Turnout in 4th district at 24 pct by noon
By KUNA,
Kuwait : Approximate turnout in the fourth constituency by noon on Saturday, as surveyed by KUNA, stood at 21,945 votes, or 24 percent of the 93,710 eligible voters registered in the district.
The turnout was based on a survey of most of the 105 electoral committees in the 18 residential areas.
Five dead in suspected US missile strike in Pakistan: officials
By ANTARA News,
Peshawar, Pakistan : A suspected US missile strike on Thursday killed at least five alleged militants in a tribal area in northwest Pakistan known as a Taliban and Al-Qaeda stronghold, local officials said.
The strike was the latest targeting extremists in the lawless tribal areas bordering Afghanistan -- all said to have been launched by unmanned CIA aircraft -- that have raised tensions between Washington and Islamabad.
US donates bomb disposal vans, motorcycles to Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : The US Wednesday donated four bomb disposal vans and 100 motorcycles to the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northwest Pakistan.
Pakistan seeks strategic dialogue with EU
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan wants to hold a strategic dialogue with the European Union to forge a broadbased partnership.
Regional countries vow to strengthen anti-terror cooperation
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Interior Ministers from eight South Asian countries Saturday reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation to fight and eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Ministers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Maldives and Sri Lanka reiterated commitment to strengthen the regional forum – South Association for Regional Cooperation – (SAARC) regime against terrorism.
Four killed in reactor blast in Hyderabad factory
Hyderabad: Four workers were charred to death when a reactor exploded in manufacturing unit of pahramceutical firm in Maheswaram on the outskirts of Hyderabad...
US not ‘satisfied’ despite Pakistan’s pledge to fight terror
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Pakistan has increased its commitment in the fight against terrorism, but the Obama administration is still not "satisfied", Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said, pointing to the large presence of the Al Qaeda and the Taliban country.
"Well, look at, again, what has happened in the last nine months. Pakistan has increased its commitment in the fight against the Taliban and Al Qaeda," Clinton told the CBS news channel.
Musharraf calls for end to confrontation
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf called for avoiding confrontation and adopting a conciliatory approach to overcome economic crisis and defeat terrorism, local newspaper DAWN reported Thursday.
Speaking at the Salam Pakistan cultural show organized by the state-run PTV at the President House in connection with Independence Day, Musharraf stressed the need for political stability in the country to overcome the crisis.
He said the reconciliation approach was imperative to bring political stability in the country.
Chinese premier arrives in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived here Wednesday for an official visit to Pakistan, aiming to deepen friendship between the two neighbouring countries.
Israeli army strikes Gaza militant targets, four injured
By DPA,
Gaza City : Israeli war jets and tanks struck several targets in eastern and southern Gaza Strip Friday night, wounding at least four people, witnesses and medical sources said.
Witnesses said Israeli F16 fighters fired two missiles and tanks fired two shells that landed at empty areas east and northeast of Gaza City. They said huge explosions were heard in the area.
Local ambulances took four people from eastern Gaza for medical treatment at Gaza hospitals, according to medical sources. The four were lightly injured.
Saudi woman searches for her Indian mother in UAE
Dubai : A Saudi woman who was separated from her Indian mother after her parents divorced is trying frantically to locate her mother and...
UAE to provide aid to refugees
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates will give humanitarian assistance to refugees who were displaced to Uzbekistan due to the ethnic violence in Kyrgyzstan.
A delegation from the UAE's Red Crescent Authority (RCA) has left for Uzbekistan to distribute the aid among the affected people.
A quick assessment of the humanitarian conditions on the ground will be made by the RCA team to develop a plan to distribute emergency aid which includes blankets, tents, food and medicine, said Saleh Al-Taei', secretary general of RCA and head of the delegation to Uzbekistan.
Hamas says pro-Abbas forces arrest two members in West Bank
By Xinhua
Ramallah : The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on Thursday said Palestinian security forces arrested two members of its movement in West Bank.
The two men were detained in Nablus and Ramallah cities. They were made as part of a crackdown on Hamas supporters in the West Bank launched by the security forces which report to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah.
Islamic finance sector set to continue growth into 2008
London – (IINA) January 08, 2008 – The global Islamic finance sector is set to continue its impressive growth into 2008, although this growth...
Musharraf meets Chinese Company Chairman
By SPA
Islamabad : China Mobile Communication Corporation Chairman Wang Jianzhou has met President Pervez Musharraf, said an official statement.
Musharraf said Pakistan and China enjoy a deep multi-faceted relationship that was being translated into deeper trade and economic relations.
The President welcomed Chinese company's investment in Pakistan and appreciated the development projects undergoing in the country with Chinese assistance.
Honour aid promises, Pakistan urges US
By IANS,
Washington : The US should honour its promises of financial and military aid to Pakistan to enable it continue the war against terror, the country's envoy here said as President Asif Ali Zardari headed for Washington for talks with US President Barack Obama.
"It is unfair to blame the civilian leadership that is bravely mobilizing the nation against terrorism when it is our American partners who have also slowed us down in the war effort by slowing down the flow of assistance," The Washington Post Monday quoted ambassador Hussain Haqqani as saying.
Kasab gets new lawyer to defend him
By IANS,
Mumbai : A senior criminal lawyer from Mumbai, Abbas Kazmi, was Thursday appointed to defend Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist in the 26/11 attack.
Kazmi, who was appointed by Special Judge M.L. Tahilyani, will replace Anjali Waghmare, who was removed by the Special Court a day earlier on grounds of "professional misconduct".
Another lawyer, K.P. Pawar, appointed last month, shall continue to assist Kazmi in the trial.
US chief of naval operations arrives in Pakistan
Islamabad : Admiral Jonathan Greenert, US chief of naval operations, arrived in the Pakistan Tuesday on a visit aimed at enhancing professional cooperation between...
Suicide bomber kills four in Nigeria
By IANS,
Abuja : A suicide bomber blew himself up near the palace of a religious leader in Nigeria, killing four people and injuring six, Xinhua reported.
Iran rejects US claims over assassination plot
By IANS,
Tehran : A senior Iranian official has called as "hilarious and baseless" the US accusation about a plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the US, a media report said Thursday.
Iran Urges UN To Secure Interest In Afghan Nation
By Bernama,
Tehran : Iran on Tuesday urged the United Nations to secure interest of the Afghan nation, its Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili, was quoted by Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) as saying.
Speaking to Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan Kai Eide, Jalili said that the Afghan nation is suffering from war and devastation over the past three decades.
He outlined Iran's humanitarian assistance to that war-torn country in the past three decades.
US hands over Saddam’s two half-brothers to Iraq
By IANS,
Baghdad : Iraq Friday said the US military has delivered 196 prisoners to Iraqi authorities, including two half-brothers of former president Saddam Hussein.
Yemen: eradicating onchocerciasis could take 10 years – NGO
By NNN-IRIN,
Sana'a : A local non-governmental organisation (NGO) has said it will take 8-10 years to eradicate onchocerciasis, a disease which leads to skin irritation and in some cases blindness, although much progress has been made in fighting the disease.
Isam Addin Awadh, head of the onchocerciasis control programme at the Charitable Society for Social Welfare (CSSW), told IRIN onchocerciasis was present in 34 countries, including Yemen.
Pakistan’s budget for 2010-11 to be presented Saturday
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's $30.4 billion (Rs.2.6 trillion) budget for fiscal 2010-11 beginning July 1, which has allocated Rs.450 billion for defence, will be presented in parliament Saturday.
The budget, which will be presented in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, has, however, deferred the imposition of value added tax (VAT) due to opposition from the provincial governments.
Iran-Russia nuclear plant to be inaugurated in September: Official
By DPA,
Berlin: The joint Iran-Russia nuclear power plant in the Gulf port of Bushehr in southern Iran will be inaugurated in late September, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said Monday.
ILNA news agency quoted him as saying that that all tests and necessary arrangements were currently underway and the plant would be opened in one and a half months.
The spokesman added that the "real fuel" would reach the plant within months after the opening and the complex would then start its operation at "maximum level".
Qatar to be stripped of 2022 World Cup: FIFA whistleblower
London: Qatar are likely be stripped of the 2022 World Cup, according to a FIFA whistleblower who was a former senior figure in the...
We’re ready to face Jordan court: Danish cartoonist, editor
By DPA,
Amman : The Danish cartoonist who drew caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed three years ago which sparked worldwide protests by Muslims and a boycott of Danish products said he was ready to defend himself in an Amman court, Jordanian media reported Thursday.
"I would like to go to Amman to stand trial. However, what I fear is that I would be convicted in advance," Kurt Westergaard told the Jordan Times in an interview that was conducted in Copenhagen earlier this week.
Pakistan Army is pro-democracy, assures Gilani
By IANS,
Islamabad: Rejecting the notion of any clash between the government and army or judiciary, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said the army as well as the judiciary are pro-democracy.
UN-African Union and Sudan Sign SOFA Agreement
By SPA
United Nations : The United Nations and the African Union on Monday signed an agreement with the Sudanese government on the status of a hybrid peacekeeping force in Sudan’s Darfur region.
The United Nations spokesperson’s office told SPA that the so-called Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) will allow the stationing of about 26,000 troops in Darfur.
Jean-Marie Guehenno, under secretary general for peacekeeping operations told SPA that the deployment would be the largest U.N.-funded deployment since the U.N. Mission in former Yugoslavia.
Iran calls UN Security Council actions illegal
By IANS
New York : Iran Saturday said the actions taken by the UN Security Council against the country over its nuclear programme lack any shred of logic and legality.
Citing the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) report on Iran, which was issued Friday, the country's permanent representative to the UN Mohammad Khazae said the report proved that the allegations made by some countries against Iran were totally flawed and baseless, official IRNA news agency reported.
Car bomb kills 16, wounds 94 in N Iraq
By Xinhua,
Mosul : Sixteen people have been killed and up to 94 injured in a car bomb attack on Wednesday at a market in northern Iraq.
Najem Abdulla, mayor of the Tal Afer city, some 80 km west of Mosul, previously put the casualties at 13 dead and more than 30 wounded.
About 30 of the injured were in serious condition, he said.
The attack, which struck the market at about 7:00 p.m.(1600 GMT), resulted in the largest casualties over the past three months.
A car bomb explosion killed 40 and wounded more than 70 on April in the Diyala province.
Kidnapped Swiss couple found in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : A Swiss couple, who had been kidnapped by Pakistan's Taliban last year in July, has been found in a town in North Waziristan by the Pakistani army, a military statement said.
Bush hails Saudi King’s role in supporting Mideast Peace
Washington, January 05 , SPA -- US President George W. Bush has expressed his personal appreciation and admiration for The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and the role being played by him to support the peace process in the Middle East region.
"I personally appreciate the Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques because he is a person whenever he speaks, everyone listens to him. Moreover, King Abdullah bin Abdul-aziz enjoys my personal respect as well as the respect of the Region's countries," President Bush said.
OIC chief: Extremists have hijacked Islam
Jeddah : Extremist voices and groups have hijacked Islam and misappropriated the right to speak on its behalf, according to Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani.
Iran to begin gas exports to Iraq soon
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Dubai: Iran will start exporting gas to Iraq within next three months, according to Iranian Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi.
Barak calls on Olmert to step aside
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Defense Minister and Labor Party chairman Ehud Barak Wednesday called on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to temporarily step aside over corruption allegations or resign at a press conference in Jerusalem.
Citing the overwhelming number of issues Israel is currently facing, Barak told the press conference called by himself that it was doubtful Olmert could fulfill his role as premier with the shadow of a corruption investigation looming overhead.
British defense secretary arrives in Basra on Iraq visit
By SPA
London : British Defense Secretary Des Browne arrived Wednesday in Basra for an unannounced visit to Iraq, AP reported. The Ministry of Defense declined to say how long Browne would stay in Iraq, on what was described as a general visit.
Britain has 4,100 troops in southern Iraq, although they handed over security duties to Iraqi authorities in December.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said numbers would be reduced to 2,500.
Isreali army fires on Lebanese soldiers: Report
By IANS,
Beirut : Israeli army fired gun shots on Lebanese soldiers Monday night along the border, media reports said.
Saudi silence on Gaza linked to ‘US nuclear gift’
Tehran, Jan 15, IRNA – US ‘nuclear gift’ to Saudi Arabia concurrent with the Zionist regime’s genocide in Gaza reveals one of the main reasons for the country’s silence against the Israeli crimes against humanity, said an analysis with IRNA’s Research and News Studies Office.
Saudi’s sobering silence against the Israeli war crimes in Gaza prompted President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to send a letter to King Abdullah, calling for a clear stance vis-à-vis the massacre in Gaza.
UN convoy comes under fire in Syria
By IANS,
Damascus : A convoy of UN observes in Syria came under fire while touring al-Qusair area near central Homs province Sunday, local media reported.
Healing Separation
By Lila Sophia Tresemer
In October 2006, a group of women from the Holy Land gathered in Colorado to co-create a Middle Eastern village experience—living, eating, and learning together. The women came from a wide variety of backgrounds: Jewish (several were religious, others secular and some pagan), Arab (Druze, Muslim, Christian and pagan), as well as women from the US with a range of cultural identities.
Pakistan readmitted to Commonwealth
By Dipankar De Sarkar, IANS,
London : Pakistan was Monday readmitted to the Commonwealth nearly six months after it was suspended for flouting democratic norms of the international body.
The decision was taken after a meeting here Sunday night of the Commonwealth MInisterial Action Group (CMAG), the trouble-shooting body responsible for ensuring adherence to the Commonwealth principles of democracy, good governance and human rights.
Dozens killed in Sudan refugee camp
By DPA,
Nairobi/Khartoum : Forces loyal to the Sudanese government have massacred dozens of people in a refugee camp in South Darfur, a rebel group claimed Monday.
The BBC, quoting a spokesman for a faction of the Sudan Liberation Army, said that 27 people had died in the Kalma camp, where around 80,000 people live, when Sudanese troops opened fire.
However, confusion surrounds the death toll in the camp - which is near Nyala, the capital of South Darfur - with various sources giving both higher and lower figures.
Bahrain minister in India, holds talks with Sushma
New Delhi : Bahrain, a key Gulf partner, and India held their first High Joint Commission meeting here Sunday during the meeting between its...
No surprises, as Bhutto, Archer again top bestseller list
By IANS,
New Delhi : There are no changes at the top of the bookrack this week as Pakistani writer Fatima Bhutto's "Songs of Blood and Sword" again holds sway over the non-fiction category, while British author Jeffrey Archer tops the fiction list with "And Thereby Hangs a Tale".
The top 10 bestsellers in each category are:
Non-fiction
1. "Songs of Blood and Sword"
Author: Fatima Bhutto
Publisher: Penguin Viking
Price: Rs.699.00
2. "Mother Pious Lady"
Author: Santosh Desai
Publisher: Harper Collins
Price: Rs.399.00
3. "Jangalnama"
Over 15 killed in missile attack on Pakistani tribal agency
By KUNA,
Islamabad : At least 15 people, including women, were killed in a missile attack on a house in Pakistani a tribal agency bordering Afghanistan, said officials on Thursday.
Two guided missiles, believed to have been fired by a US drone, hit the house Mullah Obaidullah in Damadola area of Bajaur tribal agency late Wednesday night, security and tribal sources told KUNA.
They said the attack killed at least 15 persons, including the brother of Mullah Obaidullah, who reportedly had links with Taliban militants.
Malaysian minister elected CPA chief, defeats Swraj Paul
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Culture Minister Shafie Apdal was Saturday elected chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) executive committee, defeating India-born British peer Lord Swraj Paul by 50 votes.
Apdal, who is also the minister for unity, arts and heritage, polled 152 votes while Lord Paul of Marylebone, a member of the British House of Lords, secured 102 votes, the official Malaysian news agency Bernama reported. One vote was declared 'spoilt'.
While Apdal was backed by the Indian delegation, Lord Paul was a nominee of Britain and Canada.
Greatest threat to democracy from militancy: Zardari
By IANS,
Islamabad : The greatest threat to democracy is from "militants who want to foist their political agenda on the people", Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said Thursday.
Turkey deports 10 foreigners who wanted to join IS
Ankara: Turkish authorities have arrested 10 foreigners, near the Syrian border, suspected of wanting to join the Islamic State (IS) and deported them to...
Sharif approves release of 12 Taliban prisoners
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has approved release of 12 Taliban prisoners as a goodwill gesture for bolstering the peace process, Dawn reported...
Some thoughts on confederation in the sub-continent
By Asghar Ali Engineer,
The partition of India has been a great tragedy and it has caused more problems than it could solve. The decision to partition in India was taken by some Indian leaders at the time not only in the heat of the moment but without seriously examining the serious consequences of the partition. Also, the British rulers were determined to partition India before they leave as they wanted their military domination in the sub-continent. They cleverly used our leaders to agree to partition.
Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr dates forecast in UAE
By IANS/WAM,
Sharjah : An astronomer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has forecast the dates for the beginning of the Muslim holy month of fasting and for the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.
SAARC writers and academicians for promotion of peace between Pakistan and India
By NNN-APP,
New Delhi : Writers, artistes and academicians from Saarc countries have pledged to build bridges between Pakistan and India and in the region for establishing peace.
A four-day Saarc Festival of Literature began in Agra on Friday in which authors, artistes, academicians from all Saarc countries are participating.
Expressing their views at the inaugural ceremony, they said there was dire need to promote peace and understanding among Saarc countries particularly between Pakistan and India which are passing through their difficult phase of relations.
Militants torch 150 NATO trucks in Pakistan, kill guard
By DPA,
Islamabad : Some 300 heavily-armed rebels attacked two parking bays in north-western Pakistan full of vehicles used by US and NATO contractors for making deliveries to Afghanistan, killing a guard and torching dozens of trucks, the police said Sunday.
The attack took place in the early hours at Al-Faisal International and Port World Logistics terminals on the outskirts of Peshawar city, where the trucks are parked at night.
Scores killed in Nigeria militant attack
Abuja: Scores of people were killed Monday in an attack by suspected Boko Haram militants, sources said.
Insurgents hit Gamborun Ngala, a community in Nigeria's...
Suicide bombing kills 10 in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : At least 10 tribal policemen were killed in a suicide bombing that targeted a security convoy in Pakistan's northwestern region near the Afghan border, officials said Wednesday.
Fifteen policemen were injured in the bombing that took place in the Khyber Agency tribal district.
The suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden car into a vehicle carrying the policemen along a main highway leading to Afghanistan, said Manzoor Ahmad, an official of the local administration.
Obama seeks ‘mutual respect’ from Muslim world
By IANS,
Washington : Barack Obama, who was Tuesday sworn in as the 44th US president, used his inaugural speech to reach out to Muslim community across the world.
"To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect," Obama, who became the first African American president, said in his inaugural speech.
"To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy," he said.
US missile attack kills four in Pakistan
By KUNA,
Islamabad : At least four people were killed and several others were wounded Thursday in a US missile attack on a Pakistani tribal agency bordering Afghanistan.
At least two guide-missiles hit a vehicle and a house in Karri Kot area of South Waziristan tribal agency, security sources told KUNA.
They said the attack killed at least four people and wounded several others.
Sharjah varsity holds graduation ceremony
By IANS,
Sharjah: The University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Saturday held a graduation ceremony where 460 students were awarded degrees.
VHP asks FICCI not to hold ‘Alishan Pakistan’
New Delhi : The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Wednesday asked FICCI not to hold a lifestyle exhibition, "Alishan Pakistan", set for next week here.
"The...
US awaits shift in Pakistan’s dealings with Lashkar
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Describing action taken so far by Pakistan in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks as "serious and important steps", US has said it's awaiting a shift in Islamabad's way of dealing with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
"What we are looking to see, if there's going to be a shift in Pakistan in how they deal with LeT", the Pakistan based terrorist organisation that India has blamed for the Nov 26 assault on its financial capital, White House spokesperson Dana Perino said Wednesday.
Qur’an translations in 107 languages on show
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Translations of the holy Quran in 107 living world languages are on display at the Qur'an translation section of the ongoing 16th Tehran International Qur'an Exhibition.
Announcing this, director of the section, Naqdi said that those interested can read the Qur'an in any language they like.
Stating that efforts are underway to promote translation of the holy book in various languages, he further said that in addition to the biography of translators, their photos and ways of life are also featured in the section.
Pakistan asks India to protect Muslim rights
Islamabad : India, which claims to be secular, should guarantee the basic rights of minorities particularly Muslims, the Pakistani government has said.
Geo TV quoted...
Malaysia monitoring IS members
Kuala Lumpur : The Malaysian government and police are monitoring those Malaysians who are fighting for the Islamic State (IS) Sunni radical organisation and...
Congress attacks government over Pakistani boat incident
New Delhi : The Congress Monday attacked the ruling BJP over the Pakistani boat incident, asserting that every citizen has a right to question...
US Army Chief to respect Pakistan’s sovereignty
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : Amid a raging row with Pakistan over incursions into its territory, the US vowed to respect Islamabad's sovereignty, seeking to ease the tension that has brought their troops in an eyeball-to-eyeball situation along the porous Afghan border.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen, who arrived here on an unannounced visit, handed out the assurance during meetings with his Pakistani counterpart General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, a US embassy statement said on Wednesday.
EU to enhance energy co-op with Iraq
By Xinhua
Brussels : Two European Union commissioners met respectively here on Thursday with Iraqi Minister of Oil Hussain Al-Shahristani to discuss the enhancement of energy cooperation between the 27-nation European bloc and oil-rich Iraq.
"Iraq is a natural energy partner for the EU, both as a producer of oil and gas and as a transit country for hydrocarbon resources from the Middle East and the Gulf to the EU," said Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner.
UAE consul general meets Sindh governor
By IANS,
Karachi : UAE Consul General Suhail Mattar Al Ketbi met Sindh Governor Ishrat-ul-Ebad to discuss a trade exhibition to be held in this southern Pakistani port city.
Over 2,000 families flee Iraqi city as fighting rages
Baghdad : Over 2,000 families have been forced to flee the Iraqi city of Ramadi owing to heavy clashes between the Islamic State (IS)...
Kashmir-based journalist nominated for ECO Award
By TwoCircles.net newsdesk
New Delhi: Kashmir-based journalist, Syed Ali Safvi, has been nominated for prestigious ECO Award for his reporting during Amarnath land row. The ECO Award is a global award given yearly by the British Columbia, Canada-based Global Community for achievements in several categories.
The only other person who has been nominated for the award for her reporting on Kashmir is the booker prize winner, Arundhati Roy.
The Award is a reward to both 'soft global activism' with relevant scientific efforts and balance journalism reporting in the different categories.
Pakistan Senate polls come under cloud, says daily
By IANS,
Islamabad : The transparency of Pakistan's Senate polls have come under question after "charges of horse-trading and vote-buying" marred Friday's elections, said a daily.
Ahmadinejad expected in Rome for UN food summit: Report
By DPA,
Rome : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is expected in Rome next week to attend a summit hosted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Italian media said Wednesday.
Ahmadinejad is also seeking to meet Pope Benedict XVI during the visit, Rome-based daily La Repubblica said.
Iran's embassy to the Vatican neither confirmed nor denied the report.
Italian media, citing unidentified diplomatic sources, said it was highly unlikely that Benedict would meet Ahmadinejad.
Pakistani daily fears terror attacks during polls
By IANS,
Islamabad : Terrorism is very much alive in Pakistan and this becomes all the more ominous with elections now just around the corner, said a daily Wednesday.
Palestine President’s intention to resign unfounded – Presidental spokesman
By NNN-WAFA,
Ramallah : Palestine Presidency Spokesperson Nabil Abu Rdeina denied on Sunday evening news that President Mahmoud Abbas has threaten to resign, affirming that such statements are unfounded.
Abu Rdeina told WAFA that President Abbas would continue exerting efforts to achieve the dream of the Palestinian people in establishing the independent state, with Jerusalem as its capital.
Meanwhile in Egypt's SHARM EL-SHEIKH, President Mahmoud Abbas called on Sunday on the USA to be unbiased, siding with the international legitimacy and not to negotiate on Palestine behalf.
Candidates for upcoming elections in Kuwait pursue campaign
By KUNA,
Kuwait : Candidates campaigning to win seats in the National Assembly affirmed that dialogue between the executive and legislative authorities must be based on constructive basis and called for instilling patriotism in the conscience of the generations.
Bassam Al-Bassam, a nominee in the second constituency, affirmed at his campaign rally, held late on Sunday, necessity of constructive dialogue between the two authorities, as well as mutual respect of opinions between the lawmakers and the executives, for sake of promoting the democratic process in the country.
Pakistan to resurrect Kashmir ’cause’ at UN through high-profile diplomacy
By Arul Louis,
United Nations : Signaling a new diplomatic push to refurbish its battered image and win friends and influence nations, Pakistan is sending...
Tehran hands proposals to Russia, China on nuclear security
By RIA Novosti,
Tehran : Iran said on Friday it has submitted to the Russian and Chinese Foreign Ministries a package of proposals on nuclear non-proliferation and other international security issues.
A spokesman for the Iranian Supreme National Security Council said: "These countries have promised to closely study the package of proposals and to announce their opinion regarding our initiatives."
Israel`s Netanyahu vows to topple “Iranian Proxy” Hamas
By ANTARA,
Herzliya : Benjamin Netanyahu, widely tipped to become Israel`s prime minister after elections next week, vowed on Wednesday to topple the Hamas movement in Gaza, calling the Islamists an "Iranian proxy."
"In the end of the day there will be no choice but to remove the Iranian threat in Gaza," Netanyahu told the annual Herzliya security conference north of Tel Aviv.
"There will be no escape from toppling the Hamas regime which is the Iranian proxy in the Gaza Strip," he said. "This is the real threat we are facing.
Pakistan Army chief pledges regional peace
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Army chief Thursday vowed to maintain peace and security in the region following a meeting with the country's top military commanders.
Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Kayani made the remarks at the 113th Corps Commanders' Conference held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, some 30 km south of Islamabad, according to an official statement.
Kayani said the Pakistani Army stood for peace and security and hoped that it would be maintained in the region.
Middle East, North Africa most dynamic satellite markets: Study
By IANS,
Dubai : The Middle East and North Africa have become one of the most dynamic emerging markets for satellite broadcast, according to a new study.
Nearly 100 percent of satellite transponders in the region are being used, the study conducted by Euroconsult and the London Satellite Exchange, said.
The upward trend of the satellite market was stimulated by the growing demand from the media, telecom, and military users in the region, WAM reported Sunday.
Iranian plane catches fire, 46 injured
By IANS,
Tehran : At least 46 passengers on board a domestic aircraft were injured Sunday as the plane caught fire while landing at Mashhad airport.
Fire broke out in the tail of the Taban Airlines plane while it was landing at the airport at 7.20 a.m. (0920 IST). The aircraft took off from the southeastern Iranian city of Abadan, Press TV reported.
Initial reports indicated that at least 46 of the 157 passengers aboard the Russian-made Topolov have been injured.
Palestinian doctor sues Libya for violating rights
By DPA
Amsterdam (The Netherlands) : The Palestinian doctor sentenced to death by the Lybian authorities for deliberately infecting over 400 children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in July 2007 has filed a complaint with the UN Human Rights Committee, his attorney said Wednesday.
Attorney Liesbeth Zegveld said in a statement published Wednesday she had filed the complaint on behalf of her client Ashraf El-Haggog Gomma Tuesday to protest serious human rights violations committed against himself and the five other Bulgarian medics in the Benghazi hospital case.
Lawmen in 5th district say elections organized thanks to Interior Ministry’s efforts
By Khalid Al-Hamdan, KUNA,
Kuwait : Judges and counselors in Manqaf, fifth constituency, agreed Saturday that voting was taking place in an organized manner thanks to the efforts of Interior Ministry personnel at polling stations.
Head of the main committee at Manqaf Elementary School for Girls, Counselor Adel Al-Failkawi, told KUNA that the voting process kicked off early this morning and would continue to 8:00 p.m., with voters entering and exiting in a uniform manner and with no problems.
Pakistan: declining trend in prices must be maintained, says PM Gilani
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani directed that declining trend in the prices of essential commodities must be maintained to provide maximum relief to the poor segments of society.
He was chairing a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) held here at the Prime Minister Secretariat on Wednesday.
The meeting reviewed the essential commodities prices and expressed satisfaction that a declining trend was observed therein.
Musharraf eighth worst dictator in world: Parade magazine
By IANS
New York : Pakistan's beleaguered President Pervez Musharraf has been named the eighth worst dictator in the world by the widely circulated Parade magazine here.
Kim Jong-Il of North Korea tops the magazine's annual World's Worst Dictators list for "running the most isolated, repressive regime in the world".
At number two is Omar Al-Bashir of Sudan. "Under Bashir's rule, the Darfur region of Sudan continues to be the site of a violent power struggle among government forces and allied militia, rebels and bandits," the magazine says in its latest edition.
Chinese press accolades Pakistani media on presenting Olympic Games in splendid way
By NNN-APP,
Beijing : Chinese press has lauded Pakistani electronic media for outstanding presentation and talks show on Beijing Olympics and for its closing ceremony on Sunday night. “Pakistan’s national TV station, and the private GEO, EXPRESS, NEWS and AAJ stations gave live coverage of the entire ceremony,” the English language China Daily reported in a commentary.
The Pakistani commentators congratulated China on its successful hosting of the Games, saying that Pakistan is happy to see China won most gold medals, the paper stated on Tuesday.
Bangladesh court sentences members of banned Islamist group for life
By KUNA,
New Delhi : A court in Bangladesh has sentenced to life imprisonment seven cadres of proscribed Islamist group Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) that had carried out serial blasts in the country in 2005.
A fast-track court in south-western Barisal region yesterday announced the sentence against the insurgents for the serial blasts that rocked Bangladesh on August 17 2005, news agency Press Trust of India reported Thursday, quoting a source in the Law Ministry.
New advisers of Bangladesh caretaker government likely to take oath Wednesday
By Xinhua
Dhaka : New advisers of Bangladesh military-backed caretaker government are likely to be sworn-in by President Iajuddin Ahmed Wednesday following the resignation of four advisors Tuesday.
Chief Advisor Fakhruddin Ahmed's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim was quoted by private news agency UNB as saying that the chief advisor's office sent all the four resignation letters to the President's office Tuesday.
Israel announces indirect peace talks with Syria
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Israel and Syria will begin indirect peace talks, after an eight-year break, under Turkish auspices, simultaneous statements from Ankara, Jerusalem and Damascus said Wednesday.
"Both sides have declared their intention to hold these talks openly and in good faith," a statement of the office of Israeli prime Minister Ehud Olmert said.
"They decided to hold a serious and continuous dialogue, with the intention of arriving at an embracing peace treaty, in accordance with the framework (laid down by the 1991) Madrid peace conference," the statement continued.
Malaysian prime minister sworn in for second term
By DPA
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was sworn in Monday for his second term in office after his ruling coalition secured a slim majority but suffered major losses in last weekend's elections.
Abdullah, 68, took the oath of office in a simple, closed-door ceremony before King Mizan Zainal Abidin at the royal palace.
Abdullah's ruling National Front coalition retained control of the government in Saturday's general election, but was denied a two-thirds majority of parliamentary seats.
Death toll rises to 35 in Iraq wedding suicide attacks
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : The death toll rose to 35 in double suicide blast which struck a wedding convoy Thursday evening in northeast of Baghdad, and 76 others were wounded, police said.
The two suicide bombers, one of them a female, blew themselves off as a wedding convoy passed by a main street in the town of Balad Ruz, 30 km east of Baquba, the capital city of the restive Diyala province.
Police said the first female bomber blew herself up in front of the wedding convoy, and the second bomber went off as people nearby gathered to help the wounded.
Oman Embassy in India petitioned to rescind Modi’s visit to Oman
By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net,
New Delhi: The New Delhi Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman has been filed with a public petition urging their government to rescind the likly visit of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to Oman later this year.
The petitioners have reminded the Oman Embassy and their government that Modi is being investigated for his role in the 2002 pogrom in Gujarat in which thousands of innocents were killed with the help of government machinery.
Outpacing India, Pakistan may get 3rd largest nuclear arsenal: Report
By Arun Kumar
Washington : Far outpacing India in the development of nuclear warheads, Pakistan could have at least 350 nuclear weapons within a...
Ban, Bush to discuss how to put an end to Gaza crisis
By KUNA,
United Nations : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday said he will discuss with President Bush over a lunch in Washington on Tuesday the situation in Gaza and how to put an immediate end to the crisis.
About 200 protesters injured in south Yemen
By IANS,
Sana'a : About 200 anti-government protesters were wounded in south Yemen during a clash with police Sunday, Xinhua reported Sunday.
Iraq car bombings kill 54
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : At least 54 people were killed and more than 80 injured in two car bombings in northern and western Iraq Tuesday.
The first car bomb detonated outside a court building in the northern city of Baquba in Diyala province killed at least 40 people and wounded more than 70, while another car packed with explosives blew up in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province in the west, killing 14 and wounding as many, the police said.
Iraq PM offers immunity, freeze of raids against militiamen
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki offered Friday nationwide immunity and freeze of raids on militiamen who lay down their arms, Iraqi official television reported.
"In order to give a chance to those who repented, raids in all areas will stop and immunity will be granted to whoever wanted to lay down their arms," the television quoted a statement by Malikias saying.
Maliki's statement did not mention the Mahdi Army militia, loyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, or put a timeframe for his new measures.
Blank bullets sent to Berlusconi with ‘Islamist death threat’
By DPA
Milan : An Italian newspaper said Friday it had received a letter containing two blank bullets and threats against former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, warning he faced a fate similar to slain Pakistani political leader Benazir Bhutto.
The letter - the bullets attached to it with adhesive tape - was posted to the Milanese daily Il Giornale, owned by Berlusconi's brother, Paolo, who also received "threats of an Islamic character" in the letter, the newspaper said.
Egypt Seeks to Rescue Gaza Truce Plan
By Ulises Canales, Prensa Latina,
Sharm El Sheik, Egypt : The withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza was one of the objectives of discussion of a summit between Egypt and European leaders although many got ahead and blessed the unilateral Israeli truce.
The meeting that started in this Spa of the Red Sea was convened by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in his attempt to rescue the cease fire plan submitted a few weeks ago with his French peer Nicolas Sarkozy that includes agreements between the nations at war.
Ghulam Ali imbroglio: Pakistani censor chief wants South Block to step in
New Delhi : Amidst the controversy surrounding the cancellation of renowned Pakistani ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali's concert in Mumbai, the country's censor board...
Pakistan, Turkish air forces to conduct joint exercise: official
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Air forces of Pakistan and Turkey will conduct joint exercises this month, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) said on Monday.
"The Exercise would be conducted in Pakistan during the month of April," a PAF statement said." "To benefit from the expertise and professional experiences of each other, PAF and the Turkish Air Force (TuAF) are conducting a Joint Exercise 'Indus Viper-2008' in Pakistan," it said.
The statement said that a contingent of TuAF fighter aircraft and personnel will undertake joint planning and execution of various combat missions in the exercises.
Two NATO soldiers killed in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : Two NATO soldiers died in a blast in eastern Afghanistan, the military alliance said Monday.
Pakistani forces launch ground offensive in North Waziristan
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces, backed by artillery and tanks, Monday started a ground offensive against the militants in North Waziristan tribal region after...
Pakistani Taliban kill 14 kidnapped soldiers in tribal region
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistani Taliban have shot dead 14 security personnel a day after they were kidnapped in a tribal region near the Afghan border.
Taliban militants kidnapped them on Saturday after exchange of fire in Mohmand Agency, assistant administrative officer Rasool Khan said.
Locals found bullet-ridden bodies of the security men were found at mountainous areas of Omar Banda and Ayesha Kuroona on Sunday, Khan said.
He said the security forces collected the bodies.
US aid may be disastrous so reach out to China: Pakistani minister
By IANS,
Lahore : Pakistan should strengthen its relations with China and not accept aid from the US as it may "take us to the verge of disaster", a minister said here.
Federal Minister for Science and Technology Azam Sawati said that Pakistan should enhance its relations with China instead of accepting aid from the US, as this aid may take the country to the verge of disaster, The News reported Tuesday.
Zia’s BNP to take oath, attend parliament’s first session
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia has decided to take oath and join the first session of the country's ninth parliament for the "sake of democracy".
The decision to move on after the poll debacle of last week was taken late Wednesday. It may remain symbolic as the BNP MPs may attend only the first day's proceedings of the ninth parliament when it is convened, the Daily Star said Thursday.
Afghan national army strength rises to 76,000
By Xinhua,
Kabul : The strength of Afghan new armed forces has risen to more than 76,000, spokesman of Afghan defense ministry said Sunday.
"Today the strength of Afghanistan National Army (ANA) is 76,665 soldiers and officers," Zahir Azimi told a press conference.
Under the historic Bonn agreement signed in Germany following the collapse of Taliban regime in late 2001, Afghanistan was designed to have 70,000-strong armed forces.
However, Afghan defense ministry stressed last year that 70,000troops is not enough to protect the country's security.
Iran condemns new EU sanctions
By DPA,
Berlin : Iran Tuesday condemned stricter sanctions levelled by the European Union (EU) as neither constructive nor effective, and warned that the move would only complicate the nuclear dispute.
"These sanctions would neither help resumption of negotiations nor change the will of the Iranian nation to pursue its legitimate nuclear rights," ISNA news agency quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast as saying.
The EU foreign ministers Monday approved a list of sanctions which go well beyond the measures approved by the UN.
Pakistan’s manifold challenges: Can Zardari-Kayani duo deliver?
By C. Uday Bhaskar, IANS,
Pakistan blocks BBC
By IANS,
London : Pakistan has blocked the BBC over a documentary that questions Islamabad's commitment to the war against terror, the broadcaster said.
Jordan to build water conveyance project in August
By Xinhua,
Amman : Jordan is to launch a long-awaited multimillion-U.S.-dollar water conveyance project to soothe the water shortage in capital Amman in August, local daily Jordan Times quoted Ministry of Water and Irrigation officials on Sunday.
The Disi Water Conveyance Project, seeking to provide 100 million cubic meters of water annually to Amman via a 325 km pipeline running from the fossil Disi Aquifer on Jordan's border with Saudi Arabia to Amman, and to be established on a Build-Operate-Transfer basis, had its implementation previously scheduled for July 2007.
The Italian government to spend $20 million in Pakistan
By SPA
Islamabad : The Italian government will spend $20 million on the reservation of cultural heritage and development of education, health, agriculture and other infrastructures in Pakistani city of Multan under a Multan the oldest living city in the world programme.
Pak-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Ettore Marzocchi conveyed this decision to Multan Mayor Faisal Mukhtar in a meeting in Multan, said an official statement.
Marzocchi said the Italian government would provide the funds to Pakistan in five years for various projects.
Three sentenced to death for terror links in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh : Three Saudi men have been sentenced to death for their role in one of the the country's largest terror cells, media reported...
Egypt’s judiciary refuses to send Mubarak to military hospital
By IANS,
Cairo: Egyptian judiciary has rejected a request made for transfering country's former president Hosni Mubarak from prison hospital to a military hospital, Xinhua reported.
Two ISAF soldiers killed in Afghan blast
By KUNA
Kabul : Two soldiers of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) were killed in a roadside bomb blast in southeastern Afghanistan.
A statement by NATO released here on Wednesday said the bomb hit the NATO patrol in Sharan, capital of Afghanistan's southeastern Paktika province, which borders the troubled tribal region of Pakistan.
8,500 Pakistani women victims of violence in 2011
By IANS,
Islamabad : Over 8,500 Pakistani women last year suffered from violence like sexual assault, acid throwing and even honour killings, a non-governmental organisation said Tuesday.
12 Afghan police killed in insurgent attacks
By DPA,
Kabul : Twelve policemen were killed in Afghanistan's volatile southern and eastern regions, officials said Tuesday.
Suspected Taliban insurgents attacked a police checkpoint in Ghazni, the capital of the province of the same name Monday night, Kazim Allahyar, the deputy provincial governor, said.
"Five police were killed in the overnight attack," Allahyar told DPA. Two constables were injured.
Malaysian pilgrims head for Mecca
By NNN-Bernama,
Medinah : Malaysian pilgrims have begun their journey to the holy city of Mecca with about 1,000 of them leaving from here since Friday.
A Pilgrims Fund (Tabung Haji) spokesman more are due to leave Saturday night and will be boarding nine buses for the journey.
He added the pilgrims arriving here would be allowed to spent nine days visiting holy sites, the Prophet Muhammad's mausoleum before making their onward journey to Mecca.
Hamas says commitment to truce linked to Israel’s commitment
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Islamic Hamas movement's spokesman in Gaza Fawzi Barhoum said Monday that his movement's commitment to a truce brokered by Egypt is linked to Israel's commitments to it.
Barhoum warned Israel, in a statement, of using the Israeli High Court of Justice decisions, related to the appeal of the family of captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, to violate the truce.
Palestinian rocket targets Israeli settlement
By KUNA
Gaza : A Palestinian rocket was fired Friday morning from northern Gaza at the Israeli settlement of Zikim, the Israeli Army said.
An army spokesman told Radio Israel that the rocket exploded near an agricultural area without causing any casualties or damage.
However, no Palestinian group claimed responsibility for the attack.
Meanwhile, Hamas's military wing, Ezzidin Al-Qassam Brigades, announced that it bombarded an Israeli military site north of Gaza Thursday night.
37 petrochemical units launched in 30 years
By IRNA,
Tehran : Some 37 petrochemical units have become operational since the victory of the Islamic Revolution, increasing the capacity for production of petrochemical products from 4.5 million tons in 1979 to 35.2 million tons in 2007.
Bandar Imam, Tabriz, Isfahan, Khorasan, Urumiyeh, Khuzestan, Tondgouyan, Jam, Amir Kabir, Maroun, Zagros and Aryasasol petrochemical complexes are among the main projects commissioned after the victory of the revolution in 1979.
Currently, Iran is one the main producers of petrochemical products in the region. It is second to Saudi Arabia.
China to give Pakistan trainer aircraft, 60 mn yuan
By IANS,
Rawalpindi : China has agreed to provide four trainer aircraft to the Pakistan Air Force and 60 million yuan ($9 million) for training the country's armed forces.
An agreement to this effect was signed Monday by Pakistani Defence Minister Ahmad Mukhtar and his Chinese counterpart Gen. Liang Guangile, Online news agency reported.
Earlier, a 17-member defence delegation led by Liang called on Mukhtar and exchanged views on bilateral defence cooperation, the strategic situation in the region and Pakistan's anti-terror efforts.
Samjhauta bombing: Pakistani couple gets compensation
By IANS,
New Delhi: A compensation of over Rs.22.5 lakh was released last week to the Pakistani couple who lost their five children in the 2007 Samjhauta Express bombing. A cheque issued earlier was delayed due to banking procedures, an Indian Railway official said Tuesday.
"We released the payment (in cheque) to the family as soon as the railway tribunal in Chandigarh settled the case last year. There was no delay from our side," Northern Railway spokesperson Anant Swarup told IANS.
Malaysia’s PM Badawi seeks re-election
By SPA,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia : Malaysia's prime minister says he will not resign and will seek re-election as his arty's leader in December.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told reporters Monday that there is no reason for him not to contest the post of the president of the ruling United Malays National Organization party.
The party will hold its annual general assembly and elections for office bearers in December, according to a report of the Associated Press.
14 militants killed in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 14 militants were killed and 17 injured in a clash with security forces in northwest Pakistan's tribal area Wednesday.
Security forces backed by helicopters launched a ground-and-air assault in Orakzai tribal agency, Xinhua news agency reported. A security personnel was injured.
Security forces are searching the country's restive northwest, believed to be the centre for the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
US drones Tuesday night fired two missiles at militant hideouts in North Waziristan tribal agency, killing at least six people, officials said.
Egypt accuses Morsi of leaking documents to Qatar
Cairo: The Egyptian prosecution ordered Wednesday to temporarily detain former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi for 15 days on charges of leaking "national security documents"...
Shia leader urges Iraqis to resist US without weapons
By DPA,
Najaf (Iraq): Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr urged Iraqis Saturday to resist the US presence in their country peacefully and without resorting to weapons.
Sharia-compliant hotels flourishing in Dubai
By IINA,
Dubai : As Dubai's popularity among tourists and business people increases, there is a growing demand for Islamic Sharia-compliant hotels that apply a no-alcohol policy and tailor their services to suit Muslim culture. Some hotel chains follow a detailed set of Islamic rules for operating hotels, while others just adhere to Islam's ban on alcohol owing to local regulations or investor preference. The first major dry hotel in Dubai was the Taj Palace Hotel, which is managed by leading Indian hotel chain Taj and opened nearly a decade ago.
UN security council reaches no accord on how to end Gaza conflict
By ANTARA News/Xinhua-OANA,
United Nations : The UN Security Council on Wednesday failed again to reach an accord on how to end the ongoing Gaza conflict, the Council president for the month of January, French UN Ambassador John-Maurice Ripert, told reporters here at the end of a closed-door meeting.
The Security Council has two draft texts on the table -- a draft resolution presented by Libya, and a presidential statement proposed by France, Ripert said.
"There is no unanimity on either of these texts," he said. "We have decided to continue our discussions."
Developing Islamic countries to discuss food security in Kuala Lumpur
By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur : The D8 group of Islamic developing countries is expected to come come up with an action plan to strengthen food security among member countries at its ministerial meeting here on Nov 2.
Apart from the Kuala Lumpur Initiative To Address Food Security, the meeting, which would chaired by Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman, would also discuss the grouping's 10-year roadmap to encourage greater economic co-operation, the Foreign Ministry here said in a statement Tuesday.
Pakistan’s attorney general resigns, successor appointed
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : The attorney general of Pakistan Malik Abdul Qayyum submitted his resignation here Wednesday, Geo TV channel reported.
Latif Khosa, a senator belonging to the Pakistan Peoples Party, has been appointed as the new attorney general, the report said.
Malik Qayyum is a former judge and was appointed by former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf as attorney general in August last year.
The attorney general is the chief legal adviser to the Pakistani government.
Polling continues at brisk pace in Pak
LAHORE, Feb 18 (APP): Polling for general elections is in progress at a brisk pace at most of polling stations in districts Kasur and Okara with over 20 percent votes cast within first three hours after polling started at 8 a.m.
A team of Lahore-based journalists who visited different polling stations in the aforementioned two districts found great enthusiasm among the people for using their right to vote.
Polling, which started at a slow place, picked up after 9 a.m. and people were seen standing in long queues to cast their votes.
Egyptian media slam U.S. policy ahead of fifth anniversary of Iraqi war
By Xinhua
Cairo : Major Egyptian newspapers on Wednesday strongly criticized the U.S. policy in Iraq on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion on the Mideast and Arab country.
"Iraq is experiencing the worst stage of its modern history and is living under a brutal military occupation," Al Ahram said in its editorial on Wednesday.
Five years ago, the United States launched the Iraqi war under the pretext of its disarmament and bringing freedom and democracy to Iraqi people, the influential Egyptian newspaper said.
Bangladesh to claim 400 nautical miles in Bay of Bengal
By DPA,
Dhaka: Bangladesh will fight to establish its claim to 400 nautical miles of territorial waters in the Bay of Bengal disputed by neighbouring India and Myanmar, officials said Sunday.
Kuwait envoy welcomes visit by Saudi’s Prince Mishaal
By NNN-KUNA,
Riyadh : Kwaiti Ambassador in Riyadh Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah welcomed Saturday the visit of President of Saudi's Allegienace Commission Prince Mishaal bin Abdulaziz to his country tomorrow.
The ambassador told KUNA that the visit would further boost bilateral and brotherly relations on all levels, adding that Prince Mishaal was greatly welcomed by the Kuwaiti leadership, government and people.
The visit also sheds light on the two country's keenness to boost bilateral and joint cooperation in the interest of the Arab and Islamic worlds, Sheikh Hamad noted.
Suicide bombing kills 35 in Iraq
By Xinhua
Baghdad : At least 35 people were killed and 75 wounded in a suicide bomb explosion in central Baghdad Friday morning, an interior ministry source said.
A woman wearing an explosive vest blew herself up at the crowded popular market of Soug al-Ghazil, the ministry said.
The Soug al-Ghazil market has been attacked several times in the past.
On Nov 24, the US military blamed Iranian-backed Shia militant groups for a bomb attack in the market that killed 13 people and wounded 57.
Gillani assures Hurriyat leaders support on Kashmir issue
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Prime Minister Syed Yousauf Raza Gillani Monday told a Hurriyat delegation from India's Jammu and Kashmir that his government was committed to supporting the just struggle of Kashmiris and was determined to seek a peaceful solution of the issue in keeping with the aspirations of the people of Kashmir.