Arab summit opening session concludes, leaders to meet again tomorrow
By KUNA
Damascus : Arab leaders or their representatives, meeting here for the 20th Arab summit conference, ended their opening session on Saturday and were scheduled to meet again on Sunday to hear speeches of the rest of the participating delegations.
Five leaders in addition to Syrian President Bashar al Assad and the Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa addressed the opening session.
HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah al Ahmad al Jaber al Sabah is leading Kuwait's delegation to the conference and due to deliver his speech tomorrow.
Pakistan to probe illegal arms sale in the country
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistani government has decided to issue notices to arms dealers for information regarding sale of weapons to unauthorised people as part of a move to stop the illegal weapon sale in the country, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said.
The licenses of the dealers will be cancelled if they fail to act on the government directive, the Online news agency said Friday citing Malik.
The ministry has also decided to form a special committee to study the proposed amendments in the explosives act, the report said.
Sarkozy sends letter of support to Afghan leader
By KUNA,
Paris : French President Nicolas Sarkozy has sent a letter of support to his Afghan counterpart, Hamid Karzai, who was the target of an assassination attempt in Kabul Sunday, Sarkozys office announced Monday.
Rockets target Israel, Israeli Army demolishes buildings in Gaza
By KUNA
Gaza : Three rockets were launched Thursday at southern Israel, Israeli Army spokesman said.
The spokesman told Israel Radio that the rockets exploded near an educational institute in western Negev near Gaza Strip, without causing casualties or damage.
Meanwhile, spokesman of the army said Israeli forces were demolishing buildings in northern Gaza Strip near the borders with Israel.
He pointed out that the destruction of the buildings, located in the industrial area near Erez crossing, began Wednesday evening.
Hamas says ‘no ceasefire’ unless Israel withdraws
By DPA,
Beirut : A Hamas representative in Lebanon, Osama Hamdan, said Saturday if there is no Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and no lifting of siege there will be no ceasefire.
Hamdan was speaking shortly before the Israeli security cabinet announced a unilateral ceasefire in Gaza.
"If there will be an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a lifting of the siege, Hamas will then be able to deal with the issue positively," Hamdan said.
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.
Pakistan sacks National security adviser
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has sacked the country's National security adviser Mahmud Ali Durrani, Geo TV reported Wednesday.
Gilani said Durrani had given a statement to an Indian news channel regarding Ajmal Kasab, the lone Pakistani terrorist arrested for the Mumbai attacks, without taking him into confidence.
The prime minister said Durrani's statement had tarnished the country's image.
British schoolgirls flee to Syria to join IS
London: British schoolgirls as young as 15-16 years are believed to have fled to Syria via Turkey to join the Islamic State (IS) jihadi...
Five militants killed, 22 held in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : Five suspected Taliban militants were killed and 22 arrested in joint operations in eight Afghan provinces, the interior ministry said Monday.
EU and US Differ on Afghanistan
By Prensa Latina
Berlin : The recent Munich security conference showed increasing difference between Europe and the United States on issues like Afghanistan, the capital press states Monday.
In the foreign and defense ministers' conference of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Asia in Berlin, Washington only analyzed military topics, "Handelsblatt" newspaper reports.
German politicians sought to formulate a more extensive security concept, the daily notes.
Don’t send troops to Afghanistan, Taliban warns Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Taliban has warned Bangladesh against sending its troops to Afghanistan after the US asked Dhaka to send its forces to the war-ravaged country.
Pakistan deploys army to stop cross-border attacks
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has deployed the army and the paramilitary along the frontier with Afghanistan to stop cross-border militants' attacks, the chief military spokesman said Tuesday.
Jordan, Britain join hands for nuclear cooperation
By NN-Petra,
Amman : Jordan and Britain have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to frame the cooperation between the two sides in the nuclear field to pave the way for signing an agreement by the end of this year.
The MoU was signed Sunday on the Jordanian side by chairman of the Jordanian Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) Khalid Touqan and on the British side by chairperson of the UK Atomic Energy Agency Lady Barbara Thomas Judge.
Pakistan to block mobile service for Eid security
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan will temporarily block mobile phone services in sensitive areas of the country as part of security measures during Eid celebrations Saturday.
UN asks Israel to end blockade on Gaza
By DPA,
New York : The top foreign policy official of the UN Monday asked Israel to end its "counterproductive" and "unacceptable" blockade on Gaza.
The UN Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, Argentina's Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, further said in an emergency UN Security Council meeting that Monday's attack on a humanitarian aid flotilla off Gaza's coast would not have happened without the blockade.
The call to end the blockade was also made by the British and Brazilian ambassadors before the UN.
Longest urban tunnel opens in Tehran
By IRNA,
Tehran : Iran’s longest urban tunnel opened in Tehran Monday morning on the first day of the Ten-Day-Dawn ceremonies which mark the victory anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran.
The 2,136-meter-long tunnel was constructed by Tehran's Municipality engineers and experts within 32 months.
The project was initially designed to be finished in a record period of just 29 months but it prolonged when the engineers faced two subway crossroads on their way to complete the project.
US pitches for restarting India-Pakistan dialogue
By IANS,
New Delhi: Pitching for resumption of the India-Pakistan dialogue, the US Thursday said it is pressing Islamabad to take firm and urgent action against extremists and terrorists operating in its territory.
"US has welcomed better relations between the two countries. The pace, scope and character of the relationship has to be decided by the two countries," US Under Secretary of State William Burns told reporters here.
At least 21 police killed in suicide attack in Afghanistan
By RIA Novosti,
KABUL : At least 21 police officers were killed in a suicide attack on a police compound in the southern Afghan city of Tarin Kot, a source in the country's Interior Ministry told RIA Novosti on Monday.
The bomber, dressed as a police officer, blew himself up at a police training facility in the country's Uruzgan Province on Monday morning killing 21 and injuring eight others, seven of whom are in critical condition.
The radical Taliban movement has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Incentives will not change its nuclear course: Iran
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran Sunday said it will not call off its uranium enrichment programme in exchange for economic incentives, IRNA news agency reported.
Foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini, during his weekly press briefing, urged the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany (P5+1) to acknowledge the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme and revise their policies.
Hosseini said UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has given Tehran a clean bill that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.
Global crisis to hit Gulf economies on three fronts: report
By IANS,
Dubai : The global financial crisis is about to hit the economies of the Gulf nations on three critical fronts, slowing the region's pace of growth, according to a new report.
Lower crude oil prices, the drying up of foreign capital flows and declining demand for the region's energy-intensive industrial and building materials will slow down the growth of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, according to the GCC Economics and Strategy Report for the fourth quarter of 2008, released by leading Islamic investment bank Gulf Finance House (GFH).
Bangladesh PM rules out talks with opposition party chief
Dhaka : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Saturday ruled out chances of a dialogue with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia whose party has been enforcing...
Iraqi PM extends deadline for arms handover to April 8
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Iraqi government extended a deadline for Shiite militiamen in southern Basra to hand over their weapons from Saturday to April 8, the Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said in a statement Friday.
The militia would receive a financial reward if they surrender." All those who have heavy and intermediate weapons are to deliver them to security sites and they will be rewarded financially. This will start from March 28 to April 8," said Maliki.
Israel supplies Gaza with small quantities of industrial fuel
By KUNA
Gaza : Israel said it allowed on Tuesday entry of industrial fuel supplies to Gaza to operate hospitals and main facilities.
Israel Radio quoted sources from the Israeli Army as saying that Carnie Crossing will also be open to allow the dispatch of medicines to Gaza Strip.
The sources said the new steps were ordered by Israel Defense Minister Ehud Barak.
The majority of Gaza's districts spent Monday night in complete darkness after Israel banned the entry of fuel to the strip, leading to power blackout.
Roadside bomb kills US airman in Baghdad, military says
By SPA
Baghdad : The U.S. military says an American airman has been killed by a roadside bomb in Baghdad, according to AP.
A brief statement says the airman was on a patrol around noon when the attack occurred Thursday in a central area of the capital.
The identity of the slain airman has not been released pending notification of relatives.
The death raises to at least 4,012 members of the U.S. military who have died since the Iraq war started in March 2003. That's according to an Associated Press count.
Blast in Pakistan’s NWFP kills 3 children
By IANS,
Islamabad : Three children were killed Wednesday in a bomb blast in the restive tribal region of North West Frontier Province of Pakistan.
The bomb exploded near the house of a tribal elder in Nanger Khani area of Upper Dir district, killing three minors and damaging the house partially, Amjad Ali, a resident, told Xinhua.
Police have cordoned off the area which is close to Swat valley, once a base of Taliban militants.
The locals have formed an armed group against the Taliban insurgents who have been facing a military offensive launched by the Pakistan army last year.
Direct Israeli-Palestinian talks to resume on September 2: Quartet
By IRNA,
Berlin : Israelis and Palestinians have been invited to start direct talks in Washington on September 2, said a statement from Middle East Quartet issued by European Union in Brussels Friday.
"The Quartet calls on the Israelis and the Palestinians to join in launching direct negotiations ... to resolve all final status issues and fulfil the aspirations of both parties," the EU said in an official statement on behalf of the so-called Mideast Quartet, comprised of Russia, the United Nations, the United States and the EU.
827, 846 pilgrims reach Madinah until yesterday
By SPA,
Madinah : The number of the pilgrims who arrived in Madinah up to Sunday amounted to 82, 846 while the number of those who left until yesterday from the holy city accounted for 668, 274.
The pilgrims who are still staying in Madinah totals 159, 449 according to a report released here today by the Secretariat of the Hajj committee in Madinah.
The pilgrims included 25, 618 Indians, 19,214 Pakistanis and 13,197 Egyptians.
The number of flights arriving at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz international airport on Sunday amounted to 70 carrying 16, 210 pilgrims.
Confessions of a hijabi
By Farah Zahidi Moazzam
I watched the Bollywood film My Name is Khan the other day. The brilliant depiction of an autistic person by India's leading actor Shah Rukh Khan and director Karan Johar's surprisingly taut direction made for a good film.
In one particular scene, I felt a lump form in my throat. Sonya Jehan, the actress who plays Khan's sister-in-law, a working woman living on the West Coast of the United States, has her hijab pulled off while walking down a hallway.
Top Syrian law official resigns on YouTube
By IANS/AKI,
Damascus : A senior Syrian law official has resigned over online video-posting site YouTube in protest against the government's violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters.
Musharraf will resign if a majority doesn’t want him
By DPA
Hamburg : Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has told a German news magazine in an interview made public Saturday that he would resign if a majority of people in the country no longer wanted him.
The Pakistan leader also told Der Spiegel somebody should have stopped opposition leader Benazir Bhutto standing up in her car into the line of fire on the day last month when she was assassinated.
Lessons from the Haj tragedy
By Dr Kouser Fathima,
The Haj pilgrimage is the dream of all Muslims, but sadly this year the pilgrimage is marred by accidents resulting in...
Brown to address Israeli Knesset
By NNN-IRNA,
London : The Israeli Ambassador to Britain Friday promoted Gordon Brown's first visit to the occupied territories as prime minister, saying that he will be the first UK leader to address the Knesset on Monday.
"The occasion reflects the fact that Israel's parliamentary tradition was inspired by Britain. It is fitting that, 150 years after the first Jewish MP took his seat at Westminster (parliament in London), Ron Prosor said.
NAM Demands End of US Blockade on Cuba
By Prensa Latina,
Tehran : The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) demanded the government of the United States on Wednesday to end the economic, financial and trade embargo on Cuba and the return of the Guantanamo Bay, territory illegally occupied by the US government.
In the Final Declaration of the 15th NAM Ministerial Conference members declared to be against the coercive measure and described it as unilateral and against the UN Charter and international law.
Constitutional Court issues elections rulings, including one over “Hijab”
By KUNA,
Kuwait : The Constitutional Court issued rulings Wednesday on 11 cases filed contesting the 2009 elections and considered one parliament membership void, declared new MP, and rejected challenge over female candidates' "Hijab".
The Court earlier ruled, Presided by Chief Justice Faisal Abdelaziz Al-Mershed, that Badi Al-Dowsiri's parliament membership was void and that Khalid Al-Adwa was now the new MP in the Fifth Constituency.
US aid worker shot dead in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : Unknown gunmen shot dead a US aid worker and his driver in Pakistan's north-west Wednesday, police and media reports said.
The attack occurred in an upmarket neighbourhood of Peshawar, the capital of North West Frontier Province, located close to the restive tribal region.
"Assailants lying in ambush opened fire on the US national's car as it drove down an alley in the University Town (area of Peshawar), killing the foreigner and his local driver on the spot," an area police officer said on condition of anonymity.
10 killed in Iraq violence
By IANS,
Baghdad: At least 10 people were killed while as many injured in two separate incidents of violence in Iraq, police source said.
In Diyala...
Israeli army detains 21 Palestinians in West Bank
By Xinhua
Ramallah : The Israeli army arrested early on Thursday 21 Palestinians during raids on different West Bank towns and villages, Palestinian security sources said.
Israeli Radio Arabic service reported that the Israeli army forces arrested 21 wanted Palestinians in towns of Jenin, Nablus, Qalqilia, Ramallah and Bethlehem.
Palestinian sources said Israeli soldiers stormed houses in the West Bank towns, and arrested the Palestinians whom were all taken for interrogation at Israeli detention compounds.
US warship shooting on Egyptian “unsettling event” – Egyptian PM
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : The incident involving a US warship and two Egyptian boats which resulted in the death of an Egyptian citizen is an unsettling event which needs investigation, said Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit.
During a news conference with Foreign Minister of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn Wednesday, Abul-Gheit expressed deep concern over the shooting incident, adding that Egyptian seaports should not be used as a field for shooting.
He said: "I am not fully briefed about the incident but being approached by boats does not give you the authority to shoot."
Pakistan in crisis, Zardari set deadline to end lawyers’ stir
By IANS,
Islamabad : A volatile situation existed in Pakistan where authorities Friday continued their crackdown on agitating lawyers staging a 'long march' amidst reports that President Asif Ali Zardari had been set an internationally-backed, 24-hour deadline by the army to end the stir.
Pakistan Army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was reported to have got into the act Friday, meeting Zardari for the first time since the president returned home Wednesday from a regional meeting in Tehran.
Japan pledges $750 mn for Iraq’s development
By IANS,
Tokyo : Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has said that his government will assist the ongoing development of Iraq by contributing 67 billion yen (around $750 million).
Pakistan tribal militia set fires on militants’ hideouts
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan's tribal lashkar, or militia, on Thursday set fires on several militants's hideouts in northwestern tribal region on the Afghan border.
The lashkar in restive Bajaur tribal agency burnt down several hideouts of pro-Taliban militants in Mandal areas, the official Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported.
The lashkar from Mandal tribes first destroyed the militants' hideouts and later set them ablaze by pouring oil, eyewitnesses said.
Egypt court acquits Morsi-era PM
Cairo : An Egyptian court Sunday acquitted former prime minister Hesham Qandil of charges of law violation for not carrying out a court order.
Qandil,...
German opposition party rips “criminal” Israeli flotilla attack
By IRNA,
Berlin : Germany's opposition party The Left (Die Linke) on Tuesday lashed out at Israel for what it termed its "criminal" attack on the Gaza peace flotilla.
The head of The Left Gregor Gysi said in a press release that the Israeli military action on the aid ships was "not justified" at all.
According to the Left Party, five Germans were aboard the Marmara, the main passenger boat in the protest flotilla.
A senior official of the party, Christine Buchholz was quoted saying that number included two female German lawmakers, Annette Groth and Inge Hoeger.
Dubai issues new rules on property rentals
By IANS,
Dubai, : Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Thursday issued a decree specifying the limits on increase in property rent values for the year 2010, WAM news agency reported.
The decree aims at ensuring stability of Dubai's property market and preventing any rental increases that are not based on clearly defined legal references and standards.
For properties rented in 2009 and before, the maximum increase in rent value shall be set as per the previous relevant similar decree for 2009.
Ministerial meeting in preparation for Arab economic summit in Damascus
By NNN-SANA
Damascus : Discussions of the Preparatory Ministerial Committee for the Arab Economic, Development and Social Summit due in Kuwait next year focused here on the practical and preparatory steps which were adopted to make the economic summit a success in serving the Arab interest and achieving the Arab economic integrity.
Modi’s UAE visit a wake-up call for Pakistan: Daily
Islamabad: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE should be a wake-up call for Pakistan as "India is on the move in...
Egypt unveils long-waited presidential election law
Cairo: Egypt's interim President Adli Mansour has approved and issued a long-waited new law regulating the country's upcoming presidential election, officials said Saturday.
The law,...
President Karzai to stand for re-election in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : Afghan President Hamid Karzai officially registered with the Election Commission Monday to stand for re-election in country's presidential polls slated for Aug 20.
The incumbent president appeared before the Election Commission Monday morning, naming current Vice President Karim Khalili as one of his running mates. But he replaced his other Vice President, Ahmad Zia Massood, with former defence minister Mohammad Qasim Fahim.
Turkish police detain 22 suspects after hostage shootout
Ankara : The Turkish police on Wednesday detained 22 suspects after the hostage siege in an Istanbul courthouse that left a prosecutor dead, media...
Iraq calls for regional cooperation against terrorism
Baghdad : Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi Sunday called for cooperation among nations of the region to defeat terrorism.
A statement in this regard was...
Hamas rejects indirect talks with Israel over prisoner exchange
By SPA,
Cairo : The Palestinian group 'Hamas' has rejected an Israeli proposal to hold indirect marathon talks, to be mediated by Egypt, over a deal for an exchange of prisoners, a Hamas official said Wednesday.
Hamas has rejected a proposal whereby delegations from Israel and the group would conduct indirect negotiations at a hotel in Cairo mediated by Egyptian chief of intelligence, Omar Suleiman, Hamas official Aymen Taha told the pan-Arab daily Asharq-al-Awsat.
An India-Pakistan fashionable affair at Shaan-e-Pakistan
New Delhi: Painting a story of harmony, peace and friendship between Indian and Pakistan, as many as 14 designers from both the countries along...
Upcoming Arab Economic Summit to develop Arab women – Moussa
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : Secretary-General of the Arab League Amr Moussa has said that the Arab Economic Summit to be held in Kuwait late 2008 focuses on development affecting Arab women.
Speaking at the ceremony of the Arab prize for special works on women issues here Tuesday, Moussa said the upcoming summit will also discuss economic, social, and environmental issues.
He stressed that there is a strong relation between the development of women and the development of societies, praising the achievements of Arab women accomplished in the past few years.
Only a few Indians in Gulf countries likely to vote
By Bivekananda Biswas,
New Delhi : Complicated procedures, high travel cost and trust deficit hold millions of Indian nationals in the Gulf countries back from...
Khaleda Zia’s former aide dead
By IANS,
Dhaka : Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, who played an important role in the Khaleda Zia regime, died past midnight Wednesay after fighting lung cancer.
Bhuiyan was 67, the Daily Star reported.
A long-time minister and secretary general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for 11 years, Bhuiyan was removed by Zia in 2007 amid media reports that he was floating his own faction of the party.
Pakistani held with Indian currency in Bangladesh
Dhaka : A Pakistani national was detained at the Shahjalal International Airport here Sunday for carrying a large sum of Indian currency.
The airport officials...
Headlines in major Iranian newspapers
By IRNA,
Tehran : The following headlines appeared in major Iranian dailies on Thursday:
** TEHRAN TIMES
- Caged pharaoh goes on trial
** KAYHAN INTERNATIONAL
Pakistan dispatches relief goods to Myanmar
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Pakistan on Sunday dispatched two C-130 aircraft carrying relief goods including tents, plastic sheets, thousands of mosquito nets, adequate medicines and water purification tablets for the cyclone victims of Myanmar.
These relief flights also carried other urgently needed supplies for survivors of last week’s devastating cyclone.
All set for Musharraf impeachment motion Monday
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistani government has summoned the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, to meet Monday evening to initiate the impeachment process against President Pervez Musharraf, charging him with abrogating the constitution and damaging the country's democratic processes.
The National Assembly will meet at 5 p.m.
"This impeachment is in accordance with the constitution and the law and no other authority like the Supreme Court can interfere in it," Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) spokesman Ahsan Iqbal told reporters Saturday.
Pakistan foreign minister to hold talks with EU
By IANS,
Brussels : A Pakistani delegation led by its foreign minister will hold a meeting with three senior officials of the European Union (EU) in Prague Friday to discuss EU-Pakistan ties and other issues, the EuAsiaNews has reported.
The meeting will be attended by Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, Director for Asia of the European Commission's External Relations James Moran and Helga Schmid, the Policy Unit Director of the General Secretariat of the EU Council.
The Pakistani delegation will be led by Foreign Affairs Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Iran holds nuclear talks with UN, Russia in Tehran
By DPA,
Tehran : Iran Monday started talks with inspectors from the UN nuclear watchdog as well as Valentin Sobolev, acting secretary of Russia's National Security Council.
A three-man delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), headed by chief inspector Olli Heinonen, arrived in Tehran Monday morning and was to hold talks with officials from the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization.
Sobolev, who arrived Sunday night, had already started talks with his Iranian counterpart Saeid Jalili, who is also Tehran's chief nuclear negotiator.
Husband, supporters appeal for Sheikh Hasina’s release
By DPA
Dhaka : Wajed Mia, a retired nuclear scientist and husband of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, has joined hundreds of thousands of supporters of the ailing jailed leader in demanding she be allowed to receive medical treatment abroad, prison officials said Wednesday.
Mia appealed to the military backed interim government to release Hasina from her isolated makeshift prison quarters where her health has been deteriorating since her arrest in July last year.
Protests in London as Brown meets Musharraf
By IANS
London : Pro-democracy demonstrators Monday called upon the British government not to give visiting Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf a "red carpet treatment" as he and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown met in London.
"We have never seen a demonstration like this in London for a Pakistani leader. People here are angry," said Lord Ahmed, a member of the ruling Labour party and Britain's upper house of parliament.
Musharraf working for establishment of global think-tank
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf wants to set up an international think-tank to "make the world a peaceful place" and is visiting Britain to gather support for his plan, his close aide said Monday.
The aide told IANS that Musharraf will also be visiting the US, Canada, Belgium and some other Western countries to get support for his think-thank, which is likely to become functional by the middle of next year.
Iran Asian weightlifting champions
By IANS,
Tehran: Iran finished overall winners at the Asian Weightlifting Championships Tuesday.
Go for gas pipeline and now, Iran tells India
By IANS,
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has asked India to go for the proposed gas pipeline involving Tehran, New Delhi and Islamabad "as soon as possible".
The president made the observations while talking to India's National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan here Tuesday, Iranian news agency IRNA reported.
Ahmadinejad said: "Iran insists the gas pipeline be laid among the three countries as this will be to the benefit of (the) regional nations.
Lebanese Deputy Refuses Talk to Hizbollah
By Prensa Latina,
Beirut : The leader of the Lebanese parliamentary majority, Saad Hariri, reiterated his position of force and refused to talk to the Party of God (Hizbollah) to solve the tense situation being lived by Lebanon.
Hariri insisted that his group would not go to the dialogue "even if they shoot us", and pointed out that conversations should be centered in the topic of weapons.
US panel opposes cutting off aid to Pakistan
By IANS,
Washington : A US congressional panel has rejected a move to block all kinds of assistance to Pakistan despite existing differences over security issues between the two nations.
Apology would not help shoe-thrower: Iraqi government
By DPA,
Baghdad : The Iraqi government will not excuse Iraqi journalist Montazer al-Zaidi, despite his apology and appeal for a pardon, a spokesman for the government of Nuri al-Maliki said Friday.
Al-Zaidi, 29, who threw his shoes at US President George W. Bush at a press conference Sunday, appealed for a pardon from the Iraqi premier Sunday.
A government official said that al-Maliki will not interfere in the trial of al-Zaidi, which began Wednesday. He has been charged with attacking the head of a foreign state. He faces between five and 15 years in prison.
Pakistan holds Olympic Torch Relay in Islamabad
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Torchbearers ran with the torch during the Olympics Torch Relay in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Wednesday inside a heavily-guarded sports stadium.
Hundreds of Pakistani and Chinese nationals, who work in Pakistan as well as women and school children with flags of both countries, attended the ceremony at Jinnah Sports Complex.
Pakistan is the 10th stop of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay outside China.
Hundreds of police and paramilitary soldiers were deployed around the sports complex and helicopters were flying over as part of tight security.
Iran promises to keep ‘peaceful’ nuclear technology
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran will pursue its 'peaceful' nuclear technology and resist any threat against its interests in nuclear talks with the six...
Polls in Pakistan’s tribal areas may be delayed
By IANS
Islamabad : Polls in parts of Pakistan's troubled North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and adjacent tribal areas may be delayed, according to media reports here.
The government would try to ensure that elections are held across the country on Feb 18 but polls "could be delayed in some parts of the NWFP and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) because of the present state of unrest", Pakistan's Information Minister Nisar Memon told reporters Monday.
Efforts on to reduce power outages: Pakistani minister
By IANS,
Islamabad : The government is taking steps to minimise the duration of power cuts, a minister said.
A Canadian Soldier Dies in Afghanistan
By Prensa Latina
Kabul : A Canadian soldier of NATO troops died of a blast in Kandahar conflictive southern province, reported military sources in that capital.
The explosive detonated when the 25-year old soldier was traveling in an armored vehicle with a convoy of supply to a military base, noted spokesman of the North Atlantic War Organization (NATO).
This death amounts to 79 Canadian soldiers killed in this Central Asian country since 2002, most of the almost 2,500 Canadian soldiers have been deployed in Kandahar province.
Pakistan army continues operation despite retaliatory bombings
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan's security forces on Friday continued their military operation against militants in the northwest, a day after twin bomb blasts outside Pakistan's main military arms factory killed at least 70.
The shelling targeting Taliban's hideouts continues in different parts of Swat valley of North West Frontier Province (NWFP), but there are no reports of casualties, private Geo TV channel reported.
Kuwait PM meets Sultan of Brunei, both states sign economic, trade deals
By NNN-KUNA,
Brunei : His Highness the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah held talks here Friday with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and delivered a message from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on ways of boosting bilateral relations and cooperation in different domains.
The meeting took place at Istana Nurul Iman, Bolkiah's Palace, with attendance of members of the royal family.
Official talks then took place between Bolkiah and Sheikh Nasser with attendance of delegations from both sides.
Iraq: five more US soldiers killed in Baghdad, Kirkuk
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : Five US soldiers were killed in two separate attacks in Baghdad and Kirkuk, the Multi-National Force (MNF) said Saturday.
In a statement, the MNF said four soldiers were killed when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device while they were conducting a combat patrol northwest of Baghdad Friday.
Another statement said a soldier was also killed Friday as a result of injuries sustained from an explosion near his vehicle while conducting operations in Tamim Province.
Bank of Korea joins Islamic Financial Services Board
Seoul : South Korea’s central bank has joined the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB), one of the main standard-setting bodies for Islamic finance, as regulators across Asia build closer ties to the growing industry.
19 hurt in vehicle attack in Jerusalem
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : At least 19 people were injured Monday night when a man slammed his vehicle into a crowd of people in Israeli city of Jerusalem, the police said.
Among those wounded, there were 15 soldiers and four civilians, Micky Rosenfeld, an Israel Police spokesman, said adding that nobody was killed in the vehicle attack.
All the victims sustained minor to moderate injuries and had been rushed to hospital for treatment, he said.
The wounded soldiers were from the artillery corps who were on a tour of Jerusalem ahead of the Jewish High Holidays.
Pakistan Taliban announce ceasefire in tribal region
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistani Taliban Sunday announced unilateral ceasefire in the tribal region of Bajaur at the request of tribal elder, a Taliban spokesman said.
A jirga, or council of elders, was requesting Taliban to suspend all actions against the security forces and Taliban accepted their request, Maulvi Umar said.
He said that Taliban and tribal elders had held successful talks over the past three days, adding that the people also called for ceasefire.
Militants kill two policemen in Pakistan, Tajik militant arrested
By KUNA,
Islamabad : Suspected militants in an attack on poliice van killed two policemen and wounded another Wednesday in a Pakistani northern district. Meanwhile, paramilitary force has claimed arresting a Tajik Al-Qaeda linked militant.
Six bombs recovered from Pakistan blast site
By IANS,
Islamabad : Six bombs have been recovered from the site in Pakistan's Quetta city where a car bombing took place Friday night killing at least 13 people, a media report said Saturday.
Algeria officially disapproves U.N. investigation
By SPA
United Nations : Algeria’s U.N. envoy said late Friday that his government has officially disapproved of the United Nation’s investigation into the bombings of a U.N. office and an Algerian court building in Algiers.
Algerian Permanent Representative Yousef Yousfi told The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that he spoke with U.N. Chief of Staff Vijay Nambiar about the probe Friday evening and that they both have agreed to continue discussions to find ways “to cooperate in a better manner.”
Young Indonesians go online to defy bombers
By Ahmad Pathoni, DPA,
Jakarta: Young Indonesians are sending a defiant message to extremists behind the deadly July 17 bombings of two Jakarta hotels: "We are not afraid."
An internet campaign against terrorism in response to the attacks on the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels has come into vogue among young, technology-savvy Indonesians with its slogans "Indonesia unite!" and "We are not afraid".
Independent commission says Afghani vote rigged
By RIA Novosti,
Kabul : An independent commission, which has been monitoring the results of the August 20 presidential polls in Afghanistan, said it had uncovered large-scale election fraud and ordered a partial recount on Wednesday.
"While investigating complaints the commission has found clear and convincing evidence of fraud and falsification," the UN-backed commission said in a statement.
Bangladesh to import 400,000 tonnes of rice from India
By Xinhua
Dhaka : The caretaker government of Bangladesh Sunday opened a letter of credit to import 400,000 tonnes of rice at $430 per tonne from India, a senior official said.
"India will supply 100,000 tonnes of rice within a month and the rest within two months," Food Secretary Mollah Wahiduzzaman told Xinhua.
Four state-owned Indian companies will supply the rice under an agreement signed by Bangladesh and India last month.
Four militants killed, eight captured in Afghanistan
Kabul : At least four militants were killed and eight others were detained Tuesday as security forces stormed Taliban hideouts in Afghanistan, the country's...
Saudi Arabia to open its $530 billion stock market to foreigners
Jeddah : The Saudi Arabian Council of Ministers has approved opening its stock market, the largest in the Arab world, to direct foreign investment starting sometime in the first half of 2015, the market regulator said on Tuesday.
US to release five Taliban from Guantanamo?
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The US was ready to release five Taliban leaders from the detention centre at Guantanamo Bay under certain conditions, an Afghan official has said.
Powerful blast near Indian embassy, many killed
By IANS,
Kabul : A suicide bomber blew up his explosives-laden car just outside the Indian embassy here Monday killing between seven and 15 people, media reports said quoting the interior ministry.
DPA put the death toll at seven, saying five of the victims died instantly. Russian news agency RIA Novosti said at least 15 people were killed and more than 20 injured in the deafening explosion.
Afghan media reported that at least 15 people were killed or injured in the attack.
Doctors at a hospital said that within minutes 16 injured had been brought to the emergency wing.
Bomb last kills four in Iraq
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : A roadside bomb, detonated at a police commando recruitment centre in the western part of the Iraqi capital Sunday, killed four recruits and left 23 others wounded, an interior ministry source said.
The bomb detonated as dozens of police commando recruits were gathering at the entrance of a police commando base near the Nusour Square at about 10:30 a.m. (0730 GMT), the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Earlier in the day, two roadside bomb explosions struck police patrols in Baghdad, wounding five policemen and four civilians, the police said.
Iraq can call off pact should the situation be fully under control – spokesman
By NNN-KUNA,
Baghdad : Iraq has the right to call off the Iraqi-US pact should local authorities be in full control of the situation on the ground, Iraqi government spokesman Ali Al-Dabbagh said.
Disclosing further details of the security pact with Washington signed Sunday, he said that
the US side enjoys the same right.
Al-Dabbagh said that such a move corresponds with President-elect Barack Obama's prospect regarding full withdrawal of US troops from Iraq even before the deadline set on Dec 31, 2011.
Hosni Mubarak’s leg surgery successful, health critical: lawyer
Cairo: Ousted Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak received a successful leg surgery after falling and breaking his left thigh bone Thursday night, but his general...
Children joining school may be compulsory in Yemen
By NNN-SABA,
Sana'a : Yemen is mulling over to issue a law that will make it compulsory for children to join school and impose sanctions against parents who prevent their children from going to school.
The state-run 26sep.net quoted informed sources at the Education ministry as saying the government accordingly will set up more schools for children.
In this regard, the Education ministry in collaboration with the local councils, has begun a comprehensive survey for crowded schools in an attempt to establish solutions for education problems in the country.
Poland extradites suspected Mossad agent to Germany
By IRNA,
Berlin : Poland has extradited alleged Mossad operative, Uri Brodsky, to Germany, where he is wanted for his logistic role in the Dubai slaying of a Hamas official in January, news reports said here on Thursday.
A Warsaw appeals court upheld last week an earlier verdict that Brodsky, an Israeli citizen, should be extradited to Germany on forgery charges but not for spying.
The ruling means Brodsky can be tried in Germany for forgery but not for espionage.
Brodsky could be imprisoned up to three years, if convicted.
Pakistan never compromises on water with India, seeks compensation for loss
By KUNA,
Islamabad : Amid reports that Pakistan will seek compensation of the lost water, a Federal Minister Saturday said that Islamabad will not compromise on its share of water from India under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) of 1960.
"We are aware of the problem and Pakistan will not compromise on the water issue and resolve it," said Advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance Shaukat Tareen here while addressing a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmoud Qureshi.
Flash flood washes away 500 houses in Afghanistan, one killed
Kabul : One person has been confirmed dead and 10 others were injured when a flash flood washed away more than 500 houses in...
Strategy prepared for permanent peace in Karachi: senior official
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior A. Rehman Malik said the government has prepared a strategy to extend support to the Sindh government for maintaining peace in Karachi and the province.
Under the strategy the provincial government would take rigorous measures in curbing the crimes and maintaining law and order, while the federal government would provide its full support in this regard.
Rehman said this on Saturday while talking to governor Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ibad, who called on him here at his office.
Iran, Turkey foreign ministers discuss issues in Jeddah
By IRNA,
Tehran : Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davuto?lu discussed issues of mutual interest in Jeddah Sunday night.
During the meeting which took place on the sidelines of the extraordinary foreign ministerial meeting of the executive committee member states of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the two men reviewed the latest developments relating to the signing of a tripartite declaration in Tehran by Iran, Brazil and Turkey on Iran’s nuclear fuel swap.
Over 40 Taliban surrender in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : Two groups of Taliban - comprising 33 and 10 rebels - Thursday gave up arms and joined the peace process in Afghanistan, officials said.
Security heightened at Bangladesh court after terror threat
Dhaka : Security measures have been heightened Tuesday at Bangladesh's Chittagong court after it received a threat of a suicide bomb attack.
Abdur Rashid, general...
Dubai to build its own Taj Mahal
By IANS,
Dubai: The UAE emirate of Dubai plans to build its own Taj Mahal at a cost of $1 billion.
Egypt presidential polls on May 26-27
Cairo : Egypt has set May 26 and 27 for the first round of presidential polls following the ouster of former president Mohamed Morsi,...
Minister: PNA presses to get control of Gaza crossings
By Xinhua
Ramallah : The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) is close to get an Israeli approval to run Gaza crossing points after almost half year of closure due to Hamas takeover of the coastal enclave Gaza Strip, a senior PNA official said Monday.
"I think the PNA is very close to get the Israeli approval... the issue is subject to intensifying the pressure on the Israeli side," Riyadh al-Maliki, Information Minister at the acting Palestinian government based in the West Bank, told reporters in Ramallah.
Iranian official criticizes cementing Indian-Israeli relations
By SPA
Tehran : Spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry Mohammed Ali Husseini said enhancing Indian-Iranian relations will never serve the Palestinian cause.
In a statement carried by the Iranian news agency, he said it will not be a good development if India establishes relations with an entity which has committed several crimes.
Husseini noted that Israel owns a great nuclear arsenal which constitutes a danger to the countries of the region.
He added that India is absolutely free to establish diplomatic relations with all countries of the world.
Resistance Kills 11 Iraqi Soldiers
By Prensa Latina,
Baghdad : Insurgents killed 11 Iraqi Army soldiers in an ambush near the northern city of Mosul, police sources reported on Tuesday.
The soldiers were taking part in a large scale offensive launched in that area by US and Iraqi troops when the resistance attacked their vehicle.
The ambush was staged near Baaj locality, in Ninive province, and according to the media it was one of the deadliest attacks against the armed forces in the last few weeks.
According to the military, about 1,300 alleged members of the resistance have been arrested.
Muslim Librarians to meet in Malaysia
By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia will host the World Congress of Muslim Librarians and Information Scientists (WCOMLIS2008) from Nov 25-27 at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), here.
This is the second time Malaysia is hosting the event, the fifth in its series.
The congress made its debut in Malaysia in 1986, when it was staged at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Sintok in Kedah.
Apart from Malaysia, countries that have hosted the congress are the United States, Turkey and Iran. The United States hosted the first congress in 1982.
Siniora, Mubarak discuss developments in Lebanon
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Al-Siniora has held discussions with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on the situation in Lebanon in light of the postponement of the election of the new Lebanese president for the 13th time.
During the meeting Thursday, they reviewed the developments in Lebanon and efforts by the Arab League to solve the crisis.
Mubarak asserted, Wednesday, that the Arab initiative on Lebanon is the best means to solve the Lebanese crisis.
Israel to hear Egyptian intelligence chief on Gaza truce proposal
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israel will host Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman on Monday to hear a proposal for truce with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, though it still shuns direct negotiation with the Islamist group, a senior Israeli defense official said Sunday.
"Omar Suleiman will come, we will listen to him, we will confer,we will see what he is offering, and on that basis we will make decisions," Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai told Israel Radio, signalling possible flexibility on the truce proposal.
British mercenaries being replaced by east Europeans in Iraq
By IRNA,
London : British mercenaries serving in Iraq are finding themselves without a job after being replaced by cheaper soldiers from eastern Europe, according to the National Association of Security Professionals (NASP).
The number of Britons, usually former soldiers, providing security in Iraq, was said to have fallen from a peak of about 5,000 in 2004-05 to nearer 2,000 this year.
An Appeal by Pakistani Hindu Refugees in India
By Indiaresists.com,
New Delhi: Around hundred Pakistani refugees are sitting on an indefinite Dharna at Jantar Mantar with a plea to Indian government to establish a permanent mechanism bring lasting solutions in the deteriorated conditions of Pak Hindu Migrants in India. Following is a note circulated by them, signed by Hindu Singh Sodha, President, Seemant Lok Sangathan/Universal Just Action Society.
Singapore sends landing ship tank to Gulf region
By Xinhua,
Singapore : A Singapore Navy Landing Ship Tank (LST) left the country's Changi naval base early Saturday for the Gulf region to support the multi-national reconstruction efforts in Iraq.
According to the statement issued by the Defense Ministry on Saturday, RSS Resolution and its crew of about 175 personnel will undertake tasks such as protecting the waters around key oil terminals, conducting patrols and boarding operations, as well as providing logistics support for coalition vessels and helicopters during the three-month deployment.
Radical group announces formation of new IS in Arabian peninsula
Cairo : A radical group that is thought to be affiliated with the Al Qaeda has announced the formation of a new Islamic State...
Five militants killed in Yemen air raids
Sanaa : At least five militants were killed Monday during air raids on Al Qaeda conducted by Yemen's air force in the country's southeastern...
Unending suicide attacks to pre-empt military offensive?
By Zofeen T. Ebrahim, IANS
Karachi : Reeling from one deadly suicide attack after another, each deadlier and more sophisticated than the previous, post-election Pakistan was supposed to have paved the way for a peaceful climate, with President Pervez Musharraf routed in the elections and the militant's political grievances addressed.
But experts fear the violence will not cease, at least in the near future. There are many who even see the attacks as a strategy to pre-empt a speculated military offensive.
Pakistan considers doing away with all subsidies
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's finance ministry has proposed the withdrawal of all subsidies from the next fiscal year due to the prevailing economic situation, a media report said Wednesday.
UAE, Peru discuss economic cooperation
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Peru have held talks over economic cooperation between the two countries.
Pakistani troops kill 27 Taliban in restive Swat Valley
By DPA,
Islamabad: At least 27 militants were killed in the on-going military operations in Pakistan's restive Swat Valley and two adjoining districts, security officials said Wednesday.
The latest killings came as the US special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke announced an additional $165 million for nearly two million people uprooted by the offensive in Swat and surrounding areas.
Dhaka’s envoy to Malaysia to be tried for killing Mujib
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's high commissioner to Malaysia M. Khairuzzaman, one of the accused in the 1975 assassination of the country's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is being recalled and will be tried for the crime.
"He will be recalled to face trial in Bangladesh," Hasan Mahmud, junior minister for foreign affairs in the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mujibur Rahman's daughter, said in an interview Sunday.
Asif Ali Zardari backs Manmohan Singh on Kashmir
By Dipankar De Sarkar, IANS,
London : Pledging to dismantle terrorist cells, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari Friday told Indians gathered at a conference here that he agreed "with the statement of your prime minister supporting an autonomous Kashmir running much of its own affairs."
"A commission can be established between the two countries and leaders of Kashmir themselves to world out what should be done in foreign and defence affairs," he said in a statement read out at a confernce on India and Pakistan, organised by the Tehelka media group.
Gaza toll escalates to 1654
Gaza : The number of Palestinians killed in Gaza in the Israeli offensive jumped to 1,654 Saturday, most of them civilians, a health ministry...
Car bomb blast kills 17 in Syria
By DPA,
Damascus : At least 17 people were killed and more than a dozen injured when a car bomb exploded in Syrian capital Damascus Saturday, national news agency SANA reported.
The bomb planted in a car went off near a security-forces facility on the outskirts of the busy Sayyida Zainab district.
The explosion killed 17 civilians and injured 14 others who were shifted to nearby hospitals, the news agency said.
Pakistan’s chief of defence staff to visit US
By IANS,
Islamabad : General Khalid Shameem Wynne, chairman of Pakistan's Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, will attend the Chief of Defence Staff Conference in Hawaii, US.
Rocket attack kills 10 civilians in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : A rocket fired by Islamist militants at a paramilitary base in a Pakistani border town killed at least 10 people and wounded 32, an official said Friday.
The rocket attack was launched Thursday night on a camp of the Frontier Corps paramilitary force based in the remote town of Landi Kotal, 10 km from the Afghan frontier, said Nasir Khan, a local administrator.
"All five rockets fired by the militants missed their target, but one hit a commercial warehouse in the vicinity, killing 10 civilians and injuring 32 others," Khan said.
Swat Sharia laws rock Pakistan’s Senate
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Sharia laws imposed in Swat Valley and other parts of Pakistan's restive northwest Monday rocked the Senate, the upper house of parliament, with the Muttahidda Quami Movement (MQM) and other opposition parties walking out in protest against the remarks of a Taliban-linked radical cleric on the country's judicial system.
Prior to this, a heated exchange of words and sloganeering against the promulgation of the Nizam-e-Adl Regulation rocked the Senate as Parliamentary Affairs Minister Babar Awan tabled it in the house, Geo TV said.
55 militants killed in E. Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : The U.S.-led Coalition forces have inflicted heavy casualties in response to the militants ambush in eastern Afghan province of Paktika on June 20, said a Coalition statement released here on Monday.
Hindus in Malaysia slam cleric’s views on garlanding PM
Kuala Lumpur : Ethnic Indian Hindus in Malaysia have strongly criticised a Muslim cleric's suggestions that Prime Minister Najib Razak should not have donned...
Listen to calls for reform: Obama to Middle East leaders
By IANS,
Washington : US President Barack Obama said Tuesday that Middle Eastern leaders "can't be behind the curve" as their populations demand change.
Dubai says it is ready to host UN headquarters
By DPA,
Dubai: The Gulf emirate of Dubai said Thursday it would welcome the chance to succeed New York City as the venue of the United Nations headquarters, should the organisation decide to move.
"The emirate would welcome talks with officials at the organisation to inform them of the facilities and advantages that Dubai can offer," a statement from the office of Dubai's ruler,
Sheikh Mohammed bin-Rashid bin-Maktoum said.
Nawaz Sharif wants judges restored by Monday evening
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) head Nawaz Sharif Saturday set yet another deadline, Monday evening, for its senior ruling coalition partner Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to restore judges sacked by former president Pervez Musharraf last year.
"We'll be free to take our decision if the judges were not restored by Monday evening," Sharif told mediapersons after meeting a group of PPP leaders who called on him at his Lahore residence.
10 die in drone strike in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 10 people were killed Wednesday when a US drone launched two missiles in Pakistan's northwest tribal belt, a media report said.
Turnout in 3rd district at 28.6 pct by noon
By KUNA,
Kuwait : Approximate turnout in the third constituency by noon on Saturday, as surveyed by KUNA, stood at 16,772 votes, or 28.6 percent of the 58,674 eligible voters registered in the district.
The turnout was based on a survey of most of the 68 electoral committees in the 15 residential areas.
The third constituency consists of the residential areas of Kaifan, Roudha, Adailiya, Jabriya, Surra, Khaldiya, Qortuba, Yarmouk, Abraq Khaitan, Khaitan, Salam, Siddiq, Hiteen, Shuhada and Zahra.