Nawaz Sharif holds previous govt responsible for present circumstances

ISLAMABAD : Quaid Pakistan Muslim League (N) Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Friday said that negative propaganda was underway against the newly elected government and anti-democratic elements were active in building pressure against them. Talking exclusively to a private news channel he said that prevailing circumstances are the result of previous government’s immature and unsuccessful policies.
Nawaz Sharif said he had been conveying this message to Asif Ali Zardari that the fortune had given them a golden chance to curtail the powers of Presidency and luck never favours a person for life time, so they should encash this opportunity.
He criticised PML-Q President Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain who always seeks a congenial atmosphere to join the government but expressed the resolve that PPP and PML-N would net let negative elements come into power.
Quaid PML-N said they would play their due role for the restoration of judiciary and democracy in the country.

Lawyer community not taken into confidence over constitutional package: Aitzaz

ISLAMABAD : President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan said Friday that the lawyer community was not taken into confidence over the proposed constitutional package. He was talking to media after participating in the meeting of implementation committee constituted by the Pakistan Bar Council for the planned long march by lawyers.
Aitzaz Ahsan said the lawyer community will give its opinion over the package when its contents were known and “we reserve the right to accept or reject it.”
He said processions from Sindh and Balochistan would arrive in Multan on March 10 afor a long march that would start from there the next day and later reach Lahore via Sahiwal and Okara.
Deposed judges, retired judges and lawyer leaders will address District Bar Associations of Sahiwal and Okara.
From Lahore the participants of the long march would leave for the Parliament House in Islamabad by road and processions of lawyer community and civil society beside other segments of the society from NWFP and Azad Kashmir would also the caravan, The SCBA president said.
Regarding visit of deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Cahudhry to Faisalabad on May 24, Aitzaz Ahsan said that participants of that the caravan of Justice Chuadhry would leave from his residence for Faisalabad the same day. The procession will reach Faisalabad via Pindi Bhatian through motorway and Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry will not address to any bar en route to Faisalabad, he said.
lawyers, political workers, students and others would receive the procession of Justice Chaudhry in Faisalabad, he said.
Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Bar Council Haji Syed Rehman said the deposed CJ would also visit Peshawar on May 31. The implementation committee constituted a number of sub-committees for organizing the long march.
Members of the committee including Ali Ahmed Kurd, Rasheed A Rizvi, Hamid Khan and Latif Khan Afridi participated in the meeting held in the library of the Pakistan Bar Council.

President House made no direct contact with PPP on Zardari’s interview: Babar

ISLAMABAD : Spokesman Pakistan Peoples Party Farhatullah Babar Friday said that no direct approach has been made by the President House to seek details of Asif Ali Zardari’s interview to a foreign media organization. In a telephonic interview to a private television channel the PPP Spokesman said, “We have no reaction from the President but have learnt through media reports that the President House has sought details of Asif Ali Zardari’s interview”.

He said the President House cannot ask for details from PPP directly because neither PPP is in contact with them nor it wants to do so.
If they want to get details of the interview as it has been reported in the media they can scrutinize the newspapers which carry the details, he said.
To a question he said the PPP has no working relationship with the President House adding the relationship is rather between the President House and the PPP led coalition government in line with the constitution. To another question he said that news regarding Prime Minister-President meeting was actually floated by sources in President House without disclosing their identity so the details in this regard can be sought from the same source. He said the Prime Minister House has no knowledge about the meeting, its timing and venue.
The desire for such a meeting according to media reports appears to be from the President House so they can better elaborate this he added.

ہم چاہتے ہیں کہ یہ آئینی پیکج اتنا ہی مکمل ہو جتنا کہ انیس سو تہتر کا آئین : آصف زرداری

ایسوسی ایٹڈ پریس سروس ،اسلام آباد
اسلام آباد: پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی کے شریک چیئرمین آصف علی زرداری نے کہا ہے کہ پیپلز پارٹی نے باسٹھ نکاتی آئینی پیکج تیار کرلیا ہے اور جمعہ کو وزیر اعظم کو پیش کیا جا رہا ہے۔ یہ بات انہوں نے سیفما انٹرنیشنل کانفرنس سے خطاب کرتے ہوئے کہی۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ اس مسودے پر بحث زرداری ہاو¿س میں ہوئی ہے اور اس کی کاپی لیکر ہم وزیر اعظم کے پاس جا رہے ہیں۔ انہوں نے مزید کہا کہ اس کی کاپی کابینہ کو اور اتحادی ساتھی میاں نواز شریف کو بھی بھیجیں گے اور پھر اس پر بحث شروع کریں گے۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ ان کی کوشش ہے کہ اس مسودے کو بجٹ سے پہلے پیش کردیا جائے لیکن اگر نہیں ہو سکتا تو بجٹ کے سیشن کے بعد پیش کیا جائے گا۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ وہ نہیں چاہتے کہ جلدی میں اس میں کوئی خامی رہ جائے اور وہ چاہتے ہیں کہ یہ آئینی پیکج اتنا ہی مکمل ہو جتنا کہ انیس سو تہتر کا آئین ہے۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ میڈیا اور عوام کو یہ ذہن میں رکھنا چاہیے کہ حکومت صرف ساٹھ دن کی ہے اور اس کو وقت دیں۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ لوگ پوچھتے ہیں کہ مہنگائی کیوں ہے، بےروزگاری کیوں ہے اور میں اپنے آپ سے پوچھتا ہوں کہ ہمیں ابھی تک جمہوریت کیوں نے ملی۔ ’میں آپ کو یقین دلاتا ہوں کہ جمہوریت ملے گی ہمیں اور مہنگائی کم ہو گی۔‘

Free media cornerstone of democracy: Sherry Rehman

ISLAMABAD : Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman Friday said free media is the cornerstone of democracy and the present PPP-led government fully adheres to this principle. Pakistan Peoples Party has paid a huge price in terms of giving sacrifices for the cause of democracy and freedom of media in the country, she said while addressing the concluding session of a round table conference organized by the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) on “Media Freedom, Laws and Security” here.
The Minister said media criticism is a blessing and every democratic government fully takes advantage of the criticism for improving its performance.
She said after the new government came to power, the first step it took was to do away with black PEMRA laws hindering the freedom of media in the country.
“We would also bring more legislation with the sole aim to facilitate media and provide them an environment where media could flourish. We need to decolonize information and what we need from my friends is collaboration and cooperation as the government is really going to launch a new agenda that has never been done in the past,” she added.

Sherry Rehman addressing at a seminar

ایوان صدر نے آصف زرداری کے حالیہ انٹرویو کا نوٹس لے لیا

اسلام آباد…ایوان صدر نے پیپلز پارٹی کے شریک چیئر مین آصف علی زرداری کی جانب سے بھارتی نیوز ایجنسی کو دیئے گئے انٹرویو میں صدر پرویز مشرف کے بارے میں ریمارکس کا نوٹس لیتے ہوئے پیپلز پارٹی کے ساتھ بیک ڈور رابطے ختم کرنے کا فیصلہ کرلیاہے اور آصف علی زرداری کے انٹرویو کی تمام تفصیلات طلب کرلی ہیں۔ اطلاعات کے مطابق صدر پرویز مشرف اس ضمن میں وہ آج یا کل وزیر اعظم مخدوم یوسف رضا گیلانی سے ملاقات کرکے انہیں اپنے تحفظات سے آگاہ کریں گے۔ذرائع کا یہ بھی کہنا ہے کہ صدر پرویز مشرف کو پیپلز پارٹی کے مجوزہ آئینی پیکیج پر شدید تحفظات ہیں اورصدر پرویز اپنے اختیارات میں کمی کا فیصلہ کسی صورت قبول نہیں کرینگے۔ذرائع کے مطابق صدر پرویز مشرف پی پی کے مجوزہ آئینی پیکیج پر مشاورت کیلئے اپنے آئینی مشیروں کو طلب کرلیا ہے۔

ایوان صدر سے کوئی رابطہ ہے اور نہ ہی رکھنا چاہتے ہیں،فرحت اللہ بابر

اسلام آباد : ذرائع کے مطابق ایوان صدر نے آصف زرداری کے حالیہ انٹرویو کا نوٹس لیتے ہوئے،پیپلز پارٹی سے بیک ڈور رابطے بند کردینے کا فیصلہ کیا ہے پیپلز پارٹی کے ترجمان فرحت اللہ بابر کا کہنا ہے کہ پیپلز پارٹی کا نہ تو ایوان صدر سے کوئی رابطہ ہے اور نہ ہی ان کی پارٹی کوئی رابطہ رکھنا چاہتی ہے۔ جیو نیوز سے گفتگو کرتے ہوئے آصف علی زرداری کا انٹرویو اخبار میں شائع اور ٹی وی پر نشر ہوچکا ہے ۔ایوان صدر تفصیلات لے سکتا ہے۔ایوان صدر پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی سے انٹرویو کی تفصیلات طلب نہیں کرسکتا۔ایک سوال پر انہوں نے کہا کہ صدر پرویز مشرف اور وزیر اعظم کے درمیان ورکنگ ریلیشن شپ آئین کے مطابق ہے،ان کا کہنا تھا کہ صدر پرویز مشرف اور وزیر اعظم مخدوم یوسف رضا گیلانی کے درمیان ملاقات کا صرف ایوان صدر کو ہی معلوم ہوگا۔

بھارت کا کم فاصلے تک مارکرنے والے بیلیسٹک میزائل پرتھوی کا تجربہ

ایک ٹن جوہری و روایتی ہتھیار دوسو پچاس کلومیٹر تک لے جانے کی صلاحیت رکھتا ہے
اڑیسہ ۔ بھارت نے کم فاصلے تک مارکرنے والے بیلیسٹک میزائل پرتھوی کا تجربہ کیا ہے ۔ دفاعی ذرائع کے مطابق تجربہ ریاست اڑیسہ میں چندی پور کے مقام سے کیا گیا۔ زمین سے زمین تک مار کرنے والا پرتھوی بیلیسٹک میزائل دو سو پچاس کلو میٹر تک ہدف کو نشانہ بناسکتا ہے ۔ میزائل ایک ٹن روایتی اور جوہری ہتھیار لے جانے کی صلاحیت رکھتاہے

سرگودھا، فیکٹری مالکان نے نوعمر ملازم کو تیل چھڑک کر زندہ جلادیا

سرگودھا ۔ تھانہ اربن ایریا کے علاقہ میں چوری کے شبہ میں فیکٹری مالکان نے نوعمر لڑکے کو تیل چھڑک کر زندہ جلادیا۔ عدالت کے حکم پر پولیس نے 38روز بعد ملزمان کے خلاف مقدمہ درج کرلیا۔ بتایا گیا ہے کہ تھانہ اربن ایریا کے علاقہ میں واقع سوئچ فیکٹری مالکان مرزا سعید اور آفتاب شکور نے چوری کے الزام میں 12سالہ قیصر کو تشدد کا نشانہ بناتے ہوئے مٹی کا تیل چھڑک کر اسے زندہ جلادیا اور زخمی حالت میں گلی میں پھینک دیا۔ اسے ہسپتال لے جایا گیا مگر وہ زخموں کی تاب نہ لاتے ہوئے دم توڑ گیا۔ بااثر فیکٹری مالکان نے پولیس سے سازباز کرکے قتل کے واقعہ کو اتفاقیہ حادثہ قرار دلوا کر نعش زبردستی دفن کرادی جس پر ورثاء نے ایڈیشنل ڈسٹرکٹ اینڈ سیشن جج سرگودھا ظفر عباس سبزواری کو درخواست دی۔ عدالت کے حکم پر پولیس تھانہ اربن ایریا نے فیکٹری مالکان کے خلاف قتل کا مقدمہ درج کرکے ان کی گرفتاری کیلئے کارووائی شروع کردی ہے

امریکا میں بین الاقوامی کرکٹ ٹورنامنٹ کا آغاز افغان کرکٹ ٹیم پہلی مرتبہ شرکت کر رہی ہے

نیوجرسی ۔ امریکہ کے شہر نیو جرسی میں جمعہ کے روز انٹرنیشنل کرکٹ ٹورنامنٹ شروع ہو گیا ۔ افغان کرکٹ ٹیم پہلی بار کسی کرکٹ ٹورنامنٹ میں شرکت کرے گی انٹرنیشنل کرکٹ کونسل کی ورلڈ لیگ ڈویڑن فائیو ٹورنامنٹ میں افغانستان کی کرکٹ ٹیم کا پہلا میچ جاپان کے خلاف ہے۔افغانستان کی ٹیم کے کوچ تاج ملک نے بی بی سی ریڈیو جرسی سے بات کرتے ہوئے کہا افغانستان میں ہم کرکٹ کو بڑی سنجیدگی سے لیتے ہیں۔ ہم بڑے جوش اور جذبے سے کھیلتے ہیں۔افغانیوں نے یہ کھیل انیس سو اسی کی دہائی میں پاکستان میں سیکھا۔اگر افغان کرکٹ ٹیم نے اچھا کھیل دکھایا تو ان کا سیمی فائنل یا فائنل میں مقابلہ امریکہ سے ہو سکتا ہے۔تاج نے کہا اگر ہمارا مقابلہ امریکہ سے ہوتا ہے تو میرے خیال میں ساری دنیا یہ میچ دیکھے گی۔ لوگ اس میچ کو سیاسی پہلو سے دیکھیں گے۔ ہمیں بہت خوشی ہو گی اگر ہم امریکہ سے جیت جاتے ہیں اور مجھے یقین ہے کہ ہم جیت جائیں گے۔اس نامعلوم ٹورنامنٹ کو شہرت افغان ٹیم کی وجہ سے ملی ہے۔آئی سی سی کے اینڈریو فیچنی کا کہنا ہے افغان ٹیم کی وجہ سے اس ٹورنامنٹ کو بہت توجہ مل رہی ہے۔سابق ٹائمز اخبار کے صحافی ٹم ایلبون کا کہنا ہے یہ پہلا عالمی کرکٹ ٹورنامنٹ ہے جس میں افغان ٹیم حصہ لے رہی ہے اور جس میں جیتنے کی امید بھی ہے۔ٹم افغان ٹیم پر دستاویزی فلم بنا رہے ہیں۔ٹم کا کہنا ہے افغانستان کی فٹبال ٹیم بہت کمزور ہے۔ اس کے علاوہ پانچ کھلاڑی اولمپک میں حصہ لے رہے ہیں اور ان میں سے ایک کے جیتنے کی امید ہے۔ تاہم تمام افغان کرکٹ سے امید لگائے بیٹھے ہیں۔افغانستان کی کرکٹ ٹیم میں اچھے بیٹسمین اور بالر ہیں۔ ان میں سے ایک حامد ہے جو کہ نوے میل فی گھنٹے کی رفتار سے گیند کراتا ہے۔ایلبون نے کہا کہ ان کے پاس سپنرز نہیں ہیں تاہم وہ اپنے تیز بالنگ پرانحصار کر رہے ہیں۔دوسری طرف تاج کے لیے یہ موقع ہے کہ اپنے ملک کو جنگ کی تباہ کاریوں کے علاوہ بھی پیش کر سکیں

ڈاکٹر عبدالقدیر خان کے کراچی جانے کا امکان

اسلام آباد۔ حکومت نے نامور ایٹمی سائنس دان ڈاکٹر عبدالقدیر خان کو بھائی کی عیادت کے لیے کراچی جانے کی اجازت دیدی ہے ۔ اور توقع ہے کہ وہ اگلے دو دن میں کراچی روانہ ہوجائیں گے ۔ ایک نجی ٹی وی نے ذرائع کے حوالے سے خبر دی ہے کہ ڈاکٹر عبدالقدیر خان کو اپنے بھائی عبدالقیوم جو دل کے عارضے میں مبتلا ہیں کی عیادت کے لیے کراچی جانے کی اجازت مل گئی ہے ۔ 2004 ء کے بعد سے پہلی مرتبہ ان کو اپنے کسی عزیز سے ملنے کی اجازت ملی ہے اور ڈاکٹر عبدالقدیر خان ایک دو روز میں کراچی جائیں گے۔

ججوں کی بحالی کے لیے آئینی پیکج ١٠ جون سے پہلے پارلیمنٹ میں پیش کر دیا جائے گا ، یوسف رضاگیلانی

اسلام آباد ۔ وزیراعظم یوسف رضا گیلانی نے کہاہے کہ ججوں کی بحالی کے لیے آئینی پیکج 10 جون سے پہلے پارلیمنٹ میں پیش کر دیا جائے گا ۔ ایک نجی ٹی وی سے گفتگو کرتے ہوئے وزیر اعظم نے کہاکہ صدر پرویز مشرف کی جانب سے جمہوریت کی حمایت کرنے کی بات خوش آئند ہے ۔ انہوں نے کہاکہ دہشت گردی کے خلاف جنگ میں سابق حکومت کی پالیسیوں کو تبدیل کر دیاگیا ہے تاہم دہشت گردوں سے معاہدے نہیں کئے جائیں گے۔ وزیراعظم نے کہا کہ وہ صدر مشرف کی اس بات سے اتفاق رکھتے ہیں کہ پاکستان میں حکومت کرنا مشکل کام ہے ۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ صدر سے اچھے تعلقات ہیں ا ن سے خلوص سے ملاقات کروں گا صدر کے حوالے سے کوئی دباؤ نہیں ہے وزیراعظم یوسف رضا گیلانی نے کہا کہ اس وقت ملک کو متعدد مسائل کا سامنا ہے ۔ ووٹ لینے کے بعد سابق حکومت پر الزام تراشی کا کوئی جواز نہیں ہے ا نہوں نے کہا کہ ججز کی بحالی کی تحریک اعتزاز احسن کی نہیں وکلاء اور پیپلزپارٹی کی ہے ججز کی بحالی کے بعد مسلم لیگ(ن) کے وزراء دوبارہ کابینہ میںآ جائیں گے معزول چیف جسٹس کے لیے جیل اور تھانوں میں گیا معاملہ عدالت میں ہے اس لیے ان سے نہیں ملوں گا۔ وزیراعظم نے ایک سوال کے جواب میں کہا کہ وزیراعظم بننے کے بعد ان کی خاندانی زندگی متاثر ہوئی ہے ۔ حکومت کے پہلے سو دنوں کے بارے میں انہوں نے کہا کہ پہلے سو دنوں کے پروگرام پر جنگی بنیادوں پر کام جاری ہے انہوں نے کہا کہ مری روڈ کو بے نظیر بھٹو شہید کے نام سے منسوب کرنے کی تجویز ہے ۔

ق لیگ آمر کا دست بازو ہے اور آج بھی اسی کی گود میں بیٹھی ہے اس سے پیپلز پارٹی کا اتحاد ممکن نہیں ۔جہانگیر بدر

لاہور۔ پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی کے سیکرٹری جنرل جہانگیر بدر نے کہا ہے کہ پیپلز پارٹی آمر کی دست بازو(ق) لیگ کوحکومت میں شامل کرنے کا سوچ بھی نہیں سکتی۔ قومی ہیرو ڈاکٹر عبدالقدیر خان کو کچھ سہولتیں ملی ہیں عوام مستقبل میں اور بھی بہت کچھ دیکھیں گے۔ صحافیوں سے گفتگو رکرتے ہوئے انہوں نے کہا کہ مسلم لیگ (ق) جنرل (ر) پرویز مشرف کا دست وبازو ہے۔ آمر کی گود میں بیٹھنے والی جماعت سے پیپلز پارٹی کس طرح حکومتی اتحاد کرسکتی ہے۔ پیپلز پارٹی ڈکٹیٹر شپ کو قبول نہیںکرے گی۔ ملک میں اس وقت ٹرانزٹ دور چل رہا ہے۔ ڈکٹیٹر کو بالآخر جانا ہے۔ ہماری بدقسمتی ہے کہ جب بھی کوئی آمر آیا اس نے آئین میں ترامیم کیں جنہیں عدالتوں نے اور کچھ سیاسی جماعتوں نے بھی قبول کیا۔ انہوں نے کہاکہ ڈاکٹر عبدالقدیر خان کو کچھ سہولتیں ملی ہیں جس سے عوام کو حکومت کی نیت کا اندازہ ہوجانا چاہئے۔ انہوں نے کہاکہ اقتدار کے کچھ ہفتوں بعد ہی ڈاکٹر قدیر کیلئے نرمیاں پیدا کردی گئی ہیں۔ انہوں نے کہاکہ حکومت مہنگائی پر قابو نہیں پاسکی جس کی وجہ عالمی منڈی میں تیل کی قیمت میں زبردست اضافہ ہے ۔ جیسے ہی ججوں کا معاملہ حل ہوگا اور حکومت کو کچھ استحکام ملے گا عوام کو ریلیف دیا جائے گا۔ انہوں نے کہاکہ آصف علی زرداری نے ذمہ داری ملنے پر بہترین صلاحیتوں کا مظاہرہ کیا ہے۔ انہوں نے کہاکہ مسلم لیگ (ن) آج بھی ہماری اتحادی ہے اور توقع ہے کہ وہ جلد وفاقی کابینہ میں بھی واپس آجائے گی۔ایک اور سوال کے جواب میں انہوں نے کہاکہ مسلم لیگ (ق) آٹھ سال تک آمر کی گود میں بیٹھی رہی اور اسے 2050ء تک باوردی صدر منتخب کرنے کے دعوے کرتی رہی ہے۔ حقیقت میں (ق) لیگ کسی سیاسی جماعت کا نام نہیں بلکہ یہ آمریت کے مسافروں اور مختلف جماعتوں سے بھاگے ہوئے لوگوں پر مشتمل گروہ ہے۔ اس سوال پر کہ مسلم لیگ (ق) کے بغیر مجوزہ آئینی پیکج کو سینٹ میں کس طرح منظور کروایا جائے گا جہانگیر بدر نے کہا کہ نیلوفر بختیار اور دیگر سینیٹرز نے پہلے ہی وہاں فارورڈ بلاک بنا رکھا ہے ۔ جب آئینی پیکج پیش ہوگا تو بہت سے لوگ فارورڈ بلاک کی شکل میں بھی اس کی حمایت کرسکتے ہیں کیونکہ (ق) لیگ میں لوگوں کو ڈر، خوف اور لالچ کے ذریعے شامل کیا گیا تھا۔ صدر کے مواخذے سے متعلق انہوں نے کہا کہ آئینی پیکج کی منظوری کے بعد آہستہ آہستہ مواخذہ کی نوبت بھی ضرور آئے گی۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ آئینی پیکج کی تیاری کے بعد اسے اتحادی جماعتوں کے سامنے پیش کرنے کے بعد پھر متفقہ طور پر پارلیمنٹ میں لائیں گے کیونکہ ججوں کی بحالی کے مسئلے کے باعث ملک میں ڈیڈ لاک پیدا ہوچکا ہے ۔ اسے حل کرنے کے بعد مہنگائی اور دیگر مسائل کے حل پر بھی توجہ دی جائے گی۔

صدر کے تحفظات سے پچھلا دور یاد آ رہاہے ، جب تک سازشی عناصر موجود ہیں ملک میں استحکام نہیں آئے گا ، نواز شریف

لاہور ۔ مسلم لیگ ( ن ) کے سربراہ میاں نواز شریف نے کہاہے کہ صدر کے تحفظات سے انہیں وہ پچھلا دور یاد آ رہاہے جب صدر وزیر اعظم کو برطرف کرنے اور اسمبلی توڑنے کے لیے گراؤنڈ تیار کیا کرتا تھا ۔ ان خیالات کا اظہار انہوںنے یہاں ایک نجی ٹی وی سے گفتگو کرتے ہوئے کیا ۔ نواز شریف نے کہاکہ جس طرح صدر نے موجودہ حکومت کے بارے میں تحفظات کا اظہار کیاہے اس سے پچھلا دور یاد آ رہا ہے کہ کس طرح ایک خاص مقصد کے لیے کام شروع کیا جاتا ہے اور کس طرح وزیر اعظم سے نجات اور اسمبلی توڑنے کے لیے راہ ہموار کی جاتی ہے۔ انہوں نے کہاکہ جب تک پرویز مشرف کے پاس موجودہ اختیارات ہوں گے اور پارلیمنٹ بے اختیار ہو گی۔ تو پہلا کام وہ وہی کریں گے جو صدر پرویز مشرف شروع کرنے جارہے ہیں ۔ نواز شریف نے کہاکہ حکومت کو آئے جمعہ جمعہ آٹھ دن ہوئے ہیں لیکن اس پر تحفظات ظاہر کئے جارہے ہیں اور جو کچھ کیا جارہاہے وہ گزشتہ آٹھ سالہ پالیسی کا تسلسل ہے۔ انہوں نے کہاکہ انہوں نے آصف علی زرداری سے کہا ہے کہ مواقع سے فائدہ اٹھانا چاہیے ورنہ حالات سازت ہوں یا نہ ہوں آمران سے فائدہ اٹھانے کی تاک میں ہوتا ہے ۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ جب تک سازشی عناصر موجود ہیں ملک میں استحکام نہیں آئے گا۔ چوہدری شجاعت حسین کے بارے میں انہوں نے کہا کہ چوہدری شجاعت حسین موقع کی تلاش میں ہیں وہ گھسنے کو تیار ہیں چاہے پیپلز پارٹی کو ان کی ضرورت ہو یا نہ ہو ۔ آئینی پیکج کے بارے میں انہوںنے کہاکہ جب یہ پیکج سامنے آئے گا اس وقت اس پر کچھ کہا جاسکے گا۔

Batch of 200 Pakistani troops leaves for Liberia

LAHORE : A batch of 200 Pakistani troops left here Friday on UN mission for restoration of peace in war ravaged Liberia. Brigadier Muhammad Imran Zafar bade farewell to troops at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, said ISPR sources.
Speaking on the occasion, Brigadier Muhammad Imran Zafar said that the performance of Pakistani troops under various UN peacekeeping missions abroad has earned them worldwide recognition. He said their professionalism and dedication serves as a role model to be emulated by other UN military components. He urged the troops to perform their duties diligently so as to maintain the hard earned image.
Liberia a small country located at the top of western coast of Africa next to Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast became a republic in 1847. The Liberian economy depends mainly on export of natural resources. The decades of genocide and civil strife between different ethnic groups for the control of these natural resources has virtually damaged the country’s infrastructure. Liberia’s stability is vital to its neighbouring countries, who have witnessed turbulence as a result of the fallout of continued violence.
It may be mentioned that Pakistan Army peacekeeping contingents have rendered dedicated services in neighbouring Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast by playing a major role in stabilising the volatile situation in these war ravaged countries. They ensured security, facilitated repatriation of refugees and restored writ of the democratically elected government through smooth transition.

PM orders dispatch of 21,000 tents to China

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Friday ordered immediate dispatch of 21,000 tents to China as relief for the affected people of the earthquake. About 1,000 tents have already been airlifted and the remaining 20,000 are in the process of being dispatched, a government spokesperson said.
Four planeloads of relief goods containing medicines, mineral water, blankets and mats will also be sent to China, while two planeloads of relief goods were dispatched to China last week.
The Prime Minister has also directed the Foreign Office to stay in close touch with the Chinese government so that Pakistan could immediately cater to the specific needs of the quake affected people in China.

Pakistan adopts three point strategy to address militancy, terrorism: FM

ISLAMABAD : Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Friday said Pakistan has adopted a three point comprehensive strategy to address militancy and terrorism that includes political, socio-economic and military options. Talking to state newsagency APP on the issue of political negotiations in FATA, the Foreign Minister said, “Government of Pakistan has a comprehensive strategy to address militancy and terrorism and our strategy has three broad elements: political, socio-economic and military.”
The Foreign Minister said, “We believe that military action alone will not be effective in permanently ending the phenomenon of terrorism.”
He said, “We are reaching out to the tribal leaders and notables as part of the political element of our overall strategy in fight against terrorism.”
The political engagement is possible only with those who renounce militancy and violence; don’t allow the use of Pakistan’s territory against any other country; and do not help foreign terrorist elements to find hideouts in Pakistan’s territory, he added.
The Foreign Minister underlined that as opposed to the past, the Government is negotiating from the position of strength.
“A strong implementation mechanism is part of these negotiations and peace in FATA will ensure access to the Government to engage in socio-economic development of the area,” he added.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said, “History suggests that use of force alone can lead to self perpetuating violence. However, the determination to use force, wherever required, remains an important element of our strategy.”
He said, “We firmly believe that our focused and determined efforts, which have a combination of political, socio-economic and military elements, will lead to permanent end to militancy.”

Nawaz, Shahbaz nomination papers challenged

ISLAMABAD : Muslim League-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif’s nomination papers from the constituencies Lahore NA-123 and Rawalpindi NA-52 besides Mian Shahbaz Sharif’s from PP-10 have been challenged in the election tribunal of Lahore High Court (LHC).
The opponents from the respective constituencies have filed petitions against the approval of Mian brothers’ nomination papers in LHC election tribunal, private news channel Geo reported.
Mian Akhlaque Guddu and Noor Ellahi contesting from NA-123 against Nawaz Sharif in their filed petitions took the plea that Mian Nawaz Sharif was a convict in THE plane hijacking case and helicopter case and he had got his imprisonment remitted, while the conviction for ineligibility also stands good.
The petitioners further said that the Returning Officer, despite having seen the decisions in both the cases, permitted Nawaz Sharif to contest election and approved his nomination papers.
Therefore, the petitioners prayed for annulling the decision of the Returning Officer.
It is also learnt that Nawaz Sharif’s nomination papers from Rawalpindi NA-52 and Shahbaz Sharif’s from PP-10 have also been challenged. Shahbaz Sharif’s opponent has leveled allegations of his concealing assets besides being involved in several cases.

Budget proposals of FPCCI will be given due importance: Wattoo

LAHORE : Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce and Production Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo has said that all pre-budget proposals sent by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) will be given importance in the forthcoming national budget for the next fiscal year. Talking to a high level delegation of trade leaders led by Iftikhar Ali Malik Friday at Islamabad, he assured that government attached great importance to the business community and all its sound proposals would be considered and given due weightage at all levels.
Wattoo said soon after assuming the portfolio of both ministries he had directed the concerned federal ministries to incorporate the feasible proposals put forth by the federation. “Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani had also assured that all efforts would be made to facilitate the traders, especially exporters including foreign and local investors”.
During the meeting, Iftikhar Malik informed the Advisor that federation’s President Tanvir Ahmad Sheikh, after collecting budget proposals from affiliated chambers, had sent those to the federal government.
Wattoo said that government would take business leaders into confidence before framing any trade related policy to make it more feasible and viable.
He said that all officials of the ministries were clearly directed to help redress the genuine grievances of the chambers and traders on top priority,or else strict action would be taken against them.
He said Prime Minister will go through the proposals given by the federation to accelerate the pace of development and provide impetus to the industrial sector.
It may be mentioned here that Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo has accepted the invitation of Iftikhar Ali Malik for visiting the federation at Karachi and its zonal office at Lahore in connection with the budget proposals.

FPCCI delegation holds pre-budget meeting with Finance minister

ISLAMABAD : Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), delegation led by its President, Tanvir Ahmad Sheikh held a pre-Budget Consultative Meeting with Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Finance here Friday and discussed with him matters relating to forthcoming budget-2008-2009 in the backdrop of current economic situation and developments in the country.
According to a statement of the Finance Ministry issued here today, the FPCCI participants discussed with Finance Minister matters relating to forthcoming budget-2008- 2009.
The delegates reposed full trust in the economic management team of Ministry of Finance led by the incumbent Minister and assured all out support to the Ministry.
FPCCI President presented his part of pre-Budget proposals to the Minister focusing social and industrial sector development, besides measures offering relief to the common man against existing price hike and other economic pressures resulting from spiraling fuel prices.
The Government needs to broaden tax base for adequate resource mobilization, besides encouraging agro-based industry to meet domestic food production needs, FPCCI suggested during the meeting.
Power generation sector also merits GoP’s special fiscal support, FPCCI added. The Government , they said may chalk out special financial support package for skill development of unskilled working class in the country in order to maximize industrial production, focusing domestic needs and increased exports to strengthen foreign exchange reserves, it was stressed. Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Governor SBP and Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Finance were also present in the meeting. The Finance Minister assured that all fiscal proposals of FPCCI aiming to make present democratic government’s first budget a success shall be considered seriously by the Ministry’s Budget Team.

Pak, India want to move forward: Menon

NEW DELHI : Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon has said Pakistan and India want to move forward in their bilateral relations. While referring to Kashmir issue, he said the Pakistan government has an open mind on the issue. Both Pakistan and India have their own position on the Kashmir dispute, he noted.
“Without prejudicing their own position we are trying to find out ways to deal with the welfare of the people in mind,” he said while talking to newsmen on the sidelines of a book launching ceremony here.
Referring to the issue of Sarabjit Singh’s death sentence in Pakistan, Shivshankar Menon said India has to deal with the issue “quietly and gently”.
Menon who was in Pakistan on May 20 and 21 for talks with Pakistani side suggested that more intense spotlight on the issue makes the matter more difficult to resolve.
“It is hard to say. I am not sure that the public attention and singling one person out makes it easier to resolve it on humanitarian grounds,” media reports quoting him said.
“We will keep trying. Most we have to do it is quietly and gently,” he added. When asked whether the government is still hopeful about the Indo-US nuke deal, he said “we keep hoping and that is why we did it (deal).”

US will be willing to support peace pact if it curbs terrorist violence

WASHINGTON : The United States has indicated that it would support Pakistan’s peace agreements in its restive tribal regions bordering Afghanistan provided such pacts curb terrorist violence and address international concerns.
“We certainly have seen similar kinds of agreements or agreements of this type in the past. They have not worked out?at the same time, though, you know, we’re willing to see what results of any of these kinds of agreements are and certainly would be supportive if, in fact, it leads to an end to terrorist violence, the bringing in of individuals outside the political process into the political process and support for the continued development of Pakistan and Pakistan’s institutions,? State Department Deputy Spokesman Tom Casey said.
Responding to a question at the daily briefing, the spokesman said there is a performance standard for any agreement and the standard isn’t whether they’ve talked with tribal militants or whether they’ve talked with individual groups or not.?
Continuing, he stated, the bottom line is whether any agreement that is reached actually responds to Pakistani and US concerns for providing additional security, for ending cross-border violence and for being able to address international and domestic terrorism concerns.

CPJ slams Pakistani journalists’ murder

NEW YORK : The Committee to Protect Journalists, a New York-based watchdog, has condemned the fatal shooting of a Pakistani TV reporter, Mohammed Ibrahim, near the Pak-Afghan border on Thursday.
‘We offer our condolences to Mohammed Ibrahim’s family and colleagues,’ CPJ Asia Programme Coordinator Bob Dietz said in a statement. ‘The new government must take immediate steps to investigate this murder and safeguard the journalists who are providing important reporting from this volatile border region.’
Ibrahim, a reporter for the Express News channel, was gunned down by unknown men outside Khar when he was returning by motorcycle from an interview with local Taliban spokesman Maulvi Omar.

‘I have no expectations from anyone’

SUCCESS COMES at a cost and Preity Zinta knows it. Her jadoo ki jhappis to her boys in the Mohali team after their every win,
are making news but what people have forgotten are the jibes that came her way when she first got into the business of cricket.
She was mocked as the girl who hardly understood the game but had bought a team, she was sneered at when the VIP box during her matches was strangely bereft of any VIPs and Ness’ mother Maureen Wadia reportedly even wondered if her son would be a victim of fraudulent practices after investing in the IPL team with her.
With all the success that her team has gathered and her Cannes appearance, a lot of people have to eat crow, and PZ has something to crow about.
Here’s all: ‘You need to have that kind of stature to reach Cannes’: I was supposed to walk the red carpet at Cannes but I missed it because my flight was delayed. And to think I flew some 17 hours for that one appearance! But I did attend the dinner and the next day’s event.
I enjoyed Cannes because I got to play an actress after so long. These days, IPL sees me dressed in tees-jeans and no makeup. Here, I wore a designer gown, emeralds and a 1930s hairstyle. For me, the red carpet is about looking like a complete doll. If I do this kind of thing here, people will think I am crazy. Also, you need that kind of stature to be at an event like Cannes.
There, I met Cate Blanchett, Misha Barton, Gillian Anderson among others. Also, when I was out shopping in Cannes, a group of French women came to me and called me Zaara as they had seen Veer-Zaara. India is sure going places! ‘Cricket is my passion now’: I am back so soon from Cannes because I won’t miss IPL for the world. I never thought that it would become my passion. I never expected to get so attached to the game. Its highs are so high and its lows are so low! The boys are great but they will make mistakes sometimes. And it is terrible when they do.
Such is the madness of the game that I forget I am an actress and I have a certain protocol to follow in front of those 40,000 spectators. It is just too real for me to keep any appearances. In fact, I still remember the way I was looked at when I entered the dressing room for the first time. When I asked everybody what was the issue, they told me they have never had a woman in the dressing room before.
‘Who has time for films now?’: It is not sensible to make films with IPL in full flow. If everybody is hooked on to matches, who will go and watch films? But that doesn’t mean I have lost interest in Bollywood or I am not that great an actress any more. I have an amazing line-up of films in my kitty. The minute IPL gets over, I have Har Pal, The Last Lear, Heros and Heaven on Earth releasing. And there is a sur prise movie that I shall start shooting for very soon. Also, I have the world tour with the Bachchans in the offing.
‘This series is an emotional experience for me’: IPL is a very emotional experience for me. It is my first business venture and I have put my hard-earned money in to it. I have worked really hard to earn it all — dancing in minus four degrees in a thin chiffon saree is not easy. People have spoken about how my friends are not there to cheer my team. Well, I have told them that they are most welcome if they want to come. But I don’t need anyone to stand with me and cheer. I can stand on my own, be out there and do it for myself. I have that conviction. If people choose to come along with me, it’s great. However, I don’t have any expectations.

Dashing Deepika

She has a successful modelling career behind her. And at the age of 22, she is all set to become a top Bollywood star. JAMILA QADIR met up with Deepika Padukone, when she was in Dubai recentlty …
Would Prakash Padukone, ace badminton player ever have dreamt of a better future for his offspring? Or, maybe, her parents had reasons for calling her Deepika, which translated from Sanskrit means, “what brings light”.
Deepika said once, “My father has always taught us to be humble, down to earth and simple and we learnt to be that way. But when I used to watch people come to him for autographs, I used to wish that it would happen to me someday - to get as much recognition as he has, in a field of my choice.”
She has come a long way from a little girl watching her father’s glory to become a young successful lady, who weighs every word she utters, knows what she wants and does whatever she does with confidence, albeit she is still humble and down to earth.
We talk in Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, after a press conference she attended as a brand ambassador for a local real estate company. We have little time, there is a queue of interviewers from numerous publications and it is very difficult to concentrate.
But Deepika makes me comfortable; she is not showing any sign of impatience while I try to disperse the crowd to give us some space. I’m in a hurry, but slowly I calm down. Our short conversation gradually becomes a more relaxed one. And soon it seems as if two friends have surprisingly met after a period of time.
Despite many differences, we understand each other well, we have the same likes and dislikes and share a common admiration for Shah Rukh Khan, Rekha and Sushmita Sen.
Deepika says she grew up watching Sushmita Sen and Rekha and considers them very stylish. “Both of them are extremely glamourous and confident in whatever they do,” she adds.
Well, confidence seems to be Deepika’s middle name, too. After all, before rubbing shoulders with Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om, she was already being touted as a supermodel in the modelling industry. _ _Then the questions begin
Who is you favourite actor?
Deepika: Shah Rukh Khan. I’ve grown up watching his movies.
How did you come to movies?
Deepika: Frankly, I never thought I would get into movies. I did a couple of commercials. Farah Khan, who was looking for a female heroine at that time, happened to see them, she approached me and the rest is history.
How was it acting in Om Shanti Om?
Deepika: Oh, it’s been wonderful. It was a dream debut and acting opposite Shah Rukh Khan was an amazing experience. I would like to make more films with him.
You have starred in a Kannada film at the beginning of your career. Would like to do more South Indian movies?
Deepika: Yes, I would given the right script.
: Who is your role model in Bollywood?
Deepika: Rekha and Hema Malini. I’ve grown up watching their movies.
: Who is your role model in life?
Deepika: My mother. She is so amazing and has always managed to get the balance right in our family. I would like to be like her.
: Are you a family person or more like a socialite?
Deepika: I am a family person. In whatever I do, I always ask my family’s view.
: Do you have siblings?
Deepika: Yes. I have my younger sister Anisha.
: They say sisters always fight. Did you fight as kids?
Deepika: No, not really. We are very different. She is an introvert and a very calm person, while I’m more open. There are no major clashes between us.
: You are a sporty person, but gave up playing?
Deepika: I used to play badminton till Class 10 and even reached the state level championships, but one day, I realised that I was playing the game only because it ran in the family. So, I asked my father if I could give up the game and he wasn’t upset at all. He has always told my sister and me to do what we are whole heartedly interested in, and to do it well.
: What would you do in life if you were not an actress?
Deepika: I would like to be an interior designer. I’m really interested in doing that although right now I am busy with my acting career and I don’t have time for other activities. But I would like to design my own dream home. _
: Lots of girls want to become models or act in movies. What would you like to advise them?
Deepika: In whatever you do, be it modelling, acting or anything else be confident and interested in the field you have chosen. Then you can strike it right.
Deepika’s Career
While doing her studies in college, she decided to pursue a career in modelling due to her tall slender figure. Over the years, she has modelled for famous Indian brand names like Liril, Dabur Lal powder, Close-Up toothpaste and Limca.
She received many prestigious modelling offers, which included her becoming the brand ambassador of the Jewels of India. Padukone hit the international scene when Maybelline made her their new international cover-girl face.
After pursuing a successful career in modelling, Padukone branched out a career into acting. She started by starring in the music video for the song Naam Hai Tera from the independent pop album Aap Kaa Surroor by Himesh Reshammiya.
In 2006, Padukone made her cinematic debut in the Kannada film, Aishwarya staring opposite actor Upendra. She later made a successful Bollywood debut in 2007 with Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om opposite Shahrukh Khan.
The film went on to become the biggest hit of the year, both in India and abroad, and her performance was well received. The film featured her portraying Shantipriya - a 1970s superstar, and later as Sandy - a contemporary teenager.
She currently has two releases, including Bachna Ae Haseeno (August 15) and Chandni Chowk To China (October 29).
Awards and nominations
Deepika Padukone received the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award and was nominated Best Actress Award for Om Shanti Om in 2008,
She received the Sony Head N Shoulders Fresh Face of the Year Award, in Om Shanti Om
Star Screen Awards
She was the winner of the Star Screen Award for Most Promising Newcomer - Female; Om Shanti Om
Received the Star Screen Award Jodi No 1 along with Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om.
Zee Cine Awards
Winner
2008: Zee Cine Award for Best Female Debut; Om Shanti Om
Nominated
2008: Zee Cine Award for Best Actor - Female; Om Shanti Om
Stardust Awards
Nominated
2008: Stardust Superstar of Tomorrow - Female; Om Shanti Om
Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards
Winner
2008: Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards’ Best Female Debut; Om Shanti Om

Reporter shot dead in troubled Pakistani tribal area

KHAR, Pakistan - A journalist was shot dead by unknown gunmen after he interviewed a spokesman for local pro-Taleban in a Pakistan tribal area bordering Afghanistan, officials and witnesses said Friday.
Muhammad Ibrahim, 44, a reporter for Urdu language Express newspaper, was killed Thursday evening as he was returning to Khar after interviewing Tehreek-e-Taleban Pakistan (Pakistan Taleban Movement) spokesman Maulvi Omar, they said.
Khar is the main town of restive Bajaur tribal district, where pro-Taleban militants are active.
Tribal administration official, Muwaz Khan, confirmed the killing, saying no one had claimed responsibility.
Witnesses said Ibrahim was travelling on his motorcycle when he was intercepted by unidentified men in a black car who snatched his cell phone, camera and notes and then shot him.
The gunmen also stole Ibrahim's motorcycle, residents said.
Bajaur chief of Tehreek-e-Taleban Pakistan, Maulvi Faqir Muhammad -- also a deputy of Al Qaeda linked militant commander Baitullah Mehsud -- condemned the incident.
Muhammad and Omar visited Ibrahim's home late Thursday to express their grief over the killing, residents said.
The local press club also condemned the murder, with journalists saying they would hold a protest later Friday.

Pakistan frees 96 Indian fishermen

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Friday released 96 Indian fishermen caught two years ago for fishing illegally in its territorial waters, local media reported.
Islamabad announced it would free the prisoners as ‘a goodwill gesture’ on Tuesday ahead of a ministeriAl level review of the slow-moving peace process between the nuclear-armed arch rivals.
The group detained in Malir Jail in the southern port city of Karachi was sent to Punjab's capital Lahore from where they would be repatriated to their country via the Wagah border crossing on Saturday, the Aaj television network said.
Most of the returnees hailed from India's western state of Gujarat that is separated from Pakistan's southern Sindh province by the disputed Sir Creek marshlands.
There still remain 374 Indian detainees in different prisons of Karachi, Aaj channel quoted a senior police official as saying.
Maritime agencies of the South Asian neighbours regularly arrest fishermen who either stray into or frequently enter rival's territory for a bigger catch.
Pakistan and India are believed to be holding scores of each other's nationals who continue to languish in prisons with little chances of repatriation. However, both governments have been voluntarily releasing batches of detainees to stimulate their peace dialogue.
The arch rivals, who have fought three wars and nearly went for a fourth one in 2002, on Wednesday also agreed to allow consular access to prisoners, which would help remove suspicions over the number of detained people.

China says quake rebuild to take 3 years

CHENGDU, China - China will need to rebuild whole towns and villages from scratch to rehouse the millions displaced by last week's earthquake, a task which could take three years, a top provincial official said on Friday.
Eleven days after the 7.9 magnitude quake shook the mountainous province of Sichuan, hundreds of thousands of soldiers, relief workers and ordinary residents are now focused on reconstruction.
Some towns in the earthquake zone in southwestern China will need to be relocated altogether because the terrain is not safe, officials have said.
The known death toll from the quake already exceeds 55,000, but more bodies are expected to be found as the debris from the dozens of flattened cities, towns and villages is cleared.
With the rainy season due within weeks, there is an urgency to their work. The government's main concern is that aftershocks and heavy rain could cause secondary disasters such as flashfloods and landslides.
"The rebuilding work faces a lot of difficulty in the region, where the mountains have been shaken loose in the earthquake and there have been more than 7,000 aftershocks," Li Chengyun, vice governor of Sichuan, told a news conference in Beijing.
Relief workers are also concerned that poor hygiene could cause disease outbreaks. Li said this was a "peak period for outbreaks of diseases", describing the situation as very grim.
But the government has also found what it termed 50 "hazardous sources of radiation", deputy environment minister Wu Xiaoqing said, though insisted the situation was under control.
"Three are buried in rubble and another 12 are in dangerous buildings, which staff cannot go into," he told a news conference. "At present, tests from the scene show that there has yet to be an accidental release of radiation."
China has pleaded with the international community to provide millions of tents for the homeless. It is also sending tonnes of heavier building equipment and supplies into the area.
"We will strive to provide safe, economical and convenient temporary housing for 98 percent of the residents within the next month," Li said.
"The priority work in the reconstruction is to find proper locations for rural residents to build houses. We will strive to make such village houses ready for them before winter comes."
In Chengdu, some volunteer relief convoys reported being held up by hungry residents, one at gunpoint. There were reports of two people being beheaded by helicopter blades, one at the Wolong panda reserve, sources in Sichuan and local reporters said.
"Quake lake" danger
Premier Wen Jiabao, making his second visit to the disaster zone, visited hospitals and tents sheltering quake refugees on Friday in Mianyang and Beichuan county, one of the worst-hit areas.
In a temporary shelter for the Beichuan Middle School, which lost up to 1,000 students and teachers in the quake, Wen tried to cheer up children, writing a line on the blackboard reading "Deep distress resurrects a nation".
Wen, a trained geologist, had earlier ordered rescue workers to eliminate the danger of dammed rivers, waterways and bulging newly formed lakes "through engineering means" while swiftly evacuating people in their path.
The May 12 quake, the worst to hit China in a generation, changed the landscape of northern Sichuan forever.
In Hongguang, in the province's northeast, the quake caused both sides of a valley to slide, burying three villages and 900 people. The Qingzhu River is trapped behind.
"The mountains merged," said Gao Xiao, who barely escaped a landslide that roared past her house.
The Qingzhu landslides have formed five lakes, the biggest of which is almost 30 metres (100 feet) deep. A flood control team monitors the natural dams constantly, for fear they will burst and unleash a wall of water on the valley below.
The more than 30 "quake lakes" were safe for the moment and residents under threat had been evacuating, Zhu Bing, a Sichuan water resources official, told the news conference.
"There is a possibility of (the dam) collapsing entirely in the case of a strong aftershock or rainstorm," Zhu said of the Tangjiashan barrier lake in Beichuan which Wen toured on Thursday.
Heavy rain is forecast, making life even more difficult for rescuers, relief workers and the 5.48 million either living in tents or under makeshift cover as they mourn their dead.

EU readying freeze on Iran's biggest bank

BRUSSELS - The European Union is preparing sanctions against Iran's biggest bank but wants to see how Teheran responds to a new offer by major powers on its nuclear programme before acting, diplomats said on Friday.
An EU diplomat said the 27-nation bloc was making legal and technical preparations for an asset and funds freeze on state-owned Bank Melli -- a measure long sought by the United States to raise pressure on Iran to halt uranium enrichment.
But a source in the EU's Slovenian presidency said Brussels would await an Iranian response to an updated offer of political and economic incentives, due to be delivered to Teheran soon by EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, before ministers decide to approve the sanctions.
The West suspects Iran of seeking the ability to make nuclear weapons while the oil-producing Islamic Republic insists its secretive programme is purely aimed at generating energy.
The UN Security Council passed a third sanctions resolution against Iran last month and Washington has been pressing the Europeans to deny targeted Iranian banks access to the international financial system.
At the same time, the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany have agreed in principle to send a renewed offer of cooperation in areas ranging from civilian nuclear energy to aviation, trade, the fight against drug smuggling and security if Teheran complies with UN demands.
US Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Stuart Levey, who has been leading the banking sanctions drive, said last month the world's top banks have already largely stopped dealing with Iran.

US House OKs defense bill despite veto threat

WASHINGTON - The US House of Representatives on Thursday passed a $601.4 billion defense spending bill despite a veto threat by the White House.
The House passed the bill to fund the Pentagon operation for the fiscal year beginning on Oct. 1 on a 384-to-23 vote after many hours of debate about the measure and 58 amendments.
The White House on Thursday objected to the bill over 10 provisions, including a cut of over $700 million in missile defense and a move to review the role of foreign subsidies in a $35 billion aerial tanker deal.
‘If the final bill presented to the president contains any of the following provisions, the president's senior advisers would recommend that he veto the bill,’ the White House said in a statement.
The House Armed Services Committee last week on a 61-to-0 vote adopted many amendments despite the White House veto threat.
The Senate Armed Services Committee has already passed a similar bill, which is due to be debated in the full Senate in June. Once each house has passed its version of the spending bill, it must be reconciled by House and Senate negotiators before the president can sign it into law.
The White House argued that the House bill would ‘retroactively change the rules of the KC-45 tanker competition, risk extended litigation, and could delay the Air Force's ability to obtain equipment that is critical for combat and humanitarian relief operations.’
The Government Accountability Office is due to rule by June 19 on a protest by Boeing Co about the aircraft contract, awarded in February to Northrop Grumman Corp and its European subcontractor, Airbus parent EADS
But lawmakers who back Boeing have vowed to block the Northrop deal regardless of how the protest is decided.
The veto threat also covers provisions that would require the videotaping of all intelligence interrogations and would ban private contractors from carrying out interrogations, a job lawmakers said should be reserved for the government alone.
The White House said the measures would limit the United States' ability to obtain intelligence needed to protect Americans from attack and could have unintended consequences.
Unrequested weapons
The Bush administration also objected to -- but refrained from issuing a veto threat about -- more than 20 other provisions, including the addition of more than $9 billion in funding for weapons not requested by the Pentagon.
The White House said cuts to funding to start building missile-defense sites in Poland and the Czech Republic could jeopardize US security and delay the fielding of weapons meant to protect against an emerging missile threat from Iran.
The Democratic-controlled House approved $10.2 billion in funding for missile defense, $719 million less than the Pentagon requested, but $212.6 million above the current level.
The Senate Armed Services Committee bill fully funded the administration's plan to start deploying up to 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and a tracking radar in the Czech Republic.
The White House also threatened to veto the overall spending bill if it did not drop a provision that would shield the measure from a recent executive order against earmarks.
President George W. Bush issued the order to halt ‘wasteful and excessive pork-barrel spending’ and make the budget process more transparent and accountable, the White House said.
But Rep. Ike Skelton, the Missouri Democrat who chairs the committee, and the ranking Republican, Rep. Duncan Hunter of California, argued that lawmakers needed flexibility to add weapons to the budget that had been forgotten by the Pentagon.
‘We've put in systems that save lives that the Pentagon did not think about,’ Hunter said on the floor of the House, citing added funding for armor for Army trucks, greater use of unmanned airplanes, and equipment to defuse roadside bombs.
The White House also cited objections, but no veto threat, to the addition of $3.9 billion for 15 additional Boeing C-17 cargo planes and $523 million as a down payment on 20 more Lockheed Martin Corp F-22 fighters in fiscal 2010.
It also criticized the addition of $526 million to keep General Electric and Britain's Rolls-Royce working on an alternate engine for the F-35 fighter jet.
The second engine would vie against an engine built by Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp The Senate Armed Services Committee recommended adding $465 million to support the alternate engine.

Cover Stories: strong debuts on prize list; the Bhutto perspective; Linley deal; Doyle's farewell

By The LiteratorFriday,
* Good to see that "sparkling new fiction" doesn't necessarily equal chicklit and beach reads. The shortlist for the first Desmond Elliott Prize, announced this week, highlights some strong debuts: there's Sunday at the Cross Bones by John Walsh of this parish (Fourth Estate); Gifted by Nikita Lalwani (Viking); and Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith (Simon & Schuster). The 1/2 favourite, it is set in Stalin's Russia, where a serial killer is on the loose. The novel has been published in 22 countries – Russia is not one of them. The £10,000 winner will be announced on 26 June at Fortnum & Mason, where Elliott used to do his grocery shopping.
* Fatima Bhutto, Benazir's niece and the granddaughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, executed in 1979, is at work on a book that will explain the complexities and contradictions of the Bhutto clan and Pakistan itself. Born under Kabul's curfew and educated in the west, Fatima – a journalist and writer who published a poetry collection at 15 – "challenges the con-ventional wisdom about Pakistan", examining the politics of family and the relationship between women and power. Cape will publish in two years.
* Who else but Caroline Michel of PFD would be agent to David Linley, son of the late Princess Margaret and thus the Queen's nephew? This week she sold his book Star Pieces: A Passion for Furniture, co-written with Christie's Charles Cator and journalist Helen Chislett, to Thames & Hudson. The book will examine how furniture is an integral part of a room's overall design, providing "visual excitement" and an outlet for designers to express themselves. Indeed, Linley describes it as "sculpture".
* Heavy hearts at Macmillan, where Deputy Publisher and Picador stalwart Ursula Doyle leaves today. Doyle, who acquired Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones, will be missed for her genuine literary nous.

PPP serious in resolving Judicial crisis; Gilani

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Thursday said Pakistan Peoples Party was serious to resolve the Judicial crisis as it believes in strengthening all institutions of the country. “People have given us the mandate for restoration of democracy, for supremacy of Parliament. We have to strengthen all institutions of the country, including judiciary and we are committed to restore the judges,” Prime Minister Gilani said while addressing columnists and editors from the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad here at the PM House.
“This is our commitment with the nation,” Gilani said.
The Prime Minister dispelled the impression that the Pakistan Peoples Party was not serious about resolving the judicial crisis.
“We are far ahead of everybody. We are serious and Inshallah that would be resolved by Pakistan Peoples Party.”
Prime Minister Gilani said even before the general election his party had been advocating for the independence of judiciary and always stressed for supremacy of the parliament and not to make it a mere rubber stamp.
“We accord highest respect to the judges and it is our priority to do a lot for them,” he said.
Gilani recalled that soon after becoming the leader of the house, he announced release of the detained judges.
Prime Minister Gilani said the resolution of the issue had delayed as the legal experts believed in different modus operandi. “As soon as they agree the matter will come to me. Rest assured and do not have any doubt on my sincerity,” Gilani said.
When asked about the balance of power between different institutions he said, “we already have the powers, but if we need more, we have to follow the constitution.”
He said the government already has the full powers.
“If the nation, the parliament, the cabinet feel that there should be a balance of powers, it will be done in consultation with the coalition partners and the people of Pakistan,” he said.
“There should be no doubt that the powers are with the Prime Minister. These are with the Prime Minister,” he emphasized.
When asked about the period spent in jail he said, “for the national interest I am not bitter at all about it.”
Gilani said he did not want to pursue the bitter politics of immaturity of the past and mentioned the Charter of Democracy inked by late Benazir Bhutto and Mian Nawaz Sharif. He said the parties had also sought forgiveness from the people of Pakistan for their past mistakes.
When asked whether he sought any change in the existing “system”, Gilani said he will do whatever the constitution permitted him to do.
He said even the opposition was willing to take the country out of the turmoil it was currently experiencing.
He said people attach high hopes with the new government and have given mandate to the major political parties.
“We are bound to honour this mandate,” Gilani said and warned that “neither party can afford to show any immaturity as the people have high hopes from PML-N and PPP.”
The Prime Minister however pointed out that certain forces never wanted the two major parties to unite.
“Despite the differences between the two parties, the efforts to create a wedge between the PPP and PML-N by vested interests will foil,” he added.
He said now the responsibility of maintaining the coalition was with its leadership. “They should lead rather than being led. Leaders should act wisely,” he said.
About indemnifying the actions taken on Nov 3, he said, “I will follow what the parliament tells me to do. Parliament is supreme. It is the responsibility of each and every member to act wisely.”
Asked whether his party would be seeking resignation of the President, he said his party has always spoken about the supremacy of the parliament, of democracy and will do everything in a democratic way.
The Prime Minister, who was accompanied by Minister for Information Sherry Rehman and Information Secretary Akram Shaheedi, spoke at length about the food crisis the country was experiencing. He said he was not blaming the government of the past and was willing to take full responsibility.
“The people rejected those whose policies failed despite their claims of good governance.”
He said since the people have reposed confidence in his government, he would take responsibility and address the issue.
He said in his meetings with the world leaders at the World Economic Forum in Egypt te issue of food shortage was raised. He said the international fuel prices have experienced a sharp increase, and the countries are trying to get out of this shock.
The Prime Minister said the country was also responsible for the around three million Afghan refugees, while a large quantity of wheat was being smuggled into Central Asian Republics and Afghanistan.
About his talks with President George W Bush he said they discussed bilateral matters covering defence, economy, science and technology, health, education, military assistance, energy and food security.
He said the President assured cooperation and support to Pakistan.
About country’s foreign policy he said it will be based on dignity, self respect and national interest. He also dispelled impression that Pakistan was fighting some other country’s war against terrorism.
“It is the responsibility of the government to protect the life and property of the people.”

Pakistan Supreme Court wants new hearing of Malik appeal

KARACHI - Pakistan's Supreme Court wants Salim Malik's appeal against his life ban from cricket to be heard again by a civil court.
The Supreme Court said on Thursday it wanted a decision reached within two months. The lower court had previously rejected the appeal.
Former captain Malik received a life ban from the Pakistan Cricket Board in 2000 after being found guilty of involvement in a match-fixing scandal that rocked international cricket in the late 1990s.
The 45-year-old, who played 103 tests and 283 one-day internationals, said he was very happy with the directions issued by the court.
"I now have hope that finally I will get a verdict against the ban in two months time, he told reporters after the hearing.
"I have only wanted justice and I have maintained I am innocent. This case has lingered on for too long. But now I am confident my appeal would be heard and be successful."
The batsman, who also played for Essex in the English county championship, acknowledged his playing career was over but said he wanted to get into coaching and give something back to cricket.
The PCB's legal counsel Tafazzul Rizvi said the life ban would remain until the case was resolved.

Chinese engineers move to empty ‘quake lakes’

GUANZHUANG, China - Chinese engineers are starting to make headway against lakes that have formed behind landslides, threatening yet more devastation on the earthquake-stricken valleys downstream.
Last week's big tremor changed the landscape of northern Sichuan province, as mountainsides were obliterated along the Longmenshan fault.
In Hongguang, in northeastern Sichuan, the earthquake caused both sides of a valley to slide, burying three villages and 900 people. The Qingzhu River is trapped behind.
"The mountains merged," said Gao Xiao, who barely escaped a landslide that roared past her house.
The Qingzhu landslides have formed five lakes, the biggest of which is almost 30 meters deep. A flood control team monitors the natural dams constantly, for fear they will burst and unleash a wall of water on the valley below.
"It's a lucky thing we haven't had a downpour recently," said Lu Lujun, an official with the Guangyuan county propaganda department.
The water level fell by about 10 cm (4 inches) on Thursday, as it was released through a sluice, he said.
Similar efforts are underway at 33 other quake lakes in the province, state media reported.
Sluices will be blasted or dug out by cranes, bulldozers and trucks to discharge water from the lakes after the remaining residents are evacuated, said Zhang Jian, chief of the water resources brigade of the local disaster relief headquarters of Mianyang.
On Saturday, thousands of survivors were evacuated from the area around Beichuan over concerns a lake formed by the Qianjiang River would burst.
Premier Wen Jiabao, a geologist by training, flew in a helicopter over that lake on Thursday, in his return visit to Sichuan. Wen first arrived in Sichuan within hours of the 7.9-magnitude earthquake on May 12.
"All of the roads have been destroyed, and it's not possible at this stage to get the equipment in by road," said Zhang, adding helicopter landing pads must be built.
"The risks increase by every metre that the water level rises. Downpours last night raised the water level by 3.7 metres," he said, referring to the lake above Beichuan, one of the largest, which he called "stable".

Probe ordered into targeted killing of cops

KARACHI — Inspector-General (IG) of Sindh Police Shoaib Suddle has ordered a probe into the cases wherein various police officers were targeted in the city. He has also ordered an investigation into the May12, 2007 and April 9 incidents. In this regard the IG has appointed DIG Investigation Ghulam Qadir Thabo as chairman of the inquiry team.
Suddle presided over a meeting of senior police officers and discussed the progress of cases pertaining to the target killing of police officers as well as the victims of May 12 mayhem and April 9 incidents in which five persons, including lawyers, were burnt alive.

Significant progress in Pakistan-India talks

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan and India ended their latest round of peace talks yesterday, saying that they had made significant progress and had signed a pact on giving consular access to prisoners.
The Pakistani and Indian foreign ministers met in Islamabad to resume the slow-moving, four-year-old dialogue between the nuclear-armed rivals after it had been put on hold for several months by political turmoil in Pakistan.
“We made a lot of progress in our interaction and we hope to maintain this in the next round of talks which is expected in mid-July,” Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said at a joint Press conference with his Indian counterpart, Pranab Mukherjee.
“Talks are progressing in a constructive manner on the issue of Kashmir,” Qureshi said.
Qureshi said the consular agreement would facilitate the early release of prisoners held in each others’ jails after they had been identified. Hundreds of detainees remain in prisons on both sides of the border.
The foreign ministers agreed to carry forward the composite dialogue and hold its fifth round in mid-July on an eight-point agenda that includes Kashmir, trade and anti-terrorism.
It was also announced that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will undertake his long over-due visit to Pakistan this year. The mutually convenient date for the trip would be worked out soon. Foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has accepted an invitation to visit New Delhi in June.
Qureshi said his Indian counterpart Parnab Mukherjee described their negotiations as fruitful, friendly and candid. Mukherjee said in his meetings with the new political leadership of Pakistan he found strong commitment to strengthen the peace process and carry forward bilateral dialogue for their mutual progress and development and making South Asia a region of peace and stability.
Mukherjee said India is keen to discuss and resolve all outstanding issues including Kashmir, terrorism and cross-border infiltration through bilateral dialogue. Even during his interaction with entire spectrum of Pakistan’s new leadership, he particularly emphasised the urgent need for enhancing economic ties by promoting trade and investment and creating an enabling atmosphere by amending their trade policies to mutual benefit. It has been decided to expand railway links and construct more facilities for this purpose in order to enhance trade. He referred to Indian import of Pakistani cement and said trade relations would be strengthened in other fields as well.

Deposed CJ to get full protocol in Punjab, says minister

LAHORE — In what may annoy or embarrass its coalition partner PPP, a minister of the Punjab government belonging to the PML-N says deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry will be given full protocol when he visits various cities of the province in connection with the lawyers’ struggle for the restoration of the sacked judges.
Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Rana Sanaullah said at a news conference at the Punjab Assembly Committee Room the PML-N regarded Justice Iftikhar as the legitimate chief justice. However, senior minister Raja Riaz who represents the PPP said that there could be only one chief justice at a time.
Lawyers plan to hold convention in Faisalabad and Lahore at the start of their long march scheduled for June 10 and Justice Iftikhar would address them.
Rana Sana, lauding the lawyers’ movement, said after the Pakistan Movement it was the second biggest and important movement in Pakistan’s history. He said the sacrifices of the lawyers, civil society representatives and people would not go waste. He said that those who removed the judges would be taken to task and this would be done to ensure justice and not to take revenge.

Three relatives of MNA, driver shot dead

PESHAWAR — Unnown gunmen shot dead four persons belonging to an influential religious family from the border Landikotal tehsil of Khyber Agency near Peshawar early yesterday morning.
Three out of four killed persons were close relatives of Senator Maulana Abdul Malik and Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Noorul Haq Qadri.
Those killed have been identified as Hafiz Abdul Azeem Qadri, his brother Humayun Qadri, nephew Nooruddin Qadri, brother-in-law Salim and driver of MNA Noorul Haq Qadri and senator Hafiz Abdul Malik.

Cop killed in Swat attack

PESHAWAR — One policeman was killed and two others were injured when unknown miscreants attacked a checkpost in Ningolai village of Matta sub-division of Swat district in early hours of yesterday. Militants also blew up two schools in the area.
As per details, a group of miscreants attacked the police checkpost in Ningolai village with modern and sophisticated weapons. As a result of firing one constable namely Mushtaq was killed while his colleague Izhar and a passer by were injured seriously. The injured persons were admitted to a Saidu Sharif hospital.