Third UN resolution to exert pressure on Iran
Berlin, Jan 23 (DPA) The five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany agreed on the contents of a third UN resolution to pressure Iran to abandon aspects of its nuclear programme at a meeting in Berlin.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier made the announcement at a press conference after the foreign ministers of the six countries met Tuesday.
"We agreed on the contents of the next Security Council resolution," Steinmeier said.
Israel shuts two Gaza crossings
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israel defense forces Sunday closed the Karni border crossing and the Nahal Oz fuel terminal with the Gaza Strip after rocket attacks from Palestinian militants.
The spokeswoman of Israel defense forces told Xinhua that five Qassam rockets and one mortar shell were fired on the western Negev early Sunday, with the latter landing near the Nahal Oz fuel terminal.
Some 50 trucks of supplies were forced to turn back after the barrage of shelling, the spokeswoman added.
US soldier freed by Taliban in Afghanistan
Washington: A US soldier held by the Taliban in their custody for nearly five years in Afghanistan was released Saturday in a deal which...
Death toll in Pakistan suicide blast rises to 43
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : The death toll in the suicide car bombing at a polling station in Pakistan's restive North West Frontier Province (NWFP) rose to 43 Monday even as a group identifying itself as Taliban Hamdard claimed responsibility for the attack, officials said.
Rescue workers said that five more dead bodies were recovered Monday from the rubble of the school in Buner that was hit by a car loaded with explosives during a by-election in the district Sunday.
Pakistan must not leave Siachen unilaterally: Imran Khan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan should not unilaterally withdraw its forces from Siachen, the world's highest battleground, opposition leader Imran Khan has said.
Israel kills 18 Palestinians in 24 hours
By Xinhua
Gaza/Ramallah : The Israeli army killed within the last 24 hours 18 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in an unprecedented escalation of violence, Palestinian medics said Thursday.
Mo'aweya Hassanein, chief of emergency and ambulance service in the Palestinian ministry of health, said that a total of 18 Palestinians were killed in the last 24 hours, among them 15 were killed in the Gaza Strip and three in the West Bank.
Pakistan’s Sindh provincial assembly passes resolution against Musharraf
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Sindh provincial assembly Wednesday passed a resolution against President Pervez Musharraf, local TV channel DAWN NEWS reported.
The resolution asked Musharraf to take a vote of confidence or resign, said the report.
If Musharraf failed to do either, he would be impeached in the parliament, according to the resolution.
The Punjab and North West Frontier Province provincial assemblies also passed resolutions demanding that Musharraf take confidence vote.
Tehran urges Obama to end predecessor’s hostile stance
By DPA,
Tehran : Tehran Monday called on US president-elect Barack Obama to reject the hostile policies adopted by previous US administrations against Iran and instead implement his "change" slogan.
"The previous US policies, including carrots and sticks and incentives, are unacceptable, futile and have de facto failed," foreign ministry spokesman Hassan Ghashghavi told reporters in Tehran.
Bush: U.S. to withdraw 20,000 troops from Iraq by mid-year
·Bush said his country is on track to complete the planned withdrawal of 20,000 troops.
·"Levels of violence are significantly reduced. Hope is returning to Baghdad," Bush said.
·He reaffirmed his stance that reduced force levels will depend on conditions in Iraq.
By Xinhua
Spain to pull troops out of Libya by October end
By IANS,
Madrid : Spanish Defence Minister Carme Chacon has said all of Spain's troops on the Libyan mission would return home by the end of October.
18th meet of GCC municipalities officials kicks off Sunday
By NNN-KUNA,
Doha : The 18th meeting of municipality officials of the GCC states kicks off here on Sunday to discuss coordination and integration between the organs of municipality bodies in order to achieve integration between the municipalities of the GCC Council.
Kuwait will be represented at the two-day meeting by Director General of the Municipality Ahmed al-Subeih and a number of municipality officials.
Arab Interior Ministers meeting in Jordan next October
By NNN-BNA,
Amman : Interior Ministers of Iraq's neighbouring countries to hold their 5th meeting in Amman next October.
Jordan's Interior Ministry is currently arranging for the meeting to be attended by Interior Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Turkey, Kuwait, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Iran.
Representatives from African Union, Organisation of Islamic Conference and United Nations will also take part, Al Dastour Arabic newspaper reported Thursday.
Four PML-N ministers return to Pakistan’s federal cabinet
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Four ministers of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Friday rejoined the federal cabinet, official Associated Press of Pakistan reported.
The party decided about their return to the cabinet following the coalition announcement to impeach President Pervez Musharraf and restore the deposed judges in accordance with the Murree Declaration, said the report.
The PML-N ministers had resigned in May but their resignations were not accepted.
Syrian envoy to Iraq defects
By IANS/AKI,
Damascus : Syria's ambassador to Iraq has defected to the opposition and called on politicians and the military to do the same.
Pakistan stands by China in difficult times: PM
By APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Thursday expressed grief over the loss of lives in China due to massive earthquake, and said Pakistan stands by its brotherly country in this difficult hour.
The loss of human lives in China is also considered a loss for Pakistan. I assure you that at this odd hour, we are with you and stand by you,” the Prime Minister said during his visit to Chinese embassy to offer condolence with the ambassador on quake tragedy.
Geo TV offers Musharraf a platform
By IANS,
Islamabad : Private broadcaster Geo TV has offered to air the views of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf as his coverage on the state-run media has been severely curtailed.
The offer came after presidential spokesperson Maj. Gen. (retd) Rashid Qureshi met Information Minister Sherry Rehman and complained about the unannounced ban by the state media on Musharraf's coverage.
Geo News "was ready to convey any message of the president to the people of the country and the world", it said in a statement posted on its website Friday.
Tagore’s chair, teapot found in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : A chair and a teapot that Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore used have been found in Bangladesh, over six decades after the poet's death.
Tagore enthusiasts, the department of archaeology and a museum dedicated to Tagore continue to receive memorabilia even as those in their custody are found neglected and in poor state, The Daily Star newspaper said after a correspondent visited the Patisar Kacharibari Museum.
The department's employees say that some Tagore memorabilia have been lost and efforts are on to collect them in the interests of preservation.
Arab leaders patch up differences over Gaza
Kuwait City : Arab leaders have patched up their differences over the three-week Israeli offensive against Gaza in a Saudi reconciliation bid on the sidelines of the Arab summit held here yesterday. King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia called on Arabs at the summit opening to rise above their differences and hosted a lunch that brought together the leaders of Kuwait, Egypt,
Syria, Jordan and Qatar, Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani said.
UAE-India non-oil trade worth over $44 bn, says Tharoor
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi: Bilateral trade between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India was worth $44.5 billion in 2008-2009, WAM news agency reported Friday, citing India's Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor.
This accounts for about half of India's total trade in the Gulf region. The figure is excluding the oil sector. India's trade with the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reached $86.9 billion, putting it ahead of the European Union ($80.6 billion) and ASEAN countries ($44.6 billion).
Three U.S. soldiers killed in Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Three U.S. soldiers were killed in a mortar or rocket attack in eastern Baghdad on Monday, the U.S. military said.
The soldiers were killed as a result of indirect-fire attack in eastern Baghdad, the U.S. military said in a statement.
The statement issued on Monday did not give a more exact location of the incident, but Sadr City and other militia strongholds are in that area, which has been the scene of fierce fighting over the past month between militants and U.S. and Iraqi forces.
Exercising the military option: possible, but not feasible
By A. Vinod Kumar, IANS,
Ever since the Pakistan link in the Mumbai attacks was traced, many strategic analysts have been rooting for punitive action against Pakistan - also referred to as pre-emptive strikes and hot pursuit. This is not the first time such suggestions have been mooted. After the parliament attack in December 2001, India launched Operation Parakram to mobilize its troops along the international border with the assumed intention of a frontal response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
UAE president grants over 1,700 plots, houses
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has granted a total of 1,762 residential plots and houses to citizens of Abu Dhabi.
Lebanese PM happy with Arab resolution to end Presidential crisis
By NNN-KUNA
Beirut : Prime Minister Fuad Al-Siniora, in several phone calls with top Arab officials, said the Arab foreign ministers' statement that was issued Sunday was paving the way for the resolution of the Lebanese presidential crisis to ultimately establish "healthy and sound" relations with Syria.
Two Gaza militants killed in Israeli airstrikes
By RIA Novosti,
Gaza : At least two Palestinians were killed on Wednesday in two Israeli airstrikes on southern Gaza, a local radio station reported.
The airstrikes on the western outskirts of Khan Younis also left two people injured. Both the dead and injured were identified as militants from the radical Islamic group Hamas, which took control of Gaza last June.
According to witnesses, Israeli troops supported by several armed vehicles entered Khan Younis at dawn and are currently involved in ground operations against Palestinian militants.
Would-be suicide bomber shot dead in Afghanistan
By KUNA,
Kabul : A burqa-clad suicide bomber, approaching towards a police compound in southern Afghanistan, was shot dead by Afghan policemen guarding the compound, officials said on Thursday.
The incident happened in the volatile Helmand province of Afghanistan this morning, said provincial police chief Brig. Gen. Mohammad Hussain Andiwal.
He said a man wearing a burqa was spotted by policemen approaching towards the compound. He was warned not to approach the police compound.
27 Pakistani commandos hurt in accident
By IANS,
Islamabad : Twenty-seven Pakistan Army commandos were injured Monday when the vehicle they were travelling in met with an accident in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
17 IS militants killed in Syria airstrike
Cairo : At least 17 Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in airstrikes launched by the Syrian army in the north-eastern part of the...
Pakistani PM arrives in Jaipur
By IANS,
Jaipur: Pakistani Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf Saturday arrived here for a day-long private visit to the Sufi shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer in Rajasthan.
Solana voices concern at Israeli raids on two orphanages in Hebron
By KUNA,
Brussels : EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana has voiced his concern following the raid by the Israeli soldiers on two orphanages in Hebron on Wednesday morning.
Cristina Gallach, Solanas spokesperson, said here that the EU foreign policy chief was "very concerned" about the incident in Hebron when the Israeli soldiers raided and looted two orphanages run by the Islamic Charitable Society and threatened to close them.
Solana urged the Israeli authorities not to close the orphanages and thereby leave 240 children homeless.
Lisbon Treaty Referendum: Is the European Union an example for the Islamic World?
By Yamin Zakaria
Lisbon Treaty established on 13th of December 2007, is another step towards cementing European unity. Almost all the member states of the European Union have ratified the treaty through the parliamentary process. Ireland is the only country to have done this through a referendum. Once the treaty comes into effect, Europe will have its first President, Tony Blair looks set to occupy that position.
Court orders arrest of hardline Bangladeshi leader
Dhaka: A court in Bangladesh Thursday issued an arrest warrant against Hifazat-e-Islam leader Mufti Izaharul Islam, the prime suspect in a blast at a...
Suicide bombing kills 25 in Nigeria
Abuja : A suicide bombing has killed at least 25 people at a mosque in the Nigerian city of Maiduguri, a media report said.
Scores...
EU extends mandate of its Rafah mission
By NNN-KUNA,
Brussels : The European Union has decided to extend the mandate of its Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing for a further six months until Nov 24, 2008.
A statement by EU foreign ministers meeting here Monday reiterated the EU commitment and readiness to redeploy to the Rafah crossing point as "soon as conditions allow it." The EU mission in Rafah took effect in November 2005 and expired on Saturday.
UN deplores latest deadly car bombing in Lebanon
By NNN-UNNS/IRNA,
United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned Wednesday night’s car bombing in Lebanon that claimed the life of a senior politician and wounded six others, saying it highlights the need for political reconciliation in the Middle East country.
“This violence only underscores how important it is for dialogue and reconciliation to move forward,” Mr. Ban told a press conference at United Nations Headquarters in New York Thursday.
‘Israel has 150 nuclear weapons in its arsenal’
By DPA,
London/Tel Aviv : Israel has 150 nuclear weapons in its arsenal, former US President Jimmy Carter said in remarks published Monday.
His statement, quoted by The Times, appeared to be the first time a former US president stated publicly the number of nuclear warheads Israel supposedly has in its possession.
Israel has for decades clung to its policy of "nuclear ambiguity," refusing to confirm or deny whether or not it has nuclear weapons. The "deterrence" policy aims at keeping enemy Arab states from attacking Israel.
Local Pakistan gov’t holds dialogue with Taliban on ceasefire
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : The ruling party in northwestern Pakistan province on Friday held dialogue with local Taliban operating in Swat valley to settle issues on negotiating table and restore peace in the area.
The Awami National Party (ANP) of North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and the local Taliban agreed on ceasefire as confidence building measure, ANP spokesman Zahid Khan told a private Geo TV channel.
Khan termed first round of the talks "positive" and expressed the hope that the negotiations would achieve positive results and normalcy would return to Swat soon.
15 killed in Iraq’s Anbar province
Baghdad : At least 15 people were killed and 26 others wounded in separate attacks across the Iraqi province of Anbar Sunday, police said.
An...
Mubarak’s daughters-in-law banned from leaving Egypt
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Cairo : Egypt's ministry of justice has imposed travel bans on two daughters-in-law of former president Hosni Mubarak, Al Ahram reported.
Musharraf’s supporters heading to election defeat: TV
By IRNA
Islamabad : Supporters of President Pervez Musharraf are seemed to be heading to defeat in eastern Punjab province, earlier considered to be stronghold of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q), the votes counted so far suggested late Monday.
Candidates of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif are ahead of the PML-Q and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the province.
PPP is showing good results in interior southern Sindh province, according to vote counting. The pro-Musharraf party is seen behind from rival candidates.
Pakistan calls for developing nations’ framework to counter developed nations’ propaganda
By NNN-APP,
New York : Stating that developing countries are routinely stigmatized by the developed world’s media, Pakistan has called for the creation of an Information Communication Technology (ICT) framework to serve as a “credible alternative” to the current one-directional system.
China voices serious concern over failure to implement UN’s Gaza Resolution
By Xinhua,
Beijing : China has voiced its serious concern that UN Security Council Resolution 1860 on the fighting in Gaza has not been implemented or respected by the parties involved.
"The UN Security Council Resolution 1860 represents the common will and demand of the international community on the current situation in Gaza, and should be respected and implemented," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu told a regular press conference here on Tuesday.
Japan offers food aid to Africa, Afghanistan, Palestinians
By Xinhua,
Tokyo : Japan offered more than 53 million U.S. dollars on Friday in food aid to Africa, Afghanistan and the Palestinians.
The Foreign Ministry said Japan decided to allocate 5.57 billion yen (53.4 million U.S. dollars) of grant aid to help ameliorate the food crisis in 10 African nations, Afghanistan and the Palestinian autonomous region.
The aid is the first provision from the 100 million dollars Japan pledged last month in emergency food aid over three months, the ministry said.
Mirroring India-Pakistan tension, ceremonial frenzy at border increases
By Jaideep Sarin, IANS,
Attari Border (Punjab) : Indian and Pakistani troopers have always stamped their feet and postured in goose step as they lower their flags every evening at this border post between the two countries. Now the body language has become more aggressive as war hysteria runs high.
Over 50,000 people in Brussels protest Israeli war crimes
By IRNA,
Berlin : More than 50,000 people in Brussels on Sunday protested the Israeli onslaught in Gaza, Belgian media reports said.
Organized by Muslims groups and labor union as well as non-governmental organizations, the anti-Israel demonstration was reportedly marred by clashes between security forces and protesters, forcing police to use water-cannons against demonstrators.
A Belgian politician was slightly injured when a stone hit his head.
Several demonstrators overturned a car and damaged one dozen other vehicles
and a bus shelter during the protest march.
Terrorists rob Pakistan police station of weapons
Islamabad: Suspected terrorists dressed as armymen stormed a police station in Pakistan and took away weapons, uniforms, wireless sets and other valuables, after beating...
Dhaka separates poll body from government
By IANS
Dhaka : Bangladesh's Election Commission, which was under the control of the Prime Minister's Office, now called the Chief Advisor's Office, is to be de-linked from the government.
The current caretaker government's council of advisers on Tuesday approved the Election Commission Secretariat Ordinance 2008, the New Age newspaper said Wednesday. The Election Commission is tasked to hold general elections later this year.
President: Islamic Revolution a turning point in history
By IRNA,
Tehran : President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Sunday that the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran was a turning point in the history of mankind.
“The Islamic Revolution was, undoubtedly, the greatest development that has occurred in the lives of the Iranian people and also the offset of the greatest change in the history of humanity,” said the president in his address to a national gathering on the occasion of the approaching 30th victory anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
Israeli warplanes strike in Gaza, five injured
By DPA,
Gaza City : Israeli fighter jets struck targets in the Gaza Strip early Friday, after a month of increased Palestinian rocket attacks and Israeli retaliatory strikes on the coastal salient.
A total of four sites were struck in four sorties that started shortly after midnight and ended by 1 a.m., the Israeli military said.
Each site was struck by two or three missiles, creating initial confusing about the number of targets hit.
Eight killed in Afghan roadside bombing
By IANS,
Kabul: At least eight civilians were killed Sunday when a bus was hit by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan's Kandhar province, Xinhua reported.
Japanese FM thanks Iran for efforts to release Japanese student
By IRNA,
Tokyo : Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura, in a statement issued on Sunday appreciated Iran's efforts to release the abducted Japanese student safely on Saturday.
Satoshi Nakamura, a 23-year-old Japanese student was abducted by bandits on October 8, 2007, in an Iranian southeastern region bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan as he headed from his hotel for the ancient mud-built citadel of Bam in Kerman province.
A bandit called Esmail Shahbakhsh, blamed for the kidnapping, had reportedly demanded the release of his arrested son in exchange for Nakamura.
Two NATO soldiers killed in blast in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : Two NATO soldiers were killed and two others were wounded in a blast in southern Afghanistan Wednesday, the alliance said.
Another two soldiers were wounded in the explosion, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said in a statement.
The ISAF said the wounded soldiers were transported to a NATO military hospital where they are being treated.
The statement did not disclose the nationalities of the soldiers, citing the ISAF policy that does not release the nationalities of casualties prior to the relevant national authority doing so.
MH370 met with accident, Malaysia declares officially
Kuala Lumpur : The Malaysian government has officially declared that Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 met with an accident March 8 last year, and all...
Shahbaz set to become Punjab chief minister, again
By IANS,
Islamabad : Shahbaz Sharif is likely to become the chief minister of Pakistan's Punjab province again, a media report said Monday.
Pakistan polls could be rigged, alleges rights body
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : Human Rights Watch (HRW) Friday said it has an audio recording of a top Pakistani government official saying that Monday's elections will be rigged in favour of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Quaid), a party backed by President Pervez Musharraf.
In the audio recording available on HRW website, Attorney General (AG) Malik Qayyum appeared to be advising an unidentified person on what party the person should approach to become a candidate in the parliamentary poll.
No talks held in Geneva on suspending n-programme, says Iran
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran Sunday rejected reports that it was pressurised to suspend its controversial nuclear programme during the international meeting in Geneva last week, official IRNA news agency reported.
"There was no word of suspending uranium enrichment in the recent nuclear talks" in Geneva July 19 foreign ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi told a press meet here Sunday.
He made the remarks commenting on the recent propaganda fuss made after the last Saturday meeting between Iran's top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and the EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana.
29 killed, 81 injured in Iraq attacks
By DPA,
Baghdad : At least 29 people were killed and 81 injured in attacks that shook different parts of Iraq Thursday, security sources said.
In northern Iraq, 25 people died 43 were injured in a truck bombing in eastern Mosul. The vehicle blew up early morning in Kurdish-dominated Wardak village, security sources said.
Security forces defused a nearby second truck bomb before it could be detonated, the source added. The explosion damaged more than 12 houses.
Abbas hopes new U.S. president can bring peace to Mideast
By Xinhua,
Budapest : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said here on Tuesday he was following the U.S. presidential election with interest and hoped that the new president would have more success with promoting peace in the Middle East than his predecessor.
Hungarian News Agency MTI quoted Abbas as saying that "we hope that he will do better in the future than had been done in the past." "We are waiting for the change and hope they will bring peace to us," Abbas added.
Abbas said both candidates were working for peace, whoever wins, Palestine is ready to cooperate.
IMF agrees to lend $7.4 bn to Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan's top economic adviser Saturday said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had agreed to provide a loan of at least $7.4 billion to stave off an economic meltdown.
Shaukat Tarin told journalists in the port city of Karachi that the 23-month loan facility was exclusively for strengthening the country's foreign exchange reserves and to avert a balance of payment crisis.
Pakistan has immediate need of up to $5 billion to avoid default on its foreign debts.
Suicide bomber hits office of religious police in Pakistan
By IRNA
Peshawar : A suicide bomber on Thursday blew himself up near the office of religious police in Pakistan's tribal region, locals said.
The bomber struck the office of "Amar bil maroof wa nahee aanelmunkar" (Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice) at Bara, a major town in tribal Kheyber agency, some 15 kilometers from Peshawar.
A spokesman for the group said that around 20 people were injured while the young bomber died at the scene.
Geo TV and Express TV reported that 10 people died, Dawn TV reported 2 deaths.
There was no confirmation of the deaths.
Magnitude 5.3 earthquake hits northwest Iran
By RIA Novosti,
Tehran : A 5.3-magnitude earthquake hit the Zandjan province in northwest Iran on Tuesday, a seismological assessment center in Tehran reported.
The quake was registered at 10:48 local time (06.18 GMT). No reports of destruction or casualties have been released.
On May 1, a 4.7-magnitude quake was registered in the country's western Lorestan province. About 100 people suffered minor injuries.
Mideast peace ‘hinges on resolving Arab-Israeli conflict’ – Ban Ki-moon
By APP
United Nations : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has stressed that peace in the Middle East ‘hinges on a just and lasting solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict,’ as he pledged United Nations’ support to help achieve this goal. Ban added that the Peace Initiative put forward by the League of Arab States “remains a key element in our efforts to achieve peace,” in a message delivered by Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe to the group’s summit, held in Damascus over the weekend.
Israeli forces arrest five Palestinians in Qabatiya
By KUNA,
Ramallah : Israeli forces arrested on Saturday five Palestinians in the town of Qabatiya, adjacent to the city of Jenin in the northern West Bank.
Etewitnesses said that Israeli forces stormed the village with 10 military patrols and began a campaign of house raids and arrested five Palestinians before withdrawing.
The eyewitnesses added that Israeli forces had forced a number of Palestinian families to evacuate their homes for several hours while conducting the ransacking operation.
Pakistan taxes petrol 39 percent
By IANS,
Karachi : The Pakistani government taxes petrol at a whopping 39 percent, earning Rs.19.82 for every litre sold. On Sunday, it jacked up the petrol price by Rs.6.10 to take it to Rs.71.21 per litre.
The ex-refinery price of petrol is Rs.42.72 per litre, to which is added Rs.4.42 as transportation charges, Rs.2.36 as dealers' commission and Rs.1.89 as profit for the oil marketing company, for a total of Rs.51.39 per litre.
Taliban using civilians as human shields: Pakistani Army
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Taliban in Pakistan's restive northwest are using civilians as human shields to forestall the security forces action against them, the military said Monday as six soldiers and 10 militants were killed in the fighting.
The military operation in the Buner and Lower Dir districts of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) "is continuing while at least 2,000 innocent civilians are being used by the militants as human shields in Buner's Pir Baba area", the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
20 killed as bus catches fire in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 20 people were killed and several others injured when a bus caught fire in Pakistan's Punjab province, a media report said.
Nigeria terror attack toll rises to 162
By IANS,
Moscow: The toll in coordinated attacks by a radical Islamist group in Nigeria's northern city of Kano has risen to at least 162 people, a media report said.
Arab parliament union denounces the Israeli aggression on Gaza
By KUNA
Cairo : Interim Arab Parliament Union President Mohammad Jassim al Sager denounced on Monday the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the killing of a great number of civilians.
In a statement circulated here, Sager criticised Israel's justifications for its invasion of Gaza, noting that the aggression is a genocide against the unarmed Palestinian people.
He underlined the necessity that the Palestinians cleared their internal rift and united their ranks in face of Israel.
Zillur Rahman is new Bangladesh president
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : Zillur Rahman was declared the president of Bangladesh Wednesday.
Bangladesh's Election Commission declared the senior leader of ruling Awami League Zillur Rahman to be the country's new president as he was the only presidential candidate. He was declared elected unopposed.
Mideast Summit in Egypt likely on May 18
By SPA
Cairo : A Middle East summit meeting in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh in May is under discussion, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said.
Ministry Spokesman Hossam Zaki quoted by the state news agency "MENA," said the idea was to hold the summit on the sidelines of a World Economic Forum meeting which is taking place in the town between May 18 and 20.
He did not say who might take part but MENA said the idea was to have US President George W. Bush and Egyptian, Jordanian and Palestinian leaders talk about Middle East peace.
Nine Afghan policemen killed in shootout with US-hired guards
By DPA,
Kabul : A police chief in the restive southern Afghan province of Kandahar was among nine officers killed Monday in a gunbattle between Afghan police and US-hired private security guards, officials said.
Matiullah Qati and eight other police officials, including the head of the crime investigation department, were killed in the fighting in the prosecutor's office in the provincial capital, also called Kandahar, Ahmad Wali Karzai, head of the provincial council and brother of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, told DPA.
Pakistan using diplomatic channels to ensure security in UAE
By IANS,
Karachi : Pakistan is using diplomatic channels to ensure high-level security measures for its One-day cricket series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to sources, due to tough UAE laws the local cricket board is unable to guarantee fool-proof security measures which are being demanded by Cricket Australia (CA). As a result, Pakistan is now in direct contact with the UAE government to ensure security for the April 22-May 7 series.
Syrian FM arrives in Beirut to boost ties
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem arrived in Beirut on Monday and is now heading for the presidential palace for talks with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, local NTV reported.
Muallem is expected to deliver an invitation from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to Suleiman to visit Syria. It was the first official visit to Lebanon by a senior Syrian official in more than three years.
Pakistan International Airlines sacks employees for fake degrees
Islamabad: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has sacked around 300 employees, including pilots, cabin crew and engineers, for producing fake degrees, media reported Saturday.
The...
Syria needs political solution, says UN chief
By Sheikh Manzoor,
Kuwait City : The Syrian crisis can be resolved only through political means, UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon said on Tuesday.
Addressing the...
President fulfilled all promises made to people: Nisar Memon
By APP
Islamabad : Minister for Information and Broadcasting Nisar A. Memon Thursday said President Pervez Musharraf has fulfilled all his promises made to the people of the country.Talking to a Chinese media delegation currently visiting Pakistan, he said Pakistan has a history of “broken promises” because elected governments in 1990s had backed out of their most of the promises despite their tall claims.
Israelis and Palestinians resume negotiations
By DPA
Jerusalem : The top Israeli and Palestinian negotiators met Monday, resuming talks stalled since an Israeli military incursion into the Gaza Strip last month.
Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni met with chief Palestinian negotiator Ahmed Qureia in Jerusalem for about two hours in the late afternoon, said Aryeh Mekel, a spokesman for the ministry.
In accordance with an agreement between the sides, he would not divulge information other than to say there was progress made on "core issues".
Parliament to decide powers of president, prime minister: Gilani
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the parliament will decide on the balance of power between the president and premier, GEO TV reported.
He made the remarks after inaugurating a two-day regional conference on “Climate Change, Challenges and Opportunities for South Asia”, here Tuesday.
China says “glad” with smooth conclusion of Pakistan’s general election
By NNN-Xinhua
Beijing : China is glad with the smooth conclusion of Pakistan's general elections, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao.
Liu made the remarks when responding to a journalist's question.
He said ,"Pakistan is China's friendly neighbor, and we hope Pakistan will continue to maintain stability, development, democracy and harmony after the establishment of new government,"
Initial results showed that the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has won the largest number of National Assembly seats, but not secured a majority.
Iran begins project for manned space flight by 2021
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran has kicked off a 12-year project to send an astronaut into space, just days after putting its first home-built satellite into orbit, Press TV reported Thursday.
"The programme's preliminary needs, assessments and feasibility studies have been carried out," said Reza Taqipour, the head of the Iranian Aerospace Organization.
The organisation had drawn up a comprehensive plan for the project and various academic and research institutions must play to carry out a successful space mission by 2021, he said.
German army admits civilian shootings in Afghanistan
By IRNA,
Berlin : German soldiers rained gunfire on a carload of innocent civilians in the northern Afghan city of Kunduz late Thursday evening, killing a woman and two children, the German army announced on its website on Friday.
"Based on what we know now, evidence has been obtained at the scene suggesting that the shots fired at the vehicle came from German guns," the army was quoted saying.
"Whether shots were fired at the vehicle from the other side has yet to be conclusively clarified," the military added.
UN steps up security around its offices in Yemen
By DPA,
Sanaa : The United Nations has stepped up security at its local headquarters in Sanaa following three attacks against US and Western targets in the city.
Concrete blocks and sandbag walls were erected around the UN's main offices in the Haddah neighbourhood of the Yemeni capital, and more security personnel were deployed outside the compound Sunday.
Yemeni employees said that some of the organization's non-essential staffers were also given leaves.
"Those measures were taken as precautionary steps," one local employee told DPA on condition of anonymity.
Attacks on Hindu temples in Pakistan a worrying trend
Islamabad : In the latest incident of its kind, a Hindu temple was attacked by fanatics in Pakistan, the temple was torched, the stone...
Bahrain affirms importance of human rights
By NNN-KUNA,
Manama : Bahrain has reiterated its commitment to human rights out of conviction that human dignity, regardless of race, is a red line never to be crossed.
Commenting on the US fifth annual report on human trafficking which ranked Bahrain second in efforts to combat human trafficking, the Bahraini Foreign Ministry said Wednesday laws here show conformity with international agreements and conventions.
Amsterdam plans to subsidize Quran for police
By Prensa Latina,
Amsterdam : Police officers in Amsterdam are to get a special deal if they buy Dutch writer Kader Abdolah's new translation of the Quran. The capital's police authority reckons the new version, designed to be accessible to the general Dutch public, will give officers more insight into Islam. It is subsidizing purchases of the book by 50 percent, Radio Netherlands reported. A police spokesman explains that many officers have some knowledge of the Bible, but that the Quran is often unknown territory.
Siege claims life of Palestinian denied treatment out of Gaza
By KUNA
Gaza : A Palestinian who suffered from a heart disease died in Rafah, southern Gaza, Thursday morning after Israeli forces denied him exit to seek medical treatment out of Gaza Strip, medical sources said.
Israeli troops did not allow Naggui Hamdan Keshta (36) out of the Strip for medical treatment, as they maintain the crossing closed before him.
This raised the number of those who died after being denied treatment out of besieged areas to 77 victims.
UAE, Romania seek close trade ties
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : The UAE and Romania have discussed ways to boost their economic cooperation.
Iran ready for talks with US: Ahmadinejad
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday that Iran is ready to talk in "fair atmosphere" with the US.
Ahmadinejad made the remarks in a speech marking the 30th anniversary of the victory of Iran's Islamic Revolution.
Iran nuclear issue: Kerry holds talks with Gulf foreign ministers
Vienna : US Secretary of State John Kerry held talks with the foreign ministers of UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain on the Iranian nuclear...
Krishna, Khar talks begin
By IANS,
Islamabad: The talks between Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and his Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar began here Saturday.
One killed during fuel shortage protest in Yemen
By IANS,
Sana'a : At least one person was killed and three were wounded when police opened fire to break up a demonstration protesting fuel shortage in western Yemen, Xinhua reported.
Opposition raise Christmas holiday issue in Lok Sabha
New Delhi : Opposition parties in the Lok Sabha, led by the Congress, again Wednesday raised the issue of schools being asked to remain...
Fatah Islam Refutes Attack to Lebanon
By Prensa Latina,
Beirut : The Fatah al-Islam organization denied Wednesday any responsibility for an attack on a military intelligence outpost in the northern town of Abdeh that killed a Lebanese army soldier, the Al Akbar newspaper reported Wednesday.
The daily said it had received a statement signed by Fatah al-Islam's media bureau in which the group said it did not issue a claim of responsibility for the Abdeh attack
21 killed in Bangladesh accident
By DPA,
Dhaka: At least 21 people were killed and 45 injured when two buses collided head-on in western Bangladesh Sunday, police said.
The accident occurred in Koidubi, Faridpur district, some 60 km west of the capital Dhaka.
Sixteen people died at the scene, while others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital, according to an officer at Bhanga police station.
Fifteen of the 24 people, who were admitted to the Faridpur Medical College Hospital, were seriously injured.
Pakistan govt committed to resolving judges issue: minister
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Farooq H Naek said that government is committed to restoring the deposed judges along with seniority and back benefits, but in case of re-appointment, judges would have to take a fresh oath.
There is no word of restoration and reinstatement in the Constitution; there is only one word ‘appointment’ of judges, he told media persons outside Zardari House.
Pak official rejects nuclear scientist’s statements on gov’t involvement
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Director General of Pakistan's Strategic Planning Division Lt Gen (retd.) Khalid Qidwai on Saturday denied that the state has involved but said Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan had himself involved in supplying centrifuges to a foreign country.
Speaking at a news conference, Qidwai said that Khan, the country's nuclear scientist, wanted to sideline himself and tried to drag the military intelligence Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the president and the army into the matter.
14 killed in Pakistan-Afghanistan border attack
Islamabad : At least 11 militants and three Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers were killed Tuesday in cross-border attack in Pakistan.
The Inter Service Public Relations...
Pope urges more protection for Christians in Iraq
By IANS/AKI,
Vatican City: Pope Benedict XVI has urged Iraqi authorities to give more protection to Christians and other religious minorities in the insurgency-hit country.
Iraq's new government needs to urgently implement measures designed to improve security for all sectors of the population but especially its various minorities, he said.
Six policemen, eight militants killed in Afghan clashes
By DPA,
Kabul : Eight Taliban militants and six policemen were killed in south Afghanistan, while a suicide bomber died in an attack on an Afghan army convoy in the west, officials said Sunday.
Five of the Taliban died when they attacked the house of police official in the Ghorak district of Kandahar province. One policeman died and six civilians were injured, said Matiullah Khan Qaneh, the provincial police chief.
22 die after consuming spurious liquor in Indonesia
By IANS,
Jakarta : At least 22 people have died and 300 fell sick after consuming spurious liquor in Indonesia's Central Java province, Xinhua reported Friday.
The toll is likely to increase. Police said the victims bought the liquor from a resident in Salatiga April 16.
People were admitted to hospital when they suffered nausea, breathing difficulties and headaches after drinking the spurious liquor. The first death was reported April 18.
The seller could face a jail sentence of up to 15 years.
IS unleashes offensive on Syrian city
Damascus : The Islamic State (IS) militants have launched a "violent" attack on predominantly Kurdish city of Ras al-Ayn in Syria near Turkish borders,...
Pakistani PM leaves for maiden U.S. visit
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani left here Saturday for a three-day official visit to the United States.
"At the invitation of President George W. Bush, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani will be visiting Washington on 27-30 July 2008," said a statement by the Pakistani foreign ministry.
This is Gilani's first visit to the U.S. since assuming office in March 2008. He is scheduled to meet with Bush at the White House on July 28, according to the statement.
Indian journalists told to leave Pakistan by May 20
Islamabad: The only two Indian journalists stationed in Pakistan have been told to leave the country by May 20, a media report said Thursday.
Snehesh...
China slams BBC, international court over Darfur
By DPA,
Beijing : China Tuesday voiced "grave concerns" over the International Criminal Court (ICC)'s decision to charge the Sudanese president with genocide in the embattled Darfur region, and said a BBC report alleging that China had violated a UN arms embargo on Darfur was "strongly biased."
"China has grave concerns and misgivings about the ICC's prosecution," foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said.
"The ICC's actions should be helpful to the stability of the Darfur region and to finding a solution to the issue, not the contrary," Liu told reporters.
New opportunity for peace in Mideast: Bush
By DPA
Tel Aviv : US President George W. Bush arrived in Israel Wednesday at the start of a three-day visit and said that he saw a "new opportunity" for peace in the in the Middle East.
"The US and Israel are strong allies. The source of that strength is a shared belief in the power of human freedom. Our people built two great democracies under difficult circumstances," he told dignitaries at the welcoming ceremony Ben-Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv.
"The alliance between our two nations helps guarantee Israel's security as a Jewish state," he said.
Iran, IAEA to discuss outcome of Geneva talks
By DPA,
Tehran : The heads of the Iranian Atomic Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will meet in Vienna to discuss the outcome of the nuclear talks last week between Iran and the world powers in Geneva, ISNA news agency reported Wednesday.
Gholam-Reza Aqazadeh and Mohamed ElBaradei will meet Thursday and discuss bilateral cooperation and how to proceed following the Geneva talks, Iran's Atomic Energy Organization deputy Mohammad Saeidi told ISNA.
NATO air strike kills 15 militants in Afghanistan
By KUNA,
Kabul : A NATO air strike in southeastern Afghanistan killed 15 militants on Tuesday, local police said.
The militants were hiding in a mountainous area after exchanging fire with police when they were located and targeted by the air force, said Brigadier General Esmatullah Alizai, police chief of the southeastern Paktia province.
He said the clash and air strike took place in Said Karam district of the province.
The police chief said bodies of the militants killed in the air strike were collected from the site and brought to a local hospital.
Bangladesh’s tribunal slaps 7 charges against Jamaat-e-Islami
Dhaka : Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Tuesday slapped seven charges against the de-registered political party Jamaat-e-Islami for its role in the country's 1971...
Dubai’s ‘Car Free Day’ helps reduce carbon emission
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai: The fourth annual "Car Free Day" organised by the Dubai Municipality helped reduce 14 tonnes of carbon dioxide emission.
Three roadside bombs strike Baghdad, policeman wounded
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Three bomb attacks targeted the Iraqi police and U.S. troops in the Iraqi capital on Tuesday morning, injuring a policeman, an Interior Ministry source said.
A roadside bomb struck a police patrol near a commercial compound in the Mu'askar al-Rasheed Street, in Baghdad's central district of Karrada, damaging a police vehicle and wounding a policeman aboard, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Qatar PM arrives in Cambodia for visit
By Xinhua
Phnom Penh : Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, arrived here on Tuesday to pay an official visit to Cambodia.
The Qatar Prime Minister's two-day visit will focus on investment in Cambodia and both sides plan to open direct flight, said Sin Bun Thoeun, the director of Information Department of theMinistry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia.
The Qatar Premier will be accompanied by businesspeople to find the possibility of investment in Cambodia, Sin Bun Thoeun said.
Amnesty claims widespread rights violations in Iran
By IANS,
Washington : Global human rights monitor Amnesty International has said there have been "widespread and persistent human rights violations in Iran", CNN reported Tuesday.
Kuwait Finance House –Malaysia wins award
By IINA,
Kuala Lumpur : Kuwait Finance House –Malaysia (KFHM) won the 'Best Islamic Financial Products and Services' Award. The award was constituted by 'Al-Halal' newspaper, in conjunction with the Global Halal Forum. Corporations and companies from many countries around the globe competed for eight awards that are all related to Shariah compliant services and products. Board member of KFHM Mohammed Shareef received the award from Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi at a party packed by competitors from UAE, Holland, Britain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Malaysia and Australia.
N-deal should entail agreement on all subjects: Iran
Tehran : Unless the negotiating parties in the ongoing talks agree on all the subjects of discussions, there would be no nuclear agreement, Iranian...
14 killed in Pakistan bombing
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 14 people were killed Sunday when a passenger van was hit by a roadside bomb in Pakistan's northwest tribal region, media reports said.
PCB should support Younis: Imran Khan
By IANS,
London: Pakistan's legendary cricketer Imran Khan said Thursday the country's cricket authorities should support captain Younis Khan.
"Younis is a courageous captain but he needs support," Imran said.
The man who led the country to its maiden World Cup win in 1992, also backed Younis, who was criticised for branding Twenty20 cricket as mere "fun" cricket. "Younis is right in saying Twenty20 matches are just about entertainment," Imran maintained.
20 civilians die in Afghan mine blast
By IANS,
Kabul : Twenty civilians were killed when a landmine exploded under their bus in southwest Afghanistan, Xinhua reported Friday.
IS poses grave threat to Pakistan, says MQM chief
Islamabad: Pakistan's Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief, Altaf Hussain, has said that the Islamic State (IS) is the new threat to Pakistan, media reported.
Addressing...
Britain delays troop withdrawal from Iraq
By RIA Novosti
London : Britain will postpone a troop withdrawal from Iraq announced late last year due to recent fighting in Basra, the British defence secretary has told the House of Commons.
Britain had planned to reduce its number of troops deployed in Iraq from 4,000 to 2,500 starting this spring. However, Des Browne said Tuesday: "At this stage we intend to keep our forces at their current levels of around 4,000 as we work with our coalition partners and with the Iraqis to assess future requirements."
Bookie killed after India beats Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : A bookie was shot dead in Lahore after India defeated Pakistan in an Asia Cup cricket match, a media report said Monday.
Protesters block entrance to Bahrain parliament
By DPA,
Manama : Bahrain protesters Monday blocked the entrances to the upper house of the National Assembly, or Shura, forcing a temporary shut down.
Israel, US agree on deployment of radar defence system
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : Israel and the US have agreed to deploy high-power early-warning missile radar, which would be linked to a US satellite-based alert network, the Ha'aretz daily reported Sunday.
The radar is to be placed in the Negev desert in southern Israel and manned by US personnel, the daily said.
The Israeli defence ministry would not comment on the report.
Egypt condemns Hamas, Jihad threat to storm Egyptian borders
By Xinhua
Cairo : Egypt on Wednesday condemned the threat by officials of Palestinian Hamas and Islamic Jihad movements to storm the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.
In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said the threat contradicted Egypt's efforts to lift the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip and broker a truce between the Palestinians and Israelis to help Palestinians lead a normal life.
Abbas agrees with Mubarak to launch Palestinian-Palestinian dialogue soon
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has said that he agrees with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to launch the Egyptian-sponsored Palestinian-Palestinian dialogue through an Egyptian appeal to all Palestinian factions within days.
Responding to journalists after meeting Mubarak Sunday, Abbas said he believes that there should be no problem as the Palestinian dialogue was in line with the endeavours exerted for the release of the detained Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, the release of Palestinian prisoners as well as the issue of opening the crossings.
Afghan landslide: Search for survivors abandoned
Kabul : Rescuers abandoned the search for survivors Saturday after a landslide buried an Afghan village, media reports said. Authorities also revised down the...
Eight militants killed in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Eight militants were killed in fighting with the security forces in Pakistan Sunday.
Olmert’s lawyers request delay of Talansky’s deposition
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's lawyers on Wednesday filed a motion for a two-week delay of a pretrial deposition of a key witness in the ongoing probe against their client.
In the petition submitted to the Jerusalem District Court, the attorneys said they need additional two weeks to study the material presented by the State Prosecutor's Office before the testimony scheduled for Sunday.
Dhaka seeks Pakistani investment — and apology for 1971
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh has invited Pakistani entrepreneurs to invest in the country, but also wants Islamabad to resolve all outstanding issues -- including "formal apologies for the atrocities" committed during violent suppreession of its freedom movement in 1971.
Receiving new Pakistani High Commissioner Ashraf Qureshi Thursday, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni sought Pakistan's investment in pharmaceuticals, textiles, information and communication technologies, telecom and agro industries, news reports said Friday.
Hasina plotting to get foreign troops to fight militancy: Zia
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's opposition leader Khaleda Zia has strongly opposed the setting up of a South Asian task force to combat terrorism, alleging that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was using it as a guise to bring foreign troops into the country.
"There is no militancy in Bangladesh," Zia asserted at the May Day rally here, claiming that her government (2001-06) had successfully eliminated it.
Aaghaz-e-Dosti condemns ceasefire violations, appeals to restore peace & humanity
By TCN News,
New Delhi: Reacting on the continuing ceasefire violation on part of Pakistan and India since last week, Aaghaz-e-Dosti – a group...
UAE, Arab aviation body sign pact to boost skill pool
By IANS,
Dubai : The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Arab Civil Aviation Commission (ACAC) have signed a pact to build capacity of its staff, WAM news agency reported.
As part of the agreement, training grants will be offered to ACAC member-states during 2010-2012.
Training will include aviation safety measures, accident probes, security and management, among others. Training will be imparted in the UAE and abroad.
How do we control these violent protests?
By Shafaque Alam
The anti-Islamic video circulating on the internet, followed by the offensive cartoons published in a French magazine, indicate a bad omen and a threat to the world peace.
Rohingya’s rise to militancy claimed 100 lives, says report
Naypyidaw (IANS): Members of a Rohingya militant group allegedly massacred as many as 99 people, including women and children, in Hindu villages in Myanmar's...
Gilani ordered to reopen cases against Zardari
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Supreme Court Thursday ordered Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to reopen graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.
Jameel Ilyasi visits Israel
By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
New Delhi: Amidst Muslim world’s protest over Israeli aggression and killing of innocent Palestinians in Gaza Strip, Maulana Jameel Ilyasi, leader of the All India Association of Imams, made a trip to Israel.
Nabbed Indian militant talked daily with boss in Pakistan: Dhaka
By IANS,
Dhaka: Indian national Mufti Obaidullah, a terrorist posing as a teacher since 1995, sent SMS messages in Persian, using English alphabets to his Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) boss and spoke to him daily using six different cellphones, Bangladesh authorities say.
He knew "quite well", the chief of the Indian branch of the LeT, Ameer Reza, chief of Asif Reza Commando Force (ARCF). The force is named after the militant brother who was killed in Gujarat in 2001, Detective Branch (DB) officials told The Daily Star newspaper.
Iran to further clarify civilian use of n-plan to west
Tehran: Iran is likely to further clarify civilian use of nuclear plan in talks with western powers, as the country's Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif...