ZAB case golden opportunity for SC: Bilawal

NAU DERO: Chairman Pakistan People's Party, Bilawal Zardari Bhutto Tuesday termed the Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto reference a golden opportunity to Supreme Court 'to provide us justice', Geo News reported.

"I am confident the Supreme Court will not stand in the way. The Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto reference case is a golden opportunity for the Supreme Court. I expect the Supreme Court to finally provide us justice," Bilawal said while delivering a speech during the Central Executive Committee meeting of the PPP on the eve of 33rd death anniversary of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

Bilawal also said that the (then) Supreme Court of Pakistan sentenced Shaheed Bhutto to death by hanging for a crime he did not commit. This judicial murder was not the first nor the last flawed decision the courts have made, he added.

"Unfortunately our courts have often stood on the wrong side of history. From the Doctrine of Necessity, to the judicial murder of Shaheed Bhutto and the continued legitimization of violations of our constitution our court shave not performed the role required of them by the constitution of Pakistan."

Later, lauding the judiciary, he said that in 2007, in the final months of the Dictatorship of the day, the courts gave us hope.

"The brave stance adopted by our judges and the support of the lawyers movement gave us hope that Pakistan would have a truly independent and impartial judiciary."

Taking a U-turn, he warned that the courts are dangerously close to repeating the mistakes of the past.

"They should resist the temptation to obey the dictation of the establishment."

"We cannot allow the court to dig up my mother’s grave and put her martyred corpse on trial."

Addressing Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, he said, "Mr. Prime Minister you will not violate Vienna convention, you will not violate the Constitution of Pakistan, you will not desecrate the graves of our martyrs."

"You (Prime Minister) may lose your office. You may lose your government but you must do what is right. There is not only the Supreme Court, there is also the court of the people and the court of history", he added.

Concluding his speech he said, "I have faith in the Pakistan Peoples Party. I have faith in democracy. I have faith in Pakistan. I have faith in you Mr. Prime Minister. You will make Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto proud. We will get justice. If not now. If not by this court. We will be vindicated in the courts of history."

Tokyo chefs swell with anger over new blowfish laws

TOKYO: With a scoop of a net Tokyo chef Naohito Hashimoto selects a poisonous blowfish, considered a delicacy in Japan, and with a few deft strokes of his gleaming knife starts the delicate process of preparing it for a customer.

In moments, Hashimoto has separated the edible parts of the fish from organs filled with a poison more deadly than cyanide.

For more than six decades, dicing blowfish in Tokyo has been the preserve of a small band of strictly regulated and licensed chefs, usually in exclusive restaurants.

But new laws coming into effect from October are opening the lucrative trade to restaurants without a license, making chefs like Hashimoto see red.

"We have spent time and money in order to obtain and use the blowfish license, but with these new rules anybody can handle blowfish even without a license," said Hashimoto, a blowfish chef for some 30 years.

"They're saying it's now okay to serve blowfish. We licensed chefs feel this way of thinking is a bit strange."

The poison known as tetrododoxin is found in parts of the blowfish, including the liver, heart, intestines and eyes, and is so intense that a tiny amount will kill. Every year there are reports of people dying after preparing blowfish at home.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government says city laws covering the serving of blowfish should be changed to reflect changing times and hope that relaxing the rules will cut prices and bring Tokyo in line with the rest of the nation.

"Outside of Tokyo, the regulations for blowfish are even more relaxed and yet there are hardly any poison-related accidents," said Hironobu Kondo, an official at the city's Food Control Department.

"There is the hope that the number of restaurants with unlicensed chefs serving blowfish will rise, and that blowfish as an ingredient will be used not only for traditional Japanese foods but also others such as Chinese and Western foods."

A full course meal of blowfish, known as fugu in Japanese, features delicacies such as blowfish tempura, slices of raw fish thin enough to see through fanned out across a plate like chrysanthemum petals, and toasted fins in cups of hot sake.

But the meal is far from cheap, as diners pay for the safety of a licensed chef. At Hashimoto's restaurant, a meal costs at least 10,000 yen ($120) a person.

Though thrill seeking diners are reputed to seek out chefs who leave just enough of the poison to make the lips tingle, blowfish professionals scoff at this as urban legend, noting that ingesting even that much of the poison would be hazardous.

Apprentice blowfish chefs must train with a veteran for a minimum of two years before they can take rigorous written and practical exams. In Tokyo, the exam fee runs to 17,900 yen.

Customers outside a Tokyo sushi restaurant, one of the places where blowfish could be served under the new rules, said there was no substitute for the skill of a trained chef.

"Cooking blowfish is an art form that requires technique and skills," said screenwriter Shoji Imai. "That's why we pay good money for blowfish."

Hashimoto's years of training means it takes him just two minutes to gut a blowfish, and he says there is no substitute for this kind of experience.

"I don't want people to forget that you can actually die from eating blowfish," he said. "I feel the government's awareness of this has diminished." (Reuters)

13 killed in Gilgit and Chillas; Army summoned

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saeed also condemned the attacks in Mumbai.

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

OGRA partially cuts back increase in POL prices

ISLAMABAD: Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has made a reduction in the recent increase in prices of petroleum products through a notification issued tonight, Geo News reported Tuesday.

According to the notification, the price of petrol has been decreased by Rs2.32 per litre to Rs103.36. Earlier, the rate of petrol had been increased by Rs8.02 to Rs105.08. Therefore, the partial cut back leaves the total increase in petrol price to Rs5.70 per litre.

The price of diesel has been slashed by Rs1.16 per litre to Rs107. After the earlier increase of Rs4.70 the price of diesel had jumped to Rs108.10 per litre. With the reduction of Rs1.16, the total increase in the rate of diesel has now shrunk to Rs3.54 per litre.

The earlier increase in price of Kerosene oil has also been reduced by Rs1.74 per lire to Rs3.55, making its per litre price Rs99.95. Earlier, Kerosene oil had been made expensive by Rs5.29 to Rs101.69.

The revised prices have been made applicable from 12:00 AM, April 4.

Earlier today, the Ministry of Finance approved the decrease in prices of petroleum products following a country-wide condemnation of the staggering rise made in POL and CNG prices on April 1.

Power shortfall climbs to 6000MW

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

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

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

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

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

Disneyland Paris celebrates 20th anniversary

PARIS: Disneyland Paris has celebrated its 20th birthday in spectacular style, with an extravaganza replete with celebrities, parades and a new state-of-the-art show.

The resort 35 kilometres east of Paris has a lot to celebrate. After overcoming a rocky childhood, the Magic Kingdom now makes up a chunk of the French economy and of Disney's own revenues.

Mexican actress Salma Hayek and retired French soccer great Zinedine Zidane led celebrations at the park featuring a high-energy projection of Disney cartoon characters onto Sleeping Beauty's castle crowning Main Street, USA. Also starring in the event, marked with fireworks and water displays, were Peter Pan and other Disney characters.

Five years ago, the resort finally started to make operating profits. Building on its fortune, Disneyland Paris became the most visited tourist destination in Europe in 2008. It broke its record for ticket sales last year, marking its 250 millionth visitor since its creation. (Monitoring Desk)

Karachi: four dead in various incidents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

POL Price Hike: Traders threaten civil disobedience

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

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

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

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

Why Waste our Best Allrounder?

He is a much more accomplished batsman than the stylish Shahid Afridi. And he has been a much better bowler than him. But still he has been thrown out of the team more than once. And Afridi—an average allrounder at best—continues to play.


In my opinion, Abdul Razzaq has been the best one-day all rounder Pakistan has ever had. He averages close to 30 with the bat and the number of his bowling’s victims has always been higher than the number of matches he has played. Afridi averages near 24—six runs less than Abdul’s which is quite a big difference—and his wickets tally has only recently exceeded the number of matches he has played.


The then coach Waqar Younis played the most important role in ousting this talented guy from the team. He kept trying to throw him out of the team before the last year’s World Cup, but Abdul Razzaq performed so well repeatedly that he failed in his intentions.


At the Oval against England in 2010, he first made 31 off just 24 balls and then took two wickets to help Pakistan win by 23 runs. At Lord’s, he made 44 off just 20 balls near the end of Pakistan’s innings to give Pakistan a much higher total than was anticipated. Pakistan won by 38 runs.


Then, against South Africa in UAE, he played the best one-day international innings the world has ever seen. He made 109 off just 71 balls, scoring 63 of the last 65 runs required. The performance forced even Waqar to stand up and applaud him.


Then in the Christchurch T20 against New Zealand, he scored 34 runs off 11 balls and took three wickets to guide Pakistan to a 103 runs victory.


But after the World Cup, Waqar Younis succeeded in his efforts although the allrounder’s performance was not unimpressive. He was asked to bowl less than 40 overs, but still he managed to take six wickets, including two at a crucial stage in the match against the Australians. He was sent to bat at number eight although his batting credentials warranted a much higher position. Even at that position he delivered. He made a half century against New Zealand when everybody else had failed. He also scored 20 not out to help Pakistan defeat Australia after the top order had fallen.


His services were grossly underutilized in that tournament, but Waqar finally managed to throw him out. He was not considered for the tour to West Indies.


He was brought back for the one-day series against Sri Lanka a few months back, but again ousted despite giving decent performances.


Two questions must be asked of the selectors: is he old enough to be discarded? Has his performance been so lowly as to have necessitated his removal? There is one answer to both questions. A big no.


He is only 31. He can play for a long time to come. And his performance has not been bad. The selectors have acted foolishly by dropping a well performing allrounder. His presence bolsters Pakistan’s batting and increases bowling options.


It is true that he is now not as fast with the ball as he used to be. But that is no issue because his medium gentle medium pacers are enough for one-day cricket. He has been taking wickets even with a reduced speed.
 

His batting potential has not been fully realized. He should be given chances to bat up the order. Number eight is not the position where a batsman with an average of 30 should bat.


It is time the selectors included this hugely talented allrounder in the team for one-day and T20 matches. If he chooses to settle in a foreign country, as have done many other Pakistani cricketers, the loss will be Pakistan’s.

Petrol price hiked by Rs8, CNG up to Rs12

ISLAMABAD: Government has once again increased the price of petrol by a staggering Rs8.02 and diesel Rs4.70 per litre while CNG has been made expensive by up to Rs11.98 per kilo, Geo News reported Saturday.

According to the notification, the revised price of petrol has jumped to Rs105.68 a litre and that of diesel to Rs108.16.

The price of light diesel goes up by Rs5.45 to Rs99.69 per litre; HOBC by Rs8.94 to Rs135.81 and the rate of kerosene oil jacked up by Rs5.29 to Rs101.69 a litre.

The revised rates of petroleum products have become effective from 12 AM, Sunday (April 1).

The price of CNG has been raised by Rs Rs9.93 to Rs80.97 per kilogram in Sindh and central Punjab while its rate in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and also in Islamabad and Rawalpindi by Rs11.98 to Rs89.10 per kg.

Violence claims two more lives in Karachi

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

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

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

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

Karachi: seven suspects detained from Qasba

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

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

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

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

PCNS mulls linking Nato supply to halt in drone strikes

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

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

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

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

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

PML-N opposes three recommendations of PCNS: Nisar

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

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

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

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

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

HEAD WORK IRRIGATION SUB DIVISION MALAKAND LIST OF ENCROACHMENT AMANDARA SECTION BATKHELA.

                                      HEAD WORK SUB DIVISION MALAKAND
LIST OF ENCROACHMENT AMANDARA
sir we big to say that was two inform you 28 Date tma of batkhela spiking in a load speaker tonal left side concetricion site will be damage date of 28to 30 71  HOUSE and 6 MOSQUE  115 years old irrigation team sleeping on time  where of old time swat rever right/left side this road only for small Jeep our Biggles not for big traffic govt asked old time batkhela rever site house in mosque electricity will be free deed writen in to the Brutish  gormment on a gold plate.   


                                                       HOUSE AND MOSQUE
NAME Of MOSQUE 
Inam Khan  Amir Zaman  30*40
Said Muhammad   50*55'
Faiz Muhammad   50*55'
Dilar                     20*36'
Mosque                50*2'
Mosque  Rd8300  60*28'
House Name

Nisar Khan         800*30'
Mehmood Khan  400*30'
Izat Gul               100*29'
Nasar                   42*15
Rahat Khan School Teacher 50*2

Spoke with Kayani at least 5 times: Gen Dempsey

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three killed, two bodies recovered in Karachi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spini Road incident toll reaches six

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tension grips Karachi as 5 killed in violence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

405 cricket World Cup final tickets unsold: report

MUMBAI: At least 405 tickets of the cricket World Cup Final between India and Sri Lanka remained unsold, an Indian newspaper said in a report.

According to the report, there was huge demand for the ticket and the Wankhede Stadium had only 33,000 seats. There were plenty of fans who missed out on being part of that historic night in Mumbai.

Mumbai's newspaper Mid Day said in its report that it had learnt about the unsold tickets. The information has come out of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) office.

"It is surprising to see that 96 tickets (Rs 1,500 minimum per ticket) of the Sunil Gavaskar Stand (lower bay) which was meant for public, going unsold. Something is fishy here," a source told the newspaper.

The MCA suffered a loss of nearly Rs. 73.5 lakh from the unsold tickets. Nearly Rs. 23 crore was accumulated through the sale of tickets, the report added quoting the same source.

US waiting for end of Pakistan's internal debate

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

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

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

Punjab: Loadshedding prevails, so do protests

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Police use water cannon to disperse protesting nurses, paramedics

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

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

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

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

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