Kuwait’s Amir receives local officials, figures
B KUNA,
Kuwait : His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Sunday with the attendance of HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace National Assembly (NA) Speaker Jassem Mohammad Al-Kharafi along with NA Deputy Speaker Fahad Al-Mae as well as the secretary of the parliament Roudhan Al-Roudhan.
One of world’s largest malls set for October opening in Dubai
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS,
Dubai : Come Oct 30 and tourists across the world will have another reason to visit this desert oasis city as one of the world's largest malls will open its doors to the public.
Emaar Malls Group, a subsidiary of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based real estate major Emaar Properties, has finalized the date for the inauguration of The Dubai Mall, it was announced here.
Pakistan Navy receives first Chinese F-22P frigate
By IANS,
Islamabad : The first of four Chinese F-22P frigates constructed for the Pakistan Navy was formally handed over Thursday at a ceremony at the Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai.
The delivery ceremony was followed by the commissioning of the ship, during which the Pakistani flag was hoisted on the ship with a band playing the Pakistani national anthem, APP news agency reported.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests from the Chinese Navy, the Chinese government and senior officers of the Pakistan Navy.
Obama visited Pakistan in 1981, talks about his friends
By APP
New York : Barack Obama, the front-runner in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, cited a 1981 visit to Pakistan while he was a college student, as he countered rivals’ accusations that he lacks foreign policy experience.
Senator Obama, an African-American, also made reference to his ties to relatives in poor villages in Kenya and the years he spent growing up in Indonesia, and says he has real-life experience of foreign countries.
Pentagon video fake, Iran guards say
By DPA
Tehran : A spokesman for the Iranian Revolutionary Guards said Wednesday that a video released by the US Pentagon showing Iranian boats speeding around US naval warships in the Gulf was fake, the website of the news network Press TV reported.
The spokesman was referring to a video released Tuesday by the Pentagon showing small Iranian boats speeding around three US naval warships in the Gulf and a voice over a radio that warned the US sailors, "You will explode".
Iraqi president’s visit shows both sides’ eagerness to ease tensions
By Xinhua
Ankara : The Iraqi president's visit to Turkey just one week after Ankara ended its weeklong military mission inside northern Iraq shows the readiness of both sides to ease tensions between them in the interest of their vital economic ties.
Toll in Turkey mine disaster now 238
Istanbul/Ankara: The death toll in Turkey's horrific coal mine accident rose to 238 Wednesday with hundreds of miners still trapped underground.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip...
UN chief condemns deadly twin attacks in Pakistan
By DPA,
New York : UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Thursday condemned the double suicide bombings in northern Pakistan, which killed at least 70 people and injured more than 100.
Ban reiterated in a statement "his rejection of such indiscriminate and reprehensible acts of terrorism and extends his condolences to the families of the victims and to the government of Pakistan".
The twin suicide bomb attacks tore through a weapons manufacturing plant in Wah, a town 30 km northwest of Islamabad.
Malaysia Airlines bans babies from first class
By IANS,
London : Malaysia Airlines has banned babies from first-class cabins after wealthy passengers complained they were not able to sleep peacefully during their flights, a media report said.
Dead Pakistani prisoner’s kin to move court
By IANS
Lahore : Relatives of Pakistani national Khalid Mehmood, who died in an Indian jail Feb 12, have decided to move court against Indian authorities.
Khalid Mehmood's brother Fateh Mohammad and lawyer Arif Awan announced this here Sunday, Geo TV reported.
They demanded the Pakistani government take all necessary steps to ensure safe return of all illegally detained Pakistani prisoners in India.
Asean defence ministers reiterate joint efforts to fight IS
Kuala Lumpur : Defence ministers of the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Nations (Asean) agreed on Monday to cooperate in tackling the...
Azerbaijan rotates peacekeepers in Afghanistan
By RIA Novosti,
Baku : Azerbaijan will send 22 service personnel to Afghanistan as part of a regular rotation of its peacekeeping contingent in the war-torn country, the country's Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
A total of 45 Azerbaijani peacekeepers are currently serving in Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), a NATO-led security and development mission in the country.
In April 2007 the peacekeeping contingent was increased from 23 to 45 personnel.
Iran welcomes broad dialogue with Obama administration – Iran’s IAEA Ambassador
By NNN-IRNA,
Vienna : Iran would welcome a broad dialogue with US President-elect Barack Obama's administration, Iranian Ambassador to International Atomic Energy Agency Ali Ashgar Soltanieh said here.
Soltanieh said that if Obama makes good on his campaign pledge to drop preconditions on talks with Tehran, it could pave the way for a significant cooling of tension between the US and Iran.
"If these changes are really genuine, and not cosmetic, then there would be optimism that there would be a change" in US foreign policy, Soltanieh told reporters at the IAEA headquarters Monday.
Key IS leader killed by Hezbollah in Lebanon
Beirut: The Lebanese Shia militant party Hezbollah said a "prominent leader" of the Islamic State (IS) was killed on Tuesday in the Qalamoun region...
Masked men attack Pakistani daily Jang’s editor
Islamabad: Unidentified masked men attacked resident editor of the Pakistani daily Jang and left him injured near Western Ford Colony in Multan, media reported...
PM: Israel has no intention to kill in Gaza
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israel has no desire to kill any residents in Gaza Strip, but it will not tolerate the barrage of rocket attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Thursday, shortly after an Israel Air Force raid in Gaza killed two people.
"We have no special desire to kill anyone of Gaza's residents, but we cannot tolerate the unending firing of rockets on Israel's citizens and will thus continue to act intelligently," Olmert was quoted by local newspaper Ha'aretz as saying.
Indian Muslim leaders term Pak’s Taliban’s treatment of Sikhs in tribal areas illegal &...
By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net,
Bhopal: A joint statement of Indian Muslims comprising of religious, political and community leaders has decried the reports coming out of Pakistan’s tribal areas about the Pakistani Taliban’s kidnapping, extortion of huge amounts of money from their Sikh compatriots as “Jizya” and demolition of the houses and shops of those who fail to pay the demanded sums.
Iran, special guest of 3rd Ankara Intl. Book Fair
By IRNA,
Ankara : Seven Iranian publishers have showcased their publications in the Third Ankara International Book Fair, that opened here on Saturday.
Iran Cultural Fairs Institute, Children and Young Adults Intellectual Growth Center, the World Ahlulbait General Assembly School Publications, Al-Huda Publications, the Islamic Sciences Computer Research Centre, and Tehran Written Heritage Research Institute are present from Iran in the eight-day exposition.
Pakistan seeks support from donors to restore security
By IANS,
Tokyo : Pakistan Wednesday urged international donor countries to provide support as it tries to restore confidence in the nation's economy and security.
"We are here to ask political and economic support to restore confidence," Foreign Affairs Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told a press conference in Tokyo.
The minister arrived in Japan Wednesday ahead of a one-day donor conference scheduled for Friday, where 30 countries and international groups were expected to agree to provide $4 billion over the next two years.
Terrorism, instability pose risks to Mideast – Mubarak
By NNN-KUNA,
Cairo : Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said on Sunday terrorism and instability were still posing grave risks and real challenges to the Middle East region.
He made the statement in an address to the nation on the anniversary of the victory of October 6, 1973, against Israel.
"This generation saw dramatic changes in our regional sphere from the second Gulf war to the war against Iraq," Mubarak said.
US House votes against Iran nuclear deal
Washington: The US House of Representatives voted against a resolution backing the nuclear agreement with Iran, in a symbolic vote started by congressional Republicans...
Iraqi authorities confiscate weapons from locals – spokesman
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : The Iraqi security forces have said they will confiscate all medium and heavy arms from citizens, as they are planning to turn the al-Kadhemia area into a weapons-free zone.
The decision came after recent clashes that took place in the capital, Baghdad, which resulted in 448 people killed and injured in the last two weeks.
Bring your problems to our court, IS tells Afghans
Kabul : The Islamic State terrorist group has asked people in parts of eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan to refer their problems to their...
UN agency office in northern Afghanistan attacked
By IRNA,
Tehran : The office of the United Nations agriculture agency was attacked in northern Afghanistan over the weekend, with a rocket-propelled grenade having been fired at the compound.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) office in the city of Kunduz was attacked by six armed men at around midnight on June 6, a press release issued by the UN Information Center (UNIC) here on Monday announced.
Sultan breaks protocol, helps Malaysian Indian award recipient
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor broke protocol to steady 84-year-old Malaysian Indian Sundraledchimy Maheswaran as she walked back to her seat after being conferred a title akin to Ladyship.
Walking backwards on a thick carpet after receiving the title was difficult for Maheswaran. This was where Shah stepped in to break protocol and helped her.
The royal monarch, who is also Selangor state's constitutional head, stepped down several times to confer awards to recipients who had difficulty in reaching the dais or returning to their seats.
42 killed in Syria mosque blast
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Damascus: At least 42 people were killed, including a senior Muslim cleric, and over 80 wounded in an explosion at a mosque in downtown Damascus Thursday.
Over 100 children missing from Afghan orphanage
KABUL, February 13 (RIA Novosti) - As freezing weather continues in Afghanistan, an orphanage with a broken roof and almost no food supplies has been abandoned by 112 children, Pazhvak news agency reported on Wednesday.
Of the 157 children that were living in the children's home in the Ghazni province, only the youngest girls remain in the building, in two rooms where the roof is still intact, the agency said citing a report by local authorities.
The report said the children who abandoned the home do not have winter clothes.
13 die in Turkish prison fire
By IANS,
Istanbul : A fire in a Turkish prison has killed 13 prisoners, Xinhua reported Sunday.
Unidentified gunmen kill army soldier in Pakistan
By KUNA,
Islamabad : Unidentified gunmen shot dead an army soldier on Thursday in a northern Pakistani town, police said.
Unidentified armed gunmen, riding a motorcycle, opened fire at an army soldier near the cantonment area of Kohat town, about 250 kilometers north of Islamabad, police sources told KUNA.
They said the soldier died on the spot. Security authorities have declared a state of red alert after the incident and pillion riding has been banned.
Top Pakistani General concludes visit to Jordan
By SPA
Islamabad : Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman General Tariq Majid returned home last night from a six-day visit to Jordan, said an official statement.
Director General Operations and Plans Maj Gen Bilal Omer and other senior officers received Majid at Islamabad Airport.
Majid held wide-ranging discussions with his Jordanian counterpart General Khalid J Al-Sarayreh and highlighted the need for strengthening military cooperation between both the countries.
Iran’s Ambassador presents credentials to Aroyo
By NNN-IRNA
Kuala Lumpur : Islamic Republic of Iran's new Ambassador to Philippines presented his credentials to that country's President Gloria Aroyo in Manila Friday.
According to IRNA correspondent in Manila, Ali-Mojtaba Rouzbehani in his meeting with President Aroyo also conveyed Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's regards to the Filipino counterpart.
President Aroyo, too, sending her best regards to President Ahmadinejad, expressed delight over the deepening trend of the two countries' cooperation and relations.
Iran’s central bank chief replaced amid differences over economic management
By IANS,
Tehran : In what looks like widening differences with officials over his economic policies, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has sacked the country's central bank chief Tahamasseb Mazahari, replacing him with his deputy Mahmoud Bahmani, the official IRNA news agency reported Wednesday.
The replacement of Mazahari, who took office from his predecessor Ebrahim Shehbani last year, is the second change of guard at the central bank owing to differences between the president and his economic advisers over the management of the country's troubled economy.
US Army questions Bergdahl over Taliban capture
Washington : The US Army has begun questioning former Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, a prisoner of war of the Taliban in Afghanistan, over how he...
Saudi Minister calls on mosque imams to tackle terror
By IINA,
Makkah : Saudi Arabia's Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance Saleh Alu Al Sheikh said that mosque imams and preachers do not deal with the topic of terror and extremism in their speeches unless ordered to by the ministry. “Preachers only speak about the need to shun misguided ideologies and terrorism when they receive instructions from the ministry. They do not discuss the subject until another instruction is issued,” said Al Sheikh.
Uranium traces found at Syrian nuclear site: Diplomats
By DPA,
Vienna : The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts have found traces of uranium at an alleged secret Syrian nuclear reactor site that was bombed by Israel last year, a diplomat said here Monday.
"It wasn't natural uranium," an Western diplomat told DPA, adding that this indicated it might have been enriched.
Another diplomat indicated that IAEA inspectors had found traces of the metal during their first visit to the al-Kibar site in the Syrian desert in June, which was bombed by Israeli warplanes in September 2007.
Sharif must attend Modi swearing-in: Foreign Office
Islamabad : The Pakistan Foreign Office has urged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to attend the oath taking ceremony of India's new Prime Minister Narendra...
International donors to pledge USD 4 billion in aid for Pakistan
By KUNA,
TOKYO : About 30 countries are expected to pledge a total of USD four billion in aid for Pakistan at an international donors conference on April 17 in Tokyo, Japan's public broadcaster NHK reported Wednesday.
India condemns Wagah blast, seeks firm action against terror
New Delhi : India Monday strongly condemned the "dastardly terrorist attack" near the Wagah border check post in Pakistan that has claimed 60 lives...
Pakistan rejects Modi’s accusation of proxy war
Islamabad : Pakistan Wednesday rejected Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's accusation of Islamabad waging a proxy war against India, terming the statement as "most...
Afghan Taliban local commander killed, 4 injured
Kabul : Afghan security forces during operations against Taliban militants in the northern Badakhshan province killed a local commander and injured four others, Ahmad...
Afghan presidential election likely to go into run-off
Kabul: The Afghan presidential election is likely to go into a run-off as none of the hopefuls could obtain more than 50 percent of...
Militants declare limited Gaza ceasefire
By DPA,
Tel Aviv/Gaza : Palestinian militant groups fighting Israel in the Gaza Strip declared a one-week limited lull Sunday, hours after Israel also implemented a limited ceasefire after a massive three-week-long military operation which left over a thousand people dead.
The factions, which included Hamas, against whom the Israeli offensive was primarily directed, said they were giving Israel one week to withdraw its forces from the salient, which they entered on the evening of Jan 3.
Mumbai probe still on: Pakistan’s FIA
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) said Friday its probe into the 26/11 Mumbai attacks was continuing and that it had found some more evidence on the carnage, Geo TV reported.
Quoting well-placed sources in the FIA special team, the channel said the four men jailed for their alleged involvement in the attacks would remain under investigation till the charges were filed in the case.
Lebanon complains to UN against ‘blatant’ Israeli incursion
Beirut: Lebanon filed an urgent complaint to the United Nations on what it said was Israel's "blatant" breaches of its sovereignty and a Security...
Iran, US claim progress in latest round of n-talks
Vienna: Iran and six world powers are making progress in the latest round of talks over Iran's long-disputed nuclear programme, said top diplomats of...
Mass grave discovered in Iraq
By DPA
Baghdad : Police in the Iraqi town of Muqdadiyah have discovered a new mass grave of 14 bodies close to another found last week, the US army said Sunday.
The new mass grave near the town, some 125 km northeast of Baghdad, came to light Saturday.
It was only 100 metres away from a mass grave found Thursday containing the corpses of 37 people, with the bodies showing signs of torture.
Muqdadiyah was the site of heavy fighting a few weeks ago between Al Qaeda forces and US troops, Iraqi security forces and local Sunni self-defence groups.
Lebanon, Israel exchange fires
By IANS,
Beirut : A Katyusha rocket launched from southern Lebanon Tuesday hit Israel but no one was hurt, an official said. The Israeli forces retaliated with artillery fire.
The UN interim forces in Lebanon confirmed the rocket was fired from the Houla area in southern Lebanon and it landed near the Kiryat Shemona area of northern Israel, Xinhua reported.
Lebanese state-run media said Israeli forces retaliated with artillery fire.
Israeli military escalation compromising peace efforts — Qurei
By KUNA,
Gaza : Head of the Palestinian delegation for last status negotiations with Israel Ahmad Qurei warned here Wednesday from the continuous Israeli military escalation against Palestinians, which undermines all the Palestinian, regional, and international efforts to bring peace.
In a statement broadcast by official Palestinian radio early today, he said the continuous crimes of the Israeli forces against the people in Palestine, continued building of settlements, and the building of the separation wall will not lead to any progress in the political negotiations.
Saudi Arabia adds two Hezbollah leaders on terrorist list
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia has added two Hezbollah leaders, Khalil Harb and Muhammad Qabalan, in its terrorist list, Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
They...
India should wait for court’s decision on Lakhvi: Pakistan
Islamabad : Pakistan Thursday said India "unnecessarily" debated the bail granted to alleged 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, complaining that the Samjhauta...
Egypt court suspends elections called by Morsi
By IANS/AKI,
Cairo: Egypt's Administrative Court has overturned a presidential decree by Mohammed Morsi that called for general elections next month.
Pakistan aircraft crashed due to communication gap
By IANS,
Islamabad : Last year's air crash near Islamabad that left 152 people dead took place due to a communication gap between the cockpit and the control tower, a probe has revealed.
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.
Jalili asks parties dealing with Iran’s N-case to rectify mistakes
By IRNA
Beijing : Iran's top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili here on Friday called on some parties involved in Iran's nuclear case to abandon their past mistakes and allegations and take positive steps for resumption of talks.
Addressing a press conference, Jalili said, "Today, verification of Iran's nuclear case has turned into a process to verify sincerity of some countries."
He said recent developments in Iran's nuclear issue showed that many claims of some countries against Iran are false and baseless.
After halt of 2 years, country’s largest Islamic congregation commences in Bhopal
Held for the first time in 1948, the Bhopal Ijtema is known for its massive participation of people and for promotion of peace...
UNICEF concerned by Israel”s continued blockade of schools supplies in Gaza
By KUNA
United Nations : The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Friday said it is concerned that teaching kits and construction materials needed to repair schools in Gaza continue to be blocked by Israeli authorities.
UNICEF said that because schools remain closed in Gaza, it has succeeded nevertheless to distribute enough School-in-a-Box kits for 800 students.
Palestinian mother of quadruplets born to bitter joy
By Ma Xiaoyan, Huang Heng, Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Having given birth to quadruplets after being transferred from the segregated Gaza Strip, Khawlah Fadlalla became a happy mother in an Israeli hospital.
However, the happiness of the new mother was tainted by the knowledge that the father of her four babies, a Gazan blocked outside an Israeli checkpoint, could not join her and the children any time soon.
London warns of threat from British fighters in Syria, Iraq
London : British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond warned Wednesday of the "threats" posed by a "significant number" of Britons working with jihadis in Syria...
Zardari wins economic deals in China
By DPA,
Beijing : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari held talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao Wednesday as the two nations signed economic cooperation agreements covering satellites, trade, mining, agriculture and other sectors.
State media quoted Hu as saying that Zardari's family were "all old friends of the Chinese people" and praising Zardari's late wife, Benazir Bhutto, and her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, for their "outstanding contributions to the opening and development of China-Pakistan relations".
EU to strengthen political role in Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Stockholm : The European Union (EU) will strengthen its presence in Afghanistan, especially its political role there, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said here Saturday.
"We will be in Afghanistan for a long time to come. Our presence is politically oriented," Bildt said at a news conference when the EU foreign ministers concluded their two-day informal meeting in Stockholm.
Taliban vows to avenge US soldier’s shooting
By IANS,
Moscow: The Taliban have promised relatives of the civilians killed by an American soldier in a shooting spree that they will carry out revenge attacks.
Palestinian gov’t blames world community for Israeli offensive
By Xinhua
Ramallah : The Palestinian government led by Salam Fayyad blamed the international community on Wednesday for bloodily Israeli raids in the Palestinian territories.
"We can't exempt the international community from its responsibilities in any way," said Information Minister Riyadh al-Maliki.
Ramallah : The Palestinian government led by Salam Fayyad blamed the international community on Wednesday for bloodily Israeli raids in the Palestinian territories.
"We can't exempt the international community from its responsibilities in any way," said Information Minister Riyadh al-Maliki.
6 killed in riots in S Pakistan’s Karachi city
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Separate incidents of violence in southern Pakistan port city of Karachi on Saturday left six persons dead and 58 others injured.
The riots started in Banaras area of the city where some unknown armed men opened fire at passing vehicles and also pelted them with stones, killing six and injuring 58 others, private TV channel Geo reported.
Unknown miscreants also set on fire seven vehicles in different parts of the city, said the report.
The injured have been shifted to Qatar Hospital in Orangi Town in Karachi for treatment.
Pakistan in grip of opportunist judges, generals: Sharif
By IANS,
Islamabad : Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif Wednesday said the country is presently being ruled by "opportunist judges and generals", a media report said.
Addressing a national conference on restoration of judiciary here, Nawaz Sharif said that justice cannot be ensured in the absence of free judiciary, Geo TV reported.
He said the Governor rule in Punjab province could have been averted.
Rice concludes her Mideast tour
By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Visiting U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice wrapped up a two-day visit to Israel and the West Bank Wednesday by receiving promises to resume Israel-PNA peace negotiations suspended after IDF offensive in Gaza.
At a joint press conference Wednesday with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Rice said that she had obtained assurances from both Israeli and Palestinian leaders to resume peace negotiations without any preconditions.
Turkey criticizes ECJ”s dropping of PKK from list of terrorist organizations
By KUNA
Ankara : Turkey criticized the decision by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to drop the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) from the list of terrorist organizations.
A statement by Turkish Justice Minister Mehmet Sahin warned the ECJ regarding this matter, saying that the decision would affect the war against terrorism on the international level.
Terror attack: Indians in Afghanistan safe
By IANS,
New Delhi : In the wake of Sunday's terror attack in Afghanistan, India said it was in constant touch with its embassy in Kabul and its citizens living in that country were safe.
Saeed an evil mastermind of Mumbai attacks: India
New Delhi : Describing Hafiz Saeed as an "evil mastermind" of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, India Monday said a criminal like him should...
Palestinian fighters fire missiles, engage Israeli troops in ground clashes
By KUNA
Gaza : Locally-made rockets fired from north Gaza targeted the southern Israeli town of Sderot on Sunday and Palestinian gunmen engaged in ground clashes with Israeli troops in the West Bank.
A spokesman of the Israeli Army said a pair of missiles, unleashed from the north of Gaza Strip, hit an uninhabited area near Sdeort, causing no losses.
Demonstrators hold symbolic funeral for victims of Gaza siege
By Xinhua
Gaza : Palestinian demonstrators held a symbolic funeral for 60 late patients who died due to an Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip since June 2007.
Carrying 60 empty coffins with the names of the deceased patients on it, demonstrators walked through the Gaza streets to protest against Israeli siege on Gaza during which the patients including children and youths lost their lives for not being allowed to go outside for medical care.
British peer calls for widening dialogue with Iran
By IRNA,
London : There will never be a constructive dialogue with Iran unless the framework is widened to more than the current approach to the country's nuclear programme, according to the deputy Liberal Democrat leader in the House of Lords.
"Is there not a case for a wider framework for discussions within which we can then make progress on the nuclear issue?" Lord Wallace asked.
The UK will not get constructive dialogue with the Iranian government "unless we broaden it out to a wider framework," Wallace told Foreign Office Minister Lord Malloch-Brown.
NATO modifies anti-narcotics order after leak
By Xinhua,
Brussels : NATO's top military commander has modified his order on the rules of engagement by his troops in the fight against narcotics in Afghanistan after the original version was leaked to the media.
NATO spokesman James Appathurai said Wednesday that NATO commanders have agreed that drug traffickers and drug-producing facilities will only be hit where they provide "material support" for the Taliban-led insurgency in Afghanistan.
In the leaked letter, NATO's General John Craddock had wanted all drug traffickers to be targeted.
Aliyev due in Tehran to hand over ECO presidency to Ahmadinejad
By IRNA,
Baku : Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev will depart for Tehran on March 10 to attend the 10th ECO Summit and hand over the ECO presidency to Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Th hand-over ceremony will be held on March 11 shortly after the 10th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit opens in Tehran.
President Aliyev will be in Tehran at the invitation of his Iranian counterpart President Ahmadinejad.
The invitation was submitted to Aliyev by Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki who was in Baku on an official visit on February 20, 2009.
UAE, Ethiopia hold talks
By IANS/WAM,
Addis Ababa: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ethiopia have held discussions over bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them.
280 killed in Pakistan rain, floods
Islamabad: Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Saturday said that at least 280 people have been killed due to the heavy rain and floods...
54 Brotherhood supporters sentenced to life for violence
Cairo : An Egyptian court Wednesday sentenced 155 Muslim Brotherhood supporters to jail terms, including 54 life terms, over violence in August last year...
Pakistan donates 26,000 metric tons of wheat to WFP
By Aslam Chandio, TwoCircles.net,
Islamabad: The Pakistan Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has announced the release of 26,000 metric tons of wheat for distribution in Pakistan by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The contribution, valued at USD 10 million, comes at a critical time when funding shortages are threatening WFP’s ability to provide emergency food assistance to almost 1 million people displaced by violence in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
Iraqi forces enter Basra’s ports to maintain security
By DPA
Baghdad : Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ordered the Iraqi forces to enter ports of the Iraqi city of Basra to maintain security against criminal gangs, media reports said Tuesday.
In the late hours of Monday, Iraqi forces entered the ports of Khor al-Zobair and Om al-Kasr, according to al-Maliki's orders, the Voices of Iraq (VOI) news agency said.
The move came as part of a security operation launched by al-Maliki to fight illegal militant.
The Iraqi forces are imposing a full security control over the city's two largest ports.
Rakhi celebrated in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : The festival of Rakhi was celebrated with traditional zeal in a town in Pakistan's Punjab province.
Time to return to war on terror, says Pakistani media
By IANS,
Islamabad : The victory of the lawyers' Long March has come at the cost of ignoring the "two-ton gorilla in the drawing room", an editorial in a leading English daily said Wednesday, urging the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) that led the protest to show "true solidarity against the menace of terrorism".
Another editorial said the PML-N had gained considerably at the cost of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which "appeared to be devious and untrustworthy, a party that breaks its promises".
Israeli parliament greenlights bill on Golan referendum
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli parliament on Monday greenlighted a bill requiring any concession of sovereignty land to be decided by a referendum or a two-thirds majority of the legislature.
Sixty-five lawmakers voted for and 18 against the motion in the first reading, which stipulates that any government decision to cede land must be brought before the parliament, the Knesset, and if the Knesset approves it, a referendum will be held within 180 days.
Israel arrests 13 Palestinians in West Bank
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Israeli army arrested 13 Palestinians during several raids in the West Bank cities and suburbs, local and security sources said on Wednesday.
In Nablus city, Israeli troops detained eight Palestinians following a midnight incursion in which the Israeli army vehicles rolled into the city from various directions.
During the operation, the army stormed a shopping mall, days after it issued an order to shut it down for its alleged links to Islamic Hamas movement, the sources said.
Israel conducts anti-missile test
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : The Israeli navy has successfully tested its Barak anti-missile system, the military announced Sunday.
The test included a version of the missile system with improved rocket-interception capabilities, the military said.
An interceptor missile was fired from the Israel Navy Ship Lahav, a Sa'ar 5-type corvette, successfully intercepting a target described as simulating an incoming enemy missile.
Turkey’s ruling party takes early lead in local elections
Ankara : Preliminary results of Turkey's local elections showed Sunday the country's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) party taking strong lead in the...
With Pakistan in mind, India warns of interference in Afghanistan
By IANS,
New Delhi: With Pakistan trying to broker a deal between the Taliban and the Afghan government, India Thursday warned against "external integration" in the reintegration process, saying it would be detrimental for the future of a democratic and stable Afghanistan.
"External interference in the reintegration process would be detrimental both for its success and for the future of a democratic, stable, pluralistic and prosperous Afghanistan," External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna told the Rajya Sabha.
Pakistan, India to exchange n-facilities lists Thursday
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Despite the current tension in their ties, India and Pakistan will exchange lists of their nuclear facilities on New Year's day just as they have been doing for over a decade.
An official in the Pakistan foreign office said the lists will be simultaneously exchanged in Islamabad and New Delhi through diplomatic channels. He said the lists are revised every year.
Reforming UNSC more complicated after US backing India: Pakistan
By Awais Saleem, IANS,
Mortar attacks kill 15 across Syria
Damascus : At least 15 people were killed Sunday in different parts of Syria in multiple mortar attacks by armed militant groups, local media...
Suicide attack at Pakistani Naval HQ, four hurt
By IANS,
Islamabad : A suicide bomber Wednesday struck at the heavily fortified Naval Headquarters in the Pakistani capital, injuring four people.
The suicide bomber blew up when Naval guards stopped him at the entrance of the complex, Geo News quoted sources as saying.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Bin Yameen called it a suicide attack.
The blast shattered windows of buildings and vehicles.
EU’s role complements the Arab role in Lebanon – Lebanese FM
By NNN-KUNA
Brussels : The European Union and Lebanon held here their third meeting of the Association Council to discuss EU-Lebanon relations in the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy.
"There is a steady commitment of the EU to restore peace, stability and normal functioning of democratic institutions in Lebanon," Tarek Mitri, the Lebanese Foreign Minister, told a press conference after the meeting Tuesday.
Six Palestinians wounded in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : At least six Palestinians were wounded Wednesday afternoon in two separate Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza Strip, witnesses and medical sources said.
In the latest attack, the witnesses said that an Israeli drone dropped a bomb on a car but the explosion injured five bystanders, including children.
Hamas sources said the car belongs to militants from the movement's military wing and it was then parking on a street, adding that the fighters survived the airstrike which targeted their car near Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza Strip.
Iran, Pakistan to hold joint naval drill
Tehran : A Pakistani fleet of warships docked in southern Iran is to hold a joint drill with the Iranian navy in the strategic...
Arrest warrant issued against Pakistani cleric
Islamabad : A court in Pakistan has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Lal Masjid cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz here Friday.
The warrant has been...
OIC Chief gets honorary doctorate degree
By IINA,
Jeddah : The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu was conferred upon an honorary doctorate degree by the prestigious Near East University of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on May 12, 2008. The conferment of the degree, during a ceremony held at the University, came as a recognition to his extraordinary academic career and his life long commitment to the causes of the Muslim Ummah, according to an OIC statement.
Pakistani woman politician shot dead
By IANS,
Islamabad : A senior woman politician in Pakistan's port city of Karachi was gunned down by motorcycle-riding assailants outside her residence late Saturday, a media report said Sunday.
Kuwaiti candidate criticizes cooperation absence between authorities
By KUNA,
Kuwait : Fourth constituency candidate Dr. Dhaifallah Bouramiah criticized absence of cooperation between legislative and executive authorities during era of the dissolved parliament.
Rebuilding Gaza top priority for Palestinian unity government
Gaza : Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah and ministers of the unity government arrived here Thursday for a cabinet meeting expected to focus on...
Voter killed in Balochistan bombing
By IANS,
Islamabad : A voter was killed and seven others were injured Saturday in two separate bombings in Pakistan's Balochistan province, a media report said.
Blast outside Pakistani courthouse kills one
By DPA,
Islamabad : A bombing outside a courthouse in north-western Pakistan Wednesday killed at least one person and wounded three, police said.
The explosion took place in a parking lot adjacent to courtrooms in Dera Ismail Khan, located close to Pakistan's lawless tribal region near the Afghan border.
"A police constable deployed in the parking bay was killed, and three civilians were injured," said Gul Afzal Khan Afridi, the district police chief. Several cars were damaged in the blast.
Three die in Pakistan bus attack
By IANS,
Islamabad : Three people were killed in Pakistan Monday when militants opened fire on a passenger bus.
15 killed in Afghan car bombing
By IANS,
Kabul : At least 15 people were killed and 45 injured in a suicide car bombing in Afghanistan Saturday, officials said.
Bahrain banking sector posts strong growth in first half of 2008
Dubai, Aug 28 (IANS) Bahrain's banking sector continued to show dynamic and confident growth in the first half of 2008, according to that Gulf nation's leading economic authority.
In a statement issued in Manama, Bahrain's Economic Development Board (EDB) stated that during the period, the banking sector posted very strong financial results with a number of new banks being granted licences by the country's financial services regulator, the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB).
Sarkozy seeks Syrian help in Iran nuclear standoff
By RIA Novosti,
Damascus : French president Nicolas Sarkozy has asked for help from his Syrian counterpart to ensure that Iran does not produce nuclear weapons.
Sarkozy said after meeting President Bashar Assad in Damascus Wednesday: "I told the president that Syria can play a role in the Iranian issue. Iran must not obtain the atomic bomb, but it has the right to nuclear energy for peaceful use."
Afghan militancy, drug to put regional stability at stake
By Abdul Haleem, Lin Jing, Xinhua,
Kabul : A glance to the ongoing Taliban-led militancy and the increasing poppy cultivation in Afghanistan illustrates the bleak feature of its impact on the region.
Emerged as a fighting force in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province in 1994 and ousted from power by a U.S.-led military invasion in late 2001, remnants of the radical hierarchy have regrouped and begun fighting back Afghan and the international troops stationed in Afghanistan.
IS abducts 70 people from Iraqi province
Baghdad: Islamic State terrorists have kidnapped dozens of Sunni tribesmen in northern Iraq, media reported on Saturday.
The Sunni radical group abducted 70 men from...
Qatar to host 21st Arab summit
By Xinhua
Damascus : Qatar will be the next host of the Arab summit, Arab League (AL) Secretary General Amr Moussa announced on Sunday when reading out the Damascus Declaration at the closing session of the 20th Arab summit here.
Saudi silence on Gaza linked to ‘US nuclear gift’
Tehran, Jan 15, IRNA – US ‘nuclear gift’ to Saudi Arabia concurrent with the Zionist regime’s genocide in Gaza reveals one of the main reasons for the country’s silence against the Israeli crimes against humanity, said an analysis with IRNA’s Research and News Studies Office.
Saudi’s sobering silence against the Israeli war crimes in Gaza prompted President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to send a letter to King Abdullah, calling for a clear stance vis-à-vis the massacre in Gaza.
Ban calls Israel and Hamas irresponsible
By DPA,
New York : UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon late Wednesday delivered his strongest condemnation yet of the fighting between Israel and Hamas, saying both sides made use of weapons in an irresponsible manner.
Senior Taliban commander killed in Pakistan
By DPA,
Peshawar : Security forces have killed a senior Taliban commander, Mullah Ismail, also known as Ahmad Shah, in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province bordering Afghanistan, officials said Saturday.
Intelligence officials told DPA, on condition of anonymity, that Mullah Ismail was killed in a police shoot out in the Badhabher area about 10 km from the provincial capital Peshawar.
IS ahead in turf war with Al Qaeda: US
Washington: The Islamic State is beating Al Qaeda at being the world's leading terrorist group, says the US State Department.
The "unprecedented" spread and brutality...
US, Saudi to continue security cooperation in Middle East
Washington : The US and Saudi Arabia will continue security cooperations in the Middle East "in particular to counter Iran's destabilizing activities", the White...
US drone kills Uzbek militant leader in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : An important leader of an Uzbek militant group that is closely associated with Al Qaeda was killed in a recent US drone attack in Pakistan's restive tribal region bordering Afghanistan, Pakistani intelligence officials said Friday.
Najmiddin Jalolov alias Yahov, 37, was killed Monday when the four-wheel drive he was travelling in was hit by a single missile fired from an unmanned drone aircraft in Mir Ali area, North Waziristan district, which is a hotbed of Taliban and Al Qaeda militants.
UAE, Ireland hold talks
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ireland have held discussions over joint cooperation in developmental and humanitarian issues between them.
India awaiting Bangladesh confirmation of ULFA arrests: Pillai
By IANS,
Shillong/New Delhi: India is awaiting official confirmation from Bangladesh of the arrest of two United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) rebels, including Ranjan Chowdhury alias Major Ranjan, Home Secretary G.K. Pillai said Sunday.
"We have seen it (arrest) in the newspapers, but Bangladesh authorities will officially inform us of the arrest through diplomatic channels," Pillai told IANS from New Delhi.
Pakistani Mohajirs’ plight highlighted at UN
Geneva: The European Mohajir Network has highlighted the sorry human rights status of Pakistan's Mohajirs -- the Muslims who migrated from India following Partition...
Iran suspends talks with US over security in Iraq
By SPA,
Tehran : Iran says it will not hold a new round of talks with the U.S. on security in Iraq until American forces end their current assault against the Iraqi people.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini's announcement Monday is the first official confirmation that the talks will be suspended.
Iran's semi-official Fars news agency quoted an unnamed senior Iranian negotiator Saturday as saying new talks were not possible with continued U.S. attacks against the Iraqi people.
Would-be suicide bomber surrenders in Iraq
By DPA,
Baghdad : A female suicide bomber still wearing an explosives-laden vest turned herself over to police Sunday, the same day that 25 people were killed in a further suicide bombing, the US military said Monday.
The military said the woman let herself be escorted away by the police in the city of Baquba, northeast of the capital Baghdad, and that she then led the officers to a 13-year-old girl who was also supposed to carry out a suicide attack.
Yemen calls on protecting Palestinian people
By NNN-SABA,
Cairo : Yemeni Justice Minister Ghazi al-Aghbari has called for the use of law studies prepared on Israeli crimes and legal mechanisms for protecting Palestinian people in the framework of international legislation.
"For we have integrated in this exceptional meeting … our Palestinian brothers and Arab Nation waiting from us to come with decisions and recommendations equal to dangers the people face", said al-Aghbari in his speech at the Emergency Meeting of Arab Justice Ministers' Council concluded here on Wednesday.
Bangladesh PM prays at Ajmer shrine
By IANS,
Jaipur : Amid tight security, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday offered prayers at Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti's shrine in Ajmer.
"She along with 17 members of her delegation arrived at the dargah at around 12.50 p.m. and spent 50 minutes at the premises," Ahmed Raza, dargah nazim (shrine official) told IANS on phone from Ajmer.
Laying a sheet over the grave of medieval Sufi saint Chishti, Hasina performed her ziyarat with the help of Khadim Kamaluddin Chisti, the official said.
She also gifted Rs.150,000 to the shrine, he added.
Dubai, Sudan police sign cooperation protocol
By IANS/WAM,
Khartoum : Police of Dubai and Sudan have signed a protocol for extending cooperation in the technological, technical, training and information exchange areas.
Iran to complain to UN against US nuclear threat
By IANS,
Tehran: Iran Sunday said it will lodge a formal complaint with the UN against US President Barack Obama for threatening the country with a nuclear strike.
The move was backed by the majority of Iran's 290 members of parliament, Press TV said citing foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast.
According to the report, Tehran took this decision after Barack Obama declared last week that his administration reserved the right to launch a nuclear attack on Iran over its atomic programme.
Suicide attacks, clashes kill over 30 in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul : Two suicide attackers blew themselves up at the police headquarters in Kandahar city Sunday, killing and wounding more than 30, while two dozen Taliban were killed in airstrikes and clashes elsewhere in the country, officials have said.
The bombers detonated their explosives inside the police headquarters Sunday afternoon, provincial police chief Matiullah Khan said. Kandahar city is the capital of the province of the same name.
Iran offers military cooperation to Iraq
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran has expressed its willingness to extend military and security cooperation to its one-time foe Iraq, a media report said.
US playing double game on Taliban: Report
By IANS,
Islamabad : US-led NATO forces vacated more than half a dozen security check posts on the Afghan side of the border just ahead of the major ground offensive launched by the Pakistani military against the Taliban in the volatile South Waziristan region, a media report said Monday.
"It is feared that the American decision will facilitate Afghan Taliban in crossing over to Pakistan and support militants in striking back at the Pakistani security forces in the troubled tribal area," The News said in a report headlined "On whose side is US anyway?"
Gillani reiterates Pakistan’s ‘unwavering support’ for Kashmiris
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan wants a Kashmir solution in accordance with the wishes of the people and will continue to provide "full and unwavering moral, diplomatic and political support to the cause of Kashmiri people", Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani said here Monday.
In a meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik at his office here, Gillani said Pakistan wants an expeditious, just and peaceful Kashmir in accordance with the wishes of the people of the state.
My father’s madrasa past
By Mohammad Ali Salih, CGNews,
My Sudanese father, now in his mid-80s, grew up without access to public education. The ruling British authority hadn't yet built a public school near Argo, his hometown on the Nile River in Northern Sudan, south of the border with Egypt. They did build one there later, however, and I became the first in my Bedouin tribe to receive a formal education, which eventually lead to a graduate degree in America.
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.
Coptic pope appeals for calm as Egypt clashes continue
By DPA,
Nagaa Hamadi (Egypt) : Pope Shenouda III, the head of Egypt's Coptic Church, has appealed for calm as sectarian clashes continued in the southern town of Nagaa Hamadi.
In a message sent to all Coptic churches around the country, Pope Shenouda told Christians Thursday night that their religion calls on them to be patient, and that they should continue celebrating Christmas, which Coptic Christians observe on Jan 7.
Bangladesh begins tallying votes after local polls
By DPA,
Dhaka : Authorities in Bangladesh began the difficult task Monday of tallying votes in the country's first local elections in seven years, a historic vote meant to secure lasting peace from political violence in a country bedevilled by uncertainty and terrorism threats.
Unconfirmed reports on clashes breaking out between enthusiastic supporters of rival mayoral candidates were heard, but election officials said the incidents were of too minor a nature to cause worries.
1,400 graduates inducted into Afghan army
By IANS,
Kabul : A total of 1,400 soldiers Thursday graduated from the Kabul Military Training Centre (KMTC) and were commissioned into the Afghan National Army.
30 militants killed in Southern Afghanistan
By NNN-Xinhua
Kabul : Afghan troops have killed 30 Taliban insurgents, including a commander, in Afghanistan's southern province Helmand, said a statement of the Afghan Defense Ministry, released here Thursday.
Mullah Abdul Bari and 29 of his men were killed on Wednesday in a five-hour operation supported by air force and conducted in MusaQala and Kajaki districts of the troubled Helmand province, the ministry said.
It said 12 more insurgents were detained during the operation.
I will decide, Malaysian PM tells coalition partners
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has said Indian and Chinese partners in the ruling coalition were free to air their views on government-formation but he would be the one to decide.
Razak, who took office April 3, is scheduled to chair his first cabinet meeting Wednesday.
Razak was responding to demands by the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) for better representation and allocation of 'senior' portfolios and of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) for the post of a second deputy prime Minister.
UN nuclear chief inspector arrives in Tehran
By DPA,
Tehran : The chief inspector of the United Nations nuclear watchdog arrived Monday in Tehran to hold talks with officials of the Iranian Atomic Organization to Tehran, the ISNA news agency reported.
The International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA's) chief inspector, Olli Heinonen, is in Tehran to follow up on last week's negotiations with the head of the Iranian Atomic Organization, Gholam-Reza Aqazadeh, the news agency said.
US-Pakistan tension grows over anti-terror campaign
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani Thursday lent full support to the army chief criticizing recent cross-border raids by US-led coalition forces, which have caused deaths of many civilians.
"The statement of the army chief reflects the government's policy," said Gilani at a project inauguration ceremony in Islamabad.
The prime minister said that Pakistan is a responsible country and is playing its role to fight terrorism.
23 killed, 113 injured in Iraq attacks
Baghdad: At least 23 people, including a journalist, were killed and 113 wounded in a string of attacks carried out in different parts of...
Israeli minister calls for regional peace plan
By DPA,
Tel Aviv : Israel should come up with a comprehensive regional peace initiative similar to that presented by Saudi Arabia in 2002, Defence Minister Ehud Barak said Sunday.
Israel, he told Israel Army Radio, shared a "deep common interest" with moderate Arab countries regarding Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah.
"There is definitely room to present an overall Israeli plan against that of the Saudis, so there can be a basis for discussion on a comprehensive regional peace," he said.
Indonesia releases prisoners to commemorate Independence Day
By DPA,
Jakarta : Indonesia marked its Independence Day Sunday with reduction of jail sentences for tens of thousands of prisoners, including convicted Australian drug traffickers.
More than 55,000 prisoners who have completed at least one-third of their sentences were granted reductions ranging from several weeks or months.
At least 5,700 inmates will walk free, said Untung Sugiyono, director-general of correctional institutions at the justice ministry.
Sharia for Swat challenged in Supreme Court
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Sharia laws imposed in Swat and other parts of Pakistan's restive northwest have been challenged in the Supreme Court on the ground they are out of sync with the country's existing statutes.
The petition said that the Nizam-e-Adl Regulation that parliament had approved for enforcing the Sharia laws was in contradiction of the state religion, Geo TV reported.
The petition urged the court to pass a stay order against Qazi courts that will dispense justice to prevent them from passing death sentences.