479,249 pilgrims reach Madinah
By SPA
Madinah : According to a report of the Hajj committee of Madinah, 479, 249 pilgrims arrived here up to yesterday.
As many as 209, 743 left Madinah and 269, 447 are still remaining in the city.
The pilgrims, who have come to Madinah included 57, 169 Indonesians, and 33, 362 Iranians.
Yesterday 10, 417 pilgrims left Madinah via Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport aboard 39 international flights.
Up to yesterday, 422 flights operated from Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport carrying 101, 149 pilgrims.
Baghdad curfew extended until further notice
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : Command of the Law Enforcement Operation said Saturday it extended the curfew in Baghdad until further notice.
"The command of Baghdad operations has decided to extend the comprehensive curfew on people, vehicles and motorbikes in all areas of Baghdad until further notice," Major-General Qassem Ata, spokesman of the Law Enforcement Operation, told KUNA.
The command of Baghdad operations said yesterday that Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki told the security officials they have to enforce the curfew in order to safeguard safety of citizens.
Pakistan reluctant to act on terror: Chidambaram tells US
By IANS,
Washington : India Thursday conveyed its displeasure to the US over Pakistan's reluctance to take action against militants arrested for their role in the Mumbai terror attacks and letting their mastermind go free.
Indian Home minister P. Chidambaram, who met Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, other government officials and key lawmakers on his second day in the US capital, said he was overall "pleased with the level of interest shown by the officials and leaders of the US administration to the security issues that confront India".
Four injured as Israeli jet fighters strike Gaza
Gaza : Four Palestinians were injured early Friday in a series of Israeli airstrikes in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, sources said.
The airstrikes came a...
UNESCO condemns murder of Iraqi cultural official
By NNN-KUNA,
Paris : UNESCO has condemned here the murder of an official at Iraq's Ministry of Culture, describing it as a crime against the Iraqi society and a sad loss for UNESCO.
Its director-general, Koichiro Matsuura, in his condemnation Tuesday of the murder of Kamel Shiya, said that he "was a devoted public servant who was committed to the safeguarding of Iraq's rich cultural heritage."
"Since 2003, he was an invaluable colleague for us at UNESCO in his capacity as an advisor at the Ministry of Culture where he was our organisation's focal point," he indicated.
Israel tests missile alert system
By IANS,
Jerusalem : Israel Sunday launched a week-long test of an alert system that sends text messages to cellphones in areas likely to be hit in a missile strike.
Bangladesh court orders organisation to vacate Suchitra Sen’s home
Dhaka : A court in Bangladesh Sunday dismissed a plea by a pro-Jamaat-e-Islami organisation to retain possession of the ancestral Pabna home of legendary...
Senior Somali anti-terror force officer shot dead
Mogadishu: A top Somali security officer was shot dead in the country's capital Mogadishu Saturday by gunmen in a drive-by shooting, witnesses and police...
Women banned from taking part in polls in Pakistan region
Islamabad : In a bizarre diktat out of sync with modern-day ethos, the Jirga (religious assembly) in Gilgit Baltistan -- an eight-hour drive from...
Over 5,000 killed in jihadi violence in November: Study
London : More and more people continue to be sacrificed at the altar of jihadi violence across the world and a study has found...
Fires erupt in Danish cities over Mohammed cartoon
By DPA
Copenhagen : Danish Justice Minister Lene Espersen Friday said a recent wave of fires deliberately set in several cities amid a new row over the Mohammed cartoons was "completely unacceptable."
During the past week, cars and trash containers have been set on fire in Copenhagen and overnight Friday several other cities, including Aarhus, also reported burning cars and dumpsters.
A school in a Copenhagen suburb was also set ablaze overnight.
The police said six youths were to appear in court Friday on suspicion of arson and other crimes.
NATO Troops Killed in Afghanistan
By Prensa Latina,
Kabul : Nine NATO soldiers died and 15 were wounded by Afghan rebels in Kunar province, all of them US troops, confirmed the media Monday.
That Pentagon contingent, attached to the International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF), was in the advanced post bordering with Pakistan when the rebels attacked them in Dara I Pech district, noted the Afghan news agency(PAN).
Iran’s post-poll conservatives victorious – but split =
By DPA
Tehran : The conservatives have gained a convincing victory in Iran's parliamentary elections, state media reported Sunday.
According to the Fars news agency, conservatives gained more than 70 percent of the votes, reformists around 20 percent and the rest went to independent candidates.
The conservatives were also expected to win in the Iranian capital - 30 seats of which are some of the most politically significant in Iran's parliament - according to results Sunday after parliamentary elections across the country two days earlier.
Two Gaza rockets land in S Israel
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement on Sunday claimed responsibility for firing two rockets into southern Israel from Gaza Strip.
Al-Quds Brigades, the movement's military wing, said the rockets were fired at 07:30 (0430 GMT) in the morning, targeting Sderot city in southern Israel.
Israeli sources said two rockets landed in Western Negev, causing no damage or casualties.
The rocket attack came as Israeli tanks entered southeast Gaza Strip and bulldozers began leveling the land near Sufa commercial crossing.
Powerful quake hits eastern Indonesia, no casualty
By Xinhua
Jakarta : A powerful earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale rattled Indonesia's eastern Maluku province Thursday morning, but there have been no reports of injury or damage, officials said.
The quake struck at 8:22 a.m. with epicentre at 216 km northeast of the province and at 105 km under the seabed, said Anas Fauzi, an official of the meteorology agency.
"The epicentre of the quake was too deep, so the shakes were not felt in land," Fauzi said and added that there were no reports of any damage or casualty.
Compensate terror-hit students, says Islamabad varsity official
By IANS,
Islamabad : The families of the seven dead and 35 injured students who were victims of twin bombings Oct 20 at the International Islamic University at this Pakistani capital should be compensated, a varsity official has said.
International Islamic University president Anwar Siddique said that the government is yet to announce any kind of financial assistance or compensation for families of students who lost their lives or sustained injuries during twin suicide bomb blasts.
ISI helping Taliban against international forces in Afghanistan: NYT
By IANS,
Washington : The Taliban's widening campaign in southern Afghanistan is made possible in part by direct support from operatives in Pakistan's military intelligence agency ISI, according to the New York Times. This was so "despite Pakistani government promises to sever ties to militant groups fighting in Afghanistan, according to American government officials", the influential US daily said.
Afghans to probe whether US used depleted uranium
By ANTARA News/Reuters
Kabul : The Afghan government plans to investigate whether the United States used depleted uranium during its invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and if it might be linked to malformed babies born afterwards.
Parts of Afghanistan, particularly the mountainous region of Tora Bora in the east -- the suspected hideout of al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden -- came under heavy U.S. bombing in late 2001 when the Taliban regime was ousted.
Depleted uranium is a heavy metal used in some weapons that can pierce armour. It has small levels of radioactivity associated with it.
Singapore sends landing ship tank to Gulf region
By Xinhua,
Singapore : A Singapore Navy Landing Ship Tank (LST) left the country's Changi naval base early Saturday for the Gulf region to support the multi-national reconstruction efforts in Iraq.
According to the statement issued by the Defense Ministry on Saturday, RSS Resolution and its crew of about 175 personnel will undertake tasks such as protecting the waters around key oil terminals, conducting patrols and boarding operations, as well as providing logistics support for coalition vessels and helicopters during the three-month deployment.
Modi faces flak on Twitter for remark on Bangladesh PM
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced flak on social media website Twitter for his remark that his Bangladesh counter part Sheikh Hasina has...
Blast in Islamabad
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A blast was heard outside the Marriott hotel in the Pakistani capital Saturday evening.
A strong tremor was felt outside Xinhua office near the hotel. No further details were immediately available.
Islamic Jihad says it fired missiles in retaliation for Bush”s tour
By KUNA
Gaza : Salvos of missiles roared anew in direction of southern Israel on Wednesday and Israeli aircraft went into action to hit a location in the north of Gaza Strip where the rockets were unleashed.
Spokesman of the Israeli Army told Israel Radio five missiles were fired from the north of Gaza Strip targeting southern Israel. Three of the rockets crashed near the town of Zekim and two others near Sderot. The rockets caused no losses.
US special envoy lands in Pakistan to discuss Afghanistan
Islamabad : US Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan James Dobbins has opened talks with Pakistani leaders on bilateral and regional issues, focusing on...
Iranian FM: No nuclear deadline set in Tehran talks
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has said no deadline was agreed upon during last month's meeting between Iran and major powers for Tehran to answer a package of incentives, Iran's English-language satellite channel Press TV reported Thursday.
"No deadline was agreed upon during our meetings in Tehran," Mottaki was quoted as saying at a press conference following the final session of the 15th Ministerial Conference of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Tehran late Wednesday.
Turkish economist praises Kuwait”s efforts in hosting Islamic World Forum
By Tariq Buhaimid, KUNA,
Ankara : A Turkish economic official asserted on Tuesday that the Kuwait-hosted Fourth World Islamic Economic Forum inaugurated by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah holds great importance for global economic development.
Head of Economic and Social Research in the Turkish Development Bank, Oktay Kiremiti praised in statements to KUNA the Kuwaiti efforts, namely the holding of the forum, that is of prior significance for Gulf country.
Pakistan: ‘Zardari resisted pressure from Musharraf, US to go with PML-N’
By NNN-PTI
Islamabad : Pakistan People's Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari overcame pressure and enticement from President Pervez Musharraf's camp and the US to not align with former premier Nawaz Sharif's party, to form a coalition government with the PML-N, a media report said here today.
Zardari, who yesterday announced along with Sharif that their parties would form a coalition, was offered governments at the centre and at least three of the four provinces if he distanced himself from the PML-N and allied with the PML-Q and other pro-Musharraf forces.
Taliban attack Afghanistan air base
By IANS,
Kabul : The Taliban have claimed responsibility for launching an attack in which seven militants were killed outside the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan early Wednesday.
The attack occurred only a day after a deadly bomb attack which killed at least 19 people and injured scores of others in the heart of Kabul.
The Taliban claimed 20 suicide bombers took part in the Bagram assault but NATO officials disputed the number.
Iran, Greece keen to promote ties
By IRNA,
Athens : Vice-President of Greek Parliament Elsa Papandimithriou here Wednesday said that Athens is resolute to expand parliamentary ties with Iran.
In a meeting with an Iranian parliamentarian Fatemeh Rahbar, she hailed Iran's rich culture, urging both Iran and Greece to introduce their great civilizations to the world.
She expressed hope that she would pay a visit to Iran soon.
Rahbar said that parliaments of the two countries play significant roles in promoting mutual ties.
EU Parliament urges Pakistan to improve human rights situation
By EuAsiaNews,
Brussels : The European Parliament (EP) is urging the new Pakistani government to "take adequate steps" towards the improvement of the human rights situation in Pakistan.
The EP in its draft annual report on human rights situation in 2008 in the world and adopted by its foreign affairs committee here on Tuesday notes that the EU is committed to support the strengthening of democratic institutions in Paksitan.
Arab Summit kicks off with low turnout of heads of state
By Xinhua
Damascus : The 20th Arab League (AL) summit kicked off in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Saturday, with only 11 heads of state of Arab countries, including Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, showing up at the gathering.
The annual summit of the 22-member pan-Arab bloc started at 11:35 a.m. (0935 GMT) at the Palace of Umayyad in southern suburb of Damascus with an opening speech by Assad, the rotating chairman of the summit.
Arab issues, especially the Arab-Israeli conflicts and the Palestinian reconciliation, are expected to top the agenda.
Bangladesh to have TV boom, but government to keep an eye
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh may soon witness a boom in private television channels, but the government has said it will formulate a policy to watch the content and curb what the government Tuesday called "irritating and indecent advertisements".
The policy would include measures to curb 'controversial' comments on religious issues, Star Online reported.
The government will soon give licence to a number of private satellite television channels for broadcasting, Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad informed parliament.
Strasbourg court bans Russian extradition of Israeli to Colombia
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Russia cannot extradite to Columbia an Israeli national accused by Bogota of conspiracy in terrorism, the defendant's lawyer said on Wednesday.
The Strasbourg court "has prohibited Russia from extraditing Yair Klein to Colombia pending the court's further instructions," Dmitry Yampolsky said.
Pakistani who hacked apex court website tracked
By IANS,
Islamabad : The hacker who defaced the website of Pakistan's Supreme Court has been tracked, authorities said.
UAE arrests over 380 immigration law violators
By IANS,
Sharjah : A total of 382 people have been arrested here on charges of violating the entry and residency law, WAM news agency reported Tuesday.
Abdullah Ali bin Sahoo, director of the Department of Naturalisation and Residency, said his office would "continue the inspection campaign to bring violators to book".
He warned that the institutions and individuals who employ and provide shelter to absconding workers would face legal charges.
The arrests, made from May 20 to June 22, are a part of the department's campaign against the country's illegal workforce.
Sherry Rehman quits as Pakistan envoy to US
By IANS,
Islamabad : Sherry Rehman has quit as Pakistan's ambassador to the US, it was reported here Tuesday.
Unite to oppose gay marriage: Pope’s envoy asks Muslims, Jews
By IANS,
London: The pope's representative in Britain has urged Roman Catholics to form a "united front" with Muslims and Jews to oppose gay marriage, a media report said Saturday.
Mubarak’s trial resumes
By IANS,
Cairo : The trial of former Egypt president Hosni Mubarak and his two sons resumed Monday in the capital city.
Five more Scotland Yard sleuths arrive in Pakistan
By IANS
Islamabad : A team of three explosives experts and two detectives from the Scotland Yard Wednesday arrived in Pakistan to assist in the probe into the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
The investigators flew in amid strict security measures and media was not allowed to talk with the officials, Online news agency reported.
With their arrival, the total strength of the Scotland Yard team investigating the Dec 27 Liaquat Bagh tragedy rose to 10.
Airstrikes by Syrian government forces kill 182 civilians in a week
Beirut : The regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has intensified its airstrikes on anti-government forces over the past week, killing 500 people, 182...
Afghan police kill would-be suicide bomber
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Afghan police have shot dead a would-be suicide bomber in eastern Khost province, an official said Thursday.
A man equipped with explosive devices and assault rifle was gunned down Wednesday, provincial police spokesman Wazir Badshah told Xinhua. "The man was attempting to enter Khost city the provincial capital to carry on suicide attack."
On Monday, Afghan police arrested two more would-be suicide bombers in the country's northern Balkh province.
Tehran receives no request from Solana: Iranian FM
By NNN-IRNA
Tehran : Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini has said that Tehran has not yet received any request from EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana for negotiations.
Speaking at his first weekly press briefing in the new Iranian year (started March 20) here Monday, he said Solana has had no contact with Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili either.
He reiterated that Iran's peaceful nuclear programme is going through its regular process at the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Malaysian Official hails Saudi support to Islam and Muslims
By SPA,
Madinah : Head of the Malaysian Hajj mission Mohammed Salih bin Abdul-Mubeen has lauded the efforts of the Saudi government in the service of Islam and Muslims.
In a press statement here today, he praised the existing cooperation between the Hajj guides establishment and the Malaysian Hajj mission, and highlighted the efforts of the concerned officials to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims.
Afghanistan to get Pakistani wheat despite Karzai’s saber rattling
By DPA,
Karachi : Pakistan is planning to export 50,000 tonnes of wheat to neighbouring Afghanistan despite recent saber-rattling by Afghan President Hamid Karzai, media reports said Monday.
The exports will be made from the stocks of state-owned Pakistan Agriculture Storage and Supplies Corporation (PASSCO) at subsidized rates, English-language daily Business Recorder said.
Last weekend Karzai threatened to invade Pakistan in pursuit of insurgent Talibans, triggering new tensions between the two countries and causing a 7 percent decline in the country's main Karachi bourse.
US fighter jet crashes in Libya: Report
By DPA,
Cairo : The US military said Tuesday that one of its fighter jets had crashed in Libya.
Hamas armed wing seriously deals with threats of Israeli invasion
By Xinhua,
Gaza : An armed wing of the Hamas movement on Sunday said it deals seriously with Israel's threats of invading the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
"All the necessary measures to face this possibility were taken," said Abu Obaida, a spokesman for Ezz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas.
The armed wing believes that "the military operation against Gaza has become imminent and so the Palestinian resistance has completed its preparations," he said, adding that the offensive may include "air strikes on Hamas targets and limited incursions on the ground."
Observers satisfied with arrangements for polls by the Election Commission
ISLAMABAD, Feb 17 (APP): Twenty foreign observers of Monday’s polls have, in a report, expressed satisfaction on the arrangements put in place by the Election Commission of Pakistan for holding of the elections.
According to Geo News, they said the voters turn-out will be low in view of the law and order situation.
The observes underlined the significance of strict role of rangers, troops and other para-military forces during polls to minimize risk of any terrorist activity.
Palestine rejects US call to start direct talks
By DPA,
Ramallah : Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas rejected a call by US special envoy George Mitchell to hold direct negotiations with Israel, Fatah member Mohammed Dahlan said.
During the three-hour meeting in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Mitchell "did not give Israeli responses to the Palestinian questions regarding borders and security", the Fatah Central Committee member said in a statement.
Over seven million diabetics in Pakistan
By IANS,
Karachi : There are over seven million diabetics in Pakistan and the number is expected to more than double in the next 15 years, an official said here.
Dubai preparing for COPEDEC conference
By IANS
Dubai : An international conference on Coastal and Port Engineering in Developing Countries (COPEDEC) is scheduled to be held here Feb 24-28, WAM news agency reported Wednesday.
Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general of the Dubai municipality, which is organising the conference, said the convention would be the first of its kind to be held in the Middle East and as such holds a special importance for the region.
"The conference will bring together over 1000 marine engineers and scientists from around the world to exchange know-how and experience," he said.
Indonesia seeks Delhi Metro help for similar venture
By IANS,
New Delhi : Indonesia wants Delhi Metro to help set up a similar cost-effective mass transit system in Jakarta, a Metro official said Friday.
A delegation led by Indonesia's Assistant Deputy Minister for Transportation Mesra Eza Friday made the request to the Delhi Metro Rail Corp (DMRC).
“The delegation indicated they would approach DMRC soon for signing a memorandum of understanding in areas including economic operational viability studies since Delhi Metro is one of the few metros making an operational profit from day one,” DMRC spokesman Anuj Dayal said.
Lebanese PM denounces bomb attack on UN peacekeepers
By Xinhua
Beirut : Lebanese Premier Fouad Seniora denounced a roadside bomb attack on UN peacekeepers in south Lebanon Tuesday, local Naharnet news website reported.
Seniora, on a visit to the United Arab Emirates, called UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon and relayed to him "the condemnation of the Lebanese government of the crime that targeted Irish peacekeepers of the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL)," said the report.
The explosion occurred in the coastal town of Rmaileh near the southern city of Sidon, slightly wounding two Irish peacekeepers.
Pakistan begins verifying 81 mn voters
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has begun a mammoth task to verify the electoral rolls of 81 million voters.
Iran, IAEA agree to resolve nuclear issue within a month
By IANS
Vienna : Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have agreed to resolve all the outstanding issues regarding the Islamic country's nuclear programme within a month, the UN nuclear watchdog has said.
In a statement released Sunday, the IAEA said both sides have agreed to a new modality that envisages resolving the remaining issues in a month, Iranian news agency IRNA reported Monday.
Sudanese Journalists Union Chief speaks on WCD in Madrid
By SPA,
Khartoum : Secretary General of the Sudanese Union of Journalists Al-Fatih Al-Sayyed has lauded the World Conference on Dialogue, opening its three-day deliberations in the Spanish capital later today.
In a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), he said the conference aims at narrowing gaps among the followers of the revealed messages and oriental philosophies.
He noted that the common values among the heavenly religions include justice, love and repentance.
Over 120 shops gutted in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad: A massive fire gutted at least 127 shops in a market in Pakistan's Rawalpindi city, a media report said Saturday.
13 of family killed in Afghan accident
By IANS,
Kabul : Thirteen members of a family, including women and children, were killed and three injured when a mini-bus plunged into a river in northeast Afghanistan's Takhar province Sunday, an official said.
"The incident happened in Farkhar district. As a result, 13 people, including women and children, lost their lives and three others sustained injuries," the governor of Farkhar district, Mawlawi Abdul Aziz, told Xinhua.
All the victims belonged to the same family, he said.
Half million people affected in Pakistan floods
By IANS,
Islamabad : More than 500,000 people have been evacuated in Pakistan's Sindh province as floods continue to wreak havoc in the country, killing at least 1,600 people, a media report said Friday.
"Monsoon rains continue to fall and at least 11 districts are at risk of flooding in Sindh, where more than 500,000 people have been relocated to safer places," DawnNews reported quoting UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affair.
Iraq war ends? New York Times spoof says so
By DPA,
Washington : The war in Iraq is over, and President George W. Bush has been indicted for treason - so it must have been a particularly busy news day at The New York Times.
Real news, self-fulfilling prophecy or just a very elaborate hoax?
At least 1.2 million copies of a fake edition of the Times was handed out Wednesday morning to New York commuters, replete with alarming headlines - for some, almost too good to be true.
Accompanying the replica of the print edition was a website, which again looked like the Times: http://www.nytimes-se.com/
Mortar shell slams clinic in Syrian capital
By IANS,
Damascus: Armed men fired a mortar shell that landed on a private clinic in the Syrian capital of Damascus Saturday evening, causing material damage, witnesses and media reports said.
Dhaka’s foreign exchange reserves cross $10 bn
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves have crossed the $10 billion mark, the highest ever, an official said.
The nine-fold increase in as many years is thanks to increasing remittances, a fall in global fuel prices and reduced rice imports.
The country's foreign currency reserve was $1.3 billion in the financial year 2000-01.
The increase of 91 percent, from $5.24 billion in November 2008, recorded Wednesday was cause for celebration for the country's economic planners.
Profile: Khaleda Zia — leader of major party in Bangladesh’s 9th parliamentary election
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : The 9th parliamentary election in Bangladesh kicked off on Monday. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is one of the two major parties of the country and Khaleda Zia is BNP's chairperson. She ruled Bangladesh as prime minister twice from 1991 to 1996 and 2001 to 2006 and also served as leader of the opposition in the Parliament from 1996-2001.
Here is the profile of Khaleda Zia.
Pakistani ban on 1,000 words lampooned
By IANS,
Islamabad: A government move to ban the use of more than 1,000 "derogatory" words in SMS messages has run into a wall of furious netizens.
Obama, Pakistani president discuss terrorism
By DPA,
Washington : US President Barack Obama has spoken with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari about the effort between the two countries to combat terrorism.
Obama's phone call with Zardari came as his special envoy, ambassador Richard Holbrooke, completed a visit to the country Wednesday to explore ways by which Washington and Islamabad can improve coordination and help quash the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan.
The US and NATO mission in Afghanistan has been frustrated by cross-border raids by Taliban militants who take refuge in Pakistan's ungovernable tribal region.
UAE, Britain discuss relations
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Britain have held bilateral talks over undergoing joint projects.
BNP calls shutdown on Wednesday to protest attack on Khaleda
Dhaka:The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called a nationwide shutdown on Wednesday to protest the attack on party chief Khaleda Zia during an...
Pakistani president appeals for foreign investments
Islamabad : President Mamnoon Hussain Monday called on foreign investors and industrialists to invest in Pakistan and take full advantage of a business friendly...
Ex-Pakistani military ruler’s son joins PML-N
By IANS,
Islamabad : Ijaz-ul-Haq, son of former Pakistani military dictator Zia-ul-Haq, has joined the PML-N party of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Dawn reported Tuesday.
17 dead, more than 50 injured in Islamabad suicide attack
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : At least 17 persons were killed and more than 50 injured when a suicide bomber ripped through a police picket near to Islamabad’s busy Melody centre Sunday evening.
The dead included 15 police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty as they were deputed to maintain security on the venue of Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) Conference.
The police party was gathered near to picket on culmination of the conference when the suicide bomber blasted himself close to them leaving behind body pieces and shattered blood.
BNP, Awami League file cases over attack on Khaleda
Dhaka : The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its rival, the ruling Awami League (AL), on Thursday filed cases with the police over an...
Delhi: Despite SC Ruling, Education Still Remains Uncertain for Rohingya Children
Maryam Hassan and Zaina Shahid, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: "If I go to school, can I play football?” asked a 15-year-old boy wearing a faded Ronaldo...
Obama’s Eid greeting to Muslims backfires
Washington : A White House message on Twitter wishing “Muslims in the United States and around the world a blessed and joyous celebration” of...
Bangladesh aims to cut poverty rate to 15 percent
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh is working on a plan to cut its poverty rate to 15 percent by 2021, Local Government Minister Syed Ashraful Islam said Sunday.
Inaugurating the 2nd ministerial meeting of the Centre of Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) in Dhaka, he said Bangladesh wants CIRDAP to play a vital role for poverty alleviation and development of poorer nations, Xinhua reported.
Pakistani militant arrested in Kolkata
By IANS,
Kolkata : An alleged Pakistani militant, who was on his way from Bangladesh to Jammu and Kashmir, was arrested by Kolkata Police here Thursday afternoon, an official said.
"Acting on a tip-off, the Special Task Force (STF) of the city police arrested a Pakistani terrorist, Shahbaz Ismail, from Fairlie Place (in central Kolkata) Thursday," Rajeev Kumar, special additional commissioner of STF, told reporters at a press conference at the police headquarters at Lalbazar.
Israeli warplanes strike on southern Gaza tunnels’ area
By Xinhua,
GAZA : Israeli F16 warplanes struck at midnight by missiles the borderline area between the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah and Egypt, aiming at destroyed underground tunnels used for smuggling, witnesses said Saturday.
They said that five successive airstrikes were carried out by Israeli war fighters, causing huge explosions in the town, adding that some underground tunnels were destroyed and some were damaged.
Spain strongly condemns bombing attack in Lebanon
By Xinhua,
Madrid : Spain on Wednesday strongly condemned the deadly bombing attack the same day in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, which killed at least 17 people and injured some 40 others.
In a statement, the Spanish government expressed regrets and offered condolences to the families of the victims and hoped the injured would recover as soon as possible.
Spain reaffirmed its "full support" to the Lebanese authorities to fight against terrorism.
Five Iraqis wounded in Baghdad car bombing
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Five Iraqi civilians were injured in a car bomb explosion in western Baghdad on Tuesday, an Interior Ministry source said.
"A booby-trapped car parked near Salahudin intersection in the Amriya neighborhood, detonated and wounded five civilians," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The bomb apparently targeted U.S. or Iraqi security patrols in the area, but it went off prematurely, the source said.
Violence persists in Baghdad despite a relative lull announced earlier by U.S. and Iraqi officials.
Israel closely monitoring Syrian violence
By IANS,
Jerusalem : Israeli leadership is "vigilantly" monitoring the chaotic violence in Syria which surged Wednesday with the killing of its defense minister in Damascus, Xinhua reported.
Mubarak’s health deteriorates in prison
By IANS,
Cairo : The health of former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak severely deteriorated Wednesday, his fifth day in Cairo's Torah prison, and he was put on the ventilator five times.
Iran accuses U.S. of having double standards on nuclear energy
By Xinhua,
Vienna : Iranian Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Ali-Asghar Soltanieh accused the United States on Friday of double standards over the issue of nuclear energy.
Soltanieh said in a press release that the United States, on the one hand, banned Iran's peaceful nuclear program, while on the other hand, did nuclear trading with India, which did not sign the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Eight killed in Pakistan bombing
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least eight people, including two children, were killed and 32 others injured Friday in a bomb blast in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, officials said.
19 killed in Pakistan violence
By IANS,
Islamabad: At least 19 people died in Pakistan Tuesday in attacks motivated by political and sectarian rivalry.
Seven killed in Iraq violence
By IANS,
Baghdad : At least seven people were killed and four injured Tuesday in separate gunfire and bomb attacks in central and northern Iraq, police said.
Bangladesh fears Myanmar may attack their island in Bengal bay
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh, which is currently engaged in a dispute with Myanmar over border fencing, fears that Yangon may attack its St. Martin's Island in the Bay of Bengal, a media report said.
Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), which guards the land border, has identified the St Martin's Island as the "probable main target" of Myanmar and has asked the government to immediately strengthen its defence by constructing aircraft landing zones and concrete bunkers.
Abdullah leads in Afghan presidential election
Kabul: Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah was leading in the partial results, the country's Independent Election Commission (IEC) chairman announced Sunday.
"The IEC had tallied...
German journalists freed by Iran arrive in Berlin
By DPA,
Berlin/Tehran : Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle arrived back in Germany Sunday with two journalists released by Iran after more than four months in custody, the ministry said.
Abu Dhabi: Indian expats group helps a needy Indian to return home
By TCN News,
Abu Dhabi: Indian Cultural Society, Abu Dhabi Chapter (UAE) has once again extended its helping hand to an Indian worker to return back to India.
Shawkath, an Indian from Bihar, came to UAE last June with a dream and an intention of earning good livelihood for his family, through an agent to work for a Manufacturing Company, as an Accountant with all service benefits.
Terrorist bombing kills 20 in Iraq
By IRNA,
Baghdad : A female suicide bomber detonated explosives Monday evening in Balad Ruz, killing at least 20 people and wounding 30, according to the Interior Ministry.
Female Iraqi police recruits line up last week, part of the country's response to female suicide bombers.
The bomber struck as Iftar -- the meal that ends Ramadan fasting each day -- was taking place behind the home of a former US detainee.
Adnan Shukur had been released from US custody Sunday, and his house lies behind the Balad Ruz police station.
Qatar court lets striking Indian workers take up other jobs
By IANS,
Dubai : A Qatari court has allowed nine Indians among a group of over 100 expatriate workers, who had gone on strike demanding payment of salary arrears, to take up other work pending a verdict on their case.
The nine Indians moved the court Wednesday fearing retaliation from their managers and to protect their rights, the Gulf Times reported.
After the court order, the nine Indians have been working outside to earn their livelihood.
The workers in two labour accommodation camps of the company had halted work Tuesday demanding their salary arrears for two months.
Bush Scorns Refugee Rights, Al Fatah
By Prensa Latina
Ramallah : The Al Fatah Movement accused US President George W. Bush of violating UN Resolution 194 (1948) about Palestinian refugees Saturday.
The Resolution 194 states the right of refugees to go back to their homes, and establishes payment of compensation or of the goods belonging to those who decide not to go back.
Azzam al-Ahmad, head of Al Fatah s parliamentary block, said that Bush has only offered payment to Palestinians, without giving them the possibility of return to their homes.
UN receives just $136 mn for Pakistan’s displaced
By IANS,
New York: The UN has received just $136 million, or just under one-fourth, of the $543 million it has appealed for to aid the three million civilians who have been displaced by the Pakistani military's anti-Taliban operations in the country's restive northwest.
Another $15 million has been pledged, APP news agency Tuesday quoted UN officials as saying.
The appeal had been made last month and was renewed at a donors' conference earlier this month.
Dhaka to try 4,000 troopers for mutiny
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), the country's border guard, will try over 4,000 of its troopers who staged a mutiny in February, killing 71 people, including 57 army officers. The trials will be held by the end of November, the government has announced.
A three-member court led by BDR Director General Maj Gen M. Mainul Islam will sit in Dhaka and 40 other places across the country to conduct the trials.
Dutch queen tours Abu Dhabi mosque
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque here Sunday.
175 Russians evacuated from Yemen
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Two planes sent by Russia have evacuated 175 of its nationals from Yemen in the wake of escalating violence in the country, the government said.
Israel declares unilateral ceasefire in Gaza
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Saturday evening declared a unilateral ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in a press conference here.
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Thousands attend funeral of Hezbollah leader
By DPA,
Beirut: Tens of thousands of mostly Muslim Shiites Tuesday attended the funeral of Lebanon's leading Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah.
Fadlallah, who was regarded as the spiritual mentor to the militant Hezbollah group and blacklisted as a terrorist by the United States, died in Beirut Sunday, two days after being admitted to hospital.
Suspected US missile strike kills eight Taliban in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : A suspected US missile strike on a Taliban bastion in north-western Pakistan killed at least eight militants Wednesday, an intelligence official said.
Six missiles fired allegedly by US Predator drones at around 1.30 a.m. flattened a hill-top militant hideout near the Karwan Manza village in the restive South Waziristan tribal district near the Afghan border.
"Eight militants have been killed and another five wounded in the strike on the Taliban position," the official said on condition of anonymity.
Kuwaiti PM arrives in Cambodia for official visit
By Xinhua,
Phnom Penh : Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah arrived here Sunday for a three-day official visit at the invitation of his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen.
Hun Sen hosted a red-carpet ceremony at the Phnom Penh International Airport to welcome the Kuwaiti premier.
During his visit, Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is scheduled to hold talks with Hun Sen and Chea Sim, President of the Cambodian Senate, said a press release from the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Dubai to host global investors meet
By IANS,
Dubai : Dubai will host an international investment meet next month to help connect foreign investors seeking new destinations with fast growing economies.
Middle East diplomatic quartet to meet at UN
By DPA,
New York : The diplomatic group on the Middle East peace process, or quartet, will meet Monday at UN headquarters, a few weeks before the change of administration in Washington.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and high-ranking European Union (EU) officials will attend the meeting under the leadership of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
Ban said he has invited several Arab governments to take part in the quartet discussions along with the four principals: the UN, the EU, the US and Russia.
Karzai heads to Turkey for trilateral summit
By IANS,
Kabul : Afghan President Hamid Karzai Tuesday left for Ankara to take part in a two-day summit focusing on Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan,...
For the West, Gulf the saviour in this time of crisis
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS,
Dubai : As the world grapples with a financial crisis and the word liquidity has entered the common man's vocabulary, Western powers are increasingly looking to the Gulf to shore up their economies.
Gulf countries are emerging as important contributors to the global financial system even as top American and European economic policymakers have started visiting this region in the wake of the crisis.
Musharraf’s political future uncertain
By IANS,
Islamabad : Former president Pervez Musharraf, who has ended four years of self exiles, says he wants to "save Pakistan" but his political future remains uncertain.
Pakistan response to Mumbai dossier to be discussed
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's response to the Mumbai terror dossier will be discussed Monday at a meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. The Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) is set to meet "to discuss how to proceed in the matter", the Nation reported Sunday. It said the probe report was to be presented in response to the Indian dossier on the Mumbai attacks, alleging the involvement of Pakistani terrorists.
Syrian president says regional security can be achieved through peace
By KUNA
Damascus : Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, in his addsress to opening session of the Arab summit on Saturday, said regional security can only be achieved through peace, not aggression.
Al-Assad, addressing the top leaders, who convened here within the framework of their 20th summit, said Israel cannot press for security unless it gives priority to ending occupation of Arab territories "for occupation contradicts both security and peace."
Pakistan rejects Karzai’s statement on violence
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan has rejected the statement of Afghan President Hamid Karzai that Pakistani intelligence agencies and the army are behind attacks in Afghanistan.
Afghan President on Monday directly charged Pakistan of having hands in the last week suicide attack at the gate of Indian embassy in Kabul and other violent incidents.
"Pakistan is not involved in such kind of terrorist acts. Our efforts are aimed at stopping such attacks," Information Minister Sherry Rahman said.
Third round of indirect talks between Syria, Israel starts in Istanbul
By NNN-KUNA,
Ankara : The third round of indirect peace talks between Syria and Israel have commenced in Istanbul under the auspices of Turkey after eight years of stalemate in the peace process on the Syrian-Israeli track.
This was affirmed by the daily (Hurriyet Online) website Tuesday, pointing out that the envoys of Israeli Prime Minister Shalom Turjman and Yoram Tobvich were currently conducting talks with the Syrian delegation through a Turkish intermediary in an environment of extreme secrecy and confidentiality.
Ban strongly condemns Monday’s bomb attack in Karbala
By NNN-KUNA
United Nations : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned in the strongest terms Monday's bomb attack in Karbala which killed over 50 people and injured many more.
"The secretary-general appeals to all Iraqis to show maximum restraint in the face of these provocative actions. He also urges all Iraqi leaders to resolve their differences through political dialogue and in a spirit of national reconciliation," his spokesperson Michele Montas told the daily press briefing Tuesday.
Turkey hosts trilateral summit meeting to help bringing Afghnistan,Pakistan closer
By Xinhua,
Ankara : Turkey on Friday hosted a trilateral summit meeting with Afghanistan and Pakistan in a bid to bring the two troubled neighboring countries closer.
Turkish President Abdullah Gul chaired the meeting with his counterparts, Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan and Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan, in the Turkish largest city of Istanbul, which was also attended by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to the semi-official Anatolia news agency.
Islamic Jihad says Israel-connected spy network discovered in Gaza Strip
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The Islamic Jihad movement on Wednesday announced it discovered a spy cell comprising seven collaborators with Israel in the Gaza Strip.
Abu Ahmed, a spokesman for the movement's military wing, said the spy cell was discovered ten days ago in southern Gaza Strip and its chief was seized while he guided the Jihad militants to the other members of the network.
Postmodernism and the Quran
By Asghar Ali Engineer,
A general perception in the West is that Quranic teachings discourage progress and are incompatible with a modern way of life. Those who hold this view fall in three groups: anti-Islam elements; atheists who are opposed to all religion and spirituality; and rationalists, who consider religious teachings irrational.
Dhaka opposition in quandary over ‘war crimes’ trial
By IANS,
Dhaka : The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is in a quandary over whether to support or oppose the "war crimes" trial launched against those who killed unarmed civilians during the freedom struggle in 1971, says a media report.
An observation by party chief and former prime minister Khaleda Zia that the trial was being used against the political opposition has caused confusion among the leaders and the rank and file, The Daily Star said Sunday.
Dhaka gets tough with Islamist party
By IANS,
Dhaka : The government Wednesday slapped eight cases against top officials of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), the country's largest Islamist party, who were arrested Tuesday on charges of hurting Muslim religious sentiments.
JeI's Ameer (chief) Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami, its Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed and Nayebe Ameer (vice-president) Delwar Hossain Saydee were arrested Tuesday hours after a Dhaka court ordered it, Star Online reported.
The arrests triggered protests by the JeI workers across the country.
Venezuela expels Israel’s envoy over Gaza attacks
By IANS,
Caracas : The Venezuelan government has expelled Israel's envoy to the country over attacks on Gaza by Israeli military that left at least 600 people dead, EFE reported.
Shlomo Cohen and his staff were expelled Tuesday in a protest over the deaths caused by Israeli military offensives in Gaza, the report said.
"Venezuela has decided to expel Israel's ambassador and part of the personnel at their embassy here," the report quoted a communique of the foreign ministry as saying.
Strong sandstorms hit southeastern Iran
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Strong sandstorms hit Zahak city of Iran's southeastern province of Sistan-Bluchestan, Iran's Press TV satellite channel reported on Monday.
The storms packed with winds up to 100 km per hour has caused state and private-run administrations to close on Sunday, Press TVsaid.
"The sandstorms have forced all the stores and offices to shut down, except for emergency centers," Mayor of Zahak city Gholamreza Rezadi was quoted as saying.
US doesn’t have permission for drone strikes: Gilani
By IANS,
Perth : Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has categorically said no permission has been given to the US to launch drone strikes inside Pakistan's territory.
Bangladesh’s capital draws special traffic plan for largest Muslim’s festival
By Xinhua,
Dhaka : Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arranged a coordinated traffic system for smooth movement of millions of outbound and inbound passengers of the country's capital ahead of the Muslim's largest religious festival, local newspaper reported Monday.
This is for the first time the police authorities of the capital city launched a special traffic plan for the Eid-ul-Fitr festival, the largest religious festival of the Muslims which falls in early October, The Financial Express said.
Israeli PM: peace negotiations worth risk to coalition
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that he intends to advance the diplomatic process and negotiations on the core issues, even if this makes him lose his parliamentary majority, local Ha'aretz reported on Tuesday, citing Olmert's aides.
Pakistan government holds talks with Imran Khan, Qadri teams
Islamabad: After talking to Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) party of Tahir-ul-Qadri, the Pakistan government has begun a dialogue with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party of...
Karzai prays for welfare of Afghans
By IANS,
Kabul : Afghan President Hamid Karzai Sunday prayed for the welfare and prosperity of his country on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Sarkozy stresses opposition to Turkey’s EU accession
By SPA,
Vienna : French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Friday reiterated his reservations about European Union membership for Turkey ahead of his one-day visit to Austria, where he was expected to meet with broad support for his position, DPA reported.
Apart from the "special case" Turkey, which was Europe's "partner," Europe had to consider carefully where its outer borders should be, Sarkozy told the Austrian daily Kurier in its Friday edition.
"I believe Europe must have borders, as this is the condition for a real political Europe, not just an economic unit," he said.
24 killed as Taliban attack Afghan police headquarters
Kabul: At least 24 people, including 20 policemen, were killed and nine wounded in Afghanistan's Logar province Tuesday after a group of Taliban militants...
Bangladesh weavers strike work, demand Indian yarn
By IANS,
Dhaka : Over 1.3 million handloom and powerloom units across Bangladesh have launched an indefinite strike demanding import of yarn from India through the Benapole land port to meet the current shortage and to arrest rising prices.
The import via Benapole land port located on the western border with India was stopped after local yarn manufacturers opposed it, arguing that it would bring down domestic prices and eventually ruin Bangladesh's spinning industry.
The strike began Wednesday.
Afghan President receives UAE Foreign Minister
By NNN-WAM,
Kabul : Afghan President Hamed Karzai received here today HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Sheikh Abdullah conveyed to President Karzai the greetings of President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
They visiting UAE Minister also conveyed the greetings of HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Modi condemns Kabul attacks
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday condemned the separate bomb attacks in Afghanistan's capital Kabul, which killed at least 35...
Samaraweera, Paranawitharana among five hurt in Lahore attack
By P. Karunakharan, IANS,
Colombo : Sri Lankan cricketers Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranawitharana were among the five injured in Pakistan's Lahore city Tuesday when gunmen targeted the team as it was entering the Gaddafi Stadium for the ongoing Test.
CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Duleep Mendis told IANS that double centurion Samaraweera and Paranawitharana were wounded when they were entering the match venue.
"The latest reports we receive say that three other players have also sustained injuries," Mendis said.
Pakistan to stop graft money use in elections
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan will put a stop to the use of ill-gotten money in elections and set up a political finance wing to look into it.
Cultural space can curate bitterness between India-Pakistan: Mahesh Bhatt
By Nivedita,
New Delhi : He is one of the few names in the Hindi film industry who has always been vocal about strengthening ties...
Blast kills six in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : A roadside bomb tore through a military convoy in Pakistan's restive northwestern region Wednesday, killing at least six people, including three foreigners, police said.
More than 30 people were wounded in the blast outside a school for girls in the Koto area of the Lower Dir district.
"So far we have six people dead, three of them foreigners," district police chief Mumtaz Zareen said.
The identities of the foreigners were not immediately known, but they were believed to be associated with some aid agencies.