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."

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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

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.

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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

Taliban Killed A Couple For Adultery Caught On Camera

Taliban gunmen have been filmed executing a surprised couple whom they repeatedly shot for the alleged crime of adultery.

This News published by www.apakistannews.com

Karachi violence claims 27 lives

KARACHI: At least twenty seven persons were killed and several injured while dozens of vehicles were set on fire in various areas of the metropolitan on Wednesday.

The violence erupted in Surjani, Khawaja Ajmer Nagri, Zarina Colony, Al-Falah Market, Drig Road, Gulistan-e-Johar and Cantt areas.

One person Jumma Khan was killed in Surjani town while another unidentified person was also shot dead in Khawaja Ajmer Nagri during a cross fire between two groups. The bodies were shifted to Abbassi Shaheed Hospital.

The area was tensed as miscreants set ablaze at least nine vehicles including two passenger coaches in Khawaja Ajmer Nagri.

An official of Khawaja Ahmer Nagri said that Sindh Rangers have arrived in the area to control the law and order. He said firing was still continued between the two groups in the area as Rangers was trying to clear the area.

Two people were killed and four injured in Al-Falah Market of Haidri area when unknown armed men opened indiscriminant fire.

Taking notice of the Karachi violence, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has summoned an immediate report on Karachi violence, while governor Sindh Dr. Ishrat Ul-Ibad has issued strict orders to the law-enforcement agencies to tackle the miscreant elements of the city.

This News published by www.thearynews.com

46 militants killed in Lower Dir operation

DIR: Security forces killed at least 46 militants in a ground and air operation against Taliban in the troubled Lower Dir on Monday, the military said.

After a stiff encounter with the militants, the security forces have regained the control of Lal Qila and flushed out the militants from Maidan valley, district Lower Dir.

According to security sources, reportedly 46 militants were killed in last two days operation including their important commanders Maulana Shahid and Qari Quraish. The operation has been code named as "Toar Tander-I"

Before start of this operation by security forces, District Lower Dir was in a state of lawlessness. Militants were constantly attacking the security forces and government official and had closed the roads for movement of government and FC convoys.

The militants were involved in the killing of DPO Dir along with other policemen, ex District Nazim Alam Zeb and killing of 11 kids with toy bomb.

They were also abducting law abiding citizens at will and asking for huge ransom to their advantage.

In this backdrop, on the request of provincial government and people of Dir Frontier Corps NWFP launched operation Toar Trander-I on April 26.

On the first day of the operation three major encounters were carried out by FC with militants between Islamdarah and lal Qila. The final encounter was at Lal Qila and surrounding areas in which Maulana Shahid and his associates were engaged and overcome.

The militants used heavy weapons including mortars, snipers and PRG-7. Security forces were supported by Armour, Artillery and Aviation.Troops of the Frontier Corps fought with courage and caused immense damage to the militants. On April 27 search and cordon operation were conducted in Maidan Valley.

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Lashkari Raisani to quit Senate and Party office

QUETTA: Senator Nawabzada Lashkari Raisani, the provincial president of PPP, has decided to quit the party’s provincial leadership and the membership of Senate due to differences with the leadership on its Balochistan policy. According to ARY OneWorld Correspondent in Quetta, Lashkari Raisani had expressed reservations with the party leadership over some government matters and was in talks with the leadership for last two months. The party failed to satisfy his reservations and he has decided to resign as the member of Senate and as the president of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Baliochistan. He will tender resignation to the party in coming two days, sources said. According to the sources Lashkari Raisani has played key role in organizing the party in Balochistan.


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5 Killed in Okara Fighting

LAHORE: Five persons were killed in exchange of fire between two groups in Okara on Monday morning.

At least 20 persons were wounded in the shooting, five of which said to be in a critical state. The injured and dead bodies were being transferred to local hospital. Police have reached in the area to control the situation.

Security High Alert in Islamabad, Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: Interior ministry, following the suicide attack on Chakwal Imambargah, has issued orders to security forces in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to be high alert for 24 hours till further orders and to provide additional security for mosques, imambargahs, worship places and religious congregations.

Directives have been given to police and law-enforcing agencies in a circular, received by Rawalpindi regional police officer and Islamabad police, to high alert for 24 hours to control the alw and order situation and overcome the current wave of terrorism.

They have been asked to ensure checking of vehicles and suspect persons on the interior and exterior routes and monitor through security cameras at important places, buildings, roundabouts, bus stands, airports, railway stations while give additional security during the hours of worship in mosques, imambargahs and other worship places.

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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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