Bangladesh constitution to retain ‘Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim’
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the phrase "Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim" would not be excluded from the constitution that will be reviewed by a parliamentary committee formed last Wednesday.
She did not elaborate during her address in parliament Thursday. This would mean that 'secularism' will not be restored as one of the basic tenets of the 1972 constitution, political observers said.
Scholars: Shariah allows polio vaccination
By IINA,
Jeddah : The Islamic Advisory Group (IAG) held its first meeting Wednesday on polio eradication at the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation(OIC) headquarters...
Hadiths provide guidance too
By Amin Farzanefar
Bonn, Germany : In public discourse in the West, it is assumed that the Qur'an is the sole foundation of the Islamic faith, and other sources, which contribute to the diversity of the faith, are simply ignored. Marco Schöller, a scholar of Islam who has now translated the popular hadith collection of al-Nawawi into German, elaborates on this particular source in the following interview:
Mr. Schöller, what is a hadith?
No minimum wages in 34 industries in Bangladesh
By IANS,
Dhaka : Known in the global market for its cheap labour, Bangladesh does not have minimum wages for 34 industries and has not revised wages in a dozen others for the past many years, a media report said Thursday.
The government is sitting on a proposal of the Minimum Wage Board (MWB) for fixing or reviewing legal minimum wages for a dozen industrial sectors having several million employees.
Libyans storm consulate in Turkey
By IANS,
Istanbul : At least 27 Libyans have been arrested in Turkey's largest city Istanbul for storming the Libyan consulate, Xinhua reported.
Merkel, ministers attend Muslim solidarity rally
Berlin: Germany's top politicians and leaders of religious communities joined a solidarity rally organised by Islamic groups in Berlin Tuesday, calling for joint actions...
India, Pakistan script a new chapter in Venice Biennale’s history
By Shilpa Raina,
New Delhi : History is in the making at the 120-year-old Venice Biennale as India and Pakistan are coming together at arguably...
About 1,000 kg drugs seized in Iran
By Xinhua,
Tehran : About 1,000 kg of drugs were seized in Iran in a series of operations across the country, the police said.
An announcement by the Information and Media Communication Center of Iran's Police Saturday said that the police forces "seized 918 kg of drugs...and detained 14 smugglers."
In November, Iran's Drug Control Headquarters (DCH) announced that Iran would seal the borders of the country within two years to control drugs smuggling.
40 killed in twin suicide bombings at Lahore shrine
By IANS,
Lahore : More than 40 Sufi devotees in this Pakistani city were killed and 175 injured when two suicide bombers struck the famed Data Ganj Baksh shrine packed with worshippers who had congregated for the traditional Thursday prayers.
The terror attack took place late Thursday night when thousands of worshippers had gathered at the white marble mausoleum of 11th century saint Abul Hassan Ali Hajvery, commonly known as Data Ganj Baksh.
Car bomb kills seven people in Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : A car bomb went off in the northern district of Adhamiyah in Baghdad on Sunday, killing at least seven people and wounding 14 others, an Interior Ministry source said.
"A booby-trapped car parked near a passport office in the Magrib Street detonated in the morning, killing at least seven civilians and wounding 14 others," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Sporadic attacks continue in Baghdad despite the U.S. and Iraqi officials' announcement of a relative lull in violence during the past months.
Former negotiator: Post-Annapolis talks to fail if Bush ignores Israeli settlements
By Xinhua
Ramallah : A former Palestinian negotiator warned on Sunday that Israeli-Palestinian peace talks can't go ahead if U.S. President George W. Bush could not translate the results of Annapolis peace conference into actions on the ground.
Bush is to visit the region next week to push the talks that were launched following the U.S.-hosted peace forum which was held in November. The continuation of Israeli settlement activities in West Bank blocks the progress of the discussions.
Musharraf hails launching of new frigate and Sino-Pakistani ties
By SPA
Islamabad : Launching of the frigate "PNS- Zulfikar" in collaboration with China will greatly enhance Navy's capability to safeguard Pakistan's territorial waters and help its modernization, President Pervez Musharraf said.
In a press statement, he welcomed the launching of the frigate in Shanghai, China.
Applauding the launch, the President said that the development of the frigate project was another landmark achievement testifying close Pakistan-China friendship and multi-faceted cooperation.
ICRC provides emergency relief for thousands displaced in Syria
Geneva : The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Monday said it provided emergency relief for over 50,000 Syrian people amid the recently...
Palestine Nixes Accord Without Jerusalem
By Prensa Latina,
Ramallah : The Palestine National Authorities called unacceptable Israel plan to sever the future independent state excluding East Jerusalem from its capital.
Israeli Haaretz daily says Tel Aviv would keep 7.3 per cent the West Bank and a broad area of Jewish settlements and return 5.4 per cent the Negev desert and complete the other two percent with a Gaza, the West Bank corridor.
The paper says the PNA would recover 93 per cent the West Bank, save polemic Male Adumin, Gush Etzion and other settlements around Jerusalem.
Ahmadinejad says he supports united, strong Iraq
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Sunday that he supports a united and strong Iraq, noting that his visit represents a new chapter for the bilateral relationship.
"A united, strong and developed Iraq will serve all the region," Ahmadinejad told a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Jalal Talabani following their meeting.
"We had very good and positive talks in a friendly atmosphere and we reached agreements in all fields we have talked about," he said.
Blast wounds six Hamas members in southern Gaza facility
By Xinhua,
Gaza : At least six Hamas militants were wounded in a blast that ripped through a Hamas training facility in southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis, witnesses and security sources said.
Hamas did not accuse any side of being behind the explosion which residents in the city said it appeared to be a work accident.
The witnesses said the blast occurred inside the camp which is located in a former Israeli settlement in the west of Khan Younis.
Israel suffers from lack of legitimacy, says Mottaki
By IRNA,
Paris : IRI Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said here Wednesday usurper regime of Israel has been suffering from lack of legitimacy throughout the past 60 years.
Mottaki added at a press conference in Paris, "Palestine belongs to the entire Palestinians, including the Muslims, the Jews and the Christians."
He said, "The defeat of the Zionist regime in the scene of legitimacy is more significant, deeper, and more catastrophic than that regime's military defeat in the course of the 33 Day War against Lebanon."
Russia opposes new UN sanctions on Iran
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : Russia is opposed to any new UN measures against Iran over its disputed nuclear programme for now, the foreign ministry said Saturday.
The statement came after six world powers met Friday to discuss a fourth round of UN sanctions against the Islamic Republic suspected of seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
The meeting in Washington brought no agreement.
Tehran insists it pursues nuclear research to generate electricity.
"We spoke out against extra measures by the UN Security Council at the current stage," the ministry said.
Pakistan lost opportunity to find Al Qaeda: Clinton
By IANS,
Lahore : Visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said it was "hard to believe" no one in Pakistan's government knew the whereabouts of Al Qaeda leaders who have been using its territory since 2002, the Online news agency reported.
Nobody in the Pakistani government knows where the leaders of the Al Qaeda terrorists network are hiding. Pakistan has missed the chance to capture or kill the militant leaders, she told reporters in the Punjab provincial capital Thursday.
Palestinian president requests to join ICC
Ramallah: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Wednesday signed an official request to join the International Criminal Court, ICC, a day after the UN Security Council...
UNICEF voices concern over Pakistan quake aftermath
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) expressed concern on Saturday over the situation in southwestern Pakistan following the October 29 earthquake that claimed over 200 lives.
Sarah Crowe, UNICEF's representative in the region, said that as well as the fatalities, the 6.7 magnitude earthquake left 108,000 people homeless, of which half are children.
Pakistan Senate polls come under cloud, says daily
By IANS,
Islamabad : The transparency of Pakistan's Senate polls have come under question after "charges of horse-trading and vote-buying" marred Friday's elections, said a daily.
Saudi Arabia launches website for expatriate workers
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia's labour ministry has launched a website to educate expatriate workers about their rights and ways to avail them, a media...
Baghdad protests against Turkish incursion into North Iraq
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : The Iraqi cabinet has condemned the Turkish military incursion into north Iraq and called for the immediate withdrawal of the Turkish forces from the region.
While expressing understanding of the motives of Turkey, the cabinet protested against the infringement by the northwestern neighbour on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, government spokesman Ali Al-Dabbagh said in a press release following the cabinet meeting here Tuesday.
1,500 migrants rescued off Malaysian, Indonesian coasts
Bangkok : Around 1,500 migrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh were rescued from several vessels on Monday off the shores of Malaysia and Indonesia after...
Rocket hits BBC bureau in Baghdad
By IRNA,
Baghdad : One rocket hit the roof of the BBC bureau, leaving a 3-by-5 foot hole.
At least seven other rocket explosions were heard. But US authorities did not confirm any strikes inside the Green Zone, which includes the US Embassy and much of the Iraqi government.
The rocket salvos from Sadr City have come in response to a US air strikes on Sadr City, the Baghdad stronghold of the powerful Mahdi Army led by Iraqi anti-occupation leader Moqtada al-Sadr.
"It caused structural damage but no one was injured," said Patrick Howse, the BBC bureau chief in Baghdad.
Britain, UAE to launch research and innovation centre
By IANS
Abu Dhabi : The Emirates Telecommunications Corp (Etisalat), British Telecom (BT) and Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research (KUSTAR) have announced plans to establish a joint research and innovation centre in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
A memorandum of understanding, signed early this week, will create a jointly funded international centre at Khalifa University, focussing on innovation within the Information and Communication Technology sector, WAM news agency reported Wednesday.
Israel, Palestine Fighting in Gaza
By Prensa Latina,
Gaza : Israeli soldiers and Hamas militants are fiercely fighting in the outskirts of Gaza after Israel launched a ground offensive into the Palestinian territory last night.
At least 30 Israeli soldiers have been wounded so far, according to the invading forces.
Israeli troops entered the strip through the Beit Hanoun crossing, and then crossed the border near Al-Qubbah heading to the surroundings of the Al-Jabaliya refugee camp (north), where heavy fighting has been reported.
Pakistan’s new government asked to probe missing persons case
By DPA,
Islamabad : A leading international rights group urged the Pakistani government Wednesday to investigate the disappearance of hundreds of people allegedly at the hands of the country's security agencies.
Those people are held under counter-terrorism measures, justified by Pakistan as part of the US-led war on extremists, at various detention centres where they become difficult to trace, the London-based Amnesty International said in a report.
Security forces, militant clashes kill over 20 in SW Pakistan
By KUNA,
Islamabad : Fresh clashes between security forces and local militants in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan Province killed more than 20 and wounded several others, said an official on Sunday.
Clashes erupted between the two sides in Dera Bugti town Saturday night when militants attacked Frontier Core (FC) personnel, guarding gas fields, with rockets, senior FC official Saleem Nawaz told media.
He said the attack left three soldiers dead and seven others critically wounded. Two of the injured soldiers died in hospital, he added.
Indian Social Forum to organise tournament for social service at Jubail
By TCN News,
Dammam: Karnataka Chapter of Indian Social Forum, an Indian expatriates Socio- Cultural Organization is organizing a “Social Forum Cup -2015’ for Indian Expatriates residing in eastern province at Jubail, Dammam and Khobar.
Egypt”s declaration to continue efforts to reach Palestinian reconciliation hailed
By KUNA,
Cairo : The council also shouldered Israel the responsibility for the deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territories, as it called for an immediate halting of Israel's hostilities targeting Christian and Islamic holy places that were practiced in a loud infringement of international and human regulations.
It also condemned the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip, which led to worsening humanitarian situation of Palestinians even more and called for a swift lift of such siege and pledged offering all support for Palestinians.
26 killed in Pakistan attack
Islamabad: At least 19 terrorists and seven soldiers were killed on Monday in suicide attack and the ensuing gun battle between security forces and...
Bangladeshi militants threaten UN workers
By IANS,
Dhaka : An Islamist militant body has asked officials of United Nations and other international organisations to stop work and immediately leave Barisal district in southern Bangladesh, the police said.
The Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) threatened the officials of the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), International Federation of the Red Crescent (IFRC) and World Food Programme (WFP) to quit the country and stop their activities in the region immediately, New Age newspaper said.
Palestinian authority, Egypt seeking sustainable calm – Erekat
By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat has affirmed that the Palestinian side is exerting all possible effort to maintain the settlement talks and calm with Israel.
Egypt is also exerting intensive efforts to enforce a sustainable truce with the Israelis in the Palestinian territories to safeguard welfare and interests of the people in the Gaza Strip, Erekat said in remarks broadcast by Voice of Palestine Radio Monday.
German gov’t approves extending Afghan deployment
By IRNA,
Berlin : The German cabinet gave green light Tuesday to a 14-month extension of German troop deployment in Afghanistan. It also agreed to raise the number of Afghanistan-based German soldiers from 3,500 to 4,500 soldiers as part of a bill to be discussed by the parliament later in the day.
The German Parliament is expected to approve the bill once it comes up for vote in mid-October.
China asked to stop construction work in Pakistani Kashmir
By IANS,
New Delhi : India has conveyed its concerns to China about its involvement in executing projects in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and asked Beijing to cease such activities.
Pakistan stands at 103 out of 124 states
By SPA
Islamabad : Pakistan stands at 103 out of 124 states on Global Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, underlining a frail travel and tourism regulatory framework, low prioritization of the industry, low marketing effectiveness and a constricted tourism perception.
Moussa, Berri raise new ideas to settle Lebanese crises
By Xinhua
Beirut : New round of telephone discussions between Arab League (AL) Secretary General Amr Moussa and Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri have raised "new ideas to settle the Lebanese crises," local As Safir daily reported on Tuesday.
Berri told the daily that he is "still betting on the Arab initiative," disclosing that there are "new ideas which we are working on to reach a consensus solution," without elaborating.
UK conference on history of Persian Gulf
By IRNA,
London : A two-day conference, starting Tuesday, is being held at Durham University in northern England, looking at the key role the vital waterway has played in the development of human settlements in the region from the pre-historic to the present.
Unlike many previous workshops on the Persian Gulf that have focused on single issues, themes and periods, the international conference is taking a broader, multi-disciplinary approach through a series of examinations to define its distinctive character.
Islamic Jihad delegation in Cairo for talks on Palestinian crisis
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Sources from the Islamic Jihad said Sunday that its delegation arrived in Cairo earlier in the day, inaugurating a series of talks that Egypt will hold separately with the Palestinian factions to end their crisis.
"The one-day talks will focus on finding solutions to the Palestinian impasse and the state of split that affected the whole aspects of life," the sources told the press.
IAEA chief hopes Iran-US talks would start soon
By IRNA,
Vienna : The IAEA chief here on Monday expressed hope that Iran-US talks would start in the next few weeks.
Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Mohamed ElBaradei made the remarks while addressing diplomats and politicians in Austria’s parliament.
He expressed hope that the new US administration would make progress in resolving the international standoff surrounding Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.
Two NATO soldiers killed in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul :Two soldiers of the NATO-led coalition forces were killed Wednesday when two people in Afghan military uniform opened fire in eastern Afghanistan,...
Israel willing to withdraw from Lebanese border village
By NNN-KUNA,
Beirut : Command of the United Nations peace-keeping Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has notified Lebanese authorities about Israel's desire to withdraw from the frontier village of Al-Ghajar, a daily newspaper said.
The Arabic-language mass-circulation, "An-Nahar," reported in its Monday edition that the command of the international peace-keeping force informed Lebanese officials about information indicating Israel's desire to withdraw from the occupied sector of the border village and that might be carried out by November 21.
Israel decides to slightly ease siege on Gaza
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak decided on Monday evening to slightly ease the siege on Gaza and to allow medical supplies and a minimal amount of diesel fuel for the power plant in Gaza, local media reported.
Barak made the decision following a security assessment made on Monday evening, the English daily Jerusalem Post reported on its website.
Over 300 terror suspects held in Islamabad
Islamabad : Over 300 terror suspects, including some foreigners, have been nabbed by security agencies in Pakistan's capital city during joint operations, a media...
US to give $17 mn extra for humanitarian aid in Libya
By DPA,
Geneva : The US extended its humanitarian aid budget for Libya Thursday, announcing $17 million in donations to relief agencies.
Two held with heroin at Lahore airport
By IANS,
Islamabad : Two people were held at Pakistan's Lahore airport Friday while carrying nearly 10 kg of heroin in their luggage, Geo News reported.
Mumbai probe report will ease sub-continental tensions: Qureshi
By IANS,
Islamabad/New Delhi : Pakistan hoped Saturday that the report of its just-completed probe into the Mumbai terror attacks would serve to ease sub-continental tensions that have risen in the wake of the carnage that India blames on elements operating from Pakistan.
Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) that had been tasked with examining an Indian dossier on the Mumbai attacks had handed over its report to the interior ministry and the law ministry is now reviewing this, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told reporters in Multan.
Afghanistan will not compromise on foreign policy: Karzai
New Delhi : Afghanistan will not compromise on the independence of its foreign policy, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Wednesday.
Karzai noted that the...
Abdullah: Moderate who had to deal with Islamist ‘boomerang’
By C Uday Bhaskar,
The demise of the ailing Saudi Arabian monarch king Abdullah is a significant punctuation for the desert kingdom, the Arab-West Asian region and the extended Islamic world, which in turn has larger global implications. The royal transition has been effected and King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud has taken over the reins of the kingdom. In keeping with local practice, shorn of titles and pomp, Abdullah was buried in an unmarked grave.
US pressure led to Afghan Taliban insurgents’ capture in Pakistan
By IANS,
Washington : Months of pressure by the Barack Obama administration on Pakistan's powerful security establishment to side with them led to the capture of senior Afghan Taliban leaders, including Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a media report said quoting US and Pakistani officials.
The new level of cooperation includes Pakistani permission for US intelligence officials to station personnel and technology in Karachi.
US House approves Pakistan aid bill
By IANS,
Washington : The US House of Representatives has approved a bill to provide Pakistan $1.5 billion annually in aid till 2013, a media report said Friday.
The House Thursday voted 238-183 to triple the US annual aid to Pakistan. The money would be spent on anti-terrorism activities, Geo TV said.
"This legislation helps to lay the foundation for a stronger, more stable Pakistan," said Howard Berman, who heads the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
President Barack Obama has strongly endorsed boosting assistance to Pakistan.
Turkey blasts US over plans to talk with Syria’s Assad
Ankara : Turkey on Monday slammed a US suggestion that negotiations could be opened with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for a political transition in...
Pakistan to arrest more dealers illegally transferring dollars
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's top crime fighting body, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), will soon arrest more currency dealers involved in illegally sending US dollars out of the country allegedly to the tune of $10 billion which has sent the country's currency into a tailspin against the dollar, according to a senior FIA official.
Australia calls for end to violence in Israel and Gaza
By Xinhua
Canberra : Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith on Monday called on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to act with restraint and break the cycle of violence which has gripped the region in recent days.
Smith said in a statement that he was deeply concerned at the escalation of violence in Gaza and southern Israel, which was undermining peace negotiations.
More than 100 Palestinians, many of them civilians, have been killed since Israel launched an offensive when an Israeli civilian was killed by a rocket fired from Gaza last Wednesday.
Temple attack in Pakistan not because of faith: Reema Abbasi
Kolkata: Asserting that Hindus were not persecuted in her country, Pakistani journalist-author Reema Abbasi on Saturday attributed land-grabbing rather faith behind attacks on temples...
Obama condemns killing of US hostage in Yemen
Washington: US President Barack Obama Saturday denounced the killing of an American hostage in a second failed rescue operation in Yemen, vowing to bring...
Roadside bombing kills 6 guards of district chief in S Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan : A roadside bombing targeting a vehicle of district chief of Musa Qala district in southern Afghan province of Helmand killed at least six guards aboard Wednesday, said an official.
Abdul Salam, the district chief, told Xinhua it occurred at around 12:00 p.m. local time (0830GMT) when the vehicle of his guards running in the riot Musa Qala district hit remote-controlled mines planted by Taliban militants, leaving six dead onthe spot.
Media detentions ‘our internal affair’, Malaysia tells US
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : While criticism against the government mounted at home, Malaysia Monday asked the US to desist from commenting or protesting at last week's detentions of a woman lawmaker, a woman reporter and a blogger.
"Stop meddling in our affairs," said Foreign Minister Rais Yatim in response to Washington's protest over last Friday's detentions under the stringent Internal Security Act (ISA).
56 Hindu couples marry in Karachi
By Awais Saleem,IANS,
Islamabad: Amid traditional songs and dances, 56 Hindu couples got married Saturday night at a glittering mass wedding in Karachi organised by the Pakistan-Hindu Council.
`Iraq attacks do not signal return to post-Saddam era’
By IANS/AKI,
Rome : The devastating bomb attacks that struck Baghdad this week do not signal a return to the instability witnessed in the country after the fall of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003, an Italian terrorism expert said.
Stefano Dambruoso, Italy's best known anti-terrorism expert, told AKI: "Compared with the instability of the country when the United States and allied forces had a massive military presence, today we can say that a period of stabilisation of the country is well underway."
Israeli official wraps up talks in Cairo on Gaza truce
By Xinhua,
Cairo : A senior Israeli defense official wrapped up a several-hour visit to Egypt on Sunday for talks with Egyptian mediators on a possible ceasefire deal between Israel and various Palestinian groups.
Amos Gilad, head of the Political-Military Bureau of the Israeli Defense Ministry, held talks with Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman, who has been engaged in mediating between Israel and the Palestinian groups on the ceasefire talks, the official Egyptian MENA news agency reported.
Bangladesh not to give visas to 1971 war-crimes suspects
By DPA,
Dhaka: Bangladesh has decided to send a list of suspected war criminals from the country's 1971 secession conflict with Pakistan to all Dhaka-based diplomatic missions asking them not to issue them visas, a senior minister said Sunday.
"The ministry of foreign affairs is vigilant against the possible fleeing of the war criminals, but it is not always possible to know who applied for visa unless the missions sought opinions from the government," Foreign Minister Dipu Moni told a press conference.
Governments pledge over $200 mn in new funds for Pakistan: UN
By DPA,
New York : Governments pledged more than $200 million during a debate in the UN General Assembly convened to show solidarity with flood-ravaged Pakistan, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Friday.
The new funds will add to an estimated $250 million already raised as part of a $460-million appeal launched by the UN last week to meet emergency needs by flood victims in the next three months.
Ban said countries around the world have come out "strongly in solidarity and support for the people of Pakistan".
Interpol red corner notice against fugitive Iraqi vice president
By IANS,
Baghdad : Interpol issued Tuesday a red corner notice against fugitive Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi, a Sunni, over alleged terrorist acts.
Iraqi civilian deaths on the rise
By IRNA
Baghdad : The toll of civilian deaths in Iraq has soared in recent weeks as Iraqi and American security forces carried offensive on Basra and Sadr City, according to Interior Ministry figures.
The battles reached their peak after Iraqi forces began an assault on Basra one week ago; that fighting has dropped off since Sunday, when Moqtada Sadr, Iraqi anti-occupation campaigner asked Mahdi Army to lay down its arms and made a series of demands of the Iraqi government.
Gaddafi’s son offers talks with protesters
By DPA,
Cairo/Tripoli : A son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi offered to withhold attacks on regime opponents Saturday and negotiate.
US experts say Pakistan’s nuclear asset safe, urge sustained economic, security ties
By NNN-APP
Washington : Pakistan’s nuclear assets are secure and there is no danger to their safety currently or in the near future, foreign policy experts said at a US Congressional hearing.
Testifying before the House sub-committee on the West Asia, a panel of experts described Pakistan as a crucial ally in fighting of terrorism and stressed the need for sustained US economic and security assistance for the country.
UAE to host meeting of Arab League, Pacific island states
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : The foreign ministers of the Arab states and the Pacific island nations will meet in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in June to discuss cooperation between the two sides.
Representatives of more than 30 Arab and Pacific countries will attend the meeting, the foreign affairs ministry said Wednesday.
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and League of Arab States Secretary General Amr Moussa will open the meeting.
Asian Development Bank announces $2 bn aid for Pakistan
By DPA,
Manila : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced Thursday a $2 billion assistance package for emergency and rehabilitation work in flood-devastated Pakistan.
The Manila-based ADB said it had also assembled a team of more than 100 experts to prepare a damage and needs assessment report jointly with the World Bank.
Juan Miranda, ADB director general for Central and West Asia Department, announced the package during a trip to Islamabad.
UNSC holds emergency session to examine “disturbing” Gaza situation
By KUNA
United Nations : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Saturday evening condemned both the Israeli disproportionate and excessive use of force in Gaza Strip and the Palestinian rocket attacks, describing these as acts of terrorism.
Addressing an emergency meeting of the Security Council called for by Libya, the body's only Arab member, Ban said that while he recognized Israel's right to defend itself, "I condemn the disproportionate and excessive use of force that has killed and injured so many civilians, including children.
Israel will not unilaterally attack Iran: Peres
By DPA
Paris : Israel does not rule out a military solution in the nuclear row with Iran, but it will not unilaterally attack the country, President Shimon Peres said in an interview published in France's Le Figaro newspaper Saturday.
"If the development of the bomb is not stopped economically (with sanctions), the non-military options are exhausted," Peres told the Paris-based newspaper.
"I prefer to stop the development of the bomb without having to resort to war."
Israel would "under no circumstances" act unilaterally, he said.
China, Pakistan to expand strategic cooperation
By NNN-Xinhua,
Beijing : The strategic cooperation between China and Pakistan has developed rapidly, which is safeguarding the common interests of the two sides, promote regional peace and stability, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here
During a meeting with visiting Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, Wen said China will actively participate in the infrastructure construction in Pakistan and encourage Chinese business to invest in the country in order to realize the sustainable development of cooperation.
Myanmar Vice Senior General to visit Bangladesh next month
By NNN-BSS,
Dhaka, Bangladesh : Vice Senior General Maung Aye, Vice Chairman of State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), will arrive here on a three-day official visit leading a 50-member delegation in the first week of next month.
Some ministers, including Myanmar Foreign Minister Nyan Win, and top officials of the Myanmar government will be in the high-powered delegation, foreign ministry sources said on Sunday.
During the senior general's visit, some bilateral cooperation agreements between the two close neighbours are expected to be signed.
Iraqi PM slams eviction of Christians from Mosul
Baghdad : Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki Sunday slammed as criminal acts the displacement of Christian citizens by the Islamic State (IS) extremist group...
Bangladesh: govt considering total lifting of emergency once election environment is fully visible, says...
By NNN-BSS,
Dhaka, Bangladesh : Commerce Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman said here the government is considering total lifting of state of emergency once the election environment is fully visible in the country.
The Commerce Adviser said this at a press briefing at the Chief Adviser's Office here on Saturday while clarifying government's position regarding the 7-point demand of the BNP.
Communications Adviser Maj Gen (Rtd) Ghulam Quader, LGRD Adviser Anwarul Iqbal and Law Adviser A F Hassan Ariff were present at the briefing.
UAE honours Iranian envoy with ‘Order of Independence’
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has conferred the prestigious "Order of Independence" award on Iranian envoy Hamid Reza Asefi for his contribution in bolstering ties between the two nations, WAM news agency reported Monday.
UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented the award of "First Degree" to the outgoing Iranian diplomat Monday in appreciation of his "generous contributions to the boosting of relations of cooperation between the UAE and Iran in various areas", the report said.
Two abducted workers released in Turkey
Ankara: Two Turkish workers abducted by the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK), were released, media reported Saturday.
According to officials, the militants had abducted six...
Iran: Ship incident U.S. “psychological, propaganda campaign”
By Xinhua
Tehran : Iranian Parliament Speaker Gholam Ali Haddad Adel has called U.S. accusations in the recent confrontation between U.S. and Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz as a "psychological and propaganda campaign," local Tehran Times daily reported on Wednesday.
"We have always shown that we believe in peace and avoiding tension, and we presume that the U.S. media propaganda is part of its psychological and propaganda campaign, which it is continuously conducting against Iran," Adel was quoted as saying on Tuesday.
Iranian-born officer promoted to UK police commander
By IRNA
London : Chief Superintendent Ali Dizaei has been promoted to the rank of commander in London's Metropolitan Police at the fourth attempt after previously being at the center of a controversial four-year internal inquiry.
His promotion comes after Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair last year apologized for the Pnds 4 million (Dlrs 8 m) investigation against the Iranian-born officer, which he said caused "considerable damage" within the Britain's largest police force.
Five killed in blast at UN Islamabad’s office
By IANS,
Islamabad : Five people, including a foreigner, were killed when a suicide bomber detonated himself inside the lobby of the UN World Food Programme office in an upscale locality of this Pakistan capital.
The UN temporarily suspended its operations following the attack that was condemned by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
Ishrat Rizvi, national information officer for the UN Information Centre in Islamabad, said: "We have temporarily suspended our operations in Pakistan due to the security risks to the UN staff."
Manmohan to seek Obama pressure over Pakistan
By IANS,
New Delhi : India Friday said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will raise the issue of terrorism emanating from Pakistan-based extremist groups with US President Barack Obama in Washington next week, and underlined the need for Islamabad to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism.
"We will raise the issue of terror groups operating from Pakistan's soil," Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters when asked whether Manmohan Singh will ask Obama to exert greater pressure on Pakistan to prosecute the perpetrators of the Mumbai carnage.
Israeli police reportedly dismiss call from abducted teenagers
Jerusalem : One of the three teenagers who were allegedly abducted last Thursday from the West Bank had called the police emergency line and...
Scores of migrants feared dead as boat sinks off Libya
Tripoli : About 30 to 40 migrants are feared dead after a dinghy carrying 120-140 migrants deflated off the coast of Libya, the...
Yemen detains six Al Qaeda suspects
By Xinhua,
Sanaa : Six suspected Al Qaeda militants have been detained in Yemen on suspicion of plotting attacks against oil facilities in the country and tourists.
Yemeni security forces have arrested the six suspects who have been held responsible for carrying out two recent attacks against South Koreans, a statement posted on the interior ministry's website said.
Four South Korean tourists and their Yemeni guide were killed last week in a bomb attack during a visit to the historical city of Shibam in Hadramawt province.
BBC targeted in Muslim-Jewish women protest against Israeli slaughter
By IRNA,
London : Muslim and Jewish women joined forces outside the BBC’s Broadcasting House in London Monday in a ‘Vigil & Speakout’ against Israel’s massacre of more than 1,300 Palestinians in Gaza.
“We have come together to spell out the truth about occupied Palestine that the media, beginning with the BBC, refuses to report,” they said in a joint statement.
Dubai launches health campaign
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai : The Dubai government has launched a campaign to create awareness on the dangers of passive smoking.
Abu Dhabi to spend $200 billion on urban development
By IANS
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital plans to spend $200 billion over the next five years in an ambitious plan to develop its infrastructure, WAM news agency reported Sunday.
The government's share would constitute 40 percent of the total spending while the remaining would come from the private sector, according to Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, director general of urban planning, executive affairs authority of Abu Dhabi.
Iran says it thwarted cyber attack from US
By IANS,
Tehran: Iran said it has neutralized a cyber attack generated in America's Dallas city against the servers of the Iranian ministry of culture, the Prensa Latina news agency reported.
EU-GCC ties under the spotlight
By KUNA,
Brussels : Two top European Union officials are scheduled to visit the Gulf region this week to hold talks in the aim of deepening cooperation and relations between the 27-member European bloc and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert P?ttering, is visiting Qatar Sunday at the invitation of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani.
Musharraf drags former Pakistani top guns into trial
Islamabad : Former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf, facing trial for high treason, has in an application before a special court accused his erstwhile officers...
Pakistan-US strategic dialogue on March 24
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that Pakistan will be holding talks with the US on long term relations on March 24.
Talking to a private news channel he said that "we have decided to advance the dialogue process keeping our future strategic interests in view including security, counter terrorism, economic development."
"We have prepared a concept paper and we are going to hold a broad, long term, sustainable strategic dialogue," he added.
Judge me by my actions, says Malaysia’s PM-in-waiting
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Najib Tun Razak, who is expected to take over as Malaysia's prime minister, wants to be judged by his actions and not by "malicious, baseless lies" spread against him.
He has also urged the media and the opposition parties not to heed rumours that he would crack down on them, media reports said Sunday.
China’s envoy to visit Egypt, Palestine, Israel
By NNN-Bernama,
Beijing : China's special envoy on the Middle East issue Sun Bigan is to visit Egypt, Palestine and Israel soon to promote the alleviation of tense in the Gaza Strip, Xinhua news agency reported.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang made the announcement here on Saturday. He voiced the Chinese government's severe concern over the escalating conflict in Gaza, adding China had made unremitting efforts to resolve the conflict.
Loud explosion heard in Pakistani city of Rawalpindi, ten wounded
By KUNA,
Islamabad : Casualties are feared among civilians after a loud explosion has been heard in the busiest area of a Pakistani city, said police and witnesses here on Monday.
An explosion was heard near country's top five-star hotel, Pearl Continental (PC), in Sadar area of Rawalpindi, only a kilometer from Islamabad, police and witnesses told KUNA.
They said thick clouds of black smoke could be seen rising from the back side of the hotel. Police sources said that at least ten wounded have been shifted to a nearby hospital.
Varsities in UAE to be ranked
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: Universities in the UAE will soon be ranked as part of a new system being developed by the ministry of higher education and scientific research.
India summons Pakistan envoy over Lakhvi ruling
New Delhi : India Monday summoned Pakistan's High Commissioner Abdul Basit and conveyed its "strong concern" at lack of effective action by authorities against...
Suicide bomb blast in Pakistan political rally kills 20: minister
By IRNA
Peshawar : A bomb blast at an election rally in northwestern Pakistan on Saturday killed at least 20 people, the provincial Health Interior Minister said.
The bomb detonated at the rally of a national group 'Awami National Party' (ANP) at a small town of Neheaqi in Charsadda district, some 40 kilometers from Peshawar, the provincial capital.
Health Minister of North West Frontier Province Syed Kamal Shah told reporters that 20 people were killed and over 20 injured.
Bangladesh searches Bay of Bengal for missing airliner
Dhaka : Bangladesh Wednesday said it has strengthened its efforts to search for the Malaysia Airlines plane that went missing March 8.
Following Bangladesh Prime...
Libya’s rebels ready for truce if Gaddafi also complies
By IANS,
Benghazi : Libya's rebel leaders Friday expressed their readiness to abide by a ceasefire, provided Libyan leader Muammar Gaddaffi also does so, Arab Al Jazeera TV reported.
Israel to resume fuel shipment to Gaza on Sunday
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israel decided to resume fuel shipments to the Gaza Strip on Sunday in response to a petition filed by human rights groups with the country's High Court of Justice against the ongoing Gaza siege, local media reported.
According to a Jerusalem Post report, the amount of fuel supply by Israel will henceforth be in accordance to what was demanded by the High Court, which is 2.2 million liters per week.
However, the agreement to renew the fuel supplies did not satisfy the petitioners, who claimed that the above amount was not enough.
Explosion in Kabul
By NNN
Kabul, Afghanistan : An explosion went off Monday at an hotel here, police said. It was uncertain if the explosion was inside the...
Canadian soldier killed during fighting in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Ottawa : A Canadian soldier was killed Tuesday during a gun battle with Afghan militants in the south of the country, Canada's Defense Ministry said.
Capt. Richard Leary, 32, platoon commander, was struck when Afghan and Canadian soldiers came under small-arms fire in the Panjwaii district in Kandahar province.
He was flown by helicopter to the multinational trauma unit at Kandahar Airfield, but died of his wounds, the ministry said in a press release.
War no solution, Pakistan too plagued by terrorism: Zardari
By IANS,
Islamabad : In an apparent bid to reduce tensions with India, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari Saturday said the "cancer" of terrorism was plaguing his country too but cautioned New Delhi against dictating terms.
Zardari admitted his country did have “non-state actors” - a term he had used to describe the 10 terrorists who ravaged India's financial capital Mumbai last month.
Two soldiers die in Muzaffarabad suicide attack
By IANS,
Islamabad : Two soldiers were killed and three injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up against an army truck in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, the military said.
"The injured personnel have been evacuated to Combined Military Hospital Muzaffarabad," an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said.
Suicide bombings are extremely rare in Muzaffarabad and the rest of the area. With no group claiming responsibility, the authorities were unwilling to hazard a guess as to why the attack was staged.
Drone strike kills eight in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least eight people were killed Monday in a drone strike in northwest Pakistan bordering Afghanistan, officials said.
President Zardari: Nature of Iran’s nuclear program peaceful for sure
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan’s President Asef Ali Zardari said here Monday west should note the fact that nature of Iran’s nuclear program is totally peaceful.
The Pak president made the comment in an exclusive interview with IRNA, adding, “Iran has begun its plan for the expansion and further development of its nuclear program with totally peaceful objectives in mind as Tehran has no need to possession of nuclear weapons.”
Soldier killed in Afghanistan bomb blast
Kabul: One soldier was killed and three wounded in a bomb attack in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar Wednesday, according to a source.
"An...
Obama backs women’s rights in speech to Muslim world
By DPA,
Cairo : In a speech to the world's 1.5 billion Muslims from Cairo Thursday, US President Barack Obama called on predominantly Muslim countries to support the education and employment of women.
"I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal," Obama said. "But I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous."
Iran to build more nuclear power plants
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iran has asked its energy companies to look for potential sites to set up more nuclear power plants in the country, a senior official said.
Ahmad Fayyazbakhsh, deputy chief of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation and head of a state-owned nuclear energy production company, said that his company has signed an agreement with six local companies to set up nuclear power plants.
These companies were asked to look for potential sites within a year for setting up new nuclear power plants, Iran's state run IRNA news agency Tuesday quoted the official as saying.
Pakistan angrily reacts to CIA chief’s remarks
By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistan on Wednesday angrily reacted to remarks from the American CIA chief, who had criticized the policies of President Pervez Musharraf in dealing with terrorism in the tribal region.
"Such a statement does not help trace alleged hide-outs," Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Muhammad Sadiq told his weekly press briefing.
Speaking at a TV show on Sunday the CIA chief General Michael Hayden had also hinted operation in the Pakistani regions by the American forces.
Thieves make off with Israeli fighter-jet engines
By IANS,
Jerusalem : Thieves have stolen several F-16 fighter-jet engines from an airbase in central Israel, media reports said.
UN mission in Afghanistan gets further one-year mandate
By DPA,
New York : The UN Security Council Monday extended its Afghanistan mission by another year to assist the Kabul government transition to "ownership and leadership" of the country after decades of conflicts.
The mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) now runs until March 23, 2011. Its tasks include supporting Kabul on restoring security, governance and economic development, and regional cooperation.
No meeting scheduled with Manmohan: Gilani
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Saturday that no meeting had been scheduled with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the Nuclear Safety Summit in Washington.
"It has not yet been scheduled," Online news agency quoted Gilani as telling reporters at the Chaklala air base before departing for Washington for the April 12-13 summit.
The two leaders had last met at Sharm el-Sheikh in July 2009 on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Summit.
ADB irked by halting of corruption probe in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is unhappy with Pakistan for suspending a probe into the alleged misappropriation of Rs.4 billion ($51 million) in a flood protection programme without fixing any responsibility, a media report Wednesday said.
"The issue has triggered a serious debate within the ADB management and its auditors because the bank has failed (to) keep oversight over a project to which it has contributed about $100 million," Dawn said.
Palestinian factions shell Israeli targets in Rafah — statement
By KUNA
Gaza : The National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, claimed responsibility Wednesday for launching a missile at an Israeli military post in northern Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.
In a statement, the brigades said the missile was launched at down targeting Sofa Israeli military post.
It said the attack was in retaliation for Israeli crimes against Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Christmas carols rewritten to highlight Israeli atrocities
By IRNA,
London : A Christmas church service has been held in central London featuring carols re-written to highlight Israel's atrocities against the Palestinians.
The event, titled "Bethlehem Now: Nine Alternative Lessons and Carols", was held last week at St James's Anglican Church, organised by Jews for Boycotting Israeli Goods and Open Bethlehem, a Christian campaign group.
The traditional carols are "with untraditional lyrics, interspersed with poetry and prose readings, to highlight the current reality in the Holy Land," the organisers said.
Mehbooba Mufti defends Sayeed’s remarks on Pakistan
Jammu : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said she stood by the remarks made by her father and Jammu and...
President Zardari discusses expanding economic ties with Brazilian, South Korean leaders
By NNN-APP,
New York : President Asif Ali Zardari discussed expanding Pakistan’s trade and economic relations with Brazil and South Korea as he met separately with leaders of the two countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session.
The newly elected Pakistani leader’s meetings with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lulla De Silva and South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung’Soo focused mainly on augmenting economic cooperation, officials said.
In the meetings President Zardari spelled out his government’s economic priorities and trade and investment policies.
Abbas calls for boosting Mideast peace by establishing Palestinian statehood
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday renewed calls for making peace in the Middle East by creating a Palestinian statehood and resolving all final-status issues.
He added that Jerusalem should be the capital of the future state, which will be established in accordance with the Arab and international resolutions after resolving the issues of refugees, borders and water.
Bangladeshi man held in Ahmedabad
By IANS,
Ahmedabad : A 30-year-old man from Bangladesh allegedly staying here illegally has been arrested, police said Monday.
The man, identified as Shakayat alias Shaukat Biko Mandar Sheikh, 30, was detained from the Chandola lake area at Maninagar here by city crime branch police sub-inspector J.M. Bharvad and his team Sunday, police said.
During interrogation Shakayat revealed he had come to Ahmedabad with his parents from Bangladesh some 10 to 12 years ago, crossing the border at Benapur Sadipur, they said.
Lifting of sanctions conducive to final n-deal: Iran
Tehran : Lifting all sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme will help Tehran and world powers reach a final agreement regarding the issue,...
Hollande confirms killing of French hostage in Algeria
Paris: French President Francois Hollande confirmed Wednesday the death of a French man abducted in Algeria by a group linked to Islamic State (IS)...
Israel to release 250 Palestinian prisoners
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : The Israeli cabinet Sunday decided to release 250 Palestinian prisoners as a goodwill gesture ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid-Al-Azha.
The decision was made at a weekly cabinet meeting despite objections from a number of ministers, local news service Ynet reported.
The main opposition party Likud opposed the move with one of its lawmakers arguing that the release of prisoners will not promote the diplomatic process but harm the security of Israeli citizens, it added.
U.S. condemns PKK’s attack in Turkey
By Xinhua,
Ankara : The United States condemned on Thursday the attack of the banned Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) that took place in Diyarbakir province of southeastern Turkey Wednesday.
The PKK militants ambushed a police shuttle bus in the southeastern province of Diyarbakir, killing five people, including four police officers and injuring 22 others including 17police officers.
Opium cultivation will end soon: Afghan minister
By IANS
New Delhi : On the day the UN said 193,000 hectares in Afghanistan were under illegal opium poppy cultivation in 2007 and the figure had doubled since 2005, Afghanistan's visiting Agriculture Minister Obaidullah Ramin promised the eradication of the crop by next year.
Afghanistan supplies about 93 percent of the illicit opiates in the global market, the International Narcotics Control Board said in its 2007 report released here Wednesday.
Pakistan poses ‘mortal threat’ to the world: Hillary Clinton
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Accusing Pakistani government of "abdicating to the Taliban", Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has warned that the deterioration of security in the country poses a "mortal threat" to the US and the world.
"I think that the Pakistani government is basically abdicating to the Taliban and to the extremists," Clinton said in an appearance before the House Foreign Affairs Committee Wednesday, her first since being confirmed.
Dubai, Hong Kong sign MoU to boost exports
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai: Dubai and Hong Kong have signed an agreement to promote bilateral trade.
Take family permission for conversion, Malaysia tells non-Muslims
By IANS
Kuala Lumpur : The Malaysian government will introduce a regulation requiring non-Muslims wishing to convert to Islam to inform their family before doing so.
Announcing the move Thursday, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said: "We will have a regulation. When a person wants to convert to Islam, we have to ask him whether his wife knows about it. If people want to convert, there is nothing wrong, why must they hide? Tell them (the family)."
Iraq demands pullout timetable in US defence pact talks
By AFP,
Baghdad : Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Monday he is negotiating a deal with Washington that will for the first time set a timetable for a withdrawal of foreign forces as part of a framework for a US troop presence into next year.
The White House, however, said no "hard date" for the withdrawal of US forces was contemplated and US officials suggested that any timetable would be dependent on conditions on the ground.
Pakistan’s fiscal policies a disaster, says daily
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's fiscal policies have been an "unmitigated disaster" almost from the outset, said a daily, warning that the situation could get even worse.
Khaleda Zia’s son dies in Malaysia
Dhaka : Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia's younger son Arafat Rahman Koko died of heart failure Saturday, the party confirmed.
Khaleda's press secretary...
Pakistan panel to probe fake certificates
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has formed a committee to probe allegations that customs authorities had issued fake Free Trade Agreement clearance certificates.
Pakistan, Indian foreign ministers open talks
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistani FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi, and his Indian counterpart, S.M Krishna,Thursday opened talks to work out the modalities of "restoring trust and confidence" in the relationship and to pave the way for a "substantive dialogue", officials said.
India had put a pause on the bilateral dialogue with Pakistan over the 2008 attacks in Mumbai, its commercial center, which killed nearly 170 people.