Indian dead in car accident in UAE
Dubai: An Indian expatriate was killed and four others were severely injured in a car accident in the UAE, a media report said.
The deceased,...
US calls reports of Mullah Omar’s death ‘credible’
Washington: President Barack Obama's administration has called reports about the death of Taliban leader Mullah Omar "credible".
"We do believe the reports of his death...
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights condemns colective punishment on Gaza
By NNN-WAFA,
Gaza : The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) has condemned the Israeli collective punishment committed against Palestinian citizens in the Gaza Strip and demanded the international community to intervene and alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
In a press release, the PCHR said that it is gravely concerned over the continuing closure of border crossings into the Gaza Strip, which has now been sealed by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) for 27 consecutive days Tuesday.
340 Sikh pilgrims given visas for Pakistan
New Delhi : The Pakistan High Commission here Friday issued visas to around 340 Sikh pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabdal...
Israel bombs Gaza targets, after missile hits Israeli city
By DPA,
Gaza City/Tel Aviv : Israeli jets bombed targets across the Gaza Strip overnight, after a missile struck the southern Israeli city of Beersheba for the first time in two years.
Police foil attack on Danish cartoonist
By DPA
Copenhagen : The police in Denmark Tuesday made several arrests to avert a suspected plan to kill a newspaper cartoonist who drew one of the controversial cartoons of Prophet Mohammed that sparked violent protests in 2006.
Kurt Westergaard's depiction of the Prophet wearing a bomb as a turban was one of 12 caricatures published by the daily Jyllands-Posten in September 2005. The publication sparked protests in several Muslim countries and triggered boycotts of Danish goods.
Indian, Bangladeshis held in Malaysia
By IANS,
Dhaka : Eighty-one illegal migrants, including an Indian, two Pakistanis and 33 Bangladeshis, have been detained in Malaysia.
UN pays tribute to stuff killed in Gaza
United Nations: The UN flag was flying at half-mast Thursday at the organisation's New York headquarters to commemorate its staff members killed in Gaza...
Blair understands Palestinian viewpoints for peace with Israel
By NNN-KUNA,
Ramallah : The International Quartet envoy, Tony Blair has said here that he understands the Palestinian calls for handling the Mideast peace process with care.
Addressing the most vital issues between the Palestinian and Israeli sides was very important, he said.
Speaking at his meeting with top Palestinian negotiator Ahmad Qurei Tuesday, Blair called on Israel to stop the construction of new settlements, saying that agreements for peace needs to be implemented on the ground by both sides.
Toll in IS massacre in Syria rises to 52
Beirut : At least 52 people were killed on Tuesday during an offensive launched by the Islamic State (IS) in al-Mabouja, a Syrian village...
Saudi Arabia assures full support to Pakistan: PM Gilani
By NNN-APP,
On Board Special Aircraft : Saudi Arabia, reaffirming its deepest desire to see a strong, stable and prosperous Pakistan, has assured to extend fullest support to the country in every possible manner.
Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani at the end of his three-day visit to Saudi Arabia said there was a strong desire in the Saudi leadership for further building on their existing ties, with a special focus on cooperation in trade and energy sectors.
Lebanese Seek Consensus on Political Crisis
By Prensa Latina,
Doha : Lebanese opposition leaders and of the parliamentary majority are seeking consensus in this capital to find a solution to the political crisis in that country, where over a week of clashes have resulted in more than 80 deaths.
The meeting's official opening was held on Friday night, attended by Qatar's emir, Sheik Hamad bin Khakifa al Thani, who called to the Lebanese to keep unity, and appeared confident that those involved in the talks reached an agreement.
Pakistan’s nuclear weapons in safe hands: US official
By Xinhua
Islamabad : Visiting Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US, Admiral Mike Mullen Saturday said Pakistan's nuclear weapons are in safe hands.
Addressing a news conference here, Mullen said, "Nuclear weapons are secure and they are not going to fall in the hands of the terrorists."
Mullen said his country respected Pakistan's integrity and solidarity and he was on a personal visit to build the relationship.
"Pakistani forces made sacrifices in the war against terrorism and the US appreciates the role of Pakistan as a strong ally in the war," he said.
150,000 people have iftar at UAE mosque
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : Around 150,000 people had iftar at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the UAE, in the second week of the holy month of Ramadan.
Freedom for Zia likely as Dhaka may ease Emergency curbs
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's military-backed government may not oppose the bail of detained former prime minister Khaleda Zia as it prepares to ease Emergency curbs to facilitate a political dialogue in the run up to the December elections.
"We are coordinating everything. There is no scope to waste time. Highest efforts are being made," Commerce Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman told the media Thursday, adding that the government would weigh the "legal and humanitarian aspects" involved.
Poll: Fatah to defeat Hamas in parliamentary elections
By Xinhua,
Ramallah : A new poll has showed that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement will beat out Islamic Hamas if parliamentary elections are held.
The survey, carried out by the Arabic World Center for Research and Development, found out that 47 percent of the people will vote for Fatah and 37 percent will elect Hamas.
Hamas achieved landslide victory in parliamentary elections in January 2006. It formed a government a few months later amid power struggle with the long-dominant Fatah.
Turkey allows US to use airbase to strike IS targets
Ankara: Turkey will let the US carry out airstrikes against the Islamic State terror group from a key military base near the Syrian border,...
Minorities feeling insecure in Pakistan, says minister
By IANS,
Islamabad : Abduction for ransom and killing of people belonging to Pakistan's minority communities, including Hindus, has caused insecurity among them, a minister said.
Radical cleric Sufi Muhammad’s deputy killed in rescue bid (Lead)
By IANS,
Islamabad: The Pakistani military seemed to be speaking in twin voices Saturday on radical cleric Sufi Muhammad, whose deputy was killed in a blotched rescue attempt by the Taliban in the country's restive northwest, saying he was not in their custody.
Maulana Muhammad Alam, the deputy of Taliban-backed fundamentalist group Tehreek-e-Nifaz Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM), and his spokesman Ameer Izzat Khan were killed in crossfire with militants, the army said.
Iraq’s neighbours gather on security cooperation
By Xinhua,
Damascus : The third meeting of the Security Cooperation and Coordination Committee of Iraq's neighbouring countries kicked off in Damascus Sunday, the official SANA news agency reported.
The meeting would discuss means to bolster cooperation among Iraq's neighbours to help in establishing security and stability in the war-torn country.
US launches women’s rights programme in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : The US is launching a new $40 million programme to stress on women's human rights in Pakistan and support existing government policies to combat gender inequality.
"The US and Pakistan are focused on empowering women and advancing women's rights - an issue of great importance to both our countries," US ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson said in a statement.
Abu Dhabi hospitality group posts $75.3 mn Q2 net profit
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : Leading United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based hospitality and travel group Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) Wednesday announced net profit of 276.7 million dirhams ($75.3 million) in the second quarter of 2008.
The figure marks a 5.6 percent rise over the 262 million-dirham ($71.4 million) profit recorded by the company during the corresponding period last year, the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
No talks with Pakistan unless they stop terror: Rajnath
New Delhi : No dialogue is possible unless "Pakistan stops terrorism and violence", said Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday.
He denied media reports that...
McChrystal on Afghanistan: Situation ‘serious’
London, Oct 1 (DPA) The situation in Afghanistan is "serious", with victory not something that can be taken for granted, the commander of NATO forces in the country said Thursday in a speech to a London audience.
"The situation is serious and I choose that word very, very carefully," said US General Stanley McChrystal, the new NATO commander for more than 100,000 international troops in Afghanistan.
"Neither success nor failure in our endeavour in support of the Afghan people and government can be taken for granted."
Kuwaiti parliament dissolved
By DPA,
Kuwait City : Kuwait's Emir has dissolved the parliament following the resignation of the cabinet and interim prime minister, the Dubai-based satellite network al-Arabiya reported Wednesday.
Al-Arabiya said Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah had dissolved the parliament Wednesday after the cabinet and prime minister resigned Monday.
But National Assembly Speaker Jassem Al-Kharafi Wednesday said he had not been notified of the decision, Kuwait's official KUNA news agency reported.
US Senate approves plan to train, arm Syrian rebels
Washington: The US Senate Thursday approved President Barack Obama's plan to train and arm Syrian rebels in the efforts to fight the Islamic State...
Ban proposes additional resources for UN coordinator on Kuwaiti issue
By NNN-KUNA
United Nations : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged the Security Council to allow the transfer of USD 900,000 from the Iraq escrow account to pay for the future activities of the UN high-level coordinator for the issues of Kuwaiti detainees and stolen property.
In a letter Tuesday to council president Vitaly Churkin of Russia, Ban said the expenses undertaken by the former coordinator, the late Yuli Vorontsov, during the last eight years amounted to about USD 2 million transferred from the Iraq escrow account.
UAE bank launches Haj financing service
By IANS/WAM,
Sharjah: A leading bank in the United Arab Emirates has launched a no-profit financing service for Haj pilgrims to help its needy clients perform the holy journey.
Taliban demands Pakistan minister step down
By Awais Saleem, IANS,
Islamabad : The Taliban has demanded Pakistani Religious Affairs Minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi step down, a media report said Monday.
Bangladesh’s instability affects India: Tripura CM
Agartala : If there is any turmoil in Bangladesh, it also affects India's peace, stability and integrity, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said.
"If there...
UN security council reaches no accord on how to end Gaza conflict
By ANTARA News/Xinhua-OANA,
United Nations : The UN Security Council on Wednesday failed again to reach an accord on how to end the ongoing Gaza conflict, the Council president for the month of January, French UN Ambassador John-Maurice Ripert, told reporters here at the end of a closed-door meeting.
The Security Council has two draft texts on the table -- a draft resolution presented by Libya, and a presidential statement proposed by France, Ripert said.
"There is no unanimity on either of these texts," he said. "We have decided to continue our discussions."
’25 killed in Election Day attack by Boko Haram in Nigeria’
Abuja : At least 25 people were killed in an attack suspected to be a perpetration of Boko Haram on a community in Nigeria's...
~Youth Views~ Iranian women a force to be reckoned with
By Talajeh Livani, CGNews,
Iran's parliament convened last month for the first time since the April 2008 elections. The results of the parliamentary elections are in and all the votes have been counted. Surprisingly, or perhaps alarmingly, women now account for a mere 2.8 percent of this new conservative-dominated parliament. This is a decline from the already low 4.1 percent representation in the previous Iranian parliament.
Former marines jailed, whipped for raping Indonesian in Malaysia
By DPA,
Kuala Lumpur : A Malaysian court sentenced two former marines to nine years' imprisonment and whippings for abducting, raping and robbing an Indonesian woman five years ago.
K. Paramasivam, 27, and N. Nandakumaran, 25, were found guilty of abducting the woman, then aged 32, and raping her at a cemetery in the southern Johor state in January 2004, the Star daily said.
The men, who were officers with the Malaysian marine police, then robbed the victim of her gold necklace, mobile phone, passport and 300 ringgit ($81) in cash.
Bangladesh Election Commission reaffirms general electons by December
By NNN-Xinhua
Dhaka : Bangladesh Election Commission Chief Dr ATM Shamsul Huda Monday reaffirmed that the general elections will be held by December this year as per election roadmap.
Dr Huda was appointed the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) by the current caretaker government.
He said this during a dialogue with one of the country's major parties Awami League that had been in power from 1996-2001.
US deaths in Iraq down 66 percent from year ago
By SPA,
Washington : U.S. military deaths in Iraq have fallen sharply this year, a trend observers attribute to the effects of the U.S.-led surge offensive, better performance by Iraqi security forces, and civilian fatigue of war, CNN reported Tuesday.
A CNN count of Pentagon figures showed that 309 U.S. troops in Iraq have died this year, including 222 in hostilities and 87 in non-hostile circumstances. The U.S. death toll has been far higher in past years. Last year, there were 906 deaths, and there were more than 800 deaths in 2006, 2005, and 2004.
Pakistan Taliban chief releases audio message: report
By DPA,
Islamabad : An audio message purportedly of Pakistan Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud contradicts media reports that the Islamist militant leader had died in a US drone missile strike three days ago in Pakistan's restive tribal region.
In an audio message sent to reporters Saturday evening, a voice claiming to be that of the militant commander said that he was "alive and in good health".
The recording further said that Mehsud was not present in the area when the drone attack on a house and adjacent seminary killed at least 13 people in South Waziristan Thursday.
US denounces shelling of UN school in Gaza
Washington : The US Wednesday condemned the shelling of a UN school in Gaza but refused to pinpoint Israel for it.
The US does condemn...
No problem working with Nawaz Sharif, says Pakistani premier
By IANS,
London : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani says he has "no problem" working with opposition leader Nawaz Sharif, adding he wants to immediately lift federal rule in Punjab.
"I am sure we can work with Nawaz Sharif in strengthening the democratic process," Gilani told The Times, London, in an interview published Friday.
"I have no problem working with Mr Sharif," he added.
One killed in rocket attack on Pakistani check post
By IANS,
Islamabad: At least one soldier was killed and six were injured Tuesday evening when a rocket hit a security check post in Pakistan's northwest tribal area, a media report said.
Pakistani Locality Imposes a Curfew
By Prensa Latina
Islamabad : Pakistani authorities imposed a curfew in Parachinar on Sunday where Saturday's suicidal attack against the local office of assassinated Benazir Bhutto killed 42 and wounded over 100 people.
The bomb explosion against the office of the Pakistani People's Party (PPP) in that locality, near the border with Afghanistan, is the biigest violent incident preceding Monday 18's legislative elections.
Two policemen killed, 15 injured in Egypt train blast
Cairo: At least two policemen were killed and 15 people injured Wednesday night during a bomb explosion in a railway station in Egypt's Nile...
Success of Asif Zardari to create harmony among state institutions: PM
By APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday said the victory of PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari in the presidential election will help create harmony among various state institutions. “We will make the parliament supreme”, Gilani told newsmen after hosting a dinner in honour of parliamentarians from FATA here at PM House. The Prime Minister said, “all forces are in one direction. They want to really contribute something to the nation. They want development in the country.”
‘Swat deal to be reviewed if peace doesn’t return’
By IANS,
Lahore : A controversial deal with the Taliban in Pakistan's restive northwest would be reviewed if the militants don't live up to their end of the bargain and peace doesn't return to the area, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani said Saturday.
"If agreement is not honoured by the other side and peace remains elusive, we would revisit and review the deal," Gilani told reporters here.
"We would reconsider the deal," he added for good measure.
Six Iraqis killed, 18 injured in twin bomb attacks in Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : At least six people were killed and some 18 others wounded in car bomb and roadside bomb explosions in central Baghdad on Wednesday, an Interior Ministry source said.
The incident occurred when a booby-trapped car detonated in the morning near a traffic police headquarters near the al-Nahdha parking lot in central Baghdad on the east side of Tigris River, the source said on condition of anonymity.
Minutes later, a roadside bomb went off when security forces and civilians gathered to examine the first blast, the source said.
Explosion kills three Palestinians in Gaza
Gaza : At least three Palestinians were killed and 20 others injured in an explosion in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, a security official...
British Pakistani Christians demand abolition of blasphemy law
By IANS,
London/Islamabad : British Pakistani Christians Tuesday urged Islamabad to abolish the country's blasphemy law, saying unscrupulous elements had misused it against the minority community to cause law and order problems.
A delegation of the Pakistan Christian Alliance Europe led by councillor James Shera, a former mayor of the central English town of Rugby, met Pakistan High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hasan in London and expressed disquiet over the violence against the Christian community in Gojra in Pakistan's Punjab province that has left seven people dead.
Hamas leader sets terms for resumption of dialogue with Abbas
By Xinhua
Gaza : Ismail Haneya, a senior Hamas leader and the deposed Palestinian prime minister, on Saturday set terms for the resumption of dialogue with President Mahmoud Abbas and his Fatah movement.
"Stopping all security coordination and cooperation with the occupation forces (Israel) is a condition to resume the dialogue," Haneya told a crowd of pilgrims who had recently returned to Gaza from Saudi Arabia.
12 girl students ‘poisoned’ in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : At least 12 girl students were Wednesday hospitalised after they fell unconscious after inhaling some poisonous substance sprayed in a school in Afghanistan, a media report said.
The 12 students of the Fatima Zahra Girl School, a teacher and an assistant were mysteriously poisoned, Hamayon Khamush, director of the hospital in Kunduz city, was quoted as saying by Xinhua.
The students alleged that someone had sprayed toxic chemicals in the classroom. Six of the students were discharged after receiving first aid, the doctor said.
Abbas: PNA supports Egypt’s mediation on truce deal with Israel
By Xinhua,
Cairo : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Sunday the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) is supporting Egypt's mediation efforts to reach a ceasefire deal with Israel.
Abbas made the remarks following talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak earlier in the day at the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, the Egyptian official MENA news agency reported.
PPP wins 87, PML 66, PML-Q 39, ANP 10 seats
By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistan People's Party has emerged as the largest party in 18th February polls with 87 seats, followed by PML (N)-66, PML(Q)-39, ANP-10, MQM-19, MMA-3, PPP (Sherpao)-1 and others-30.
The Election Commission has unofficially announced the results of 255 National Assembly seats. The turnout was 45.67 percent.
Pakistani journalist recalls night of horror at Marriott
By Muhammad Najeeb,IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani journalist Imtiaz Alam was in a lift in Hotel Marriott here when he heard an ear-splitting boom. The lift came to a sudden halt and its lights went off.
A friend of many Indian journalists, Alam did not know then that a suicide bomber had just blown up a truck packed with one tonne of explosives outside the gates of the luxury hotel.
Numbed by fear, Alam used all his strength to force open the doors of the lift and step out on the fourth floor of the five-storey hotel that was now ablaze.
British Muslims congratulates President-elect Obama
By NNN-APP,
London : The Muslim Council of Britain in its congratulatory message to the President-elect Barack Obama has expressed hope that he would tackle the world problems with all his dedication and strong will.
In his message, Dr. Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary-General, MCB, said the election of Senator Obama has been hugely symbolic and will no doubt be a cornerstone of inspiration for people well beyond the shores of the USA.
Sushma Swaraj to meet Bangladesh opposition leader
Dhaka : India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will meet opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Khaleda Zia Friday.
The BNP chairperson’s press secretary Maruf...
UN assessment doubles flood homeless in Pakistan
By DPA,
Islamabad : The UN Thursday doubled to four million its estimate of the number of people left homeless by floods in Pakistan as the deaths of three children in a relief camp intensified fears of disease outbreaks.
UN officials have said that millions of displaced people are living under open skies, apparently without access to clean drinking water and proper food.
Burney to visit India to secure release of Pakistani prisoners
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : Leading Pakistani rights activist Ansar Burney, who played a key role in the campaign to commute the death sentence of Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh, will visit India this month to take up the problems of Pakistanis being held in the neighbouring country's jails.
Burney will leave for India on October 25 to meet human rights groups and senior Indian officials to discuss the problems of prisoners.
Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline to be ready by 2012
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline will be completed by 2012, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Asim Hussain has said.
Indonesians vote in parliamentary elections
Jakarta: Indonesians flocked to polling stations Wednesday to cast their votes in parliamentary elections held simultaneously across the nation.
They will choose 560 members of...
India, Saudi Arabia cooperating in fight against terror: President
New Delhi : India and Saudi Arabia share many security concerns and have been cooperating in the fight against terrorism, President Pranab Mukherjee said...
One killed, 17 injured in Hadramout camp attack
By NNN-SABA,
Sayoun : At least one Yemeni soldier was killed and 17 people were wounded as an explosive-laden car rammed into a camp affiliated with the Central Security Forces in the eastern province of Hadramout.
The attack caused damages to the camp and some nearby buildings, a security source has said.
Hadramout governor Saleh al-Khanbashi described the attack which targeted on Friday a camp of the Central Security in Sayo'un city as a criminal terrorist act, threatening those who are behind this coward act that they will be tracked down and brought to justice.
Obama vows active involvement in Mideast peace process amid overseas tour
By Xinhua,
Amman : Visiting U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama vowed here Tuesday to admit the difficulties facing Palestinians and actively involve in the Middle East peace process if elected in November.
He made the remarks during a press conference after arriving in Jordan's capital of Amman, the third stop in his high-profile Mideast and Europe tour.
Obama also backed the two-state solution, which will see an independent Palestinian state living side by side with a secure Israel.
4 NATO troops, 11 militants killed in Afghanistan
By DPA,
Kabul: Three US soldiers were killed in southern Afghanistan, while one NATO soldier and 11 Taliban militants were killed elsewhere in the country, officials said Monday.
The US soldiers died Monday afternoon "in an engagement with enemy forces in southern Afghanistan," a military statement said.
A NATO soldier also died of his wounds Monday following a fight with the insurgents in eastern region, NATO said in a separate statement. It did not disclose the soldier's nationality.
Postmodernism and the Quran
By Asghar Ali Engineer,
A general perception in the West is that Quranic teachings discourage progress and are incompatible with a modern way of life. Those who hold this view fall in three groups: anti-Islam elements; atheists who are opposed to all religion and spirituality; and rationalists, who consider religious teachings irrational.
Pakistan mulls steps to save ailing national airline
By IANS,
Islamabad : Coming to the aid of Pakistan's cash-strapped national carrier, Pakistan Internatinoal Airlines (PIA), a parliamentary committee has called for urgent steps to arrest the declining trends in the airline, Online news agency reported Thursday.
Israel will not let citizens face war crimes trials: Netanyahu
By DPA,
Jerusalem : Israel will not allow its leaders or soldiers to stand trial in the International Criminal Court in The Hague for war crimes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday.
Addressing parliament at the opening of its winter session, Netanyahu slammed a recently-released report which accused the Israeli military of possibly committing war crimes during the offensive in the Gaza Strip at the turn of the year.
Gaza death toll up to 271 Palestinians, injured around 900
By KUNA,
Gaza : The death toll in Gaza rose to 271, while 900 are reported injured after the Israeli military operations on the Strip.
Local radio stations quoted the director-general of ambulance and emergency service in Gaza Moaweya Hasanain as saying that around 120 of the wounded are suffering from "serious injuries", which means a possible rise in death toll.
Iran warns US over sending more troops to Afghanistan
By DPA,
Tehran : Iran Sunday warned the US over the dispatch of a further 3,000 troops to Afghanistan early next year in support of some 30,000 troops already involved in the conflict with the Taliban.
Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said in a press briefing in Tehran that the US should be careful of the consequences of its new policies in Afghanistan and not make the same mistakes as in Iraq.
US media Saturday reported that Defence Secretary Robert Gates ordered the deployment of an additional combat aviation brigade, equipped with attack and transport helicopters.
Abu Dhabi to host international IT conference
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi will host an international conference on information technology supported by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Syria asked to probe chlorine gas use
Damascas : The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) urged the Syrian government to form a fact-finding mission to look into the...
Hamas warns of uprising against Palestinian security forces, Israel
By Xinhua,
Gaza : The Islamic Hamas movement warned Tuesday that it would wage a new Intifada, or uprising, against Israel and Palestinian security forces in the West Bank if arrests against Hamas activists continued.
Sami Abu Zuhri, Hamas spokesman in Gaza, said in a statement sent to reporters that "Hamas warns of a new Intifada against the occupation and its supplementary tools in the West Bank if the arrests continue."
Iran to send man into space by 2019
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran has plans to launch its first manned mission into the space by 2019, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said.
The president said the project was originally planned to take place in 2035, but it has been preponed in response to the pressure from the US and the West against its nuclear programme, according to Press TV.
"In response to the enemy's (the United Nations Security Council) resolutions, it was decided that the project be pushed forward by five years," Ahmadinejad said Friday at the closing ceremony of the National Festival of Iranian Youth.
Pakistan, Turkish air forces to conduct joint exercise: official
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Air forces of Pakistan and Turkey will conduct joint exercises this month, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) said on Monday.
"The Exercise would be conducted in Pakistan during the month of April," a PAF statement said." "To benefit from the expertise and professional experiences of each other, PAF and the Turkish Air Force (TuAF) are conducting a Joint Exercise 'Indus Viper-2008' in Pakistan," it said.
The statement said that a contingent of TuAF fighter aircraft and personnel will undertake joint planning and execution of various combat missions in the exercises.
Mullen in Pakistan, meets Kayani
By Muhammad Najeeb,IANS,
Islamabad : Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff, Monday met Pakistan Army chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani on his second visit to Islamabad in less than 20 days to discuss the situation arising after the Mumbai terrorist attacks.
Officials said Mullen's visit came after Pakistan told the US that any threats from India can destabilise Islamabad's efforts against terrorism as the Pakistan Army engaged on western borders would be shifted to the eastern borders.
Pakistan: ‘important suspect’ in Bhutto’s killing nabbed
By NNN-PTI
Islamabad : Pakistani police Friday said they had arrested another "important suspect" allegedly involved in the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto, taking the total number of people apprehended in the case to five.
Abdur Rashid Torabi, who was produced in an anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi under tight security, confessed to his involvement in the assassination before the judge.
Death toll in Iraq mosque suicide blast rises to 14 – media
By RIA Novosti,
Moscow : A death toll from a recent suicide bombing in a Sunni Mosque in northern Iraq rose to 14 with over 90 people injured, Xinhua reported on Saturday.
Al Jazeera earlier reported at least 12 people were killed and 42 injured.
"Our latest reports said that 14 worshippers were killed and some 92 others injured," Xinhua quoted an anonymous Iraqi source as saying.
Iran: regional security possible if certain power not repeat mistakes
By NNN-IRNA,
Tehran : Sustainable relations will be established in the region if certain powers not to repeat their previous mistakes, senior national security official said on Tuesday.
Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili made the remarks in a meeting with former Italian prime minister, Romano Prodi, who along with a number of other world dignitaries are in Tehran to attend International Conference on 'Religion in Modern World'.
ICB Islamic Bank launches data centre
By Ferdous Ahmad Bhuiyan, NAK,
Dhaka : ICB Islamic Bank Ltd launched data center on Thursday at Dhaka, Capital city of Bangladesh.
Chairman of ICB Islamic Bank inaugurated the data centre at a function which was attended by senior officials the bank and stake holders.
The ICB Islamic Bank Ltd is a subsidiary of ICB Financial Group Holdings AG which is committed to provide international standard electronic banking services to its clients in all areas of banking.
Court orders arrest of hardline Bangladeshi leader
Dhaka: A court in Bangladesh Thursday issued an arrest warrant against Hifazat-e-Islam leader Mufti Izaharul Islam, the prime suspect in a blast at a...
Pakistan’s Pres donates 3,000 tents to quake-affected China
By NNN-Xinhua,
Islamabad : The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) on Saturday donated 3,000 tents to the earthquake-affected China.
The PRCS had donated 50,000 U.S. dollars to the quake victims on May 16.
PRCS chairman Saeed Ahmed Queshi said the PRCS expressed its sincerest sympathy with the government and people of China, particularly the bereaved families and victims of the earthquake in Sichuan province.
"Those are small things, but the help is heart-to-heart," said Qureshi.
China endorses Bangladesh-Myanmar road project
By IANS,
Dhaka : Beijing has agreed to implement a Bangladeshi proposal for a road link via Myanmar, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced after the visit of Chinese vice president Xi Jinping.
She told parliament Wednesday that a project financed by Bangladesh government called "Study and Design for Bangladesh-Myanmar link road" was underway. The road project will be implemented in two phases, she added.
Under the first phase two km of road will be constructed from Ramu to Gundum inside Bangladesh and 23 km will be constructed between Taungbro and Bolibazar inside Myanmar.
Hezbollah, Israel reach tentative prisoner swap agreement
By KUNA,
Gaza : Israel and Hezbollah have drafted a written agreement on a prisoner exchange that the Israeli Cabinet will deliberate on Sunday, an Israeli newspaper said in its edition published on Thursday.
The Israeli cabinet will hear a briefing and deliberate over a prospected prisoner exchange deal through German mediation Ofer Dekel, "Haaretz" said.
If approved, Israel will sign the deal that will be taken to Beirut by the German mediator for Hezbollah's signature, it added.
Iraq Resistance Kills 3 More US Soldiers
By Prensa Latina
Baghdad : A rocket attack by the Iraqi resistance Wednesday killed three US soldiers and left two wounded at a base in Nasiriya, south of Baghdad, Central Command reported.
The command identified the incident as an "indirect-fire attack", a phrase to characterize actions with missiles against its troops.
A spokesman affirmed that an Iraqi was also killed in the attack, which took place in the early hours in Nasiriya, where resistance actions have intensified during the last few days.
Saudi Arabia appoints first female minister
By DPA,
Riyadh : Saudi Arabia appointed the country's first female cabinet official Saturday as part of a wide-ranging cabinet reshuffle.
Saudi King Abdullah appointed Nour Fayez as deputy minister for women's education, in a move considered a milestone in Saudi Arabia, a country in which women only started to vote five years ago.
In the religiously conservative country, women are banned from driving, and rights groups have frequently condemned the legal status and treatment of women.
Abu Dhabi airport named best in Middle East
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi international airport has been named the best in the Middle East by the Airport Council International.
Lebanese prisoners arrive in Naqoura
By DPA,
Naqoura (Lebanon), July 16 (DPA) Five Lebanese prisoners who were released Wednesday by Israel as part of a swap with the Lebanese Hezbollah movement arrived in Lebanon amid joyous celebrations.
The prisoners were greeted by Hezbollah officials at the Naqoura crossing on the Lebanese side of the border.
"I am happy to be home," the longest-held Lebanese prisoner Samir Kuntar said in a brief statement as he entered Lebanese territories.
The four others, all Hezbollah members, were seen kissing officials from the Shia movement as they alighted from Red Cross vehicles.
Some 37 Somali drowned near Shabwa, Yemen’s coasts
By SPA
Sana'a : An official source in the Yemeni Coastguards Authority (YCA) said on Thursday that about 37 Somali refuge-seekers drowned off Shabwa's coasts and 70 others rescued last Wednesday, Saba reported.
The initial investigations revealed that smugglers, fearing being captured by Yemeni coastguards, had forced passengers to jump out and complete their journey by swimming as they neared the end of their three-day trip a matter that caused drowning 37, including 14 women.
US hopes Pakistan will stay on constitutional path
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Amid rumours of a possible coup, the United States hopes that whatever the fallout of the withdrawal of an amnesty protecting Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, the country's leaders would act in a constitutional manner. Washington believes that the situation in Pakistan is "serious" and the return of stability would take time.
"That is an internal Pakistani matter and we respect the decision of the (Pakistani) supreme court" ruling the controversial amnesty as unconstitutional, State Department spokesman Robert Wood told reporters Thursday.
President: Domineering states’ weakness should be used in nations’ favor
By IRNA,
Tehran : President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said here Friday that current weakness of the world domineering powers should be well and wisely used in favor of the world nations.
Receiving North Korea’s new ambassador to Tehran, So Se Pyong, here Friday, President Ahmadinejad said that nations’ will overcomes unjust demands of the bullying powers.
“World’s today conditions, especially weakness of the domineering powers, should be well and wisely used in favor of nations,” President said.
Muslim leaders strongly condemn killing of Kwt POWs by former Iraqi regime
By KUNA
Dakar : The 11th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, in its final communique on Friday, "strongly condemned" the killing of Kuwaiti war-prisoners and national of other countries at the hands of the former regime in Iraq.
The leaders of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) also condemned the former Iraqi regime's coverage of these crimes for over 10 years, which is considered a violation of international humanitarian law.
French warplanes strike Tripoli outskirts
By IANS
Tripoli: French warplanes attacked an air defence site on the outskirts of Tripoli Saturday night in a wave of air strikes against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's forces, Xinhua reported.
Bangladesh shuts factories, 20,000 workers affected
Dhaka: Bangladesh has shut down 73 garment factories for safety reasons since the country's worst-ever industrial tragedy in 2013, affecting nearly 20,000 workers.
"A total...
31 killed in blasts, attacks in Iraq
By IANS,
Baghdad: At least 31 people were killed and more than 250 others wounded in bombings and shootings across Iraq Wednesday, Xinhua reported.
IRC suspends operations in Afghanistan after workers killed
By KUNA,
Kabul : The New York-based International Rescue Committee (IRC) has suspended its operations in Afghanistan after the killing of four of its workers there.
Three foreign women and their Afghan driver were shot dead by armed men in Afghanistan's central province of Logar on Wednesday. The team was on way from Paktia province to the country's central capital Kabul.
Those killed in the attack included nationals of British Columbia, the United States and Canada, besides their Afghan driver.
The IRC has been involved in humanitarian work in Afghanistan for the past 25 years.
Israeli soldiers kill 2 militants in Gaza
By Xinhua,
Gaza : At least two Palestinian gunmen were killed on Thursday when they tried to storm an Israeli army post in northern Gaza Strip, emergency officials said.
Fighters from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement and the National Resistance Brigades of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) attacked the post in Beit Lahiya town and exchanged fire with Israeli forces, the two groups said in a joint statement.
Hamas, Jihad delegation in Egypt for truce talks
By Xinhua
Cairo : A delegation from the Palestinian Hamas and Islamic Jihad movements arrived Thursday in Egypt for talks on the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian official MENA news agency reported.
Upon arrival at Rafah crossing linking Egypt and Gaza, the Palestinian team began talks with Egyptian officials on the security situation along the Egypt-Gaza border following Israel's recent military actions in Gaza.
The talks dwelt on how to reach a truce with Israel in order to protect innocent Palestinians in Gaza, said the report.
10 killed in fresh Libyan clashes
Benghazi: At least 10 people were killed Wednesday in violent street clashes between the Libyan army and armed Islamic groups in different parts of...
Turkey to defend historical tomb in Syria
Ankara : Turkish President Abdullah Gul Sunday vowed to protect the Suleyman Shah Tomb in Syria if it comes under attack, a media report...
Pakistan salutes its own Mohammad Rafi
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistanis paid rich tributes on the 16th death anniversary of legendary playback singer Masood Rana, who was widely known as "Pakistani Rafi".
Fifteen British soldiers killed in Afghanistan this year
By IRNA,
London : Two more British troops have been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan, bringing the total UK deaths so far this year to 15, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in London announced Monday.
The latest deaths bring the total number of British fatalities to 152 since launching operations to overthrow the Taleban regime in 2001 and come after another soldier was killed over the weekend while on foot patrol.
The MoD said the latest pair, who have yet to be named, died travelling in an off-road armoured Jackal vehicle in Garmsir district in southern Helmand on Sunday.
Australia to send 300 additional troops to Iraq
Canberra : Australia will send an additional 300 troops to Iraq to train specialist Iraqi soldiers in the fight against Islamic State (IS) militants,...
Nations assure Afghanistan of support for peace with Taliban
By NNN-Xinhua,
Kabul : Several nations have assured Afghanistan of their support for its peace plan to end Taliban insurgency.
A statement issued Thursday by Afghanistan's Presidential Palace said Afghan President Hamid Karzai Wednesday met with Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and discussed on Afghanistan's peace process.
Karzai informed the Saudi king of his government's efforts for reconciliation with the Taliban, requested the king "to guide the Afghan government on its talks with the insurgent group."
US troops kill nine Al Qaeda members in Iraq
By DPA
Baghdad : The US military in Iraq killed nine suspected members of the Al Qaeda terrorist network, while 24 people were detained, US statements and reports said Friday.
US forces killed four suspects Thursday during an operation targeting Al Qaeda in Muqdadiyah city, some 100 km northeast of Iraq's capital Baghdad, according to a US military statement.
In similar operations in the northern city of Mosul and near Lake Hamrin, five terrorist suspects were killed and 17 others were arrested.
Pakistan and US at odds on Obama’s war policy
By Sajjad Malik,DPA,
Islamabad : President Barack Obama's policy on Afghanistan and Pakistan, with its focus on eliminating militant hideouts in Pakistan's mountainous tribal border regions, has failed to win over many policymakers in Islamabad.
Sharp differences between the two key allies have surfaced since Obama unveiled the strategy March 27 and, contrary to the past, the Pakistani side is not keeping the disagreements secret.
Will Zia boycott Hasina’s oath-taking ceremony?
By IANS,
Dhaka : Speculation is rife that former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, who was defeated in last week's poll, may boycott the oath-taking ceremony of Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina, in a repeat of what has become a political tradition in the country.
The ostensible reason, media reports said Tuesday, for Zia and her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to stay away from the evening ceremony is that their ally, Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), has not been invited.
Those elected on the nomination of the Zia-led alliance did not take oath as MPs over the last weekend.
Afghanistan situation “very difficult,” says UK minister
By KUNA
London : The situation in Afghanistan is "very difficult," Britains Foreign Office minister Lord Malloch-Brown acknowledged Friday.
Amid growing concerns about resurgent violence and a looming humanitarian crisis, he told BBC radio Britain was taking steps to address the war-ravaged country's problems.
He insisted NATO allies would help President Hamid Karzai maintain his authority despite recent signs of friction with the Afghan government.
Malaysian ‘thief’ turns out to be lover
By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : A youth who "broke into a house" was arrested by police, not for theft, but for sleeping with the house owner's daughter.
According to the Sunday weekly Metro Ahad, residents in Teluk Intan in Perak state saw a teenager getting off his motorcycle behind a house and climbing over the fence.
Suspecting a robbery, residents contacted the police who surrounded the house and ordered the 19-year-old to surrender.
Iran, Syria supporting terrorism: Bush
By DPA,
Washington : US President George W. Bush has singled out Iran and Syria as supporting terrorism and undermining democracy in Lebanon.
"Since the Beirut attack, we and citizens of many countries have suffered more attacks at the hands of Hezbollah and other terrorists, backed by the regimes in Tehran and Damascus, which use terror and violence against innocent civilians," Bush said in statement Thursday.
American tourists kidnapped in Egypt
By IANS,
Cairo : Two American tourists and their Egyptian guide have been kidnapped in Egypt's Sinai peninsula, Xinhua reported.
Iraqi Civilian killed in Baghdad car bombing
By Xinhua
Baghdad : An Iraqi civilian was killed and four others were injured on Monday when a car bomb went off in a neighborhood in the Shiite-dominated Sadr City in eastern Baghdad, an Interior Ministry source said.
"A car bomb parked in the al-Habibbiya neighborhood detonated in the afternoon, killing a civilian and wounding four others," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The blast resulted also in the damage of several nearby shops and civilian cars, the source said.
Pakistan to restore constitution, strengthen all institution – PM
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has categorically stated that the present government will restore the constitution, strengthen all institutions, ensure provincial autonomy and come up to the expectations of people with regard to independence of judiciary and freedom of media.
Clashes leave 16 Taliban militants dead in S Afghanistan
By Xinhua,
Kabul : Clashes between the police and Taliban militants have left over 16 militants dead in the restive southern Afghanistan, the police said on Tuesday.
Abdullah Khan, deputy police chief of Kandahar province, told Xinhua that a group of Taliban rebels ambushed and engaged with the police Monday evening in Panj Wayi district.
"The police returned fire and called for reinforcement," Khan said. "One hour's fighting left five rebels dead but caused no casualties of police."
Bangladesh hopes for good ties with India
Dhaka : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said any problems with neighbouring countries, including India, could be resolved through bilateral talks, media reported.
"I...
Saudi Arabia sentences 18 over terror attacks
Riyadh : A specialised criminal court in Saudi Arabia has sentenced 18 people to varied prison terms for participating in terrorist attacks within the...
Awami League leader revolts, may face action
By IANS,
Dhaka : A senior leader of Bangladesh's ruling Awami League (AL) may face disciplinary action for alleging that many of his colleagues were "paid agents" of the army's intelligence wing.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is also AL chief, is expected to convene a meeting of the party's Central Working Committee and issue a show-cause notice to Mohammed Abdul Jalil, The Daily Star newspaper said Thursday.
Bush expects Iraq security pact
By SPA,
Meseberg, Germany : U.S. President George W. Bush said on Wednesday he expects to seal a security pact with Iraq but added there were no plans for permanent U.S. bases there.
"I think we'll end up with a strategic agreement with Iraq, " Bush said at a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, according to a report of Reuters.
He called media reports that there were plans to build permanent U.S. bases in Iraq "erroneous", adding there was "all kinds of noise" about the issue in the United States and Iraq.
Pakistani Army backs government’s initiatives in tribal areas
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistani Army fully backs the newly-elected government's peace initiatives in the restive tribal areas in the north, a senior officer has said.
"The army is a part of the government and is fully on board in the peace process now under way in the tribal areas and Swat," Peshawar Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Muhammad Masood Aslam told reporters Saturday in the North West Frontier Province capital.
The army would seek directions from the government for the resolution of various issues in the conflict-hit areas, he added.
26 school kids killed in Bangladesh accident
By IANS,
Dhaka : At least 26 school students were killed Monday when a truck carrying them overturned and plunged into a ditch in Bangladesh, officials said.
Gaza violence mounts as talks on a truce with Israel continue
By Xinhua,
Gaza : Violence in the Gaza Strip has mounted on Monday leaving seven people killed and more than ten injured as leaders of Gaza militant groups headed for talks in Egypt on a truce with Israel.
Mo'aweya Hassanein, chief of emergency and ambulance services in the Palestinian health ministry said that seven people were killed, including a mother and four of her children in an Israeli strike on northern Gaza Strip.
Centcom reaches agreement with Russia, CARs over Afghan supply route
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Commander of American Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq General David Petraeus said on Tuesday that the U.S. has reached agreements with Russia and Central Asian states over alternate supplies route for American and NATO forces in Afghanistan.
The American commander arrived in Pakistan after visiting the Central Asian states of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, where, he said, his talks had focused on reaching agreements on new routes for transporting supplies to U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
Senators seek analysis of US aid to Pakistan
By Arun Kumar, IANS
Washington : The Senate Armed Services Committee has sought a report on the effectiveness of US-funded Pakistani operations against an insurgency spreading along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Senators asked Pentagon's top civilian and military officials for further analysis of the military aid during a hearing Wednesday, a day after the top US intelligence official described Pakistan as facing an existential crisis due to a spike in deadly terrorist attacks over the past year.
Explosion in power plant kills 2 in S Afghanistan
By Xinhua
Kabul : A huge explosion Saturday morning hit a power plant in southern Afghan province of Helmand, killing two and injuring eight others, provincial police chief Mohammad Hussian Andiwal said.
"It happened around 9 a.m.(GMT0430) as explosion ripped through the administrative department of power plant in Gereshk district leaving two staffs dead and wounding eight others including six employees," Andiwal told Xinhua.
Arab FMs back initiative on Lebanon, urge Israel to lift Gaza siege
By Xinhua
Cairo : Arab foreign ministers on Sunday reiterated their support for an Arab initiative to resolve the current Lebanese political crisis, and urged Israel to lift the blockade on the Palestinian territory of Gaza Strip.
In a statement issued after an emergency meeting at the Arab League (AL) headquarters in Cairo, Arab foreign ministers stressed their consensus on abiding by the Arab initiative and continuing efforts to implement the Arab plan to resolve the Lebanese political crisis.
Minister of Islamic affairs receives Mufti of Kosovo
By SPA
Riyadh : Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance Sheikh Salih bin Abdulaziz Al Al-sheikh received today at his office here, the General Mufti of Kosovo Sheikh Naeem Tranafa, who is currently visiting The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and reviewed the situation of Muslims in Kosovo Region as well as discussed a number of issues related to the Islamic Call.
Two people killed in Baghdad car bombings
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Two civilians were killed and eight were wounded in two car bomb explosions in Baghdad on Saturday, an Interior Ministry source said.
A booby-trapped car parked near the Nusour Square detonated near a police patrol in the afternoon, killing a civilian and wounding two others, along with damaging several civilian cars, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Special team to probe Pakistan journalist’s killing
By IANS,
Islamabad : A special police team has been formed to probe the killing of Pakistani journalist Musa Khankhel while he was reporting on a peace deal brokered with the Taliban in the restive Swat Valley.
Frontier Police Deputy Inspector General Malakand Shaukat Hayat will supervise the team, formed on the directive of Inspector General of Police Malik Naveed.
Quoting a Frontier Police official, The News said Saturday that the team would collect data on the cellular phone calls made by Khankhel to find out who was in contact with him during the last few hours of his life.
Asylum seekers start second week of hunger strike in UK
By IRNA,
London : Some 30 asylum seekers led by Iraqi Kurds started their second week on hunger strike Saturday at Campsfield House detention centre near Oxford, central England, in protest against being deported back to Iraq.
In a statement, the Iraqi Kurds said they were on hunger strike because they are being treated like criminals, and separated from their families.
Bangladesh ferry toll reaches 22
Dhaka : At least 22 people were killed when a ferry, carrying between 250 to 300 passengers, capsized in a river in Bangladesh Thursday,...
France: Israel Give Palestine Peace
By Prensa Latina
Paris : French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner called for Israel in a recent press statement "to sacrifice" and take the first step to build peace with Palestine..
Kouchner recalled that the Conference of Donors in Paris rose sizable funds to help the future Palestine state but not everything can concentrate on the West Bank.
The FM called to involve Gaza, an indirect reference to the crisis unleashed with the blockade that PM Ehud Olmert declared January 17 to retaliate some Palestinian missiles.
Pakistan tests long-range missile
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistan Monday test-fired a surface-to-surface ballistic missile, said Dawn News.
This is the first training launch of the Hatf-VI, also called Shaheen-II, long-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile, which can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads, according to the report.
The missile has a range of over 2,000 km. The Shaheen-II variant is a ballistic missile, which is the longer-range variant of Shaheen-I missile.
It uses a two-stage solid propellant motor and is Pakistan's largest and most capable ballistic missile.
Dhaka regime working to ‘release’ two former PMs
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's jailed former prime ministers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina have insisted on unconditional release, refusing conditional parole or bail offered by representatives of the interim government during informal talks.
During hospital visits of the two women leaders, ostensibly for medical check-up, the government, which wants the current political dialogue to succeed to prepare for the December elections, sent them feelers and offered packages, media reports said.
Pakistan Bar Council observes black day
Islamabad : The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) is observing black day across the country Thursday to protest against the 21st constitutional amendment establishing the...
Musharraf may meet Shahbaz Sharif in London
By Muhammad Najeeb, IANS
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf and Shahbaz Sharif, leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), are expected to meet in London Monday, according to informed sources, though both the government and the former ruling party denied any plans for such a meeting.
"There is no such meeting on cards and president will be on official and partly on personal visit (to London)," an official of the presidency said.
Hundreds of Gaza activists arrive in Turkey
By DPA,
Istanbul/Tel Aviv : Three planes carrying hundreds of activists who had been detained this week, after trying to break Israel's blockade on the Gaza Strip, arrived in Istanbul Thursday after their release.
They were greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc, other Turkish politicians and hundreds of supporters.
Most of those released were Turks.
A spokesman for Israel's Foreign Ministry had earlier said Israel had deported most of the activists detained in Monday's interception in international waters of six aid ships bound for the Gaza Strip.
IAEA, Iran to hold nuclear talks Monday
By RIA Novosti,
Tehran : A delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is to arrive in Tehran later Monday to continue negotiations on the Islamic country's nuclear programme, according to Iran's permanent representative at the UN nuclear watchdog.
"The IAEA delegation will arrive in Tehran Monday to continue consultations at the expert level, and negotiations will start on the same day," Ali Asghar Soltanieh told reporters in Tehran Sunday.
Powerful blast near Indian embassy, many killed
By IANS,
Kabul : A suicide bomber blew up his explosives-laden car just outside the Indian embassy here Monday killing between seven and 15 people, media reports said quoting the interior ministry.
DPA put the death toll at seven, saying five of the victims died instantly. Russian news agency RIA Novosti said at least 15 people were killed and more than 20 injured in the deafening explosion.
Afghan media reported that at least 15 people were killed or injured in the attack.
Doctors at a hospital said that within minutes 16 injured had been brought to the emergency wing.
200 kg heroin seized in Kazakhstan
By IANS,
By RIA Novosti,
Astana: Nearly 200 kg of heroin has been confiscated on the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border by Kazakh customs officers.