Al-Maliki to remain in same post in upcoming new gov’t
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : The next change in Iraqi government will see it headed by prime minister Nouri al-Maliki, said president Jalal Talabani, emphasizing that agreement was reached last week to form a new government with al-Maliki at the helm.
Al-Maliki sought to find out what the various political blocs thought of the proposed new cabinet, which will not be based on quotas, said Talabani who underlined that the new government will have fewer ministers.
Pervez Musharraf resigns as president
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf resigned from office Monday, nine years after he toppled the government of Nawaz Sharif in October 1999.
He said his resignation had been sent to the National Assembly speaker.
Israeli troops kill at least one Palestinian militant in Gaza
By RIA Novosti
Gaza : Israeli troops have killed at least one Palestinian militant in a military operation in northern Gaza, local medical officials said Tuesday.
The Israeli military reported however that two militants had been killed and that small arms and antitank grenade launchers had been found on them.
Israel Defense Forces said the operation was carried out to counter "standard terrorist threats - sniper and missile fire and attempts to break through the border by militant groups."
Detained Pakistani lawyers to be freed, re-arrested
By IANS
Islamabad : Three prominent Pakistani lawyers who were arrested last November after an emergency was declared are to be freed and then re-arrested on the expiry of their 90-day detention period Friday in a move to overcome a constitutional bar on the issue.
Quoting "one of the top legal minds of the government", The News said Thursday that the government had "decided to free" Aitzaz Ahsan, Ali Ahmad Kurd and retired judge Tariq Mehmud "for few hours or a day and then re-arrest them by issuing a fresh executive order".
Missile strike in Pakistan kills 10, wounds 5
By KUNA
Islamabad : At least 10 persons were killed and five others were wounded in a missile strike in Pakistans South Waziristan tribal agency, bordering Afghanistan, said officials Thursday Three missiles were fired from undisclosed location after Wednesday midnight in Kalosha area, about 10 kilometers from Azam Warsak town of the agency, security officials told KUNA.
They said one missile hit a house, one an Islamic seminary and one missile missed its target.
They added that at least ten persons were killed in the strike and more than five others were wounded.
Death toll rises to 6 in Diyarbakir blast in Turkey
By Xinhua
Ankara : Another student died on Tuesday of injuries from a bombing in Diyarbakir province in southeastern Turkey last Wednesday, raising the death toll to six in the incident, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported on Tuesday.
Engin Taskaya, who was injured along with 67 others during the attack, died at a hospital on Tuesday, the authorities concerned were quoted as saying.
Some injured people are still under medical care at Dicle University Hospital, according to the report.
U.S. first lady in Afghanistan on unannounced visit
By Xinhua,
Kabul : U.S. first lady Laura Bush has arrived here for an unannounced visit to Afghanistan, and she was scheduled to meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai Sunday, sources said.
Hamas blames Abbas for activist’s death
By Xinhua,
GAZA/RAMALLAH : Gaza ruler Hamas on Monday blamed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas over the death of a Hamas detainee in the West Bank, threatening not to engage in any dialogue with Fatah movement unless all Hamas activists are freed.
"Abbas shoulders the legal and national responsibility of the wild acts of his security forces that have no job except protecting the (Israeli) occupation soldiers and settlers and chasing down on the resistance," said Ahmed Bahar, deputy speaker of the Hamas-dominated Parliament, in a statement faxed to the media.
NATO soldier killed in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : A soldier in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has been killed by an explosion in Helmand province of southern Afghanistan, the ISAF said Saturday.
A statement from the military alliance said a group of soldiers were hit Friday by the explosion. Two soldiers were wounded and a military vehicle was damaged in the blast.
Helmand province, a hotbed of Taliban militancy, is guarded by some 7,750 British soldiers.
A total of 47,000 NATO-led troops are deployed in Afghanistan.
Sri Lankan cricketers thank ‘brave’ driver
By Omar Khalid, IANS,
Lahore : After narrowly escaping death, Sri Lankan cricketers Tuesday praised Pakistani bus driver Mehar Mohammad Khalil for driving them out of danger amid firing by terrorists.
"The Sri Lankan cricketers were praising their driver for his bravery," Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ijaz Butt told reporters after meeting the visitors at an undisclosed location.
"They wanted to thank him before heading back home," he added.
PML-Q accepts defeat, leaves door open for negotiation
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), backed by President Pervez Musharraf, Tuesday accepted defeat but left room for negotiating a role for itself in the next government saying that "nothing can be ruled out in politics".
Party leader and a prime minister hopeful not too long ago, Chaudhry Pervez Elahi said despite the defeat in the Monday elections, his party had been able to secure a "decent" position to play a key role in the future government.
Pakistan’s top security team to discuss tension with India
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has summoned a national security conference to be held on Dec. 2 to review the situation arising out of the attacks in the Indian commercial city of Mumbai, according to an official here on Sunday.
Gilani has invited some political leaders to attend the conference to discuss the strategy to deal with the situation, a spokesman for the prime minister said.
Iran ready for ‘more transparency’ in n-programme
Tehran : Iran is ready for further transparency in its nuclear programme within the international regulations, semi-official ISNA news agency quoted President Hassan Rouhani...
India-Pakistan meet vital for bilateral ties
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The meeting between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers, fixed for July 15, would signify an important step towards resumption of bilateral ties between the two neighbours, a United Arab Emirates (UAE) newspaper has said.
Tehran, Ankara discuss broadening cultural, financial, banking cooperation
By NNN-IRNA,
Ankara : Tehran and Ankara are in talks over expansion of mutual cooperation in various fields, especially in the cultural, financial, banking and transportation sectors.
An Iranian politico-economic delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Ali-Reza Sheikh-Attar, is in Ankara for talks on the issues ahead of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Turkey visit to meet with his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul in Istanbul.
European Imams join forces against extremism
By Anasudhin Azeez,
London : Imams from Britain and Europe gathered here on Thursday to condemn the atrocities taking place in the name of Islam...
Pakistani provincial minister shot at
By IANS,
Islamabad : A minister of Pakistan's Balochistan province had a narrow escape Monday when his convoy was shot at by unidentified gunmen, a media report said.
Attack on Israeli Demona kills at least seven – Israeli army
By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : An attack on a mall in Demona, southern Israel, left at least seven Israelis dead and scores others injured, the army said.
"An attacker, who appeared to be a Palestinian, entered the mall this morning wearing an explosive belt and blew himself up, killing seven others and injuring scores of shoppers," the Israeli Army said Monday.
An army spokesman told Radio Israel security forces found a second belt that did not go off in the same mall, indicating another attacker could still be around.
3rd Indo-Pak calendar for ‘peace and love’ launched in Delhi
By TCN News,
New Delhi: Aaghaz-e-Dosti, a joint Indo-Pak friendship forum launched the2015 'Calendar for Peace & Love' on Sunday at the national capital.
Aaghaz-e-Dosti is aa joint Indo-Pak friendship initiative of India-based Mission Bhartiyam and Pakistan-based The Catalyst – TC. For last three consecutive years, they launch a calendar in India and Pakistan, titled as 'Calendar for Peace & Love'.
US missile kills 12 in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 12 terrorists have been killed in a US missile attack on the Pakistani side of the Afghan border, officials said here.
Seven die in attack on Pakistani army camp
By IANS,
Islamabad: Six soldiers and a policeman were killed when militants attacked an army camp in Pakistan's eastern district of Gujrat early Monday morning, the army said.
Karzai gets approval for key plans at Afghan conference
By Farhad Peikar, DPA,
Kabul: The international community at a conference on Afghanistan here Tuesday gave more control over aid money to the Afghan government, but also approved a plan to hand over security responsibility to national forces by 2014.
The one-day conference, attended by around 70 international representatives, including 57 countries and 11 regional and international organisations, also tasked Kabul with political and economic reforms and improving governance, including the fight against endemic administrative corruption within specific timelines.
Bohras brave bomb blasts to congregate in Colombo
By P.K. Balachandran, IANS
Colombo : Undeterred by the series of bomb blasts and terror attacks in and around the Sri Lankan capital over the past few days, over 30,000 Dawoodi Bohras from various parts of the world have congregated here for a 10-day religious ceremony.
Gracing the "Ashara Mubarak" ceremony in Colombo for the second successive year is the India-based religious leader of the Bohras, Syedna Muhammad Burhanuddin Saheb.
EU to support Pakistan to build stable society
By EuAsiaNews
Brussels : The European Union said Monday that it remains committed to supporting Pakistan in building a prosperous and stable society.
Foreign Ministers of the 27-member bloc after a meeting here said in a statement that the 18 February elections were an important step in the democratic development of Pakistan.
"The EU will support Pakistan in strengthening democratic institutions, promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as combating extremism,'' it noted.
French soldiers donate blood to save Afghan bomb victim
By KUNA,
Kabul : Six French soldiers donated blood to an Afghan civilian who was injured in the a suicide attack in Kabul early this week.
The soldiers, from Camp Warehouse, volunatarily donated 450 milliliters of blood, said a statement from ISAF headquarters on Thursday.
Suffering from perforations of liver and lung, the victim had an urgent need for a blood transfusion before he could undergo an operation.
"It is completely normal to give blood for a victim," said Lieutenant Romuald, one of the six donors.
Livni calls on Kadima party to prepare for general elections
By KUNA,
Gaza : The leader of Israeli Kadima Party called here on Monday on members of her party to be ready for general elections, an indication of her failure in forming a new government.
Tzipi Livni who was tasked by the president to form a new government, stated to the Israeli radio that the party should be ready for the elections.
She added that the priority goes for solidfying the current government coalition and exerting all possible efforts to expand it.
Malaysia’s ethnic Indian Congress seeks to resolve its crisis
Kuala Lumpur : The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), the largest ethnic Indian party in the country, has decided on a moratorium to allow it...
Afghan Consul General assures tribal elders
By SPA
Islamabad : Afghan Consul General in Peshawar Abdul Khaliq Farahi has assured a tribal jirga (elders) to secure the release of seven tribesmen held in Kabul, if found innocent.
The assurance was given in a meeting between the envoy and a 15-member jirga of Zakhakhel tribe of the Khyber Agency, headed by Darya Khan Zakhakhel at the Afghan consulate.
Pakistan’s government plans to export 3 million tons of surplus rice
By SPA,
Islamabad : The government is planning to export 3 million tons of surplus rice during the current financial year, earning $1.8 billion, an official said.
Total exportable surplus from 2007-08 rice crop is estimated at 3 million tons, Qadir Bux Baloch, Agriculture Development Commissioner, said.
He added that out of 3 million tons exportable rice 1 million tons Basmati and 2 million tons Irri would earn foreign exchange of $1 billion and from basmati while US $ 0.8 billion from other rice.
Now, a book on Pakistan’s child prodigy
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan will bring out a book on Arfa Karim who in 2004 became the world's youngest Microsoft certified professional at age nine. She died Jan 14.
UN reports continued improvement in Iraq’s security situation
By Xinhua,
United Nations : A combination of political and military efforts has led to continued improvements in security across Iraq in the past three months, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Friday in his latest report to the Security Council on the UN Assistance Mission to the country (UNAMI).
"Both the frequency of violent incidents and casualty figures have continued to decline and there has been increased cooperation from local communities in preventing acts of violence," Ban said.
Religion 2.0: dialogue for the masses
By Jude Townend, CGNews,
Interfaith dialogue is nothing new, but new technology is changing the way it's done. Before, the average Muslim Pakistani might never have crossed paths with a Jewish Israeli; a Nepali Buddhist might never dialogue with a Christian American. On the World Wide Web, however, social interactions that before were limited are now commonplace. It's like internet dating for the world religions.
Feb 18 election victory of democracy, moderation: Pakistan President
By NNN-APP
Rawalpindi : President Pervez Musharraf said the Feb 18 election was a victory for the democratic process and moderation in Pakistan and would serve as a stabilizing factor.
Talking to US Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Congressman Michael Burgess who called on the President here at the President’s Lodge Friday, he said the elections could prove to be a major stabilizing factor in Pakistan.
The President emphasized the need to continue with the goals of political stability, economic growth and the need for fighting terrorism.
Mysterious objects scare Pakistani villagers
By IANS,
Islamabad : Panic and bewilderment gripped a group of villages in Pakistan when "mysterious objects" weighing up to 187 kg fell from the sky, a daily said Friday.
UN official calls for ending Israeli blockade on Gaza
Gaza: A UN official Wednesday described keeping an Israeli blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip for almost seven years as "a collective punishment", Xinhua...
US enators deny calling for Pakistani President Musharraf to resign
By NNN-APP
Washington : Two key US senators, who witnessed Pakistan’s widely hailed polls last week, have clarified their reported remarks regarding President Pervez Musharraf’s political position, saying they never called for the Pakistani leader to step down.
Death warrants for two Pakistani terrorists
Islamabad : An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has issued death warrants to two prisoners convicted on terrorism charges, a media report said Thursday.
Judge Muhammad...
Filipinos embrace Islam in Saudi Arabia
By IINA
Riyadh : Some 141 Filipinos embraced Islam in Saudi Arabia. They eagerly converted to Islam after getting acquainted with the religion and its potential to save mankind from being trapped in falling plights, Al Riyadh Arabic daily reported. The Filipinos are among those who work in the southern Jizan region and religious preachers acquainted them with the priorities of the religion during courses organized by Saudi organizations.
It is worth mentioning that a significant number of followers of other faiths convert to the enlightening religion of Islam in Saudi Arabia every year.
UAE, Britain sign nuclear cooperation agreement
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi: The UAE and Britain have signed a nuclear cooperation agreement, it was announced Thursday.
Pakistan proposes uninterrupted power at higher tariff
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistanis can now have uninterrupted electricity supply -- but for a price.
Islamabad police round up over 100 after explosion
By NNN-KUNA
Islamabad : Police in a grand search operation has rounded up more than 100 suspects after an explosion in an Italian restaurant here Saturday night killed a Turkish woman and wounded 14 others.
Police launched a grand search operation Sunday morning and arrested over 100 suspects, local media reported on Sunday, citing police.
The operation was still continuing and more arrests were likely, said reports.
A bomb ripped through Italian Luna Caprese restaurant in the Supermarket area of Islamabad.
Afghan diplomat: regional forces will ompact Afghan security after US troop
By NNN-KUNA,
Washington : Afghanistan Ambassador to the US, Said Jawad said Friday regional factors will determine whether Afghan security forces are ready to take over security responsibility following the US troop surge.
"We are ready to take full responsibility of the security in Afghanistan," said Jawad in a statement. He highlighted that while Afghan security forces are already fighting alongside US and allied troops, but "they are not strong enough to take over unassisted".
Talks with Pakistan when no cross-border terrorism: Modi
New Delhi : BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi Thursday said talks with Pakistan cannot take place if there was cross-border terrorism, noting that...
Israeli Special Forces injure Quds Brigades chief — radio
By KUNA,
Gaza : A Palestinian activist affiliated with Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of Islamic Jihad, was injured late on Monday after being attacked by an Israeli Special Forces unit in a town located in the north of the West Bank.
Local radio stations in Gaza quoted a source in the brigades as saying the Israeli forces injured Ala'a Abu Al-Rab, in charge of the faction's operations in the towns of Qabatiay, Jenin and the West Bank, late on Monday.
Roadside bomb kills four Shiite pilgrims in S Baghdad
By Xinhua
Baghdad : A roadside bomb explosion went off in southern Baghdad on Monday near a crowd of pilgrims marching to commemorate one of Shiite Muslims' holiest days, killing four people and wounding 12 others, an Interior Ministry source said. The attack occurred at about 8:00 a.m. (0500 GMT) in an intersection in the Zaafaraniyah neighborhood, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Nawaz party not rejoining federal cabinet
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz of opposition leader Nawaz Sharif has all but rejected Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's invitation to rejoin the federal cabinet, saying it would, however, cooperate with the government.
"We will cooperate with the government on all important issues but we do not want to join the government," PML-N spokesman Siddiqul Farooq told reporters here Monday.
"However, a final decision on this will be taken by Nawaz Sharif," he added.
Suicide bomber killed in Pakistan blast
By IANS,
Islamabad: A would-be suicide bomber was killed Saturday when the explosives tied to him blew up accidentally in Pakistan's northwest tribal region, Geo News reported.
Egyptian uprising inspired by Tunisia’s upheaval
By IANS,
Cairo: The month-long revolution in Tunisia, which led to the change of a 23-year military regime, was the inspiration for the uprising by Egyptians against Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule.
One-third Iraqis suffer from mental problems: study
By DPA
Baghdad : The terrorism and chaos in Iraq have led to a manifest increase in mental health problems among the country's residents, according to the results of a study announced Wednesday by the Iraqi health ministry.
Around 35 percent of all Iraqis suffer from serious mental health problems, the study produced with the cooperation of the World Health Organization (WHO) showed.
An adviser to the ministry, Mohammed Rashid al-Obeidi, told the Al-Sabah daily that more women (about 40 percent) were affected than men (30 percent).
There’s still time and space for diplomacy on Iran: US
By IANS,
Washington : The White House Monday reiterated that there was still "time and space" for diplomacy in dealing with Iran's nuclear standoff.
Terrorist attack on German site in Afghanistan thwarted – ministry
By KUNA,
Berlin : Afghan security forces thwarted a terrorist attack targeting a German military site in Mazar-e-Sharif in the northern part of the country, German Defense Ministry said Thursday.
In a press statement, a ministry spokesman said that Afghan security forces stopped a truck that was rigged with 300-kilograms of explosives, noting that security personnel managed to arrest some terrorism suspects.
Iran, South Africa discuss shipping cooperation
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran and South Africa Tuesday opened here their second meeting to find ways to enhance shipping and port cooperation, IRNA news agency reported.
During the two-day meeting, experts from the two countries will study shipping and technical cooperation, ship-building, launching ports and sea structures.
"It is necessary to hold such meetings to increase the shipping activities in Iran's sea lanes," said Gholam-Reza Sasani, director of the Ports and Shipping Company of Iran, while briefing to reporters about the meeting.
Israeli warplanes renew violation of Lebanese airspace
By NNN-SANA,
Beirut : Israeli warplanes have renewed violation of the Lebanese airspace.
A Lebanese Army statement said that an Israeli hostile reconnaissance plane violated the Lebanese airspace over the Lebanese town of Ulama alShaab, and headed north and circled over Bekaa and returned south at dawn Monday toward the occupied territories.
Gaza militants resume rockets attacks at Israel
By Xinhua
Gaza : Gaza militant groups resumed on Tuesday morning makeshift rockets attacks from the Gaza Strip to southern Israeli communities, Israeli and Palestinian sources reported.
The Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) claimed responsibility for launching two homemade rockets from northern Gaza Strip at the southern costal Israeli town of Ashkelon, causing no injuries or damages.
Interim Bangladesh government relaxes ban on political activities
Dhaka, May 13 (DPA) The military-backed interim government in Bangladesh Monday partially lifted the ban on political activities, allowing limited indoor meetings under a relaxed state of emergency.
Regime head Fakhruddin Ahmed also announced plans to hold a crucial general election in the third week of December in a move expected to restore democracy in the Muslim country.
Fakhruddin as de facto prime minister decided to hold talks with political parties from May 22 on the staging of free and credible national polls.
Pentagon announces airstrikes on Islamic State targets
Washington : The Pentagon announced Friday that the US military has launched targeted airstrikes on forces of the Islamic State (IS) Sunni insurgent group...
Kuwaiti-Spanish consortium negotiating Jordan’s Zarqaa railway details
By KUNA,
Amman : A Kuwaiti-Spanish consortium which is to build the Amman-Zarqaa light railway project in Jordan is still negotiating the contract details, said Jordan's Director General of The Public Transport Regulatory Commission Jamil Mojahed Sunday.
Ad-Dustour paper quoted Mojahed saying agreement was reached on several aspects of the contract and that the Jordanian government hopes to launch execution as planned next June.
The consortium was the second to bid for the project, and is to execute the project as BOT, with the government fully owning the railway in 30 years.
Hamas won’t recognize Abbas as president when his term ends
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Hamas-dominated Palestinian parliament on Sunday said it will not recognize Mahmoud Abbas as a Palestinian president as soon as his term ends in January 2009.
"In Jan. 9, 2009, Abbas' term ends and the presidency moves to the speaker of the Legislative Council for 60 days before holding new elections to select a new president," said Deputy Speaker Ahmed Barah.
"If Abu Mazen (Abbas) stayed as a president after January, he will be a power rapist," Bahar added.
NATO helicopters violate Pakistani airspace
Islamabad : NATO gunship helicopters violated Pakistani airspace by entering territory near its border with Afghanistan, media reported Wednesday.
According to officials, at least five...
Top U.S. military officer holds talks with Pakistani army chief
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A top U.S. military officer Wednesday opened talks with Pakistani army chief in a bid to reduce tension in Pakistan's tribal region, local TV channels reported.
During the talks with Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen, Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Ashfaq Kayani said that only the Pakistani army were allowed to conduct operations against militants on the Pakistani soil, according to private GEO TV channel.
Pakistan wants early warning system for disasters
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has asked the UN for an early warning system for natural disasters to reduce damages.
Media influence vital to bridge gap on Islam – Abdullah
By NNN-Bernama
Madrid, Spain : The media has vital role and influence in bridging the gap between Muslims and the western world and to correct negative perceptions of Islam, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.
Positive reports about Muslims can help influence reactions between the East and the West, the prime minister told reporters at the end of his visit to Spain, among others, to address the First Alliance of Civilisations ((AoC) Forum here Tuesday.
German military refuses sending more troops to Afghanistan
By KUNA,
Berlin : The German Military Association refused on Wednesday sending more troops from the German army, Bundeswehr, to Afghanistan, saying that was "unnecessary".
Head of the association Ulrich Kirsch told Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger newspaper that what is more important than sending more troops is to achieve just balance among western countries regarding troop deployment, in addition to providing enough support to units serving in Afghanistan.
It is also vital to achieve balance in significant fields like missions aiming to rebuild civilian sectors, he added.
British prime minister promises public inquiry into Iraq war
By Xinhua
London : British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has promised a full-scale inquiry into the military action in Iraq, The Independent newspaper said Monday.
"There is a need to learn all possible lessons from the military action in Iraq and its aftermath," Brown said in a letter to Sunder Katwala, general secretary of the Labour-affiliated Fabian Society.
Brown's remarks were a significant break from his predecessor Tony Blair, who steadfastly refused to hold an inquiry into the war, the newspaper said.
340 Sikh pilgrims given visas for Pakistan
New Delhi : The Pakistan High Commission here Friday issued visas to around 340 Sikh pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabdal...
Iranian president arrives in Islamabad for stopover visit
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on Monday morning on a stopover visit to the country.
Ahmadinejad is expected to meet Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani during his three-hour stopover.
The leaders of the two sides will mainly discuss their energy and electricity cooperation, local media said.
Mars will not come closer to Earth: UAE astronomers
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : Astronomers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have rejected reports that the planet Mars would come closer to Earth Aug 27 and look like a second moon.
The Emirates Astronomical Society and the Islamic Moon Observatory Project described the reports carried by some prominent Arabic newspapers as "bad astronomy", the official Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
Several e-mails have also been circulating that Mars will be the brightest in the night sky Aug 27 and will look as large as a full moon, creating a rare opportunity to see two moons in the sky.
Call for release of rights activist in Saudi Arabia
By DPA,
New York : Human Rights Watch Wednesday called on the Saudi government to release immediately and unconditionally Matrook al-Faleh, a leading defender of human rights.
Al-Faleh was arrested Monday at King Saud University in Riyadh, where he was teaching political science.
Human Rights Watch said he was arrested two days after publicly criticizing conditions in a prison where two Saudi human rights activists have been serving jail terms.
“Istiska” prayers offered throughout Saudi Arabia
By SPA
Riyadh : In Makkah, "Istiska" prayers were led by Sheikh Salih bin Mohammed al-Talib, the Imam of the Haram.
He urged the worshippers to adhere to the teachings of Islam and to remain God-fearing people.
He pointed out to the phenomena of climate warming, floods , drought, diseases which inflict the human beings, animals and birds, desertification and environmental imbalance.
"These phenomena make us deeply believe in what we were told by the Prophet (Peace be upon him).
Hamas denies reported truce deal with Israel
Gaza: The Islamic Hamas movement on Monday denied Israeli media reports that it had reached a five-year truce with Israel.
"The Israeli media reports are...
Trial of Bangladesh border guard mutineers to begin Tuesday
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh is to begin Tuesday the trial of over 3,500 border guards who staged a mutiny in February killing 74 people. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has promised to fast-track the process.
"I promise, if I live, I'll see the trial completed," Hasina said at a special programme in Dhaka Cantonment to mark Armed Forces Day Saturday.
The troopers had mutinied Feb 25 over low wages and poor working conditions.
PPP leader calls for calm in run up to Pakistan election
By IRNA
Islamabad : The leader of the main opposition party in Pakistan on Sunday called for calm in the run up to the election scheduled to be held on February 18.
Asif Ali Zardari, who replaced ex-PM Benazir Bhutto as Pakistan People's Party leader, said the bombers wanted Pakistan to give up on democracy.
Pakistanis go to the polls on Monday, in what is intended to be a landmark in the transition to democratic rule.
Some 80,000 soldiers have been deployed across the country to try to reassure voters amid fears of further violence.
Uzbekistan to be linked to Persian Gulf via Iran
By IRNA
Ashkhabad : Uzbekistan will have access to the Persian Gulf through Iran, wrote Turkmen weekly `Zaman Turkmenistan' in its latest issue.
The weekly said that Uzbekistan's railways and roads will be linked to the Persian Gulf through the Uzbek Republic's Termez city and Afghanistan's Mazar-i-Sharif and Herat cities.
It said Uzbekistan's link to Persian Gulf will cut the distance and expedite cargo transportation between Iran and the Uzbek Republic.
He said presently European and Asian states are linked to Uzbekistan through the Iran-Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan railway.
Counter-terrorism, Pakistan dominate Chidambaram talks in US
By IANS,
Washington : Building on institutional exchanges between intelligence and law-enforcement agencies of India and the US has been the thrust of Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram's meetings with top officials of the Obama administration. This enhanced cooperation will be underlined in his meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Thursday evening.
Officials of the FBI, intelligence and security agencies have briefed Chidambaram, who arrived in Washington Wednesday, in detail on the anti-terror measures that they had undertaken after the 9/11 attacks.
One soldier, eight militants killed in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least one soldier and eight militants were killed in clashes in Pakistan's northwestern region, the army said Saturday.
Troops engaged the rebels near Banjot in the Swat district, resulting in "five terrorists and one soldier" killed, an army statement said. Another soldier was wounded in combat and 30 militants were captured from various areas, it added.
Thousands of military and paramilitary troops launched a full offensive in late April to neutralise a Taliban threat in Swat and three adjoining districts.
Five policemen killed in Afghan blast
By IANS,
Kabul : Five policemen with the Afghan Border Police were killed and six others injured in a blast in Afghanistan Sunday, Xinhua reported.
Anti-government protests continue in Pakistan
Islamabad : The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) continued protests in Islamabad for the fourth day Sunday, demanding Prime Minister...
Ban on death terms against terrorists to go: Sharif
Islamabad : A day after a Taliban attack on an army-run school here left nearly 150 people killed, nearly all of them students, Pakistan...
World powers can’t stop our nuclear drive: Ahmadinejad
By DPA
Tehran : The world powers cannot stop Iran's nuclear drive, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday.
"We have nuclear technology at the highest level, and gained this achievement entirely through our own local experts - and therefore nobody can stop this drive or ever take this achievement from us," Ahmadinejad said in a ceremony in Tehran marking the so-called "National Day of Nuclear Achievement".
The Iranian President had said earlier Tuesday that Iran had started to install 6,000 centrifuges at the Natanz nuclear plant in the centre of the country.
60 percent of Islamabad water samples test unsafe: Report
By IANS,
Islamabad : Nearly 60 percent of water samples collected from Islamabad have tested unsafe for drinking, a media report said Thursday.
10 killed in Pakistan mosque roof collapse
Islamabad : At least 10 people were killed and seven injured while several others were trapped when the roof of a mosque collapsed in...
17 killed, 45 injured in Pakistan’s Karachi rail mishap
By NNN-Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least 17 people died and 45 others injured after a passenger train collided Tuesday head on with a goods train near the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, police and hospital sources said Wednesday.
As per details, the Karachi-bound Allama Iqbal Express collided with the Super Parcel Goods train near Jumma Goth in limits of Quaidaba, police said.
Poland pledges more support for Afghanistan
By KUNA,
KABUL : Polish President Lech Kczynski has assured his country full support for international efforts to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan.
Israel lifts blockade, allows 480 trucks into Gaza Strip
Jerusalem : The Israeli military Wednesday decided to allow 480 trucks into the Gaza Strip via the Karm Abu Salem crossing.
"The trucks are loaded...
Lashkar-i-Islam merges with Pakistan Taliban
Islamabad : Militant organisation Lashkar-i-Islam (LI) has merged with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as part of a re-organisation plan, a media report said on...
Power transfer in Bangladesh in a week: official
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's military-backed caretaker government will
transfer power to the victors of the Monday poll in a week, a senior
official said Tuesday.
Adviser (minister) M. Anwarul Iqbal said the newly elected government will
take office in seven days through a gazette publication.
Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and the nine-party alliance led by her
Awami League raced to a landslide victory Tuesday, winning 259 seats of the
299 seats in Bangladesh's ninth general election.
"The new government will be formed after the members-elect take oath as MPs;
Afghan foreign minister speaks to Krishna after blast
By IANS,
New Delhi/Kabul: In the wake of the terror attack in Kabul that killed 17 people, including nine Indians, Afghanistan Friday told India it would take more security measures for the safety of Indian nationals while New Delhi assured that it would carry on its reconstruction activities in the terror-ravaged country.
Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmay Rassoul called up his Indian counterpart S.M. Krishna Friday and said his country will take more security measures for the safety of Indian nationals in the wake of the terror attack.
24 detained over Turkey coal mine disaster
Istanbul : As any as 24 people, including coal mine executives, were detained in western Turkey Sunday as investigations continued into the causes of...
Report on Kuwait”s fifth constituency candidates
By KUNA,
Kuwait : The fifth constituency (Ahmadi) is geographically spread out over a large area of the country, and groups the largest number of eligible voters.
The constituency holds 20 areas: Ahmadi, Hadiya, Fintas, Mahboula, Abu Halifa, Sabah Al-Salem Area, Riqqa, Subahiya, Thahar, Oqaila, Qurain, Addan, Qusour, Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Fahad Al-Ahmad Area, Jaber Al-Ali Area, Fahaheel, Manqaf, Ali Sabah Al-Salem Area, Mina Abdullah, Al-Zour and Wafra.
Tanker explosion kills 18 in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least 18 people were killed Monday when a tanker carrying highly flammable paint thinner exploded in southern Pakistan, police said.
More than 40 people were also injured near a busy street in Hyderabad, 159 km east of the southern port city of Karachi.
Mohammad Ali Balouch, a senior police official, said the tanker parked at a truck depot had a capacity of 30,000 liters of paint thinner, part of which may have converted into gas due to the heat.
"Initial investigations shows that the explosion took place due to the gas pressure inside the tanker."
Int”l press freedom org. condemns Israeli acts against Palestinian journalists
By KUNA,
Paris : The international press freedom organization, Reporters Without Borders condemned here the "abusive behavior" by Israeli security agents towards Palestinian journalists moving around the Territories or returning from visits abroad. The worldwide press freedom organisation said it had recorded five incidents of "wrongful arrest" in the past ten days. One journalist is still being held, while another needed hospital treatment after being subjected to brutality and humiliation at an Israeli checkpoint by Israeli forces.
U.S. lawmakers condemn UN report on war crimes in Gaza
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The U.S. House of Representatives has adopted a non-binding resolution condemning a controversial report on Israeli and Palestinian war crimes in Gaza, the Jerusalem Post said on Wednesday.
The resolution, which describes the findings of a UN mission as "irredeemably biased and unworthy of further consideration or legitimacy," was adopted by 334 "yes" votes against 36 "no" votes.
Kerala mulls schools in Middle East
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Education Minister P.K. Abdu Rabb told the assembly on Thursday that the education department would conduct a feasibility study to see if...
Afghan forces kill militants in S Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) backed by the U.S.-led Coalition forces on Friday killed several militants and arrested more than a dozen during an operation to disrupt militant activity in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province, said a Coalition statement released here on Sunday.
A large cache of artillery rounds, grenade fuses, and small arms ammunition were discovered and destroyed on the scene, the statement said.
No Coalition forces, ANSF or civilian casualties were reported, it added.
Iran receives sixth consignment of nuclear fuel from Russia
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iran received a sixth shipment of nuclear fuel from Russia on Thursday for its first nuclear power plant being built at the Gulf port city of Bushehr, the official IRNA news agency reported.
The 11-ton shipment has been forwarded to Bushehr nuclear power plant, IRNA quoted Iran's Atomic Energy Production and Development Company as saying.
More attacks in Syria after arrival of UN observers: Assad
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The number of terrorist attacks in Syria has increased since UN observers arrived in the country, President Bashar al-Assad told the Rossiya 24 TV channel.
Coalition troops arrest suspected Taliban facilitator
By KUNA
Kabul : The US-led coalition troops said they had captured a key insurgent facilitator during a search operation in the southeastern Khost province of the troubled country. A statement from the coalition's Bagram base here Tuesday said the known Taliban commander Naseemullah was arrested during a joint operation with Afghan police in Yaqoobi district.
Largest Pakistan Army war games begin
By IANS,
Islamabad: The Pakistan Army Saturday began its largest war games near the Indian border involving some 20,000 soldiers and the air force.
The six-week exercise, codenamed Azm-i-Nau 3, involves troops from all arms and services, besides engagement of various aircraft and equipment of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Online news agency reported.
It is the largest exercise since the Zarb-i-Momin war games of 1989.
The ongoing PAF exercise High Mark 2010 will be fully integrated with the army field exercise, which will continue till May 13.
Pakistan in talks with Japan to expand volume of ODA
By NNN-APP,
Tokyo : Pakistan is currently engaged in holding talks with Japanese authorities insisting to expand the seize of Official Development Assistance (ODA) for South Asian country, said a senior official at Pakistani mission here on Friday.
The minister economic at Pakistan’s Mission Iftikhar Babar told APP that he is currently engaged in holding negotiations with Japanese authorities to further expand the volume of ODA 2008 by including some more developmental projects.
Iran could start uranium enrichment alone: Ahmadinejad
By DPA,
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned that his country would soon start enriching uranium to 20 percent on its own if world powers "continue playing games" with the Islamic republic.
"We are still interested in cooperation (with the West), but if they wanted to continue playing games with the Iranian nation, then we would be prepared to do the 20 percent by ourselves," he said Sunday at a laser technology conference in Tehran.
Ahmadinejad said the Iranian Atomic Organisation (IAO) was ready to start the uranium enrichment and would eventually do so.
U.S.-led military kills dozen insurgents, detains 2 in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : The U.S.-led Coalition forces have killed over a dozen insurgents in response to an attack in Helmand province of southern Afghanistan and detained two militants in central province Ghazni, the Coalition said Wednesday.
Fatah to defend Gaza against likely Israeli incursion – Abul-Naja
By KUNA
Gaza City : Amidst the ongoing Israeli military guild-up on the borders of Gaza strip, the Palestinian mainstream Fatah movement pledged Friday evening not to yield in.
"We will pursue the path of struggle and resistance against the Israeli occupation and never surrender to the enemy," Ibrahim Abul-Naja, member of Fatah supreme command, pledged.
He made the vow after taking part in the funeral of four Palestinian children who were massacred by the Israeli forces in Jebalia, north Gaza Strip Thursday night.
Saudi energy summit calls for greater transparency in oil market deals
By Xinhua,
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia : The Jeddah energy summit on Sunday called for "improved" transparency and regulation in oil production and financial markets dealing in crude oil, said a final communique of this summit.
As for the financial markets, which have been playing an active role in the oil price hike, leaders and ministers from the 36 nations said "the transparency and regulation of financial markets should be improved through measures to capture more data on index fund activity and to examine cross-exchange interactions in the crude market."
Egypt to release journo on hunger strike
Cairo : Egypt has ordered the release of Al Jazeera journalist Abdullah Elshamy on medical grounds, ending almost a year of jail time -...
Hamas condemns France’s decision to ban Islamic veil
By IANS,
Gaza : Hamas has condemned a law passed by the French parliament that bars Muslim women in the country from wearing Islamic veils.
Iraqi deputy PM survives assassination bid
By IANS,
Baghdad: Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Saleh al-Mutlak Sunday survived an attempt on his life, Xinhua reported.
NATO air raid kills dozens of Taliban – governor
By SPA,
Khost, Afghanistan : NATO killed dozens of Taliban insurgents in an air strike on Sunday in Afghanistan's southeastern province of Khost, the provincial governor said.
Violence has escalated in Afghanistan over the past two years after the ousted Taliban regrouped and launched their insurgency against the government and the foreign troops backing it.
The pre-dawn raid was summoned to fend off an attack by the insurgents in Spera district, which lies near the border with Pakistan, Arsala Jamal said.
Abdullah lashes at Afghan election body’s decision
By NNN-Xinhua,
Kabul : President Hamid Karzai's top challenger Abdullah Abdullah on Wednesday described the election body's decision to have announced the sitting Karzai as the winner as illegal and vowed to continue struggle.
"The decision announced by the so-called Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Monday is illegal and I am determined to continue my struggle for the betterment of the people," Abdullah said at his first press conference after Karzai was announced by IEC as the winner.
Mullen seeks Pakistan commitment on Indian demands: report
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : Undertaking a visit as tension escalates between India and Pakistan, the top US military official has asked Islamabad to do more to address India's concerns and reportedly sought commitments from Pakistani leadership on New Delhi's demands.
Bangladesh to firm up money laundering laws
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh will enact two legislation to firm up its laws against money laundering to fight the flow of funds used for terrorism, Finance Minister A.M.A. Muhith has said.
Blair to depose at Britain’s Iraq war inquiry next week
By DPA,
London: Former British prime minister Tony Blair will give evidence to Britain's Iraq inquiry on January 29 in a full-day session expected to be attended by relatives of war victims and anti-war groups, it was announced Monday.
Blair, 56, the most high-profile public figure to appear before the inquiry so far, was in charge of the British government in the run-up to the US-led invasion of Iraq in March, 2003.
Rice admits mistakes in Iraq
By IRNA
New York : Almost five years after the start of the Iraq war, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has acknowledged that US-led efforts to rebuild the country should have begun much earlier.
Rice told US lawmakers: "I would have to admit, I think we've learned that, yes, it is really important to be able to help others build their states, to help others build their nations."
She was replying to a question on whether the administration of President George W. Bush had changed its mind on the controversial issue of helping other countries with "nation-building."
Arabs have no appetite for Bush-style democracy
MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political commentator Maria Appakova) - Iran and al-Qaeda are the main obstacles in the way of the Middle East's movement towards democracy and freedom. They sponsor terrorism worldwide and threaten regional stability. This is the main message of George Bush's speech given during his visit to Abu-Dhabi.
The speech, delivered at the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, is undoubtedly the highlight of Bush's Middle East tour designed to drum up Arab support for America's anti-Iranian policy.
Bhutto assassins say attack was revenge for Pakistani mosque siege
Islamabad, Feb 13 (DPA) Two Pakistani militants arrested in connection with the assassination of Benazir Bhutto have confessed that were seeking revenge for the death of a comrade killed in a commando assault on Islamabad's Red Mosque in July 2007, a police official said Wednesday.
National Assembly speaker dismisses Shraif’s disqualification reference
Islamabad : Pakistani National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has dismissed a reference pertaining to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification.
The reference, challenging Prime Minister Nawaz...
Indian man, daughter in Bahrain forced to live out in the open
By IANS,
Dubai : An expatriate Indian man and his three-year-old daughter in Bahrain have been forced to rough it out in the open for the last six months after a business deal went sour.
Pakistani PM holds supporters of undemocratic forces responsible for crisis
By KUNA,
Islamabad : The Pakistani Prime Minister Thursday said supporters of "undemocratic" forces were responsible for prevailing political crisis however the country can overcome the challenges by adhering to the democratic process on a sustainable basis. Addressing a gathering at the National Defence University, Yousuf Raza Gilani said the political leadership of the country was determined to resolve all contentious issues.
Main Peshawar school attack perpetrator arrested
Islamabad : One of the main perpetrators of the Dec 16 attack on the Army Public School in the Pakistani city of Peshawar has...
10 women killed in Baghdad attacks
Baghdad : At least 10 women were killed and 23 others wounded in attacks at a residential complex here Saturday, an interior ministry source...
Intelligence on Mumbai was given to navy, coast guard: Chidambaram
By IANS,
New Delhi : Intelligence reports of a suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) vessel attempting to infiltrate into Mumbai was shared with the Coast Guard as well as the naval intelligence, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said Thursday, while asserting that India cannot go back to "business as usual" with Pakistan.
Abu Dhabi to invest $200 bn in core sector by 2030
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is planning to invest up to $200 billion in its bid to have a diversified economy, while reducing its dependence on oil revenues.
"Abu Dhabi will be focusing on developing infrastructure projects to cater to the needs of its growing population," the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM) quoted Abdulraman Al-Tassan, chief executive of RAKAA Properties, as saying.
UAE, Switzerland discuss Educationsl cooperation
By NNN-WAM,
Geneva : UAE Minister of Education Dr. Hanif Hasan and Swiss State Secretary for Education and Research Charles Kleiber discussed ways to promote cooperation and exchange of expertise between their two countries.
At the meeting which was attended by UAE Permanent Representative The United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) Obaid Al Za'abi, Hasan gave an overview of the UAE educational system and development plans. He stressed that education in the UAE is seeing unprecedented interest and support from the country's political leadership.
Obama urges action on Mideast peace
By DPA,
Dresden (Germany) : US President Barack Obama Friday said the time was ripe to take action to push forward the Middle East peace process.
"The moment to act is now," the president told a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel after talks in the East German city of Dresden.
"We want to try to clear some of the misunderstandings so that we can have frank dialogue," Obama said referring to talks between Israelis and Palestinians. "To do this we need strong partners."
Abandon Tipaimukh dam project, Khaleda Zia tells India
By IANS,
Dhaka: Urging India to cancel plans to build a dam in an area near the Bangladesh border, opposition leader Khaleda Zia Saturday exhorted the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina "not to bow" to India on the issue.
Zia offered the government "full cooperation" in resisting India's plans to construct a dam on the Barak river at Tipaimukh in Manipur, saying it would have disastrous impact on the environment in both countries, bdnews24.com news agency reported.
U.S. marks Memorial Day as military death in Iraq rises
By Xinhua,
Washington : The United States marked on Monday the annual Memorial Day as politicians and public paid tribute to the country's troops who died in battles.
President George W. Bush appeared at a national cemetery in Arlington, Virginia accompanied by his wife, Laura, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates, saying national leaders must have "the courage and character to follow their lead" in preserving peace and freedom.
Egyptian FM calls for more co-op between Asia, Mideast
By Xinhua
Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt : Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit here on Saturday called for more cooperation between Asia and Mideast to achieve a better future for the two regions.
Abul Gheit made the remarks in his address at the second Ministerial Meeting of Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED), expecting this meeting to boost cooperation and development of the two regions.
Organisation calls for the release of Iraqi shoe-thrower
By DPA,
Baghdad : The press freedom organisation, Reporters Without Borders, called Wednesday for the release of Montazer al-Zaidi, the TV reporter who threw his shoes at US President George W. Bush during a press conference in Baghdad Sunday.
"We obviously regret that the journalist used this method of protest against the politics of the American president," the organisation said.
"But for humanitarian reasons and to ease tension, we call for the release of Montazer al-Zaidi who has been held by the Iraqi authorities," Reporters Without Borders said in a statement.
Pakistan for enhancing aid with Europe
By NNN-APP,
London : The visiting Pakistan Commerce Secretary underscored the need of enhancing trade and investment in the South Asian country as a part of international support in the perspective of new era of democracy following the February 18 Parliamentary elections.
“Pakistan needs trade and not aid”, Syed Asif Shah told a seminar organised by the Asia House Corporate programme in Central London on Friday.
Family physicians needed in Arab world
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: With its population going beyond 350 million, the Arab world seeks over 160,000 specialist family physicians as the available numbers are far less than actually needed.
Visit Pakistan, Zardari to tell Manmohan
By IANS,
Islamabad : President Asif Ali Zardari will invite Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to visit Pakistan when the two leaders meet Sunday, a media report said here.
No more graffiti: Pakistan court to political parties
By IANS,
Islamabad : A court in Pakistan has directed political parties to refrain from graffiti.
Vote in large numbers, UN urges Afghans
By IANS,
Kabul : Voters in Afghanistan have been urged to turn out in large numbers for the Aug 20 general elections in a campaign run by the election commission and the United Nations.
The Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan has enrolled a number of sports personalities and civic educators to organise mock voting across the country so that people learn the electoral process.
Coalition forces kill five Afghan civilians: Police
By DPA,
Kabul : US-led coalition soldiers killed a father and four of his sons Saturday in an operation in central Afghanistan, a police commander said, but the US military called the victims "militants".
The incident took place in a village in Logar province's Charkh district when the coalition attacked a residential compound, said the provincial police chief, General Mustafa Muhseni.
"Abdul Rashid and four of his sons were killed and one other male member of his family was wounded in the ground-and-air operation conducted by the coalition forces," Muhseni said.
UN probe team on Benazir killing barred from meeting military officers
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistani government has barred a UN team probing the 2007 assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto from meeting the country's top military leadership as part of its investigations.
In a letter to the Pakistani government, the commission head, Chilean Ambassador to the UN Heraldo Munoz, had sought access to top military and intelligence officials for interrogation, Online news agency reported.
IMF asks Pakistan to cut defence budget
By IRNA,
Islamabad : The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to cut its defence expenditure.
Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance, Shaukat Tareen has said that Pakistan is at war on its western border and no effort should be made to slash down the defence expenditure at this critical juncture.
"If the armed forces keep their expenditures within the envisaged allocated amount for this fiscal year, it will be a great achievement on their part," he said.