Iranian-born officer promoted to UK police commander
By IRNA
London : Chief Superintendent Ali Dizaei has been promoted to the rank of commander in London's Metropolitan Police at the fourth attempt after previously being at the center of a controversial four-year internal inquiry.
His promotion comes after Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair last year apologized for the Pnds 4 million (Dlrs 8 m) investigation against the Iranian-born officer, which he said caused "considerable damage" within the Britain's largest police force.
Bangladeshi, Myanmar nationals rescued near Sri Lanka
By IANS,
Colombo : The Sri Lankan navy rescued over 100 Bangladeshi and Myanmar nationals from a boat that capsized off the island in its eastern seas, a navy spokesman said Sunday.
Turkish Planes Bomb North Iraq
By Prensa Latina,
Ankara : The Turkish Army Wednesday admitted new air raids in northern Iraq, as part of its offensive against alleged targets of the illegal Kurdistan Workers Party, PKK.
A report published on Wednesday says that Turkish warplanes bombed rebels on the border on Tuesday and at least one soldier died during the military operation in the south of this country.
According to military sources, the Army seized a great quantity of weapons and munitions in an attack on a PKK armed group when it tried to enter the Turkish territory.
Leadership of Free Syrian Army dismissed
Beirut : The Syrian National Coalition (SNC), the main opposition political alliance, has dissolved the leadership of its armed wing, the Free Syrian Army...
Palestine, Israel Talk in Greece
By Prensa Latina,
Athens : President of the Palestine National Authority Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak are expected to discuss the Middle East peace process, on the sidelines of the 23rd Congress of the Socialist International.
Both leaders attended the said congress held at the Lagonissi resort, near Athens, and are expected to discuss the situation in the Middle East.
Egypt’s Al-Azhar to set up first ever branch campus in Malaysia
By NNN-Bernama,
Rembau, Malaysia : The opening of its first ever branch campus in Malaysia by Egypt's famed Al-Azhar University will attract thousands of Muslim students from the South East Asian and enhance Malaysia's image in the world, says an Al-Azhar representative, Dr Umar Abdullah Kamil.
The establishment of the branch campus outside the Middle East also marks the changing of the mindset of Al-Azhar, which has a history of more than 1,000 years since the beginning of its foundation during the reign of the Fatimiyyah Dynasty, he said.
Abdul Rahman Sulaiman appointed 10th Bernama Chairman
By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur : A former Editor-in-Chief of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), Abdul Rahman Sulaiman, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the agency effective Feb 1.
He takes over from Mohd Annuar Zaini whose term as the ninth Bernama Chairman ended on Jan 31, this year, according to the Bernama management on Friday.
The appointment of Abdul Rahman, 64, has received the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Malaysian King) Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin to lead the 13-member Bernama Board of Governors.
PPP leader among four killed, resort hotel torched in Pakistan
By DPA,
Peshawar (Pakistan) : Pro-Taliban militants Thursday killed a leader of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) along with three members of his family, and separately set ablaze the country's only ski resort in northwest Pakistan.
Locals said that unidentified gunmen attacked the house of Abdul Kabir Khan and killed him along with his son, wife and one female member of the family in Matta sub-division in the conflict-ridden Swat Valley.
Mideast peace process in doubt as new year nears
By Ofira Koopmans, DPA,
Tel Aviv/Ramallah : The Middle East peace process is hanging by a thread as 2009 is nearing - just one year after negotiations were revived following seven years of violence.
Israel is heading for elections Feb 10, with hawkish former premier Benjamin Netanyahu of the Likud, who opposes the peace process in its current form, currently leading in opinion polls.
Meanwhile, in the Palestinian autonomous areas, President Mahmoud Abbas and his bitter rival, the Islamist Hamas movement which rules the Gaza Strip, are speeding towards another head-on collision.
Tehran hopes new UN sanctions against Iran will be shelved
By RIA Novosti
Tehran : Iran is hoping that the UN Security Council will not adopt a new resolution on sanctions against the Islamic Republic over its controversial nuclear program, the foreign minister said on Saturday.
The five permanent UN Security Council members and Germany agreed January 22 at talks in Berlin on a draft for new measures against the Islamic Republic, strengthening two previous rounds of sanctions but falling short of the punitive steps proposed by Washington. The draft may be submitted to the Security Council as early as the next week.
Hajj service of the IFF volunteers appreciated
By TCN News,
Makkah: “Dedicated and timely service of the India Fraternity Forum (IFF) volunteers during the Hajj has been outstanding. The service was much valuable and benefited thousands of pilgrims, who came from all around the globe. Indeed it has become an inspiration to many to follow”, said, SR Shareef Al Fadhl, educationist.
Senior Qaeda operative arrested in Iraq’s Anbar province
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : The Iraqi Ministry of Interior has announced that Iraqi forces have detained the assistant of Abu Ayub Al-Masri, senior Al-Qaeda leader, in Al-Anbar.
The ministry said Thursday that the Iraqi forces managed to arrest Nazal Sabar Al-Jughaify, aka Abi Al-Jarrah, who is an assistant of Abu Ayub Al-Masri, and another Al-Qaeda senior leader in western Iraq on Tuesday.
The statement said the arrest took place in Al-Ramadi, Al-Anbar's largest city.
The arrestee was spotted and captured after two years of trying to track him down.
Islamic University Official receives Ghanaian Delegation
By SPA
Madinah : Under Secretary of the Madinah-based Islamic University Dr Suleiman al-Khazi received here today the visiting Ghanian delegation led by minister of Akra state Ibrahim Kawi.
The delegation was briefed on the role of the university in spreading the Islamic culture.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr al-Khazi said the university, established in 1961, had graduated thousands of students.
He noted that the university is supported by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and the Saudi Government.
Official: Israel is weakening the Palestinian Authority
By Xinhua
Ramallah : A senior Palestinian official accused Israel on Saturday for weakening the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and preventing it from carrying out its missions in the Palestinian territories.
Yasser Abed Rabbo, a Palestinian negotiator told "Voice of Palestine Radio" that "Israel is doing its best to weaken the Palestinian Authority by preventing it from restoring security and order in the West Bank and Gaza."
Arab leaders warn Israel over belligerency
By IRNA
Cairo : Arab leaders said that Israel is sabotaging the Middle East peace process and warned they could withdraw their landmark offer of peace with Israel in exchange for a return of Arab lands, unless Israel explicitly accepts the initiative.
The warnings reflect increasing Arab impatience with the long-stalled peace process with Israel.
Peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians have bogged down since they were relaunched at the US-sponsored Annapolis peace conference last November after a seven-year hiatus.
Rice voices concern over humanitarian condition of Gaza citizens to Olmert
By NNN-KUNA
Tokyo : US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has voiced concerns over the humanitarian conditions and Israeli attacks against Palestinian citizens in the Gaza Strip, urging both sides to execise self-restraint in order to end the escalating violence in the territory.
Speaking to reporters after an hour meeting Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who was also in Japan, Rice said, "I reiterated to Premier Olmert our concerns for the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the innocent people who are being hurt."
Six new Indian schools to open in Qatar
Doha: Six new Indian schools are among 91 new private schools given approval to open by authorities in Qatar.
The move is expected to help...
Hamas urges Gaza escapees to return
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The Islamic Hamas movement on Sunday called for Palestinians, who fled heavy fighting with Hamas to Israel, to return to the Gaza Strip, and promised not to arrest those proved to be unwanted.
"All those who are irrelevant to acts shaking the security will be immediately released and returned to their families and houses," if they come back to Gaza, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said.
Israeli army strikes Hamas targets in Gaza
Jerusalem: A strike in central Gaza Monday afternoon targeted Army of Islam militants who were plotting an attack against Israel in the near future,...
Pakistan floods toll tops 670
By DPA,
Islamabad: The death toll in floods rose to 672 Saturday as rescue workers tried to reach thousands of people stranded in north-western Pakistan, officials said.
Rivers bloated by monsoon rains submerged thousands of villages, washed away dozens of bridges and telecommunication installations, blocked roads and inundated millions of acres of agricultural land.
Mujahid Khan, a spokesman for the Edhi Foundation, said that 635 people were killed in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, the worst-hit area with more than 400,000 people displaced.
Pakistan seeks to expedite defence pact with Sri Lanka
By P. Karunakharan, IANS,
Colombo : Pakistan, a key arms supplier to Sri Lanka, has urged President Mahinda Rajapaksa's government to expedite the proposed "futuristic" bilateral defence cooperation agreement between the two countries.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who is here in Colombo for the 15th SAARC summit and held bilateral talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Rohitha Bogollagama, said Thursday that the proposed defence pact would further bolster defence ties between the two countries.
Peace process not over: Israeli chief negotiator
Jerusalem : Israel's chief negotiator Tzipi Livni said Thursday that the door was not closed on the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians...
Muslims should ’empty’ Swiss accounts: Turkish minister
By IANS/AKI,
Ankara : Muslims should consider withdrawing their money from Swiss bank accounts in response to the country's ban on construction of minarets, a Turkish minister said.
"I am certain this (vote) will prompt our brothers from Muslim countries who keep their money and investments in Swiss banks to review their decision," said Egemen Bagis, cited by Turkish daily Zaman.
Bagis is the chief negotiator for Turkey's European Union accession as well as minister for European affairs.
Blast kills 12 in Pakistan border zone
By SPA
Dera Ismael Khan, Pakistan : A pre-dawn explosion demolished a house in Pakistan's wild frontier zone on Thursday, killing up to 12 people, two intelligence officials and a local militant said, according to AP.
The blast was reported in a village in South Waziristan, a region bordering Afghanistan where militants linked to al-Qaida and the Taliban operate.
The cause of the explosion was not immediately clear.
NATO-Pakistan relationship “must develop more fully,” Scheffer says
By SPA,
Brussels : NATO's relationship with Pakistan must become closer to ensure security in Afghanistan, the head of NATO said at a meeting with alliance defence ministers on Friday in Brussels, according to DPA.
At their meeting, the ministers "discussed how to step up our help to build Afghan capacities (and) coordination with the other actors on the ground and Pakistan, which must develop more fully," NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said.
11 Iraqis killed, 5 injured in Baghdad bomb attack
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : A roadside bomb explosion killed up to 11 trade ministry employees and wounded five others in eastern Baghdad on Monday morning, an Interior Ministry source said.
The incident occurred at the rush-hour when the bomb struck bus carrying the employees in the Shiite-dominated district of Baghdadal-Jadida or New Baghdad, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The powerful blast destroyed the bus and also caused damages to several nearby shops and civilian cars, he said.
Iran nuclear case atmosphere positive – El-Baradei
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : UN nuclear watchdog chief, Mohamed ElBaradei here Friday described the current atmosphere over Iran nuclear case positive.
He said this will leave a positive impact on the Middle East on the whole.
He made the remarks in a joint press conference with Head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization Reza Aqazadeh.
He said during talks with Aqazadeh he called for better transparency on behalf of Iran.
ElBaradei characterized their talks as a "frank and open exchange of views."
UK armed forces less ready for war than ever, report shows
By IRNA,
London : Britain's armed forces are less ready to deploy troops to the front line to fight a war than at any time on record, according to the latest annual report from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The ability of the UK's military to respond to challenges beyond Iraq and Afghanistan was found to have further deteriorated over the past year, rendering the armed forces unable to meet the government's strategic objectives.
Huge fire breaks out in Iraq’s central bank
By Xinhua
Baghdad : A huge fire broke out before dawn in Iraq's central bank in downtown Baghdad on Monday, causing no human casualties, an Interior Ministry source said.
The flames, which had broke out at about 2:00 a.m. local time (2300 GMT, Sunday), engulfed most of the four-story building, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Fire engines rushed to the scene to douse the fire which was under control by the morning, the source said.
Iraqi security forces cordoned off the area while experts are investigating the incident, he said.
Pres Ahmadinejad visit to boost Iran-Sri Lanka ties
By NNN-FNA,
Tehran : Tehran-Colombo relations are expected to get a big boost with the arrival in Sri Lanka Tuesday of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The two-day state visit will be the first ever tour of the country by the Iranian President, who will be visiting Sri Lanka on a special invitation from President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
On Tuesday, President Ahmadinejad and President Rajapaksa will lay the foundation stone for the Iranian-financed Uma Oya mega-hydropower project, in Wellawaya, in the Moneragala district.
Child hurt in Pakistan quake
By IANS,
Islamabad : A child was injured when the roof of a house collapsed after a magnitude 5.3 earthquake in Pakistan Sunday, Xinhua reported.
10 killed, 62 injured in Peshawar bombing
By IANS,
Peshawar : At least 10 people were killed and over 60 injured Wednesday afternoon when a massive blast tore through a bustling market in this Pakistani city.
The explosion took place in Peepal Mandi in the old city of Peshawar, which is the capital of the restive North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
Ten people were killed and 62 injured in the blast, DPA reported.
UN Iraq envoy terms 2008 as “crucial” for Iraq
By NNN-KUNA
United Nations : Staffan de Mistura, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Iraq, told various European media that 2008 was a "crucial" year for Iraq, at least because of important provincial elections next October.
He said his presence in Brussels was in recognition of the crucial role that Europe plays in Iraq.
"No activities would be possible without the EU financial backing. The EU and UN shared the same objective, bringing stability and peace, and were working on the same wave length," he was quoted as saying on Friday.
UAE CB governor says no de-pegging
By WAM
Dubai : Governor of the UAE Central Bank Sultan Bin Nasser Al-Suwaidi said the UAE is not de-pegging its currency from US dollar or even re-evaluating it.
In a statement to WAM, Al Suwaidi said: "why should there be a long-term solution for a short-term problem." The Governor said no political pressures whatsoever are placed to maintain the pegging policy.
"Currency policy is not a game, rather it needs a lot of deliberation and in-depth consideration of all causes to produce a final conclusion", stressed Al Suwaidi.
Jehadis will soon turn to Kashmir: former Pakistan army chief
Islamabad : Kashmir is the heart of India-Pakistan relations and jehadis will turn towards Kashmir after the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan this...
New Pakistani ministers sworn in
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistan's federal ministers were sworn in by President Pervez Musharraf at the presidential house Monday, marking the belated formation of the country's new cabinet.
The 24 federal ministers who took oath are only the first batch of a coalition cabinet, which is expected to be expanded later.
The first batch of ministers was sworn in after Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani Saturday won a unanimous vote of confidence at the National Assembly and unveiled a 100-day action plan.
34 killed, over 50 injured in Pakistan blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : Thirty-four people, including women and children, were killed and over 50 other people injured Sunday in a suicide car bomb blast at a polling station in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
The blast took place at the polling station during by-elections in Buner district in NWFP, which is hit by the Taliban campaign for enforcement of Islamic laws.
Pakistan’s former judge named caretaker PM
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's election panel Sunday named Mir Hazar Khan Khoso, a former judge of the country's top court, as caretaker prime minister, officials said.
Renewables could meet global energy needs by 2050: Report
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : Renewable energy sources like wind and solar power could provide up to 80 percent of the global energy needs by 2050, an intergovernmental panel report on climate has said.
Bangladesh Islamist party pledges military training in seminaries
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the country's largest Islamist party, has pledged the enactment of a blasphemy law and military training for students of Islamic seminaries (madrassas) in its manifesto for the Dec 29 general election, media reports said Friday.
The blasphemy law is meant to prevent the criticism of religion in books, newspapers or electronic media and punishment for those responsible.
Iraq: 6 killed, 34 injured in suicide attacksas US troops killed eight terrorists
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : Five Iraqi policemen were killed and 19 others were injured in a suicide attack on a police station in Mosul, north of Iraq, on Friday.
A police source told KUNA a car loaded with explosives and driven by the attacker targeted Al-Waqqas police station in Ras Al-Jadda district in Mosul.
Mosul witnessed widespread violence in the past few days and the Iraqi government sent more army forces to crack down on militants and implement a security plan.
Karzai accepts runoff vote to be held on Nov 7
By DPA,
Kabul: Afghan President Hamid Karzai announced Tuesday that he failed to win an outright election victory in the first round of voting and accepted the results requiring a second round that will be held on Nov 7.
The Independent Election Commission (IEC), an Afghan election body that conducted the August election, said that Karzai's share of the vote was below the 50 percent needed for a first-round victory and set Nov 7 as a date for the second round of the election.
Pakistan, Afghanistan to adopt joint boarder security mechanism
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan and Afghanistan Sunday agreed on a joint boarder control mechanism and regular exchange of information, Pakistani Interior Secretary Rahman Malik said.
Malik, advisor to the Pakistani prime minister on interior affairs, discussed border security with the Afghan authorities in a brief visit to Kabul.
The visit was unscheduled and was kept secret from the media.
Malik paid the Kabul visit two days after Foreign Minister ShahMehmood Qureshi visited Kabul on his first visit to Afghanistan.
UAE charity to sponsor air tickets of freed prisoners
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : Inmates in various United Arab Emirates (UAE) jails, who have finished their terms and are waiting to be deported back to their respective countries, can now fly home for free.
The UAE's leading charity, the Khalifa Bin Zayed Charity Foundation, has announced it would sponsor the air tickets of the prisoners who are to be deported after serving their terms at various prisons, the official Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
Pakistan’s n-assets may fall into terrorist hands: US report
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Chronic political instability in Pakistan and the current offensive against the Taliban has raised fears that Islamabad's strategic nuclear assets could be obtained by terrorists or used by elements in the Pakistani government, US lawmakers have been told.
While US and Pakistani officials have expressed confidence in controls over Pakistan's nuclear weapons, continued instability in the country could impact these safeguards, according to a new US Congressional Research Report on "Pakistan's Nuclear Weapons: Proliferation and Security Issues."
Airstrikes destroy militant hideouts in Pakistan
Islamabad : A number of militant hideouts were destroyed and terrorists killed in airstrikes in Pakistan's Khyber Agency early Wednesday, local and intelligence sources...
New drug to slow degeneration in Parkinson’s disease
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : A drug developed by an Israeli firm has been seen to slow the progression of the Parkinson's disease, Ha'aretz daily reported Wednesday.
A Phase III trial showed that patients treated with Azilect, a medicine developed by Teva Pharmaceuticals, showed improvements as compared to those who started taking the drug at a later stage, the report said.
2nd Saudi Orthopaedic Association International Meeting
By SPA,
Jeddah : Prince Misha'al bin Majid bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Jeddah, will patronize here on 10- 14 January 2009 the opening of the Second Saudi Orthopaedic Association Meeting to be held at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) with participation of 350 experts and surgeons in the filed of Orthopaedology.
The Saudi Orthopaedic Association (SOASSN) has been approved on 3rd Rabi Al Thani 1426 (11th May 2005). This association is under the umbrella of King Saud University, Riyadh.
Dubai Airports reduce 72,000 tonnes CO2 emissions
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : Conservation efforts by the Dubai Airports have helped reduce Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions by 72,793 tonnes.
India condemns terror attack on children in Pakistan
New Delhi : India Tuesday condemned the attack on innocent school children in Peshawar, terming it horrific.
"We condemn horrific attack on innocent school children...
Israel continues airstrikes as Gaza offensive enters seventh day
By DPA,
Gaza/Tel Aviv : Israel pressed on with its relentless air raids against Hamas on the seventh day of its Gaza offensive, striking some 20 targets of the radical Islamic movement in Gaza Friday, a military spokeswoman said.
The military imposed a one-day closure on the West Bank which began at midnight and the police were on high alert to prevent unrest during Friday's Muslim prayers at Jerusalem's al-Aqsa Mosque.
The police limited entry to the Old City to Muslim men aged 50 or older from Israel or East Jerusalem, with Israeli identity cards.
Report says terrorists ready to attack Lebanon
By Xinhua,
Beirut : Terrorists have been preparing sabotage attacks in Lebanon, including assaults on UN peacekeepers, local As Safir daily reported on Monday.
Lebanese army reinforced security measures around Palestinian camps in the north and south of the country, after some Islamist officials in the southern city of Sidon received information that a "sleeping cell" based in Ain el-Hilweh Palestinian camp was instructed to leave to Iraq, said the report.
Iran discovers gas field
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran has discovered a gas field in the Caspian sea, Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi said Sunday.
4 U.S.-led coalition soldiers, 1 Afghan killed in bomb blast
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Four service members of the U.S.-led Coalition forces and one Afghan national were killed in a bomb blast Wednesday morning in eastern Afghanistan, the U.S.-led military said.
India wants oil price band, Saudi Arabia moots pro-poor initiative
By IANS,
Jeddah : The world's top oil producing and consuming nations have embarked on a new dialogue to bring under control the spiralling prices that have pushed inflation levels to historic highs.
At an emergency meeting convened by Saudi Arabia here Sunday, they suggested and discussed various means to tackle the global oil price rise.
Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz proposed a five-pronged strategy even as India suggested an oil price band.
Committee of supporting Syrian prisoners calls to release Al-Weli
By NNN-SANA,
Qunaitera : The committee of supporting Syrian prisoners in the Israeli prisons called the United Nations and its various humanitarian and juristic associations and organizations to interfere immediately to exert pressure on Israel in order to release the Syrian Prisoner Sitan Nimr al-Weli and all Syrian prisoners in the Israeli prisons.
Al-Weli was recently submitted to a surgery in al-Afola Hospital then the Israeli authorities carried him to al-Ramla Prison in spite of his bad health situation and his need to an intensive health care.
Syria calls for lifting Israeli siege against Gaza
By Xinhua
Damascus : Syria called on Monday for a lift of the Israeli siege against Gaza, warning against a humanitarian tragedy due to what it called the Israeli violations of the simplest human rights norms.
In a statement, a Foreign Ministry source condemned Israel for perpetrating "the massacre" and imposing the suffocating siege in Gaza, according to the official SANA news agency.
"The talk about a Palestinian-Israeli peace process is quitecontrary to giving a green light for more aggression and siege," the source was quoted as saying.
Pakistan: 7 killed, 35 injured in bomb blast
By NNN-APP,
Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan : At least seven people including five policemen were killed and 35 others injured in a bomb blast in front of a hotel, adjacent to Polytechnic College on Multan Road here Sunday evening.
It is to be mentioned that FC personnel had been deployed in the college to maintain security during Muharram. Medical Superintendent, District Headquarters Hospital, Dr. Ashiq Saleem said apparently it seemed to be a suicide attack.
Zardari arrives in Ajmer, heads for dargah
By IANS,
Ajmer : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari arrived Sunday afternoon in Rajasthan's Ajmer town to offer prayers at the dargah of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.
Kuwait in Crisis after Government Resignation
By Prensa Latina,
Kuwait : Kuwait was plunged into a political crisis with the full resignation of the cabinet after the boycott to a parliamentarian session that could bring about early elections.
Government sources stated that the government ministers in this Persian-Arabic Gulf emirate left the audience, in which Prime Minister Sheik Nasser Mohammed al Ahmas al Sabad should have answered the legislator's questions.
Governor among four killed in Afghan blast
By IANS,
Kabul : A governor of an Afghan district was among four people killed Sunday when a their vehicle struck a roadside bomb, an official said, blaming the Taliban for the attack.
Pakistani teachers pledge to transform classrooms
By IANS,
Lahore : Pakistani teachers are taking the lead in transforming their classrooms into real-life learning and interactive stations to rid students of boring study sessions.
Around 80 teachers vowed to change their working practices at the conclusion of a six-day workshop for secondary school teachers conducted by the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) at Gujranwala town in the province.
Hamas calls for unconditional factional dialogue
By Xinhua
Gaza : Islamic Hamas movement on Sunday called for unconditional dialogue among all the factions to maintain the national interests of the Palestinian people.
Ismail al-Ashqar, a Hamas lawmaker, told reporters that Hamas has been supporting the dialogue "since the first day" that it took over Gaza Strip.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah movement boycotted Hamas and banned any ties between his secular faction and the Islamic movement since Hamas routed his forces in last June and seized control of the Gaza Strip.
Pakistan Navy commissions “Karrar” MRTP vessel
By SPA
Islamabad : 'Karrar', the second Multi-Role Tactical Platform (MRTP-33) vessel, has been commissioned into the Pakistan Navy in a ceremony at the PN dockyard Karachi, officials said.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir said on the occasion that several large shipbuilding and port construction projects currently underway were indicative of the rapid growth in the maritime sector.
‘Talaq’ pronounced in anger haunt rural women in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : Misinterpretation of Islamic laws is creating endless problems in rural Bangladesh, especially for women who have become victims of 'talaq' pronounced by husbands in a fit of anger and who later repent and want to be reunited with their wives, say NGOs working in the field.
Motahar Akand, senior deputy director of NGO Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), says the practice can be beaten by creating awareness among the people. Akand has worked with ASK in different places across the country to prevent misuse of Islamic laws.
Egypt’s to lawmaker invited to Euro-Mediterranean meetings
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : European Parliament President Hans-Gert Poettering invited Egypt's top lawmaker to attend Euro-Mediterranean Parliament meetings.
In a phone conversation Friday, Poettering asked Ahmed Fatehi Sorour, speaker of the Egyptian People's Assembly, lower house of parliament, to set aside a resolution adopted by the European Parliament, criticizing the status of human rights in Egypt, an Egyptian parliamentary source was quoted by Egypt's state-owned Middle East News Agency (KUNA).
Iran speaker praises nuclear negotiators, asserts independent policy
Tehran : Speaker of the Iranian parliament (Majlis), Ali Larijani, has praised the team that negotiated the nuclear deal with the world powers for...
Gaza toll rises to over 1000
Gaza : The toll in the 19-day Israeli offensive has climbed to 1,030, with the bodies of at least 130 more Palestinians being recovered...
Afghan woman official killed in blast
By IANS,
Kabul : An Afghan woman official and her husband died and 11 other people were injured when a sticky bomb attached to the couple's car went off in eastern Afghanistan, Xinhua reported.
British premier on surprise visit to Iraq
By DPA,
Baghdad : British Prime Minister Gordon Brown arrived in Iraq Saturday on an unannounced visit, according to Iraq's state television.
Brown is expected to meet Iraqi leaders and visit British troops based in the south.
Britain, which has about 4,000 troops in Iraq, handed responsibilities for security in Basra province to Iraqi troops in December, effectively marking the end of almost five years of British control on the south of Iraq.
British troops remain in the south confined to a single base at Basra airport.
Bangladesh fears militant attacks on garment factories
By DPA,
Dhaka : Bangladesh Tuesday alerted its intelligence agencies and local governments against possible militant attacks on garment industries contributing major export earnings to its economy, a junior minister said.
"We have alerted the intelligence agencies so that the militants cannot unleash attacks on the ready-made garment industries," Tanjim Ahmed Sohel Taj, the state minister for home affairs, said at a press briefing after a meeting with the leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.
EU condemns attack in Jerusalem
By Xinhua,
Brussels : The French presidency of the European Union condemned on Wednesday the "terrorist" attack in Jerusalem as "heinous."
It conveyed "its condolences to the families of the victims and their loved ones and expresses its sympathy and deepest solidarity to the people and government of Israel."
"This unacceptable terrorist act does harm to all Israelis and all Palestinians," the French presidency said in a statement.
100 Boko Haram fighters killed in Nigeria
Abuja: At least 100 Boko Haram fighters were killed in an operation by military troops in northeastern Nigeria's state of Borno Friday, a senior...
Bomb blast injures several in SW Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A remote-controlled bomb blast hurt several people in southwestern Pakistan on Tuesday, official Associated Press of Pakistan reported.
The blast took place in the central market of Dera Murad Jamaliin Balochistan province, said the report.
The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment and the security forces rushed to the blast site.
Protests build up in Gulf against Valentine’s Day celebration
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS
Dubai : Protests against Valentine's Day celebrations are building up in the Gulf region with the Saudi Arabian moral police banning the sale of red roses and an Islamic group in Kuwait warning the media against "glorifying the pagan celebrations".
Thawabet Al Umma, while condemning the Feb 14 celebration, has warned the media against misguiding Muslims "by glorifying such pagan celebrations", according to a report in the Arab Times website.
Israeli archaeologists find ancient bread stamp
By IANS,
Jerusalem : A tiny seal with the image of a seven-branch menorah, used to stamp the kosher sign on bread 1,500 years ago, was discovered by Israeli archaeologists.
Ahmadinejad: Inventors should suffer no obstacles in their projects
By IRNA,
Tehran : Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said the organization in charge of affairs relating to the Iranian scientific elite should be active in removing any obstacles Iranian innovators may encounter.
He made the remarks after inspecting an exhibition featuring innovation and prosperity in the country Sunday morning.
He said establishing of a fund to support the innovative projects by the Iranian scientific elite was a must to lower the financial risks they might face in implementing their numerous innovative plans.
US soldier killed in Taliban attack in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : A US soldier was killed Sunday in a Taliban attack in eastern Afghanistan, the military said in a statement.
The soldier died one day after another US soldier was killed in the same region in a militant attack, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said.
There are more than 60,000 US soldiers as part of ISAF and a separate US-led coalition in Afghanistan. More than 20,000 US troops were deployed to Afghanistan this year as part of President Barack Obama's new strategy to reverse the gains made by Taliban militants in the past three years.
Seven Baha’i leaders in Iran get 20 years jail
By IANS,
New Delhi : Seven Baha'i leaders, convicted in Iran on charges of conducting propaganda activities against the Islamic order and spying, are believed to have been sentenced to 20 years jail, community leaders said here Tuesday.
The Indian Baha'i community "completely and categorically" denied the charges against the two women and five men being held in Tehran's Evin prison since 2008.
Japan expands Muslim friendly airports
By IINA,
Tokyo : Following other Japanese airports, Chubu airport in Central Japan Nagoya city has announced plans to offer prayer rooms and halal food for Muslim travellers, as the airport starts a new route to Malaysia.
Pakistan winning parties ponder confidence vote for Musharraf
By NNN-Xinhua
Islamabad : The parties winning Pakistan's parliamentary elections agreed to raise a resolution in the first parliament session to let President Pervez Musharraf seek vote of confidence, The News daily reported on Wednesday.
The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the two largest party in the parliament, decided to move the resolution in the very first session of the National Assembly, which is believed to be held before March 10.
Pakistan: PPP committed to Bhutto’s ideology of people’s rule, says Minister Sherry Rehman
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : The Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ms.Sherry Rehman has said that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s 81st birth anniversary on Jan 5 is a day for the government to reiterate its commitment to people’s empowerment, a cause advocated by the Shaheed leader.
How will Netanyahu victory affect Iran deal, Palestinian future?
By Saeed Naqvi,
Just when the US thought it would mop its brow, having tried hard to tame the West Asian rodeo, the Israeli horse has kicked up dirt. Americans, like everyone else, were waiting for Benjamin Netanyahu to lose the March 17 elections, before proceeding with their script of a nuclear deal with Iran towards some conclusion in the coming weeks.
Last Israeli troops leave Gaza Strip
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : Israel pulled the last of its soldiers out the Gaza Strip Wednesday morning, over two and a half weeks after they were sent in as part of an intense Israeli operation against militants in the salient, a military spokesman in Tel Aviv said.
The spokesman would not give further details about the withdrawal.
Israeli troops began pulling out the Strip Sunday evening, hours after Israel announced a unilateral ceasefire, ending its three-week-long Operation Cast Lead.
Bush optimistic of developing vision of Palestinian state before leaving office
By KUNA
Washington : US President George W. Bush has expressed optimism that the development of a vision of what a Palestinian state would look like "will come into being by the time (he) left office." This came in a roundtable discussion with Arab media representatives in the White House late Friday. The meeting was attended by Kuwait's former Information Minister Dr. Saad bin Tifla Al-Ajmi.
Madinah Charity feeds 21000 poor families
By IINA,
Madinah : The Madina Charitable Society has started providing Ramadan supplies to more than 21,000 poor families. About 18,000 of these families live in the villages on outskirts of Madina and 3,000 live inside the Prophet’s City. Sheikh Iyad Shokri, an official at the charity, said preparations are under way to distribute 750,000 Iftar meals inside the Prophet’s Mosque, at the city’s entries, and at several points on highways.
Islamists oppose women as heads of state, government
By IANS,
Dhaka : Women should be debarred from holding office as heads of government or state, an Islamist party has said in Bangladesh, where women have headed governments between 1991 and 2006.
The election law should be amended to make women ineligible to hold these offices, the Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan (BKA) Saturday told a government panel led by Chief Advisor Fakhruddin Ahmed, currently holding a dialogue with political parties.
Ahmed performs prime ministerial functions in a caretaker government holding office since January last year.
Saudi Arabia to increase oil production
By DPA,
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia would increase oil production by 300,000 barrels a day, Saudi officials said Friday, handing a diplomatic boost to US President George W. Bush during his official visit there.
The decision was made on May 10 in response to requests by 50 customers worldwide, Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi in Riyadh was quoted as saying Friday by Bloomberg financial news service.
The announcement came after a meeting between Bush and Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah.
Yemen president, rebels declare end of fighting in north
By DPA,
Sana'a: Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh and the leader of Shiite rebels Abdul-Malik al-Houthi have declared the end of fighting in the five-year conflict in the north-west of the Arab country, state TV and a rebel statement said.
Saleh issued a decree Thursday ordering an end to the military offensive against the Shiite rebels, state television reported.
Under the decree, all the military operations against the rebels, known as Houthis after the family of its leaders, would be halted by midnight Thursday.
Car bomb wounds five Iraqis in Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Five civilians were injured in a car bomb explosion in western Baghdad on Sunday, an Interior Ministry source said.
"A booby-trapped car parked near the Nafaq al-Shurta area in Khadraa district detonated in the afternoon, wounding five civilians," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Ankara, Baghdad and Riyadh ask: Are US air strikes working?
By Saeed Naqvi,
The ISIS, plaguing many countries in West Asia, made a symbolic assertion during Haj too. At the ritual stoning of the devil at Mina, five kilometres to the East of Mecca, fluttered a black banner of the Islamic State (IS). The police said nothing.
NATO air strikes kill 50 in Afghanistan: lawmaker
By Xinhua
Kabul : NATO's air raids against Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province have claimed the lives of 50 people, including 18 rebels, a provincial parliamentarian said Tuesday.
"It was Monday afternoon when villagers were busy in playing local game, the stone throwing, in Marmal village of Sangin district. Suddenly the aircraft of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) appeared and dropped bombs, killing 50 on the spot," Hajji Dad Mohammada told Xinhua.
He added that 18 of those killed in the raid were Taliban insurgents.
Bangladesh’s Left to launch anti-government stir
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's Left parties have announced a movement against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government, ahead of another stir by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Fifteen Left parties say they want to provide the people with an "alternative" to the two mainstream parties -- the BNP and the ruling Awami League.
They will begin with a sit-in Tuesday while former prime minister and leader of opposition in parliament Khaleda Zia announced her programme at a rally in Dhaka earlier this week, New Age newspaper said.
China renews support for Syria’s efforts to restore occupied Golan
By NNN-SANA,
Beijing : Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yang Jiechi has assured Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Dr Fayssal al-Mikdad of China's support for Syria's efforts to restore the occupied Golan.
He stressed during their meeting here Monday the need for pushing bilateral relations forward in all fields, voicing China's appreciation of Syria's role in reaching the Doha Agreement to resolve the Lebanese crisis.
Council of Churches: Pakistan failing to protect Christians
By DPA,
Geneva: The World Council of Churches (WCC) said Monday it was concerned Pakistan's leaders were not taking steps to prevent attacks against the country's Christian minority, following three recent violent incidents that have caused deaths and damage to property.
Seven Christians were "burned alive" Saturday, the Geneva-based organisation said, and 40 houses belonging to members of churches were torched in Gojra, a city in the eastern province of Punjab.
Two new judges appointed to restart Mujib’s murder trial
By IANS,
Dhaka : Two high court judges will resume trial in the assassination of Bangladesh's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and several of his family members and political associates in August 1975, the Sheikh Hasina government has announced. Hasina is Rahman's daughter.
President Zillur Rahman has appointed the seniormost among the high court judges, Justices Shah Abdul Nayeem Mominur Rahman and Abdul Aziz, to resume the trial.
Sharif demands Musharraf’s trial over Kargil
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif said Tuesday that President Pervez Musharraf should be tried for treason for his "misadventure" in the Kargil war against India.
Talking to journalists in Lahore before leaving for London, Sharif said time had proved that the 1999 Kargil conflict was a misadventure that cost Pakistan heavily.
Sharif was the prime minister when Musharraf, as the army chief, quietly initiated the Kargil war by sending Pakistani soldiers dressed as Islamist fighters to capture the strategic hills in Jammu and Kashmir.
Child killed in Pakistan blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : A child was killed and five other people were injured in a blast near a candidate's election meeting in Pakistan's Quetta city Sunday, a media report said.
Kuwait pioneer in supporting development process in poor countries
By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : Kuwait is a pioneer when it comes to offering aid to poor countries and is considered one of the main states to support the development process in various countries, Secretary General of Kuwait's Supreme Council for Planning and Development Adel Al-Wuqayyan said on Sunday.
Al-Wuqayyan told KUNA on the sidelines of the second preparatory meeting of the 2008 Development Cooperation Forum (DCF) of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) that these types of aid are considered "economic diplomacy".
PPP aims to oust Punjab government
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) which is in power at the centre and in three of the four provinces is eyeing the fourth and the largest province of Punjab to form its own government there to consolidate its power.
"Our party leaderships considers it important to form the government in Punjab otherwise it would be difficult for the central government to function smoothly," a PPP leader told IANS.
UN aid delivered to Afghans hit by rising food prices
By NNN-APP,
United Nations : The World Food Programme (WFP) has distributed help to some 400,000 Afghans hit by soaring wheat prices, the U.N. said today.
At the same time, the UN agency warned that the most vulnerable will continue to need aid for a while as the record high prices show no sign of abating.
In the past few weeks, the agency has handed out about 30,000 tons of food in Kabul, as well as in the east and south of the country. It expects to finish the first round of distributions in Kabul by next Sunday.
World body seeks punishment for Jakarta terrorists
By Betwa Sharma, IANS,
United Nations: The UN Security Council has condemned the two bomb blasts that occurred in Indonesia's capital Jakarta Friday and called for the terrorists to be brought to justice.
The 15-member council unanimously passed a non-binding statement that said: "The Security Council underlines the need, and affirms its confidence in the government of Indonesia to bring perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice."
Pakistan seeks Taliban commander from Afghanistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan will ask Interpol to deport Tehrik-e-Taliban commander Maulvi Faqir from Afghanistan, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported Sunday.
Eight militants killed in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : Afghan and NATO-led troops killed eight militants in Afghanistan Wednesday, police said.
The killings were reported from Nahri Sufi village in Kunduz province, Xinhua quoted a police officer as saying. Three militants were injured in the operation.
Iran wants joint committee with Lebanon on missing diplomats
By Xinhua,
BEIRUT : Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammad Reza Shibani has urged that his country wants to form a joint committee with Lebanon to look into the case of the four missing Iranian diplomats in Lebanon since 1982, As-Safir daily reported Wednesday.
Shibani made the call after meeting Lebanese Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh, saying "the Islamic republic is calling to form an Iranian-Lebanese committee to follow up the details and circumstances of the case."
Israel says construction in E Jerusalem to be expanded
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Housing Minister Ze'ev Boim said on Tuesday that 1,100 new apartments will be built in two Jewish neighborhoods in east Jerusalem, local media reported.
Boim told Israel Radio that the bids of the construction of 370 apartments in Har Homa and an additional 750 in Pisgat Ze'ev would go out soon.
"There is no delay, limitation, or suspension of the construction of Jewish neighborhoods in East Jerusalem," he was quoted as saying.
Syria vows not to abandon Hezbollah
By DPA,
Beirut : Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed that his country will not abandon Lebanon's Shia resistance movement Hezbollah.
Assad in an exclusive interview with Hezbollah-run al-Manar Television Thursday said "we do not see any interest in abandoning the resistance (Hezbollah). Our position toward the resistance against any occupation in Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine is firm and has not changed."
Terror camps in Pakistan undermine war in Aghanistan: WSJ
By IANS,
New York : The existence of dozens of terror camps Pakistan mountains neighbouring Afghanistan is a major reason why the US-led war just across the border is foundering, the Wall Street Journal has said in a report from one of the camps.
While Pakistan's military is struggling to locate the camps and eradicate them, in part because many locals are sympathetic to the jihadis, the Journal located one camp a few kilometres from Peshawar.
Defying Taliban, India hands over crucial highway to Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : Unfazed by frequent Taliban attacks including one on its embassy in Kabul last year, India Thursday formally handed over the strategic Zaranj-Delaram highway to Afghan authorities. The crucial road link will loosen Pakistan's stranglehold over its land-locked neighbour by providing Afghanistan a shorter route to Iran.
Report: Israeli officials deny full withdrawal from Golan
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli officials on Wednesday dismissed a statement by Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem that Israel has promised to withdraw from the Golan Heights to the borders drawn before the 1967 Six Day War, local daily the Jerusalem Post reported.
Shortly after Israel, Syria and Turkey confirmed the existence of Ankara-mediated peace talks, Moallem said Damascus has received Israel's commitment for a withdrawal from the highland to the June 4, 1967 line.
Russian-Iranian trade turnover hits $3.7 bln
TEHRAN, February 20 (RIA Novosti) - Russian-Iranian trade turnover rose to $3.7 billion last year, Russia's deputy foreign minister said on Friday.
"We are delighted that trade turnover between our countries reached $3.7 billion last year. This is a significant figure, and one which is expected to be higher this year," Alexei Borodavkin said following scheduled talks between Russian and Iranian foreign ministry officials in the Iranian capital of Tehran.
UAE firm takes 50 percent stake in top US hotel group
By IANS,
Dubai : The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) leading investment company Mubadala has acquired a 50 percent stake in the Kor Hotel Group of the US to develop that group's hotel brands in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
In a statement, Mubadala, the global investment vehicle of the government of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, announced that following the agreement with Kor Hotels, the joint venture would "focus on aggressive global expansion of the Tides and Viceroy brands in key gateway cities and top resort destinations".
Chinese diplomats in Bangladesh brief local students on China issues
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : The Chinese Embassy to Bangladesh held a discussion here Sunday with the Independent University of Bangladesh (IUB), one of the famous private universities in the country, on issues of China.
Mu Yongpeng, head of the political section of the embassy, briefed the students and teachers of the university on the achievements China has achieved during the last 30 years since its reform and opening-up policy was implemented in the late 1970s.
Manama to host World Islamic Funds Conference
By IINA,
Manama : The Fourth Annual World Islamic Funds and Capital Markets Conference (WIFCMC 2008) will be held at the Gulf International Convention Centre here on May 26 and 27. With the Islamic investments market standing on the threshold of an exciting boom period, the conference will assess where the next wave of growth opportunities will come from.
Israel calls for regional support to disarm, rebuild Gaza
Jerusalem : Israel's finance minister Sunday called on international leaders to hold a regional summit focused on demilitarising and reconstructing the devastated Gaza Strip.
Finance...
Gun battle in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : A heavy gun battle between the police and suspected suicide bombers erupted in Kabul early Wednesday morning, Xinhua reported.
Police have found at least two suspected suicide bombers while searching a house in downtown Kabul and the battle was still on, said an official on the condition of anonymity.
Three Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : Three Canadian soldiers were killed in a roadside bomb blast in southern Afghanistan, NATO said Wednesday.
The soldiers, part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), were killed Tuesday when their vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb in the Arghandab district of Kandahar province, a NATO spokesman said.
The Canadian military said two other soldiers were injured during a patrol north-west of Kandahar city and were in good and fair condition after being evacuated to hospital.
UAE to send first Arab spaceship to Mars
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has entered the space race with a project to send an unmanned probe to Mars by...
12 killed in attacks across Iraq
Baghdad: Twelve people were killed and 39 others wounded in separate attacks across Iraq Sunday, police said.
Five people were killed and 15 injured when...
Sri Lankan cricketers thank ‘brave’ driver
By Omar Khalid, IANS,
Lahore : After narrowly escaping death, Sri Lankan cricketers Tuesday praised Pakistani bus driver Mehar Mohammad Khalil for driving them out of danger amid firing by terrorists.
"The Sri Lankan cricketers were praising their driver for his bravery," Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ijaz Butt told reporters after meeting the visitors at an undisclosed location.
"They wanted to thank him before heading back home," he added.
Several blasts rock Kabul
By DPA,
Kabul : Several blasts and gunfire rocked the Afghan capital Kabul Wednesday ahead of a visit by US special envoy Richard Holbrooke, causing an unknown number casualties, police and witnesses said.
A senior police official said a suicide bomber attacked the justice ministry, located in the heart of the city. It is also close to the finance ministry and the south gate of the Presidential Palace.
Tolo, a private TV channel, quoting a Taliban spokesman, said that seven bombers attacked different government buildings Wednesday.
MWL Chief hints at allowing women in future dialogues
By IINA,
Makkah : There will be programs and projects for dialogue and women will be allowed to contribute to the dialogue in affairs of their concern, said Dr. Abdullah Bin Abdulmohsen Al Turki, Secretary General of the Muslim World League. The present goal is to formulate strategic programs and projects of future dialogue, Dr. Al-Turki said while addressing a press conference at the conclusion of the International Islamic Dialogue Conference here Friday.
Coalition govt. collapses on judges issue in Pakistan
By KUNA,
Islamabad : The Coalition government of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has collapsed due to differences over Musharraf-deposed judges reinstatement issue.
After failure of talks between the parties over the reinstatement of deposed judges, PML-N leader, Nawaz Sharif, in a meeting on Monday decided to end the partnership at the center, official sources told KUNA.
Rallies, processions banned in Dhaka amid political tensions
Dhaka : All rallies and processions have been banned in the Bangladeshi capital city in the light of simmering political tensions between the opposition...
Pakistan, China sign MoU for military cooperation
By IRNA,
Islamabad : General Tariq Majid, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), along with a high powered delegation arrived in Beijing for 6th Round of Pakistan-China Defence and Security Talks, forum spearheading strategic and defence relations between 2 countries.