SCP four new judges take oath

ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP)’s four new judges have taken oath here today. Justice Zahid Hussain, Justice Ghulam Rabbani, Justice Sair Ali and Justice Mahmood Akhtar Shahid are included among the new SCP judges taking oath. Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry administered the oath in a simple oath-taking ceremony held here. The number of Supreme Court judges rose to 28, following the new judges having taken oath. ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP)’s four new judges have taken oath here today. Justice Zahid Hussain, Justice Ghulam Rabbani, Justice Sair Ali and Justice Mahmood Akhtar Shahid are included among the new SCP judges taking oath. Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry administered the oath in a simple oath-taking ceremony held here. The number of Supreme Court judges rose to 28, following the new judges having taken oath.

Pak may get $6 bln in donor pledges: WB

WASHINGTON: The World Bank said Monday that Pakistan was expected to get pledges of aid of between four and six billion dollars at a donors conference in Tokyo this week. "We are still making efforts, we think this is possible," Isabel Guerrero, the bank's vice president for South Asia, told reporters when asked whether such an aid projection could be met at the talks Friday to be co-hosted by the development lender and Japan. The meeting comes after US President Barack Obama unveiled a sweeping new strategy to turn around the Afghan war and defeat Islamist militants in Pakistan, which Washington has put at the heart of the fight against Al-Qaeda. Guerrero said 27 countries and 16 organizations would attend the conference, with most delegations to be led at minister-level. President Asif Ali Zardari is scheduled to head Pakistan's delegation. Pakistan voiced hope Monday that the donors conference would endorse a four-billion-dollar aid package to stabilize the battered economy and fight against Islamist militancy. Guerrero said a "Friends of Pakistan" meeting on political and security issues would be held before the donors conference on development assistance on the same day. "There could be pledges there as well," she said. Hajime Hayashi, a senior Japanese embassy official, said the Pakistan government was under "heavy pressure" and "it is naturally very important for the international community to provide fresh pledges to provide financial assistance." "There are some strong positive signs of their fresh pledges from these countries and participants," he said. "We very much hope a good result" will emerge from the talks, he said. Pakistan's finance ministry chief Shaukat Tarin said this week in Islamabad that his country, a frontline state and a key ally in the US-led "war on terror," has paid a heavy price in dealing with extremist violence in the country's troubled northwest, where it borders Afghanistan. Military operations against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants have displaced around 300,000 people and the government wants to help them in their rehabilitation, he said. Tarin said Pakistan had drafted a nine-point agenda that will be shared with the donor countries, which includes support for the needy, alongside training and employment opportunities to help people escape poverty. Pakistan would like donors to finance energy projects to overcome a crippling power shortage and the government wants to increase spending on health, education and infrastructure through public-private partnership.

Cross border infiltration expected to rise before polls: Army Chief

NEW DELHI: Indian Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor on Tuesday said that infiltration attempts from across the border were expected to rise substantially before the General Elections, but added that the armed forces were ready to counter any attack. Gen Kapoor told media in New Delhi that the Army was aware the ‘other side’ was planning infiltration in the run-up to polls. In view of the threat, a three-tier defence system has been put in place on the Line of Control (LoC), the Army Chief added. Commenting on the perceived threat from Taliban militants, Gen Kapoor stated that the security forces were prepared to deal with those extremists also. He also spoke about reports of female terrorists being readied across the border for carrying out terror activities in India.

KSE on Tokyo conf. spurred breaching 8000 marks

KARACHI: Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) investors today for the second day reveled and rejoiced in an environment of high hopes and optimism on the Tokyo conference likely committing $6 billion of aids from friends of Pakistan and locally President’s signing of the Swat accord, pouring cold water on the simmering political upheaval in the country, which saw the KSE-100 index breaching the psychological barriers of 8000. Sources said that trading today in the market seen brisk and buoyant, as the index in the first few hours of trading jumped up by 132 points breaching the psychological barriers of 8000 marks. Yesterday the index gaining 225 points had climbed beyond 7800 points and at one point of time it was seen to have achieved even 7900 marks.

Massager Abdul Rauf appointed after ICC approval: PCB

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that the appointment of massager Abdul Rauf has been made after the termination of the agreement with the ICL and the approval from the ICC.

Abdul Rauf, who was working as massager for Lahore Badshah in the Indian Cricket League, has left with the Pakistan cricket team for the United Arab Emirates.

Spokesman of the Pakistan Cricket Board said that Abdul Rauf had signed an agreement with the ICL for a period of one year which has expired. He had also submitted an NOC to the PCB in this regard and later the board after bringing it to the notice of the ICC has appointed Abdul Rauf as massager of the Pakistan cricket team.

The spokesman said that the ICC law regarding the ban on players and officials attached with the unapproved cricket leagues would be enforced from June 1.

FO summons acting Indian High Commissioner

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday summoned acting Indian High Commissioner Manpreet Vohra over Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s statement about possible Taliban attacks during Indian elections. According to the foreign office, Pakistan has taken serious note of Indian PM’s statement and asked India to provide Pakistan with any concrete information about terrorism. The foreign office said Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Pak yet to receive evidence of arrested persons from Britain: Malik

ISLAMABAD: Interior Advisor Rehman Malik Saturday said British government has not provided any evidence regarding arrest of the Pakistanis and that Pakistan has sought details in this connection. Addressing an emergency press conference here, Rehman Malik said if British government has any concrete evidence against the arrested Pakistanis then Pakistan government will also investigate into this matter. The Advisor said Pakistan has taken notice at the highest level of Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh’s statement regarding Taliban threat during upcoming elections in India. He said if India has any intelligence in this regard then the same should be shared with Pakistan. Rehman Malik said some evidences have been collected during investigation into the attacks on Sri Lankan team and Manawan Training Centre. But, he added, no name of any country has come up. He said CCPO Lahore is being questioned as to what led him to give statements of India’s involvement in these attacks. The Advisor said the Swat peace accord has not been scrapped but added that Taliban will have to lay down arms if they want this deal to take effect. “Pakistan government is committed to this agreement but the other party has been violating it since day one,” he told the reporters. He clarified that only judicial officers will head the court and not any ‘Maulana’.

British police get more time to quiz terror suspects

LONDON: British police were on Saturday granted a further seven days to question 11 men arrested over an alleged Al-Qaeda-driven major terrorist plot, while one was released without charge. Twelve men, among them 11 Pakistani nationals, 10 in Britain on student visas. and a Briton were arrested in raids across northwest England on Wednesday. "The North West Counter Terrorism Unit was last night given warrants for the further detention of 11 men arrested," a Greater Manchester Police spokeswoman said. An 18-year-old arrested in connection with the alleged plot has been released without charge in relation to the anti-terror operation. He is now in the custody of the UK Border Agency, which regulates immigration and can investigate the status of those entering Britain. The men still being held by police are in custody in various locations across Britain. They range in age from 22 to 41, and can be held without charge for up to 28 days. Britain has been on high security alert ever since the July 2005 attacks on the London transport system, which killed 56 people including four suicide bombers.

India beat Pakistan to reach Azlan Shah Hockey final

IPOH, Malaysia: India, after a tough contest with their arch rivals Pakistan, succeeded in qualifying for the final of the Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament here on Saturday. India managed to defeat Pakistan 2-1 through a goal from Sandeep Singh just a few minutes before the end of the match. India were leading the game in the first half 1-0 but in the 50th minute during the second half, Mohammad Saqlain helped Pakistan level the match. However, India took the lead again in the 60th minute and Pakistan could not stop them entering into the final of the tournament. Both goals for India were scored by Sandeep Singh.

‘India, Pakistan, US must tackle al-Qaeda together’

The threat posed by al-Qaeda and its allies can be met only with the joint efforts of arch rivals India and Pakistan, as well as the United States, the top US envoy to the region said on Wednesday. “For the first time since Partition (of the Sub-continent in 1947), India, Pakistan and the United States face a common threat, a common challenge and we have a common task,” US Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke told reporters in New Delhi. “Now that we face a common threat we must work together,” said Holbrooke, who held talks here with senior Indian officials following visits to Pakistan and Afghanistan. But in his joint briefing with Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Holbrooke stressed that Washington had no intention of pushing New Delhi into resuming a peace dialogue with Islamabad. There are also concerns that Pakistan wants a solution to disputed Kashmir as an element of any regional peace efforts, a condition that India rejects. “We did not come here to ask India to do anything. We did not come here with any requests,” Holbrooke said, adding that his only brief was to “inform and consult with” Indian officials. Those comments appeared aimed at addressing Indian concerns that Washington was intent on mediating a rapprochement with Pakistan. “We must work together...The national security of all these countries is clearly at stake,” Holbrooke said. Earlier, both the US leaders met with Indian National Security Adviser MK Narayanan and Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon and discussed the regional situation with special reference to the war on terror. Holbrooke said the challenges would not be easy and regional threats and challenges had to be met with regional responses. He said India was an important power in the region and its role was ‘absolutely critical’ in many positive ways. He condemned Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud, who has recently warned that two suicide bombings would be carried out in Pakistan per week unless the US stopped the missile strikes. “He is a terrible man, a great danger to Pakistan, to Afghanistan. He is as bad as any other actor in a very dangerous region,” he said. He said the purpose of their visit to the region was to hold consultation with ‘regional partners’ what could be done together. He said the use of military power alone to counter terrorism was no longer valid. A civil-military combination was important for stability, peace and good governance. Your comments are welcome.

SC stays Feb 25 order, Shahbaz Sharif restored as CM Punjab

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has stayed its decision of February 25 in which it disqualified Pakistan Muslim League-N President, Mian Shahbaz Sharif to hold the office of chief executive of Punjab province. The five-member bench headed by Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jilani granted a stay to Shahbaz Sharif on a writ filed through Khawaja Haris till the disposal of main petition. The bench also announced that the operation of judgment shall be suspended and the petitioner shall resume the office of Chief Minister of Punjab with immediate effect. The apex court on February 25 disqualified PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shahbaz Sharif from contesting elections and holding public office, a decision which caused widespread protests and flung the country into weeks of political chaos. The government on March 19 filed appeals against the decision and has since reinstated Supreme Court chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry in a package of measures designed to defuse the standoff.

Terrorists storm Police Training Centre Manawan

A band of armed terrorists equipped with sophisticated weapons Monday morning stormed the Police Training Centre, here killing several under-training personnel and causing injuries to scores of the recruits in the exchange of indiscriminate firing. A battalion of elite force commandoes of Punjab Police later joined by troops of Pakistan Rangers supported by helicopters of Pakistan Army Aviation have taken position in the centre and endeavoring to flush out the terrorists from the gory scene. The Commandoes of Pakistan Rangers along with Punjab Police have successfully entered the centre premises from rooftop of the training centre building and started the operation to rescue the marooned personnel besides shooting the terrorists on the spot. People gathered outside the centre were boosting the morale of the operation forces engaged in carrying out the operation against terrorists. Again terror has struck the country – do you think it is time to take a holistic view of the situation? The menace of terror needs to be dealt with iron hands? Else we will continue to suffer at the hands of handful of terrorists and extremists. Your comments are welcome!

President’s address to the joint session of Parliament

President Asif Ali Zardari has recommended lifting of governor’s rule in Punjab. Addressing a joint sitting of the Parliament, President Zardari said: “I recommend lifting of governor-rule in Punjab.” President Zardari has called for constituting a committee of all political parties to propose amendments in the Constitution in light of Charter of Democracy (CoD). "The amendments should be finalized without any further delay," President Zardari said while addressing the joint sitting of parliament. President Zardari said, "We hold the Parliament in the highest esteem. Supremacy of the Parliament has been a dream of our leader, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The Charter of Democracy flows from her belief in the supremacy of the Parliament." He said that about six months ago in his first address to the joint parliament, he had called upon the Parliament, to form an all parties committee, to revisit the 17th amendment and Article 58-2(b). He said the country is passing through a severe economic recession as the global meltdown has badly affected country’s economy. The president vowed to root out terrorism and extremism. The president said an investment of 30 billion dollars had been planned in the power sector up to year 2016. He said the government had inherited power shortage of around 3,500 Megawatts. The President said the sources of funding of 8 billion dollars Basha Dam had been identified, and its construction would start in about a year’s time. He appreciated the way in which the government had taken the challenge head on, adding that private sector had been encouraged to come forward. President Zardari said a number of IPPs and rental power projects were being set up, and said some of them would be re-commissioned this year and relieve the burden. He mentioned that the construction of 1000 MW Neelum Hydel Project in Azad Kashmir had started. Dear readers – how do you view President’s address, would it strengthen the process of political cohesion and national unity? Will President Zardari’s new approach steer the country out of present crises and lead the country to socio-economic turnaround? Your comments are welcome!

Suicide bombing in Jamrud mosque

A suicide bomber killed at least 50 people when he blew himself up in a crowded mosque near a security check post in Jamrud town of Khyber Agency on Friday. The attack came hours before U.S. President Barack Obama was scheduled to announce a new strategy for the Afghan war, an approach U.S. officials said would also recognise Pakistan as a key part of the conflict. Police, paramilitary forces and government officials were among the congregation in the mosque, about 30 km (20 miles) from the Afghan border. The bomber set off his explosives as a cleric began prayers. "So far we have counted 50 bodies," Tariq Hayat Khan, the top administrator in the Khyber region, told Geo news, adding the toll could rise. Between 250 and 300 people were in the mosque and about 125 wounded had been taken to Sherpao, Lady Reading and other hospitals in Peshawar, he said. There was no claim of responsibility but militants had earlier threatened to blow up the police post next to the mosque, residents of the area said. It is surprising, those who claim that they are doing Jihad and then carry out suicide attacks inside mosques during Friday prayers. Dear readers – do you think these so-called militants are doing any good to Pakistan or Islam? Frustration and anger lurk everywhere in the country. The latest act of suicide bombing is just one manifestation of it. There is also a threat that the situation in the area could grow still more complex. The issues of extremism and terrorism must be tackled head-on. Otherwise we will see only more acts of violence and more unrest in the territory, where there has been far too much violence already for decades adding to the sense of instability we face as a federation. Your comments are welcome!

Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry restored as Chief Justice of Pakistan

The crisis that had the potentiality of turning into catastrophe has been averted. Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry has been re-instated. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani announced reinstatement of the deposed Chief Justice and other judges. “I restore the deposed chief justice and others according to the promise made by me and the President,” Gilani said in a televised address to the nation. The announcement, in light of the directive of President Asif Ali Zardari, met the main demand of the political parties and the lawyers’ community. He said, “A notification to this effect is being issued now.” He said Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry would replace Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar, who retires on March 21. Gilani pledged to “continue the politics of reconciliation.” The deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was removed from service by former President Pervez Musharraf on March 9, 2007, sparking a wave of protest that led to his resignation from his office on August 18, 2008. The crisis that had the potentiality of turning into catastrophe has been averted. Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry has been re-instated. However, to put things in its correct perspective, it must be said that the combined efforts of the lawyers, the elite citizens, the media, the political parties of various denominations and most importantly, the solidarity exhibited by the nation, has achieved the improbable. A new beginning has been made. It is time to review and revise our national policies to insure that we no longer continue stumbling down a path of decline. The system is fundamentally flawed and it requires the combined efforts of all branches of govt. and the people of all walks to focus their attention to fix the problem at the earliest. The convergence of nation into a missionary zeal must be kept alive. Having accomplished the first priority they should now focus their attention towards national reconstruction, consolidation and growth. All parochial and provincial notions must be jettisoned and it is time for national unity and ironing out of shallow and superficial differences. Your comments on this historic development are welcome!

Scuffles and arrests ahead of lawyers’ long march

Overnight large-scale raids and arrests across the country continue unabated for thwarting the impending lawyers’ long march and sit-in in the federal capital on March 16. Scores of political workers and lawyers have been arrested. The government of Punjab has clamped section 144 in the province including Lahore, while it has been decided to deploy Pakistan Rangers in major cities and towns. Lists of political activists and lawyers have been prepared and their houses are being raided for arrests. Major political parties have asked their activists to reach Islamabad for staging sit-in on the constitution avenue. Many leaders of PML-N, PTI, JI and other political parties have gone underground on tip-off of the crackdown. Does the government's decision to clamp down on the march by outlawing protests and conducting mass arrests -- rather than allow the protest to be conducted -- underscore its skittishness? What would happen if the country goes into turmoil, would the government be able to stop lawyers’ long march? Will the long march bring about any political change in Pakistan?

Cricketers shot in 'terror attack' on Sri Lankan team

Seven people including five policemen were killed and six Sri Lankan cricketers were injured in a shooting attack in Lahore. Sri Lankan tour has been called off after the terrible incident. According to sources, unknown attackers opened fire on Sri Lankan cricket team bus near Liberty Market. Intense trade of fire occurred between police and unknown attackers. CCPO Lahore Habibur Rehman said there were 12 attackers carrying rocket launchers; hand grenade, Kalashnikovs and Mousers who reportedly reached the site in rickshaws. Seven people including five cops were killed in the shooting. Former cricket players have expressed their sadness over the incident and termed it a severe blow to Pakistan cricket. Despite several security warnings, it was Sri Lankan team who visited Pakistan. Now it seems that game of cricket will not add to our grounds for a longer period of time. Dear readers, your comments are welcome – what implications could this incident have on Pakistan cricket? who could be behind this cowardly act?

SC disqualifies Sharif brothers

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has disqualified former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif, who heads the country's largest opposition party Pakistan Muslim League (N), and his brother, Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif from contesting elections. The three-member Bench of Supreme Court, headed by Justice Musa K. Laghari, has disposed off Sharif brothers’ electoral eligibility case by declaring them ineligible in its two-line short verdict. Shahbaz Sharif under this verdict has lost his seat in the provincial assembly and being no longer member of the Punjab House, he is no more Punjab chief minister, as SC has annulled the earlier notification about his being chief minister. The Attorney General of Pakistan, Latif Khosa giving his arguments said that Punjab chief secretary and speaker were not the party in the case. Attorney General said that all the judges have taken oaths under the constitution and talking about the oath of the interim constitution was irrelevant. He said that Nawaz Sharif’s proposer and seconder could become parties in the case if the court permits them and their becoming parties was not necessary. He further said that it was the discretion of the judge to withdraw from the Bench and no one could direct him to pull out. Dear readers - we welcome your comments - what far-reaching implications the Supreme Court’s verdict could have on national politics? What could be the future strategy of Sharif brothers after the verdict? What could be the reaction of PML (N) workers over the decision? Will the verdict cause any political chaos in the country and now what would be the future of lawyers’ long march and sit-in?

Kites in the sky?

The remarks by the Punjab governor, at a book-launching ceremony, that he will indeed celebrate Basant, is certain to add to the debate currently raging in Lahore. Salmaan Taseer stressed that it was the fundamentalist lobby that had campaigned against Basant and that it was 'time to decide' what kind of society we wanted. The remarks will encourage those who hold that the event is an integral part of Punjab's culture. Among these are the traders who sell kites and the thousands involved in manufacturing them. The issue of whether or not the colourful festival of Basant was to be marked this spring cropped up again recently in the Punjab Assembly. Responding to remarks that the event was 'un-Islamic' the law minister had given an assurance that the kite-flying fiesta would not go ahead. He had cited the incidents of injuries and deaths caused by sharp twine as the reason for this. The gory incidents we saw regularly, resulting in a ban being slapped on Basant some two years ago with a provision that the government could lift this for two weeks each spring, were undoubtedly distressing. The tragedies caused by razor-sharp twine have left dozens of families devastated. But one must ask if a ban is the right answer to the problem. Kite-flying has been a part of Lahore's cultural tradition for centuries; the pastime is one of the few shared by the rich and poor alike; it offered joy and a source of entertainment opening up a window of light in an often claustrophobic environment and it presented to the world, quite literally, a brighter side of Pakistan as kites in all hues flickered across skies, swooping and diving gracefully. In our present situation, any event that can bring in tourists or enliven lives surely needs to be encouraged. The focus should be on making kite-flying safe, by banning metallic twine or string coated with chemicals that can cut instantly through flesh. It may be possible to establish kite-flying zones in open spaces or restrict it in the most congested areas. The fact is that kite flying continues in Indian cities like Ahmedabad, where Basant remains a huge event. We need to examine how this is possible, why there is no controversy there over deaths caused by the sport and to make every possible effort to keep alive a tradition that brought joy to the lives of millions. We welcome your comments!

Shariah in Swat

The NWFP government has abolished all “un-Islamic” laws in the Malakand division and put security forces engaged in the military operation in Swat in reactive mode after reaching an understanding about the enforcement of Nizam-e-Adl Regulation in seven districts of the Malakand division and Kohistan district of the Hazara division. The Maulana Fazlullah-led militants in Swat had announced a 10-day ceasefire after Maulana Sufi Muhammad, his father-in-law and chief of the defunct Tehrik Nifaz Shariat-e-Muhammad agreed with the government on the contents of Nizam-e-Adl Regulation. Sufi Muhammad has promised the government to convince Maulana Fazlullah and his fighters to lay down arms after the promulgation of Nizam-e-Adl Regulation. Maulana Sufi along with his hundreds of thousands of activists has reached the troubled valley of Swat – Local people have expressed hope that this development would bring durable peace and stability in Swat. Your comments on this important development are welcome – also suggest further steps the government should take to ensure lasting peace in other tribal areas.

Dr A. Q. Khan set free after five years of house detention

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has declared renowned nuclear scientist Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan “a free citizen” while disposing of his quo warranto writ petition. As per the decision in this case, the interior ministry has offered terms and conditions for providing security to Dr. A. Q. Khan with due state protection that has been accepted by the counsel for the petitioner, Barrister Ali Zafar. The hearing of the case was conducted in chamber, and the court thereafter issued a detailed judgment. A section of the judgment was provided to the press while the other section was declared secret. Speaking on the grounds of his villa, the nuclear scientist said, “This has happened because of the keen interest taken by the president and the prime minister, and especially Interior Adviser Rehman Malik, who looked into the case and reviewed it.” After the IHC judgment, a smiling Dr. Qadeer emerged from his house in the federal capital and addressed reporters face-to-face for the first time since 2004. Dr. Qadeer hailed the order as a “good judgment”. “It’s a matter of joy. The judgment, by the grace of Allah, is good,” he told reporters. “It is because of this judgment that I am speaking to you,” said the 72-year-old scientist, who has been treated for prostate cancer. How do you view the verdict of IHC considering prevailing political situation in the country and world sensitivity over nuclear non-proliferation issue? Your comments are welcome!

Tourism industry hits the skids in NWFP

The most lucrative of the tourist destinations – Swat – lies in ruins and is inaccessible to all but those inside armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and the small businesses that feed into the tourist industry are all but wiped out. The grimmer in Swat has badly affected the tourism industry in the whole of NWFP– foreign as well as domestic tourists have stopped touring beautiful lush-green valleys of the province. Though law and order situation in Galyaat, Kaghan, Dir and Chitral remains normal yet terror has become a nightmare for tourists who prefer not to visit these resorts for vacation. Dear readers, would you second the opinion that under the existing circumstances, we need to target domestic tourism and encourage locals to keep our economy on the move? Another step could be to engage local populace (majority) and provide them with more resources for socio-economic development; it will discourage the militants (minority) and help eradicate terrorism and extremism from these areas. Let us know what can be done to revive the moribund tourism industry in NWFP?

Making Pakistan safe

United States President Barack Obama, in an interview, has said he seeks a stable Pakistan and wants to ensure that insurgency in neighbouring Afghanistan does not affect Pakistan. Mr Obama seems especially concerned about the safety of Pakistan's nuclear weapons. In recent months, scenarios under which Al Qaeda-backed militants seize the weapons have been put forward by various US-based think tanks, and the issue is said also to have been brought up during briefings to top US officials. Now there has been conjecture that freed Guantanamo Bay prisoners could become involved in terrorist action against the US and could intensify efforts to grab nukes. Obama has already announced additional troops for Afghanistan. It is obvious that he sees the Pak-Afghan region as a flashpoint that needs to be more effectively managed. For this, as the president has said, a strong, united and stable Pakistan is important. The question is how such stability can be built. A bill which the US Vice President Joe Biden had helped draft had proposed large-scale development aid for Pakistan rather than only military assistance. That bill has been left on the roadside as dramatic change swept last year across the US. The stability Barack Obama believes Pakistan needs can come only when the abject poverty and social injustice in which extremist thought is rooted is addressed. Pakistan today needs massive investment in education, health and welfare. As part of his bid to usher in a better world and to build peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan, this is a priority Mr Obama needs to keep at the top of his list. Greater security for people in the country would after all work in everyone's interest, aiding in combating the terrorism that threatens people everywhere in the world.

Extremism far and wide

Like a weed that spreads rapidly and kills all that existed before, extremism in its most ugly form has reached out from Swat into other places. Its tentacles now seem to be in the process of wrapping themselves around Quetta – a city that during the colonial age and the decades that immediately followed was known as 'Little London' due to its reputation for lively activity. Today, cafes and restaurants across the city are refusing to serve women. This extraordinary measure was adopted after militants visited the eateries, advising them to exclude women, as eating out with family was not permissible as per Islam. 'Family areas' in some restaurants have since been converted into 'gents only' dining spots. There are also accounts coming in of the harassment of women who do not wear the veil and of threats to the owners of Internet cafes and video shops. It is not Quetta alone that is affected. Over the last year, Peshawar has seen repeated attacks by militants. The writ of the state seems to have receded even from localities in the very heart of the city. Incidents involving extremist violence have taken place in Karachi, Lahore and other cities as well. It seems obvious that the militant 'victory' in Swat has encouraged similar action in other areas. Things there indeed seem to be going from bad to worse. The Taliban have now issued a list of 43 people from Swat, mostly ANP politicians and local notables, who they have deemed 'enemies' and ordered to appear before 'Sharia courts' or else 'face action'. The question is what the authorities are doing to combat this and save a society that stands on the very brink of anarchy. What are the grey areas in government’s policy that need to be addressed so that peace is restored in the country?

Younis Khan replaces Malik as captain

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed star batsman Younis Khan as captain of the national cricket team after Shoaib Malik stepped down from the captaincy after the debacle of the Pakistan team in the recent home series against Sri Lanka. Malik led Pakistan to their worst one-day defeat -- by 234 runs -- in the third and final one-day international in Lahore helping Sri Lanka register an easy win over the host side. The one-sided defeat sparked a furious reaction in the cricket-mad country and the PCB asked the team management to present a report on the reasons of defeat. The sports committee of the Senate also summoned Malik, coach Intikhab Alam and chief selector Abdul Qadir on February 9 to explain the defeat. The 26-year-old Malik was appointed skipper after Pakistan's first round exit from the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies. Younis Khan is one of the most experienced cricketers in Pakistan, having scored 4816 runs from 58 Tests at 49.14 with 15 hundreds. He has also played 181 One-day Internationals, scoring 5306 runs. Younis, who has already captained Pakistan in two Test matches and six ODIs, will take up the role in the two-Test home series against Sri Lanka next month. Dear readers, do you think that Younus Khan is the right choice as captain? Will this change bring about any improvement in the performance of the team? You comments are welcome!

More drone attacks

The first drone attacks under the Obama administration have taken place. Fourteen people were killed in the Waziristan area in the latest bombings. Just days earlier there had been another unusual operation carried out jointly by Pakistan and US forces deep within Pakistani territory, apparently targeting a hideout for militant leaders. For the present then it seems there is no change in policy. The rather optimistic assurance issued a short while ago by the prime minister, that drone attacks would come to an end once Obama took charge of leadership, seems to have come to naught. We all know how much damage, emotional, psychological and physical, the drone attacks have inflicted. Many civilians have died, among them women and children. There has also been a wave of anger over the US incursions, which adds to the hatred already in existence. The Obama administration has pledged to initiate better relations with the Muslim world. It is also in the midst of undertaking a policy review with regard to Pakistan; therefore, we had better come up with a robust strategy to counter the drone attacks. What strategy Pakistan should chalk out in coordination with the new US administration to stop these drone attacks? How the US decision-makers should be persuaded of the drone attacks which have so far caused much damage and contributed to the growth of militancy? Your comments are welcome on this festering issue!

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A new era dawns with Obama Presidency

Amid high expectations of a change in some controversial policies pursued in the last eight years, Barack Hussein Obama assumed power on Tuesday as the first ever African-American of the United States.

Crowds streamed into the U.S. capital, jamming subway cars and packing the National Mall from the Capitol building to the Washington Monument hours before President-elect Barack Obama was to be sworn in.

The 44th US president Barack Obama, in his maiden presidential speech, told the world’s Muslims that his administration would be looking for a ``new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.''

In his inaugural address, Obama also pledged broader engagement in the world. Saying the people of the world should know that America is a friend of all who seek ``a future of peace and dignity,'' Obama vowed that the U.S. is "ready to lead once more.''


We would welcome your comments/opinion about Obama’s speech. What impact will his policies have on global politics? Do you think that ongoing war on terror could decide the future course of U.S. foreign policy? Will Obama presidency bring any ray of hope for Kashmiri people?

NA approves committee to implement CoD

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly has unanimously approved a resolution to form a committee for implementation of Charter of Democracy(CoD). Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said nation and political forces should be unite to resolve issues. Addressing in National Assembly session, Premier Gilani said we will ensure the supremacy of parliament, will restore constitution of1973 in its original form and eliminate amendments made during dictatorship. He congratulated the parliament and nation on restoration of judges and fulfillment of promise of implementation of (CoD). Charter of Democracy is an important document after 73’s constitution that was signed by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and Mian Nawaz Sharif. Prime minister said 17th amendment and 58 2(B) will be eliminated soon. We will present such a bill in which accountability should not be reflected as revenge, he added.

Maulana Sufi Muhammad- Govt. delegation talks underway

SWAT: The government delegation and the defunct Tahrik Nifaz-e-Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM) chief Maulana Sufi Muhammad holding talks at Amandra Bakhela here. Sources said that the government delegation comprising of ANP leader Afrasiab Khatak, NWFP Information Minister, Iftikhar Hussain arriving here holding closed-door talks with Maulana Sufi Muhammad. Sources said that Malakand Division commissioner, Muhammad Javed and Swat DCO, Khushhal Khan also participating in the talks. It may be recalled that the defunct TNSM chief Maulana Sufi Muhammad yesterday winding up his peace camp had quit Swat.

Kallis, De Villiers steer South Africa to triumph

CAPE TOWN: Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers shared a century partnership to set up a comfortable 25-run win for South Africa in the third one-day international against Australia at Newlands on Thursday. Kallis (70) and De Villiers (80) laid the foundation for a South African total of 289 for six, putting on 114 off 131 balls for the third wicket. Australia made a reasonable start, reaching 66 for one before their innings stalled against the slow bowling of Johan Botha and Roelof van der Merwe. They slumped to 114 for five and were effectively out of the game with less than 20 overs remaining. But Callum Ferguson (63) and James Hopes (63 not out) gave their innings respectability with a sixth wicket stand of 97 before Australia finished with 264 for seven. The win gave South Africa a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, which continues in Port Elizabeth on Monday. Kallis was solid in making his 70 off 87 balls before a powerful pull off Brett Geeves picked out Hopes at midwicket. De Villiers batted with flair but had some luck with three edged boundaries just wide of the wicketkeeper as he made his 80 off 87 balls before he fell to Johnson in the first over of the final power play. South Africa had only scored 233 after 45 overs at the end of their power play but some powerful hitting by Albie Morkel and Mark Boucher enabled them to add 56 in the last five overs. Smith ended a streak of seven successive losing tosses against opposite number Ricky Ponting. He had no hesitation in batting on a ground where the side batting second under lights has often struggled. Fast bowler Mitchell Johnson was outstanding for Australia, taking four for 34 in his ten overs. Usually it has been the seam bowlers have done the damage but this time it was the spinners who undid Australia. Off-spinner Botha ended a promising innings of 20 by Ponting before left-armer Van der Merwe took the wickets of Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey in one over. Van der Merwe, in his second one-day international, took three for 37. Part-time off-spinner Duminy had David Hussey caught at long-on as Australia's hopes were effectively extinguished. Ferguson, playing in only his seventh one-day international, made his third half-century and his second in successive matches. He scored his 63 off 68 balls before he was caught at wide mid-off to give Van der Merwe his third wicket. Hopes equalled his career-highest score, making his unbeaten 63 off 60 balls. A floodlight failure when Australia were on 194 for five after 43 overs delayed play by 22 minutes but South Africa were not to be denied.

Football team back home after playing AFC Challenge Qualifying Round

KARACHI: Pakistan football team returned home on Friday after taking part in the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifying Round. The national team will now tour England in June or July. The Pakistan football team has been undefeated in the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifying Round played in Sri Lanka, winning one and drawing two matches. Secretary Pakistan Football Federation Ahmed Yar Khan said that the performance of the national team was quite satisfactory. The team will now tour England where three matches will be played against local clubs in June or July.

Camp for series against Australia begins tomorrow

LAHORE: A three-day training camp for the Pakistan cricket team, in preparation for the series against Australia in the UAE, will begin tomorrow in Lahore. The 15-man Pakistan team will go through the three-day training at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore. Coach of the national team Intikhab Alam said that the series against Australia is not easy and therefore the players would impart full training in a short duration of the camp. The team would practice in two sessions. The Pakistan team will leave for Dubai in the morning of April 13 and after practicing there it will play a practice match against Pakistan ‘A’ at the Dubai Sports stadium. The players of the Pakistan ‘A’ team will not participate in the training camp at the Gaddafi Stadium and they will directly proceed to Dubai along with the national team.

Victorious Indian team warmly received in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Indian team, who has won a Test series in New Zealand after 41 years, was warmly received by hundreds of cricket lovers on returning here on Thursday. The team, led by Mahinder Singh Dhoni, was accorded a warm welcome on arriving here at the Indira Gandhi International Airport after winning a Test series for the first time in 41 years. Strict security arrangements were made at the airport where people in a large number were present to encourage their national cricket team. Star batsman Sachin Tendulkar said while talking with media that the victory in the land of Kiwis is a great achievement for India.

Bajwa optimistic about team’s performance in future

LAHORE: Secretary Pakistan Hockey Federation and manager Pakistan team participating in the Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament, Asif Bajwa said that though he is disappointed for Pakistan’s defeat in two matches but expects a brilliant performance from the national team in the coming days. Talking with Amjad Aziz Malik of Geo News, Asif Bajwa said that the national team consists of young players who have displayed the best performance on their level. However, the shortcomings in their game would be overcome in the Asia Cup. Replying to a question, he said that senior players would be available to the national team in the Asia Cup and they would play an important role in the victories of Pakistan. Asif Bajwa expressed hope that the young players would be proved a valuable asset for the national hockey team in future.

All Pakistan Senior Squash Championship begins in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: All Pakistan Senior Squash Championship has begun here on Thursday in which 40 players from all over the country are participating. The All Pakistan Senior Squash Championship will continue for four days at the hashim Khan Squash Complex in Peshawar where 40 players including Pakistan’s top squash players Aamer Atlas, Farhan and Mansoor Zaman will take part in the championship. On the opening day, Aurangzeb of Punjab, Adil Atlas, Khalid Atlas, Alamzeb, Waqas Mahboob, Riaz Hussain and Sajid Khan of NWFP and Abbas Ali of Police achieved success.

3rd ODI between South Africa and Australia today

CAPE TOWN: The third One-day International between South Africa and Australia will be played here today. The five-match series has so far been leveled 1-1 as the first two matches proved one-sided as South Africa and Australia both have won one match each. Australia easily won the first match and hosts South Africa did not find any difficulty to win the second match of the series. Australia will get back their number one position if they win today’s match. Fast bowler Makhaya Ntini and batsman Hashim Amla are likely to be included in the South Africa’s team. Both players were dropped in the second One-day International.

Azlan Shah Hockey: Pakistan to play Egypt today

IPOH: Pakistan will play against Egypt in their third match of the Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament here today. Pakistan’s performance has so far been disappointing as they were defeated in their both previous matches in the tournament. In their first match, Pakistan were beaten by Malaysia while in the second match they were defeated by New Zealand. Pakistan team manager Asif Bajwa said that the national team would perform better in the third match and it would not repeat the mistakes which caused defeat in their first two matches.

Chelsea beat Liverpool to reach Champions League semis

LIVERPOOL: Chelsea defeated Liverpool 3-1 in the quarter-finals first leg of the Champions League Football Cup here on Wednesday while Barcelona won the match against Bayern Munich 4-0. In the match played at Anfield, Liverpool succeeded in taking lead in only the sixth minute when Fernando Torres netted a goal. However, Branislav Ivanovic leveled the score by making goal for Chelsea in the 39th minute. In the second half, Chelsea dominated the game as Ivanovic scored another goal in the 62nd minute to get Chelsea the lead and just five minutes later Didier Drogba made a goal to strengthen the lead. Thus Chelsea in the end won the match 3-1. The second leg of the quarter-finals will be held on April 14. The match between hosts Barcelona and Bayern Munich was witnessed by a huge crowd of 97,000 spectators. All the four goals were scored in the first half as Messie made two goals while Etto and Henry scored one goal each.

AFC football: Pak-SL match ends in tie

COLOMBO: An important match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka football teams ended in tie in the qualifying round of AFC challenge football cup here on Wednesday. Two teams managed to score two goals each within the two halves of the match. Sri Lankan players shone brilliantly as they had managed to keep Pakistan team silent and succeeded to score one goal in the first half of the match. Pakistan retaliated befittingly in the second half taking one goal lead in the beginning minutes but Lank scored the final goal of the match in 88th minute of match leaving the scoreboard 2-2 and the match ended in tie. Sri Lanka qualified for the final round as they won two out of three matches while Pakistan could only win one match in the challenge cup. National football team will arrive home on April 10.

Balanced team selected to play Australia: Intikhab

LAHORE: Pakistan cricket team coach Intikhab Alam said that a balanced team has been selected for the cricket series against Australia and Pakistan team would fight with great effort to get this series to its credit. Talking with media here on Wednesday, Intikhab Alam said that for preparations of the series to be held in the United Arab Emirates, a three-day training camp would be commenced at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore from Friday and the team would leave for Dubai in the morning of April 13. He said that he along with Aaqib Javed has reviewed the facilities and the wicket at the Dubai Sports City ground and he is much satisfied. Intikhab Alam said that Shoaib Akhtar has returned in the team after proving his fitness and his comeback is very good for the team. He said that a balanced team has been selected for the series against Australia and if the ICL players get clearance it would benefit Pakistan.

Spectators interest in IPL continues despite shifting to SA

CAPE TOWN: The interest of spectators in the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues despite its shifting to South Africa. Chairman IPL Lalit Modi has claimed that the tickets of the initial matches were sold out in just two hours. Talking with media here on Wednesday, Moddi said that he assures the spectators that they would get the opportunity to watch the best cricket in the IPL matches. He said that like the first edition of the IPL, great entertainment is being provided this time, too. Lalit Modi said that thousands of tickets were arranged for the IPL’s initial matches and all were sold out in just two hours which reflects how much enthusiasm of the spectators found in the IPL. Meanwhile, co-owner of Kings XI Punjab and renowned film actress Preity Zinta said that the same players who play against each other would play together and would remain together. Spectators would get much entertainment and she believes the IPL this time would be more interesting than earlier.

CPI during July-March CFS increased by 22.97 pc

KARACHI: Consumer price index (CPI) during July-March current fiscal year (CFS) increased by 22.97 percent, while in the same period last year it was 9.47 percent. Federal Bureau of Statistics released data said that the CPI rate increase in the country in March 2009 as compared to the March last year worked out to over 19.07 percent, while during July-March current fiscal year sensitive index rate increased by 27.64 percent and wholesale index by 23.07 percent. CPI in March as compared to February 2009 increased by 1.37 percent, sensitive index by 0.64 percent and wholesale index by 0.42 percent. Previous month, 16 items including onion, tomato, sugar, fruit, bakery items and chicken prices recorded increase, while the prices of 12 items decreased.

IDB weighs $500m sukuk

SARAJEVO: Islamic Development Bank (IDB) said it planned a $500 million Islamic bonds, or sukuk, issue to finance its 2009 financing program, the first sukuk issue this year in a tightening industry. "We are planning to go ahead with the issue in the next few months," the bank's Chairman Ahmed Mohammed Ali told media after inaugurating a business center. Ali said the new sukuk would help finance a 15 percent increase in the IDB's financing program for 2009. Globally, the value of sukuk issued in 2008 fell more than 56 percent to $14.9 billion from 2007. Most industry experts have held out little hope for a recovery in the sukuk market this year, as the global economy struggles to avoid a prolonged recession.

Oil higher in Asian trade

SINGAPORE: Oil prices were higher in Asian trade Thursday, pushed up by a smaller-than-expected rise in US crude reserves, analysts said. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for May delivery gained 1.48 dollars to 50.86 dollars. Brent North Sea crude for May delivery advanced 1.50 dollars to 53.09 dollars.