz programmes on Seerat-e-Mustafa (PBUH). Mahafil-e-Milad were held across the country and actively participated by a large number of people.

Special security arrangements were made in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar and other major cities and towns across the country to thwart any untoward incident.

Conferences were also held at provincial, divisional and district headquarters to pay respect and homage to the Last Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). (APP)

Avoiding whitewash an uphill task for England

DUBAI: England were set an improbable target of 324 runs to win the third and final Test and avoid the humiliation of a first-ever series whitewash at the hands of
Pakistan here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Needing to chase their second best achieved target in all Tests of 324, England finished the third day at 36-0, with openers Andrew Strauss (19) and Alastair Cook (15) playing out the tricky 20 overs on an eased out pitch.

They still need another 288 runs with all ten wickets intact in the last two days. England's most successful chase to win a Test was the 332 they made against Australia in Melbourne in 1929.

Azhar Ali hit a career-best 157 and Younis Khan's 127 in Pakistan's second innings total of 365.

Azhar Ali was the ninth player to be out after playing a long innings of 533 minutes during which he hit ten fours and a six.

Monty Panesar took five and Graeme Swann finished with three wickets.

Pakistan were bowled out for 99 in their first innings and can become the first team to win a Test after being bowled out for under 100 since England, dismissed for 76 in the first innings, beat South Africa by 53 runs at Leeds in 1907.

It will need an extraordinary effort from the England batsmen who lost the first Test here by ten wickets and the second by 72 runs in Abu Dhabi after their batting flopped against Pakistani spinners Saeed Ajmal and Abdul Rehman.

Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) being celebrated

iSLAMABAD: The Nation is celebrating Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Peace Be Upon Him) with religious reverence and fervor renewing the pledge to follow true teachings of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).

The day began with special prayers for development, safety, peace, unity and brotherhood amongst the followers of Holy Prophet (PBUH).

It is a public holiday. Special security arrangements have be made to maintain law and order across the country on the occasion of 12th Rabi-ul-Awal.

Newspapers and magazines have published special supplements, while television channels and radio stations are airing special `Naatia Mushairas' and quiz programmes on Seerat-e-Mustafa (PBUH).

All major government and private buildings, residential plazas, markets, mosques, roundabouts and even houses have been tastefully decorated.

Mahafil-e-Milad and public meetings are being held in different parts of the country, while faithful are actively participating in the programmes organised by different local, religious and social organizations.

Na'at and the Holy Quran reciting competitions would be held throughout the day in almost every nook and corner of the country to revive the real spirit of Islam and offer respect to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

There are special security arrangements in the Federal Capital, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar and other cities and towns across the country to avoid any untoward incident.

Participants of Mahafil will be properly verified and checked by security personnel.

Milad processions would be taken out from different areas of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, reciting Na'ats and Darood o Salam for the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

Major event of the day would be the annual National Seerat Conference in which prominent Ulema and scholars from across the country would participate. Selected Ulema and scholars would highlight various aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), stressing the need to follow golden principles of Islam to achieve success in the world and hereafter.

Besides, such conferences would be held at provincial headquarters, divisional and district levels to pay respect and homage to Allah Almighty's Last Messenger.

Congregations would be organized in all important cities of the country where the preachers and scholars would highlight the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) besides delivering lectures on His way of life.

For faithful, Eid Milad-un-Nabbi is a highly regarded religious festival when they express gratitude and thanks to Allah Almighty for blessing the universe with His last messenger and Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). 

Hard snowfall maroons hundreds in Murree

MURREE: Relentless snowfall has stranded hundreds of tourists in their vehicles on the road leading to Murree Hills,

It snowed heavier than expected on Saturday causing a gridlock on the roads as slipperiness prevented the automobiles form moving ahead forcing the tourists to spend night out there in the freezing cold.

Police and rescue officials were trying there best to get the tourists out of their misery but to no avail, as there seemed to be no letup in the inclemency of the weather.

Kashmir Solidarity Day being observed in befitting manner

ISLAMABAD: The whole nation is observing the Kashmir Solidarity day in befitting manner to pay homage to Kashmiri martyrs and express unity with people of Occupied Kashmir in their fight against Indian subjugation.

Pakistan is marking the day since 1990 to highlight the plight of people of Kashmir for their birth right to self determination promised to them by the international community under the resolutions of United Nations Security Council.

It is obligation of the world community to ensure a United Nations sponsored plebiscite in Kashmir according to wishes of the people of Kashmir.

All activities and transport came to standstill when one minute's silence will be observed throughout the country at 10 a.m. by blowing sirens.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan and AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majid have issued special messages in connection with Kashmir day, expressing solidarity with people of Occupied Kashmir.

President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani will address the joint session of the AJK Legislative Assembly and the Council.

A Kashmir convention will be held in Islamabad in which tribute will be paid to martyrs, who sacrificed their lives to get their birth right to self-determination.

The prime minister will host a dinner in honour of prominent Kashmir leaders in Islamabad.

A briefing will be arranged for all foreign mission in Islamabad on the latest situation in Occupied Kashmir, while all major mission abroad will arrange receptions for Pakistanis and Kashmiris.

Rallies, processions, seminars and photo exhibitions have been arranged by Pakistani mission abroad.

Packets containing ration will be given to each family living in refugee camps across the country.

A "Kashmiri Handicraft Exhibition" will be held at Lok Virsa where Kashmiri songs will be played and photos will be displayed.

Pakistan National Council of Arts will arrange a painting exhibition on Kashmir Culture besides setting up an Art Bazar on Kashmir and holding a puppet show. Posters and badges will be distributed among people in connection with the Kashmir Solidarity day.

Rallies, demonstrations, human chains by men, women and children will be held at various cities of the country, Azad Kashmir and the connecting points between Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir including at Kohala to express solidarity with the struggling Kashmiris of Indian Held Kashmir for their just cause for freedom from Indian yoke.

International Community's attention will be drawn towards Indian atrocities and barbarities, stressing it to play role in resolution of the Kashmir issue.

Special functions will be held in educational institutions to apprise the new generation with the Kashmir issue and heroic struggle of the Kashmiri nation for their right to self determination.

Television channels and Radio will air special programmes to highlight the different aspects of the Kashmir issue particularly Indian atrocities against innocent Kashmiris fighting for their freedom from Indian yoke.

Russia, China veto UN resolution on Syria

UNITED NATIONS: Russia and China on Saturday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution condemning the Syrian government's deadly crackdown on protests for the second time.

Thirteen countries voted for the resolution proposed by European and Arab nations to give strong backing to the Arab League's plan to end President Bashar al-Assad's crackdown. But Russia and China made a repeat of their rare double veto carried out on October 5 on an earlier condemnation.

US ambassador Susan Rice called the block "shameful." She said the veto showed how Russia and China aimed to "sell out the Syrian people and shield a craven tyrant."

Arab nations also condemned the move.

"I would like to express our great regret and disappointment" at the veto, said Morocco's UN ambassador Mohammed Loulichki, whose country is the Arab member of the 15-member council and played a key role in the drawing up the resolution.

Western ambassadors highlighted the concessions made to Russia in weeks of negotiations on the draft text. References to sanctions by the Arab League and calls for Assad to stand down were taken out.

Britain is "appalled," said its UN envoy Mark Lyall Grant.

"It is a sad for this council, a sad day for Syrians, a sad day for the friends of democracy," said France's UN ambassador Gerard Araud.

"History has now compounded our shame since today is the anniversary of the Hama massacre and the day after another heinous massacre in Homs," added Araud, referring to a 1982 massacre in the Syrian city of Hama that killed tens of thousands. Assad's father, Hafez, ruled the country at the time.

"Father and son are killing; it would seem to be hereditary in Damascus," he said.

The Security Council has now only agreed one statement, which has a lower standing, on the Syrian crisis since protests erupted in March last year.

India and South Africa which abstained in the October vote, backed the latest resolution. Pakistan was also among council members to back the resolution. (AFP)

Imran holds Punjab government responsible of drug deaths

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has held the Punjab government responsible for deaths caused by spurious drugs,

Talking to media here, Imran said the deaths occurred owing to incompetence of Punjab government.

Khan further said PPP and PML-N are scared of the PTI tsunami because they don't want any third power to make them accountable.

PM Gilani to discuss Afghan peace in Qatar

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will discuss peace efforts for war-torn Afghanistan with Qatar's leadership during an official visit next week, an official said on Saturday.

"Yes the reconciliation process in Afghanistan would come under discussion during the talks with Qatar's leadership," a senior Pakistan government official told AFP.

Pakistan's foreign ministry was not immediately available for comment.
The Taliban, ousted from power by a US-led invasion in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, announced last month they planned to set up a political office in Qatar ahead of possible talks with the United States.

Afghanistan has given its blessing to the move, but Kabul, wary of being sidelined in talks between the insurgents and Washington, has insisted on a central role in any negotiations.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are often tense. The Kabul government has accused Islamabad in the past of supporting the Taliban and sabotaging all efforts to launch peace negotiations.

Pakistan's support is therefore seen as key to forging peace in the country.

On Wednesday, Pakistani foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar during a visit to Kabul rejected accusations that her country was secretly supporting Taliban in Afghanistan.

The Taliban also denied plans for peace talks with the Afghan government in Saudi Arabia.

The statements came as a leaked NATO report charged that Pakistan's security services were backing the Taliban militia, who consider victory inevitable once Western combat troops leave in 2014. (AFP)

Policeman, woman among three gunned down in Sher Shah

KARACHI: Unidentified armed men shot dead a policeman and a woman in Sher Shah scrap market,

Three people have been killed in Sher Shah within a short span of just one hour.

Wikileaks to inform the court martial

The U.S. military has confirmed that U.S. military and diplomatic secrets related documents to Wikileaks, a Web site providing private Bradley Manning, a former soldier convicted in court martial proceedings against the will.
The former U.S. soldier who allegedly reveal the secret weightlifting site Wikileaks provided thousands of classified documents. U.S. authorities for publishing these documents on the Internet had led to shame. If Manning espionage against U.S. enemy action and the allegations are, they could be sentenced to life imprisonment.
The formal date for the trial against him and the judge has yet to be announced. Before the preliminary hearing in December, Manning's lawyer, said that during his twenty-year-old client should be given access to such sensitive documents needed.

"The best answer will attack Iran '

Iran's spiritual leader warned that his country's nuclear program target of any attack or sanctions will be fully answered.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Iran or to attack the issues would harm the U.S..
His statement came a time when Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak said yesterday that it was time to stop Iran's nuclear ambitions are.
U.S. Secretary of Defense and other U.S. officials pnyta Leone have expressed concern that a sudden attack on Iran for Israel potentially is preparing.

Banned outfits back in action on renewed funding: report

KARACHI: According to a British news agency, banned outfits in Pakistan have spun back into action after renewed funding,

Britain’s premier news network quoted Pakistani spy agencies as saying that these banned militant cliques have opened fresh bank accounts under new names.

It also added that funds are being transferred through these accounts not only within the country but also overseas.

Jaish-e-Mohammad, Tehreek-e-Islami; Millat-e-Islamia Pakistan, Ghazi Force, Hizbul Tehreer, Jamiat-ul-Furqan, and Khair-un-Nisa International Trust are reportedly among the militant organizations blacklisted by the government of Pakistan.

Four killed in Peshawar explosion

PESHAWAR: At least four people were killed as a result of an explosion in the Ring Road area of Peshawar.

The explosion took place at the office of a property dealer.

Speaking to the media provincial information minister Mian Iftikhar said that terrorism had a new face and attacks were taking place over tribal differences.

PCB to conduct rehabilitation for Amir

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board will conduct a rehabilitation programme for fast bowler Mohammad Amir under the anti-corruption code, an official said on Friday.

Amir, 19, was released from a British prison on Wednesday after serving half of his six-month sentence for his part in a spot-fixing scandal.

Pakistan Cricket Board legal adviser Taffazul Rizvi said Amir's rehabilitation programme would begin soon.

"Under the ICC anti-corruption code a convicted player undergoes an official education session to the reasonable satisfaction of ACSU programme during his period of ineligibility, in Amir's case it is five years," Rizvi told AFP.

"Further Amir has to agree to such additional reasonable and proportionate monitoring procedures and requirements as the ACSU may reasonably consider necessary."

"PCB and ICC are on the same page in this matter and are already in contact over the official anti-corruption education session," Rizvi added.

Since the spot-fixing scandal, the PCB has introduced stricter clauses in players' contracts in a bid to clamp down on malpractice in the game, and it has established its own anti-corruption unit.

LPG jumps by Rs 15 per ton as producers shift levy to consumers

KARACHI: Local producers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have shifted the burden of levy on LPG to 60 million consumers, raising its prices Friday by Rs 15,850 to a record Rs 109,700 per ton.

Chairman of FPCCI Standing Committee on LPG and All Pakistan LPG Distributors Association (APLDA) Abdul Hadi Khan, while expressing his disappointment over this rise, said that the raise of Rs 15,850 included the levy of Rs 11,400 per ton on LPG.

This has enhanced domestic prices by Rs 15 to Rs 145-165 per kilo, 11.8 kilo cylinder by Rs 188 to Rs 1,652 and 45.4 kg cylinder by Rs 726 to Rs 6,356, he added.

He said that the government could not stop producers from passing on LPG levy to consumers, raising its prices to record high in the country's history.

This will have a negative impact on LPG sales and make this fuel out of the reach of common consumers.

Hadi alleged that the local producers have been given liberty to raise LPG price at their own will, which amounts to drop a price bomb on the consumers who are already burdened with unprecedented price hike.

Hadi said that he has convened an emergency meeting of over 6,000 distributors and other stakeholders to devise a line of action against this price rise and transfer of LPG levy to the consumers.

He further alleged that local producers have restricted the daily production to 1,100 to 1,200 tons since last seven months, with some producers planning to go for production shut down in the mid of March, thus further reducing LPG production to 600 to 700.

"This will enable the non-representative stakeholders to take advantage of big gap between demand and supply of LPG and resort to profiteering", he noted.

Hadi urged the Petroleum Minister to take effective measures to bring down LPG prices to a reasonable level and provide relief to 60 million consumers and save jobs of thousands of people attached to this industry.

He said local production cost of LPG is Rs 13,000 to rs 14,000 per tonne while it is being sold at Rs 109,700 per ton. He underlined the need for developing a price mechanism to bring down LPG price and save this sector from collapse. (APP)

Conspiracies to stop Senate elections: PM Gilani

LAHORE: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday said the Senate elections would be held according to schedule and the government would talk about general elections with other political parties after budget.

Talking to media persons at the opening ceremony of a Pak-Business Express train at railway station here, the prime minister said the government would present its fifth budget in the National Assembly in June that would be unprecedented in the parliamentary history of the country.

He said, "all conspiracies against the government will end after the Senate elections as they are aimed at avoiding these elections."

The premier said he would be ready to talk about the next general elections with the political parties after the budget 2012-13, if anyone wanted to discuss it.

He said that fixation of petroleum prices was the responsibility of the regulatory authority but as Chief Executive of the people's government he had formed a parliamentary committee to discuss the issue.

The PM said the parliamentary committee would discuss the issue of petroleum prices with the Finance Minister.

When asked about proceedings at the Supreme Court, Gilani said he respected the decision of the court and would appear on February 13th.

The prime minister has been summoned by the apex court and will be indicted for contempt.

Imran submits appeal to stop by-polls

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Friday submitted a miscellaneous appeal to the court for stopping by-elections scheduled to be held on February 25, and to remove fake votes from the voter lists.

Advocate Hamid Khan submitted the petition on behalf of Imran Khan, saying that Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was holding by-elections without correcting the current voter lists.

Previously the ECP had categorically stated that the deadline given by the Supreme Court to purge the lists of fake votes by February 23, 2012 was "humanly impossible" and had sought assistance from political parties for extension of the deadline.

Ruckus in Punjab Assembly

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly today witnessed another chaotic session when the members from both sides of the benches exchanged abusive language against each other, Geo News reported.

The session was adjourned by the speaker for ten minutes, but resumed half an hour later.

The assembly hall looked like a fish market where the legislators got angry over continuous absence of CM Shahbaz Sharif from the assembly and deaths due to drug reaction.

When the session began, PML-Q's Samina Khawar Hayat termed Shahbaz Sharif Qatil-e-Aala upon which another member Sheikh Allaudin interrupted her. Treasury members also raised slogans against her.

This angered Samina and she then called Allaudin 'Lota and used abusive language. Allaudin also replied in more indecent words.

England 104-6 at close, Pakistan routed for 99

DUBAI: England were 104-6 at the close on the opening day of the third and final Test match, after Pakistan were bowled out for 99 in their first innings at Dubai Stadium here on Friday.

Andrew Strauss was unbeaten on 41 and with him James Anderson on three not out, as England lead by just five runs.

Stuart Broad took 4-36 and Anderson finished with 3-35.

Asad Shafiq topscored for Pakistan with 45. (AFP) 

SC drug reaction suo moto hearing today

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court will hear today suo moto notice of the deaths of more than 90 heart patients under treatment at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC), either from spurious drugs or due to wrong prescription of blood thinning and lipid lowering medicines.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry took notice of a note initiated by Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani and issued notices to the attorney general, Punjab advocate general, federal and provincial secretaries, DG FIA and IG Punjab. The CJ directed the office to register the note as a petition under Article 184(3) of the Constitution as prima facie it seemed that the provisions of Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution had not been adhered to strictly.

The chief justice further directed that the case be listed before a bench, headed by Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, today and issued notices to the Attorney General, the Advocate General Punjab, Secretaries Health of the Federal Government as well as government of Punjab, PPO Punjab and DG FIA to appear before the bench and file a reply before the petition.

Obama confirms drone strikes in Pakistan

President Barack Obama on Monday confirmed that US drone aircraft have struck Taliban and Al-Qaeda targets within Pakistan -- operations that until now had not been officially acknowledged.

When asked about the use of drones by his administration in a chat with web users on Google+ and YouTube, Obama said "a lot of these strikes have been in the FATA.

"For the most part, they've been very precise precision strikes against Al-Qaeda and their affiliates, and we're very careful in terms of how it's been applied," Obama said.

"This is a targeted focused effort at people who are on a list of active terrorists, who are trying to go in and harm Americans, hit American facilities, American bases, and so on."

Explaining that many strikes were carried out "on al-Qaeda operatives in places where the capacities of that military in that country may not be able to get them," Obama confirmed that Pakistan's lawless tribal zone was a target.

"So, obviously, a lot of these strikes have been in the FATA, and going after al-Qaeda suspects who are up in very tough terrain along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said.

"For us to be able to get them in another way would involve probably a lot more intrusive military action than the ones we're already engaging in."

US officials say Pakistan's tribal belt provides sanctuary to Taliban fighting for 10 years in Afghanistan, Al-Qaeda groups plotting attacks on the West, Pakistani Taliban who routinely bomb Pakistan and other foreign fighters.

Sixty-four US missile strikes were reported in Pakistan's semi-autonomous tribal belt last year, down from 101 reported in 2010, according to AFP tallies.

The United States had until now refused to discuss drone strikes publicly, but the program has dramatically increased as the Obama administration looks to withdraw all foreign combat troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014.

The Pakistani government is understood to agree to the program despite popular opposition at home, and drones have reportedly killed dozens of Al-Qaeda and Taliban operatives and hundreds of low-ranking fighters since 2004.

But the missile strikes fuel widespread anti-American resentment, which is running especially high in Pakistan since US air strikes inadvertently killed 24 Pakistani soldiers in November.

A US-NATO investigation blamed the deaths on a litany of errors and botched communications on both sides. But Pakistan rejected the findings, insisting the strikes had been deliberate.

Islamabad is now reviewing its entire alliance with the United States and has kept its Afghan border closed to NATO supply convoys for two months.

It ordered US personnel to leave Shamsi air base in western Pakistan, widely believed to have been a hub for the CIA drone program, and is thought likely to only reopen the Afghan border by exacting taxes on convoys. (AFP)