Pakistan’s ruling coalition splits wide open
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan plunged into political crisis Monday as former prime minister Nawaz Sharif pulled out his party from the ruling coalition to protest the government's failure to reinstate 60 senior judges sacked by then president Pervez Musharraf in November last year.
Addressing a crowded press conference, Sharif said his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had been "forced" to take this decision. He also announced the party's move to field a candidate for the post of president.
Pakistan, Turkish air forces to conduct joint exercise: official
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Air forces of Pakistan and Turkey will conduct joint exercises this month, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) said on Monday.
"The Exercise would be conducted in Pakistan during the month of April," a PAF statement said." "To benefit from the expertise and professional experiences of each other, PAF and the Turkish Air Force (TuAF) are conducting a Joint Exercise 'Indus Viper-2008' in Pakistan," it said.
The statement said that a contingent of TuAF fighter aircraft and personnel will undertake joint planning and execution of various combat missions in the exercises.
World Bank to support Bangladesh river project
By IANS,
Dhaka : The World Bank plans to restart negotiations on a $1.2 billion loan to Bangladesh for building a bridge over the Padma river.
Iran refuses to suspend nuclear programme
By DPA,
Geneva : Iran has refused to commit itself to stopping uranium enrichment as demanded by the European Union, the US and other world powers, EU's chief diplomat Javier Solana indicated here Saturday.
Speaking at a news conference after talks with Iranian negotiator Saeed Jalili that were also attended by a US envoy, Solana said "the most important question" in the dispute with Iran remained unanswered.
US with Pakistan in fight against terror: Hillary
By IANS,
Islamabad : US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is on a three-day visit to Pakistan, Wednesday said the US stands "should to shoulder" with Pakistan in its fight against extremism.
"I want you to know that this fight is not only Pakistan's alone, this is our struggle as well," she said while addressing a joint press conference here with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
"We will give you the help which is needed to achieve the peace," she added.
300 Boko Haram militants killed in Cameroon
Yaounde : At least 300 militants of Nigerian Islamic sect Boko Haram were killed in fighting with a joint army of Cameroon and Chad...
ANSF, Coalition forces eliminate 43 militants in S Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF)and the U.S. -led Coalition forces have eliminated 43 militants in Qalat district of southern Afghanistan's Zabul province, said a Coalition statement released here on Tuesday.
ANSF and Coalition forces on a patrol received fire from militants in multiple locations on Oct. 5 when they responded with small arms and called in close air support, killing the militants, the statement said.
Bangladesh mourns officers slain in mutiny
By IANS,
Dhaka : With President Zillur Rahman in attendance, Bangladesh's political leaders and top military and civil officials Monday mourned those killed in the two-day mutiny by Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) troopers last week.
The "namaz-e-janaza" (funeral prayer) of 41 slain officers took place at the National Parade Square in the capital at about 10.40 a.m., Star Online reported.
Six of the officers mourned belonged to the paramilitary border guard whose troopers mutinied over poor pay and working conditions Feb 25-26.
Iraq calls three-day national mourning for Baghdad blasts
By DPA,
Baghdad : Iraq announced Sunday a three-day national mourning period for the victims of the twin terror blasts in central Baghdad.
Head of the rescue team, Abdel Rasoul al-Zaidi, said that his men were able to put out the fire in the buildings and that they are now looking for survivors or bodies under the rubble.
Dozens of people were killed and injured in the blasts. "The two explosions were so huge and have left enormous damage," al-Zaidi said.
Inmates set prison on fire in Turkey
By IANS,
Ankara : Inmates of a prison in southeastern Turkey set ablaze their jail Sunday morning, local media reported.
Dhaka seeks foreign aid to dredge silted rivers
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh has sought foreign aid to dredge all its rivers and has told prospective donors that funds provided would be properly used.
The assurance came from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who met envoys of different countries and heads of international agencies, The Daily Star newspaper said Thursday.
The work would begin on Gorai river, including the Sunderbans in south-western Bangladesh close to India's West Bengal state, Hasina said.
Next on the agenda would be dredging of Pashur river to reactivate the Mongla port.
IAEA official arrives in Tehran for two-day visit
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : The United Nations nuclear watchdog's deputy director general, Olli Heinonen, has arrived here for a two-day visit.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has announced that Heinonen is to hold talks with senior Iranian nuclear officials on the process of bilateral cooperation between Iran and the IAEA.
The IAEA number two man is scheduled to discuss Iran's nuclear case with Deputy Head of the International Atomic Energy Organisation (IAEO) for International Affairs Mohammad Saeedi and Iran's permanent representative to the IAEA Ali-Asghar Soltaniyeh.
Pakistan has failed to feed its people, says daily
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has failed to come up with a concerted action plan to fight hunger due to which nearly a third of the people go to bed hungry, a leading daily said Friday.
1,500 trees planted in Abu Dhabi
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : More than 1,500 trees were planted Tuesday at a port in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
India asks Pakistan to make Mumbai probe report public
By IANS,
New Delhi/Islamabad : Amid reports that Pakistan has rejected India's dossier holding it complicit in the Mumbai attacks, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee Thursday demanded that Islamabad should honour its deadline and disclose the findings of its internal probe.
“We have not given any deadline. It was Pakistan itself that mentioned a deadline for bringing the probe report to light,” Mukherjee told reporters when asked whether India set a deadline to Pakistan to respond to its dossier on the Mumbai attacks.
Zardari: External forces will not be allowed to operate on soil
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said in the parliament on Saturday that external forces will not be allowed to operate on its soil.
The American troops intruded into Pakistan's tribal region of South Waziristan on September 3rd and killed around 20 people, including women and children, according to the provincial governor.
U.S drones regularly fire drones in the tribal regions to hit hideouts of suspected militants, but these attacks have also caused civilian casualties.
UAE officials hold talks with world leaders
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : Top officials of the UAE met their counterparts as well as envoys of foreign countries and held talks on boosting bilateral relations.
Leading Fatah member urges reconciliation with Hamas
By Xinhua
Ramallah : A leading member of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement on Wednesday called for reconciliation with rival Hamas movement "to protect the Palestinian cause."
Qadoura Fares, a Fatah leader in the West Bank, said the internal political rift between Fatah and Hamas must be ended to maintain the Palestinian rights and face the Israeli offensive.
"We should together think how to resume the reconstruction process and bring safety to the Palestinian people and boost their living," Fares told reporters.
Malaysia to have school for pregnant teenagers
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : A school exclusively for pregnant teenagers will be opened this month in Malaysia's Malacca state, an official said.
The purpose of opening the school is to help the girls overcome the stigma of having children without being married, the official said Wednesday.
The school, which starts Sep 16, will accept about 30 students, school chairman Abdul Rahman Abdul Karim was quoted as saying by The Star newspaper.
Egyptian Official in Israel for talks on Gaza cease-fire
By SPA,
Al-Quds (Jerusalem) : Egypt's powerful intelligence chief is in Israel in an attempt to wrap up a cease-fire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Associated Press reported.
Omar Suleiman's meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and other leaders on Monday are meant to push forward a truce agreement being mediated by Egypt.
Germany, a pillar to curb Iranian nuke programme: Israel
By IANS,
Jerusalem : Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak Sunday praised Germany for playing a key role in international efforts to halt Iran's controversial nuclear programme.
UAE condemns suicide attack in Islamabad
By Xinhua,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) condemned the suicide blast in Pakistani capital Islamabad Saturday that killed dozens of people.
"The UAE strongly condemns this heinous crime, committed by terrorists this evening in Islamabad and led to losses in lives and properties," the foreign ministry said in a statement late Saturday.
‘No replacement for Iran’s UN envoy’
Tehran : Iran's ambassador-designate to the UN cannot be replaced, an Iranian minister said Saturday.
The US has refused to issue a visa to Hamid...
Ban proposes additional resources for UN coordinator on Kuwaiti issue
By NNN-KUNA
United Nations : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged the Security Council to allow the transfer of USD 900,000 from the Iraq escrow account to pay for the future activities of the UN high-level coordinator for the issues of Kuwaiti detainees and stolen property.
In a letter Tuesday to council president Vitaly Churkin of Russia, Ban said the expenses undertaken by the former coordinator, the late Yuli Vorontsov, during the last eight years amounted to about USD 2 million transferred from the Iraq escrow account.
Israeli attack on peace flotilla condemned
By IRNA,
Tehran : The World Forum for Proximity of the Islamic Schools of Thought Tuesday condemned the Israeli attack on the peace flotilla carrying aid for the people in the Gaza Strip.
In a statement issued here today, the forum stressed that once again Palestine is witnessing the Zionists' attack on the convoy of humanitarian supplies for the besieged city of Gaza.
Such a dangerous and deadly attack is an indication to the weakness of the Zionist regime, it added.
German experts to advise Egypt on securing Gaza border
By DPA,
Berlin : Technical experts from Germany's federal police and interior ministry are to travel to Egypt in the coming days to help Egypt secure its border with the Gaza Strip, the state secretary in the ministry has said.
August Hanning said late Tuesday the move would fulfill a request from the Egyptian government "to support securing Egypt's border area with German expertise".
Thousands flee from Swat as army pounded militants
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Thousands of people are feeling away from insurgency hit Swat valley in northern Pakistan to take refuge after the army has launched a massive operation against militants.
The displaced persons are taking shelter in makeshift camps under appalling conditions, prompting concerns over a humanitarian crisis.
A spokesman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, Ron Redmond, has said in Geneva that up to 200,000 people have arrived in safe areas in the past few days and that another 300,000 are on the move or are about to flee.
Yemeni religious body flays terror attack on US embassy
By IANS,
Dubai : A top Yemeni religious body has strongly condemned Wednesday's terrorist attack on the US embassy that claimed 16 lives, including that of an Indian nurse.
The Association of Yemeni Religious Scholars, while condemning the attack, called on the Yemeni people to unify their efforts to face such terror acts, the official Saba news agency reported.
The association lauded the role of the security forces in thwarting such acts.
It also expressed its condolences to the families of those killed.
More than 150 PKK rebels killed in N Iraq
By Xinhua,
Ankara : More than 150 rebels of the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) were killed in a series of air raids carried out by Turkish army on Thursday and Friday, Turkish General Staff said in a statement issued on Saturday.
"According to initial estimates, more than 150 terrorists were rendered inefficient and the operation led to panic among the PKK," said the statement post on the website, adding that several senior PKK commanders might be among those dead.
10 rebels killed in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : At least 10 rebels were killed and 18 arrested by Afghan troops backed by the US-led coalition forces during a joint operation in eastern and southern Afghanistan, a coalition release stated Sunday.
The combined team of Afghan National Police (ANP) and the coalition forces Saturday targeted the militants' networks in Zurmat district of eastern Afghan province of Paktiya, the statement said.
UAE to host meeting of Arab League, Pacific island states
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The foreign ministers of the Arab states and the Pacific island nations will meet in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in June to discuss cooperation between the two sides.
Representatives of more than 30 Arab and Pacific countries will attend the meeting, the foreign affairs ministry said Wednesday.
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and League of Arab States Secretary General Amr Moussa will open the meeting.
Afghan army to grow to 100,000 by 2009 end
By DPA,
Kabul : The Afghan national army was to grow to more than 100,000 troops by the end of this year, a spokesman said Monday.
The troops are to be trained by US-led international forces, as NATO commanders in Afghanistan demand additional soldiers to effectively combat the resurgent Taliban militants.
So far a total of 85,000 army soldiers, drawn from Afghanistan's various ethnic groups, have been trained by military officers from the US, France and Britain since the start of the programme in 2002.
Taslima’s visa extended by a year
By TCN News,
New Delhi: The government of India has extended the visa of controversial Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen by another year from August 2010. Surprisingly it’s a shift in the government’s stand which had earlier asked her to leave the country and apply afresh. Her present visa is valid till August 16. Earlier the government had expressed its inability in extending the 47 year old doctor turned writer’s visa as her travel document had been issued under the category (miscellaneous).
UNHCR: Afghan returnees from Pakistan cross 200,000 mark
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : The United Nations refugee agency-assisted voluntary return of registered Afghans from Pakistan crossed the 200,000 mark for the current year over the weekend, with the majority of Afghans going home from Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
This year's total of 202,774 returns include 173,910 from NWFP, around 12,000 from southwestern Balochistan, 3,729 from southern Sindh and some 13,200 from eastern Punjab, according to a statement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
None of the 99 names of Allah stands for violence: Modi
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, terming Sufism "the voice of peace", noted that none of the 99 names of Allah stands for...
Bulgarian troops to stay in Iraq by end of 2008
By Xinhua
Sofia : The Bulgarian parliament decided Thursday to extend the mission of the country's unit in Iraq by the end of 2008, the Sofia News Agency reported.
The decision was passed with a 122-17 vote.
The parliament has approved the government's resolution, which envisages the continuing deployment of 155 Bulgarian troops in the humanitarian mission in Iraq until Dec. 31, 2008.
Pakistan on alert after suicide attack
By KUNA
Islamabad : Security across Pakistan has been given red alert after a teenaged suicide bomber wreacked havoc in a northern city on late on Thursday.
Paramilitary troops and police have been deployed at sensitive sites in Quetta, Karachi and Peshawar cities.
Police sources told KUNA that police froces have been deployed in Lahore, Islamabad and other cities to man sensitive worship sites, buildings including offices of foreign companies and food chain restaurants.
IDB scholarships to help create future leaders
By IINA,
Jeddah : Delegates attending a workshop organized by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in Jeddah yesterday commended the IDB scholarship program and said it would help create future Muslim leaders and play a big role in the development of Muslim communities. IDB currently provides scholarships to more than 9,000 medical and engineering students in 58 non-member countries. “The workshop was a good opportunity for us to meet with our counterparts in different countries who assist us in implementing the program,” said Dr. Malek Shah Yusoff, head of the scholarship program.
Pakistan to get eight F-16 jets from US this month: report
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan will get eight F-16 fighter jets from the United States in two months, local TV channels reported on Wednesday.
The Congress approved delivery of 10 aircraft to Pakistan and the two aircraft will be delivered later, TV channels reported.
The United States government had delivered two F-16 fighter aircraft in July, 2007, to the Pakistan Air Force, which is part of a $5 billion weapons deal with Pakistan.
These aircraft will join the Pakistan Air Force's current inventory of 36 F-16 fighters.
Iraqi PM slams eviction of Christians from Mosul
Baghdad : Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki Sunday slammed as criminal acts the displacement of Christian citizens by the Islamic State (IS) extremist group...
Iran to hold conference on Obama and future ties with US
By DPA,
Tehran : Iran is to hold a conference to review the victory of Barack Obama in the US presidential elections and its impact on Tehran-Washington relations, the website of news network Press TV reported Monday.
One of the featured speakers will be Iran's former ambassador to the United Nations, Mohammad-Javad Zarif, who is considered a US expert, the report said.
It said Obama's pledge to hold unconditional talks with Iran has brought hope of change in Iran-US ties after almost three decades of diplomatic estrangement.
Skilled politicians can ensure national security: Pakistani PM Gilani
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Thursday said only the truly skilled political leaders were better placed to ensure national security by using and inter-relating elements of power.
Addressing the participants of the 11th National Security Workshop here at the National Defence University, the Prime Minister linked peace and prosperity as the only guarantors of national security and said the national resources that need to be protected included the people, political institutions, economic resources and the ideology.
US soldier dies in non-combat incident in Iraq
By IANS,
Baghdad : An American soldier has died in a "non-combat incident" in Iraq, the US military said here.
Blast rocks Afghan capital, causing panic
By NNN-Xinhua,
Kabul : A blast rocked Afghan capital Kabul Saturday, causing panic among the war-weary people.
The blast which shocked the diplomat enclave Wazir Akhbar Khan district and heard in adjoining areas caused panic among war-weary citizens.
However, official with the press department of Interior Ministry who declined to be named told Xinhua that a construction company exploded explosive materials in eastern part of the city, but did not identify the firm.
12 killed in Pakistan train blast
Islamabad:At least 12 people were Tuesday killed and 30 others injured in a bomb explosion in a train at a railway station in Pakistan's...
US withdraws aircraft from Pakistan flood relief work
By IANS,
Islamabad : The US has withdrawn its cargo aircraft from flood relief work in Pakistan as it was now possible to reach the affected areas by road, a media report said Wednesday.
Ten-day International Peace Conference starts in Mumbai
Over 40 speakers to discuss international, social and political issues
By TCN News
Pakistan back in 53-nation Commonwealth
By Dipankar De Sarkar, IANS,
London : Nearly six months after it was expelled from the Commonwealth, Pakistan was Monday readmitted into the 53-nation body following the restoration of democracy in the country.
The decision was taken after a meeting here of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), the trouble-shooting body responsible for ensuring adherence to the Commonwealth principles of democracy, good governance and human rights.
Iraqi artefacts return to Baghdad
By IINA,
Baghdad : The Iraqi antiquities department has taken delivery of 11 ancient ceremonial seals that were looted after the US-led invasion of the country in 2003. Originally from the national museum, the artefacts, some of which date from 3,000BC, were seized by US customs officials in the city of Philadelphia. The circumstances of their discovery have not been made public. Iraq has previously blamed the looting of thousands of artefacts on organised smugglers and occupying foreign troops.
Christian Council condemns Saudi cleric’s call for destruction of Churches in West Asia
By Pervez Bari, TwoCircle.net,
UK soldier’s death in Afghanistan blamed on helicopter fault
By IRNA
London : A British soldier bled to death in Afghanistan because of faulty equipment, compounded by incompetence, according to a military inquiry into the incident.
Corporal Mark Wright, who died from his injuries in a minefield after rescuing an injured colleague in September 2006, could have lived if the helicopter summoned to help had been equipped with a winch, the inquiry found.
India, Pakistan to jointly fight terror, promote economic diplomacy
By Manish Chand and Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : India and Pakistan Wednesday agreed to jointly combat terrorism and provide economic muscle to their relationship as they concluded the fourth round of their composite dialogue by signing an agreement on prisoners detained in each other's country and by agreeing to address all issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.
Uruguay is strong but so are we: Park
By IANS,
Port Elizabeth : South Korea coach Huh Jung Moo Friday paid his respects to Uruguay's stout defensive record in the World Cup, but said he was confident his players would manage to breach the Uruguayan goal Saturday for the first time in the tournament.
Huh was speaking a day before the two teams clash in Port Elizabeth in the first Round of 16 game, with the winner facing either Ghana or the United States in a bid to get to the semi-final.
"Uruguay has been very good in defence, but I am confident we can open the way to score goals," said Huh.
Iran’s president says uranium enrichment program non-negotiable
By RIA Novosti
Tehran : Iran rejects any new incentives offered by world powers in return for suspending its nuclear enrichment program, the Islamic Republic's president said in an interview published on Friday.
"This [enrichment moratorium] is a non-negotiable subject," Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said.
"Iran is a nuclear country and has no reason to give up the technology," he said.
The president also reiterated that Iran does not intend to negotiate with the West, but will cooperate solely with the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
PM Gilani contacts political leadership of Pakistan
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has started contacting the political leaders of Pakistan following the violent incidents in Mumbai.
The Premier has said it is the need of the time to forge unity for a greater cause of protecting the country's sovereignty by rising above party politics and personal interests.
Taliban killed four Afghan policemen
By KUNA
Kabul : Suspected Taliban militants gunned down two Afghan policemen in western Afghanistan, officials said on Tuesday.
The incident happened in the western province of Herat, bordering neighbouring Iran, on Monday evening, provincial police chief Rahmatullah Safi told journalists.
The policemen were patrolling the border areas when they came under attack from the Taliban, the chief said. He added that the attackers also killed two civilians while escaping from the area after committing the crime.
10 killed in boat capsize off Istanbul coast
Ankara : At least 10 people were killed and 20 went missing Monday after a boat carrying migrants capsized off Istanbul’s northern coast.
Most of...
Sikh outfit in Pakistan threatens protest
Islamabad : A Sikh organisation in Pakistan has threatened to launch a countrywide protest if those who desecrated their holy book, Guru Granth Sahib,...
Krishna heads to Kuwait; Indo-Arab conclave in Delhi
By IANS,
New Delhi: India's Gulf diplomacy is set to move into top gear this month as External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna heads to Kuwait Wednesday and New Delhi hosts a two-day Indo-Arab investment conclave next week.
Krishna will pay a two-day visit to oil-rich Kuwait Wednesday, official sources said here.
The visit will focus on widening the energy partnership and attracting Kuwaiti investments in infrastructural projects ranging from petrochemicals to power.
The two sides will also discuss security cooperation to combat terrorism.
Palestinian Reconciliation Threatened
By Prensa Latina,
Ramallah : Refusal of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to hold separate talks with the Islamic group Hamas is hindering Egypt's initiative to achieve reconciliation among 12 Palestinian factions.
An official PNA in Ramallah said that Al-Fatah Leader Mahmoud Abbas rejected a proposal to talk with the Islamic Resistance Movement in Cairo prior to a national meeting.
Abbas says the talks are useless amid growing accusations and distrust and favored joint talks with the other 11 organizations.
Turkish journalists released from Syria
By IANS,
Tehran : Two Turkish journalists who were held in Syria for two months have been released following Iranian mediation, BBC reported.
Water dispute with India may threaten peace talks: Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari warned that any breach of a river water-sharing treaty by India will be detrimental to the peace process between the nuclear-armed neighbours, media reports said Monday.
The statement came two days after Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inaugurated the 450-megawatt Baglihar hydroelectric project over the Chenab River that flows from Kashmir valley of Jammu and Kashmir state into Pakistan.
Malaysian state grants $5.2 million for Tamil schools
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia's Selangor state has set aside an additional $5.2 million for the development of 97 Tamil schools in the next five years, executive councillor Xavier Jaya kumar announced Friday.
Twelve new kindergartens would also be built within Tamil schools this year, Tamil daily Makkal Osai quoted Jayakumar, himself an ethnic Indian, as saying.
He said the state had so far granted $1.24 million (RM 4 million) to Tamil schools with about $122,690 (RM 522,000) distributed through parent-teacher associations.
Journalists’ body seeks Iraqi reporter’s release
By DPA,
Baghdad : Reporters Without Borders, an international journalists' organisation, has called for the release of Montazer al-Zaidi, the TV reporter who threw his shoes at US President George W. Bush during a press conference in Baghdad last Sunday.
"We obviously regret that the journalist used this method of protest against the politics of the American president," the organisation said in a statement Wednesday.
"But for humanitarian reasons and to ease tension, we call for the release of Montazer al-Zaidi who has been held by the Iraqi authorities," it said.
Hanged Pakistani prisoners faced 10 charges
Islamabad : Five of the six prisoners executed since Friday in Pakistan faced 10 different charges apart from being involved in the assassination attempt...
Pakistan reinstates top judge, long march called off
By DPA,
Islamabad : The Pakistani government Monday acceded to demands for the reinstatement of the country's sacked top judge to avoid the escalation of political turmoil that threatened the stability of the nuclear-armed Islamic republic. Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif then immediately called off the "Long March".
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani announced the government's decision to reinstate the former Supreme Court chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry in a televised address to the nation after a clamorous weekend of protests and international mediation.
Early count shows Sisi sweeping Egypt’s presidential poll
Cairo : The initial poll count points to a landslide victory for Egypt's former military chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in the presidential election.
Sisi won...
Peres gives green light for new Israeli polls
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Israel's President Shimon Peres gave the green light Monday for the country to hold new elections, telling parliament that consultations he had held with political parties led him to conclude that no legislator had enough backing to form a coalition government.
The president had completed the consultations earlier Monday, a day after Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni informed him that she was unable to form a government to replace that headed by Ehud Olmert, who resigned the premiership Sep 21.
US abuses Hariri tribunal to pressure Syria — source
By KUNA
Damascus : Syria accused the United States here Thursday of using the International Court of Justice ICJ, investigating the assassination of late Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq AL-Hariri as a tool to put pressure on Syria.
The accusation was made by an official in the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement released to the media by the Foreign Media Department.
Pakistani forces kill 36 militants in northwest
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces killed 36 militants in the northwestern region near the Afghan border, officials said Sunday.
Troops aided by gunship helicopters and artillery fire targeted two militant hideouts during the continuing offensive in the Khyber tribal district.
"Thirty-three militants were also killed in this operation," said a press statement issued by the Frontier Corps paramilitary force.
Bush leaves Egypt, wraps up Middle East tour
By Xinhua
Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt) : US President George W. Bush left the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt Wednesday afternoon, wrapping up his eight-day Middle East visit that aimed at winning Arab support for a peace deal and isolating Iran.
Before leaving Egypt, the US president said at a press conference jointly with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak that the US has "a long-standing friendship with Egypt," which has a long history of culture.
Two Hamas policemen, one child killed in Gaza violence
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Two Hamas policemen and one child were killed and 60 others wounded on Saturday in clashes between Hamas police forces and a pro-rival Fatah movement clan in Gaza City, a Hamas spokesman said.
Khaled Radi, spokesman of the Hamas-ruled ministry of health told reporters that two policemen of Hamas and a little boy were killed and 60 wounded, six of them are in serious conditions.
Pakistan hikes petrol prices
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has increased the prices of petrol by Rs.1.57 per litre, a media report said Thursday.
Female suicide bomber kills 2 in Baghdad
By Xinhua
Baghdad : A female suicide bomber blew herself up at a popular market in southern part of the Iraqi capital on Friday, killing two civilians and wounding six others, an Interior Ministry source said.
With Pakistan in mind, India warns of interference in Afghanistan
By IANS,
New Delhi: With Pakistan trying to broker a deal between the Taliban and the Afghan government, India Thursday warned against "external integration" in the reintegration process, saying it would be detrimental for the future of a democratic and stable Afghanistan.
"External interference in the reintegration process would be detrimental both for its success and for the future of a democratic, stable, pluralistic and prosperous Afghanistan," External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna told the Rajya Sabha.
Gilani calls on Zardari
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani called on President Asif Ali Zardari here Tuesday, a day after India handed over evidence of the involvement of this country in the Mumbai terror attacks.
"Both leaders discussed recent political developments, India-Pakistan tension and steps taken by Pakistan to de-escalate the situation, situation in tribal areas and others matters of national and regional interests," Geo TV reported.
Bangladeshi student leader succumbs to blast injuries
Dhaka : A student leader of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Thursday died of wounds suffered during an explosion while "making bombs" in a house...
Three killed as van plunges into river in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least three people were killed and 15 injured when a passenger van plunged into a river in Pakistan Friday, The News reported.
When did this Pakistani lawmaker actually graduate?
By IANS,
Islamabad : A woman lawmaker in Pakistan's Punjab assembly holds a graduation degree that was issued in 1991, but she insists that she graduated in 1996.
Overseas Chapter of India Islamic Culture Centre to Open Nationwide Sir Syed National School
TCN News
NRIs in Riyadh Vow to Revive Aligarh Movement:
In order to enhance the educational empowerment of Muslims in India, the Riyadh Chapter of India...
Pakistan backing proxy war in Kashmir: Indian Army
New Delhi : Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag said Tuesday that Pakistan was supporting a proxy war against India in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Pakistan...
67 Pakistanis were detained at Guantanamo: Minister
By IANS,
Islamabad : Sixty-seven Pakistanis were detained at Cuba's Guantanamo Bay prison managed by Central Intelligence Agency of the US following the 9/11 terror attack, a minister has informed the National Assembly.
According to a written reply submitted to the lower house of the parliament Thursday, 67 Pakistanis were taken to the Guantanamo Bay prison facility. However, as a result of the government's efforts, so far, 62 of them had been released, Dawn News reported.
UAE to host Alfred Nobel exhibition
By IANS
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) would host the Alfred Nobel exhibition from March 30 to May 29, WAM news agency said Saturday.
The exhibition to be held at Dubai Men's College here will be opened by Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, minister of higher education and scientific research, and Princess Victoria, crown princess of Sweden.
During the two-month exhibition visitors will have the opportunity to experience first hand and learn from the work of Alfred Nobel as well as past and current Nobel laureates.
Pakistan Jamaat condemns NATO bombing
By IRNA
Islamabad : Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan on Thursday severely condemned the bombing by NATO fighter planes of Pakistani tribal region.
Reports said that NATO planes dropped bombs at Saidgai, an area under Pakistani territory, injuring civilians and scaring people of the area.
Jamaat Deputy Senator Professor Khurshid Ahmed expressed his apprehensions on the American involvement and pressure on Pakistan's domestic politics.
Malaysia donates USD 1.5 bln worth of human aid to China”s quake victims
By KUNA,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia declared on Monday donating USD 1.5 billion worth of relief aid for victims of the the massive earthquake that hit China's Sichuan Province on May 12.
Aid delivery mission chief, Ogu Salim Omar, said in a statement that the aid would include medical equipment, tents and blankets which will be sent in two batches aboard three aircraft belonging to the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
The first shipment will be launched on Monday, he said, expecting delivery to the local Chinese authorities by early Tuesday.
Four killed in Baghdad
By Xinhua
Baghdad : At least four people were killed and seven injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the Iraqi Army headquarters during a celebration to mark the Army Day in Baghdad's Karrada neighbourhood Sunday.
"A suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest blew himself up at an army headquarter, near the municipal council of Karrada, during a celebration to mark the Iraqi Army Day," an official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Pakistani Taliban promise tough fight
By Nadeem Sarwar,DPA,
Pir Baba (Pakistan) : Preparations to put up tough resistance to a military advance to flush out Taliban fighters from Pakistan's north-western Buner Valley were in full swing.
Thousands of militants and their local supporters were constructing bunkers in the vast green hills that encircle the region while roadside bombs had already been planted along key routes. Short training courses for newly recruited fighters were also under way in some villages.
Six injured in blast at Islamabad police headquarters
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Six people were injured as an explosives-laden car blew up near a building housing Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) officials at the police headquarters here Thursday, police said.
The blast badly damaged the three-storey residential building reserved for the squad but no one was inside at the time of the attack. The block is situated about 300 metres from the main police headquarter building.
"Six people present near the building were injured," said Sub-Inspector Liaqat Ali, who was present at the headquarters at the time of the blast.
Top Hezbollah leader killed in Damascus blast
By DPA
Beirut/Damascus : A high-ranking leader of Lebanon's militant movement Hezbollah was killed in a car bomb blast in an upmarket area in Syrian capital Damascus overnight, the group confirmed Wednesday.
Imad Fayez Mugniyah, who was said to be close to Iran, was killed in a blast that targeted his car, which was parked in a street at a square in central Damascas near an Iranian school, Hezbollah sources said.
Hezbollah television accused Israel of the blast that killed "our great leader."
Pakistan denies releasing TTP prisoners
Islamabad: The Pakistan government Thursday denied reports that Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) prisoners have been released in an effort to revive the peace talks.
“The reports...
Fatah accuses Hamas of endangering its imprisoned Gaza supporters
By Xinhua
Gaza/Ramallah : Islamic Hamas movement and rival Fatah faction of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday traded accusations over holding hostages despite Israeli offensive into the Hamas-ruled Gaza.
In the Fatah-dominated West Bank, Hamas said that pro-Abbas forces arrested four Hamas members in various places and cities. In a statement sent to the media, Hamas explained that the detentions took place in Nablus, Tubas and Tulkarem.
H.M. Naqvi wins South Asian literature prize for ‘Home Boy’
By Madhusree Chatterjee, ians,
Middle East peace talks in jeopardy
By IANS,
London : The future of the Middle East direct peace talks appeared to be in jeopardy after Israel refused to extend a ban on West Bank settlements, a media report said.
Van Gogh painting stolen from Cairo museum
By DPA,
Cairo : One of Vincent Van Gogh's most famous paintings, "Poppy Flowers", has been stolen from a museum in Cairo, Egypt's Ministry of Culture said Saturday.
It was not immediately clear how the thieves managed to steal the painting from the Mahmoud Khalil museum, but Culture Minister Farouq Hosni ordered urgent measures to prevent it being taken out of the country.
Six killed, 29 detained in Iraq
By DPA,
Baghdad : At least six people were killed and 29 suspected terrorists were detained in Iraq, US military and security sources said Saturday.
Joint US-Iraqi security forces detained 29 suspected terrorists during military operations in Jabla, in the southern city of Hillah, security sources told DPA.
Sources said that forces also confiscated a number of weapons and explosives in the same area.
Meanwhile US military said soldiers killed six suspected terrorists during operations in Baghdad Friday and Saturday.
Sharjah approves 2012 general budget
By IANS,
Sharjah : The emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has approved the general budget for 2012.
Army provides relief to people affected by Pakistani firing
Jammu : The Indian Army Tuesday provided assistance to over 3,000 people in Jammu and Kashmir affected by firing from Pakistan, an official said.
The...
10 killed in Iraq violence
Baghdad : At least 10 people were killed and 56 wounded Friday in a car bomb attack and clashes in Iraq, police said.
Seven people...
Palestinian PM says Israel to transfer delayed tax revenues
By SPA,
Ramallah, West Bank : The Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad says Israeli officials have informed him that they have transferred millions of dollars in delayed tax revenues.
But Fayyad says the cash still has not come through. The money goes toward paying the salaries of around 150,000 Palestinian civil servants. They haven't received their May wages yet, according to a report of Reuters.
Israel was meant to ship around $74 million dollars (¤47 million) last month. It collects the tax revenue on behalf of Palestinians in an agreement between both sides.
Philippines, Kuwait ink three agreements
By NNN-PNA,
Manila : The Philippines and oil-rich Kuwait sealed Friday night three agreements to further enhance their bilateral and trade relations, and bolster cooperation in the area of investments.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and visiting Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheik Nasser Al Mohammad Al Ahmad Al Sabah witnessed the signing of the agreements in Malacañang last night.
The agreements were on joint undertaking in energy projects, strengthening of health related services, and enhanced tourism investments and exchanges between the two countries.
Marico acquires Colgate-Palmolive unit in Malaysia
By IANS,
Mumbai : Fast moving consumer goods company Marico Monday said it had acquired Malaysian hair styling products firm Code 10 -- a subsidiary of Colgate-Palmolive.
The company did not disclose the amount involved in the transaction.
"The investment behind the brand provides us with a platform in the south east Asian market," said Marico's international business chief executive Vijay Subramaniam.
Code 10's products include hair creams and gels.
Eight killed in Pakistan bus crash
By DPA,
Islamabad : Eight people were killed and 25 injured when a bus hit a packed rickshaw in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province Sunday, the police said.
The accident occurred near the town of Muridke, some 40 km west of the provincial capital Lahore.
"Eight passengers, including two children below the age of two, died on the spot, while 25 others received multiple injuries," police officer Arshad Mehmood said.
Most of the injured passengers suffered fractures from the impact when the bus hit the bed of a dry watercourse after veering off the road.
Police foil Islamists’ rally in Bangladesh
By DPA,
Dhaka : Hundreds of policemen and paramilitary border guards foiled a planned demonstration by militant Islamists in central Dhaka Friday after weekly Juma prayers against a proposed women's development policy of the interim government, officials and witnesses said.
More than 400 riot police took control of the main entrance of the national Baitul Mukarram mosque as militants called on the worshippers over loudspeakers to join a protest rally after the congregation.
Abbas, Netanyahu agree to reach settlement in one year
By DPA,
Washington : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have agreed to a one-year time-frame for reaching a peace agreement, the special US envoy to the region, George Mitchell, said Thursday.
Mitchell said the two men agreed to the time-frame during private meetings at the State Department that marked the first face-to-face peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians in nearly two years.
India, Afghanistan call for obligations to prevent terrorism
By Xinhua,
New Delhi : India and Afghanistan called for preventing terrorism in any manner and expressed satisfaction with the progress in bilateral development, the local newspaper Hindu reported Tuesday.
In a joint statement issued after a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Monday, the two leaders pointed out that it was necessary for countries to look after their territories since "terrorism emanates from the sanctuaries and training camps and the sustenance and support received by the terrorist groups."