13 killed in Gilgit and Chillas; Army summoned

GILGIT: Thirteen people have been killed in ongoing violent incidents in Gilgit and Chillas areas,

According to official sources, armed men offloaded passengers from a bus and opened fire in Chillas.Nine people were killed while six buses were also set ablaze.

Earlier, curfew was imposed in Gilgit when four people were killed and 45 injured in clashes following a hand grenade attack.

In the latest development, the ISPR states that the Army has been summoned to Gilgit to control the law and order situation.

According to sources, Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat was observing a shutter down strike on Tuesday when unknown men hurled hand grenades at Ittehad Chowk that injured two policemen and a civilian.

The grenade attack initiated clashes that later killed four people and injured 45 others. The injured were shifted to District Headquarter Hospital.

Different roads were blocked by burning tyres and incidents of aerial firing were also reported.

Witnesses said that the district administration and law enforcement agencies were not present to control the violent situation where as fear gripped the entire area after hostility

US has problem with movement against drone attacks, Nato supply: Hafiz

ISLAMABAD: Hafiz Saeed said that the US government had a problem with the Defence of Pakistan movement against drone attacks and the restoration of Nato Supply

Saeed was speaking to Hamid Mir on ‘Capital Talk’ and responded to reports that the US had placed a $10 million bounty on him.

“I am living my life in the open and the US can contact me whenever they want,” Saeed said.

Saeed added that his presence had never caused any problems for Pakistan.

Hafiz Saeed responded to allegations of masterminding the Mumbai attacks, stating that the Supreme Court had cleared him and his organization of any wrongdoing.

“The US government is listening to the Indian lobby and not making its own decisions.”

Saeed also condemned the attacks in Mumbai.

When asked about what his reaction would be if the US conducting a raid similar to the covert operation against Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Saeed responded that he did not fear the US.

Power shortfall climbs to 6000MW

LAHORE: Power shortfall has shot up to 6000MW, causing massive increase in loadshedding in the country, .

According to sources, PEPCO needed 35000 tonnes of furnace oil per day but presently it did not receive the required quantity of fuel as well as funds.

Meanwhile, power distribution companies including LESCO have started loadshedding in industrial zones as well. Notification of six-hour power loadshedding has been issued for even for the independent feeder in the industrial zone.

PEPCO sources informed that loadshedding is being carried out in Lahore every other hour.

The total country-wide demand of power stands at 14,000 mega watts.

Karachi: four dead in various incidents

KARACHI: Four more people including a woman were killed in firing and other incidents in various areas of the metropolitan,

According to Police Chief Akhtar Gorchani, unidentified armed men open fire on M A Jinnah road near Light House, killing a woman. Enmity is suspected behind the incident.

In another incident, a man committed suicide as he shot himself in Pipri area of Bin Qasim Town.

Exchange of fire between two groups took place in Sikandar Goat area of Sohrab Goat, resultantly one person got killed while other was wounded. Injured man was rushed to the hospital.

A man lost his life in a road mishap near Board Office in Nazimabad.

Meanwhile, police said that local office bearer of PPP was critically injured in a firing incident that occurred in the jurisdiction of Aziz Bhatti police station. The victim has rushed to the hospital.

President of PPP Karachi Faisal Raza Abidi strongly condemned the attack.

PML-N to rally against fuel price hike: Chaudhry Nisar

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-N will boycott the meeting of Parliamentary Committee on National Security to be held on Monday and stage a rally on April 4 in Rawalpindi to mark its protest against the whopping increase in fuel prices and other anti-people steps of the government.

This was stated by the Opposition Leader, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan who termed the latest increase in POL and CNG prices as a clear manifestation of the government's faulty policies.

In connection with staging the protest, he said the party leadership would hold consultations before contacting other parties to form a future strategy.

"The latest hike in POL prices is unacceptable," he said, wondering as to what kind of revenge Zardari's government was taking from the people.

He alleged that the recent increase in fuel prices was made for rulers' corruption and their luxurious life. "What more do the rulers intend to loot from the already empty pockets of the people?" he regretted.

Chaudhry Nisar said a rally would be taken out on April 4 against what he termed the government's anti-people decision and called upon the people to come onto the streets to stage their protest.

POL Price Hike: Traders threaten civil disobedience

KARACHI: Traders in Karachi, Lahore and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have rejected the massive hike in the prices of petroleum products and have threatened to take severe action if it is not withdrawn.

Setting a three day deadline for the government to withdraw the hike, Karachi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa traders say if their demand is not met then they will protest with the first phase being civil disobedience.

The Lahore Chamber has also warned the government that they will close industries if the hike is not withdrawn within 72 hours.

The price of petrol was increased by Rs8.02 and is now selling at a staggering Rs105.68 per liter while the price of diesel has risen to Rs108.16.

Violence claims two more lives in Karachi

KARACHI: Two more people were killed while two others wounded in various incidents of violence and target killing in the metropolis, Geo news reported.

According to the police, two dead bodies were recovered from Martin Quarter. The deceased were identified as Zakir and Falim which were taken to hospital where it was revealed that Fahim was still alive. Medical treatment is being given to him.

In Mominabad, unidentified armed men, riding on motorbike, opened fire near Badar Chowk, killing a man. The deceased was identified as Aamir Ali.

Meanwhile, another man, named Ameen baba, sustained injuries as he resisted dacoits in Soldier Bazar #2. He was rushed to hospital.

Karachi: seven suspects detained from Qasba

KARACHI: Seven suspects have been detained as police launched raid in Bukhari Colony area of Qasba. Weapons were also recovered from their possession, police official said.

According to SP West Pir Farid Jan Sarhandi, the detainees were allegedly involved in Banaras incident which claimed four lives.

He said that police along with commandos launched operation in Bukhari Colony area of Qasba, apprehending seven suspects and recovering four TT pistols from their possession.

The suspects have been taken to undisclosed location for interrogation, SP West added.

PCNS mulls linking Nato supply to halt in drone strikes

ISLAMABAD: The meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) was held under the chair of Raza Rabbani, Geo News reported on Friday.

According to sources, the meeting discussed reopening of the Nato supply route on the condition of halting drones strikes.

The PCNS dropped recommendations over foreign intelligence operations in the country. The proposals of parliamentary committee on airbases were also dismissed, sources added.

Earlier, the Parliamentary Committee on National Security had approved over 35 recommendations relating to the new terms of engagement with the US and foreign policy.

The PCNS was re-evaluating ties with the United States following the Nato attack on a Pakistan check post in which 24 soldiers were killed

PML-N opposes three recommendations of PCNS: Nisar

ISLAMABAD: Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan Friday said that PML-N had strongly objected to three recommendations of the parliamentary committee,

Flanked by Zafar Iqbal Jhagra and Mushaidullah Khan, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, while addressing a press conference, said Pakistan-US relations should move ahead.

Nisar said if the resolution was adopted today, Nato supply would resume but the recommendations will not be implemented like that of four previous ones.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz had disagreed to some articles of the resolution regarding foreign policy, adding his party would oppose such articles in the parliament as well. No country allows other countries to establish their bases on its soil, he said.

Chaudhary Nisar said PML-N supported several articles of the resolution. He said many proposals of the parliamentary committee were in national interest and his party collectively supported the resolution. They had objection on only three recommendations, he added.

Spoke with Kayani at least 5 times: Gen Dempsey

WASHINGTON: Chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin E Dempsey told reporters that he had spoken with Pakistan Army chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani at least five times since the Salala incident in which 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed in a Nato air raid.

Dempsey was responding to questions on the meeting in Pakistan on Wednesday where Gen James Mattis, Commander of US Central Command and Gen. John Allen, commander of US and Nato forces in Afghanistan, met Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani.

It was the highest level-military meeting between the two countries since a November 26 cross-border Nato air raid.

Dempsey said the US wanted to reset military-to-military relationship with Pakistan including working the border issues and reopening the ground supply lines through Pakistan to Afghanistan.

“We want to rebuild the trust and confidence between our two militaries,” General Dempsey said.

Gen Dempsey said he believes the two militaries can discuss what must be done in Pakistan’s federally administered tribal areas to improve the situation in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Three killed, two bodies recovered in Karachi

KARACHI: Violence erupted in different areas of Karachi after a worker of Awami National Party (ANP) Sindh chapter was murdered on Wednesday. Three people were gunned down while two bodies were also recovered from North Nazimabad.

Seven people were killed in the post murder violence since Wednesday night while several vehicles were also set on fire by miscreants in different areas.

Zianul Abideen, an ANP worker of Patel Para area, died and his two companions injured, when armed men opened fire on them near Matric Board Office in Nazimabad area.

ANP is observing mourning day today over the killing of their office bearer.

Thin traffic was observed on the roads while few CNG stations and petrol pumps were functional in the city. Taking advantage of the situation, private transport owners were demanding exorbitant fares from the commuters who could not find public transport after the Transport Ittehad announced closure.

Educational institutions also remained closed while less attendance was witnessed in offices. BDS final year examinations would take place today according to the schedule as announced by the University of Karachi.

Two bodies were recovered from North Nazimabad area of Karachi who were identified as Mohammad Jalil and Mohammad Zeeshan.

A truck was set ablaze today at Dawood Chowrangi in Landhi area after riots.

On Wednesday night, various localities of the city echoed with aerial firing and armed miscreants set on fire many cars and motorcycles in different areas while the businesses were forced to close in Saddar, Empress Market, MA Jinnah Road and other adjoining areas.

Several cars, motocyles and roadside stalls were set of fire in Lasbela, Teen Hatti, Nishtar Road, Garden, Esa Nagri, Qaidabad and Korangi. Firing incidents were also reported in PIB Colony, Gulistan-e-Johar, Lyari, Banaras, Orangi Town and other areas.

Acute traffic jam was witnessed in all areas of the city, as panicked Karachiites tried to reach their homes as soon as possible.

Police and rangers were deputed in the violence-hit areas.

Spini Road incident toll reaches six

QUETTA: Unidentified men opened fire on a van at Spini Road in Quetta that killed six persons including a woman and injured two others on Thursday, 

According to police, gunmen at 8:15 am opened fire on a van coming from Hazara Town to Quetta that killed two passengers on the spot while four others succumbed to their injuries after reaching the hospital.

It is important to mention that such incidents have occurred before in the same vicinity and at the same time when duties of security men are changed at 8:00 am.

Police reached the spot and traffic was resumed on the road while investigation has kicked off.

There were angry demonstrations after the killings of the Hazara's, in what police described as the latest sectarian attack in the province.

Tahaffuz-e-Azadaran Council has announced three-day mourning after the killing of six persons.

Afterwards, a policeman was shot dead by protesters in the Hazara Town area of Quetta, where police tried to break up a road block erected by a mob, local police told.

Some protesters fired in the air in anger and one of the bullets wounded a policeman, who was taken to hospital but died.

Dozens of other protestors demonstrated in Quetta's main Meezan Chowk square and outside the provincial police chief's office, and torched a motorcycle at a local hospital to protest against the killings, witnesses said.

Tension grips Karachi as 5 killed in violence

KARACHI: Violence erupted in different areas of Karachi after a worker of Awami National Party (ANP) Sindh chapter was murdered on Wednesday. At least five people were killed in the post murder violence while several vehicles were set on fire by miscreants in different areas.

Zianal Abideen, an ANP worker of Patel Para area, died and his two companions injured, when armed men opened fire on them near Matric Board Office in Nazimabad area.

Soon, various localities of the city echoed with aerial firing and armed miscreants set on fire many cars and motorcycles in different areas while the businesses were forced to close in Saddar, Empress Market, MA Jinnah Road and other adjoining areas.

Several cars, motocyles and roadside stalls were set of fire in Lasbela, Teen Hatti, Nishtar Road, Garden, Esa Nagri, Qaidabad and Korangi. Firing incidents were also reported in PIB Colony, Gulistan-e-Johar, Lyari, Banaras, Orangi Town and other areas.

As violence engulfed different parts of the city, shops, petrol and CNG stations were also shut down on Wednesday night.

Acute traffic jam was witnessed in all areas of the city, as panicked Karachiites tried to reach their homes as soon as possible.

Police and rangers were deputed in the violence-hit areas.

On the other hand, commotion is persistent for students and parents as contrasting statements have emerged from private school managements.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Monday said 35 people were arrested from Karachi on Tuesday and expressed his willingness to give in camera briefing to the parliamentarians on law and order situation in the provincial metropolis.

US waiting for end of Pakistan's internal debate

WASHINGTON: United States is waiting for conclusion of Pakistan parliamentary debate regarding resumption of talks between the two countries, according to the US State Department.

During a daily press briefing here on Wednesday, the state department's spokesperson Victoria Nuland said that President Obama spoke to the relationship during his meeting with Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.

She said " Our contacts have continued all the way through this. So - but in terms of where we go from here, we're going to wait until the Pakistani side finishes

Punjab: Loadshedding prevails, so do protests

LAHORE/FAISALABAD/SARGODHA: Violent demonstrations, against rolling electricity blackouts, are in full swing across Punjab, Geo News reported.

Reportedly the most affected are Lahore, Sargodha, and Faisalabad.

In Sargodha, agitating demonstrators resorted to vandalism as well as arson as they threw the merchandise out of a number of shops and set it on fire.

On the other hand angry power-outage-victims attacked the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) office in the Township area of the city against an addition of fuel adjustment surcharge in the electricity bills.

The demonstrators turned the office upside down breaking the furniture down to pieces. Reportedly, the mob first demanded of the power company authorities to withdraw the surcharge, but resorted to violence after they were denied any such relief.

The LESCO office bore the brunt of their wrath as they tried to break everything form windowpanes to cupboards apart. Upon this the Executive Engineer (Ex-en) called in the police, who later forced the protestors out of the office building.

In Faisalabad, daily-wagers flooded the streets against unscheduled loadshedding despite an assurance by the Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) of cutting the outages down.

Meanwhile, protestors also poured onto Sumandri Road, Sudhar Bypass, Nerdwala Road, and Sargodha Road to give their anger the needed vent against sweeping power loadshedding.

Police use water cannon to disperse protesting nurses, paramedics

KARACHI: Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesting paramedical staff at the Press Club as they tried to reach the Governor House.

According to sources, the protesting paramedical staff demanded the government to take action on their employment confirmation.

As the protestors tried to make their way to the Governor House which is a red zone, they were stopped by the police who used water cannons and tear gas.

Several members of the paramedical staff were injured when police baton charged the crowd.

Due to the protest, traffic was severely disturbed in the area.

Ban imposed on carrying licensed firearms in Sindh

KARACHI: Sindh government has imposed a ban on carrying licensed weapons across the province with immediate effect,

Home minister, Manzoor Wassan, Wednesday said that only a special exemption granted by the ministry would be required to carry licensed arms henceforth.

Violence erupts in Karachi after killing of MQM worker

KARACHI: A day of mourning is being observed by the MQM on Tuesday against the killing of their party worker and his brother in the PIB Colony area of the city.

Following the killing, violence erupted across the city as over three dozen vehicles were torched and seven people including a child were killed.

According to the police, MQM sector member Mansoor Mukhtar, his brother Masood Mukhtar and his wife were targeted when attackers entered their house and opened fire. Mansoor and Masood succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.

The post mortem of Mansoor was conducting at the Abbasi Shaheed hospital and according to doctors he was shot four times.

Over three dozen vehicles including a police mobile were torched in different areas including Malir Halt, Central Jail, Teen Hatti, Kala Board, Abul Hassan Isphani Road and Shah Faisal Colony.

Tyres were set ablaze at Jamshed Road after riots where unknown men forced shop owners to close down their business.

Aerial firing was also reported in various areas including Liaqatabad, Malir City, Johar Chowrangi, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Korangi.

Schools were shut due to the wave of violence as markets and petrol stations remained closed. Residents faced further distress as there was no public transport on the roads.

The Police, Rangers and FC did not take any action when these incidents were taking place.

Funeral of slain MQM activist held

KARACHI: Funeral prayer of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) activist Mansoor Mukhtar and his brother Masood Mukhtar was offered here, Geo News reported.

MQM leaders Raza Haroon, Saghir Ansari and large number of party workers participated in the funeral.

The burial will take place at Yasinabad Shuhda graveyard.

Tension gripped the city after MQM activist was shot dead in PIB Colony area early on Tuesday morning.

Several arson incidents were reported after the killing of activist. Over three dozen vehicles were torched in different areas including Malir Halt, Central Jail, Teen Hatti, Kala Board, Abul Hassan Isphani Road and Shah Faisal Colony.

Tyres were set ablaze at Jamshed Road after riots where unknown men forced the shop owners to close down their business.

Aerial firing was also reported in various areas including Liaqatabad, Malir City, Johar Chowrangi, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Korangi.

On the other hand, the coordination committee of MQM has announced mourning over the killing of their party members.