Cannot shift forces from Indian border: Zardari

WASHINGTON: President Asif Ali Zardari has said Friday he was unable to provide details on the US aid sought for Pakistan during the regime of former President Pervez Musharraf as he was imprisoned during those days.

In an interview with a US newspaper, Zardari said “I have no details on the US aids extended to Pakistan in course of former president Musharraf’s regime because I was detained behind the bars”.

“Half of our army is deployed on Indo-Pak Eastern boarder and we cannot move army from there for their deployment on Western border”, President asserted maintaining, “We have pressed US for our long demand of Drone planes as our military’s offensive against countering insurgency could become rather effective if backed by unmanned war planes”.

US administrated have been demanded of Coalition Support Fund (CSF) for framing of a UN’s peace army-like system, he added.

Zardari was in Washington for talks Wednesday with US President Barack Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai on stepping up the fight against extremists seen as a growing threat in both countries.

President also said Islamabad has shifted an unspecified number of troops from its border with India to fight against the Taliban, largely holed up in Pakistan's porous western border region with Afghanistan.

"We have already done so," Zardari said when asked why Pakistan would not move troops from the eastern front.

He renewed his pledge to work for better relations with India, with which Pakistan has fought three full-fledged wars since the two countries' separation at birth in 1947.

"I've always considered India a neighbor which we want to improve our relationship with," Zardari said. "We've had some cold times and we've had some hot times with them, but democracies are always trying to improve relationships."

This news published by www.apakistannews.com

Sexy Mallika's a 'pure soul'

If apsara Menaka could seduce sage Vishvamitra, then our Bollywood seductress Mallika Sherawat too could distract a ‘mutt’ful of Mallika Sherawat sadhus!


But that was not why Shreemad Jagadguru Shankaracharya Shree Shree Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swamiji, the 36th pontiff of Shree Ramachandrapura Mutt, sent a special invitation to the actress to visit his ashram in Karnataka.

The sizzling actress, who has apparently been approached to play a celibate yogini who bonds with Jesus Christ during his journey to India in Australian director Drew Heriot’s The Aquarian Gospel, was referred to by the mutt’s guru as one with “a pure soul”. And in her honour, he organised special pujas by a number of high priests from Kerala and Mangalore. The mutt was even decorated with 600 lotus flowers.

Her ‘purity’ apart, Mallika has another connection with Karnataka and that’s not a “myth” — she shot for Jackie Chan’s film The Myth in Hampi in which she played an Indian princess.

Mallika, of course, couldn’t turn down the Shankaracharya’s request and flew down from LA where she was busy with post-production of her film Hisss. After the pujas, Mallika with her bare hands dug up the land where Brahmachari Lord Hanuman’s largest monument — over 15 stories — will be built.

After the Shankaracharya showed the hottie his kindness, it was Mallika’s turn to show her generosity. She invited him to the US. If the pontiff accepts her invitation, he would be the first Shankaracharya in the history of the mutt to have travelled to the US.

Mallika is completely in awe of the Shankaracharya. “After having spent most of my time recently in the US, it was a great honour for me to make a special trip back to India to meet the Shankaracharya. In a very special way it reconnected me to my Hindu roots. The experience was truly one of the best ones of my life and I will never forget it,” said the Menaka, oops, Mallika of Bollywood.

This news published by www.timesofindia.com

Pakistan army called in to eliminate terrorists: PM Gilani

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani Thursday said the armed forces have been called in to eliminate the terrorists in Swat and Malakand Division.

In a televised address to the nation, the Prime Minister also said that one billion rupees have been provided for the rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons.

He announced employment will be provided to one member of a family which has lost any of its member at the hands of terrorists.

The Prime Minister said the above decisions were taken after holding consultations with the political parties and other stakeholders.

He said although the government adopted the path of talks and negotiations to resolve Swat issue the terrorist elements continued to challenge the writ of the government.

“We went ahead and implemented Nizam-e-Adl Regulation in the Malakand Division in line with the long standing demand of the locals,” he said and added that later President Asif Ali Zardari also signed the NAR.

However, he said, all these steps failed to bring about peace in the region as terrorists kept targeting the set ups of paramilitary forces and other security personnel.

“This situation required taking of some decisive steps,” the Premier said.

He appealed to the nation to stand united and extend its complete cooperation to the government in the fight scourge of terrorism.

This news published by www.geo.tv

Suicide Attack Afghanistan 12 civilians Killed

KABUL: A suicide attack in a busy Afghan bazaar killed 12 civilians Thursday, while hundreds of people angrily protested against the reported deaths of scores of villagers in US-led strikes on insurgents.

The suicide blast, similar to the trademark tactics of Taliban militants, struck the southern province of Helmand after US Secretary of State Robert Gates toured the region to oversee preparations for troop reinforcements.

Police said two foreign soldiers in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force were also wounded in the blast in the district of Girishk. ISAF confirmed the suicide blast but not the casualties.

"A suicide attacker on motorcycle detonated his explosives as a foreign forces' convoy was passing through the centre of Girishk district," Helmand government spokesman Daud Ahmadi told French news agecny.

"Twelve of our innocent civilian compatriots were martyred and another 32 civilians, including two policemen, were wounded," he said.

The attack was targeted at a convoy of foreign troops travelling with Afghan forces, he said. Most of the foreign soldiers in Helmand are British.

The Taliban vowed last month to step up attacks on Afghan and foreign troops, who are braced for a tough year in efforts to defeat a growing tide of extremism in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

District police chief Abdul Razeq said two foreign troops were wounded in Thursday's suicide attack.

"The blast took place in a crowded bazaar in the centre of the district, that is why it caused so many casualties," he said.

The Taliban, who were in government between 1996 and 2001, are particularly active in Helmand, where they are said to control several districts and have a hand in a flourishing opium production that funds the insurgency.

Gates, in Afghanistan for the first time since the United States rolled out a new strategy to reverse the flagging war, visited Helmand and the adjoining province of Kandahar on Thursday.

He met military commanders and inspected preparations for a beefed up mission in the south, Afghanistan's main battlefield, that will deploy about an extra 21,000 US soldiers.

Meanwhile, the US military was investigating allegations that dozens of civilians were killed in air strikes against insurgents in the southwest province of Farah overnight Monday-Tuesday.

Afghan police said more than 100 people -- about 70 of them civilians -- were killed in the strikes and ground fighting in Farah's Bala Buluk district, another bastion of insurgents and opium production.

The dead included children and the elderly, they said.

Hundreds of angry men denounced the raids on Thursday, chanting "Death to America" and demanding US soldiers be expelled, witnesses told the news agency.

"People are really angry and they shout 'death to America, death to the invaders,'" said a demonstrator who gave his name only as Abdullah.

Four people were wounded, one from shots apparently fired by police to disperse the crowd, and three when they were trampled, provincial health director Abdul Jabar Sahieq said.

This News published by www.apakistannews.com

Suno na.. Tara does pregnancy PR

Tara Sharma is pregnant, but her hormones and PR machinery is in high overdrive. A mail from the pregnant actress containing her pictures states she is open to endorsements.

She writes, "This is a little random but as I am feeling great and haven't put on any weight except for my baby bump...thanks to my love of exercising and being on the move, a photographer friend took some photos of me pregnant. I thought they may amuse you so am sending you some. ...If you know of any great pregnancy or baby products I could endorse in this state do let me know heehe, most keen to keep working even in these months!"

The to-be-momma is doing well. She says, "We are fine baby included heehe! Just two more months to go before our little one arrives! Just hope it all goes well, get a little nervous at the idea of the actual delivery heehe! But fortunately being in the hands of a great doc, Dr Firoz Soonawala, I hope all will go smoothly! "

On the work front, she adds, "Suno Na, where I play a pregnant woman is releasing soon so I can do authentic publicity for that heehe and then I am completing close ups for Dulha Mil Gaya, where fortunately as my face is the same, it does not affect continuity! Then Mocktale with Rajat, Prab, me, Koel, Tisca and Neel releases soon so looking forward to all that. Unfortunately I had to back out of Karan's film with Rensil as the shoot was delayed and my 8th month would be too late to fly to and shoot in NYC. But they were all so lovely about it so I definitely hope to work with Karan and Rensil in the future...for now of course, Roopak and my priority is our home production heehe...our baby!"

This news published by www.timesofindia.com

Indian Elections Enter Final Stretch

NEW DELHI: Polls opened Thursday in the penultimate round of India's marathon general election, with the two main parties going head to head in a series of key races that could swing the final outcome.

Voting began at 7:00am (0130 GMT) across seven states and the capital New Delhi, with most polling stations scheduled to close at 5:00pm.

Thursday's fourth round sees a straight battle between the ruling Congress party and its main rival, the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata party (BJP), in Delhi and the neighbouring states of Rajasthan and Haryana.

A significant swing in any of these races could have a major impact, with many observers predicting that just a handful of seats could separate the two parties once all the votes are counted.

The five-stage election staggered for reasons of logistics and security began on April 16 and ends on May 13, with the final results expected three days later.

This news published by www.24hrsalert.blogspot.com

Obama links US interests with Pak-Afghan future

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama said Wednesday the leaders of Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari and Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai had renewed their commitment in a three-way summit here at White House to fight extremism threatening all three nations.

"I am pleased that these two men, elected leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan, fully appreciate the seriousness of the threat that we face, and have reaffirmed their commitment to confronting it," Obama said.

Obama said the three nations are cooperating in new ways to fight terrorism and to improve the lives of Pakistanis and Afghans.

The president said the governments must cooperate in fighting insurgents who control parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan and “deny them the space'' to threaten local residents or Americans.

US president said Karzai and Zardari recognize the seriousness of the threat. The US president spoke at the White House, flanked by President Asif Ali Zardari and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, after their three-way summit.

This news published by www.apakistannews.com

Militants attack police station in upper Dir

DIR: Unknown militants have launched attack on the Gandigar police station with heavy weaponry here in upper Dir but no loss of life was reported as the security forces retaliated the attack, Geo news reported early on Thursday.

According to police sources, after the militants ambushed police station, the retaliation from security forces is still underway and both sides have resorted to heavy firing during the clash while sources also confirmed that any loss of life has yet to be reported.

This news published by www.geo.tv

Dia Mirza is frustrated with men

We thought actress Dia Mirza would’ve loved the opportunity to be the sole woman among six handsome, male actors in Acid Factory.

But it wasn’t so smooth and rosy for the girl who thought it to be a pretty frustrating experience sometimes, you know with all the boy-talk and all that. “I used to scream sometimes... Boys can talk a lot, and can be super distracting. They were always discussing the matches, or then car racing, and I used to constantly tell them to shut up and ask them to concentrate on their dialogues,” said Dia, “But I’ve worked with most of them before, and love them all!”

Now Mirza better get used to ‘match talks’, especially since a lot of our Bollywood ladies — like Preity Zinta and Shilpa Shetty — can do some ‘ball talk’ too these days... we of course mean, cricket, fellas! After all it’s the marriage of B-wood to C-world (read: cricket world). So it may just help knowing the ABC of such things, right Dia?

This news published by www.timesofindia.com

Neha doesn't mind being called sexy

If you thought Neha Dhupia was sexy, let us tell you that she just got sexier, and the credit for it all goes to an Egyptian — her trainer,
Neha Dhupia Ahmed, who has been boyfriend Ritwik Bhattacharya’s most “awesome discovery”.


So is Neha learning to walk like an Egyptian these days? “Nah, we stick to gym routines. It’s a mix of spinning, yoga, weights and cardio. I want to be fit, at the same time, I don’t want to be some ‘she-man’, you know with those bulging muscles and all,” Neha laughed.

Currently shooting for Action Replayy with Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Bachchan, Neha describes the experience as “great”. “I’ve worked with Akshay before, he’s a dream co-star; and it just doesn’t get more gorgeous and talented than Ash! There are a host of other releases I’m looking forward to as well — from Raftaar to Pappu Can’t Dance Saala; and De Dhana Dhan to Bollywood Hero,” said Neha.

Being a perfect 10 bod, oughtn’t she shed those clothes and re-do the two-piece? “I got so much flak when I wore a bikini then. Today, when other actresses are doing it, it’s become a rage. The entire two-piece incident slowed down my career. I suddenly had an image to fight,” said Neha, who insists that ‘sexy’ isn’t what ‘sexy’ used to be! “Today ‘sexy’ is more aesthetic and not packaged with sleaze.

Today ‘sexy’ is cool as opposed to being hot. You’ll see me emerge in a swimsuit in one of my forthcoming films... So I’m not shying away from ‘sexy’, but my bikini act will be within my personal space for the time being, and not for celluloid. So if you see me chilling out in Goa, you may just spot me in one.”

This news published by www.timesofindia.com

17.7 percent more revenue received in July-April: FBR

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has collected Rs898.641 billion in 10 months (July-April) of current fiscal year 2008-09, which works out to 17.7 percent more than the same period previous year, however, the Board faces a gigantic task of collecting another Rs350 billion in the remaining two months to meet the target of
Rs1250 billion.

In April alone, the FBR collected Rs83.532 billion. According to provisional figures, collection of direct taxes in the first ten months of the current fiscal year amounted to Rs332 billion, while in the same period previous it stood at Rs284 billion.

Revenue received on account of sales tax during the period under review amounted to Rs358 billion, of which, Rs194 billion received from sales tax locally and Rs164 billion at import stage.

Federal excise duty received in July-April current fiscal year amounted to Rs90 billion and customs duty Rs117 billion.

This news published by www.geo.tv

Zardari dismisses militants’ threats to Pakistan

WASHINGTON: President Asif Ali Zardari has said the Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal are in safe hands and ruled out threats posed by the militants to the nukes of Pakistan as long as the military’s existence.

President Zardari said this during an interview with a US television channel here on Wednesday.

State’s supremo denied the reports over the existence of supporters of Al-Qaeda and Taliban among the ranks of Pakistan army and added, “My life could possibly be under the threats of Taliban but the government of Pakistan is safe and sound.”

“The people of Pakistan have spoken through election opting our democratic government while, at the same time, they have simply rejected Talibanization”, Asif Ali Zardari made clear and maintained; “We have completely uprooted Taliban from Buner and Swat”.

President asked for more US aid to win terror war and excused US offer of sending its troops in Pakistan to curb militancy.

Zardari hinted at formation of peaceful and strengthened ties with new Indian government to be setup after country’s general elections.

Our democratically elected government has left Musharraf’s eight-year long era way behind in terms of reforms, President Asif Ali Zardari added.

This News published by www.thearynews.com

Australia announce squad for T20 World Cup

MELBOURNE: Australia named the following Twenty20 squad on Tuesday for next month's World Cup in England:

Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Nathan Bracken, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Peter Siddle, Andrew Symonds, David Warner, Shane Watson.

Pace bowler Brett Lee and all rounder Shane Watson have been included in Australia's squad for next month's tournament, despite not having bowled at international level since last year.

Lee and Watson are expected to bowl in Australia's Twenty20 match against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.

Lee has not bowled for Australia since the Boxing Day test against South Africa last December after suffering ankle and foot problems.

"Brett Lee is progressing well and will return to international cricket in Thursday's ... game against Pakistan," Andrew Hilditch, head of the selection panel, said in a statement.

"We expect it will take him a few games to regain his rhythm after the extended break, but the medical and coaching staff are very confident Brett will be back to his best for this tournament."

Watson has not bowled since last November due to stress fractures in his back and the 27-year-old has been playing as a specialist batsman only in the one-day series against Pakistan.

"Building up to this selection, Shane Watson has returned to the one-day side and performed extra well with the bat in the series in the UAE," Hilditch added.

"He'll return to bowling in Thursday's game there and adds strength and versatility to the side."

All rounder Andrew Symonds has also been included after a series of off-field incidents resulted in him being ruled out of contention until his behaviour improved.

"At his best Andrew Symonds is one of the best (Twenty20) players in the world.

"In limited opportunities in the UAE he showed ... his ability to win games for Australia."

Explosive opening batsman David Warner has also been named for the June 5-21 tournament to give the team a fast start at the top of the order, Hilditch said.

This news published by www.thearynews.com

Two Children among 11 killed in suicide attack, Peshawar

PESHAWAR , 11 persons including two children were killed in Bara Qadeem area of Peshawar in a suicide attack on a vehicle of Frontier Corps. Nineteen persons were wounded in the Tuesday morning attack.

A suicide bomber rammed an explosives laden vehicle with the Frontier Corps van carrying two children of an official to drop them to school.

The dead and injured were being transferred to a local hospital.

This news published by www.apakistannews.com

No more promises, go after militants: Clinton asks Pak

WASHINGTON: Pakistan is beginning to recognize the severity of the threat posed by an extremist insurgency that is encroaching on major urban areas, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Thursday.

Clinton told a House of Representatives Appropriations subcommittee that the Obama administration is working to convince the Pakistani government that its traditional focus on India as a threat has to shift to the Islamic extremists.

``Changing paradigms and mindsets is not easy, but I do believe there is an increasing awareness of not just the Pakistani government but the Pakistani people that this insurgency coming closer and closer to major cities does pose such a threat,'' the secretary of state said.

On Wednesday, Clinton told another House committee that in her view the Pakistani government is ``basically abdicating to the Taliban and the extremists.''

She said Thursday that the administration's special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard Holbrooke, has had ``painful, specific'' conversations with a wide range of Pakistanis about the need to act more effectively against the insurgents.

``There is a significant opportunity here for us working in collaboration with the Pakistani government to help them get the support they need to make that mindset change and act more vigorously against this threat,'' she said, adding: ``There are no promises. They have to do it.''

One measure of progress in Pakistan, she said, is the extent to which the Pakistani military is shifting its troops from the Indian border to the Afghan border, where the Taliban threat has been expanding.

Clinton was appearing before the appropriations panel that is reviewing the administration's request for $7.1 billion in additional money for the State Department this budget year.

Clinton said that local job creation is a key purpose of the $980million in extra funds the State Department is requesting for its work in Afghanistan.

She told the panel that a main goal is to improve security at the local level in Afghanistan by putting more people to work. And she said the Obama administration believes that many in the Taliban insurgency who are fighting against American and Afghan forces are motivated more by money than by ideology.

This news published by www.geo.tv

All parties have to work together for country’s solidarity: Altaf

LONDON: The MQM quaid Altaf Hussain has said that Talibanization is a conspiracy to break Pakistan and it would be made failed.

He said that all political and religious parties have to push aside their differences and to work together for the consolidarity and defence of the country.

Interior minister Rehman Malik said that we want to give time to peace and not to Taliban, the government would take each and every step for recovering weapons from them.

Talking with media after his meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari in London, MQM quaid Altaf Hussain said that the meeting with the president was very positive and the challenges being faced by the country and all important issues were discussed in the meeting.

He said that Talibanization is a conspiracy to break Pakistan while President Zardari has ensured to overcome the Talibanization.

Altaf Hussain said that the country is passing through a crucial period these days and the people relating to all schools of thought including women and old people have to come forward to save the country.

On this occasion, interior minister Rehman Malik said that Taliban did not surrender arms despite concessions given by the government and the government would severely deal with them for recovering weapons from them.

He said that the government wants to give time to peace but not to Taliban and if the writ of the government is challenged then the extremists would be dealt with force.

Rehman Malik said that the federal government has provided help for the operation against Taliban on the request of the provincial government.

Altaf Hussain said that the country is passing through a crucial period these days and the people relating to all schools of thought including women and old people have to come forward to save the country.

On this occasion, interior minister Rehman Malik said that Taliban did not surrender arms despite concessions given by the government and the government would severely deal with them for recovering weapons from them.

He said that the government wants to give time to peace but not to Taliban and if the writ of the government is challenged then the extremists would be dealt with force.

Rehman Malik said that the federal government has provided help for the operation against Taliban on the request of the provincial government.

This news published by www.geo.tv

Curfew imposed in Swat; Two security men killed

MANGORA: Curfew has been imposed in District Swat from 9 pm to 6 am here on Sunday, ARY OneWorld reported.

According to Swat Media Centre's press release, people have been asked to remain indoors during the curfew hours.

Meanwhile, militants killed two security men in Swat. The security forces have arrested three militants in Mingora and recovered ammunitions and propaganda materials from theirs possession.

On the other hand, At least 80 militants were killed and three soldiers martyred while 21 suicide vehicles, motorcyclists and bombers were eliminated during operation in restive Buner district, said a press release of Inter Service Public Relations on Sunday.

The operation in Buner is progressing smoothly. Consolidation of positions is being carried out today in Daggar Buner and surrounding areas. In Buner operation so far 80 militants have been killed while 3 soldiers embraced shahadat and 8 others were injured, it said, adding that during the operation in Buner, the forces eliminated 21 suicide vehicles, motorcyclists and bombers.

The Security forces Sunday evacuated 20 girls who were trapped in Daggar Girls College while 15 girls have been evacuated in a vehicle to Mardan while 5 girls were evacuated by helicopter to Mardan.

As Daggar civil hospital Buner was short of medicines, therefore, sufficient quantity of medicines have been provided to the hospital for treatment of civil patients.

It said that reportedly militant commander Khalil has been killed in Buner operation. “His real name is Alam Buneri and he was main stream leader of banned organization TTP.”

In Upper Dir district, reportedly militants have released the NLC officials who were kidnapped at Gulabad on April 30, 2009.

In restive Swat district, in gross violation of peace accord militants are involved in various criminal activities threatening the lives of civil population, civil administration as well as security forces personnel. “Today, the militants looted Habib Bank in Chakdar,” it said.

The militants on early Sunday morning exploded a Girls High School at Ningolai, Kabal and it was completely destroyed. Last night at Watakai Chowk in Swat a miscreant (Mechanic) was apprehended who was preparing a vehicle for suicide attack.

Likewise, another suicide vehicle, which was moving to Saidu Sharif Swat was spotted by security force and destroyed the vehicle after exchange of fire.

Three militants were apprehended along with a suicide vehicle in Mingora Swat, it said. Meanwhile, the militants attacked a grid station in main Mingora city and Police Station Rahimabad last night.

Exchange of fire took place between Police and militants which continued till morning.

Last night militants attempted to blow up Chamtalai Bridge in Khawazakhela and the bridge was partially damaged.

Miscreants fired upon security forces at Sambat Ridge and exchange of fire took place in which 4 miscreants were reportedly injured.

Meanwhile, the miscreants abducted TMO Mingora along with his son from Sharifabad. Later on militants released both of them but kept the vehicle.

In Madian, militants fired at security forces that left one soldier martyred. The exchange of fire took place. Three other soldiers in various incidents of exchange of fire with militants were injured in various areas of Swat.

This news published by www.thearynews.com

IGP’s dismissal trivial row, discussed crucial issues: Malik

LONDON: Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said the dismissal matter of Inspector General Sindh police (IGP) is a meager row and we have discussed the rather important issues during meet with the MQM leadership. He said country is undergoing crisis at the moment and the worst threat is growing Talibanization in country.This Malik said during a joint press conference with Quaid Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Altaf Hussain here on Sunday.Interior Minister said we are aware of the enemies of Pakistan and was thankful to MQM for its help and support extended to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to overpower crisis situation.“

No one can take over Islamabad”, Malik made clear adding, “We will not allow anti-social elements to disrupt peace of Karachi at any cost.”He lauded the efforts of Altaf Hussain and ANP president Asfandyar Wali Khan for establishment of peace in Karachi.PM Gilani had termed implementation of Nizam-e-Adl regulation for the maintenance of peace and harmony in Swat but Taliban, despite many warnings, tried to advance into adjoining areas while it is due to the all-out support of the people of Pakistan that we carried out successful army operation in Buner and Dir.He vowed to establish the writ of government across country at all costs and informed media of the joint resolve of both leaders for cooperating in the same wake.On the occasion, Quaid Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Altaf Hussain said the people of Pakistan are moderate, liberal and democratic while Taliban are presenting wrongful picture of Islam.

Addressing a joint press conference with Interior Advisor Rehman Malik here, he said Pakistan is up against internal threats and urged people to play their due role to tackle the problems of the country.“Pakistanis were Muslims in past, they are Muslims today and they will always remain Muslim”, Altaf maintained adding that the worst threat Pakistan is countering is the rise of Taliban in country.He warned Taliban against challenging the writ of government.When asked about commenting on the recent violence erupted in Karachi, Altaf said Taliban are being backed by land and drug mafia in Karachi and accused mafia of killing two MQM activists during Karachi violence incidents.He said police did not take concrete actions against the offenders despite MQM highlighted miscreants involved in Karachi violence so we demanded government of the dismissal of IGP Sindh and CCPO Karachi.

This news published by www.geo.tv

Prime Minister Gilani urges allies to restore Karachi peace

KARACHI: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday urged all the stakeholders of the metropolitan to play their due to in order to forge peace in the city, ARY OneWorld reported.

Addressing a news conference here after chairing a meeting on law and order situation in Karachi, he said the key political parties, Pakistan Peoples Party, Awami National Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement should amicably take measures to restore peace in the city after Wednesday’s violent incidents that claimed 31 lives.

On the occasion he announced RS 5 lakh for each of the deceased and RS 1 lakh for each wounded in Karachi violence.

Earlier, the Prime Minister arrived here from Multan and chaired the meeting to review law-and-order situation in the wake of recent violent incidents.

The Sindh Home Minister briefed the Prime Minister on law and order.

Besides Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, the meeting was also attended by MQM leaders Dr Farooq Sattar and Babar Khan Ghauri and ANP leaders Shahi Syed and Amin Khattak.

I.G. Police Sindh and top officials of other law enforcement agencies were also attending the meeting.

This nwes published by www.Thearynews.com