Alleged suicide bomber arrested in Lahore

LAHORE: An alleged suicide bomber has been arrested in Lahore while a jacket used for carrying out suicide blast has been recovered from his possession.

The alleged bomber has said that two of his accomplices have also entered the city.

After this development, security has been beefed up across the city and the police has been alerted.

World Cup talks break down, says PCB

LONDON: Talks over Pakistan's right to host matches in the 2011 cricket World Cup in Asia have broken down, the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Saturday. "The PCB sought the support of its fellow Asian co-hosts for matches to be played under the aegis of the PCB in a safe neutral venue," the PCB said in a statement here. "Despite the fact that these discussions had been helpfully and constructively brokered by the International Cricket Council president David Morgan and vice president Sharad Pawar, no progress was made. "This will mean that organizational issues surrounding the 2011 World Cup remain unresolved and that the legal proceedings the PCB has brought against the ICC in Dubai and in Lahore will continue," the statement added. The PCB's response came after a meeting of officials from the four co-hosts -- India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh -- here at Lord's on the sidelines of the World Twenty20 tournament. Pakistan had served legal notices on the ICC after being stripped of hosting rights in the wake of the militant attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore on March 3 and the deteriorating security situation in the volatile nation. The ICC had clarified earlier this week that while Pakistan were removed as a host location, the country remained a co-host and expected a final decision soon. The International Cricket Council (ICC) said it is nearing an agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over plans for the 2011 World Cup. Pakistan were due to co-host the tournament, along with India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, but the 14 matches scheduled to be played there will be played elsewhere. This decision came following the attack on the Sri Lankan side in November 2008, after which the ICC banned the PCB from hosting any matches until the security situation in the country was more stable. Pakistan lost the right to host the Champions trophy following the incident but will receive revenue from the tournament which will now be held in South Africa. A similar arrangement could be arrived at with regards to the 14 scheduled World Cup fixtures, which could be spread between the three other host nations with revenues then being handed to the PCB. ICC president David Morgan said talks between the governing bodies had gone well and expected a recommendation about where the matches could be hosted to be announced soon. "I am pleased we have made progress on this matter," he commented. "We believe we have come up with that means [on where the matches originally scheduled to take place in Pakistan can be held] now, through the meeting of the host countries, and if they are able to produce a recommendation when they meet on Saturday then that can be tabled for consideration by the ICC's commercial board next Thursday."

Ms. Bhutto’s birthday to be celebrated in befitting manner Sunday

NAUNDERO: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has decided to celebrate 56th birthday of its slain chairperson and former prime minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed in a befitting manner on Sunday, 21st June 2009 in Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto and her ancestral residence - Bhutto House, Naundero. According to a program, floral wreaths will be laid on her grave in Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto at 8.30am in the morning by the PPP leaders followed by Quran Khuwani at 9:0am. Blood will be donated at 10:0am by the leaders and workers of the party and Langar will be distributed at 12:0am at her final resting place in Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto. Tilawat from Quraan & Naat will be recited in the evening on the same day at 6.30pm at President Camp House, Naundero, followed by research papers to be read out by the known scholars of the country at 7:0am which will then be followed by poetry by renowned poets of the Pakistan at 8:0pm. In the last, speeches will be delivered by the central &provincial leadership of the party from four provinces of Pakistan. Due to security reasons the participation of the co-chairperson PPP and President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari has not so far beenannounced but party sources told PPI that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah will arrive here to participate in the birthday celebrations along with his cabinet members and other party leaders.

No let up in price hike; power tariff to rise 17% from July 1

ISLAMABAD: The withdrawal Rs65 billion subsidy on electricity announced in the federal budget is likely increase the power tariff by 17 per cent from July 1. According to the figures released by WAPDA, Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) is facing a deficit of Rs400 billion. The report sent to the government by PEPCO prior to the announcement of the budget said the power tariff was kept frozen during the 5-year term of former prime minister Shaukat Aziz while the subsidy has been completely withdrawn in phases. The report says that electricity will be expensive by 17 per cent from July 1, 2009. The per unit rate for domestic consumers will surge to Rs7.50, commercial Rs13 and for industrial consumers Rs11. WAPDA is likely to receive revenue of Rs125 billion from the hike in electricity rates. This will help reduce PEPCO’s deficit besides clearing the arrears of IPPs, PEPCO officials said. Gas tariff has been eased only by Rs24 per MMBTU instead of Rs90 and this rate will be effective from July. However, the Federations and Chambers have rejected it, announcing protest against it from July.

Obama urges Iran to 'stop all violent and unjust actions

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama on Saturday called on Iran's government to "stop all violent and unjust actions against its own people," the White House said amid swelling post-election tensions in the Islamic republic. "We call on the Iranian government to stop all violent and unjust actions against its own people," Obama said in a statement as he ramped up the tone of official Washington reaction to the violent unrest playing out in Tehran and other Iranian cities. "The Iranian government must understand that the world is watching. We mourn each and every innocent life that is lost," he added.

Thirty-three rebels killed in Afghanistan

KANDAHAR: Afghan authorities on Saturday said 33 militants were killed in an air strike and other operations in the insurgency-hit southern province of Helmand. Twenty-six Taliban were killed in an air strike conducted by foreign forces near the town of Lashkar Gah late Friday, said Daud Ahmadi, a spokesman for the local administration there. "A group of Taliban were targeted from the air by coalition forces. Twenty-six enemy fighters were killed in that strike," Ahmadi told a foreign news agency. He said the rebels left their dead comrades behind as they fled the scene. The US-led coalition denied involvement in the incident while NATO's International Security Assistance Force could not immediately provide information. General Sher Mohammad Zazai, the commander of the Afghan army for southern Afghanistan, said seven other rebels were killed elsewhere in Helmand the same day. The general said the rebels were killed during operations recently launched across southern Afghanistan to push back the militants from their strongholds ahead of presidential polls in August. The Taliban are trying to topple the US-backed administration of President Hamid Karzai and oust the foreign forces from Afghanistan. Taliban rebels have also increased their activities, staging guerrilla-style attacks which mainly include roadside bombs and hit-and-ran ambushes.

Forces kill 38 terrorists in last 24 hours: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: The security forces killed at least 38 terrorists and apprehended six others during the last 24 hours. While, six soldiers including an officer embraced Shahadat; 17 soldiers including a Junior Commissioned Officer were injured in Malakand and South Waziristan Agency. According to a press release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces successfully secured Kotlai, Chungai, Zara Khela and commenced operation towards Dagai. During exchange of fire with terrorists, a security forces personnel was injured. Terrorists ambushed security forces vehicle at road Udigram- Akhun Kalle, resultantly 3 soldiers embraced Shahadat seven soldiers were injured. Terrorists fire raided at Shahdand Banda, Devolai and Totan Banda, resultantly three soldiers were injured. Six terrorists were killed in exchange of fire with Security Forces. Security forces commenced clearance operation from Malakand to Thana. A soldier embraced shahadat during exchange of fire with terrorists. Security forces carried out search operation around Peochar, during exchange of fire with terrorists, three terrorists including brother of local terrorists commander Yousaf were apprehended. A complex of 4 tunnels was also destroyed. Security forces cleared villages Swat areas of Babu (2 km north of Biladram), Shakardarra, while 3 terrorists were apprehended and three IEDs were also neutralized. Clearance operation by Security Forces progressing well at Sakhara, Kharakai, Wanai and Lilbant. In Dir area, local elders Jirgas held a meeting with Security Forces on security situation of the area and expressed their support for the Government and Security Forces. Security forces cleared area around Bajaur Agency village Asghar. The forces party was ambushed at Hilal Khel, during heavy exchange of fire with terrorists, an officer Major Afzal and another soldier embraced shahadat and six soldiers were injured. Terrorists had blocked the road between Tanai to Sarwaki in South Waziristan Agency. Road opening and road clearance operations are being conducted from Tanai to Sarwaki. 32 terrorists were killed in Sarwaki in retaliatory fire by Security Forces. The security personnel continued the rescue and relief activities today. All the roads in Mingora city and Takhtaband by pass have been repaired for two way traffic by Army Engineers. Damage was caused to roads by terrorists. Malakand-Mingora road has also been repaired. Sui Gas repair work in city and surrounding villages has been completed except Kabbal and Rahimabad. 500 lines of PTCL exchange are fully functional.

Mousavi renews call to revoke election result

TEHRAN: Defeated Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi renewed on Saturday his call to cancel the result of last week's disputed election, his campaign website said. In a letter to electoral watchdog, the Guardians Council, Mousavi said: "All these counts of irregularities plus many others that were mentioned in previous letters ... are reasons to cancel the election nationwide." The letter was released on his campaign website, Ghalam News. Mousavi cited several "irregularities" that were committed in the election, the letter said. Some of them were "sealing of ballot boxes before the voting in most polling stations, shortage of ballot papers and limited voting time," the letter said. His latest protest comes a day after Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ruled out fraud in the poll which saw incumbent hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad emerging victorious. Siding with Ahmadinejad in his first public appearance since the vote, Khamenei said: "The people have chosen whom they wanted." Khamenei said there could be no doubting Ahmadinejad's re-election. "The legal mechanisms in our country do not allow cheating. How can one cheat with a margin of 11 million votes?" he asked. Mousavi has repeatedly demanded a re-run of the poll, denouncing the election as a "shameful fraud."

Balochistan announces Rs74.247 bln deficit budget

QUETTA: The PPP-led Balochistan coalition government on Saturday presented Rs 74.247 billion tax-free budget with an overall deficit of Rs 8.332 billion for the fiscal year 2009-10. “The budget envisages development programme of Rs 18.536 billion including Rs 5.107 billion of foreign project assistance-FPA and with current budget of Rs 53.081 billion,” provincial finance minister Asim Kurd Gailu said in his speech while presenting the second annual budget of the coalition government in Balochistan assembly here on Saturday. “Keeping in view burden of common man, our next budget is tax-free,” the finance minister said, adding that total estimated receipts are Rs 59.054 billion out of which Rs 3.645 billion as the province’s own income including Rs 1.132billion as tax while Rs 2.512 non-tax receipts, and Rs 55.408 billion as federal transfers including Rs 12.227 billion direct transfers, Rs 13.975 billion subvention/grants and Rs 29.204 as share in tax. In comparison with the outgoing budget, the total estimated receipts of Rs 59.054 billion of the budget 2009-10 are lesser than the outgoing fiscal budget of Rs 62.38 billion. The deficit in the budget is amounting to Rs 8.832 billion as the deficit budget in outgoing financial year was as Rs 8.80 billion. The finance minister said that the deficit amounting to Rs 8.832 billion would be met from promised grants of Rs 3 billion by the federal government set for budgetary support, Rs 3 billion set for public representative programme-PRP and remaining deficit of Rs 2.332 billion would be met be enhancing province’s own resources. About relief to government servants in the coming fiscal year, Asim Kurd Gailu said that he was pleased to announce ad-hoc relief allowance of 15 per cent of serving government servants and 15 per cent increase in pension of retired servants of Balochistan government from July 1, 2009. Regarding measures which had so far been taken for ending unemployment in Balochistan, he said that the provincial government had created 4212 new posts in various departments during the last one year aimed at reducing unemployment in the province. Referring to financial crunch being faced by the cashed-strapped Balochistan government, the finance minister said that chief minister Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani had evolved two pronged strategy for putting the fledgling economy back on track. These included; initiating reconciliation with annoyed (Baloch) political forces (for improving law and order) and contacting the federal government for conversion of over draft into soft loan. Despite conversion of the over draft into soft loan, Asim Kurd Gailu said that the government was paying Rs 350 million per month to State Bank of Pakistan. Later, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and Adviser on Finance Shaukat Tarin had graciously decided to freeze the over draft for six months up to June, thereafter, it was to be picked up by the federal government as result of efforts which had been made by the provincial government led by Nawab Raisani, he added. The provincial government had put security on high alert during the budget session in and around the assembly, and the assembly secretariat officials had banned issuance of visitors’ passes and issued passes only to journalists affixed their pictures for the first time in the history of the assembly. A large number police, ATF and other law enforcement agencies were deployed around the assembly building during the budget session.

Pakistan, Sri Lanka rise again in World T20 final

LONDON: Pakistan and Sri Lanka will contest the World Twenty20 final at Lord's on Sunday. Pakistan, who beat favourites South Africa by seven runs in Thursday's semi-final, have bounced back in style at this tournament. They will face unbeaten Sri Lanka in the final after their Asian rivals thrashed the West Indies by 57 runs at the Oval on Friday. Despite the events in Lahore, Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said relations between the two sides had remained friendly. "What Lahore really brought home to us was we are just the same as anyone else," he said. Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 19 runs in a Super Eights match earlier at this tournament but Sangakkara said: "We've played Pakistan many times before but in T20 you must take every game in isolation. Different players come into form at different times. "Hopefully, we can put in a good performance and walk away with a trophy." The dangerous Shahid Afridi produced a brilliant all-round display in Pakistan's semi-final triumph, scoring 51 and then taking two wickets for 16 runs with his leg-spinners. "He is a guy who can take the game away in few overs, but we can't just concentrate on him," said Sangakkara. In Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis, Sangakkara has two star spinners of his own although Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal should not be disregarded. "Mendis, the way he's bowled in the middle overs had been a charm," Sangakkara said. "Even Pakistan watch him closely, they know he can get their wickets." Sri Lanka's semi-final victory was built on a brilliant innings from Tillekaratne Dilshan, the leading scorer at the tournament with 317 runs, who carried his bat for 96 not out in a total of 158 for five. Then came a sensational first over in the West Indies' reply, which saw seam bowler Angelo Mathews take three wickets as Xavier Marshall, Lendl Simmons and Dwayne Bravo all played on for ducks. Chris Gayle made 63 not out but none of the West Indies captain's colleagues could stay with the left-handed opener long enough to mount a serious chase as Sri Lanka won with 14 balls to spare. Dilshan decided not to employ the 'Dilscoop' shot where he flicks the ball over the wicket-keeper's head and settled for more orthodox strokes. "Now we've one more match, hopefully I can stay strong. I think I'll keep the paddle for the final," Dilshan explained. Sangakkara, who said he expected something special from veteran batsman Sanath Jayasuriya in the final, added: "I have run out of superlatives for Dilshan. He is a pioneer stroke-maker in Twenty20. "The best thing is that he understands his role and has become very responsible and mature. He has finally understood how good he is." And as for Mathews, the captain said: "It's Mathews's first major international tour and you can't ask for much more than three wickets in the first over. "Now we will take this confidence into the final against Pakistan." Pakistan, who lost by just five runs to arch-rivals India in the inaugural 2007 World Twenty20 final in Johannesburg, are desperate to go one better this time. The dark horses of this tournament, they have justified veteran coach Intikhab Alam's belief that they would be at their best when it mattered most. "We want to make people back home happy," Pakistan captain Younus Khan said. "Winning the title will mean a lot to them and that will inspire us in the final. One more game and the World Cup will be ours." West Indies captain Chris Gayle said: "You couldn't ask for a better final, they are two quality teams."