Taliban says it’s ready to face offensive as bombers attack base
By DPA,
Kandahar : The Taliban said Wednesday that its forces were ready to face a looming NATO offensive in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province as suicide bombers stormed a private security firm's base there.
At least four security personnel and two bombers were killed Tuesday night in the suicide blasts and two-hour battle that followed, said Zalmai Ayubi, spokesman for the provincial governor.
Bangladesh registers 80 mn voters for December election
By DPA,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's military forces Tuesday handed over a list of more than 80 million voters with photographs to the Election Commission to be used in the country's stalled parliamentary polls scheduled for Dec 18.
Chief Election Commissioner A.T.M. Shamsul Huda received the copy of the voters roll, prepared for the first time in Bangladesh under a donor supported scheme supervised by the armed forces.
Iran starts nuclear talks with IAEA
By SPA,
Tehran : Iran on Monday started nuclear talks with a delegation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Tehran, 'ISNA' news agency reported.
This round of talks is headed by Iran's IAEA envoy Ali-Asqar Soltanieh and IAEA regional Chief Herman Nackaerts and is being held at Iran's Atomic Energy Organization.
Religious leader condemns bomb blast at Ashura procession
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Former Amir Jamat-e-Islami Qazi Hussain Ahmad on Thursday strongly condemned the bomb blast at Ashura procession in the city of Karachi and termed it the activity of the enemies of Islam.
Talking to IRNA, he stressed the need for forging unity among Muslim world to counter conspiracies against Islam.
“America and Israel were behind the attack and their motive was to light the fire of sectarianism”, he added.
43 people were killed and dozens injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up in Pakistan's largest Ashura procession.
Pakistan winning parties ponder confidence vote for Musharraf
By NNN-Xinhua
Islamabad : The parties winning Pakistan's parliamentary elections agreed to raise a resolution in the first parliament session to let President Pervez Musharraf seek vote of confidence, The News daily reported on Wednesday.
The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the two largest party in the parliament, decided to move the resolution in the very first session of the National Assembly, which is believed to be held before March 10.
UN welcomes UAE report on human rights
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The UN Committee on Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has hailed United Arab Emirates' (UAE) report on human rights achievements in the country, WAM news agency reported Friday.
Jean-Richard Prosper, committee expert and rapporteur for the report of the UAE, said that the country had increased its collaboration with the UN and said that it was progressing in the right direction.
The committee also acknowledged that the UAE had taken serious efforts to combat human trafficking and other forms of organised crime.
President Zardari to lift Governor’s rule in Panjab province, says local media
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : Buckling under intense domestic and international pressure, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday decided to lift Governor's rule in Punjab and allow the main opposition PML-N to form government in the politically-crucial province, local media reports said.
Germany Nays More Troops to Afghanistan
By Prensa Latina
Berlin : Germany has rejected the unusually strongly worded demand by the US government to send troops and helicopters to southern Afghanistan, where Taliban guerrilla groups play an active role.
German government spokesperson Ulrich Wilhelm said on Friday they would not change the order by the Bundestag (Congress) on the German mission in Afghanistan.
Pakistani establishment had hand in father’s, uncle’s killing: Fatima Bhutto
By IANS,
New Delhi : Fatima Bhutto, the niece of slain former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, firmly believes the country's establishment had a hand in the killing of her father Murtaza and uncle Shahnawaz.
She also blames Benazir for creating a rift in the Bhutto family by opening negotiations with then military dictator Gen. Zia-ul Haq for sharing political power.
Karzai opens Facebook, Twitter accounts
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Kabul : Afghan President Hamid Karzai has opened personal accounts on social network Facebook and micro-blog Twitter, a presidential spokesperson said.
Little to celebrate after 100 days of Pakistan government
By IANS,
Islamabad : There was little to celebrate in Pakistan - and worries were galore - as the Pakistan Peoples Party-led coalition government completed its first 100 days Sunday.
"Even a faithful compliance with some of the promises Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani made in his 100-day agenda was overshadowed by more spectacular political and administrative failures and seemingly unending economic hardships," Dawn newspaper said.
"And the government has yet to come up with something more credible to reassure the people it will do better in the future."
Abu Dhabi to host world energy summit
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi: Officials of developed and developing countries, including India, will meet here Jan 18 at the World Future Energy Summit 2010, WAM news agency reported Tuesday.
Finland's Economic Affairs Minister Mauri Pekkarinen will be the keynote speaker at the panel session on the first day of the summit.
India's Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah will also attend.
The Finnish government announced this year that it will support efforts to limit global warming by cutting green house gas emissions by at least 80 percent of the 1990 levels by 2050.
Iran’s Moussavi rejects partial vote recount
By IANS,
Tehran : Iranian opposition leader Mir Hossein Moussavi Saturday refused to support a panel set up by the electoral watchdog Guardian Council to conduct a partial recount of votes in the disputed presidential election, a media report said.
Refusing to be cowed by attacks on his party offices, Moussavi again demanded for fresh polls.
"Limiting the probe into complaints about electoral irregularities to recounting 10 percent of the ballot boxes cannot attract people's trust and convince public opinion about the results," Moussavi said on his campaign website.
Voting begins in Afghan parliamentary polls
By DPA,
Kabul : Afghanistan's parliamentary elections began nationwide Saturday amid tight security and fears of widespread fraud.
Heavy casualties in blasts targeting Nowruz celebrations in Syria
Damascus: Two explosions targeted Kurds celebrating Nowruz, or the Persian new year, in Syria on Friday causing heavy casualties.
The blasts killed and injured at...
Kerry meets Nawaz Sharif, voices support for Pakistan
Islamabad: US Secretary of State John Kerry assured Pakistan of support in the fight against terrorism and other challenges, during his meeting with Pakistani...
Syrian President meets Iranian FM on regional developments
By Xinhua,
Damascus : Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki on Thursday to discuss regional developments and bilateral ties.
Mottaki conveyed to Assad a message from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on coordination over regional issues, according to an Iranian diplomatic source.
The Iranian top diplomat said upon his arrival in Syria earlier that his scheduled visit is intended to tackle bilateral relations and boost regional stability.
Iran optimistic over future talks with G5+1
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hassan Qashqavi, has said that Iran is optimistic about its future talks with the Group 5 1 over the country's peaceful nuclear programme.
Speaking to reporters at his weekly press briefing Monday, Qashqavi said that Iran's nuclear talks with the West should continue respecting the absolute rights of the Iranian nation.
"Any agreement or understanding should be reached through dialogue with respect to the absolute rights of the Iranian nation and through a constructive and positive strategy," Qashqavi stressed.
Hezbollah Blames Israel for Shiite Killing
By Prensa Latina
Beirut : Hezbollah party leader Hassan Nasrala on Thursday accused Israel for being the promoter of the attack that claimed the life of Imad Mughniyeh, one of the leaders of that Lebanese movement.
During Mughniyeh's funeral, Nasrala highlighted the important role he played during the Israeli-Lebanese war in the 2006 arboreal summer, and affirmed the enemy made a crazy thing by killing him.
"Zionists thought that they would defeat the resistance by killing him, but they are wrong, we will keep fighting," he affirmed.
Six policemen, eight militants killed in Afghan clashes
By DPA,
Kabul : Eight Taliban militants and six policemen were killed in south Afghanistan, while a suicide bomber died in an attack on an Afghan army convoy in the west, officials said Sunday.
Five of the Taliban died when they attacked the house of police official in the Ghorak district of Kandahar province. One policeman died and six civilians were injured, said Matiullah Khan Qaneh, the provincial police chief.
Pakistan once again misusing UNGA, distorting reality: India
New York/New Delhi : In a strong rebuttal of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's anti-India statement at the UN General Assembly, India on...
Chinese president to address Pakistan parliament
Islamabad : Chinese President Xi Jinping will address a joint session of both houses of Pakistan's parliament on Tuesday.
Xi arrived in Islamabad on Monday...
Israeli PM to visit Turkey Monday
ISTANBUL , Dec 21 (KUNA) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is expected to travel to Turkey on Monday and meet his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the Turkish mediation and the indirect negotiations with Syria.
Anadolu news agency said the two men would tackle bilateral relations, regional issues of common concern and the Middle East peace process.
Since May, Turkey has mediated four rounds of indirect peace talks between Israel, its chief regional ally, and southern neighbour Syria.
Dhaka begins mutiny trial of border guards
By IANS,
Dhaka : Nine troopers of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) were Wednesday produced before a special court for their role in a bloody mutiny in February that left 74 people dead.
The nine are among those who took the cue from thousands of their colleagues who rebelled at the BDR headquarters here, drew weapons without permission and misbehaved with senior officers, the court was told.
The 74 killed included 67 Bangladesh Army officers on deputation to BDR, the country's border force. Also killed was BDR director general Major General Shakil Ahmed.
Five killed in Syria blast
Damascus : At least five people were killed and nine others wounded Wednesday when armed militant groups attacked a passenger bus in southern Syria,...
Truck explosion kills 5 in east Lebanon
By Xinhua,
Beirut : One Lebanese and four Syrians were killed Thursday morning when a pickup truck carrying fireworks blew up in Lebanese eastern Bekaa valley near the Lebanese-Syrian borders, local Nararnet website reported.
Earlier Wednesday night, a car bomb explosion killed an official of the Druze Lebanese Democratic Party in Baisour village east of Beirut, wounding six other people.
Press reports said that the bomb was planted under the driver's seat and detonated by a remote control.
Suicide bombing kills 25 Syrian soldiers
Damascus: A suicide bomber killed 25 government troops when he blew himself up near a military position in the key Syrian city of Aleppo,...
New footprint for Bangladesh’s Grameen: Adidas shoes
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is to step into Adidas shoes...literally. His Grameen Group, which is mainly into rural credit, is planning a joint venture with the German sports apparel maker to make low-cost shoes for the poor.
If the deal gets through, it will be a major footprint in Yunus' social business, The Daily Star said Sunday.
Israel cancels civil flights in north amid Syria tensions
By IANS,
Jerusalem : The Israeli Defense Forces has said it would shut down civil air traffic in northern Israel until Thursday.
Satellite channels invade voters” homes in Kuwait”s electoral run-up
By Sara Al-Rubaian and Heba Al-Subeeh, KUNA,
Kuwait : Satellite channels are broadcasting advertisements of National Assembly 2008 elections candidates, invading voters' homes in a way that it became a main topic of discussions.
The increase of Kuwaiti satellite channels during this election provided a wider space for competition, in addition to being a beneficial tool for candidates to deliver their messages to voters.
Malaysia not threatened by Singapore’s purchase of jetfighters
By Xinhua,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia does not feel threatened by Singapore's plan to purchase new and modern fighter jets, its Air Force Chief General Azizan Ariffin said here on Wednesday.
"I'm not surprise with the report. This is a competition to acquire modern and sophisticated assets," the national news agency Bernama quoted him as saying.
He was asked to comment on news reports that Singapore was planning to buy up to 100 units of the world's most advanced fighter jet, the supersonic F-35, which uses stealth technology to avoid radar detection.
Ambassador: Iran’s rocket test not for military purposes
By Xinhua
Moscow : Iran has no military purposes with its recent rocket test launch, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Gholamreza Ansari said here on Friday.
"We do not pursue military goals within our space research," the diplomat said.
Iran would launch the satellite Hope next month, he said.
"This rocket was fully built in Iran, including the launch installation and other parts," he said.
On Feb. 4, Iran test-fired the Explorer-1 rocket into space, which is designed to launch the Hope space research satellite.
Iraq desires to improve co-op with Turkey in energy sector
By Xinhua
Ankara : Visiting Iraqi Minister of Oil Husayn al-Shahristani said on Saturday that Iraq desired to improve its cooperation with Turkey in the energy sector.
Shahristani, who arrived in Turkey for a series of talks, made the remarks in the Turkish capital of Ankara after his official talks with Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Guler.
He said that Iraq wants to provide gas to Turkey and considers Turkey as a transit country as well.
Hamas lifts ban on pro-Fatah newspaper
By Xinhua,
Gaza : A Hamas court on Thursday allowed a Palestinian newspaper to resume distribution in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip after nearly three months of banning.
Following the decision, the Ramallah-based al-Ayyam daily will appear in the newsstands in Gaza Strip after 78 days of absence.
On Feb. 12, Hamas' first instance court ruled that the newspaper, loyal to rival Fatah party, is not allowed to be distributed in Gaza for the newspaper published a cartoon that Hamas considered harming the parliament it leads.
Al Qaeda-linked group claims responsibility for Beirut blasts
By IANS,
Beirut : The Abdullah Azzam Brigades, an Al Qaeda-linked group, claimed responsibility for the twin blasts that Wednesday targeted the Iranian cultural mission...
Britain contributed to Middle East instability: Cameron
By IANS,
Kuwait City : Britain's backing to autocratic regimes in the Middle East contributed to the instability in the region, Prime Minister David Cameron said Tuesday.
Baghdad car bomb kills six, wounds 14 – police
By SPA,
Baghdad : A car bomb killed six civilians and wounded 14 other people in the Shaab district of northern Baghdad on Sunday, police said.
One woman was among the dead while three policemen were wounded in the attack, which targeted a police patrol, Reuters reported.
Israel, Palestinians begins talks on core issues
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli and Palestinian negotiators here on Monday began their meeting for talks on the core issues in their decades long conflict, in a bid to hammer out a final peace agreement by the end of the year, local Ha'aretz said.
Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and chief Palestinian negotiator Ahmed Qureia started their meeting at a Jerusalem hotel shortly after 11 a.m. (0900 GMT), the report said, quoting Israeli official as saying.
Israel to take more strict measures with Palestinians — Olmert
By KUNA,
Gaza : Israel implied that it will take more strict measures with the Palestinians as a punishment after Wednesday's attack in Jerusalem.
The Israeli Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said Thursday Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert held, Wednesday evening, a series of meetings with government officials to discuss the situation of Jerusalem's Arab residents.
It said the Israeli government thinks the Arab residents use their residency rights to move freely into central Israel to carry out terrorist attacks.
Priyanka Gandhi meets Hasina and her family
By IANS,
Dhaka : Rekindling ties that go back nearly four decades, Bangaldesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family met Priyanka Gandhi Vadra - daughter of Congress president Sonia Gandhi - who is on a visit here to see the rural development projects of the country.
Hasina's daughter Saima Wazed Putul, her husband Mashrur Hossain, their daughters Amrin and Aliza and son Zaief received Priyanka with a bouquet as she reached Sudha Sadan, the prime minister's personal residence Tuesday evening, the United News of Bangladesh (UNB) reported.
Iraqi security forces kill 10 al-Qaida insurgents
By Xinhua
Tikrit : Iraqi security forces backed by the U.S. aircraft raided insurgents' hideouts in Salahudin province on Saturday, killing 10 suspected insurgents, including a local leader, and capturing four others, a provincial police officer said.
A joint force from the Iraqi army and police and fighters from local anti-Qaida Awakening Council group carried out a raid at dawn on the open areas near the al-Thirthar Lake, west of Samarra city, 120 km north of Baghdad, Col. Hassan Ahmad told Xinhua.
Arab parliament union denounces the Israeli aggression on Gaza
By KUNA
Cairo : Interim Arab Parliament Union President Mohammad Jassim al Sager denounced on Monday the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the killing of a great number of civilians.
In a statement circulated here, Sager criticised Israel's justifications for its invasion of Gaza, noting that the aggression is a genocide against the unarmed Palestinian people.
He underlined the necessity that the Palestinians cleared their internal rift and united their ranks in face of Israel.
Don’t whip up war hysteria, India tells Pakistan
By IANS,
New Delhi : Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee Friday urged Pakistan not to whip up war hysteria in response to Indian requests to take action against terrorists who attacked Mumbai.
Speaking to reporters after talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Mukherjee said that Pakistan needed to focus its energies "to bring to book the perpetrators of the Mumbai terrorist attack".
Key IS leader killed by Hezbollah in Lebanon
Beirut: The Lebanese Shia militant party Hezbollah said a "prominent leader" of the Islamic State (IS) was killed on Tuesday in the Qalamoun region...
Eight bodies recovered in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : Authorities recovered Monday bodies of eight kidnapped men in Pakistan's Kurram tribal district bordering Afghanistan, a senior official said.
Officials of the local administration found the men, all shot dead, dumped on the outskirts of Mandori village, some 75 km south-east of the district's main town of Parachinar.
"It is suspected that the eight fell prey to vigilantes who routinely abduct and execute suspected criminals in the tribal region," said Atta-ur-Rehman, the deputy administrator of Kurram.
No group has claimed the responsibility for the killings.
41 killed in Iraq airstrikes, clashes
Baghdad : At least 41 people were killed and 48 injured Tuesday in air strikes and clashes in Iraq's Salahudin province, an official said.
In...
Israel orders probes into Gaza war
Jerusalem: Israel has ordered criminal probes into its recent military operation in the Gaza Strip, including an Israeli shelling that killed four Palestinian children...
Israeli PM vows to end rocket attacks from Gaza
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert vowed on Sunday that Israel will bring an end to rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip.
Speaking at the weekly cabinet meeting, Olmert said Hamas is responsible for all Qassam rocket and mortar shell fire emanated from Gaza.
"We view Hamas as completely responsible for everything that happens in the Gaza Strip," Olmert was quoted by local daily Jerusalem Post as saying, adding that Israel does not accept the current situation.
Abu Dhabi gets robot to help people during expos
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : A company that organises exhibitions in Abu Dhabi will soon employ the services of a robot to assist visitors and guide them to the desired stalls.
Afghan governor sacked for disagreements
By DPA,
Kabul : The governor of the southern Afghan province of Kandahar said Thursday that he had received sack order from the central government following disagreements.
General Rahmatullah Raoufi, who had served as army commander in the southern region, replaced powerful and controversial former governor Assadullah Khalid in August.
Khalid had disagreements with NATO-led Canadian commanders in the province, and Canadian government officials earlier this year had asked President Hamid Karzai to remove him.
Clinton meets Zardari, discusses drone attacks
By IANS,
Islamabad : US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed a host of issues, including the drone attacks that Pakistan says undermines national consensus against the war on militancy.
Clinton, who was leading a high level US delegation, met Zardari Sunday evening.
Pakistani news agency APP reported that issues relating to the strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the US, bilateral relations, regional situation, fight against militancy were discussed at the meeting.
Gaddafi’s departure non-negotiable: US
By IANS,
Washington : Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's departure from power is "non-negotiable", Xinhua Tuesday quoted a US State Department spokesman as saying.
Chief justice of Pakistani Kashmir attacked
By IANS,
Islamabad : Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, the chief justice of the Pakistani Kashmir high court, was injured Tuesday when gunmen opened fire at him.
Terrorism more serious than recession: Zardari
By IANS,
Boao (China) : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari Saturday said his country needed more international support in combating terrorism, which he described as being more serious than the global economic slowdown.
"Help us, help the region, in the fight against terrorism," Zardari said while addressing the annual Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in this southern Chinese city in Hainan province.
Zardari, who succeeded in getting pledges of over $5 billion in aid from the international community Friday, stressed that the world needed to stand together to fight terrorism.
New UN Syria envoy meets President Assad
United Nations : New UN special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura met President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Friday.
Dujarric...
US-Afghan-Pak joint military center opened in E. Afghanistan
By IRNA
Islamabad : US military, Afghanistan and Pakistan have established the first joint intelligence center in Afghan eastern Nangarhar province close to Pakistani border in an effort to check militants' infiltration, an Afghan newspaper reported Sunday.
" US, Afghan and Pakistani officers opened the first of six joint military intelligence centers along the rocky Afghan-Pakistan border on Saturday," daily Outlook said.
Aimed at sharing intelligence information, the center was set up in Torkham border town linking Kabul with Islamabad.
Hafiz Saeed won’t be arrested: Pakistan
By IANS,
Lahore: A defiant Pakistan said Tuesday it would not arrest Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, named by India as the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, till adequate proof was provided of his involvement in the carnage.
"We cannot arrest him till adequate proof is provided. There is no proof," Interior Minister Rehman Malik told a private TV news channel in an interview.
At least 6 killed in twin bombing west of Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Fallujah, Iraq : A double-roadside-bombs explosion near the city court in Fallujah City killed at least six people and wounded 18 others on Wednesday, a local police source said.
The two roadside bombs exploded in the morning near the building in central Fallujah within minutes of each other, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Four policemen were among the killed, while some of the injured were in critical condition, the source said.
Bangladesh improves medical facilities for jailed Hasina, Zia
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's caretaker government has extended an olive branch to jailed former prime ministers Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia by conceding to their demands for better medical facilities in an apparent effort to ensure the success of the ongoing political dialogue.
The interim government has called for discussions with all political parties ahead of the general elections, which are due in December.
The health ministry formed two separate medical boards for Hasina and her rival Zia's younger son Arafat Rahman Koko, following complaints made to court and public outcry.
Over 591,000 Syrian refugees now in Jordan
By IANS,
Amman : Jordan Tuesday said the overall number of Syrian refugees in the country reached 591,176 since the start of the unrest in...
WikiLeaks expose: Pakistan in damage control mode
By Awais Saleem, IANS,
Islamabad : The stunning WikiLeaks expose that showed the involvement of Pakistan's ISI in carrying out terror attacks against Indians in Afghanistan has received a mixed reaction here, with an analyst saying that the explosive documents present a "dismal picture of the background war strategies that led to Afghanistan offensive".
The intelligence leak is being viewed with considerable interest by the Pakistani intelligentsia and the ruling elite.
Iran says Egypt not helping injured Gazans
By IANS,
Tehran : Tehran has criticised Egypt's lack of cooperation to transfer the injured from the Gaza Strip to Iran for treatment, IRNA reported Tuesday.
Iran's Health Minister Kamran Baqeri-Lankarani Tuesday told reporters that a proposal to transfer the wounded from Gaza to Iran via Cairo was refused by the Egyptian authorities.
He said voluntary organisations have expressed their readiness to send relief supplies to Gaza but Egypt refused to lift the blockade on the border.
UAE charity launches Ramadan ration project
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The UAE's Khalifa Foundation for Charitable Works will distribute 20,000 tonnes of food to the people during the holy month of Ramadan.
"People will receive the ration through 24 centres set up nationwide by the foundation in coordination with the labour ministry," Mohammed Haji Khouri, director general of the foundation, said at a press conference Sunday.
It is being organised for the second year in a row.
US soldier, several Taliban killed in Afghanistan
By KUNA,
Kabul : One US soldier and several militants were killed in Afghanistan, the US-led coalition command said on Wednesday.
The command said in a statement the soldier died of injuries he had suffered in a roadside bomb blast in the western zone of Afghanistan. The explosion occurred on Monday.
It did not disclose exact location of the blast. However, an Afghan police officer had said on Tuesday that a roadside bomb blast injured four US soldiers in Shindand district of Herat province.
Pakistan receives evidence on Mumbai blasts
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan said Monday that it has received evidence handed over by Indian authorities on the deadly Mumbai attacks and was reviewing it.
"The Indian Foreign Secretary has handed over some information material regarding terrorist attacks in Mumbai to Pakistan's High Commissioner in New Delhi this (Monday) morning," foreign ministry spokesman Muhammad Sadiq told IANS.
Pakistan coalition government holds crucial meet in Dubai
By Aroonim Bhuyan and Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Dubai/Islamabad : With just two days to go before expiry of their 30-day deadline to decide on the restoration of sacked judges, the top leadership of Pakistan's coalition government held a crucial meeting in Dubai to discuss the issue as well as the future of President Pervez Musharraf.
The four-hour-long meeting, held at the residence of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, ended Monday night. However, the participants left without talking to the media. Details of the outcome are awaited.
Compulsory medical check-up for expatriates in UAE
By IANS,
Dubai : All expatriates coming to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to stay for more than six months would have to undergo medical check-up for contagious diseases such as hepatitis B and leprosy, WAM news agency reported Wednesday.
A ministerial decree to this effect was issued by the UAE Health Minister Humaid Mohammed Al Qattami Tuesday.
Musharraf a ‘virus’ that is bad for democracy: PML-N leader
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : A leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Tuesday compared President Pervez Musharraf to a "dangerous virus" that was harmful for Pakistan's democracy and said it was important to remove him.
"Just like a deadly virus in any computer that can destroy the whole system, Musharraf is a dangerous virus for democracy and the government cannot function properly until this virus is removed," PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal said while addressing a press conference with other party leaders who resigned Tuesday from the federal cabinet.
Israel, Palestinians to resume talks in Cairo
Gaza: Israeli and Palestinian negotiators will officially resume Egypt-sponsored ceasefire indirect talks Sunday, Azzam el-Ahmed, chief of the Palestinian delegation in Cairo, said.
The negotiators...
Malaysians prefer public transport, walk after fuel price hike
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Trading cars for motorcycles, switching to public transport, or simply walking to work - Malaysians are tackling the massive fuel price hike in different ways.
They have settled down to fuel-saving measures after a spurt of protests in the national capital and some other cities saw thousands of people converge on the streets.
As per an announcement by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on June 4, gasoline pump prices jumped 41 percent overnight and diesel prices surged a stunning 67 percent.
Three Iraqi candidates killed ahead of provincial election
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Three Iraqi candidates were killed Thursday in different cities ahead of the upcoming provincial election, local police sources said.
Omar Farouk al-Ani, a Sunni candidate of the Iraqi Islamic party which belongs to the Iraqi Accordance Front, was killed by unknown gunmen on Thursday night in western Baghdad, a local police source told Xinhua.
Unknown gunmen Thursday evening shot dead al-Ani in front of his home in Amiriya, west of Baghdad, and run away, the source said.
No relief for Gaza while Israel enjoys impunity, warns UK peer
By IRNA,
London : A British peer has returned from Gaza warning that there will be no relief for the Palestinians from another pulverisation while Israel enjoys impunity for its continuing war crimes.
“Israel – cradle of lawyers – is in cavalier breach of International Law, the United Nations Charter, its Conventions and Resolutions, and yet is protected from the consequences which should follow,” said Liberal Democrat peer Lord Phillips.
Suicide bomber kills 15 Iraqis
By IINA
Baghdad : A suicide bomber killed yesterday at least 15 people and wounded eight when he blew himself up during a funeral for a policeman north of Baghdad, officials said. The suicide attack occurred in Sadiyah, a town 95 km north of Baghdad in the volatile Diyala province, where US and Iraqi forces are still battling Sunni extremists of Al-Qaeda. Police said the bomber mingled among the mourners and then triggered an explosive vest.
Pakistan acuses India of changing Kashmir’s demography
Islamabad : Pakistan Wednesday acused India of deliberately altering the demographic makeup of Jammu and Kashmir by settling non-state citizens in Kashmir.
Foreign Secretary Aizaz...
Israel to allow transfer of materials for Gaza reconstruction
Ramallah : A senior Palestinian official Wednesday said Israel will allow the transfer of construction materials into the Gaza Strip within two weeks under...
Live up to commitment to battle terror: Pakistani editorial
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan must live up to its commitment to stamping out terror groups operating from the country, an editorial of a leading English daily of the country said Friday, even as another said “mixed signals continue to emanate from Islamabad” on the issue.
“The leadership must now live up to its commitment to battle terrorists with determination,” The News said in an editorial a day after the UN Security Council declared the Jamat-ud-Dawah, a front of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and four of its leaders as global terrorists.
Obama meets religious leaders in Istanbul
By DPA,
Ankara : US President Barack Obama met religious leaders in Istanbul Tuesday on the second day of his visit to Turkey where he has attempted to repair frayed ties with both Turkey and the wider Muslim world. The ties had hit a low during the previous US administration of George W. Bush.
Obama held a group meeting with Armenian Orthodox Archbishop Aran Stesyan, Chief Rabbi of Istanbul Isak Haleva, Grand Mufti of Istanbul Mustafa Cagrici and Syrian Orthodox Archbishop Yusuf Cetin before holding a private meeting with Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I.
Pakistan human right panel lauds voters
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Saturday congratulated the people of the country for showing faith in democracy despite threats to their lives.
Afghan government seeking peace talks with Taliban: Report
Kabul, Oct 1 (Xinhua) Afghanistan is seeking to open reconciliation talks with the Taliban movement through the mediation of Saudi Arabia, Afghan web site Quqnoos reported Wednesday.
"For two years now, I have been sending letters and messages to the Saudi Arabian king and requested him, as a world Muslim leader, to help us bring peace in Afghanistan," Quqnoos quoted President Hamid Karzai as saying.
The web site said preparation for negotiations has been going on for some time past.
Saudi Arabia’s terrorist list decline
Riyadh : The number of wanted suspects on six lists published by Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry in 2003 has declined from 263 to 132.
The...
Sadr group agrees to end fighting in Baghdad’s Sadr City
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The movement of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr agreed to a ceasefire in Baghdad's eastern neighborhood of Sadr City, a Sadr spokesman said on Saturday.
"We have made an agreement between the Sadr movement and the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to cease fire," said Shiekh Salah al-Obiedi, spokesman of Sadr office in the holy city of Najaf, 160 km south of Baghdad.
The agreement would include a ceasefire by Sadr followers, an end to all arms appearances in public and opening of all blocked entrances of Sadr City neighborhoods, Obiedi said.
Pakistan: caretaker PM pays tribute to his team; elected govt takes over Monday
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro on Friday paid tributes to the members of his cabinet and said the caretaker government performed its prime task of holding general elections in a befitting way.
Speaking at a farewell dinner, he hosted for the cabinet, he said contrary to the expectations of many, the elections were held in a free, fair and transparent and peaceful manner.
“The world community is holding Pakistan in high esteem because of this step of the caretaker government,” he said in his brief address.
Pakistan-Rebel Fighting Kills 47
By Prensa Latina
Islamabad : A violent attack between Pakistani forces and armed rebels in the convulsive tribal region of South Waziristan, bordering with Afghanistan, killed 47, military sources reported in this capital.
According to Army spokesman, major general Athar Abbas, the struggle began in Sararogha city when about 400 religious rebels attacked a 42-soldier military fort, bordering with the afghan territory.
The two-hour battle killed at least 40 assailants and seven soldiers.
UAE to organise lecture on ‘Dialogue of Civilisations’
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : A lecture titled "Dialogue of Civilisations between yesterday and today" will be organised here Monday under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president's representative and chairman of the cultural and media centre, a report said.
The Counsellor for cooperation and cultural affairs at the French embassy here, Didier Gazagnadou, will deliver the lecture with particular reference to the Islamic Arab world, its development and Europe, a WAM news agency report said.
Dubai financial centre to offer London University degree
By IANS,
Dubai : The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has tied up with the University of London's Centre for Financial and Management Studies (CeFiMS) at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) to offer its post-graduate degree in finance and financial law in the Gulf.
"As our region enjoys exceptional growth, it is critical for us to create a large pool of skilled talent that can fuel a changing, evolving economy," DIFC governor Omar Bin Sulaiman said in a statement here Sunday.
14 militants killed in Egypt’s Sinai
Cairo: At least 14 militants were killed Monday in a military raid in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.
According to officials, the military destroyed 32 terrorist hideouts,...
UN secretary-general appoints Indian to board to investigate Gaza incidents
By Arul Louis,
United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed a former Indian Police Service Officer, K C Reddy, to a board of...
‘Indians’ hack Pakistan government website
By IANS,
Islamabad : A section of Pakistan's Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) website was hacked Friday, with a media report describing this as the handiwork of 'Indians".
Asif says nobody supported him during his tough days
By IANS,
Melbourne: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif said that one day he will lift the lid on his darkest days that saw him tossed out of international cricket after testing positive for drugs in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Asif was banned for a year after he tested positive for banned substance Nandrolone while playing for Delhi Daredevils in the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008. While returning to Pakistan, he was also detained in Dubai for 19 days after traces of opium were found in his pocket.
Abu Dhabi air expo begins
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2013, showcasing the latest products and services in the aviation industry, has begun at the Al Bateen Executive Airport.
Oman’s minister of higher education calls on Union HRD Minister Arjun Singh
By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
New Delhi: Dr. Rawiya Bint Saud Al Busaidiya, Minister of Higher Education, Sultanate of Oman, who is on an official visit to India, called on Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Arjun Singh on 27th March in New Delhi.
Pakistan militants claim kidnapping 16 Iranian border guards
By DPA,
Islamabad : A shadowy Islamic militant group Saturday claimed it had taken 16 Iranian border guards hostage near Pakistan's southern Balochistan province to secure the release of their comrades.
Maulvi Abdur Rauf, a spokesman for the Sunni Muslim group called Jundallah, or God's Brigade, claimed responsibility for the kidnappings in a phone call made to journalists in the provincial capital Quetta from an undisclosed location.
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.
Mubarak, Seniora meet on Lebanese presidential crisis
By Xinhua
Cairo : Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Thursday met with visiting Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora over Lebanon's months-long presidential crisis, the official news agency MENA reported.
Attended by Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit and the Lebanese premier's accompanying delegation, the meeting between Mubarak and Seniora, who arrived here late Wednesday, focused on efforts exerted to end the presidential crisis, MENA said.
Karzai lead widens in Afghan presidential vote count
By DPA,
Kabul : Afghan President Hamid Karzai has significantly extended his lead over his challenger Abdullah Abdullah in the presidential election count, latest returns showed Wednesday.
The Independent Election Commission (IEC) said that Karzai had won 44.8 percent of the votes counted so far. Former foreign minister Abdullah was on 35.1 percent.
The more than 9 percent spread compares with the 2-point lead which Karzai had in the initial returns reported on Tuesday.
Give peacekeepers tools to finish their job in Darfur
By NNN-WAM,
Dubai : There is a marked reluctance on the part of the African Union (AU) to put an end to the strife in Darfur, a UAE paper commented Sunday.
''It could be, as has been thought before, that the nations which comprise the AU do not wish to pit their forces against fellow black Africans. If that is so, then it serves no purpose at all in sending so-called AU peacekeepers into Darfur,'' wrote Gulf News in its today's editorial.
10 soldiers, 40 militants killed in Pakistan clash
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 40 militants and 10 soldiers were killed in a clash Tuesday in Pakistan's northwest tribal region, a media report said.
Iran n-deal reached
Vienna: After days of intense negotiations here, Iran and the six world powers have reached a deal intended to limit Tehran's nuclear programme in...
42 die, over 130 wounded in Iraq bombings
By IANS,
Baghdad : A wave of bomb attacks targeting Shia Muslim pilgrims across Iraq Thursday killed at least 42 people and wounded 133, Xinhua reported.
Three mn people in Syria in need of assistance: UN
By IANS/AKI,
Rome : Almost three million people in Syria are in need of assistance as the country's civil war has devastated food production, according to a joint study by two UN organisations.
Russia completes delivery of nuke fuel for Iran’s Bushehr plant
By Xinhua
Tehran : The eighth and last nuclear fuel shipment from Russia arrived in Iran Monday morning, completing Russia's promised nuclear fuel delivery for Iran's first nuclear power plant, the official IRNA news agency reported.
IRNA quoted Iran Atomic Energy Production and Development Company as saying that the last shipment has been forwarded to Bushehr nuclear power plant which is being built at the Gulf port city of Bushehr.
Riyadh calls for 10-year fight to wipe out terror
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia wants that the war on the so-called Islamic State (IS) and other terrorist organisations should continue for 10 years, Foreign...
India, Pakistan pitch in for anti-terror fight, economic diplomacy
By Manish Chand and Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Pushing economic diplomacy to the forefront, India and Pakistan Wednesday agreed to jointly combat terrorism and "to pick a stake in each other's economic development" and signed a pact on the release of their nationals imprisoned in either country.
The two sides formally concluded the fourth round of the Composite Dialogue after review by their foreign ministers and foreign secretaries and underlined political will and determination to resolve all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.
Israel eases Gaza blockade
By DPA,
Jerusalem: The Israeli government has adopted measures to ease its blockade of the Gaza Strip and extend the list of products allowed in, the prime minister's office said in a statement Sunday.
After a meeting with his security cabinet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel was ready to open its border with Gaza to all products not included on a new list of forbidden items.
The list would be limited to weapons, materials that could have military use as well as "problematic dual-use items", the statement said. All other goods would be allowed in.
Bangladesh to hold local bodies polls Aug 4
By DPA,
Dhaka : The Bangladesh Election Commission announced Friday that local government elections would take place Aug 4 despite a year-old state of emergency.
Chief Election Commissioner A.T.M. Shamsul Huda said voting would be held Aug 4 in four big cities and nine towns.
Huda said the elections would be held using the newly made voter identity cards with photographs to avoid irregularities in polling.
The holding of the local polls ahead of the general election due at year's end has been protested by the major political parties in the country.
Afghan President: Anti-terrorism battle must focus on sanctuaries
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Afghan President Hamid Karzai Tuesday in a meeting with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) delegation emphasized the battle against militants and terrorist activities must be conducted in their sanctuaries rather than villages where innocent Afghan civilians live.
From 2004, Afghanistan began to see increased terrorist activities for clear reasons, the international community and the main partners in the war on terror neglected the sanctuaries in the region, for the terrorists and the Taliban for a long time, Karzai said.
Haryana cancels pilgrimage to Pakistan after travel advisory
By IANS,
Chandigarh : The Haryana government Tuesday cancelled the pilgrimage to Sikh shrines in Pakistan following a travel advisory issued by the union home ministry.
The home ministry asked Indians to avoid travelling to Pakistan in view of the deteriorating security situation in that country.
The pilgrimage to Pakistan by Sikhs, Oct 28 to Nov 6 from Sirsa, has been cancelled, keeping in mind the security of the pilgrims in the wake of recent terror attacks in Pakistan's Punjab province, a spokesperson of the Haryana home department said.
India awaiting Bangladesh confirmation of ULFA arrests: Pillai
By IANS,
Shillong/New Delhi: India is awaiting official confirmation from Bangladesh of the arrest of two United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) rebels, including Ranjan Chowdhury alias Major Ranjan, Home Secretary G.K. Pillai said Sunday.
"We have seen it (arrest) in the newspapers, but Bangladesh authorities will officially inform us of the arrest through diplomatic channels," Pillai told IANS from New Delhi.
Islamists protest republication of blasphemous caricatures in Danish papers
By KUNA
Islamabad : Islamists Friday held countrywide protest demonstrations to condemn the republication of blasphemous caricatures in Danish newspapers.
10 people killed, 7 injured in road accidents in Bangladesh
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : Ten people were killed and 7 others injured in three road accidents in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, southeastern Cox's Bazar and central Gazipur districts Saturday evening and Sunday, private news agency UNB reported.
Four people were killed as a bus rammed into a three-wheeler auto-rickshaw in Keraniganj of Dhaka district on Sunday morning.
Witnesses said the auto-rickshaw turned turtle on the road as the bus hit it from behind, killing the four people on the spot at about 11:30 a.m. local time.
Statement: Turkish-Arab cooperation forum helpful in deepening bilateral ties
By Xinhua,
Istanbul, Turkey : A joint statement issued after the first ministerial meeting of the Turkish-Arab Cooperation Forum said the forum is helpful in deepening bilateral ties.
The forum "will further expand and deepen the relations in all fields between Turkey and the Arab countries by providing an institutional framework to promote cooperation and comprehensive consultations in all fields of mutual trust," it said.
The forum was held in the largest Turkish city of Istanbul on Saturday, marking the launch of a new cooperation mechanism between the two sides.
UN envoy slams attack on Somalian government
United Nations: The UN secretary-general's special representative for Somalia Wednesday condemned Tuesday night's attack on Villa Somalia, the seat of the Somali Federal Government...
US presence fundamental problem for Iraq: Iran
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran's topmost leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Monday said Iraq's greatest problem is the presence of US-led forces in its territory.
"The most fundamental problem for Iraq is the presence of foreign forces in that country," state television quoted Khamenei as telling visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki during a meeting.
"Helping the Iraqi nation and the government is our religious duty," Khamenei said.
Fatah welcomes Hamas’ call for dialogue
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party on Sunday welcomed Hamas' call for national dialogue, but remained devoted to its precondition that Hamas first gives up the rein of Gaza.
The national dialogue call by Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashaal "reflects all Palestinian factions' realization of the importance of national dialogue," said Fatah official Mohammed al-Horrani.
Ahmadinejad re-elected as Iranian president
By DPA,
Tehran : Incumbent hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected Iranian president after winning about 65 percent of the vote in Friday's election, the interior ministry said Saturday, citing near-complete returns on what it called a record turnout.
The 52-year-old's main challenger, former prime minister Mir-Hossein Moussavi, who had declared himself winner of the election shortly after polling closed, later claimed there had been large-scale irregularities.
Anti-corruption court to hear Pakistani minister’s plea Feb 2
By IANS,
Rawalpindi : An anti-corruption court here will Feb 2 hear a plea by Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik seeking exemption from personal appearance in two cases in which he is charged with misappropriation.
Malik and his counsel Amjad Qureshi Tuesday appeared before judge Tariq Abbasi of the Accountability Court and sought exemption from personal appearance on grounds of the security risk involved, Online news agency reported.
He also cited his hectic schedule and other engagements to seek exemption.
Three East Asian economies reach out to Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : Three East Asian countries - Japan, South Korea and China - have expressed their intent to enhance relations with Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who visited China and South Korea, is due to visit Japan in October to further the ties.
New Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan has formally written to invite Hasina, an official in the Prime Minister's Office told New Age newspaper.
Japanese ambassador in Dhaka Tamotsu Shinotsuka said Wednesday that his country "is ready to extend cooperation in political, economic and social sectors here".
SAARC interior ministers’ meet postponed
By IRNA,
New Delhi : The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) interior ministers' conference, scheduled for February 26 to 28 in Islamabad has been postponed.
The date did not suit the Nepalese interior minister and this was the sole reason for putting the event on hold, All India Radio (AIR) reported quoting official sources in New Delhi.
DM: Iran’s military does not threat any country
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said on Thursday that Iran's military does not threat any country in the Middle East, state television reported.
"The United States is trying to introduce Iran as a threat to peace and security in the Middle East, yet our armed forces are not threatening any country in the region," Najjar was quoted as saying in Bushehr, southern Iran.
Iran to build six more nuclear power plants
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran plans to build six more nuclear power plants, besides the one in the southern port of Bushehr, official IRNA news agency reported Wednesday.
Deputy chief of Iran's Atomic Energy Commission Ahmad Fayyazbakhsh said that agreements have been signed with six local companies for building the plants.
Construction of the plants would start after selection of suitable sites, he said, adding that the process could take a year.
Iran had earlier declared that the country would build six nuclear power plants and had floated global tenders for their construction.
Two killed in Myanmar sectarian riots
Yangon : Two people have been killed during clashes between Buddhists and Muslims in Myanmar's second-largest city of Mandalay, police said.
Israelis arrested 363 Palestinians in West Bank in April: report
By DPA,
Ramallah/Tel Aviv : Israeli forces arrested 363 Palestinians in the West Bank during April, a Palestinian report said Saturday.
Most of the arrests were in Nablus city, where the army arrested 128 Palestinians, according to the Palestinian Centre for Prisoners' Defence.
The Israeli army declined to confirm or deny the report. Israeli forces regularly raid West Bank cities and villages, searching for wanted Palestinian militants.
The report said the latest arrests did not appear to target a specific age or category and "had included all Palestinian citizens".
US looking into sanctions against Libya after crackdown
By DPA,
Washington : The US is considering imposing sanctions on Libya to stop a brutal crackdown on protesters in the North African country, the US State Department said Wednesday.
Bahrain affirms importance of human rights
By NNN-KUNA,
Manama : Bahrain has reiterated its commitment to human rights out of conviction that human dignity, regardless of race, is a red line never to be crossed.
Commenting on the US fifth annual report on human trafficking which ranked Bahrain second in efforts to combat human trafficking, the Bahraini Foreign Ministry said Wednesday laws here show conformity with international agreements and conventions.
UN official rebuffs Israeli “humanitarian corridors” plan
By KUNA
Brussels : The head of the U.N. agency responsible for aiding Palestinian refugees rejected Wednesday an Israeli plan to set up "humanitarian corridors" in case of a bigger Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip.
"We would refuse to engage in that discussion and there are many people who would have a lot of objection to that," Karen Koning Abuzayd, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) told a conference in Brussels this evening.
‘Jamaat crackdown to save Pakistan being named terrorist state’
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar Friday said the government acted against the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)'s front organisation Jamaat-ud-Dawa in accordance with the UN resolution to prevent the country from being declared a terrorist state. India has blamed the LeT for the terror attacks in its commercial hub of Mumbai.
Six killed in an explosion in N.Pakistan
By KUNA,
Islamabad : At least six persons were reportedly killed and five others were wounded in an explosion Saturday evening in a northern Pakistani valley, where security forces have been fighting militants since November of last year.
A remote-bomb exploded with a huge bang in the main bazaar of Khawzakhela area in Sawat valley, security sources told KUNA.
They added that the explosion killed at least six persons and wounded about five others.
Pakistan PM: visit to Yemen, Saudi Arabia aims at further strengthening ties
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro, on Friday said his visit to Yemen and Saudi Arabia is aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations particularly economic and trade cooperation with these countries.
Talking to APP before his departure for Yemen here at Chaklala Airbase, he said such visits have their own importance and termed his visit to these countries as friendly.
He said his visit is also important in view of the political, defence as well as relations of Islamic countries at OIC level.
Arab envoys suggest Ban visit Gaza, Holmes there in mid February
By KUNA
United Nations : A delegation of Arab envoys met with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon late Tuesday to brief him on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and to urge him to intervene as Secretary-General of the world body and member of the Quartet.
Algerian envoy Youcef Yousfi, the Arab group's current chairman, told reporters following the meeting that the delegation suggested to Ban to increase the UN role within the Quartet and invited him to visit Gaza to see for himself the suffering of the civilians due to the Israeli blockade.
NATO soldier, several Taliban killed in Afghanistan
By SPA,
Kabul : One NATO soldier was killed and two wounded in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, while several insurgents were killed in a separate attack in the eastern region, officials said Saturday.
The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) soldiers were killed and wounded in an "unknown explosion" in southern Helmand province on Friday, ISAF said in a statement quoted by DPA.
The statement did not reveal the nationalities of the soldiers. Most of the forces deployed in volatile Helmand province are British.