Way cleared for mosque near 9/11 ‘ground zero’
By IANS,
New York : The way has been cleared for converting a property near 'ground zero' in New York into an Islamic community centre and mosque. However, everyone is not happy with the decision.
National and New York politicians and the Anti-Defamation League have come out in recent weeks against plans for the mosque, saying it disrespects the memory of those killed in the 2001 attacks.
Arab League urged to act on Darfur
By IRNA
London : A coalition of over 20 Muslim groups Friday urged the Arab League, meeting in Damascus, to do more to address the killings in Darfur.
"Arab nations must take a stand to prove their claim that they are not taking 'ethnic sides' in the violence in Darfur," said head of research at the London based Islamic Human Rights Commission Arzu Merali.
"The voice of Arab populations that have deplored the 200,000 deaths of Darfurians needs to be heard by their governments and acted upon," Merali said.
Iran has crossed n-bomb threshold: Israeli military intelligence
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : Iran has "crossed the technological threshold" for making an atom bomb, Israeli Military Intelligence Chief Amos Yadlin has said.
Achieving military nuclear capability was now "mainly dependent on a political decision by Iran" to actually do so, Israeli media quoted Yadlin as telling an Israeli parliamentary committee dealing with security.
Yadlin added that, at this point, it was not in Tehran's interest to do so, because it did not want to be accused of breaking its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, to which it is a signatory.
Pakistani sentenced to life for passing defence secrets to ISI
By IANS,
Hyderabad : A city court Thursday sentenced to life imprisonment a Pakistani national for passing on vital Indian defence secrets to Pakistan and for criminal conspiracy.
Malik Arshad Mahmood, 44, was found guilty under sections 3 and 4 of the Official Secrets Act, section 120 B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, and section 14 of the Foreigners Act.
However, First Additional Metropolitan Sessions judge L. Srirama Murthy, who passed the life sentence on Malik, acquitted his Indian accomplice for want of evidence.
Four dead as train derails in Iran
By IANS,
Tehran: At least four people, including a woman, were killed and 36 injured after a train derailed in central Iran overnight, local media reports said Saturday.
Pakistan ruling coalition sweeps by-elections
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan's ruling coalition swept Thursday's by-elections to the national and provincial assemblies, according to initial results Friday.
Of the five National Assembly seats at stake, three were bagged by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the remaining two by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), according to unofficial results which also indicated that the two parties have secured most of 23 provincial assembly seats.
Thursday's elections were marred by violence in which at least 26 people were reportedly injured.
Mumbai terror attacks: India summons Pakistan envoy, wants ‘strong action’
By IANS,
New Delhi/Islamabad : India Monday made it clear that the bloody terror strikes in Mumbai were carried out by Pakistan-based militants and asked Islamabad to take “strong action” against the “elements responsible for this outrage” - a sign that ties between the two countries are headed for a rocky patch.
American troops in Iraq suffer limited casualties in past month
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : American troops deployed in Iraq suffered a small number of casualties in February compared to previous periods of time, as a result of noticeable improvement in security conditions.
According to statements of the American Army, the troops suffered 29 deaths last month, compared to 40 in January.
The American forces, in December, lost 23 soldiers, in November, 37, October, 38, September, 65, and August, 84.
Hamas supporters demonstrate against Israeli blockade
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Thousands of Islamic Hamas movement's supporters demonstrated on Thursday against the ongoing Israeli blockade near Erez crossing on the border between northern Gaza Strip and Israel.
Witnesses said that several dozens of demonstrators tried to reach the crossing area of Erez, adding that Israeli soldiers stationed at the crossing opened warning shots to prevent them from approaching the crossing area.
17 killed in Iraq bomb blast
By IANS,
Baghdad : At least 17 people were killed and over 50 were injured Friday when a roadside bomb exploded in Iraq's Tikrit city, Xinhua quoted a police source as saying.
At least 4 killed in explosion in NW Pakistan
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : At least four people were killed and five others were injured in an explosion in northwestern Pakistan's tribal region Wednesday morning, local TV channel reported.
Pakistan's private Dawn TV said the explosion occurred in Bajaur tribal agency on the Afghan border.
But the News Network International (NNI) news agency said six were killed and two were injured. The people killed are local militants who were traveling in Bajaur tribal region when explosives in their vehicles went off, said the NNI.
There is no official word on the blast.
NATO mulls Afghan mission after 2014
By IANS,
Brussels : The NATO defence ministers Wednesday endorsed a political framework for a new training mission in Afghanistan after 2014, Xinhua reported.
Special operations exhibition opens in Jordan
By DPA
Amman : King Abdullah II of Jordan Tuesday inaugurated the Special Operations exhibition SOFEX 2008 with the participation of more than 300 companies from 60 countries.
The three-day event demonstrates the world's most sophisticated equipment used by the elite special operation forces in combating terrorism and other national security activities, organizers said.
The inauguration ceremony included anti-terrorism operations that were carried out by Jordan's Special Forces personnel.
US-Pakistan trade ties growing, USTR 2008 report lauds Pakistan steps
By NNN-APP
Washington : The US-Pakistan trade grew in the year 2007 and the two countries continue to expand their bilateral trading relationship, particularly through US helping Pakistan foster a climate conducive to increased foreign investment, a new American annual report said.
The US Trade Representative delivering the 2008 Trade Policy Agenda and 2007 Annual Report to Congress on Tuesday noted that a top priority for the Bush Administration in South Asia has been to build a relationship with Pakistan as a strategic partner for the long term.
Pakistani apex court suspends Rehman Malik from Senate
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Supreme Court Monday suspended the Senate membership of Interior Minister Rehman Malik for holding dual nationality, a media report said.
Pakistan Air Force gets latest US radar system
By Xinhua
Islamabad : The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) said Monday that it has got the latest generation of American radar system.
The TPS-77 radars from Lockheed Martin Corporation "incorporate the state-of-the-art technology and belong to the latest generation," said a PAF statement.
The TPS-77 radars, handed over to the PAF at a ceremony in southern Pakistani city of Karachi, have the capability to provide valley coverage and long-range detection capabilities.
Pakistan: polling starts in most sensitive district Charsadda on peaceful note
By NNN-APP
Peshawar : Polling to elect two members of National Assembly and six provincial assembly for Charsadda district, declared most sensitive by the Government started on peacefully at 8.30 a.m.
The Charsadda district comprises NA-7 and NA-8 and six provincial constituencies.
The attendance at the polling stations during first half hour remained thin as voters in less number were seen around the polling stations.
The polling will gain momentum in the later part of the day, said a polling agent.
Bombings kill 31, including 25 troops, in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : Two separate bombings Saturday killed at least 31 people, including 25 soldiers, in Pakistan's restive northwestern region, police officials and media reports said.
A suicide car bomber rammed his explosives-laden car into a security wall around an army post when a military convoy was passing by in Doaba town in the restive Hangu district in North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
"It was a suicide bombing. The deaths of 25 security personnel and two civilians have been confirmed," said deputy police superintendent Farid Khan.
Israel continues with indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza Strip
By IRNA
Gaza City : As the Security Council was assembling reports came in that Israel continues with air strike on Gaza Strip residential areas killing at least 36 civilians and wounding 100.
Palestine Authority chief Mahmud Abbas said the Israeli raids were "more than a holocaust".
He was apparently alluding to a statement made on Friday by Israel's deputy defence minister Matan Vilnai, who said Palestinians risked a "shoah" - the Hebrew word for a big disaster as well as for the Nazi Holocaust.
IS gains total control of historic Syrian city
Damascus: Islamic State (IS) militants have gained complete control of Syria's ancient city of Palmyra, a Unesco world heritage site, official reports said here...
Dubai Airshow 2009 attracts top aerospace names
By IANS,
Dubai : The next edition of the Dubai Airshow, considered as the fastest growing airshow in the world, will feature some top brands in the aerospace industry this time, the organisers have said.
Airbus with the EADS group will join the Dubai-based international airline Emirates during the biennial show, for which a new exhibition area has been developed to accommodate the unprecedented number of participants and visitors, WAM news agency reported.
Pakistan-German ties growing, strengthening in diversified fields: PM Gilani
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said that Pakistan attaches high value to its cordial and friendly ties with Germany which were growing and strengthening with the passage of time in diversified fields for mutual advantage.
The Prime Minister was taking to German Ambassador Dr. Michael Koch, who called on him here at the PM House Thursday and discussed with him matters of mutual interests as well as the Prime Minister’s forthcoming visit to Germany.
Ban to discuss Kashmir with India, Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said he will discuss Kashmir with Indian and Pakistani leaders to help resolve the dispute through dialogue, a media report said Thursday.
Olmert: Winograd report opportunity for Israel to mend failings
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister EhudOlmert said on Sunday that Winograd report presents an opportunity to mend the failings during the 2006 Lebanon War, local daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported on its website.
Olmert told the weekly cabinet meeting that the final Winograd report, published last Wednesday, "presents an opportunity to mend the failings that it exposed and move Israel ahead so it will be prepared for any security, political or social challenges that may arise."
IS closing in on Syria’s Kurdish city
Damascus : Islamic State (IS) militants are closing in on the Kurdish city of Kobane in northern Syria, as violent battles between Kurdish fighters...
Turkey’s Erdogan or Erdogan’s Turkey?
By Mohammad Behzad Fatmi,
The Republic of Turkey has been a turbulent democracy since its very inception. The country has witnessed a number of coup d’état and continuous military dominance over elected governments resulting in limited civilian liberty, rare tolerance for dissent and utter disregard to the rule of law. It was in the year 2002 when the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power with the promise and apparent determination to strengthen democracy, rule of law and freedom in the countrywhich gave hope to the people.But today after more than a decade, the country is standing at the same position (in a different form though), if not worse.
10 security officers detained over deadly Baghdad blasts
By DPA,
Baghdad : Ten police and military officers are being held for questioning in Wednesday's coordinated attacks in central Baghdad, which left around 100 dead and 1,200 injured, media reports said Thursday.
"Security officials in Bab al-Moazzam and al-Salihiya areas have been detained and will be interrogated over the terrorist attacks that took place in their districts," said a statement from the Iraqi military's Baghdad Operations Command, published in al-Sabah daily newspaper.
Three militants, two policemen killed in Pakistan shootout
By DPA
Islamabad : Three Islamic militants and two policemen were killed Saturday in a gunfight that continued for several hours in Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province (NWFP, officials said.
The shootout was triggered when the police conducted a pre-dawn raid at a militant hideout in Mora village of Mardan district.
"As the police party approached the compound, the militants opened fire on it with assault rifles. One policeman was shot in the head and he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital," district police officer Yamin Khan said.
30 militants killed in Afghanistan
Kabul : At least 30 Taliban militants were killed in operations across Afghanistan, authorities said Sunday.
"Operations were carried out by the Afghan National Security...
US drone attack condemns as death toll hikes
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan's major Islamic party has condemned the US drone attack on the tribal region of South Waziristan, which killed at least 20 persons. The missiles were fired late last night when the local militants were gathered for offering prayers for a colleague.
A local Taliban commander Haji Umar was among those killed, official sources said.
This is the 70th violation of Pakistan's sovereign territory by the US and NATO forces and 34th in the last seven months of the present regime, deputy chief of Jamaat-i-Islami, Senator Prof.
Khurshid Ahmad said.
Palestine ex-government says dissapointed at Abbas’ in Arab summit
By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : The former Palestinian government, which was headed by Ismail Haniya of Hamas, said Saturday it was disappointed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' speech before the Arab summit, currently held in the Syrian capital, Damascus.
Taher Nono, spokesman of the ex-government, which was sacked by Abbas, said in a statement that Hamas had hoped Abbas' address would aimed at unity away from disputes between parties.
Abbas “opens his arms” for Hamas dialogue
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah movement said Saturday that the Palestinian leader "opens his arms" to settle differences with Hamas.
"President Abbas opens his arms to end the Palestinian division and start dialogue," Azzam al-Ahmad, chief of Fatah parliamentary bloc, told the press.
"Doors are open for Hamas to return to the Palestinian legitimacy under the leadership of President Abbas," said al-Ahmad.
Roadside bombings kill Afghan worker, wound 3 police
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Roadside bombings in Afghanistan claimed one local worker and left three policemen seriously wounded, said sources from police on Tuesday.
Abdul Razek, boder police chief in southern Afghan province of Kandahar told Xinhua that workers with a local road construction company were struck by roadside mine planted near their construction site in Spin Boldak district Tuesday morning leaving one dead and another wounded.
12 Rohingya migrants killed in Bangladesh boat capsize
Dhaka, (IANS): At least 12 Rohingya migrants were killed after a boat carrying them capsized off the coast of Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district, police said...
House arrest for Nawaz Sharif, Imran Khan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Orders were passed for a three-day house arrest of former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif and other opposition leaders Sunday after he rejected President Asif Ali Zardari's olive branch and vowed to continue with the lawyers' stir.
Punjab Police also placed under house arrest Jamat-e-Islami (JI) chief Qazi Hussain Ahmed and the leader of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf Imran Khan, Geo News reported.
Pakistan committed to safeguarding minorities’ rights: PM
By IANS,
Islamabad : Holding that attacks on minorities posed a "great challenge", Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Tuesday reiterated the government's resolve to safeguard their rights as envisaged in the constitution.
"The sporadic events of terrorism against minorities are a great challenge for us. But every one of us is sure that such events are part of a conspiracy to destablise the growth and development of Pakistan," he said in a message on Minorities Day that is being observed in the country for the first time.
44 hostages freed in Pakistan’s tribal area
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : A total of 44 security men who were kidnapped earlier have been released in Pakistan's tribal region after successful negotiations, official Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported Tuesday.
The APP quoted Political Agent of Kurram Agency Mohammad Azam Khan as saying that the tribesmen in Pewar village made 44 security men hostage and a 25-member jirga was sent to the tribes for the release for the abductees.
France says no military solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict
PARIS, Jan 16 (KUNA) -- Noting there was no military solution to the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, France urged both sides on Wednesday to show restraint and continue the political talks undertaken late last year.
"Anything that blocks the proper functioning of the political process between Israel and the Palestinian authority must be avoided," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Pascale Andreani said at a briefing.
"We know there is no military solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, " she added.
EU Parliament president to visit Lebanon, Syria
By KUNA,
Brussels : President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Poettering, also chairman of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly, embarks on a tour of Lebanon and Syria starting on Wednesday.
"I wish that this visit will reaffirm the political commitment of the European Parliament to peace in the Middle East and to the realisation of a comprehensive peace agreement, involving all the countries of the region," he said in a statement here Tuesday.
Solana rejects calls for sending European troops to Afghanistan
By KUNA,
BERLIN : EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Javier Solana expressed on Friday his rejection of calls for sending additional European troops to Afghanistan.
In a statement to "Abendblatt" newspaper, he said that Europeans now accounted for more than 50 percent of the international troops in Afghanistan, serving to their best ability and training Afghan soldiers and policemen.
He said that Europe had contributed 10 billion euro for reconstruction there since 2002.
18 tribesmen abducted from Pakistan’s Peshawar
Islamabad: At least 18 tribesmen were abducted by gunmen from the outskirts of Pakistan's Peshawar city, a media report said.
About 60 gunmen raided Faqeer...
Bush arrives in Tel Aviv to start visiting Israel
By Xinhua
Tel Aviv : U.S. President George W. Bush arrived here on Wednesday noon to start visiting Israel, the first leg of his eight-day Middle East trip.
Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, Bush emerged from his special plane and was greeted on the scene by Israeli leaders, including President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak.
Taliban has been attacking Pakistani schools for long
Islamabad : Although it was savagery at its worst, the Tuesday attack on a school by militants is not the first time terrorists have...
Pakistan gets Swedish early warning aircraft, AEWC
By KUNA
Islamabad : The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Thursday got first of the five airborne early warning and control system aircrafts it ordered from the Swedish Saab in June 2006.
The PAF achieved a major landmark in its Airborne Early Warning Program with the roll out of its first SaaB2000 AEW C in a simple but impressive ceremony at the Saab facility in Sweden, said PAF in a press statement.
International seminar on Hajj: A Model of Global Unity held in New Delhi
By RINA,
New Delhi: Iran Cultural House in New Delhi in collaboration with Hajj Committee of India organized an international seminar on “Hajj: A Model of Global Unity.” Speakers from India and abroad highlighted the aspects of Hajj that strengthen the unity of Muslim Ummah.
Make-or-break meeting between Zardari, Nawaz on Tuesday
By IANS,
Islamabad : In what can be a make-or-break meeting for the four-month-old ruling alliance of Pakistan, coalition partners Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif will meet Tuesday to discuss reinstatement of judges and the possible impeachment of President Pervez Musharraf.
Pakistan People's Party (PPP) co-chairman Zardari and chief of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Sharif will be meeting at lunch Aug 5 at the Zardari House, media reports said Sunday.
Pakistan boasted of n-strike on India: Report
By IANS,
London : Pakistan could launch a nuclear strike on India within eight seconds, an army general boasted in 2001 in Islamabad, the Guardian reported Friday.
Malaysian peace monitors leave Philippines
By SPA,
Manila, Philippines : Officials say the first group of 29 Malaysian peacekeepers has left the Philippines as peace talks with Muslim rebels remain stalled, the Associated Press reported.
Speaking Saturday at an airport in the southern Philippines, Malaysian Maj. Gen. Datuk Mat Yasin Bin Mat Daud _ leader of an international peace monitoring team _ says he hopes a peace agreement will soon be signed.
The 12 remaining Malaysian monitors will leave Aug. 31.
Malaysia is brokering the talks to end more than 30 years of Muslim separatist insurgency.
Abbas discusses peace process with US, Russia
By IANS,
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Saturday separately discussed the fate of the stalled Middle East peace process with US and Russian diplomats.
The Palestinian state-run news agency Wafa reported that Abbas held talks at his office in Ramallah first with US Consul General in Jerusalem Daniel Rubinstein, and then with the Russian diplomatic representative to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) Sergi Kozlov, Xinhua reported.
13 militants killed in Nigeria
By IANS,
Abuja: At least 13 militants have been killed by Nigerian military, Xinhua reported Wednesday.
Iran seeks Interpol arrest warrants for Israeli leaders
By IRNA,
Tehran : Prosecutor General Qorbanali Dorri-Najafabadi sought arrest warrants of the International Police for Israeli leaders for their crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Gaza Strip.
The call was made on the eve of an international conference to support Palestine which is to be held in Tehran on March 4-5.
The chief prosecutor called for the arrest of 34 political leaders and military commanders of Tel Aviv regime as well as 115 others who were involved in 22-day carnage in the besiged Gaza.
30 killed in Afghanistan suicide car bombing
Kabul : At least 30 people were killed and 100 others injured Tuesday when a suicide car bomb went off in a marketplace in...
Canada to send back yet another Pakistani couple
By IANS,
Toronto : Canada is set to throw out yet another Pakistani couple and their children after the top federal court rejected their plea to stay deportation orders against them.
The couple had moved the highest court after the immigration and refugee board rejected their application for refugee status. This will be the second case of removal of a Pakistani couple from Canada in as many months.
Montreal-based Naveed Akram Chaudhary, wife Safia and their three Canada-born children will be put on the plane back to Pakistan Sep 12.
Worldwide protests over Israeli attacks on Gaza
By DPA,
Berlin : Tens of thousands of people have taken part in worldwide protests against Israel's 15-day bombardment and infantry deployment in the Gaza Strip.
In Germany, more than 35,000 people took to the streets in demonstrations organised mainly by ethnic Turks, Palestinians and other predominantly Islamic minorities.
The biggest demonstration in Germany was in the western industrial city of Duisburg, where 10,000 demonstrators attended a rally organised by the Milli Gorus Islamic community, a Turkish Islamist group.
Miliband to join EU emergency talks on Israeli massacres
By IRNA,
London : British Foreign Secretary David Miliband was travelling to Paris to join his EU counterparts in emergency talks on the latest Israeli massacre of over 350 Palestinians in Gaza, more than double those killed in the Mumbai terror attacks.
The meeting, held under the French presidency of the 27-nation group, comes after demonstrations have been held around Europe protesting at the failure by western countries to condemn the continuing slaughter of Palestinians in 4-days of air strikes.
A Pakistani hospital thrice launched, never built
By IANS,
Islamabad : A hospital in Pakistan's Punjab province was launched thrice, but it hasn't yet got built.
Irony of peace award amid India-Pakistan border friction
By C Uday Bhaskar,
In a surprise announcement, India's little-known child rights adherent Kailash Satyarthi and Pakistan’s Malala Yousafzai have together been awarded this year’s prestigious Noble Peace Prize "for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education".
Nations assure Afghanistan of support for peace with Taliban
By NNN-Xinhua,
Kabul : Several nations have assured Afghanistan of their support for its peace plan to end Taliban insurgency.
A statement issued Thursday by Afghanistan's Presidential Palace said Afghan President Hamid Karzai Wednesday met with Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and discussed on Afghanistan's peace process.
Karzai informed the Saudi king of his government's efforts for reconciliation with the Taliban, requested the king "to guide the Afghan government on its talks with the insurgent group."
US Congress set to vote on Pakistan aid with ‘no terror’ conditions
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington, Sep 30 (IANS) The US Congress is set to take the final step to triple non-military aid to Pakistan, but with stringent conditions demanding action against extremist groups on its soil and preventing attacks on neighbouring countries, namely India.
Though the bill scheduled for a vote in the House of Representatives Wednesday does not mention India so as not to hurt Islamabad's sensitivities, it specifically lists extremist movements Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the outfit behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
Floods threaten Hyderabad city in Pakistan
By Awais Saleem,IANS,
Islamabad : With the threat of floods to Hyderabad city in Pakistan's Sindh province increasing further, the army has rushed in to take protective measures fearing a breach in the Kotri barrage.
Hyderabad is the first major metropolitan city to come in the way of floods that started almost a month ago. The local population has started evacuating their houses because of the prevalent threat.
Hindu to advise Pakistan PM on madrassas
By IANS
Islamabad : Pakistan's Caretaker Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro has appointed Amar Lal, a Hindu, as his special advisor to monitor the process of registration and reforms of Deeni Madaris, Online news agency reported.
Lal will enjoy the status of a federal minister. Soomro ordered his appointment Dec 16.
Afghan official killed; toll in Kandahar blast reaches 43
By DPA,
Kabul : A senior provincial official was killed in northern Afghanistan Wednesday while the death toll for a deadly blast in the southern city of Kandahar city reached 43, officials said.
Qari Jahangir, head of the justice department of the northern province of Kunduz, was driving to his office Wednesday morning when a bomb which was placed in his car exploded in the centre of Kunduz city, Abdul Razaq Yaqoubi, the provincial police chief said.
He said Jahangir, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was killed and his car was badly damaged in the explosion.
Two school kids killed in Syria bombing
By IANS,
Damascus : A bomb went off near a school in Syria's central province of Hama, killing two children and injuring at least 10 other people, state-run SANA news agency reported.
PPP could face revolt on judges’ restoration
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) that heads the country's ruling coalition could face a revolt on the issue of restoring the judges sacked after an emergency was declared last year. Over 100 of its MPs are threatening to join a protest march lawyers have planned for Tuesday to demand immediate reinstatement of the judges.
"Over 80 percent of my colleagues are eager to join the long march if the party leadership does not stop them officially," The News Saturday quoted a PPP member of the National Assembly as saying.
US air strike kills Iraqi judge -police
By SPA
Baghdad : A U.S. air strike killed five Iraqi civilians including a judge in the northern town of Tikrit on Wednesday, Iraqi police said.
U.S. forces acknowledged that civilians had been struck during a battle with suspected militants which included strikes from fixed-wing aircraft.
"After the air strike, coalition forces continued to receive heavy enemy fire as armed terrorists ran from the target and attempted to hide in neighboring homes using the occupants as human shields," they said in a statement.
Autonomy to Gilgit-Baltistan is a joke: Pakistani Kashmiri leader
By Sarwar Kashani,IANS,
Srinagar : Islamabad's move to give "greater political autonomy" to the Northern Areas by renaming the region Gilgit-Baltistan and giving it the powers of a federal province is "nothing but a little joke", says a separatist leader in Pakistan- administered Jammu and Kashmir.
24 killed, 23 injured in Iraqi violence
By DPA,
Baghdad : At least 24 people were killed and 23 others injured in separate attacks in the Iraqi capital as well as in the southern Iraqi city of Hillah, sources said Saturday.
US air force continued to strike Baghdad's Shia Sadr City Saturday, killing 18 people and wounding another 23, medical sources told DPA.
Sources said the dead included women and children.
The air raids come as part of a security offensive launched by the Iraqi government March 25 and aims at clearing Sadr City of illegal militants and criminal gangs.
Iran has every right to develop nuclear energy: India
By IANS,
New Delhi : India has backed Iran's right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and also underlined New Delhi's enduring special relations with Tehran irrespective of the growing strategic ties with Washington.
"We firmly are of the view that Iran has every right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and in a manner that is consistent with its international obligations and commitments," External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in an exclusive interview with Iran's official news agency IRNA ahead of his departure to Tehran Friday.
Promote growth of Hinduism, says Malaysian NGO
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysia Hindu Sangam, an NGO, has asked the government to promote the growth of Hinduism, a media report said Tuesday.
Mohan Shan, who heads the NGO, said a memorandum on the matter had been submitted to the government, reported Makkal Osai, a Tamil newspaper.
The government, he said, had given grants for the development of temples but more funds were needed to set up kindergartens, and religious and moral classes.
Top UN human rights official urges halt to Afghan executions
By NNN-APP,
United Nations : The U.N. human rights chief voiced her dismay today after several prisoners were put to death in Afghanistan in recent days and urged the government to stop any further planned executions.
Five convicted prisoners are known to have been executed ‘on orders signed by President Hamid Karzai’ over the past four days in the country, which had observed a de facto moratorium on the death penalty since 2004.
“Istiska” prayers offered throughout Saudi Arabia
By SPA
Riyadh : 'Istiska' (rain-seeking) prayers were performed Monday morning throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in line with the teachings of Prophet Mohammed, (Peace be upon him), who had urged Muslims to perform 'Istiska' prayers in cases of drought or delay in rainfall.
Hasina may leave Bangladesh for treatment; Zia reluctant
By IANS,
Dhaka : Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to leave for the US for medical treatment after being exempted from appearances by a trial court although her rival Khaleda Zia, also a former premier, rejected any notion of leaving the country despite the recommendation of a government-appointed medical board.
Zia told reporters in a courtroom here Sunday that there were "good doctors here" and that she chose to be "with my people".
Iran’s humanitarian aid to be shipped to Gaza next week
By IRNA,
Tehran : Iran will send two separate cargos of humanitarian aid for the oppressed people of Gaza next week, it was reported Monday.
The announcement was made by an official in charge of the support for Palestinians and sending humanitarian aid for the oppressed people of Gaza.
Mohammad Ali Nouraee said the first cargo will be shipped to the Gaza Strip from the southern port of Khorramshahr in Khuzestan province.
Thousands flee Egyptian prison: Reports
By IANS,
Cairo : About 5,000 Egyptian prisoners broke out of a prison in the Fayyoum Govenorate amid the nationwide riots Saturday night, Xinhua quoted the Dubai-based Arabiya TV report Sunday.
Egypt slams Israel’s plan to build more houses in east Jerusalem
By Xinhua,
Cairo : Egypt on Sunday strongly criticized Israel's decision to build more than 800 housing units in east Jerusalem.
The Israeli move is threatening any hope for a peaceful solution to the Palestinian issue, Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossam Zaki said in a statement.
The silence of the international community is "no longer acceptable," the spokesman said, calling on the United States and the international Quartet to shoulder their responsibilities to halt the Israeli plan.
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.
Supreme Leader’s advisor arrives in Baghdad
By IRNA,
Baghdad : Advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ali-Akbar Velayati arrived in the Iraqi capital city of Baghdad on Saturday on a pilgrimage visit.
The former Iranian foreign minister will hold talks with a number of senior Iraqi officials.
He is to hold separate meetings with leader of the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council Abdul Aziz al-Hakim and Iraqi Vice-President Adel Abdul Mahdi.
Turkey eyes normal ties with Armenia after election
By SPA
Ankara : Turkey's president said on Thursday he hoped the victory of Serzh Sarksyan in Armenia's presidential election would lead to a normalisation of relations between their estranged countries, Reuters reported.
Turkey has no diplomatic relations with Armenia and keeps their land border closed in protest at Yerevan's occupation of territory belonging to ally Azerbaijan.
Turkey and Armenia are also at loggerheads over Ankara's refusal to acknowledge as genocide the mass killings of ethnic Armenians by Ottoman Turks in 1915-16.
Bangladesh Jamaat chief to be charged for the first time
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is to press charges for the first time against the amir (chief) of the Jamaat-e-Islami, the country's largest Islamist party, for alleged corruption during his 2001-06 stint as the industry minister.
Motiur Rahman Nizami is to be charged along with former prime minister Khaleda Zia, her younger son Arafat Rahman Koko and 22 others, including six ministers in the Zia government, for illegally awarding the job of handling containers at two container depots in Dhaka and Chittagong to Global Agro Trade Company (Gatco).
Japanese Foreign Minister due to arrive on Friday
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs, Masahiko Koumura is arriving on four-day visit to Pakistan on Friday.
The purpose of Koumura’s visit is to convey goodwill message to new democratic government that Japanese government attaches great importance to Pakistan’s efforts for eradicating terrorism, consolidating democracy and sustaining economic growth in order to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Pakistan deserves int’l community’s support to fight terrorists: Karzai
By NNN-APP,
New York : Afghan President Hamid Karzai says that the new government of Pakistan is on his side in fighting terrorism and it deserves the support of the international community in that struggle.
“We should all help President Zardari because he has the right intentions and the right policy for Pakistan and for the region, and I think he deserves our assistance,” Karzai, who had a meeting with the Pakistani leader earlier this week, said in an interview with NEWSWEEK.
Two security men killed in Pakistan gun attack
Islamabad : At least two security personnel were killed Wednesday when unidentified gunmen opened fire at a check post in Pakistan, media reported.
The Levies...
Pakistani cops use explosives’ bottle as ashtray, cause blast
By IANS,
Karachi : Two Pakistani policemen, having a smoke on a police station rooftop, casually stubbed the cigarette in a bottle containing highly inflammable chemicals for making explosives - causing a blast.
The explosion on the roof of Risala police station Saturday afternoon was caused by two policemen who were smoking on the roof, officials of the bomb disposal squad (BDS) told The News.
Potassium nitrate, which is a chemical component in explosives and is inflammable, was stored in a container on the rooftop. The chemical is also known as saltpetre.
15 British nationals killed in Tunisia attack
London: At least 15 British nationals have been killed in Friday's attack in Tunisia, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said on Saturday.
In...
Pakistan Army fires at Indian positions on LoC
Srinagar : The Pakistan Army Tuesday fired at Indian positions on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district, a source...
Bangladesh Election Commission reaffirms general electons by December
By NNN-Xinhua
Dhaka : Bangladesh Election Commission Chief Dr ATM Shamsul Huda Monday reaffirmed that the general elections will be held by December this year as per election roadmap.
Dr Huda was appointed the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) by the current caretaker government.
He said this during a dialogue with one of the country's major parties Awami League that had been in power from 1996-2001.
Bamyan residents fear return of Taliban
By DPA,
Bamyan (Afghanistan) : the more the West clings to the hope that negotiations with the Taliban could solve the conflict and bring within reach the withdrawal of the international troops.
While that idea, born out of sheer desperation, also gains support in Afghanistan, the plan triggers fear among the people in the central province of Bamyan.
There are few places where the Taliban are more hated then here. Hardly any other province suffered so much under the Taliban's murderous regime. And today, hardly any province is more peaceful.
Car bomb hits U.S. patrol, 9 killed
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : A car bomb struck a U.S. military patrol in eastern Baghdad on Thursday, killing nine people and wounding 23 others, an Interior Ministry source said.
A car bomb detonated near a U.S. patrol in the Garage al-Amana area in the neighborhood of Elwiyah, killing nine people and wounding 23 others, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The source said that one U.S. soldier was among the killed people and two U.S. soldiers were among the wounded. The U.S. military did not immediately confirm the report.
Iran arrests three suspects linked to suicide bombing
By DPA,
Tehran : Iran has arrested three suspects linked to the weekend suicide bombing in the southeastern province of Sistan-Beluchistan, the Fars news agency reported.
Provincial prosecutor Mohammad Marzieh told Fars Tuesday about the arrests of the three suspects but declined to give further details, citing security reasons.
The three were the first to be arrested after Sunday's bombing, which killed 42 people including at least seven senior commanders of the Revolutionary Guards.
Another 28 were wounded and still in critical condition.
Iran refutes media hype over alleged missing uranium
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : The alleged disappearance of uranium at Iran's nuclear facilities is a media hype, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi said.
He was commenting on the allegation made by the Daily Telegraph.
"Iran's all nuclear materials in Isfahan and Natanz nuclear facilities are under the supervision of and sealed by the International Atomic Energy Agency," Qashqavi said Monday.
He said even IAEA's spokesperson Melissa Fleming has denied the London-based daily's claim by releasing a statement on Sunday.
US to provide Pakistan $3.20 bn in 2009: Envoy
By IANS,
Washington : The US is to give Pakistan $3.20 billion during 2009 for various tasks, including industrial aid and the war on terror, the country's envoy here has said.
Of this, $950 million would be given as industrial aid, $700 million for the war on terror and $910 million as compensation for the losses Pakistan had faced in the war on terror, Online news agency quoted ambassador Hussain Haqqani as saying.
Iran rejects EU’s banking sanctions
By RIA Novosti,
Tehran : New European Union sanctions against Iran over its controversial nuclear program are in violation of international law, an Iranian official said Tuesday.
The EU agreed Monday to impose new sanctions over Tehran's nuclear program, banning the country's major commercial bank, Bank Melli, from operating in Europe. The measures, which will stop the operations of the bank at its offices in London, Hamburg and Paris, were approved during a meeting of EU agriculture and fisheries ministers in Luxembourg.
Nawaz seeks ban on parties harbouring militants
By IANS,
Islamabad : Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has sought a ban on all political organisations in Pakistan that have militant wings.
Arab health insurance meet begins in Libya
By IANS/WAM,
Tripoli : A two-day seminar on the health insurance sector in the Arab region began here Sunday.
It is organised by General Arab Insurance Federation in cooperation with African Insurance Company and Jordanian Society for Health Insurance.
Insurance companies from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other countries are participating.
The theme is: "Cooperation and Coordination between Insurance Companies and Treatment Service Providers for the Success of Health Insurance."
Egyptians vote in referendum on draft constitution
BY IANS,
Cairo: Egyptians Saturday went to polling booths to vote in the first stage of the referendum on a draft constitution, which has led to bitter division between liberals and Islamists.
Muslims in Europe face more discrimination than American Muslims
By IRNA,
Kuala Lumpur : Muslims in Europe face greater discrimination as compared to American Muslims in civil and political life, according to an observatory report on Islamophobia carried out by the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC).
In contrast with that in the United States, the report said the stigma was more visible and pronounced with more acute situations in Europe.
22 killed in Baghdad twin blasts
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : At least 22 people were killed and many injured in a double suicide bombing in the Iraqi capital Monday, an interior ministry source said.
The twin bombings occurred at about 08.00 a.m. when a booby-trapped car went off followed by a suicide bomber detonating his explosive vest shortly after people gathered to examine the first blast in a marketplace in the Sunni-dominated neighbourhood of Adhamiyah.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the two blasts were apparently coordinated to cause maximum number of casualties.
India seeks Kuwaiti funds, signs three pacts
By Manish Chand, IANS,
Kuwait : India Tuesday sought Kuwaiti investments in infrastructural projects ranging from petrochemicals to power and signed three pacts in areas of culture, education and science and technology.
Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari met Amir Of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and discussed with him a range of bilateral, regional and global issues, including expansion of economic ties, the financial meltdown and enhancing cooperation in combating terrorism.
Asif Ali Zardari backs Manmohan Singh on Kashmir
By Dipankar De Sarkar, IANS,
London : Pledging to dismantle terrorist cells, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari Friday told Indians gathered at a conference here that he agreed "with the statement of your prime minister supporting an autonomous Kashmir running much of its own affairs."
"A commission can be established between the two countries and leaders of Kashmir themselves to world out what should be done in foreign and defence affairs," he said in a statement read out at a confernce on India and Pakistan, organised by the Tehelka media group.
At least 10 killed in Iraq bombing
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : At least 10 people were killed and about 40 were injured Thursday in a truck bomb explosion at a busy livestock market in a town of Babil province, a police source said.
"A booby-trapped truck parked at a crowded livestock market in the town of Hamza detonated in the morning," the source said.
The toll could rise, the source said, as ambulances and civilian cars were transferring victims to hospitals.
The Shiite dominated town was relatively calm in the past months, but deadly bombings frequently occur in Iraqi cities.
South Korea, Arab inaugurate cooperative society
By Jassem Al-Sarraf, KUNA,
Seoul : South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-soo and a group of Arab officials announced Monday the inauguration of the Korea-Arab Society for development of bilateral relations between the two sides.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by the South Koean Prime Minister, who presented the opening speech with assurances that the move to form the society resulted from an agreement to "expand and intensify" existing areas of cooperation.
Environment group urges NA hopefuls to consider the environment
By KUNA,
Kuwait : An environmental group Sunday urged candidates in the 2008 parliamentary elections to incorporate issues of the environment into their agendas.
Group chairman Khaled Al-Hajri in a statement today expressed both surprise and disappointment that most candidates failed to mention such concerns in their agendas and urged voters to demand such attention from their candidates and that environment issues be given priority.
Israeli housing minister endorses Mofaz for Kadima leader
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli Housing and Construction Minister Ze'ev Boim announced Monday that he supports Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz to replace Ehud Olmert as chairman of the ruling Kadima party.
Boim told a press conference in Tel Aviv that he made the decision after weighing the qualities that he believes a prime minister should possess, including political, defense and diplomatic experience, ability to make complex decisions, honesty among others.
FCC mourns death of war correspondent in Kabul
New Delhi : The Foreign Correspondents` Club of South Asia Wednesday mourned the death Nils Orner, Swiss Radio's South Asia war correspondent, while he...
Methodists become first UK church to boycott illegal Israeli goods
London, July 2, IRNA – Britain’s Methodists broke new ground this week by becoming the first Christian Church in the UK to boycott all products from illegal Israeli settlements as well as call for an arms embargo.
The decision, in response to calls from Palestinian Christians, a growing number of Jewish organisations, both inside Israel and worldwide, and the World Council of Churches, was made at the Methodist Church’s annual conference in Portsmouth, southern England.
Israeli water company says water supply to W. Bank more than required
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli national water company Mekorot on Tuesday said it supplies more water to the West Bank than was required under the Oslo agreement, denying allegations that Israel is creating a grave water shortage in the Palestinian territory with a discriminatory policy.
Mekorot provides 500 million cubic meters per year for the West Bank, or 30 percent more than required under Oslo, and the water supply to the area has even increased despite water cutbacks and severe shortage in Israel, the company announced.
‘More Dutch jihadists travelling to Iraq’
The Hague: The number of Dutch jihadists travelling to Iraq is on the rise, the Dutch Minister of Interior Ronald Plasterk said Friday after...
Czech Republic to send more soldiers to Afghanistan
By Xinhua
Prague : The Czech Republic will agree to a US request to send an elite military unit to Afghanistan, Czech Defence Minister Vlasta Parkanova has said.
The 100-member-strong unit will be additional to the 415 troops approved by the parliament last autumn to be deployed in Afghanistan, Parkanova said Friday.
It mainly involves members of the special forces unit from Prostejov, which had operated twice in Afghanistan, and is under the direct command of the defence minister, the Czech news agency CTK reported.
ElBaradei lashes out at Israel over bombed site in Syria
By DPA,
Vienna : International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Mohamed ElBaradei lashed out at Israel Thursday over its lack of cooperation in uncovering the truth about an alleged nuclear reactor in Syria.
Israel bombed the suspected al-Kibar nuclear site in 2007 without first informing the IAEA. The nuclear agency has repeatedly called on Israel to share intelligence information, while Israel has urged the IAEA to step up its efforts.
Bangladesh Army is loyal to government, says chief
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh Army chief General Moin U. Ahmed has said that his force remains loyal to the civilian government.
Speaking after Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) personnel revolted and killed several army officers, Ahmed told Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina here Friday night: "Rumours are swirling... but the army belongs to you.
"We should not act against one another. The army fought in the liberation war alongside the people," he was quoted as saying by the New Age newspaper Saturday.
Palestinian chief negotiator denies planning to unilaterally declare statehood
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Chief Palestinian negotiator Ahmed Qurei Wednesday denied statements that the Palestinian leadership was going to unilaterally declare an independent statehood if talks with Israel failed.
"This option is excluded and has never been discussed among the Palestinian leaders," Qurei said in a statement faxed to the media.
UAE seeks to boost foreign trade
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The UAE said Sunday it will intensify efforts to market its products in Asia, Europe and South America and boost foreign investments in the country.
Israeli strike on Iran’s nuke plan ‘imminent’
By IANS,
Los Angeles, : If Iran does not accept international proposals to roll back its nuclear programme by next month, it faces an imminent Israeli strike, a newspaper article said.
In an opinion piece Sunday authored by Micah Zenko who is a political scientist with expertise in national security issues, the Los Angeles Times said Israel will act alone to stop the Islamic Republic from developing a nuclear weapon.
Voting begins in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Polling began in Pakistan Saturday amid tight security.
Suicide bomber kills over 50 in crowded Lahore park
Lahore : More than 50 people were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up on Sunday evening near the main gate of the...
Dramatic progress by UK troops in Helmand province, commander
By KUNA
London : British troops have made "dramatic" progress in the southern Afghan province of Helmand over the last 18 months, the commander of the UK's Armed Forces said in an interview broadcast Friday.
But the Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup said this did not mean that the pace of military operations should be stepped up in order finally to drive the Taliban out of the area.
MPs criticise UK’s double-standards on nuclear inspections
London, July 1, IRNA – MPs have criticised the UK government’s unwillingness to allow independent verification of the country’s nuclear arsenal at a time when it is demanding that IAEA inspectors have full information about Iran’s civilian programme.
Green Party leader Caroline Lucas said that the UK’s refusal to allow independent inspection was “not consistent” with Foreign Secretary William Hague’s assertion about Iran’s failure to co-operate with the international community over nuclear inspections.
US will not allow terrorist ‘safe havens’ in Pakistan: Obama
By IANS,
Washington : US President Barack Obama has warned Pakistan that his administration would not allow "safe havens" for militants in its tribal region bordering Afghanistan or let Osama bin Laden operate with impunity.
"My bottom line is that we cannot allow Al Qaeda to operate," he said. "We cannot have those safe havens in that region," he said Wednesday at a joint White House news conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
Pakistan ready for talks, awaits India’s first step: Sharif
Kathmandu : Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Tuesday said Pakistan is ready to hold talks with India but New Delhi will have to take the...
Seven killed in Iraqi violent attacks
Baghdad: At least seven people were killed and 15 wounded in separate violent attacks in Iraq Wednesday, police and medical sources said.
A suicide...
Don’t trust Zardari: Punjab chief minister
By IANS,
Islamabad : Punjab's chief minister Shahbaz Sharif has declined to discuss any national issue with President Asif Ali Zardari, saying he did not trust him, the Dawn reported.
Islamic Jihad shells Jewish settlement of Sderot
By KUNA
Gaza : Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility Thursday for launching missiles at the Israeli town of Sderot, northern Gaza Strip.
The brigades said in a statement its units launched early this morning a couple of "Quds" missile at the Israeli twon of Sderot, eastern Beit Hanoun.
This attack is in retaliation for the Israeli crimes against Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, it said.
Kuwait elects its first women parliamentarians
By DPA,
Kuwait City/Cairo : Kuwait has elected its first women lawmakers in a move seen as a historic success for women in the Gulf state's male-dominated parliament.
Four female candidates came in the top 10 positions in three electoral districts in Saturday's vote, Kuwait's official news agency KUNA reported Sunday.
With almost half of the votes counted, Massuma al-Mubarak, who made history by becoming the first Kuwaiti woman minister in 2005, was leading all candidates with a large margin in her district, the satellite news channel al-Jazeera reported.
Anti-war activists to protest at London Libya conference
By IRNA,
London : Anti-war activists are planning to hold a protest against Tuesday's international Libya conference in London called by the British government.
Bill slashing Zardari’s powers to be tabled in Senate Monday
By IANS,
Islamabad : A landmark bill drastically curtailing Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari's powers that the lower house of parliament has passed could not be introduced in the upper house Friday as the required two-third majority of members was not present.
The 18th constitution amendment bill, transferring the bulk of the president's powers to the prime minister's office, will now be tabled in the Senate on Monday, Online news agency reported.
Ethnic Indian party in Malaysia asked to hold re-poll
Kuala Lumpur : The Malaysian National Congress (MIC) must hold fresh party elections by July this year to avoid being deregistered, the country's Home...
Lakhvi’s release is insult to Peshawar victims: daily
Islamabad : The release on bail of Mumbai terrorist attack mastermind Zakiur-Rehman Lakhvi is an insult to the students massacred in Peshawar and must...
Pakistan willing to amend anti-terror laws: Gilani
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan is willing to amend its laws to enable it prosecute its nationals responsible for terror acts outside the country and is also prepared to share intelligence with India to prevent the recurrence of Mumbai-style attacks, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said.
Since the present statute doesn't apply to people who have committed offences outside Pakistan, "if somebody is out of country and is guilty, then certainly we have to look in to our own laws as well", Gilani told the Financial Times in an interview published Saturday.