Obama set to unveil Afghan troop cuts

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama will order his promised US troop drawdown from Afghanistan in a primetime address Wednesday, which one official said would likely see 10,000 soldiers called home this year.

Obama will stick with his vow to begin pulling out US forces after an 18-month troop surge, but apparently heed Pentagon warnings that an overly swift withdrawal could imperil hard-won gains against Taliban insurgents.

A senior defense official said on condition of anonymity that the president would "likely" order the return of about 5,000 troops this summer and 5,000 more by the end of 2011.

Another 20,000 troops, part of a 30,000 strong surge ordered in December 2009, would be withdrawn by the end of next year, meaning elevated force levels would remain through two more Afghan summer fighting seasons.

The president's broadcast at 8:00 pm (0000 GMT) will take place as political attitudes shift on the war following the killing of Osama bin Laden, other heavy US blows against Al-Qaeda and as US public support ebbs for the conflict.

"The president will address the nation from the White House to lay out his plan for implementing his strategy -- first unveiled in December 2009 -- to draw down American troops from Afghanistan," Obama spokesman Jay Carney said.

The figure of 10,000 soldiers this year, if confirmed, appears higher than the "modest" initial withdrawals the Pentagon had originally advocated, as Obama walks a delicate balance between political and strategic logic.

War skeptics argue that after the deaths of more than 1,600 US service personnel and at a monthly cost of nearly $10 billion a month, the American commitment is unsustainable at its present size of 99,000 US troops.

Carney branded a flurry of media reports on the size of the drawdown as mere speculation and refused to divulge details of the president's decision, which was finalized earlier Tuesday.

Obama promised Americans when he unveiled the surge that he would begin to bring soldiers home in July 2011 -- a vow critics panned as offering succor to US enemies.

The months leading up to the drawdown decision have seen a turf war that has drawn in Obama's political team, Pentagon brass and lawmakers keenly aware of voter fatigue over a decade of war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Democratic Senator Carl Levin reiterated his argument that improved security conditions would permit Obama to bring home 15,000 combat troops by the end of the year.

"The level of US troop reductions in Afghanistan needs to be significant to achieve its purpose --- letting the Afghan government know we are determined to shift primary responsibility for their security to the Afghan security forces," Levin said.

Another powerful Democrat, Senator John Kerry, said Obama needed to change the US emphasis in Afghanistan.

"We've been enormously successful in stripping Al-Qaeda of its capacity. And we need to reflect that now in the troop presence and in the definition of
the mission."

Obama's speech will come less than two months after a daring US forces raid into Pakistan killed Al-Qaeda chief bin Laden, the prime target of the US war on terror launched after the September 11 attacks in 2001.

Since the Afghan mission was partly defined as an effort to disrupt, dismantle and defeat Al-Qaeda, some war critics have questioned why America needs to keep such large troop numbers in Afghanistan.

Carney, however, argued that a key component of the mission was the need to stabilize Afghanistan so it would not revert to a haven for terror groups and could meet a 2014 deadline to assume control of its own security.

Obama is expected to explain that his surge has wrought slow, but significant progress, particularly in southern Afghanistan against the Taliban.

But US discontent on the war is steadily rising, and Obama will be keenly aware of public opinion as he plots his 2012 reelection race.

In a new Pew Research Center survey, 56 percent of respondents said US troops should be brought home as soon as possible, while 39 percent said they should stay in Afghanistan until the situation had stabilized.

The decision on withdrawal was complicated by the fragile outreach process Washington has launched with the Taliban.

Backers of the surge have said the Taliban will only countenance serious reconciliation talks if the group's commanders feel they are under pressure from a strong US military footprint in Afghanistan.

7 polling stations setup in city for AJK elections

FAISALABAD: Seven polling stations have been setup in Faisalabad in connection with the elections of Legislation Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) which would be held on June 26.

A spokesman of the City District Government told the media persons here on Tuesday that these polling stations will work at MC High School Allama Iqbal Road, Government Islamia High School Jinnah Colony, Muslim High School Tariq Abad, MC High School Ghulam Muhammad Abad, Government Boys High School Sammundri, Government Boys High School No.1 Tandlianwala and Government MC High School Jaranwala where Kashmiri people who are residing in Faisalabad will cast their vote in favor of their candidates.

He told that all arrangements are being completed rapidly to hold the elections in a fair, free and transparent manner under peaceful atmosphere.

He told that Assistant Commissioner City was appointed as election in-charge while Admin Officer (Contract) DCO Office will perform duties as election coordinator.

He further told that Assistant Commissioner, TMO and Sub Registrar Urban Management will monitor the elections process whereas Assistant Commissioner City will distribute election material at these polling stations under his supervision on June 25, 2011.

Pakistan to 'host' Lanka, England in UAE

KARACHI: Pakistan will play their next "home" series against Sri Lanka and England in the neutral United Arab Emirates, an official said Tuesday, as security concerns continue to scare off foreign teams.

The announcement comes after Sri Lanka turned down an invitation to return to Pakistan, just two years after a deadly militant ambush in Lahore wounded seven of their players and an assistant coach.

"We have finalised both the series against Sri Lanka and England and both will be played in Abu Dhabi and Dubai," Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director operations Zakir Khan said.

Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in October and November, and England in January and February in the Middle Eastern country, he said.

Pakistan have not hosted a top foreign team since the Lahore attack, which left eight people dead and forced the International Cricket Council to ditch the country as co-hosts of this year's World Cup.

Khan also rejected comments from England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke that Sri Lanka could host Pakistan's Tests against England.

"We did consider a number of options for both the series but it is the right of the home board to decide the venue and finally we have confirmed UAE for all the matches in both the series," said Khan.

Pakistan will play three Tests, five one-day matches and a Twenty20 against Sri Lanka. The England schedule will be "finalised soon" but it will feature three Tests, up to five one-day matches and one or two Twenty20 games.

Pakistan have played the West Indies, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in UAE in the last nine years.

They were also forced to play their home series against New Zealand -- who were caught up in a bomb blast in 2002 -- in New Zealand, and last year "hosted" Australia in England

PCB committee to review Ilyas suspension case

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formed a two-member committee to review the suspension case of Mohammad Ilyas, member of national selection committee, Geo News reported.

The two-member disciplinary committee includes PCB Director Domestic, Sultan Rana and General Manager Domestic, Shafiq Pasha.

The committee meeting is expected to be held in two days.

NA approves federal budget for 2011-12

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Wednesday passed Finance Bill 2011 giving legal effect to the budgetary proposals for the next financial year and with this, the new budget with a total outlay 2767 billion rupees stands approved.

Finance Minister, Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh moved the bill in the House to give effect to the financial proposals of the federal government for the next fiscal year starting from July 1, 2011 and to amend certain laws in the bill.

The House rejected amendments of opposition with majority vote and approved those moved by the Finance Minister to amend the Finance bill 2011.

Hafeez Shaikh said that the upper house of the parliament had proposed 66 amendments in the bill, out of which 20s were incorporated that reflected government's intention that it was taking seriously consideration to the suggestion provided to it.

Responding to various oppositions with regard to sales tax, the federal minister said that the government intends to reduce the overall sales tax rates to 15 percent. It had reduced the rates to 17 percent last year and from 17 it was now reduced to 16 percent.

On the issue of income tax exemption, the federal minister said that keeping in view the inflationary trends, the government had enhanced the income exemption from Rs.300,000 to Rs.350,000.

He said that the government has to strike a balance while taking such decision.

Marvi Memon resigns from NA, PML-Q

ISLAMABAD: Marvi Memon has resigned from her seat in the National Assembly and from the PML-Q, Geo News reported. 
Speaking to the media, Memon said that she took the decision in protest of the PML-Q joining the government and in opposition of the budget which was against the aspirations of the people.

She added that current government was working against the people of Pakistan and the PML-Q leaders did not live up to the voters by leaving the opposition and joining the government.

“The PML-Q did not correct the disastrous course of the government” she said. The statement read out by Marvi Memon listed the government as being inadequate, not serving the people, not responding to natural disasters, not protecting the country’s sovereignty and depriving people of basic human rights.
Memon added that under these circumstances she could no longer be a member of the National Assembly and that she would not take back her resignations under any circumstance. She however did say that her struggle for justice would continue on the streets and in courts.

Greek police fire tear gas to dispel protesters

ATHENS: Police in Athens fired tear gas at protesters outside parliament as they tried to reach the exit of the building where parliamentary deputies were leaving following a confidence vote won by the government.

About 300 protesters who stayed overnight by the parliament awaiting results of the confidence vote clashed with police outside the building on Wednesday (June 22).

The confidence vote had just been passed in parliament when protesters tried to reach the exit to the building where deputies were leaving. Police fired tear gas in response and protesters responded with stones.

Police vans, metal barricades and fences blocked the parliament entrance and exit so the protesters could not approach.

Police fired several volleys of tear gas to dispel the protesters, who threw stones at police.

Over 20,000 thousand people had gathered earlier in the square opposite the Greek Parliament for an anti-austerity rally ahead of the late night confidence vote called by the country's prime minister, which his government won.

Hands of Constitution violators should be broken: Nawaz

BAGH: Pakistan Muslim League-N Chief Nawaz Sharif during a public meeting in connection with the election campaign in Azad Kashmir on Wednesday said hands of those who violate the Constitution should be broken, Geo News reported.

Nawaz Sharif said Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the then prime minister of India, had assured him that the Kashmir issue would be resolved by the year 1999 but Musharraf embarked on the Kargil war and brought a bad name to Pakistan.

“I had to sacrifice power to protect the army,” he asserted, and stressed that Musharraf should be asked as to why he brought shame on Pakistan.

The PML-N Chief claimed that when he shook hands with someone then the bond remains forever. “I have shaken hands with the people and I will never let them down,” he promised.

He said his relationship of love with the people goes back a long a way and ‘I can never forget the people of Kashmir’.

Nawaz Sharif said he harbored no grudge against anyone and I just want that when a party comes forward with a mandate it must be respected.

He said when India had conducted nuclear tests, the Indians assumed a threatening tone in terms of Kashmir.

“We responded to the five Indian nuclear tests with six and brought the other side to the table,” Nawaz Sharif maintained.

Nawaz wants to bring army, govt face to face: Zardari

NAUDERO: PPP Co-Chairman and President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari has alleged that PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif wanted to bring army and the government face to face, Geo News reported.

Addressing a gathering in connection with 58th birth anniversary of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto in Nauder, Larkana, the President said that there is no difference between thinking of Nawaz Sharif and Taliban leader Mullah Omer.

Zardari said that PPP always fight with doctors rather than any institution.

Asif Ali Zardari said that the thinking of ‘Molvi’ Nawaz Sharif resulted in assassination of Benazir Bhutto. “Our first fight is with the thinking of Nawaz Sharif,” he said. He added that thinking of Nawaz Sharif defeated.

Zardari further said, “All of my cases were created by Nawaz Sharif”

Brig Ali case: army interrogating 4 Majors

RAWALPINDI: DG ISPR, Major General Athar Abbas has said that four Majors were being investigated along with Brigadier Ali Khan for their alleged links with a banned organisation.

In a radio interview, Major General Athar Abbas said that Brigadier Ali Khan had links with banned organisation Hizbul Tehrir and was involved in illegal activities which were against Army discipline.

Brigadier Ali is currently detained and being interrogated. He dismissed reports that a large number of soldiers were in contact with militants or had links with banned organisations. However, he added that in an institution, as large as the army, presence of such individuals could not be immediately dismissed.

Answering a question about the Abbottabad raid and the attack on PNS Mehran, Major General Athar Abbas said many inefficiencies had surfaced following these incidents. He said that there were many reasons behind these incidents and inter-departmental inquiries had been conducted in this regard.

Many issues had come before the people and many were being investigated. He said the army wanted to bring forward all information and did not want to hide anything. The nation should however understand that it cannot be informed of all issues relating national security because it would cause harm to the people and be beneficial to enemies, he added.

World groups urge political solution in Libya

TRIPOLI  – International organisations called for a political process to end the conflict in Libya, where the government hit out at NATO's air war. The Libyan regime headed by Moamer Kadhafi also dismissed rebel denials that the two sides have held talks. World organisations including the United Nations, European Union and Arab League met in Cairo to discuss Libya and stressed the need for a political solution there. They issued a statement in Arabic underlining the importance of "accelerating the launch of a political process that responds to the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people." EU foreign policy chief...

Toddlers among 9 dead in Tripoli ‘NATO raid’

Libyan officials showed reporters five bodies, two of them of toddlers, they said were among nine civilians killed in a ‘barbaric’ NATO air raid on Sunday

 as pressure mounted on the alliance to allow a political solution.

Government spokesman Mussa Ibrahim accused the Western alliance of ‘deliberately targeting civilians,’ insisting there were no military targets anywhere near the residential neighbourhood of the capital that was hit.

NATO said it was looking into the Libyan claim.

Ibrahim demanded that the alliance end its ‘aggression’ to pave the way for dialogue, speaking just hours after organisations including the the Arab League, the European Union and the United Nations highlighted the importance of ‘accelerating the launch of a political process’ to end the conflict.

Journalists were taken to the Al Arada district of Tripoli before 1 am (2300 GMT Saturday) to see rescue teams helped by bystanders desperately searching for survivors among the wreckage of a two-storey block of flats.

Journalists were then taken to a Tripoli hospital where they were shown the bodies of a woman and two toddlers that officials said were members of the same family and had died in the raid.

Ibrahim said that four passers-by were also killed, bringing the death toll to nine, and that 18 people were wounded.

A NATO official in Brussels confirmed that the alliance had had planes in the air over Tripoli over the past 24 hours.

‘We’re aware of the claim made by the Libyan regime and we’re looking into it,’ a second NATO official told.

If confirmed, the civilian deaths would be an embarrassment for the alliance which has been leading the bombing campaign under a UN mandate to protect civilians.

‘It is another night of massacre, terror and horror at the hands of NATO,’ the Libyan government spokesman charged.

Western leaders ‘are morally and legally responsible for these murders,’ Ibrahim said.

‘This is not propaganda. It is not something that we can stage.’

Libyan officials have been on the defensive over their credibility after they showed journalists a little girl being treated in hospital two weeks ago and said she had been wounded in a NATO air strike. A member of the medical staff said she had been injured in a traffic accident.

Ibrahim called on NATO to halt its ‘aggression’ against Libya to pave the way for dialogue to end a conflict now in its fifth month.

‘NATO is very good at attacking and killing people but it is very bad at starting dialogue,’ he said.

The alliance has acknowledged mis-hits in the past, most of them involving rebel fighters wrongly identified as loyalist troops.

Only Saturday, NATO acknowleged that aircraft under its command had accidentally hit a rebel column near the oil refinery town of Brega on the frontline between the rebel-held east and the mainly government-held west on Thursday.

‘NATO can now confirm that the vehicles hit were part of an opposition patrol,’ it said in a statement.

‘This incident occurred in an area of conflict between Gaddafi forces and opposition forces.

‘We regret any possible loss of life or injuries caused by this unfortunate incident,’ NATO said.

The alleged civilian casualties in Tripoli come amid mounting international pressure on the alliance to seek a negotiated solution as the frontlines between the rebels and the government show little movement despite the protracted bombing campaign.

After talks in Cairo on Saturday, the African Union, Arab League, European Union and United Nations issued a joint statement on the importance of ‘accelerating the launch of a political process that responds to the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people.’

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton attended the meeting along with outgoing Arab League chief Amr Mussa and African Union head Jean Ping, while UN chief Ban Ki-moon joined by live video link.

Ban said the roots of a negotiating process were showing but that the international community needed to give a ‘consistent message’ on a political solution with Gaddafi.

The UN chief’s comments came after both the Libyan prime minister and Russian envoy Mikhail Margelov insisted that contacts were under way between the two sides despite furious denials by the rebels.

‘Ask the Egyptians, French, Norwegians and Tunisians for information. They will tell you the truth,’ Mahmudi said. ‘We are sure of our meetings and everything has been recorded.’

Margelov said after visiting Tripoli that Gaddafi’s regime had forged multiple contacts with the Libyan rebels’ National Transitional Council in foreign capitals including Berlin, Paris and Oslo.

But the NTC denied there were any talks.

‘I can assure you there is and there was no negotiation between the NTC and the regime,’ said the council’s head of international affairs, 

India, China armies resume talks

NEW DELHI: India resumes defence contacts with China frozen for a year when an Indian military delegation visits on Sunday, though few expect any breakthrough with Beijing pursuing its "all-weather friendship" with arch-rival Pakistan.

But analysts say the visit, which ends a suspension of such contacts following a visa row last year, is a step forward in keeping a balance in ties between the emerging rivals for global influence and resources.

New Delhi feels Beijing is trying to encircle and pin India down to South Asia with a string of military bases on the Indian Ocean rim. China is Pakistan's biggest arms supplier and the only major power not to have publicly criticised Islamabad over the discovery of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in that country.

While trade and diplomatic ties between the Asian powers are booming, the lack of defence exchanges is an aberration analysts say must be remedied for the world's fastest growing economies to achieve lasting peace.

"It is symbolic and I cautiously welcome it. It does not represent any breakthrough in solving the disputes," said Uday Bhaskar, director of New-Delhi based think-tank National Maritime Foundation. "The mistrust is (over) the deep anxiety over military cooperation (between Pakistan and China) and how Pakistan is using that for furthering its agenda of terrorism."

While a war between India and China is highly unlikely, any flare up will only add to tensions in a dangerous neighbourhood, complicating efforts by Washington to stabilise a region filled with nuclear weapons and Islamic militants. "(Not having) talks on the defence level is a symbol of mistrust. It breeds more suspicions if they are not talking," said Srikanth Kondapalli, professor of Chinese studies at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University. 

Angelina Jolie visits Syrian refugees at camp

ANKARA: Hollywood star Angelina Jolie travelled to meet some of the thousands of Syrian refugees on the country's border with Turkey. 

The actress and goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), shared fruit and dessert with Syrians who have fled their government's bloody crackdown.

Flying in on a private jet, the celebrity arrived with boxes of toys for the refugees and visited one camp in Turkey which nearly 10,000 have fled to.

Jolie spent two-and-a-half hours with about 1,700 refugees at the site in Altinozu, 12 miles (20km) away from the Syrian border.

It was reported she asked them how they were in Arabic, before speaking with them through an interpreter.

Reports also said she took notes and showed particular interest in the women and children.

"The people in this camp have fled in fear for their lives, and many told me they were distraught about the safety of loved ones still in Syria," she said in a UNHCR statement.

The American actress also praised Turkey for welcoming the refugees, saying it is critical in these situations that people have access to safety.

A mob of children chanted "look who is here", and "welcome, welcome" as they pushed forward to shake Jolie's hand, the statement said.

"I appreciate the opportunity to visit this camp and talk to these families," Jolie said.

Protests first erupted in Syria in mid-March as part of the 'Arab Spring' push toward democracy.

But Syrian president Bashar Assad responded by unleashing a brutal military crackdown on demonstrators - with more than 1,400 Syrians reportedly killed and 10,000 detained

Mullah Omar key for US in Afghan talks: experts

KABUL: The US may be in talks with the Taliban but its key challenge will be reaching out to the militants' elusive, one-eyed leader Mullah Omar as momentum builds for a peace deal in Afghanistan, experts say.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Saturday that the United States and other foreign countries were in contact with the Taliban, the first official confirmation of their involvement in talks after nearly ten years of war.

While diplomats say contacts are at a very early stage, Karzai's remarks show the increasing focus on a political settlement to the Afghan war after the death of Osama bin Laden and as foreign combat troops prepare to leave by 2014.

The support of the Taliban leader, for whom Washington offers a $10 million reward, is considered vital for any ceasefire or power-sharing deal.

But his location, long thought to be somewhere in Pakistan, remains a mystery.

The search has particular momentum given President Barack Obama's promise to start pulling out some of the 90,000 US troops from Afghanistan next month ahead of a full withdrawal within three years.

Pakistani analyst and author Imtiaz Gul said that the US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Marc Grossman, asked for his help earlier this month in tracking down Omar.

"Grossman told me the US is looking for people who can prove demonstrable access to Mullah Omar," he said.

"I think the US considers Mullah Omar is still the key to Afghan peace. A US official told me: 'We don't want to remove him. We are very interested in
talking to him.'"

Omar has long been thought to live in Pakistan's southwestern city of Quetta but Pakistan insists it has no idea where he is.

After Al-Qaeda leader bin Laden was killed by US forces in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad last month, most experts believe that Omar would have moved on quickly.

Afghanistan's intelligence service said shortly after bin Laden was killed that Omar had "disappeared from his hideout" in Quetta, without saying where he might have gone.

Western and Afghan officials in Kabul see assistance from Pakistan as crucial to efforts to open up a communication channel with Taliban leaders.

Karzai recently visited Islamabad, unusually for two days, and inaugurated a joint peace commission. Afghan officials now believe that Pakistan, where the Taliban leadership is believed to be based, is more willing to help.

"The dynamics in the relationship have changed quite substantively over the last few months," an Afghan official said on condition of anonymity.

"They now say very clearly that they have a role to play and we in Afghanistan have specific expectations of Pakistan."

One such expectation is for Pakistan to "actively encourage Taliban leaders including Mullah Omar to join the reconciliation process," he said.

Publicly, the Taliban insist they will not discuss peace until all 130,000 foreign troops leave the country.

"We have already said this and have repeated it many times. We have no negotiations with the United States," said Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman.

But Germany's respected Der Spiegel magazine reported last month that Berlin had helped US officials contact Tayyab Aga, Omar's trusted personal secretary and brother-in-law, reportedly deputy head of a Taliban political commission.

Afghanistan analyst and former Pakistani intelligence official Brigadier Saad Khan said the contacts in Germany were "initial and exploratory" but that Aga took part "with the full blessing of Mullah Omar".

"I think both the US and the Taliban realise they have to talk to each other," Khan said.

Whatever the status of talks, all sides clearly have a vested interest in keeping something so sensitive under wraps.

But in a situation of such shadowy uncertainty, the US and its allies will also be wary of repeating the kind of humiliating mistake which hit efforts to talk peace with the Taliban last year.

In November 2010, a man who claimed to be a senior Taliban commander was apparently brought to Kabul on a NATO aircraft to meet Karzai, before being exposed as a lowly shopkeeper from Quetta

Karzai meets Iran's defence minister

KABUL: Afghan President Hamid Karzai met Iran's Defence Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi here on Sunday.

During the meeting, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said national and regional solutions for strengthening stability in Afghanistan were more practical than trans-regional ones.

"A major part of the insecurity in the Middle East stems from the presence of trans-regional forces that have disturbed peace in the region to provide their own illegitimate security," Vahidi said.

"The Afghan nation is not alone, and we and all Islamic countries stand beside you," he said.

Karzai expressed gratitude for Iran's support of Afghanistan during the past 32 years, and called for the continuation of Tehran's help in reconstructing the country and strengthening security.

Vahidi is expected to meet with other top political and military officials in Afghanistan, including Interior Minister Hanif Atmar to discuss bilateral interests as well as the latest regional and international developments.

The Iranian defense minister arrived in the Afghan capital on Saturday on an official visit upon the invitation of his Afghan counterpart Abdul Rahim Wardak.

 

FESCO shutdown notice

FAISALABAD: The Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) has issued a shutdown notice for repair, maintenance and expansion of electricity lines.

According to the notice issued here on Saturday, power supply from City,Farooq and Dijkot Road feeders will remain suspended from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. while Al-Masoom, Roshan Wala and Ahmadnagar feeders will observe a shutdown from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday (May 30).

Similarly, electricity supply from Zahid Jee, Neeli Bar, Sammundri and Sitiana feeders will also remain suspended from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on May 30, 2011

11 killed, 4 injured in road accident

KARACHI: At least eleven people were killed and four others injured when a passenger coach overturned at Makran Coastal Highway in the wee hours of Sunday,

According to the report, the coach capsized owing to over-speeding near Ormara area when it was moving from Karachi to Gwadar.

Relief efforts were kicked off at the site and the injured were shifted to District Health Hospital in Ormara.

Hospital sources said that injured people are in critical situation.

Three killed, 31 injured in Pangjur blast

QUETTA: At least three people including two children were killed and five law enforcement personnel among 31 injured in an attack on a vehicle of a law enforcement agency in Pangur on Saturday.

Unknown men had planted explosive devise in a motorcycle and parked it in Bismillah Chowk and they detonated it with remote control when a LEA convoy was passing through the area, police said.

The dead were identified as: Nasir Ahmed, Muhammad and Abdul Khaliq. Ten out of 31 injured were identified as Azizullah, Anaytullah, Zamir Ahmed, Riaz Ahmed, Hashim Khan, Sajid, Ahmed, Baqir, Ali, Salam. The injured have been admitted to FC hospital

The explosion badly damaged LEA vehicle and smashed windowpanes of nearby buildings. Heavy contingent of law enforcement agency and police reached the site and cordoned off the entire area to trace the attackers.

The police have registered a case against unidentified suspects

Taliban parting al Qaeda will help peace: U.S.

WASHINGTON: Taliban’s separation from al Qaeda will help peace, says a U.S. statement issued by the State Department here, 

It said that the UN resolution differentiating Taliban with al Qaeda would induce the Afghan militants joining in the process of reconciliation in their country. This resolution would also prove beneficial for the Afghan government in their efforts for reconciliation and cooperation with such militants, who severe their ties with the international terror like al Qaeda, condemn violence and respect the Afghan constitution, which included providing security to all the Afghan men and women, then negotiations could be held with them.

In fact, this resolution has clearly endorsed the international community’s efforts underway relating to the reconciliation in Afghanistan.

Japan suspends waste water operation at nuclear plant

TOKYO: Tokyo Electric Power said Saturday it stopped treating highly radioactive waste water at a crippled Japanese nuclear plant just hours after the system came online because parts needed to be replaced.

Part of the system that absorbs radioactive caesium had reached its processing capacity and needed to be replaced far earlier than expected, TEPCO officials said.

The operation started at 8:00 pm Friday (1100 GMT) and was stopped five hours later, said TEPCO, which had earlier expected the part to last for one month.

"We are studying the cause of this," said Junichi Matsumoto, TEPCO official in charge of nuclear operations.

TEPCO officials speculated that especially highly radioactive mud might have entered the treatment system.

"We do not have a firm timing as to when we can resume the operation of the water treatment facility," Matsumoto told a press conference. 

Afghan vice-president escape rocket attack

KABUL: Afghan Vice President Karim Khalili and Interior Minister Besmullah Mohammadi escaped unhurt after a rocket attack targeted a police centre in central Afghanistan on Wednesday, officials said.

Provincial spokesman Shahidullah Shahid said the attack happened in the Chaki Wardak district of Wardak province, a restive area west of Kabul.

"There was a security meeting in the police training centre at which the interior minister and second vice president were present," he said.

"After the meeting was over and we were leaving, a rocket landed within a few hundred metres of the centre but nobody was injured," he added.

Focus of Afghan war is shifting eastward: WP

WASHINGTON: The Afghan war is returning to the place it began: the violent eastern borderlands with Pakistan, where the Taliban and Al-Qaeda slipped out of American reach a decade ago and have organized their insurgency ever since, Washington Post said.

In southern Afghanistan, the United States has succeeded over the past year in prying the Taliban’s grip from parts of Kandahar and Helmand provinces. But U.S. military commanders recognize they have far to go in the country’s east, where insurgents fight from the cover of craggy mountains, drive truckloads of weapons through illegal dirt-road border crossings, and flee across the frontier into Pakistan to elude capture.

The intense U.S. focus on the south has meant that there are about 38,500 troops in that region, compared with 31,000 in eastern Afghanistan. But those in the east have borne a disproportionately high share of casualties in recent months, and some territory held by the Afghan government has fallen back into Taliban hands after U.S. troops pulled out of their small outposts.

In eastern Afghanistan, “we really haven’t focused our energy and efforts,” said U.S. Army Lt. Gen. David Rodriguez, NATO’s second-ranking commander in Afghanistan. “Because you can’t do it everywhere at the same time.”

By concentrating more on the east, U.S. military officials hope to confront the cross-border flow of Taliban and Haqqani network fighters who operate from Pakistan’s poorly governed tribal districts. The higher priority would mean more intelligence capabilities, such as surveillance drones, as well as more Afghan soldiers for the region. But commanders are faced with the problem of trying to intensify a fight with fewer American troops, as President Obama begins withdrawing forces next month.

With less combat power, commanders must balance between keeping troop-strength high in the south to hold their gains and shifting more to the problems in the east. In the past six months, 64 U.S. troops have died in the east, compared with 67 in the south, despite the fact that there are 7,500 more troops in the south. Some U.S. planners have made the case for making the east the war’s top priority as soon as this summer, but Rodriguez said that is unlikely to happen.

The problems in the east start with Pakistan, whose tribal border districts have long provided refuge for Afghan insurgents. Fighters for the Taliban, as well as Al-Qaeda and the Pakistani group Lashkar-i-Taiba, can move from Pakistan into places such as Konar province, which has cultivated a toxic mix of fighters in remote mountain valleys. U.S. military commanders recognized last year that they were likely never going to have enough troops to pursue a strategy built around protecting the Afghan population. 

Nato concerns over France, Russia deal

ST PETERSBURG: France and Russia signed an agreement on Friday for Paris to supply Moscow with two Mistral class helicopter carriers made by a French-led consortium in a 1.2 billion euro ($1.52 billion) deal.

The long-discussed purchase is Moscow's first major foreign arms purchase in the two decades since the fall of the Soviet Union. Russia agreed last year to buy the Mistrals, to be made in France, giving it access to advanced technology and alarming some of France's NATO allies.

Under details of the deal given in the past, the ships are to be built by shipyard companies DCNS and STX along with Russia's state-run United Shipbuilding Corporation, OSK. DCNS is quarter-owned by defence electronics group Thales.

France will build two ships, the head of Russia's arms monopoly Rosoboronexport Anatoly Isaikin said, while Russia's OSK will build another two. He did not specify when the two other ships would be built.

One of the main sticking points in the negotiations was whether Russia will get access to the technology used in French ships, giving it a glimpse of more advanced naval weapons and defence systems.

Isaikin said Russia will buy fully equipped vessels. "I don't know who started this rumour," he said, referring to earlier reports that France could sell the ships without the military technology.

President Nicolas Sarkozy hailed the signing of the contract for the two carriers. A statement from his office said it would mean the creation of more than 1,000 jobs in France over four years.

"The signature of today's contract at St Petersburg ... illustrates the strategic dimension of this cooperation for France and Russia and the constant support of the two heads of state to see it carried out," the statement said.

The purchase caused concern among some NATO members, especially in the aftermath of Russia's 2008 war with Georgia. Russia has tried to ease NATO fears by announcing plans to deploy the vessels in the Pacific.

The Mistral-class ships are able to carry up to 16 helicopters, such as Russia's Ka-50/52 choppers.

Their landing barges and hovercraft allow vehicles, tanks and soldiers to be deployed to shore. Last year Russia, the world's second-largest arms exporter and fifth-largest arms spender, spent $61 billion on arms purchases from domestic firms.

Britain urges citizens to leave Syria 'now'

LONDON: Britain urged its nationals on Saturday to leave Syria ‘now’ by commercial means, warning that its embassy in Damascus would unlikely be able to help them if the situation deteriorates further. 

"British nationals should leave now by commercial means whilst these are still operating," the Foreign Office said in updated travel advice.

"Those who choose to remain in Syria, or to visit against our advice, should be aware that it is highly unlikely that the British embassy in Damascus would be able to provide a normal consular service in the event of a further breakdown in law and order and increased violent civil disorder.

"Evacuation options would be limited because of likely communication and travel restrictions."

Britain urged its nationals on April 20 to consider leaving Syria, but has stepped up its advice amid escalating violence in the Middle Eastern country, where anti-regime protests have sparked a bloody crackdown by security forces.

"It is important that British nationals in Syria maintain a close watch on the situation and take responsibility for their own safety and security, making contingency plans accordingly," a Foreign Office spokeswoman added.

"Our advice is very clear, because of the current situation, we advise against all travel to Syria. We ask British nationals to heed this advice and leave the country now."

The Foreign Office could not immediately give details on how many British nationals were still in Syria.

The violence has claimed the lives of nearly 1,300 civilians and 340 security force members since mid-March, according the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights

Small aircraft enters US restricted air space

WASHINGTON: Coast Guard helicopters intercepted a small aircraft that entered restricted air space near the US capital on Saturday, military officials said.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said it ordered the action after the "small general aviation aircraft" approached the capital region without authorization at about 11:50 am (1550 GMT).

"Upon being intercepted, the civilian aircraft was diverted to Annapolis (in Maryland) where the pilot was to meet with local law enforcement," NORAD said in a statement.

It did not provide further details on the pilot, the aircraft, its destination or the precise location of the incident.

President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker John Boehner were playing golf at the time at Andrews Air Force base five miles (eight kilometers) southeast of Washington.

It was the third time in a week that NORAD had to scramble jets or choppers to steer away civilian planes that strayed into restricted air space in the vicinity of the president.

On June 11 two US F-15 fighter jets intercepted a small civilian plane flying near Camp David, the presidential retreat where Obama was spending the weekend with his family.

Two days later NORAD directed two Coast Guard HH65 "Dolphin" helicopters to intercept a small plane as it neared the capital region, but after identification the aircraft was permitted to continue to its destination

Bollywood flop Akshay Kumar leaves for Hollywood

MUMBAI: Indian actor Akshay Kumar would now be trying his luck in Hollywood, following his series of movies flopped in the Bollywood.

Indian actor Akshay Kumar production house Hari Om couldn’t show anything special to the movie buffs and the buzz is now that Akshay would try his luck by producing a film ‘Breakaway’ in association with a Hollywood director and stars like Russell Peters and Camilla Belle playing the leading roles.

The theme of the film centers round Hockey like Chuk de India’ and ‘Namastay London’, although these films couldn’t make any success on the box office.

Indian and Hollywood joint ventures like ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ has won the hearts of the people, but whether a similar theme was not there in ‘Patiala House’—aspiring to become the a renowned cricketer. Akshay should understand that he couldn’t perform well in the role of a player and the films made on games didn’t hit in Indi

I will not take a u-turn: Afridi

KARACHI: Pakistan former skipper Shahid Afridi said that he would never go back on his word and he would not reverse his retirement decision even after the legal battle against the board has ended in an out-of-court settlement. 

“What I had said earlier stays and I would not backtrack on my words and my decision. Retiring from international cricket does not mean that I would not play cricket. County cricket is also a cricket for me,” Afridi told reporters here at Karachi Gymkhana on Saturday.

He was attending a welfare organization - ‘Make a Wish’ program on Saturday.

Afridi had retired from international cricket and had also vowed not to play cricket under the present Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) set up.

After reaching an agreement with the board, where Afridi was reissued his NOC to play cricket for Hampshire county, while Afridi agreed and later appeared before PCB’s disciplinary committee and prematurely ended his legal battle against the board, it was speculated that Afridi might take a U-Turn as did his other colleagues did in the past.

The most recent case is of prolific middle order batsman Mohammad Yousuf, who retired from international cricket last year but ironically he came out of it in the same year.

However, the flamboyant all-rounder categorically rubbished such speculations. “I will stand firm on my words,” said Afridi.

The agreement between the skipper and the board brought an end to a controversy that began during Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies.

During the one-day series in the Caribbean, Afridi had a falling out with the coach Waqar Younis and he made his feelings public on his return to Pakistan.

The PCB responded by stripping Afridi of the ODI captaincy after which the all-rounder pulled out of the trip to Ireland and retired.

Meanwhile, Afridi said that he has accepted the decision of the board and he would not be to appealing against the fine imposed on him.

“PCB disciplinary committee did what it thought right and I would not appeal against the fine they imposed on me,” he said.

Afridi was fined Rs 4.5 million by the board for breaching its code of conduct.

Afridi also said that if he had time in his schedule to play in domestic cricket than he would certainly feature in the local event.

Afridi would be leaving for England on June 22 to feature in Hampshire county. 

Captain Wasi decides to shift on PNS Babar for safety

KARACHI: The Captain of MV Suez has appealed to the ministry of foreign affairs and the Chief of Pakistan Navy seeking immediate help in view of their vessel being caught in strong winds feared capsizing since its release with 22-member crew of board by the Somalian pirates and series of misfortunes latest among them the break down of the tug towing MV Suez. 

MV Suez Captain Wasi told Geo News on phone that the weather was threatening due to monsoon and their immediate retrieval may be arranged. The Captain said that no law was more important than saving human lives, “We are in the open sea for last three days; owner of the ship has thus far not sent the fuel.”

He said that he was in contact with the PNS Babar officials, they could rescue them. He said 72 hours ago at first he had contacted the owner of the ship and now we are 75 miles away from the Salalah port of Oman.

He has appealed to the Pakistan authorities for saving their lives. He said strong monsoon winds threatening the ship capsizing. Captain Wasi said leaving our vessel, we have decided to move over to PNS Babar, we have save our lives, wherever the PNS Babar takes us, we would be going. 

Chaudhry Bros wanted non-political president after Musharraf: WikiLeaks

KARACHI: A secret cable of 2008 has revealed that at the time when Pervaiz Musharraf’s exit was expected, Chaudhry Brothers had insisted the US that Pakistan should have a non-political president.

Former US Ambassador in Pakistan, Anne W. Patterson wrote to Washington that prior to Pervaiz Musharraf’s resignation as president, Chaudhry brothers had put pressure on the US to ensure that the next president would not be a political figure.

The Americans wanted Musharraf to stay in Pakistan but Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain informed them that the ISI was making arrangements for his stay in the UAE.

A cable from August 16, 2008 released by Wikileaks revealed that on August 15th Chaudhry Brothers met the US ambassador.

Chaudhry Shujaat told the ambassador that it would be beneficial for the US and PML-Q if Musharraf was to defend allegations against him and resign. The ambassador informed him that the US would not get involved in the matter.

Chaudhry Brothers wanted that Chief of Army Staff Ashfaq Kiyani guarantee the safety of Musharraf.

Chaudhy Shujaat and Pervez Elahi also told the US ambassador that Nawaz Sharif would never accept Asif Ali Zardari as president and even the army would resist.

The US ambassador informed them that the Americans did not want Musharraf to be embarrassed and flee the country overnight. 

Bollywood couple ‘Saifeena’ splitting up?

MUMBAI: News of Bollywood super couple “Saifeena” splitting up has become common, and now a close confidant of the couple has revealed that Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor are not happy with each other.

Differences between Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor are increasing and according to latest reports the two cannot devote much time to each other due to shooting schedules and have started fighting. Reports also indicate that Saif Ali Khan is fed up with Kareena Kapoors shopping sprees.

Kaeerna is also distressed over reports that Saif Ali Khan is getting close to Deepika Padikone who is starring in upcoming films with him.

Sui, Zamzama gas fields’ faults removed

LAHORE: Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) Managing Director, Arif Hameed said that Sui and Zamzama gas fields’ faults have been removed and gas supply to all the powerhouses and fertilizer sector has been restored last night.

 SNGPL MD told that this morning 390 million cubic feet of gas supply was temporarily suspended due to some faults at Sui and Zamzama gas fields, which was removed.

Arif Hameed said that all the industries were now receiving gas supply according to the schedule and the perception of halting supply unnecessary was not correct, while with the restoration of gas supply, the power shortfall in few hours would be reduced by 1000MW.

NATO Tripoli strike kills 7 civilians

TRIPOLI: Libyan officials said some seven civilians were killed in a NATO air strike in eastern Tripoli in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Reporters were taken by Libyan government officials to a residential area in the Arada neighbourhood of Tripoli and saw a body pulled out of the rubble of a destroyed building.

"There was intentional and deliberate targeting of the civilian houses," deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaim told reporters at the site. "This is another sign of the brutality of the West."

There were heaps of rubble and chunks of shattered concrete at the scene, which a large crowd of what appeared to be local residents helping to clear.

At a local hospital, reporters were shown three bodies, including a child, which government officials said were people killed in the air strike. One of the bodies was covered with debris and dust. Reporters were also shown a wounded child.

"Basically, this is another night of murder, terror and horror in Tripoli caused by NATO," government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim told reporters at the hospital.

Media should not criticise intelligence agencies: Malik

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik said Saturday that security forces were playing a major role in protecting the country from terrorism and crime especially in maintaining law and order in Karachi,

Briefing the media outside Parliament house, the Interior Minister said Sindh Rangers and their former DG had played a vital role in controlling target killing in Karachi and the country’s forces were doing a good job.

A few isolated incidents have taken place and security forces have to work within the limits of the law, Malik said and added that the media should not criticise intelligence agencies.

According to Malik, criminal elements had killed 48 policemen in 5 months, adding that if the ISI and other intelligence agencies did not exist, than there would even more acts of terrorism.

Writer urges Internet junkies to switch off and think

SEOUL: Like tens of millions of others, US technology writer Nicholas Carr found the lure of the worldwide web hard to resist until he noticed it was getting harder and harder to concentrate.

He set out his concerns in a celebrated essay headlined "Is Google making us stupid?"

And his latest book "The Shallows" explores in depth what he fears the Internet is doing to our brains.

"The seductions of technology are hard to resist," Carr acknowledges in that book, which has sold an estimated 50,000 hardback copies in the United States alone. But he thinks it's time to start trying.

In a speech at last week's Seoul Digital Forum and an interview, Carr restated his concerns that IT is affecting the way people think and feel and even the physical make-up of their brains.

Every new technology in history -- like the map and the clock -- changed the way people think but Carr sees special dangers in the Internet.

He got his first PC back in the 1980s and was an avid net user until "a few years ago, I noticed some disturbing changes in the way my mind worked. I was losing the ability to concentrate."

While the Internet has enormous benefits in delivering incredible amounts of information at incredible speed, it's also a distracting and interruption-rich environment.

Carr said it encourages quick shifts in focus -- and discourages sustained attention and the ability to think deeply and creatively about one topic and to challenge conventional wisdom.

Popularity-driven search engines, in one of the ironies of an information-rich Internet, worsen the problem by leading everyone to the same sources, he said.

Social networks, while pleasurable and fun, increase distractedness by bombarding users with brief bits of information.

"We take in so much information so quickly that we are in a constant state of cognitive overload," Carr argued.

"Multitasking erodes cognitive control. We lose our ability to say that this is important, this is unimportant. All we want is new information." In contrast, when readers open a printed book, "there's nothing else going on except words on a page, no distractions. It helps train us to be deep thinkers." Carr, 52, told he's not optimistic society will switch off en masse but it's important to look clearly at what it might be losing.

And he doesn't feel quite so lonely now that some other authors and TV programme-makers have tackled the same subject. "There are signs, still sporadic and small, that people are beginning to question the effects of technology."

Since the book came out, he said, he had heard from several companies struggling with otherwise intelligent employees who were unable to focus and concentrate on problem-solving.

Carr admitted he himself has not had great success in limiting the time he spends online. But the biggest change he made as a writer and researcher was to use the web only to track down source material.


Then I'd make an effort to actually read those things in print. I did find that made a big difference in my ability to be attentive and a thorough reader and hopefully a deeper thinker."

But Carr said it was not just a matter of individual choice. If friends, colleagues and employers were constantly on line, "then you feel in many ways compelled to do so even if you don't want to, because you don't want to damage your career or your social life".

The author said he had no simple formula for change. But companies could "start sending a signal that's it's OK to be disconnected sometimes, it's OK if you don't respond to every email within 45 seconds or whatever".

Employers, governments and schools could also start rewarding and encouraging people to switch off.

But Carr said there is little evidence so far of pressure for change.

"I think as a society we're choosing information overload: we're choosing to sacrifice the more meditative and contemplative aspects of our minds.

Facebook users on the decline in some regions: report

KARACHI: Social networking site Facebook has seen a decline in users from US and Canada according to data released by monitoring site Inside Facebbok, Geo News reported.

According to a June 12 report by Inside Facebook, the social network is continuing to grow, reaching around 687 million monthly active users by the start of June. The majority of new users are late adopters and come from countries such as India, the Philippines and Indonesia, for example.

However in terms of users, the site has experienced lower than normal monthly growth over April and May. Whereas over the past 12 months Facebook grew at a rate of around 20 million new active users per month, in April that number was reduced to 13.9 million, and in May it fell to 11.8 million.

The reasons for this decline in growth can be, at least in part, attributed to decline in actual user numbers throughout North America and parts of Europe.

We will kill Zawahiri just like Osama: US

WASHINGTON: The United States Thursday dismissed new al Qaeda supremo Ayman al-Zawahiri as a pale imitation of Osama bin Laden and warned the Egyptian to expect a similar fate to his slain predecessor.

US officials painted the 59-year-old long-time number two as an "armchair general" with no combat experience, saying he not only lacked charisma and leadership skills but was also a divisive figure who could fracture al Qaeda.

Top US military officer Admiral Mike Mullen told Zawahiri to expect the same treatment meted out to bin Laden, who was killed by US commandos in the dead of night in a May 2 raid on his hideout in Pakistan.

"As we did both seek to capture and kill -- and succeed in killing -- bin Laden, we certainly will do the same thing with Zawahiri," said Mullen, who is chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, giving his valedictory press briefing at the Pentagon, could barely disguise his scorn, but warned that the announcement should serve as a reminder of the continuing al Qaeda threat.

"First of all I think we should be mindful that this announcement by al Qaeda reminds us that despite having suffered a huge loss... al Qaeda seeks to perpetuate itself, seeks to find replacements for those who have been killed, and remains committed to the agenda that bin Laden put before them."

But Gates, who joked that it was "probably tough to count votes when you're in a cave," said Zawahiri faced "some challenges."

"Bin Laden has been the leader of al Qaeda essentially since its inception," he said. "In that particular context he had a peculiar charisma that I think Zawahiri does not have. I think he was much more operationally engaged than we have the sense Zawahiri has been."



Gates also alluded to possible suspicion within al Qaeda because of Zawahiri's Egyptian nationality, a point taken up earlier by a senior administration official.

"He hasn't demonstrated strong leadership or organizational skills during his time in AQ (al Qaeda) or previously while in the Egyptian Islamic Jihad," the official said, asking to remain anonymous.

"His ascension to the top leadership spot will likely generate criticism if not alienation and dissension with al Qaeda."

The official stressed that Zawahiri had not had any actual combat experience, and had opted instead "to be an armchair general with a 'soft' image."

"The bottom line is that Zawahiri has nowhere near the credentials that (bin Laden) had," he added.

"No matter who is in charge, he will have a difficult time leading AQ while focusing on his own survival as the group continues to hemorrhage key members responsible for planning and training operatives for terrorist attacks.

Somali pirates attack PNS Babur

KARACHI: Somali pirates launched a fresh attack on PNS Babur, however, in retaliation from Pak Navy commandos former fled away, CPLC chief said.

Talking to Geo News, CPLC Chief Ahmed Chennai said that incident took place at 8 pm local time.

On the other hand, Naval Chief Admiral Noman Bashir denied any attack on PNS Babur by Somali pirates.

PNS Babur was sent to escort MV Suez.

Somali pirates had freed 22 crew members, including Pakistanis, Indians, Sri Lankan and Egyptian of the hijacked vessel after a ransom of $2.1 million was paid to them.

Rebels dismiss election offer, NATO pounds Tripoli

TRIPOLI  

– NATO planes resumed bombardments of Tripoli after Muammar Gaddafi's son said the Libyan leader was willing to hold elections and step aside if he lost, an offer rejected by rebels and the United States.

Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam told an Italian newspaper that the elections could be held within three months and transparency could be guaranteed through international observers.

He said his father would be ready to cede power if he lost the election, though he would not go into exile.

But Prime Minister Al-Baghdadi Ali Al-Mahmoudi appeared to throw the potential concession into question, saying on Thursday that the leader of the revolution was not concerned by "any referendum."

A visiting Russian envoy said the Libyan leadership had reiterated that Gaddafi's departure was a "red line."

The rebel leadership in the eastern stronghold of Benghazi rejected Gaddafi's son's election offer.

"We tell him (Saif al-Islam) that the time has passed because our rebels are at the outskirts of Tripoli, and they will join our people and rebels there to uproot the symbol of corruption and tyranny in Libya," rebel spokesman Abdel Hafiz Ghoga told Al Jazeera television.

A U.S. State Department official also dismissed the election idea, saying it was "a little late for that."

The proposal -- which follows a series of moves the Libyan leader's officials portray as concessions but Western powers dismiss as ploys -- comes at a time when frustration is mounting in some NATO states at slow military progress.

Rebel advances toward Tripoli have been slow, while weeks of NATO strikes pounding Gaddafi's compound and other targets have failed to end his 41-year-old rule.

In the latest raids, eight loud explosions were heard in southeast and southwest Tripoli late on Thursday and planes could be heard overhead. Libyan state television said NATO had hit targets in the Al-Ferjan district of the city.

REBEL ADVANCE

The NATO intervention in Libya has been going on for nearly 13 weeks -- longer than many of its backers anticipated -- and the strains are beginning to show within the alliance.

NATO officials have said they may not have the resources for a sustained campaign, and Republicans in the U.S. Congress have questioned the legal grounds for continued U.S. involvement.

House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner said lawmakers had options for dealing with the conflict, including "the power of the purse" -- an implicit threat to cut off funding.

Libya-watchers say Gaddafi is using his political skills, honed during decades when he was able to survive despite being an international pariah, to try to exploit divisions.

Adding to the pressure on NATO, Russia and China issued a declaration underlining their concerns about the air strikes.

Russia and China decided in March not to use their veto power at the United Nations to block intervention on Libya, but have said NATO risks going beyond the U.N.-authorised mandate to protect civilians.

Rebel forces are now fighting Gaddafi's troops on three fronts: in the east of the country around the oil town of Brega, on the road to Tripoli from the rebel-held port of Misrata, and in the Western Mountains southwest of Tripoli.

They have made slow but important gains in the past few weeks in the mountains and near Misrata, bringing the front closer to Tripoli from the east and southwest.

Gaddafi has called the rebels "rats" and says NATO's campaign is colonial aggression to steal Libya's oil.

In Misrata, the rebels say they are recruiting fighters from the government-held neighboring town of Zlitan before advancing.

Zlitan, just 160 km (100 miles) from Tripoli, is the next major town on the Mediterranean coast road to the capital. Capturing it would be a major victory.

Kalefa Ali, a rebel spokesman in the Western Mountains town of Nalut, told Reuters that despite shelling by Gaddafi forces in Nalut and the Wazin border crossing with Tunisia on Thursday, the rebels would push forward.

"We think we will be able to drive Gaddafi's forces out of the Western Mountains altogether within days," he said.

PCB restores Afridi permission to play abroad

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board reinstated a no-objection certificate Thursday, clearing former captain Shahid Afridi to join Hampshire in England's Twenty20 tournament, a disciplinary committee said.

"The committee unanimously decided to fine him 4.5 million rupees ($53,000) for various breaches of the code of conduct," Pakistan Cricket Board legal adviser Taffazul Rizvi announced on behalf of the committee.

"The committee also recommended his NOCs to play abroad be restored, which the Pakistan Cricket Board has endorsed,

Sanjay goes bald for role in Agnnepath

MUMBAI: Bollywood’s Munna Bhai, Sanjay Dutt has shaved his head to appear as a villain in the remake of Agnnepath.

Initially Sanjay was using make-up to create shaved look but the extreme temperatures started melting his make-up making it impossible for him to shoot. He also had to wake-up at 5am and it took almost four hours for his makeup to be completed.

This led to Dutt shaving his head off to avoid any further hiccups

Youth only hope of Pakistan’s future: Nawaz

KOTLI: Pakistan Muslim League-N Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif has stated that war is not the way out of problems and that dialogues can resolve all such issues, Geo News reported.

Addressing the party workers during election campaign of PML-N candidate Malik Muhammad Saleem in Kotli, AJK on Thursday, Nawaz Sharif said during his tenure the situation in the country was much better.

The Indian Prime Minister during his visit to Pakistan had promised to resolve Kashmir issue till 1999, Nawaz said and added that a group of conspirators had damaged all that process by raising Kargil issue.

He said our army personnel are rendering sacrifice of their lives and that in this era issues could be resolved through dialogues rather than war.

PML-N leader was optimistic that youth are the only hope of future of Pakistan, adding that alongwith this youth he would rebuild the country.

First pre-monsoon showers during next 48 hours

KARACHI: The Met office has predicted that the first pre-monsoon showers over the North-Eastern parts of the country (Islamabad, Hazara, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha division and Kashmir) will take place during the next 48 hours. 

According to the Met office, some pre-monsoon currents have started to penetrate the upper parts of Pakistan. These are likely to produce the first pre-monsoon showers. The expected showers will lead to a decline in temperatures in Punjab, KPK and Kashmir from Saturday.

The second spells of pre-monsoon showers are expected from 20th June and the third spell will be in the last week of June.

Regular monsoon rains are likely to start from the first week of July