Next round of Pakistani government-PTI talks Tuesday
Islamabad : The next round of dialogue between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) teams is slated to be held Tuesday.
After their talks...
“Israel”s security” essential in any peace pact — Blair
By KUNA
Gaza : Any peace agreement that might be concluded between the Israelis and the Palestinian must "guarantee Israel's security," said Quartet Middle East Special Envoy Tony Blair, after a meeting with the US President in Jerusalem on Friday.
Balochistan proposes steps to avert terror attacks
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Balochistan government in Pakistan seeks to introduce stringent measures to tighten security in the province.
British forces to quit Iraq by next summer: Brown
By DPA,
London/Baghdad : British forces will leave Iraq by mid-2009, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said during a surprise visit to Baghdad Wednesday.
He confirmed that the withdrawal would begin in the spring and that the bulk of the 4,000 British troops would have "completed their tasks" in the first half of 2009.
The announcement came in a joint statement released during Brown's talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.
Arab FMs may meet soon on peace strategy – Moussa
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa has said here that consultations were underway for a meeting of Arab foreign ministers in the coming period.
The meeting will revolve around a holistic assessment of the Arab peace initiative, Palestinian-Israeli talks and Jewish settlements, Moussa told reporters Tuesday.
"A date is being set for such a meeting through consultations among Arab countries," he said.
Turkish house speaker counsels constitution change after headscarf ruling
By NNN-KUNA,
Ankara : Turkish parliament speaker Koksal Toptan said Turkey's constitution and parliamentary system needed some changes, following the Constitutional Court's upholding of a ban on Islamic headscarves in colleges and universities, in a major blow to the government.
The Constitutional Court did not do the right thing when it struck down a government-led constitutional amendment to allow women to wear the headscarf on campus, Toptan told a news conference here on Saturday.
Two held as Hasina charges father’s killers of terror links
By IANS,
Dhaka : Two people have been arrested as Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accused killers of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, of organising a bomb attack on a lawmaker.
Mehnaz Rahman, who was detained Saturday, is the eldest daughter of Lt. Col. Khondkar Abdur Rashid, a fugitive condemned to death in the August 1975 killing of the country's founding father. She said that her father is living in Libya with the rest of the family.
Pakistan prepares to execute 55 death row inmates
Islamabad : Pakistan is preparing to execute 55 terrorist inmates on death row after the country ended the moratorium on the extreme penalty in...
Indian biscuits for Afghan schoolchildren via Pakistan: UN welcomes move
By IANS,
United Nations : The World Food Programme of the UN has welcomed India's decision to donate $12 million for distribution of biscuits to 1.2 million schoolchildren in Afghanistan, to be transported through Pakistan.
The fortified biscuits, to be produced in India, will be shipped to Afghanistan through Pakistan, Michele Montas, spokesperson for UN Secretary General, told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York Friday.
"This marks a major transportation breakthrough, opening a new route for humanitarian aid from India to Afghanistan," Montas said.
Pakistan in crisis, Zardari set deadline to end lawyers’ stir
By IANS,
Islamabad : A volatile situation existed in Pakistan where authorities Friday continued their crackdown on agitating lawyers staging a 'long march' amidst reports that President Asif Ali Zardari had been set an internationally-backed, 24-hour deadline by the army to end the stir.
Pakistan Army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was reported to have got into the act Friday, meeting Zardari for the first time since the president returned home Wednesday from a regional meeting in Tehran.
Pakistan to get F-16s with tough stipulations
By IANS,
Islamabad : The US will deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan by the end of this month under a series of tough conditions, including an assurance that Islamabad will not use the planes in any conflict with India.
This is the first time the US has publicly stated that it was taking steps to ensure that its military aid to Pakistan would not be used against India, Online news agency reported.
During last month's Strategic Dialogue between India and the US, Indian leaders had conveyed to their counterparts their concerns over the US military assistance to Pakistan.
Roadside bombs kill 8 civilians, 4 Afghan police
By SPA,
Kabul : Eight civilians and four policemen were killed in two separate roadside bomb blasts in
Afghanistan on Tuesday, officials said.
One woman, a child and six men were killed when the blast hit a bus in Del Aram district of western Farah province, said deputy provincial governor Mohammad Younus Rasuli.
The blast occurred on a road where Afghan and foreign troops have come under similar attacks and ambushes by Taliban insurgents in recent months, he told Reuters.
OIC condemns attack on Indian embassy in Kabul
By IANS,
Dubai : The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) has strongly condemned the suicide attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul that killed 44 people including four Indians.
In a statement issued Tuesday, OIC secretary general Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu lamented the continuing attacks on innocents and said such "criminal acts" ran counter to the teachings of Islam, the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Gaza invasion could spark extremism in Britain: Muslims
By IANS,
London : Amid a reported surge in anti-Jewish attacks in Europe, a group of leading moderate Muslims Thursday warned Prime Minister Gordon Brown that anger over Israel's invasion of Gaza could spill over to the streets of Britain.
“...The anger within UK Muslim communities has reached acute levels of intensity,” said a letter to Brown from 14 British Muslims who are among the government's leading counter-extremism advisers.
NATO limits on Afghan operations make militancy possible: General
By DPA,
Mons (Belgium) : Limits placed on NATO forces operating in Afghanistan by their national governments have allowed militant forces to keep a foothold in the country, a NATO general has said.
"We are not getting what we need ... We would like to get what we need to fulfil our mission," NATO Chief of Staff General Karl-Heinz Lather said Friday.
"It is this gap that enables opposing militant forces to operate in Afghanistan," he told journalists at a meeting in NATO's headquarters in Mons, Belgium.
Libyan militias capture 70 Egyptians in Tripoli
Cairo: Libyan militias are holding more than 70 Egyptian citizens in Tripoli, Egypt's foreign ministry said Friday.
The Egyptians were taken into custody in three...
Islamabad blasts a warning from militants: Police
Islamabad : The twin bombings in the Pakistani capital were a warning by militants against a military operation in North Waziristan that killed more...
23 killed, 40 injured in Iraq attacks
Baghdad: As many as 23 people were killed and 40 wounded in bombings and gunmen attacks across Iraq Saturday, security sources said.
In Anbar province,...
Pakistan condemns recent Israeli attack on Gaza
By KUNA
Islamabad : Pakistan Sunday condemned the large scale loss of life as the result of Israeli attacks in Gaza. "We believe that violence is point to further aggravate tension in the region", said Foreign Office Spokesman Muhammad Sadiq in reaction to resent Israeli attacks.
He in a statement said that "Pakistan urges that utmost restraint should be exercised and right of self-determination of Palestine people should be respected".
Three arrested for killing Indian guards in Kuwait
Dubai: Three members of a gang that killed two Indian guards during an armed robbery in Kuwait last month have been arrested, a media...
Five die in Gaza City explosion
By KUNA,
Gaza City : A powerful explosion inside a car traveling past a beach in the Gaza Strip has killed four Hamas activists and a young girl.
At least 20 other people, including many enjoying a day by the sea, were said to be injured by the explosion on Gaza City's coast road.
Leaders of the Islamist movement have blamed Israeli collaborators in Gaza.
It was the third bomb attack in a day - one of the bloodiest since Hamas and Israel agreed a ceasefire last month.
Free the Children charity gets $1.9 mn donation in UAE
By IANS,
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) leading real estate developer Nakheel has donated seven million dirhams ($1.9 million) to children's charity organisation Free the Children for water sanitation projects in developing countries.
Hollywood actor and Free the Children supporter Michael Douglas received the donation here from Nakheel's director for sales and marketing Manal Shaheen, according to the official Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Also present were Douglas's wife and Hollywood actor Catherine Zeta-Jones and Free the Children founder Craig Krielburger.
US judge orders release of young Guantanamo detainee
By Xinhua,
Washington: A federal judge in Washington DC Thursday ordered the Obama administration to release a young Afghan detained at the US military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle ruled that Mohammed Jawad, who is in his early 20s, was being held illegally and therefore must be released.
Gunmen shoot dead parliament member in S Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Unknown gunmen Friday night shot dead a famous parliament member Haji Habibullah in Jalai district of southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province, an official said on Saturday.
Maiz Mohammad Sardy, the district chief, told Xinhua that it occurred around 9:30 p.m. (1700 GMT) when a group of gunmen came to Haji Habibullah's house and shot at him just in front of the gate.
Haji Habibullah, an influential lawmaker in Afghan government and tribal elder in the Pashtun inhabited Kandahar province, was killed on the spot, Sardy said.
Humans are killing machine with or without religion
By Md Sharique Anwer,
On December 7, 2015 some extremists attacked Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine office in Paris, France killing at least 12 people for publishing cartoons of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Number of Nigerian pilgrims killed in Haj stampede rises to 64
Abuja: The official toll of Nigerian Haj pilgrims who died in the stampede last Thursday in Saudi Arabia rose to 64 after ten more...
Court: Netherlands liable for 300 Bosnian Muslim deaths
The Hague : A court on Wednesday ordered the Netherlands to compensate the families of more than 300 Bosnian Muslims killed after Dutch peacekeeping troops handed them over to Bosnian Serb forces in 1995.
Islamic Jihad says it has developed long-range rocket
By DPA
Tel Aviv : The radical Islamic Jihad organisation threatened to intensify its rocket attacks against Israel, saying in a leaflet Sunday that it has developed a new, longer-range rocket which can strike further into the Jewish state.
The organisation also confirmed in the leaflet that three of its militants killed in an Israeli air strike late Saturday were on their way to launch rockets at southern Israel.
The Jihad added that it would continue to fire rockets from the Gaza Strip as a response to Israeli attacks in the West Bank.
Iran warns of reaction to tough oil sanctions
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran has warned of reaction to the West's possible tougher sanctions on the country's oil industry, Xinhua reported.
Malaysia: government may scrap penang monorail project for lack of state cooperation
By NNN-Bernama,
Penang, Malaysia : The federal government will not proceed with the monorail project in Penang if the state authority does not give its cooperation, Second Finance Minister Nor Mohamed Yakcop said.
"So far, we have not received any approvals from the state government. If the state government has other plans with regard to the monorail, we are not doing it. The project is scrapped," he told reporters here on Saturday.
Envoy Haqqani says world must back democratic Pakistan for stability, success
By NNN-APP,
Washington : Advocating that a democratic Pakistan offers the best opportunity for durable peace, stability and success in fight against terror in the region, Islamabad’s envoy here Friday urged the world powers to back his South Asian country’s economic turnaround.
Ambassador Husain Haqqani said under the elected government Pakistan is witnessing some key transformations at national and grass roots levels in line with martyred former prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s vision of reconciliation and terrorism-free country.
2,000-year-old objects found in Pakistan’s Taxila
By IANS,
Islamabad: About 200 objects dating back to the first century AD have been found during excavations near Pakistan's ancient site of Taxila.
India summons Pakistan envoy over Lakhvi’s release
New Delhi : India summoned Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit on Friday and lodged a strong protest against a court in Islamabad ordering the...
Malaysia’s ruling coalition wins nine seats unopposed
By IANS
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia's ruling coalition Barisan Nasional has bagged nine parliamentary seats and two of the 505 state legislature seats unopposed as nominations closed for the 12th general election to be held on March 8.
In the 2004 general election, the coalition that that has ruled Malaysia since independence in 1957 had won 17 parliamentary and 11 state seats unopposed.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who opted for early polls, cutting short his tenure by a year, termed the walkovers as "good news".
Dhaka factory blaze toll rises to 25
By IANS,
Dhaka: The toll in a devastating fire at a garment factory in Dhaka rose to 25 Wednesday, reports Xinhua.
Russia wants airstrike deaths of Afghan civilians probed
By IANS,
Moscow : Afghan civilian deaths from airstrikes of NATO-led forces should be thoroughly investigated, a Russian foreign ministry official said Tuesday.
Coalition partners meeting on July 23-24: Pakistani PM Gilani
By NNN-APP,
Lahore : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that a meeting of coalition partners is being convened on July 23 and 24 in Islambad to evolve consensus strategy to deal with a handful elements involved in terrorist activities and creating law and order situation in the country.
Two Palestinians killed in Gaza raids
By SPA,
Gaza City : Israeli military raids in the south-eastern Gaza Strip Wednesday morning left two Palestinians dead and at least eight wounded, hospital officials and witnesses said.
The Hamas movement said the two fatalities were two of its gunmen, according to a report of DPA.
Witnesses said Israeli aircraft fired two rockets at a group of Palestinians who were exchanging fire with an Israeli force made up of seven tanks and four bulldozers.
Hamas said it fired 26 mortar shells in the south-east Gaza Strip since the morning.
Sheikh Hasina arrives, India calls visit historic
By IANS,
New Delhi: As Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived here Sunday on her maiden visit, India said her trip offered a "historic opportunity" to build "a new and forward-looking relationship" and hoped that its security concerns would be addressed.
Signalling a new spring in their bilateral ties, India and Bangladesh will ink five agreements, including three counter-terror related pacts, and one on power-sharing.
Assassinated Benazir Bhutto’s authorizes Zardari to decide about next prime minister
By SPA
Islamabad : Assassinated Benazir Bhutto s Pakistan People s Party Parliamentarians (PPP) has authorized its co-chairman Asif Zardari to decide about the next prime minister, PPPP officials said.
The PPPP emerged as the largest party in the Feb 18 parliamentary elections.
Zardari is expected to announce the decision about the next premier any time. However, some party officials said consensus has been reached on Makhdoom Amin Fahim.
A party meeting, chaired by Zardari, was attended by the newly elected MPs.
Canada opposes US plan to arm Afghan militias
By IANS,
Toronto : Canada, which has more than 2,500 troops fighting in Afghanistan, has rejected the American idea of arming rival tribal militias to contain the Taliban there.
The American proposal to arm tribal militias to counter the Taliban could be "counter-productive", Canadian Defence Minister Peter MacKay told the Canadian Press in an interview Sunday.
He said the idea was discussed at last month's meeting here of defence ministers of the nations fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Afghan policeman kills two NATO soldiers
By IANS,
Kabul: An Afghan policeman shot dead two NATO soldiers in Afghanistan Saturday, the military alliance said.
Quake rocks SW Pakistan, at least 80 killed
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : An earthquake jolted southwestern Pakistan's Quetta city early Wednesday morning, killing at least 80, private TV channel DAWN NEWS reported.
The DAWN NEWS quoted official sources as saying that two quakes occurred Wednesday morning. The first one measuring magnitude 5.0 on Richter scale took place at 4:33 a.m. (2233 GMT Tuesday) and the second one measuring magnitude 6.1 occurred at 5:10 a.m. (2310GMT Tuesday).
At least 80 people were killed and 60 others injured in the earthquake, DAWN NEWS said, adding that 500 houses were damaged.
Pakistan continues to support militants in Kashmir: Army chief
New Delhi : The terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir showed that Pakistan has continued to support militants, army chief General Dalbir Singh said...
1,300 Pakistani students make huge painting
By IANS,
Islamabad : Over 1,300 students in Lahore have made a massive 42,000 square foot painting.
UAE urges common social development goals for Arab nations
By IANS/WAM,
Cairo: Arab nations should have a common vision for social development to build safe and stable communities, UAE Social Affairs Minister Mariam Mohammed Khalfan Al Roumi said Sunday.
Europe Should Consider Iran’s Capability
TEHRAN, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Tuesday that Europe should consider Iran's capability and change its current position.
In remarks to Iranian National News Agency (IRNA) diplomatic correspondent, in a ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), he said that the Security Council and EU member states are expected to model upon that.
Europe should identify Iran's vast capabilities, he underlined.
Israel Army arrests 30 Palestinians in Nablus
By KUNA,
Ramallah : The Israeli Army arrested, Sunday, around twenty Palestinians in Nablus City and its refugee camps.
Security sources in the city said Hamas movement MP Mona Mansour was arrested after her house was besieged in Balatah Camp, east Nablus.
A number of businessmen, owners of currency exchange shops, and workers at commercial establishments were also arrested, along with 8 university students who were arrested after their dorms at Al Najah University were raided.
OIC Secretary-General embarks on African tour
By NNN-KUNA
Riyadh : The Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) secretariat has announced that Secretary-General Prof Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has left Jeddah heading to the African continent on a tour that will include a number of West African member states.
The secretariat said in a press release Sunday that the tour will include Senegal, Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Nigeria, Gabon and Cameroon.
UK air strike kills Afghan civilians
By KUNA
London : Four Afghan civilians have been killed in an airstrike by British forces, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.
The attack happened when troops called for help during a Taleban ambush in Helmand Province, south Afghanistan, the MoD confirmed last night.
"We deeply regret that this incident happened and do everything we can to mitigate this from happening," the MoD said.
The four bodies, two women and two children, and one injured person were found when troops inspected the area.
Iraq seeks good neighborly relations with Kuwait – official
By IRNA
Kuwait City : The Iraqi government seeks to establish good neighborly relations with Kuwait based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and independence of the country, Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi said here on Tuesday after visiting the Big Mosque in the country's capital.
The Iraqi politician is in Kuwait on a visit.
"Our relations should be built on the basis of abandonment of the mistakes and absurdity committed by the overthrown regime of Saddam Hussein that brought trouble and suffering to both peoples," Hashemi said.
Coalition operation kills, arrests militants in E Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Several militants were killed and four were detained Saturday during the operation led by the U.S.-led Coalition forces to disrupt militant activities in eastern Afghan province of Paktia, said a Coalition statement released here on Sunday.
Coalition forces searched several compounds in Zadran district targeting a Haqqani Network Taliban militant known to conduct operations against the Afghan government and Coalition forces, the statement said.
Doha to be new hub for gas exporting countries
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The headquarters of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) will be set up in Doha, the capital of Qatar, the country's deputy prime minister has said.
The world's leading gas exporters that gathered here for the 7th ministerial meeting Tuesday also considered St. Petersburg and Tehran before selecting Doha.
"It will be Doha," Qatar's Vice-Premier Abdallah bin Hamad al-Attyia said.
Russia's Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko confirmed the decision, adding that the next GECF meeting would take place in Qatar.
Release of Indian fishermen caught by Pakistan and Sri Lanka
By TCN News,
New Delhi: On 26 May 2014, just prior to the visit of Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif to India, Government of Pakistan released 150 Indian fishermen. In the first six months of the current year (1st January-12th July) Government of Sri Lanka has released 532 Indian fishermen.
Canadian nabbed for trying to ship n-devices to Iran
By IANS,
Toronto : A Canadian of Iranian origin has been arrested for trying to send nuclear technology to Iran, police said here Friday.
The technology could have been used by Tehran to enrich uranium to weapons grade, police added.
Mahmoud Yadegari, 35, has been charged with bringing 'pressure transducers' from the US into Canada and then trying to illegally send them to Iran via Dubai.
Iran, which is defying international pressure to acquire nuclear weapons, has been under UN sanctions for the past three years.
Lakhvi’s bail plea in abduction case rejected
Islamabad : A court in Pakistan Friday rejected the bail plea of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attack, in an...
Iran opposition vows protests until leaders are freed
By DPA,
Berlin : The Iranian opposition said Monday that its protests would continue until the release of two of its main leaders, according to messages on its websites.
Two more US congressmen visit Gaza, decry humanitarian situation
By IRNA,
Gaza City : US Congressmen Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) and Bob Inglis (R-SC) were the latest American representatives to enter Gaza in a series of visits by US officials since Israel invaded Gaza Strip December 2008-January 2009.
Head of the Foreign Relations Committee and US Senator John Kerry traveled to Gaza with two Democratic congressmen, Keith Ellison of Minnesota and Brian Baird of Washington. The three were, like Lynch and Inglis, given tours of the devastation caused by Israel’s war on the coastal area in December and January.
Two U.S. soldiers killed by roadside bombs in Iraq, military says
By SPA
Baghdad : Two U.S. soldiers were killed by roadside bombs in separate incidents in Iraq this weekend, the U.S. military said Sunday, according to AP.
One soldier was killed and another three were wounded on Sunday when a bomb exploded near their vehicle during an operation in southern Baghdad, the military said in a statement.
Units in that area are carrying out patrols along with the Iraqi army and police in order to disrupt terrorist and extremist elements operating in this section of the Iraqi capital, the statement said.
Pakistan refuses to allow Musharraf to travel abroad
Islamabad : Pakistan has refused to allow former president Pervez Musharraf to visit Saudi Arabia to offer condolences over the death of Saudi King...
Nearly 209,000 Indonesians to perform Hajj pilgrimage this year
By NNN-Antara,
Tangerang (Banten, Indonesia) : A total of 208,928 Indonesians are to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia this year, according to data from the religious affairs ministry.
Of the total number of would-be Hajj pilgrims, 60,053 would depart for Saudi Arabia from Soekarno-Hatta international airport, Haryanto of the state airport management company PT Angkasa Pura II, said here on Tuesday.
The number of would-be Hajj pilgrims to start their journey from Soekarno-Hatto airport this year represents an increase from a year earlier, he said.
Malaysian Election Commission announces date of polls
By SPA
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Election Commission chairman Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman on Thursday announced March 8 to be the date of polling for the 12th general election and February 24 for nominations of candidates, DPA reported.
Abdul Rashid made the announcement, one day after Wednesday's dissolution of Parliament, at a media conference at the Election Commission's head office in the administrative capital of Putrajaya.
Is Indian help needed for transport infrastructure? Bangladesh debates
By IANS,
Dhaka : The debate over providing access to India to help reach its northeast region has intensified in Bangladesh as the South Asian neighbours prepare for a summit level meeting between their leaders this month.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni's talks with the Indian leadership last month have paved the ground for the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, likely later this month, reported the New Age newspaper.
Pakistani province on high alert for floods
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan's Sindh province was on high alert Saturday after floods wreaked havoc in the country leaving at least 1,600 people dead, a media report said.
At least four districts are on high alert as flood waters are expected to hit Sindh Saturday, Dawn reported on its website quoting the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).
Over half a million people had been evacuated in Sindh, it said.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said 12 million people had been affected in the worst floods in 80 years.
Ecuador, Iran discuss trade cooperation and bilateral ties
By Xinhua,
Quito : Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa met with visiting Iranian chief of trade office Majid Salehi to discuss trade cooperation and bilateral relations, the Ecuadorian presidential office said Wednesday.
The meeting was held Tuesday in the Carondelet Palace, headquarters of the Ecuadorian government.
Ecuador is interested in Iran "from all points of view," according to a communique.
Salehi said everybody witnesses that Ecuador is undergoing a change, carried out by its government and people, who consider their country's future a priority.
Iran sees no limit on broadening of ties with Bolvia – Ahmadinejad
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said that Iran sees no limits on broadening of ties with Bolivia and is to back that nation under any circumstances.
Ahmadinejad made the remark in a meeting with Bolivian Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca on the sidelines of the 15th NAM foreign ministerial meeting which opened here Tuesday.
People in Iran and Bolivia like each other, he said.
EU urges “impartial” inquiry into Israel’s attack on Gaza flotilla
By IRNA,
Berlin : European Union members states on Monday called for an "immediate, full and impartial" international inquiry of murderous Israeli attack against the Gaza peace flotilla in a bid to avert an escalation in crisis.
"The EU deeply regrets the loss of life during the Israeli military operation in international waters against the Flotilla sailing to Gaza and offers its condolences to the families of the victims," the EU's 27 permanent representatives said in a press statement following a special session on the Gaza situation in Brussels.
Malaysia resents foreign critics of Anwar Ibrahim sodomy trial
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia has asked foreign governments to "respect" its legal system and processes after Australian parliamentarians criticised the ongoing trial of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on sodomy charges.
The foreign office has reminded "certain foreign governments, which have begun meddling and protesting against the ongoing sodomy trial" of Ibrahim, that the sanctity of the Malaysian judiciary has remained "intact and free of external influences".
"The judicial institution of any country must be respected.
Islamabad to have export processing zone
By IANS,
Islamabad: An export processing zone will be established in Islamabad, said Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi.
Iran’s Army Commander says enemy’s aircraft carriers under its gaze
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran's Deputy Army Commander Brigadier General Seied Abdolrahim Moussavi said Tuesday that the aircraft carriers of the enemy, "like the elements of the computer games," are under the gaze of Iran's Armed Forces, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.
The country's Armed Forces on Monday inaugurated a new naval base in the strategic port of Jask, east of the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran.
Lebanese parliament speaker supports Arab plan
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a main opposition leader, expressed support on Sunday towards a decision by Arab foreign ministers backing the election of Army Commander Gen. Michel Suleiman for the president of the country.
In a statement released Sunday, Berri praised "Arab unanimity on (safeguarding) Lebanon's supreme interest," adding that "We hope it would be carried out in reality."
Arrested Taliban spokesman says Baitullah is dead
By DPA,
Islamabad : A spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban who was arrested by security forces a day ago told investigators that top militant leader Baitullah Mehsud had died in a US missile attack, intelligence officials said Tuesday.
Maulvi Omar of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, a loose alliance of more than a dozen militant groups, was Monday night detained in Mohmand district in the country's ungoverned tribal belt that borders Afghanistan.
OIC expresses concern over military takeover in Mauritania
By NNN-KUNA,
Riyadh : Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has expressed concern over the military takeover staged against the democratically-elected goverrnment in Mauritania Wednesday and detention of the president and prime minister by the army officers.
He said in a statement that he was particularly dismayed by this development as Mauritania had been exhibiting exemplary development towards the entrenchment of democracy and rule of law in the country with the visible positive role and support of its armed forces.
Pakistani media prominently features Zardari-Manmohan meeting
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistani media Wednesday prominently featured on their front pages the meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg but refrained from commenting editorially.
The lack of editorials was not surprising given that Pakistani papers normally comment on an event two days after it occurs.
"Singh reiterates tough stance: Pak-India talks at secretaries' level planned", the headline in Dawn said.
"Zardari, Singh agree on secretary level talks", said the headline in The News.
Iran’s chief justice calls for global Islamic court
By IANS,
Tehran, : Iran's Chief Justice Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi Tuesday called for setting up an International Islamic Criminal Court to deal with crimes against Muslims, a media report said.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a two-day International Conference of the Prosecutors of the Islamic Countries here, Shahroudi criticised Israel for its policies on Palestine.
UAE SMEs Explore Franchise Opportunities in Europe
By WAM
Dubai : Buoyed by a highly competitive business friendly investment climate and nurtured by government incentives, the small and medium enterprises in the UAE are eyeing matured markets overseas for franchising opportunities to maximize their growth potential.
Reflecting this trend, seven member companies of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders accompanied by the Establishment?s officials will participate in the Franchise Expo Paris.
Don’t shoot as you’ll wake up Afghans, soldiers told
By IANS,
London : Coalition soldiers in Afghanistan were told not to shoot Taliban guerrillas planting mines as gunfire would "wake up and upset the locals", a former soldier has claimed.
US needs to differentiate between India and Pakistan
By Harold A. Gould, IANS,
Many parallels now exist between how America descended into the Vietnam quagmire and certain trends that are becoming increasingly evident as America commits ever more resources to its endeavor to quell the Taliban-Al Qaida insurgency in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan, Pakistan agree to develop common strategy to overcome challenges
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani vowed Sunday to chalk out a common strategy to overcome challenges facing the two neighboring states, a statement of Afghan presidential office released here said.
The agreement was reached at a meeting held on the sideline of the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Summit opened in Colombo on Saturday, the statement added.
About 200 Britons killed in terror incidents abroad in past decade
By IRNA
London : Nearly as many Britons have been killed in terror incidents in Iraq as those who died in the 9/11 attacks in the US in 2001, according to UK government figures.
In a written parliamentary reply published Tuesday, Foreign Office Minister Kim Howells listed a total of 194 British citizens as being killed and 156 others injured as the consequence of terrorist activity abroad in the past 10 years.
Saudi preacher jailed for praising IS
Riyadh : A court in Saudi Arabia has sentenced a preacher to five years in jail for praising the Islamic State (IS) Sunni militant...
Annual al-Qods Day march in London planned for September 28
By IRNA,
London : This year's annual al-Qods (Jerusalem) Day march in central London is planned to take place on September 28 with organizers believing it could be the biggest yet.
The rally, organized by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHR), has gained wider recognition after receiving support not only from diverse Muslim groups but others sympathetic to the injustices suffered by the Palestinians living under Israeli occupation.
Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs receives British Ambassador
By KUNA,
Kuwait : Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Khaled Sulaiman Al-Jarallah received British Ambassador in Kuwait Stuart Laing on Wednesday, during which the two discussed bi-lateral ties between both countries and the latest developments in the region.
The Undersecretary also later received German Ambassador to Kuwait Dr. Michael Worbs, to discuss the Berlin Ministerial Conference to be held on 24 June aimed at supporting Palestinian security institutions.
The meeting also discussed regional and international developments.
Obama wants assurances over A. Q. Khan’s future role
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : President Barack Obama wants assurances from Islamabad that released Pakistani scientist Abdul Qader Khan, accused of leaking atomic secrets, isn't involved in any of the activity that led to his arrest.
"Obviously the president and this government want assurances that Dr. Khan is not engaged or involved in any of the activity that resulted in his house arrest earlier," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Friday.
Attack will start another world war: Iranian general
By IANS,
Tehran : A top Iranian general Saturday warned that a military attack by the West against his country would lead to another world war, the official IRNA news agency reported.
"The extremist and expansionist policies of Washington and Tel Aviv which have been manifested in Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan and recently in the Caucasus, have endangered the entire world," Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces for Cultural Affairs, Brigadier General Masoud Jazayeri said.
Bomb scare delays Pakistani flight
By IANS,
Islamabad : A bomb scare led to a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Lahore to Karachi being delayed for two hours.
Bush, Pakistan’s Gilani commit to fighting terror
By SPA,
Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt : President George W. Bush and Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Sunday pledged to fight terrorism, Reuters reported.
Bush met Gilani for the first time at this Red Sea resort in a series of bilateral meetings he is holding at the end of a trip to the Middle East focused on advancing the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.
Bush said they spoke about a "common desire to protect ourselves and others from those who would do harm" and he thanked Gilani for his steadfast support.
Solana , EU denounce bomb attack in Istanbul
By KUNA,
Brussels : EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana here Monday said he "condemns in the strongest possible terms the despicable bombing attack that took many innocent lives and injured dozens of people in Istanbul yesterday evening." Solana in a statement expressed his deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims and to the Turkish government.
"In these difficult moments, Turkey can count on the support of the European Union. I hope that the perpetrators of this heinous terrorist act will be swiftly brought to justice," he added.
Pakistan to continue to cooperate with world against terrorism: PM
By NNN-APP,
Multan : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani repeated Pakistan’s offer of cooperation in investigations into Mumbai attacks saying the government will fully cooperate if any country, including India, shares information with us.
While addressing a big gathering of people at Circuit House on Wednesday, he said that Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies are investigating the outlawed organizations adding that Pakistan has its own law and was doing all this under the law of the land as per our strong commitment to war against terrorism.
Dr. Zakir Naik wins King Faisal International Prize
Riyadh: Dr. Zakir Naik and Dr. Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Kaki were among the five recipients of this year’s King Faisal International Prize.
The winners were announced at a ceremony held in Riyadh on Tuesday evening, with the prize for Arabic Language and Literature being withheld. The prize for Services to Islam went to Dr. Zakir Naik, president of the Islamic Foundation of India, while the prize for Islamic Studies went to Dr. Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Kaki, consultant at the Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah Development Commission.
Pakistani government not probing army HQ siege
By IANS,
Islamabad : Twenty-one years ago, a probe into a devastating blast at an ammunition depot had led to the collapse of then prime minister Muhammad Khan Junejo's government. Taking a leaf from this, the present dispensation has refrained from ordering an enquiry into the audacious attack on the Pakistani Army HQ last week, a media report said Wednesday.
Apocalypse discernible as population booms: Pakistani daily
By IANS,
Islamabad: As the world's population reached the seven billion figure with a baby girl being born in India, an apocalypse "is discernible on a far horizon", said a Pakistani daily.
Ahmadinejad condems EU bank freeze in row over nuclear programme
By SPA,
Tehran : Iran should stand firm in the nuclear dispute despite new sanctions by the European Union, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was quoted by DPA as saying on Thursday.
"We should stand firm and build Iran with all our capabilities - even if they (West) succeeded to close all doors, the Iranian nation would just get more decisive," Ahmadinejad said in a speech in Kermanshah, Western Iran, published by Iran's official news agency IRNA.
Iraq Attacks Leave Six Dead
By Prensa Latina,
Baghdad : At least six persons died on Monday from fierce bomb attacks in Iraq, where a wave of violence has escalated in the last few weeks after five years of US occupation.
According to official sources, an Iraqi police patrol and a US army convoy were targeted by massive bomb attacks.
At least six persons died and nine others were wounded when a roadside bomb detonated as a security forces patrol passed by in the center of Baghdad, said police reports.
The Ministry of Interior reported that the victims included policemen and civilians.
Iran inaugurates biggest solar power plant
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran has launched its biggest solar power plant in the northeastern city of Mashhad, the IRNA news agency reported.
15 hurt as ethnic violence continues in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : At least 15 people were injured Tuesday as Buddhist tribals clashed with Muslim settlers in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in continuing ethnic violence in Bangladesh.
The southeastern region, home to indigenous tribals, witnessed a daylong blockade of road and waterways by tribals protesting last Saturday's killings. While the government has confirmed two deaths, media reports quoting the tribals have said at least five people were killed at a village in Rangamati district.
South Sudan granted IOC membership
Kuala Lumpur: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved the full recognition of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of South Sudan at the 128th IOC...
MUSIAD and Muslim Economic Forum India to cooperate in promoting India-Turkey economic relations
TCN News,
New Delhi: A delegation of Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association (MUSIAD) from Turkey held a meeting with the Muslim Economic Forum India (MEFI)...
How ISI engineers Pakistan elections
By K. Subrahmanyam, IANS
A 38-page dossier prepared by the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) on a detailed plan by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) which was to have been released by Benazir Bhutto Dec 27, 2007, the day she was killed has been leaked by her followers in London. The objective of the plan was to cripple the opponent by slow and gradual measures, in a manner that was not connected plausibly with the subsequent elections.
Egypt court jails 47 Morsi loyalists
Cairo: An Egyptian court on Sunday sentenced 47 supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi and Muslim Brotherhood group from three to 15 years in...
19 killed in separate operations in Afghanistan
By KUNA
Kabul : A senior Taliban commander escaped an airstrike that killed 10 people, including a woman, by foreign troops in western Afghanistan, police said on Monday.
Separately, the Afghan police claimed they had killed nine Taliban militants in Deh Rawod district of the southern Uruzgan province of the country Sunday night.
The airstrike was conducted in Bakwa district of the western Farah province to target Taliban commander Mullah Abdul Mannan. It is not clear if the attack was carried out by coalition or NATO troops.
Pakistan, India to exchange list of nuclear installations on Thursday
By IRNA,
Islamabad : In the midst of tension over Mumbai attacks, Pakistan and India will on Thursday exchange lists of their nuclear facilities to safeguard them from each other's attack during war, diplomatic sources said Wednesday.
The lists are exchanged on 1st January of every year under an agreement that prohibits the two countries attacking each other's nuclear installations.
According to the agreement on the exchange, signed on December 31, 1988 and enforced on January 27, 1991, Pakistan and India have to inform each other on January 01 every year of the nuclear
Ansarullah Bangla chief’s trial starts in Bangladesh
Dhaka: A Bangladeshi court Monday began hearing the case of Ansarullah Bangla chief, Mufti Jasihmuddin Rahmani, along with his associates, a media report said.
Rahmani...
Iranian, Syrian FMs hold talks in Damascus
By NNN-KUNA
Damascus : Iranian and Syrian Foreign Ministers, Manuchehr Mottaki and Walid Al-Mu'allem respectively, discussed the developments in the Middle East region, particularly in Lebanon and Palestinian territories.
Both men held their meeting in Damascus airport before Mottaki concluded a few hour visit to Syria, a foreign ministry statement said on Saturday.
No further details were available.
Iran is playing ‘double game’ in Afghanistan: Gates
By DPA,
Brussels: Iran is playing a double game in Afghanistan, supporting the Taliban while proclaiming its friendship to the Afghan regime, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said Friday.
"Iran is playing a bit of a double game in Afghanistan... They profess to have warm relations with the Afghan government, at the same time they are sending in what I would describe as a relatively modest level of weapons and capabilities to attack (Western)forces," Gates said after talks with NATO counterparts in Brussels.
Al Qaeda affiliate owns attack on Israeli embassy
By Xinhua
Dakar : An Al Qaeda affiliate has claimed responsibility for a shooting attack on the Israeli embassy in Mauritania's capital, saying the attack aimed to retaliate Israeli policies in the Gaza Strip.
The Arab satellite TV station Al-Jazeera Saturday said that Al Qaeda in Islamic North Africa, an affiliate of Osama bin Laden's global terror network, issued a statement saying it had carried out the attack as a reprisal against Israel.
EU”s anti-terror chief calls for a “European Islam”
By KUNA,
Brussels : The European Union's counter-terrorism coordinator Gilles de Kerchove called here Wednesday for the development of a "European Islam" as a means to counter youth radicalization in Europe.
"We have to develop a European Islam. This is a big challenge," he told a seminar on countering youth radicalization, organized this evening by the Brussels-based think-tank of the European Policy Centre.
Kerchove, a Belgian, said that Imams (prayer leaders) must learn the language of the European country where they live and preach in.
UAE vice-president opens world’s tallest building
By IANS,
Dubai: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Vice-President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the world's tallest building Burj Dubai here Monday, WAM news agency reported.
Sheikh Mohammed unveiled the commemorative plaque at the site announcing the official opening of the world's tallest building.
The gleaming glass and steel tower of more than 160 floors extends more than 800 metres into the sky, making it some 300 metres taller than Taipei 101, currently listed as the world's tallest inhabited structure.
EU condemns disproportionate use of force by Israel
By NNN-KUNA
Brussels : The European Union has condemned the recent disproportionate use of force by Israeli troops against the Palestinian population in Gaza and urged Israel to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from all activities that endanger civilians.
"Such activities are contrary to international law," according to a statement Sunday issued by the EU Presidency, currently held by Slovenia.
The EU said it rejects collective punishment of the people of Gaza.
Pakistan committed to controlling terror, Gilani to Manmohan
By IANS,
Beijing : Indian and Pakistani prime ministers met here Friday and reviewed the historic resumption of trade across the Line of Control that divides Kashmir, even as Yousuf Raza Gilani assured Manmohan Singh that his government was committed to "controlling terror".
"He assured me that they (Pakistan) are very seriously committed to working with us to control terror. Terror is the common enemy of both India and Pakistan," Manmohan Singh quoted Gilani as telling him when they met in Beijing on the sidelines of the summit meeting of Asian and European leaders.
No repetition of attack on Pakistani soldiers: US
By IANS,
Islamabad : The US would ensure there is no repetition of incidents like the Nov 26 attack that left 24 Pakistani soldiers dead, US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter has said.
800 bodies found in Iraq mass grave
By IANS,
Baghdad : A mass grave containing the remains of over 800 people, including women and children, has been found in western Iraq.
Gulf nationals least satisfied with jobs, research shows
By IANS,
Dubai : Gulf nationals across all countries in the Middle East scored the lowest in terms of job satisfaction, with only 26 percent enjoying a high level of satisfaction in their work, according to new research.
The research, commissioned by the region's leading job site Bayt.com alongside research specialists YouGovSiraj, reveals that employee satisfaction in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is comparably low in the region, with only 27 percent of workers being highly satisfied with their work.
Parliament should reverse MFN if not favourable: Rehman Malik
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan's parliament should reverse the decision to grant Most Favoured Nation status to India if it considers it unfavourable, Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said.
Malaysia to retrench 4,700 electronics workers
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia is to retrench at least 4,749 workers, mostly from the electronics sector, that has a large number of technical personnel from South Asia, according to a news report.
Foreigners retrenched by 137 employers over the next three months would have to return home as per their job contracts, Human Resource Minister S. Subramaniam was quoted by The Star newspaper as saying.
Dubai to host inaugural Summit on the Global Agenda
By IANS,
Dubai : The inaugural edition of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) new initiative 'Summit on the Global Agenda' will be held in this Middle Eastern city next month.
Around 700 of the world's most influential thinkers, including leaders from academia, business, government and society, will gather for the summit to be held in association with the Dubai government Nov 7-9, according to a WEF statement.
The summit is a new, unique gathering, whose purpose is to advance solutions to the most critical challenges facing humanity.
Teen held in Bhutto murder plot
By IANS
Islamabad : A teenaged boy arrested Friday has told investigators that he was the next in line to kill former prime minister Benazir Bhutto if the Dec 27 attempt had failed, a media report Sunday said.
"He appears to be part of the group that had planned the assassination, but not directly involved in it," Dawn quoted an official in Peshawar as saying.
Senior Al Qaeda leader surrenders in Saudi Arabia
By IANS,
Riyadh : A senior Al Qaeda leader has voluntarily returned home in Saudi Arabia and surrendered himself to the authorities, a media report said.
Fahad al-Ruwaily was on the list of Saudi Arabia's 85 most wanted militants living abroad, Geo TV reported quoting the interior ministry as saying.
Fahad returned to Saudi Arabia Wednesday, Interior Ministry spokesman Mansour al-Turki said without giving further details.
32 killed, 850 injured in Iran quake
By IANS,
Tehran: At least 32 people were killed and 850 injured when an earthquake, measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale, hit Iran's Bushehr province Tuesday.
Russia to donate 10 MiG-29 fighter jets to Lebanon
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Russia will supply 10 used MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter planes to Lebanon free of charge, the head of the federal military cooperation service has said.
The export price for a new MiG-29 is around $30 million.
Mikhail Dmitriyev Wednesday said that all the aircraft would be repaired and modernised "to export standards" before delivery.
He said Russia and Lebanon were holding talks on a deal for the Arab country to buy Russian military hardware.
Security council to meet in wake of Jerusalem attack
By ANTARA News/AFP
United Nations : The UN Security Council is to hold an emergency meeting on the Middle East late Thursday in the wake of the Jerusalem attack which killed eight people, a UN spokeswoman said.
Spokeswoman Marie Okabe said the meeting on the Middle East and the Palestinian question would begin at 7 pm (0000 GMT Friday).
A UN statement meanwhile said UN chief Ban Ki-moon "condemns in the strongest terms today`s savage attack on a Jewish seminary in west Jerusalem, and the deliberate killing and injuring of civilians."
Pakistans 1st provincial assembly meets with vows to bring peace
By KUNA
Islamabad : The provincial assembly of North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan met on Friday with vows from newly-elected members to maintain law and order in the volatile region.
The session of NWFP assembly began with newly-elected 117 members taking oath and electing their speaker.
Secularist Awami National Party (ANP) had formed a government in the strategically imperative province of Pakistan after defeating pro-Musharraf Islamist Mutahida majlis-i-Amal (MMA).
Four private airlines take off in Bangladesh
By IANS
Dhaka : Four new private airlines have rushed in to meet the fast-growing demand for air travel, seizing the initiative from Bangladesh Biman International, which has remained sluggish after its belated privatisation last year.
This is aviation boom time in Bangladesh with the launch of three private airlines in the last eight months and another set to start commercial flights next month.
Private airline operators say the industry is growing by 7.5-8 percent every year, with a market size of passengers alone swelling to around 35 billion takas ($6 million).
Brief jail term for Lakhvi after India’s protest
Islamabad: A day after the detention orders of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, an alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, were declared void by...
US thanks “friend” Musharraf, asks new regime to maintain war on terror
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Calling former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf "a friend to the US" and one of the world's "most committed partners in the war against terrorism", Washington Monday asked the new government in Islamabad to redouble its focus on stemming extremism.
"We strongly support the democratically elected civilian government in its desire to modernise Pakistan and build democratic institutions," said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in a statement on the resignation of the former military ruler who last year shed his army uniform at America's behest.
Unprecedented number of pilgrims this year exceeding 1.7 million
By NNN-KUNA,
Riyadh : More than 1.7 million pilgrims have arrived at the holy sites of Makkah to perform Hajj, breaking record number this season.
The number of incoming pilgrims registered 1.729,841 distributed over the air, sea and land ports.
This came in a cable sent by INterior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdelaziz to King Abdullah bin Abdelaziz on the occasion of completion of pilgrims arrival to Makkah.
Pilgrims will spend Tarwiyah day in line with the Sunnah (teachings) of the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him).
Peshawar suicide bombing kills three
By IANS,
Peshawar : At least three people were killed and five injured Monday when a suicide bomber struck at a police checkpoint in this northwestern city of Pakistan, a day after a powerful blast left 13 people, including the city mayor, dead.
The suicide bomb attack at the police checkpoint on Peshawar's Ring Road killed three people and wounded five, Dawn quoted police officials as saying.
"It was at a police checkpoint," said police officer Khursheed Khan. The bomber was travelling on a rickshaw when the explosion took place.
Pakistan to extend ‘full cooperation’ to India
By IANS,
Islamabad : Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Saturday that Pakistan will extend "full cooperation" to India following the Mumbai terrorist attack.
"The Indian government has requested for cooperation. And the government of Pakistan has decided to extend full cooperation and at all levels," he told reporters here.
This, he added, would be at both the "political level and at the level of our intelligence agencies".
Three arrested for attack on Pakistan PM’s convoy
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani police have arrested three people suspected to have been involved in Wednesday's attack on Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's motorcade, Geo TV channel reported Thursday.
It quoted Tariq Kohsa, head of the investigation committee, as saying that the third car in the convoy was hit by a long-range rifle.
The report is expected to be submitted to the interior ministry soon.
Gunmen fired shots at the prime minister's motorcade in a high security zone on the Islamabad highway.
U.S. ‘turned blind eye’ to torture of Afghan prisoners
By RIA Novosti,
Washington : A U.S. civil rights group said it has obtained documents from the defense department that confirm the U.S. ignored the use of torture by special forces in the interrogation of Afghani prisoners.
A lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union said "These documents make it clear that the military was using unlawful interrogation techniques in Afghanistan. Rather than putting a stop to these systemic abuses, senior officials appear to have turned a blind eye to them."
Pakistan, US sign $339m agreements to assist Pakistan’s development
By IRNA,
Islamabad : The United States would provide assistance worth over 339 million dollars to Pakistan during the next one year for promotion of economic and social sectors.
The two countries signed six agreements in Islamabad on Friday to strengthen cooperation in education, economic growth, governance, health and population welfare, earthquake reconstruction program and tribal regions development program.
For education sector, the United States would provide about 129 million dollars to strengthen and improve basic and higher education program.