India gets nuclear submarine from Russia

MOSCOW: Russia on Monday transferred the much-expected K-152 Nerpa nuclear-powered attack submarine on a 10-year lease to the Indian Navy, Russian news agencies reported.

The Nerpa was handed over to the Indian Navy in a ceremony at the Zvezda shipyard in the far eastern territory of Primorye.

Indian ambassador to Russia Ajai Malhotra attended the ceremony along with a delegation from Russian arms exports agency Rosoboronexport, the United Shipbuilding Corporation and the Russian Pacific Fleet command.

With a displacement of 12,770 tonnes and maximum speed of 30 knots, the submarine can remain underwater for 100 days with a crew of 73. The vessel that can operate at a maximum depth of 600 metres is armed with four 533-mm torpedo tubes and four 650-mm torpedo tubes. (Monitoring Desk)

Memo commission resumes hearing

ISLAMABAD: Justice Qazi Faez Isa-led three-member judicial commission, investigating the memo scandal, is likely to decide on Tuesday whether or not to go abroad to record the testimony of American businessman of Pakistani origin Mansoor Ijaz after he expressed dissatisfaction over security arrangements and is not coming to Pakistan.

Mustafa Ramday, advocate, who represents Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif in the memogate scandal, told that Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) Chief Lt-Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha was another focal person in the case. "It has to be seen whether the spymaster appears before the commission and what does he say."

However, Ramday said Pasha's evidence was extremely important because he had informed the apex court about the existence of memo and its other elaborate related details.

In Tuesday's hearing, the lawyer said, it would be clear whether any party wants to cross-examine former Ambassador Husain Haqqani. But above all, he said, the commission will hear arguments on the application of Ijaz's counsel that his client could not come to Pakistan and the commission should take his testimony in London or Zurich.

Lawyers of Ijaz and Haqqani and Attorney General Maulvi Anwaarul Haq agree that the commission would take a decision in this connection after the businessman's refusal to come to Pakistan. The apex court order, which appointed the commission, noted that the judicial forum "shall be authorized to collect evidence within and outside Pakistan according to prevailing laws on the subject."

Meanwhile, the government, in the words of an official, is thrilled over three developments, which, he believed, have favoured it and damaged the memo scandal against it. The first action, the official said, was the snub of the Research in Motion (RIM), the Canadian manufacturers of the BlackBerry smart phone, to furnish to the commission the supposed data of communications between Ijaz and Haqqani.

He said the second development was Haqqani's disclosure to the judicial commission that his two BlackBerry sets have been "misplaced" and were beyond retrieval. The official said that the third act, which was most important, was Ijaz's final refusal to come to Pakistan to appear before the commission.

Haqqani's lawyer Zahid Bokhari said if the commission decided to go abroad for Ijaz's testimony, he would express his views after considering the grounds for such a decision and would appeal to the Supreme Court against it.

Lawyers said that Tuesday's proceedings of the commission would be extremely significant as these would determine its future course to collect the evidence. They said that the commission could decide to benefit from the 81-page BlackBerry record that Ijaz has already submitted to it, and conclude its report. But this record is still unverified, one of them said.

However, he said it was beyond doubt that the memo did exist because the person who drafted it, the person who acted as the conduit to deliver it to the final recipient and the person who received it have admitted their parts. The only question, the lawyer said, to be determined is whether Haqqani or somebody else from Pakistan is involved in its preparation.

In the light of its direction that the commission shall be authorized to collect evidence within and outside Pakistan according to prevailing laws on the subject, the judicial forum is allowed to even go abroad to bring together the evidence, which is very vital in view of Ijaz's change of mind. In its first order passed on December 1 in the memo case, the apex court held that if need be Tariq Khosa, who was then appointed as commission, may travel outside Pakistan for the purposes of collecting evidence as this court had permitted such practice in the case of Benazir Bhutto v. State (PLD 1999 SC 937).

However, in its subsequent ruling on December 30, the court's order that Haqqani was directed not to leave Pakistan without its permission was only kept intact. The last order said that the probe is called for to ascertain the origin, authenticity and purpose of creating and drafting of the memo for delivering it to Mike Mullen through James Logan Jones. The due process of law is the entitlement of all the stakeholders to ensure investigation into the matter in a transparent manner. The commission is exercising all the powers of judicial officers for the purpose of carrying out the given object and is free to avail services of advocates, experts of forensic science and cyber crimes.

Zahid Bokhari rejected any suggestion that Ijaz's testimony should be taken through videoconferencing facility and said it would not be acceptable. The job of the commission is only to collect evidence and report it to the apex court for the purpose of probe into the memo scandal. It will be determined in the light of the evidence so collected whether civil or criminal liability entails for those found responsible.

Mansoor Ijaz has ridiculed commission: Bukhari

ISLAMABAD: The lawyer of Hussain Haqqani former ambassador to US, Zahid Hussain Bukhari said Mansoor Ijaz has ridiculed the commission by not appearing before it despite promising twice,

While arriving for the hearing at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) he said there is no justification in recording Mansoor Ijaz's statement did abroad and I will ask the commission to forfeit his right of statement.

The counsel said he will approach SC if not satisfied with commission.

Mansoor meets US envoys in Switzerland

WASHINGTON: US State Department Monday said that a key character of memogate scandal Mansoor Ijaz met US envoys in Switzerland, however refused to comment on details of the meetings.

During a daily press briefing, US State Department's spokesperson Victoria Nuland said that Ijaz met US envoys in Switzerland, adding that she could not comment on private meetings.

She said that Mansoor Ijaz is free to disclose all the details of his meetings with US envoys.

Pentagon rejects Pakistan army report on NATO blunder

WASHINGTON: The United States rejected Monday the findings of a Pakistani probe into NATO air strikes that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers in late November, saying the investigation ignored the fact that "mistakes" were made on both sides.

At a press briefing, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the Pakistani army had officially delivered during the weekend a copy of the report conducted by Islamabad on the November 26 strikes against a Pakistani border post.

"The statement that this was an unprovoked attack by US forces is simply false," said Navy Captain Kirby. "It was not an unprovoked attack," he said. "There were errors made by both sides here."

Underscoring its criticism of the NATO force in Afghanistan, the Pakistani military rejected Monday US efforts to apportion some of the blame to Pakistan as "unwarranted and unacceptable." (AFP)

Attorney General assures foolproof security to Ijaz

ISLAMABAD: Attorney General of Pakistan Maulvi Anwar-ul-Haq has assured foolproof security to the main character of the memogate scandal, Mansoor Ijaz,

Talking to 'Geo  News', Maulvi Anwar-ul-Haq said, in reply to the letter of Mansoor Ijaz's counsel Akram Shaikh, he has assured foolproof security to Ijaz.

The Attorney General said as per the rule, federal government would provide foolproof security to Mansoor Ijaz, adding that according to Article 245, military personnel would also accomplice security team.

Meanwhile, Mansoor Ijaz's counsel Akram Shaikh has said that he has not received any letter of the attorney general. Shaikh said the attorney general called him at 11pm and said he was sending the reply of his letter.

6.2 quake hits near southern Mexico coast: USGS

MEXICO CITY: A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck near Mexico's southern coast on Saturday, US Geological Survey seismologists said, but initial reports indicated there were no injuries.

The quake occurred at a depth of 66 kilometers (41 miles) some 57 kilometers southwest of Mapastepec, in Chiapas state, and was felt as far away as San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador.

Red Cross officials in the nearby town of Tapachula said there had been strong movement underfoot but no injuries, according to radio reports received from Mapastepec.

Much of Mexico lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where most of the world's earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.

A historic 8.1-magnitude quake struck off Mexico's Pacific coast in 1985, and while it was centered 350 kilometers from Mexico City, it devastated the capital, killing at least 10,000 people. (AFP)

Conjoined twin babies shifted to NICH Karachi

KARACHI: The conjoined twin babies, born with one heart in Larkana, have been shifted to National Institute of Child Health (NICH) Karachi where decision of their surgery would be made after thoroughly checkup, Geo News reported.

Sindh Health Minister Dr Sagheer Ahmed had issued directives to shift the conjoined twin babies to Karachi after 'Geo News' aired the news of their birth at Shaikh Zaid Hospital Larkana.

Wajida wife of Mazhar Ali Lakhair, resident of Nau Goth of Mehar Taluka had given birth to conjoined twin babies at Shaikh Zaid Hospital for Women in Larkana on Thursday evening.

The mother said that due to poverty she was not capable of paying for the treatment.

Govt in good health, won't quit: Awan

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan on Saturday said the government was in very good health and it would not quit before completing its term, Geo News reported.

Talking to media men after condoling with the family members of Arfa Karim, the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) who lost her life at the age of 16 a few days ago.

"My and my government's health is very good," she remarked.

She said the President and Prime Minister have financed Rs1 million for establishment of Arfa Karim Foundation.

The Information Minister said the government would produce a documentary on the achievements of Arfa Karim.

Arfa Karim's father on the occasion said that Arfa Karim Foundation will work towards promotion of basic as well as IT education.

Karzai says he has spoken with Hizb-i-Islami

KABUL: Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Saturday he had met a delegation from Afghan insurgent group Hizb-i-Islami for peace talks, a sign that he wants to assert his authority over a nascent peace process.

Weeks ago, the Taliban offered to open a political office in Qatar, a potential venue for possible peace talks with the United States and other countries. Karzai maintains Afghanistan should take the lead in talks, and wants to show he has the power to bring non-Taliban insurgents into the process.

The move is likely to be unpopular with Afghan voters, but displays Karzai's determination to demonstrate his authority, and gain control over any peace process for Afghanistan.

"Recently we had talks with delegations from the Hizb-i-Islami of Afghanistan led by His Excellency Engineer Gulbuddin Hekmatyar," Karzai told the Afghan parliament on the opening day of its winter session.

"In these talks we expressed our point of view in a brotherly and friendly manner. We hope that our talks continue and bring beneficial results," Karzai said.

In the early 1990s, forces led by Hekmatyar, opposed to the government of then-president Burhanuddin Rabbani, took part infighting in Kabul which is thought to have killed tens of thousands. Hekmatyar quit Afghanistan in the mid-1990s, and his whereabouts have been unclear since then. (Reuters)

Mansoor Ijaz claims he has US support for Pakistan visit

LONDON: Repeating his claims of receiving threats from Pakistani officials on a daily basis, US businessman Mansoor Ijaz, has said he had now been assured by the US government of its support during his forthcoming visit to Pakistan.

Ijaz, who claimed to have delivered a controversial memo against the army to US Admiral Mike Mullen in May last year and accused then ambassador Husain Haqqani of being involved in crafting it, also says he would travel to Pakistan but would not say when.

In an exclusive interview with Geo News, Ijaz said he offered Haqqani to stop “telling lies” about him (Ijaz) and he would stop telling “the truth” about him (Haqqani) but said the former ambassador did not “stop”.

“I had a conference call with the US State Department a couple of days ago. The US government will provide the support that they always do for US citizens,” Ijaz said in the interview in London.

“They (the US government) made their official position very clear and I made my reasons for going very clear. They understand it’s a high profile case and they understand I am a reasonably high-profile American citizen,” he added.

“And I think If, god forbid, anything goes wrong they will certainly be there to help my family make sure that things got sorted out. I am absolutely confident that the American government will do the right thing if something went wrong,” he said without elaborating what could possibly go wrong.

Ijaz has been summoned by a judicial commission in Islamabad on January 24 (Tuesday), which was set by the Supreme Court following petitions on the issue moved by the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leaders and others.

The American national of Pakistani-origin was issued a one-year multiple-entry visa by the Pakistan High Commission on Thursday evening. Ijaz said he would travel to Islamabad but would not reveal his travel plans.

Ijaz appeared seriously distrusting of Pakistan government claims about his security. “Part of the problem is that you have government officials that are threatening me on a daily basis and I find that a little bit strange that from one corner of their mouth they are saying that I’m secure and at the same time they are threatening me too,” he said.

He said it was not just his personal protection that worried him but rather he was more concerned about the security of his family, businesses, the entire infrastructure around his life.

“I have to make sure that all of these things are attended to. I can’t just get up and recklessly go and do whatever I want to do,” he said but added that he did not want to “put an overburden on the system in terms of my personal security while I’m there”.

Ijaz explained he was a family man with a lot of personal, business and social commitments and wanted to make sure that “certain things had been addressed” to give everyone “peace of mind” when he travelled to Pakistan.

Ijaz praised the memo commission for addressing his concerns. He also appreciated the Pakistan army, which he said, had agreed to “do certain things that they have not agreed to do for anybody else and I very much appreciate that”.

“Now all of this has been dealt with, I’m ready to go in fact I want to get it over and done with,” Ijaz said. “I am very much looking forward to going to Pakistan and getting this whole thing behind us.”

Ijaz said he would present facts before the judicial commission, adding that it was a situation in which there as an “absolute need” to put the record straight and “then let the course of justice take whatever course it wants to go”.

“There is an absolute need to make sure that the truth is told. Absolute need to make sure that what was done by the officers of your (Pakistani) government in those days in questions are clarified,” he said.

He went on: “That’s exactly why I am going to take the evidence with me and put it on the table. I’m going to make sure everybody understands what that evidence means and then what happens with the evidence after that is, that’s entirely to the court and for the people of Pakistan to decide.

“I am looking forward to the cross-examinations that they give us because I’m taking the truth with me,” Ijaz said, adding that he did not fear being put on the Exit-Control List or being stopped from leaving Pakistan through any other mean after his testimony.

Answering a question about allegations levelled against him by Haqqani’s defence team and some key government functionaries, Ijaz said the anti-Pakistan charge on him was “all nonsense”. He said before the commission he would “lay out exactly what it is… (that) I have done to help Pakistan in the past 20 years as well”.

He alleged that Haqqani was “famous for having a selected memory” and promised that he would clarify the record on that as well. “I said this to Haqqani back in October/November (that) stop telling lies about me and I will stop telling the truth about you (but) they kept on telling the lies and I will keep on telling the truth”.

Responding to another question as to what prompted him to spill the beans, Ijaz said it was the Pakistani government’s attempts to cover up that made it a big issue and compelled him to take a stand what he believed was right.

“The people and the government responsible for this are saying ‘we didn’t do it’ and I have got the evidence that says they did. And so now that’s to the people of Pakistan to decide as my evidence correct or their supposition correct. That’s what we are going to find out,” said Ijaz.

Commemorative stamp in the memory of Arfa Karim

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday approved the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp in the name of late Arfa Karim Randhawa, young Microsoft professional.

The Prime Minister gave the approval for issuance of a commemorative stamp in recognition of the achievements of Arfa Karim at such a younger age.

Arfa Karim Randhawa, who became the Microsoft certified professional at the age of nine, died of heart attack last week. (APP)

President Zardari meets Army chief Kayani

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani met informally over tea at the presidency after the Nishan-e-Imtiaz ceremony for Admiral Asif Sandila on Friday.

According to sources the president and COAS discussed the recommendations of the parliamentary committee in regards to the Nato attack.

Matters relating to the country’s economic conditions were also discussed during the informal meeting.

Will wait for Pak to reassess ties: US

NEW DELHI: US special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Marc Grossman said on Friday that the US would wait till Pakistan reassessed and re-evaluated the relationship between the two countries.

Grossman added the US was willing for dialogue at “any time, any point” when Pakistan was ready to reengage.

Grossman met with India Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai and speaking to the media afterwards said the US supported the civilian government and democracy in Pakistan.

On the current confrontation in Pakistan, he said the US supports the civilian government and democracy in Pakistan.

"This is a question for Pakistanis. This is an internal question for them. They have their own ways of going forward and I would not comment any further on internal developments," he said.

No chance of dictators coming back: PM Gilani

LAHORE: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said dictators who could not end corruption despite sloganeering about curbing it while holding powers for several years had no chance of returning,

He was addressing the convocation at a university in Lahore. He said the only stable position rests with the Almighty.

'The opposition is doing it's own work and the government would run as per the mandate accorded to them by the people.'

Every institution must work within the ambit of the Constitution, the prime minister said. 'We have strengthen the state organs by restoring the Constitution and my appearance before the court reflects that we respect judiciary.'

The joint session of Parliament would decide about the resumption of Nato supply. Gas crisis would be resolved within six months, PM Gilani said.

Pakistan record 10-wkt win over England in first Test

DUBAI: Pakistan defeated number one ranked England by ten wickets within three days to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Needing just 15 runs to win, openers Mohammad Hafeez and Taufiq Umar completed the historic win in the fourth over of the innings.

Earlier, Pakistan bowlers again performed excellently to dismiss England for 160.

By-Polls be held on authentic voters lists : SC

ISLAMABAD: During proceedings of the computerised voters lists case the Supreme Court ruled that by-elections could not be held on the old lists as the Election Commission had itself admitted that 30 million votes were bogus.

The apex court ruled that by-elections should be held on authentic voters' lists and the Election Commission should ensure free and transparent polls.

The hearing of the case was adjourned till February 6.

No visa application from Mansoor Ijaz: FO

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said on Thursday that Mansoor Ijaz had not applied for his Pakistani visa.

The FO spokesman added that no Pakistani mission had received the passport of Ijaz.

Commenting on Pak-US relations, Basit said that Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar had spoke with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and both countries were discussing various aspects of bilateral relations.

Basit further said that Nato supply lines had not been restored.

President enjoys immunity, Gilani tells SC

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Thursday defended himself against contempt charges before the Supreme Court (SC), refusing to apologise in a case that could see him disqualified from office if convicted.

It is only the second time that the apex court has initiated contempt proceedings against a sitting prime minister.

The court summoned Prime Minister Gilani to explain his refusal to ask Switzerland to re-open graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.

Giving his point of view before the seven-member bench, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said the president enjoys complete immunity, not only in Pakistan but also in the world as enunciated by the Constitution.

He said that he could not even think of dishonouring or disgracing the court.

PM Gilani said he appeared in person to comply with court orders that indicated his respect and honour for the court.

About writing letter to Swiss Courts for opening of the cases, the premier said the president enjoys immunity within Pakistan and abroad, therefore, he did not write letter to the Swiss court.

"It will not give a good message to proceed against a president who is elected by a two-thirds majority."

He said the leaders of PPP always respected and honoured the courts and complied with its orders.

Gilani said Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Begum Nusrat Bhutto also appeared before the courts that indicated the respect and honour of these courts by the leaders.

He said the presence of leaders of coalition partners in the court, is the reflective of their respect for judiciary.

The prime minister said Benazir Bhutto was a great leader and politician, and he was following her mission.

He said the country is united and integrated due to the 1973 Constitution that has been restored by the present government in its original form.

Justice Asif Khosa, appreciating presence of Prime Minister Gilani in the court, said it indicated that there is rule of law as the Chief Executive of the country appeared in the court.

PM Gilani along with other leaders and his Cabinet members attended the court proceedings and personally presented his point of view before the bench.

He said he and President Asif Zardari had to face imprisonment but they never did any dishonour to the courts.

During proceedings, Aitzaz Ahsan said I am here only to defend PM Gilani, not Secretary Law.

'Only Law Secretary can inform why he did not write a summary detailing the president's immunity.'

He further said that until Asif Zardari is holding the office of president, letter cannot be written to Swiss authorities as he enjoys immunity under Article 248 of the Constitution.

Supreme Court's verdict will be implemented when President Asif Ali Zardari is no longer president, said Aitzaz Ashan. This is not a normal case and need one month time to prepare, he pleaded.

Justice Khosa said the bench must be informed if anyone has immunity.

Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk remarked that these are merely preliminary proceedings and time has not come for the indictment.

Justice Usmani asked PM's counsel Aitzaz Ahsan that will the government write a letter to the Swiss authorities if it is proved that the president does not have immunity.

The court condoned the prime minister from court proceedings and adjourned the hearing till February 01.

President enjoys complete immunity: Aitzaz Ahsan

ISLAMABAD: Senior member of the PPP Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan said that President Asif Ali Zardari enjoyed immunity under article 248 of the constitution, Geo News reported. He was talking to media here on Wednesday.

Aitzaz Ahsan said that there was no harm in writing a letter to Swiss authorities as President Asif Ali Zardari enjoyed immunity under article 248.

Answering a question regarding former president Pervaiz Musharraf’s immunity, Ahsan said that he did not have immunity as there was a civil suit against him while President Zardari faced criminal cases in which he enjoyed complete immunity until he was holding the president office.

Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan would be defending Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani before the Supreme Court on Thursday in the contempt of court case.

Ahsan said the prime minister was not guilty of contempt of court in the NRO implementation case.

Aitzaz Ahsan along with other senior PPP members would accompany Prime Minister Gilani to the Supreme Court when he appears on Jan 19 to reply in person to the contempt of court notice, sources informed.

Pakistan 96 runs ahead of England with 3 wkts in hand

DUBAI: Pakistan succeeded in gaining a lead of 96 runs over England in the first innings but lost seven wickets in the process when the play ended on the second day of the opening Test match of the three-match series here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Adnan Akmal remained not out on 24 as Pakistan were 288 runs for seven at stumps.

Openers Mohammad Hafeez (88) and Taufiq Umar (58) along with their captain Misbah-ul-Haq (52) scored half-centuries while veteran batsman Younis Khan made 37, Asad Shafiq scored 16, Azhar Ali could make just one and Abdul Rehman was dismissed for four off the last ball of the day.

Hafeez missed a century by just 12 runs playing an attractive innings during his resolute 114-run opening stand with Taufiq to help Pakistan overhaul England's first innings total of 192 on a slow turning pitch.

For England, pacers James Anderson and Stuart Broad, and spinner Graeme Swann claimed two wickets each while Jonathan Trott also got a wicket.

SC rejects NAB appeal against Sharifs’ assets

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) dismissed the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) appeal against Sharif brothers on Wednesday and ordered to release all their assets, Geo News reported.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry was hearing the case and told that NAB cannot take hold of their property against the punishment.

The court told that Nawaz Sharif’s punishment is over and, therefore, NAB has no right to seize Sharif brothers’ property.

NAB Prosecutor General KK Agha appeared before the court and presented an agreement signed between Nawaz Sharif and the government.

Last year in December, NAB had appealed in the apex court to challenge the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) October 4, 2011 verdict for returning their asset where Agha told the court that NAB wanted to hold the property of Sharif brothers until the case was resolved.

Responding to which, Chief Justice Iftikhar remarked that NAB had no authority to hold the property until a reference could be presented against the Sharif brothers.

Islamabad Court dismisses plea against Mansoor Ijaz

ISLAMABAD: Additional Sessions Judge Islamabad, Syed Wajahat Hassan has rejected the plea to file a case against central memogate character Mansoor Ijaz, Geo News reported.

A petition had been filed in an Islamabad court on January 7 seeking registration of criminal case against Mansoor Ijaz.

The petition was filed by Khalid Jameel Sati, an activist associated with the Pakistan People's Party (PPP).

The petition requested the issuing of arrest orders against Ijaz, the central character of the memogate scandal, upon his arrival in Pakistan.

The petition was first sent to Jawad Abbas, the secretary of the judicial commission probing the memo, who then forwarded it to an Islamabad session court judge.

The petitioner took the plea Mansoor Ijaz hatched conspiracy against the democracy and country and he tried to pitch army and government against each other and foment hatred and unrest in the nation through his false statements.

Mansoor Ijaz attributed all the terror related acts to ISI and he tried to provoke the world against Pakistan declaring Pakistan nuclear program a threat in his articles, petitioner pleaded. Mansoor Ijaz also tried to incite sentiments of armed forces in memo gate case, he added.

He further stated in his petition that Secretariat police had refused to register case against Mansoor Ijaz. Therefore, he had resorted to session s court. He prayed the court to issue orders to police for registration of case.

Smoke bomb thrown over White House fence

WASHINGTON: Protestors linked to the "Occupy" movement apparently threw a smoke bomb over the White House fence on Tuesday, capping a day of protests in Washington, the Secret Service said.

No arrests were made after demonstrators from the Occupy DC group marched on the White House, and protesters were peacefully dispersed, as officers dealt with the device, a Secret Service spokesman said.

Witnesses said streets around the area were cordoned off as is normal on the frequent occasions when there is a minor security alert around the presidential mansion.

President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle were not in the White House compound at the time as they were at a nearby restaurant with friends celebrating the First Lady's 48th birthday.

Earlier, lawmakers returning from a three-week winter break were greeted by hundreds of protesters from the "Occupy" movement, who gathered outside the US Capitol building to decry the corrupting influence of money in politics.

Protesters from the self-proclaimed Occupy Congress group - met by scores of uniformed police officers - were denied entry to congressional corridors.

As they chanted amid a steady winter drizzle, the protesters wielded signs urging lawmakers to "Come out of your ivory tower and hear the people."

Another told lawmakers that "We are here to be heard."

By late afternoon, four people had been arrested. Three were charged with illegally crossing police lines and the fourth with assaulting a police officer, a Capitol Police spokesman told.

Pakistan refused to allow Grossman visit: US

WASHINGTON: The State Department has said that the US special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan Marc Grossman wanted to visit Pakistan but owing to prevailing situation he was not allowed, Geo News reported.

The US State Department Spokesman said Pakistan refused to grant permission due to prevailing situation.

The spokesman said United States wants better relations with Pakistan, adding that we should go ahead as there was no other way.