Notification of judges’ restoration likely to be issued today

ISLAMABAD: The formal notification regarding the reinstatement of the deposed judges of the superior judiciary, including Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, is likely to be issued today.
Federal Law secretary will likely handover the restoration of notification today.
The notification to be issued will reinstate five judges of the Supreme Court: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Javed Iqbal, Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday, Justice Raja Fayyaz Ahmed and Justice Ejaz Ahmed.
Two judges of the Sindh High Court to be reinstated are: Justice Musheer Alam and Justice Maqbool Baqar. One judge of Peshawar High Court to be reinstated is Justice Ejaz Afzal. Two judges of Lahore High Court to be reinstated are: Justice Khawaja Sharif and Justice Ejaz Ahmad.
These Judges had declined to take oath under PCO, promulgated by former military dictator Pervez Musharraf on November 3, 2007 and were made dysfunctional. Federal Secretary for Law and Justice Agha Rafiq while talking to reporters said that the notification about the reinstatement of the deposed judges is being drafted which is likely to be issued Tuesday (today).
He said the law ministry has sent the draft of the notification to judiciary, including Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. The news sparked mass jubilation across the country. The notification to be issued will reinstate five judges of the Supreme Court: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Javed Iqbal, Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday, Justice Raja Fayyaz Ahmed and Justice Ejaz Ahmed.
Two judges of the Sindh High Court to be reinstated are: Justice Musheer Alam and Justice Maqbool Baqar. One judge of Peshawar High Court to be reinstated is Justice Ejaz Afzal. Two judges of Lahore High Court to be reinstated are: Justice Khawaja Sharif and Justice Ejaz Ahmad.
These Judges had declined to take oath under PCO, promulgated by former military dictator Pervez Musharraf on November 3, 2007 and were made dysfunctional. Federal Secretary for Law and Justice Agha Rafiq while talking to reporters said that the notification about the reinstatement of the deposed judges is being drafted which is likely to be issued Tuesday (today).
He said the law ministry has sent the draft of the notification to the Prime Minister Secretariat, adding the prime minister will give an advice to the president for approval. After the approval of the president, the Law Ministry would issue the notification accordingly.
He said the prime minister’s announcement about the restoration of the deposed judges is adequate and nobody should have any doubt about it.
It is pertinent to mention here that after the restoration of five deposed judges of the Supreme Court, the strength of the apex court would come to 25 as compared to the proposed strength of 29. The present strength of Supreme Court judges is 21, including present Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar, who is going to retire on March 21

PML-N to Assist Govt if CoD Applied: Nawaz Sharif

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Nawaz Sharif Monday said that he would fully cooperated with the government if it moved forward implementing the Charter of Democracy.
Talking to newsmen, he lauded Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani’s role in taking the reconciliation process forward saying the PM played very positive role in recent political crises.
Nawaz said Gilani has sought an advise from his party to formulate the mechanism of CoD and said “I will reply him after consultation with my party leadership.”

This news published by www.apakistannews.com

MQM Silver Jubilee Tomorrow

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement will celebrate its silver jubilee on 25th foundation day of the party on March 18 (Wednesday).

The party workers will hold the foundation day gatherings in countrywide celebrations, while the central gathering will be held at Jinnah Ground Azizabad, a party press release said.

MQM Leader Altaf Hussain will address the Azizabad gathering by telephone from London.

This news published by www.apakistannews.com

Advice Sent to Presidency For Judges Restoration

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has sent the advice for reinstatement of deposed judges to President Asif Ali Zardari.

According to sources, the Law Ministry had earlier sent the summary of judges restoration to the Prime Minister.

The notification for restoration of deposed judges including chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry will be issued by today, sources added.

This news published by www.apakistannews.com

Clinton praises restoration of judge in Pakistan

WASHINGTON: Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday that Pakistan's reinstatement of a fired Supreme Court chief justice will allow Islamabad to return its attention to the crucial fight against Taliban and al-Qaida militants operating along the Afghan border.
As part of intense diplomatic efforts over the weekend, Clinton called both U.S.-allied President Asif Ali Zardari and opposition leader Nawaz Sharif.
Zardari had refused to restore the independent-minded judge Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry, prompting threats from Sharif's followers to march on the capital, raising fears of political instability in the nuclear-armed country.
Clinton told reporters that Pakistan's decision was "a first step of what has to be an ongoing reconciliation and compromising of political views that can stabilize civilian democracy and rule of law, both of which are essential to ... preventing extremism and violence from stalking the Pakistani people and the country."
When asked if the political turmoil was distracting Pakistan from the fight against extremists, Clinton said, "I think they understand what's at stake."
The United States, Clinton said after meeting at the State Department with Ireland's foreign minister, will continue to work closely with Pakistan. She said the consultations were part of "an ongoing effort to make our services available and to help the Pakistanis fight against our common enemies."
Sensitive to the perception that U.S. pressure had forced Zardari's hand, Clinton was careful to say that the "Pakistanis themselves resolved the difficulties" — without any U.S. threat or demand.
Earlier, a senior State Department official said that Clinton, in her calls, raised the prospect that U.S. lawmakers could back away from U.S. economic aid for Pakistan because of the turmoil. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to describe a private diplomatic exchange.
Former President Pervez Musharraf sacked Chaudhry in 2007 after he took up cases challenging Musharraf's rule. A subsequent wave of protests helped force the former general from office in 2008.
Zardari had pledged to restore Chaudhry, but he reneged, apparently fearing the judge might examine a deal that gave Zardari and his wife, slain politician Benazir Bhutto, immunity from prosecution over alleged corruption.
Also Monday, militants torched vehicles and supplies meant for U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan — the second such assault in northwest Pakistan in two days.
Rising Taliban attacks have raised doubts about the reliability of critical supply routes through Pakistan, prompting the United States and NATO to seek alternatives.

Alleged Suicide Bomber Among 3 Held in Charsadda

CHARSADDA: Police clamed arresting an alleged suicide bomber including his two associates here on Tuesday, police sources said.

According to police sources, police raided on a house in Qasim Muhall, located in the outskirts of Charsadda and arrested three persons including an alleged suicide bomber Qari Shahid Ali (24), seizing a jacket laden with explosives.

Later, police declared the jacket was a suicide jacket. Meanwhile, police have launched investigation, sources added.

DCO’s Guard Shot Dead in Quetta

QUETTA: Unknown offenders fired two rockets in thesil Awran in Quetta while in another incident of shooting, a guard of DCO was gunned down, police sources said.

According to police sources, unknown militants fired two rockets in tehsil Awaran here which hit a Frontier Corps camp while other targeted DCO house. Besides, militants also opened fire at DCO house killing his guard Haider Khan.

Police retaliated as militants managed to flee in exchange of fire, sources added. Security has been beefed up as police and FC officials have cordoned off the entire area and commenced search operation.

Oil Prices Mixed After OPEC Decision

NEW YORK: World oil prices were mixed Monday after OPEC decided to leave output steady in the face of a deepening global economic crisis.
New York's main futures contract, light sweet crude for April, leapt 1.10 dollars to close at 47.35 dollars a barrel.

The benchmark contract opened more than a dollar lower but firmed throughout the session as the market picked up a whiff of cautious optimism from equities markets.

"Prices not surprisingly went down in response to the OPEC announcement that OPEC was going to leave the quotas unchanged," said Andy Lipow at Lipow Oil Associates.
"But as the day progressed, the stock market continued its rally," he added. US stocks faded late in the day after a four-day rally.

In London, Brent North Sea crude for delivery in April shed 95 cents from Friday's close to settle at 43.98 dollars a barrel.

Finance ministers from the Group of 20 emerging and developed nations vowed coordinated and sustained efforts to help stem a massive financial crisis after a London meeting Saturday.
Oil prices earlier had fallen after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries decided at a meeting Sunday in Vienna to leave members' production quotas unchanged.

Some analysts had speculated that they would once again cut output to shore up prices that have tumbled from record peaks above 147 dollars a barrel last July.

Miliband lauds restoration of judiciary in Pakistan

LONDON: Welcoming Pakistan Government's decision to reinstate Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, Britain on Monday hoped that all political parties would now come together to consolidate democracy and impartial justice in the country.

"I hope that all parties will now quickly come together around a common agenda to consolidate the political steps made and to agree measures that will strengthen democracy and impartial justice in Pakistan," British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said.
He said, "The steps, taken to defuse the political crisis in Pakistan, show real political leadership by all concerned".

"President Asif Ali Zardari's decision to reinstate chief justice Chaudhry, following his announcements in respect of the recent Supreme Court judgment and the Charter of Democracy, and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's subsequent decision to call off the Long March demonstrate that both men are willing to put the interests of Pakistan first."

Miliband said, "There is now a real opportunity for the country to move forward and tackle the pressing challenges it faces particularly the mortal threat posed by violent extremists".
"I look forward to maintaining my close contacts with Pakistan's leaders and to continuing to work with them as they confront these challenges," he said.

"There is no room for political divisiveness at this time, and there will be no understanding of a failure to rally the country together," he added.

Katrina surprises with her long Hindi speech

It was an occasion to celebrate for the unit members of Rajniti. By now everyone is aware of the fact that Katrina Kaif is not too polished with her Hindi diction.

Recently during the shoots in Bhopal, Prakash Jha who is known for his realistic films wanted Katrina to deliver her dialogues, lengthy ones at that, in chaste Hindi. He asked our pretty Kat to learn it by heart.

Katrina plays a politician in the film (which apparently has been inspired by Sonia Gandhi) and her character is required to speak unadulterated Hindi sans an accent.

Mausi says Katrina disappeared for hours. And just before the final take, Jha asked Kat to deliver her dialogues once. To everyone’s surprise the actress delivered her dialogues without a mistake. Jha along with his crew were speechless for a second.

The actress has indeed come a long way!
This news published by www.apakistannews.com

Aishwarya Rai came across her ex lover

when ex lovers meet, fireworks can be heard from distant and if the separated couples are prominent personalities like the Bachchan bahu, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Vivek Oberoi, bombardment are sure to take place. Similar kind of jhatkas has been experienced when Ash came across her ex lover Vivek Oberoi at the Filmfare Awards night.

Ash encountered with Vivek when he was giving bites to the media. In order to avoid Vivek, Ash who was accompanied by hubby Abhishek Bachchan did not step out of their car and both were seen chatting inside the car creating an impression as if she had not seen him.

Though Vivek was busy with his activities, he was aware of the fact that Ash was trying to avoid him. As if he was ignorant of the entire affair, Vivek walked in. Soon after he entered, Ash and Abhi went inside. Vivek did not stay there for long and left the venue soon.

Ash tries to pretend smart but she does not know that there are people smarter than her that follows their every movement.

This news published by www.apakistannews.com

Section 144 imposed in Lahore for three days

LAHORE: Section 144 was imposed in Lahore on Tuesday for three days effective from Wednesday.

The DCO police said that Section 144 was imposed in Lahore for three days under which no protest march or gathering of people at one place would be allowed.

According to sources, the people arrested during this period could be kept under detention for three months.

This news published by http://www.apakistannews.com

Sehwag Shuffles New Zealand in Starts

Hamilton: Virender Sehwag took the attack back to the opposition and took the NZ bowlers to the sword from the word go bringing up India’s 50 in the 8th over. Sehwag also brought up his 50 and set up a solid base with Gambhir for the middle order to follow.

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In the death of the NZ innings, Peter McGlashan went all guns blazing and notched up his half century to up the tempo for New Zealand and put them in a competitive position. He scored 56 off just 32 deliveries and put up a 95 run partnership with Eliott who scored 35 off 27 balls. The duo stepped on the gas and freed their arms to end the NZ innings at 271/5 in 47 overs.

The revised target for India is 281 runs in 47 overs which is just about 6 runs an over.

Rain had played spoilsport again in the fourth ODI at Hamilton and the players had to rush off the field twice. There was no loss of play after the first interruption but after a sudden shower soon after players got back on the ground reduced the game to 47 overs.
Ishant Sharma struck twice in quick succession to put New Zealand on the backfoot after the hosts took off strongly riding on their swashbuckling openers, Ryder and McCullum.

Prior to the onslaught by McGlashan and Eliott, Ishant Sharma had induced an edge off the shoulder of Jacob Oram’s (1) blade and then deceived Martin Guptill (25) with his pace. Guptill was caught by Dinesh Karthik at deep third man.

Zaheer Khan was also rewarded for his brilliant bowling consistently when Brendon McCullum was wrapped on the pads plumb in front of the wickets for 71. He had started off pretty slow but took the charge after setting his eyes in and had pummeled the Indian bowling to all corners of the park.

McCullum’s knock could well be credited to the sloppy effort in the field by the Indian team. He was dropped twice by different fieldsmen but the bowler remained the same - Yuvraj Singh. Dhoni had missed a stumping chance early in the innings and then it was Sehwag who had dropped the batsman off the same bowler. He also took the NZ total past the 150 run mark.

Earlier, after toiling hard for over 19 overs, the Indian team finally got a breakthrough in the form of the explosive Jesse Ryder who was caught by Suresh Raina off Yuvraj Singh. He scored 46.

Soon after that, Ross Taylor perished to Yusuf Pathan when he caught by Rohit Sharma in the deep for 5. Two quick wickets suddenly seem to have put India back in the game after the NZ openers looked like batting India out of the game completely.

New Zealand had got off to a steady start with both their openers Jesse Ryder and Brendon McCullum playing cautiously and aggressively, Ryder in particular. The duo took the team’s total past the 100 run mark in the 18th over.

The Kiwi skipper had won the toss and decided to give his team a chance to bat for the first time in the ODI series. India have batted first on all the three occasions in the ODI series and India have managed to post big totals on the board.

Teams :

India:V Sehwag, G Gambhir, SK Raina, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, RG Sharma, YK Pathan, P Kumar, Harbhajan Singh, Z Khan, I Sharma

New Zealand: JD Ryder, BB McCullum MJ Guptill, LRPL Taylor, GD Elliott, JDP Oram, PD McGlashan, DL Vettori, KD Mills, EP Thompson, IE O`Brien

Zardari plotting against Kiyani: Reports

In an attempt to save the democracy in Pakistan, reports claim that the Pakistan President, Mr Asif Zardari, plans to bring his choice of generals to top of the Pakistan Army to strengthen his grip on power.

The development, according to sources, follows the Pakistan Army chief, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, asking President Zardari to resolve persistent political crises within days.

Sources revealed that hushed efforts have already begun to push Zardari’s choice of generals to the top. The Presidency, reports suggest, has privately metsome generals who are due to retire soon. At least three uniformed officers have been seen visiting the Presidency at odd hours, like 3 am, and General Headquarters (GHQ) has already been alerted.

One of these three generals has been military secretary to three previous Prime Ministers and this link is said to be the key.

The ruling Pakistan Peoples Party and the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) are engaged in wrangling that could well see another intervention by the Army.

The PPP has, however, offered to resolve its differences with the PML-N, but the main opposition party said it would back a protest this week to press the government to reinstate judges sacked during the 2007 emergency.

( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by APakistanNews.Com.)

Pakistan is Under Threat: Nawaz Shairf

ABBOTABAD: Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader Nawaz Sharif has said Pakistan is under threat and surrounded by danger but the nation has awakened and the people have realized their responsibility.

Addressing a public meeting at Abbotabad, Nawaz said the people of Pakistan are suffering from poverty and unemployment but President Zardari has been engaged in breaking governments.

The former prime minister before his speech directed the organizers to remove the bullet proof glass from the rostrum.

PML-N workers chanted slogans when Nawaz Sharif entered in the ground to address the party meeting.

This news published by Blog.apakistannews.com

Govt put top leaders under house arrest amid sec 144 in Punjab

Lahore: The government decided to place key politicians and lawyers under house arrest in the wake of Long March and sit-in.

Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif, former chief minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Amir Jamat-e-Islami Qazi Hussain Ahmed and Tehrik-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan would be reportedly kept under house arrest.

A crackdown against the leadership of lawyers and PML-N is also likely in Punjab as Rangers is ready in the province and the government is finalizing its strategy to successfully tackle the agitation by holding emergency meetings.

Earlier, section 144 has been imposed in many districts of Punjab including Lahore banning public meetings and rallies for one month in the wake of upcoming layer’s Long March and sit-in in Islamabad.

District Nazim Lahore Mian Amir Mehmood said the decision was “indispensable” as the government wanted public security and safeguard of their properties owing to the likely agitation in the province.

The section will be effective from Wednesday, March 11.

It has also been imposed in Shaikhupura, Faisal Abad, Okara, Pak Patan, Hafiz Abad, Nankana Sahib, Gujrat and other districts of the province.

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