Friday, June 6, 2008
طاقت کا سنگدلانہ استعمال اور مسائل کا شکار بنا کر عوام کو دبایا گیا ہے ۔۔ تحریر : اے پی ایس،اسلام آباد
صدر پرویز مشرف نے کہا ہے کہ قیادت میں اہلیت کی کمی سے ملک کمزور ہوسکتا ہے،مستحکم معیشت اور مضبوط دفاع کے بغیر مقاصد حاصل نہیں کئے جاسکتے،لیڈر شپ کی انتظامی اہلیت ہی ملکی ترقی کی ضامن ہوتی ہے۔ا بھی ملک کی طاقت کا انحصار اس کی مضبوط معیشت، دفاع، انسانی وسائل اور اس کی قیادت کی انتظامی مہارت پر ہوتا ہے اور اس ضمن میں کسی بھی کمزوری سے ملک کو نقصان پہنچ سکتاہے۔ حکومتوں پر دفاع، عوام کی فلاح و بہبود اور داخلی و خارجی خطرات سے تحفظ کو یقینی بنانے کی بنیادی ذمہ داری عائد ہوتی ہے۔ کسی بھی ریاست کی ترقی کو یقینی بنانے کیلئے معیشت کا استحکام اور بڑھتی ہوئی شرح نمو بہت اہم ہوتے ہیں اگر کسی ملک کی معیشت مستحکم نہ ہو یا آگے نہ بڑھ رہی ہو تو وہ ترقی کے اپنے مطلوبہ مقاصد حاصل نہیں کر سکتا۔ ہر حکومت کو مواصلاتی ڈھانچہ کی ترقی، ملک کے اندر اور علاقے کے ممالک کے ساتھ مواصلاتی رابطوں، پانی، توانائی، ٹیلی مواصلات، صنعت اور زراعت کی ترقی پر توجہ مرکوز کرنی چاہئے۔ اس کے علاوہ تخفیف غربت، روزگار کے مواقع اور تعلیم و صحت کی بہتر سہولتوں کے ذریعے انسانی وسائل کی ترقی سے عوام کی فلاح و بہبود پر بھی مناسب توجہ دی جانی چاہئے۔ جبکہ بدعنوانی اور ایٹمی پھیلاو¿ کے تمام الزامات کی تردید کرتے ہوئے پاکستان کے ایٹم بم کے خالق ڈاکٹر عبدالقدیر خان نے الزام عائد کیا ہے کہ گزشتہ 8 سال کے دوران ایٹمی پروگرام پر عالمی دباو¿ کی وجہ دراصل کمزور قیادت ہے، ان برسوں میں قیادت پاکستان کے ایٹمی پروگرام کے دفاع میں انتہائی کمزور رہی ہے اور اس نے اپنے 8 سالہ دور اقتدار میں مغربی ممالک اور انکے خبررساں اداروں (میڈیا) کو پاکستان کے ایٹمی پروگرام کو بدنام اور اسکینڈلائزکرنے کی کھلی چھوٹ دیئے رکھی ۔ اقتدار کی کرسی پر بیٹھا ہوا ہر شخص خود کو عقلِ کل سمجھتا ہے، جرمنی ، جنوبی افریقہ اور دیگر متعدد یورپی کمپنیوں نے لیبیا اور ایران کو ایٹمی آلات فروخت کئے ، جو کچھ انہوں نے فروخت کیا اس کی تفصیلات بھی ان کمپنیوں کے پاس ہیں،سوئس حکومت نے اپنی کمپنیوں کواس قسم کی دستاویزات تلف کرنے کی ہدایت کی ہے، انہوں نے مزید کہا کہ لیبیا اور ایران کسی کو بھی ہم نے کچھ نہیں دیا، دولت کا لالچ نہیں،ایٹمی پروگرام کو اسکینڈلائز کیا گیا انہوں نے کمزور قومی قیادت پر الزام عائدکیا کہ اس نے ایٹمی پروگرام پر مغربی حکومتوں اور اخباری میڈیا کا دباو¿ قبول کیا نواز شریف نے ایٹمی تجربات سے باز رہنے کیلئے تمام تر پیشکشوں ، دباو¿ ، لالچ اور دھونس دھمکیوں کو ٹھکرا دیا تھا اس مرتبہ یہ ہماری کمزور قومی قیادت تھی جو مغربی میڈیا کے سامنے جھک گئی اور ہمارے ایٹمی پروگرام کو اسکینڈلائز کرنے کی اجازت دی گئی آخر ان آٹھ برسوں میں امریکا کی حکومت اور میڈیا نے اپنے صف اول کے اتحادی( پاکستان) کے ایٹمی پرو گرام اور اس کے سائنسدانوں کو اس قدرچن چن کر الزامات، تنقید اور دباو¿ کا نشانہ کیوں بنایا جب قومی قیادتیں اس قدر کمزور ہوں تو بیرونی قوتیں مواقع سے فائدہ اٹھاتی ہیں اور ہم سے یہی کچھ ہوا، مشرف اور نواز شریف کے دور کا موازنہ کرتے ہوئے انہوں نے کہا ہے کہ ایک دور میں تمام تر لالچ، پیشکشوں، دھمکیوں اور دباو¿ کے باوجود نواز شریف نے ایٹمی تجربات کئے ، انہوں نے تمام ذاتی فوائد ، رقوم اور غیر ملکی طاقتوں کی جانب سے دیئے جانے والے اعزازات مسترد کر دیئے اورنہ تو ایٹمی دھماکوں کو ملتوی کیا اور نہ ہی ایٹمی دھماکوں کے شیڈول کو روکا۔عوام کو ڈنڈوں سے ہانک کر ان پر فیصلے مسلط کردیئے جاتے ہیں، فیصلے عوام سے لاتعلق اور بالاتر ہوکر کئے جاتے ہیں ،نتیجتاً عوام کے باشعور طبقہ وکلاء کو بھی لاٹھیوں اور گرفتاریوں کا سامنا رہا ہے، طاقت کے سنگدلانہ استعمال اور مسائل کا شکار بنا کر عوام کو دبایا گیا ہے بہر حال اب بہت جلد ملک کا ہر شہری آزادی محسوس کرے گا وکلا تحریک ملک کی آنے والی نسلوں کی بہتری کیلئے ہے۔آزاد عدلیہ کے ذریعے عوام کی تمام زیادتیوں کا ازالہ ہو گا جلد ہی ملک میں آزاد عدلیہ اور آئین کی بالادستی ہو گی ۔انہوں نے کہا کہ جب وکلاء اپنے مقصد میں کامیاب ہوں گے تو ہر شخص خود کو آزاد شہری محسوس کرے گا حکومت اپنے آپ کو جمہوریت پسند کہتی ہے لیکن اندرون سندھ وکلاءکو دھمکیاں دی جارہی ہیں وکلاءآئینی پیکیج کونہیں مانتے ججوں کو ایک ایگزیکٹو آرڈر کے ذریعہ بحال کیا جاسکتا ہے آئینی پیکیج کا مقصد یہ ہے کہ ججز بحال نہ ہوسکیں۔ پیپلزپارٹی کا کہنا ہے کہ وہ عدلیہ کی آزادی میں شامل رہی ہے لیکن وہ پی سی او کے ججوں اور 3/ نومبر کے اقدامات کو سپورٹ کررہی ہے اگر عدلیہ اور ججوں کو بحال نہ کیا گیا تو پارلیمنٹ کا وجود ختم ہوجائے گا اگر ججز بحال نہ ہوئے تو کراچی بار میں کوئی وزیر نہیں آئے گا پورے پاکستان سے لوگ اس میں شرکت کریں گے۔ محض نعروں پر قناعت نہ کریں بلکہ اپنا کوئی سیاسی ایجنڈا بنائیں وکلا کا کوئی نمائندہ اسمبلی میں بھی ہونا چاہیے جو آپ کے مطالبات کی آواز کو اسمبلی میں بلند کر سکے جب کہ مذاکرات کے ساتھ مسائل حل کروانے کی ضرورت بھی ہے اگر یہ سب کام ہو جاتے ہیں تو پھر آپ منزل کا تعین کر کے ا±سے پا لیں گے۔ وزیر دفاع چوھدری احمدمختار نے کہا ہے کہ صدرپرویز مشرف منتخب صدر ہیں۔ لہٰذا ایکس سروس مین سوسائٹی کی جانب سے ان کے مواخذے یا کوٹ مارشل کا مطالبہ درست نہیں،تاہم پارٹی صدر کے ہٹائے جانے پر فوائد کا جائزہ لے رہی ہے حکومت اس ساری صورتحال کا خاموشی سے جائزہ لے رہی ہے لیکن حیرانگی کی بات ہے کہ جب صدر پرویز کے پاس دو عہدے تھے اس وقت یہ لوگ کیوں خاموش رہے۔ اس وقت ایکس سروس مین سوسائٹی نے ان کے کورٹ ماشل کا مطالبہ کیوں نہ کیا اور یہ مطالبہ اس وقت کیا جاسکتا تھا جب وہ حاضر سروس تھے۔ اب وہ ریٹائر جرنیل ہیں جبکہ منتخب صدر ہیں۔ پہلے یہ لوگ ان کے گن گاتے تھے اب حکومت سے مطالبہ کرتے ہیں کہ وہ صدر پرویز مشرف پر غداری کا مقدمہ چلائے۔ حکومت ہر آپشن دیکھ رہی ہے اور کوئی حتمی فیصلہ کئے بغیر کچھ نہیں کہا جاسکتا۔ ہماری اولین ترجیح ملک کو سنوارنا ہے۔ ہم کسی کے پیچھے بھاگنا نہیں چاہتے۔ ہم بڑی احتیاط کے ساتھ آگے بڑھ رہے ہیں۔ جب مشرف نے اقتدار پر قبضہ کیا تھا کوئی شخص بھی ان کے خلاف کھڑا نہیں ہوا تھا۔ سب نے انہیں اچھا کہا۔ لہٰذا میں سمجھتا ہوں کہ ان لوگوں کا مطالبہ حقیقی نہیں۔ میرے خیال میں ایسے مطالبات توجہ ہٹانے کی کوشش ہے۔ ایک سوال پر انہوں نے کہا کہ غلط یا درست صدرمشرف منتخب صدر ہیں۔ ہم نے صدر مشرف کے تحت الیکشن میں حصہ لیا ہے اور کوئی وجہ نہیں ہے کہ ہم انہیں صدر تسلیم نہ کریں۔ اس کا مطلب یہ ہے کہ آپ کا صدر کو ہٹانے کا کوئی ارادہ نہیں اس سوال پر احمدمختار نے کہا کہ یہ پارٹی کی پالیسی ہے اور پارٹی ہی فیصلہ کرے گی کہ آیا ان کا مواخذہ ہونا چاہئے یا نہیں۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ پارٹی جائزہ لے رہی ہے کہ صدر مشرف کو ہٹائے جانے پر کیا فائدہ حاصل ہوسکتا ہے۔ آئینی پیکج پر قوم کو مایوس نہیں کریں گے۔ جنرل (ر) جمشید گلزار کیانی کا انٹرویو اچھا نہ تھا۔ ان کو ایسا نہیں کرنا چاہئے تھا کیونکہ انہوں نے صدر مشرف کے زیرنگرانی خدمات سرانجام دی ہیں۔ جب تک وہ فائدے اٹھاتے رہے مشرف اچھا تھا جیسے ہی ان کو کارنر کیا گیا تو وہ صدر کے خلاف ہوگئے۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ جو فورسز پاور میں تھیں ان کو آہستہ آہستہ کمزور کیا جارہا ہے۔ مغربی طاقتیں بھی اب منتخب جمہوری حکومت کی بات سن رہی ہیں۔ صدر مشرف کو اپنی جماعت مسلم لیگ (ق) کی ہار کے بعد اقتدار چھوڑ دینا چاہئے تھا مگر انہوں نے ایسا نہیں کیا۔ وفاقی حکومت نے قومی مفاہمتی آرڈیننس ، این آر او کے تحت ارکان اسمبلی کو تحفظ دینے کیلئے کارروائی کا آغاز کردیا ہے اور پارلیمانی ضابطہ اخلاق کمیٹی کی تشکیل کیلئے اپوزیشن سے مشاورت کی گئی ہے ۔ وزارت قانون وانصاف کی طرف سے قومی اسمبلی اور سینیٹ کے اپوزیشن لیڈرز چوہدری پرویز الٰہی اور سینیٹر کامل علی آغا کو خطوط موصول ہوئے ہیں۔ جس میں قومی مفاہمتی آرڈیننس کے تحت پارلیمانی ضابطہ اخلاق Ethicsکمیٹی کی تشکیل کے فیصلے سے آگاہ کیا گیا ہے۔ پارلیمانی اخلاقیات کمیٹی 16 ارکان پر مشتمل ہوگی جس میں قومی اسمبلی اور سینیٹ کے مساوی نمائندگی ہوگی۔ حکومت اور اپوزیشن سے 8،8 اراکین اس کمیٹی میں شامل ہونگے۔ این آر او آرڈیننس میں کہاگیا ہے کہ پارلیمانی اخلاقیات کمیٹی کی پیشگی اجازت کے بغیر کسی رکن کو حکومت گرفتار نہیں کرسکے گی اور سیاسی اختلافات کی بناء پر انتقامی کارروائیوں کا ازالہ کرنے کیلئے کمیٹی خصوصی اقدامات کرے گی۔ماہرین قانون اور ممتاز وکلاء رہنماو¿ں نے آئینی پیکج پر سخت تنقید کرتے ہوئے اسے معزول ججوں کو بے بس اور پی سی او ججوں کو مضبو ط اور مستحکم کرنے کی کوشش قرار دیا ہے مجوزہ آئینی ترامیم سے انتظامیہ طاقتور اور عدلیہ کمزور ہو جائے گی۔ چیف جسٹس سپریم کورٹ براہ راست وزیراعظم کے دباو¿ میں آ جائے گا‘ موجودہ آئینی پیکج دیکھ کر اندازہ ہوتا ہے کہ اس میں دو شخصیات ہی محور ہیں ان میں ایک معزول چیف جسٹس اور دوسری موجودہ چیف جسٹس ہے وکلاء نے حکومتی آئینی تجاویز کو مسترد کر دیا ہے جس میں طے شدہ امور کو ایک بار پھر چھیڑا جا رہا ہے۔ ججز کی مدت ملازمت کا معاملہ ایل ایف او کے ذریعے بھی اٹھایا گیا تھا‘ ہائی کورٹ کیلئے 62 سال سے 65 سال کی عمر مقرر کرنے کی تجویز دی گئی تھی۔ تاہم پارلیمنٹ نے 1973ئکے آئین کو ہی برقرار کھا تھا۔ مجوزہ آئینی تجاویز کے ذریعے معزول چیف جسٹس افتخار محمد چوہدری کو بحالی کی صورت میں بے اختیار کرنے اور ان کی مدت ملازمت بطور چیف جسٹس کم کی جا رہی ہے اور دوسری طرف انہی تجاویز کے دوسرے چیف جسٹس عبدالحمید ڈوگر کو نہ صرف تحفظ دیا جا رہا ہے بلکہ ان کی دوبارہ چیف جسٹس کے عہدے پر تقرری کی راہ ہموار کی جا رہی ہے۔ صدرپرویز مشرف نے 3 نومبر 2007 کو پی سی او کے ذریعے 60 سے زیادہ جج معزول کر دیئے تھے نئے پیکج میں پی سی او کے ذریعے حلف اٹھانے والوں کو تحفظ دیا جا رہا ہے جس کو وکلاءکسی قیمت پر منظور نہیں کریں گے بعض ما ہرین نے نئے مجوزہ آئینی پیکج کو اچھی اور بری تجاویز کا مجموعہ قرار دیا ہے۔ معزول ججوں کو جس طریقہ سے بحال کیا جا رہا ہے اور جو اختیارات دیئے جا رہے ہیں اس کے بعد وہ غیر موثر ہو کر رہ جائیں گے۔ سپریم کورٹ میں موجودہ اور معزول ججوں کو جمع کر دیا گیا تو حکومتی مشینری کی من مانیاں شروع ہو جائیں گی کیونکہ نئے قوانین کے تحت از خود کارروائی کا اختیار سلب کیا جا رہا ہے اور لارجر بنچ کی تشکیل کا حق چیف جسٹس سے لیا جا رہا ہے۔ پیپلز پارٹی کا آئینی پیکج خفیہ کیوں رکھا جا رہا ہے۔ اس کو منظر عام پر لایا جائے تاکہ کھلی بحث ہو۔ جتنی معلومات حاصل ہوئی ہیں ان سے اندازہ ہوتا ہے کہ صدر پرویز مشرف اور جسٹس عبدالحمید ڈوگر کو بچانے اور معزول چیف جسٹس افتخار محمد چوہدری کو مزید بے بس کرنے کی سازش ہو رہی ہے جس کو وکلاء کبھی پسند نہیں کریں گے وکلاء اور پارلیمنٹ کے نمائندوں کواعتماد میں لے کر متفقہ تجاویز تیار کی جائیں تاکہ دستور کو کسی ایک شخص یا خاص مدت کیلئے نہ بنایا جا سکے بلکہ وسیع تر قومی مفاد میں قانون سازی ہو سکے۔ وزیراعظم سیّد یوسف رضا گیلانی نے کہا ہے کہ پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی کی حکومت نے قوم کو عوام دوست اور ترقی پسند بجٹ دینے کا تہیہ کر رکھا ہے جس میں انتہائی نادار افراد کو ریلیف فراہم کیا جائے گا۔ حکومت ملک کو درپیش اقتصادی چیلنجوں سے آگاہ ہے اور عوام کی توقعات پر پورا اترے گی پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی زندگی کی بنیادی ضروریات کی فراہمی کے ذریعے معاشرے کے انتہائی نادار اور پست طبقوں کی زندگیوں میں معیاری تبدیلی لانے کے اپنے وعدوں پر قائم ہے۔ انہوں نے پارٹی کے ارکان پر زور دیا کہ وہ کھلی کچہریوں کے انعقاد کے ذریعے عوام سے قریبی رابطے رکھ کر ان کی شکایات کے ازالہ میں سرگرم کردار ادا کریں آئندہ بجٹ پارٹی اور شہید محترمہ بے نظیر بھٹو کے مختلف وعدوں کی تکمیل کی جانب پہلا قدم ہو گا۔ حکومتی ترجیحات پر روشنی ڈالتے ہوئے وزیراعظم نے ایسے اقدامات پر زور دیا ہے جو ملک کو درپیش چیلنجوں سے نمٹنے میں مدد دیں زراعت اور مینوفیکچرنگ کے شعبے کی ترقی، توانائی اور پانی کی قلت پر قابو پانا، انسانی وسائل کی ترقی کے ساتھ ساتھ انتہائی کم آمدنی والے گروپوں کو ریلیف کی فراہمی وہ حقیقی مقاصد ہیں جو بجٹ میں کئے جائیں گے۔وزیراعظم نے بجٹ کو عوام کی ضروریات کے مطابق بنانے کیلئے اراکین پارلیمنٹ کی تجاویز کو سراہا ہے۔ ان تجاویز سے بجٹ کو حقیقت پسندانہ بنانے اور عوام کی امنگوں کے مطابق رکھنے میں مدد ملے گی۔ اس موقع پر اراکین پارلیمنٹ نے کہا کہ کنٹریکٹ پر کام کرنے والے کم آمدنی کے سرکاری ملازمین کو مستقل کرنے کا وزیراعظم کا فیصلہ بروقت، جرائتمندانہ اور عوام سے کئے گئے محترمہ بے نظیر بھٹو کے وعدے کی تکمیل ہے۔ عوام کا وزیر اعظم سے مطالبہ ہے کہ تمام اراکین اسمبلی کی ما ہا نہ تنخواہ روک کر بجلی پیدا کر نے والی کمپنیوں کو واجب ا لا ادا رقم ادا کی جا ئے تا کہ وہ فر نس آئل خرید سکیں اور ملک بھر کے شہریوں کو یکساں بجلی فراہم کی جا سکی ۔ عوام کو اس بات کا گہرا صد مہ ہوا ہے کہ حکومت صارفین سے تو ما ہا نہ بل تو لے لیتی ہے مگر ان کمپنیوں کو ادا نہیں کر تی جس کی وجہ سے بجلی کا بحران پیدا ہوا ہے۔ اے پی ایس ،اسلام آباد
عوام کا صف ماتم اور بے شرم قا نون شکن: تحریر اے پی ایس ،اسلام آباد
حکومت کوملک میں معاشی چیلنجز کا مقابلہ کرنے کے لئے پر عزم نہیں بلکہ خدا کا خوف کر کے عوام کے حال پر رحم کر نا ہوگا تاکہ عوام کی توقعات پر پورا اترا جا سکے۔ ملک بھر میں عوام کا صف ماتم بچھا ہوا ہے اور عوام کو درپیش مسائل حل کر نے والے بے شرم پو چکے ہیں ملک میں اس وقت بحران ہی بحران نظر آ رہے ہیں۔ آٹا ، بجلی ، پانی ، چاول ، تیل ، بے روزگاری، نا انصافی اور سر چڑھ کر بولنے والی مہنگائی کے ساتھ ساتھ ایک اور بحران کا اضافہ ہوا ہے وہ یہ کہ حکو متی بحران، حکومت کی ناقص کا رکردگی کا بحران ، اختیارات کا بحران ، سابقہ حکومت کی لوٹ مار کا بحران اور اس طرح کے کئی ایک بحران۔ عوام نے تو تنگ آ کر یہ بھی کہنا شروع کر دیا ہے کہ مذ کورہ بحرانوں سے عوام کی توجہ ہٹانے کیلئے ایک مصنوعی آ ئینی بحران پیدا کیا گیا ہے تا کہ عوام کی توجہ اس طرف رہے اور دن گزر تے رہیں۔ ماضی میں اس طرح کی کئی ایک مثالیں موجود ہیں ۔ پا کستان کے عوام کو یہ جان کر بہت دکھ پہنچا ہے کہ بجلی کا بحران کیوں پیدا ہوا ہے۔ بجلی کی پیدا وار کا کوئی مسئلہ نہیں بلکہ اس کی ذمہ دار حکومت ہے وہ اس طرح کہ بجلی پیدا کرنے والی کمپنیوں کو حکومت رقم ادا نہیں کر رہی جبکہ صارفین سے باقا عدگی سے بجلی کے بل وصول کر رہی ہے ۔ بحران پیدا کرنے کے ذمہ دار قومی خزانہ لو ٹنے والے چور چکے ، بد معاش سابق وزیر اعظم شوکت عزیز اور وہ لوگ شامل تھے جن کا شوکت عزیز آلہ کا ر تھا اور وہ بھی لوگ شامل تھے جو شوکت عزیز کے آ لہ کا ر تھے ۔ ا ین آر او سابقہ حکومت میں لوٹ مار کر نے والے چور چکوں اور ڈاکو و¾ں کی ضرورت تھی۔ اور ان مکار چوروں نے بڑی ہو شیاری کے ساتھ احسان عظیم آصف زرداری پر کر دیا۔ حا لا نکہ ساری دنیا جا نتی ہے کہ آصف زرداری اور رحمن ملک پر سیاسی انتقامی بنیادوں پر مقد مے بنائے گئے تھے جو سرا سر جھوٹے تھے انھیں آپ سیاسی بلیک میلنگ کہہ سکتے ہیں۔ مذ کورہ با لا بحرانوں میں ایک اور بحران دشت گردی اور خود کش حملوں کا تھا جس پر نئی حکومت خاص کر رحمن ملک نے اپنی صلاحیتوں کو برو ئے کار لا کر قا بو پا لیا ہے۔ رحمن ملک کی ان کا وشوں کو ملک بھر کے عوام نے نہ صرف سراہا ہے بلکہ انھیں خراج تحسین پیش کیا ہے۔ باقی وزراءکو بھی رحمن ملک کی طرح عملی طور پر کچھ کر کے ثابت کر نا ہوگا کہ جھوٹ بول بول کر کام نہیں چلے گا۔ باقی وزراءکو بھی رحمن ملک کی طرح تدبر اور حکمت عملی سے اپنی ذمہ داریوں کو بخوبی احسن ادا کر نا ہوگا۔ اس ضمن میں رحمن ملک اپنی ذہانت اور کا رکردگی کے لحاظ سے دوسروں سے ایک منفرد مقام رکھتے ہیں۔ اور یہی وجہ ہے جس کی بدولت رحمن ملک نے بے نظیر بھٹو اور آصف زرداری کی نظروں کے سامنے وہ مقام حاصل کرلیا جو کوئی دوسرا بغض رکھنے والا حاصل نہ کر سکا ۔ رحمن ملک جس طرح اپنے فرائض کو انجام دے رہے ہیں اس سے ثابت ہوتا ہے کہ رحمن ملک بھی جمہوری استحکام میں اتنے ہی پر عزم ہیں جتنے ان کے لیڈر آصف زرداری اور محترمہ بے نظیر بھٹو تھی۔ پیپلز پارٹی کی حکومت کوعوام دوست بجٹ لا نا ہوگا تا کہ جس سے عوام کو زیادہ سے زیادہ ریلیف ملے معاشرے کے غریب طبقے کے معیار زندگی میں بہتری لانے اور عوام کو ان کی بنیاد ی ضروریات ان کی دہلیز پر فراہم کرنے کے لئے عملی طور پر ثابت کر نا ہو گا ۔ جبکہ وزیراعظم سید یوسف رضا گیلانی نے کہا کہ کنٹریکٹ پر بھرتی ہونے والے ملازمین کو مستقل کرنا ایک انسانی مسئلہ تھا جس کو ہم نے حل کیا ہے گندم کی صوبائی نقل وحمل پر پابندی ختم کردی گئی ہے ہنگو کو ضرورت کی گندم فراہم کردی جائے گی ۔ وفاقی کابینہ میں میں بھی اقلیتوں کو نمانندگی دی جائے گی جو ملازمین گریڈ ایک سے پندرہ کے ہیں انہیںر یگولر کردیا جائے گا یہ ہماری پالیسی ہے یہ تمام ملازمین ہماری حکومت میں کنٹریکٹ پر بھرتی نہیں ہوئے تھے بلکہ دوسرے دور میں ہوئے تھے یہ انسانی حقوق کا معاملہ تھا۔ جس کے باعث حکومت نے انہیں مستقل کرنے کا فیصلہ کیا ہے ۔ اس حوالے سے کئی اہم قانونی اور مالیاتی پیچیدگیاں ہیں جن کو دیکھنے کے لیے ایک کمیٹی تشکیل د ی گئی ہے کہ پی آئی اے کے ملازمین کو ریگولر کردیا جائے گا ۔ یہ ایک انسانی مسئلہ تھا جس کو حکومت نے حل کیا تھا یہ ہماری پالیسی کا حصہ ہے ۔گندم ایک بڑا مسئلہ تھا۔ ہم نے ابتداء میں کوشش کی کہ گندم کی امدادی زیاد ہ کردی جائے انہوں نے کہا کہ ہمارے اس اقدام سے سندھ اور پنجاب کی حکومتوں ن ے تیس فیصد گندم کی خریداری مکمل کر لی ہے جبکہ پاسکو اس حوالے سے پیچھے ہے ۔ ہماری کوشش ہے کہ پاسکو اپنا ہدف حاصل کر لے ۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ اب ملک میں گندم کا کوئی مسئلہ نہیں ہے اور اقتصادی رابطہ کمیٹی نے گندم کی صوبائی نقل و حمل پر عائد پابندی اٹھا لی ہے اب ہنگو کو بھی ضرورت کی گندم او آٹا مہیا کردیا جائے گا۔ وزیراعظم نے کہا کہ پورے ملک میں بجلی کی قلت ہے ۔ بجلی کی بچت کا پروگرام بنایا ہے اس حوالے سے وقت کو ایک گھنٹہ آگے کردیا اور ہماری زیادہ سے زیادہ کوشس ہے کہ بجلی کی پیداوار میں اضافہ کیا جائے ہم کراچی کو ایک ہزار میگا واٹ بجلی دے رہے ہیں انہوں نے کہا کہ ہم لوڈ شیڈنگ مقررہو قت پر برابر کرنا چاہتے ہیںا ور چاہتے ہیں کہ بجلی کی فراہمی میں سب کے ساتھ کوئی غیر مساوی سلوک نہ کیا جائے ۔وزیراعظم نے کہا کہ آئینی پیکج میں اقلیتوں کو سینٹ میں بھی نمائندگی دینے پر غور کررہے ہیں صوبوں کی حکومتوں میں اقلیتوں کو نمائندگی دے ۔ جبکہ وفاقی کابینہ کے مکمل ہونے پر کابینہ میں بھی اقلیتوں کو نمائندگی دیدی جائے گی۔ وزیر اعظم سید یوسف رضا گیلانی نے کہا ہے کہ جلد قومی صحت پالیسی کا اعلان ہو گا۔ ملک بھر کے تمام صحت کے بنیادی مراکز میں تمام ضروری و مطلوبہ سہولیات فراہم کی جائیں گی حکومت نے صحت کے شعبہ کو ترجیحات میں شامل کیاہے صحت کے شعبہ کے لیے وزیر اعظم پروگرام شروع کیا جارہاہے چاروں صوبوں میں صحت کے بنیادی مراکز میں ڈاکٹر ، اسٹا ف اور ادویات کی دستیابی کو یقینی بنایا جائے گا جلد ہی صحت کی قومی پالیسی کا اعلان ہو گا۔ انہوں نے کہاکہ صحت کی بنیادی سہولتوں کی فراہمی کے لیے حکومت مختلف اقدام کرے گی۔ ایک سوال کے جواب میں وفاقی وزیر شیری رحمان نے کہا کہ آئندہ مالی سال کے دوران ملک کی تمام یونین کونسلوں میں پینے کے صاف پانی کے پلانٹ لگیں گے۔ بیگم یاسمین رحمان کے سوال کے جواب میں وفاقی وزیر صحت شیری رحمان نے کہاکہ گزشتہ تین سالوں کے دوران وفاقی حکومت کے تحت چار ہسپتال قائم کئے گئے۔دو دراز کے علاقوں کے احساس محرومی کے خاتمے کے لیے صحت کی بنیادی سہولتوں کی فراہمی کے لیے اقدامات کئے جا رہے ہیں ۔ ہیپاٹائٹس کے حوالے سے طبی سہولت کی فراہمی ای ڈی او کی ذمہ داری ہے۔ ایک سوال کے جواب میں وزیر صحت نے کہاکہ گزشتہ چار سالوں میں پاکستان کو صحت کے شعبہ کے حوالے سے 1739.01594 ملین روپے گلوبل فنڈ اور یونیسیف سے 184.158553 ملین روپے ملے ۔ضمنی سوالات کے جواب میں انہوں نے کہا کہ لیڈی ہیلتھ ورکرز کی تعداد میں ایک لاکھ اضافے کا فیصلہ کیا گیا ہے بجٹ میں رقم مختص کی جا رہی ہے ۔ پولیو مہم کے حوالے سے دوسرے مرحلے میں 1282238 ، تیسرے مرحلے میں 6906376 ، چوتھے مرحلے میں 20586497 پانچویں مرحلے میں 35322571 یعنی 101 فیصد بچوں کو شامل کیا جائیگا۔ فوزیہ وہاب کے سوال کے جواب میں وفاقی وزیر ریلوے سید خورشید شاہ نے کہاکہ ریلوے کا کل خسارہ 11115.355 ملین روپے ہے ۔ ریلوے کے 2006-7 میں محاصل 11674.140 ملین روپے ہوئے اس میں کل خسارہ 6239.625 ملین روپے تھا۔ سابقہ وزیر ریلوے کا خسارہ میں کمی کا دعویٰ غلط تھا۔ گزشتہ تین سالوں کے دوران 1395854 ایکڑ ریلوے اراضی متعدد مقاصد کے لیے لیز پر دی گئی ہے۔ تاہم کوئی زمین فروخت نہیں کی گئی ہے۔ ایک سوال کے جواب میں وزیر صحت شیری رحمان نے کہاکہ گزشتہ سال آزاد کشمیر سمیت ملک بھر میں 30662 ہیپاٹائٹس کے مریضوں کو رجسٹرڈ کیا گیا تھا ۔ وفاقی صوبائی اور صلعی سطح پر ہیپاٹائٹس کے خاتمے کاپروگرام شروع کیا گیا ہے جلد ہی قومی صحت پالیسی کا اعلان ہو گا ضلع اور صوبے صحت کے شعبے کے حوالے سے خود مختار ہوں گے ۔تین مرحلوں میں ملک بھر میں 150 تحصیل و ضلعی ہیڈ کوارٹر کے ہسپتالوں میں پانی صاف کرنیوالے پلانٹوں کی تنصیب اور صوبائی سطحوں پر پانی کے معیار کنٹرول کرنے والے تجربہ گاہوں کو فروغ دیا جائے گا۔ چوہدری پرجیس طاہر کے سوال کے جواب میں وزیر ریلوے نے کہاکہ ریلوے میں مسافروں کی سہولت کے لیے 38 کمپیوٹرائزڈ ریزرویشن سنٹر قائم کئے گئے ہیں ۔ ریزرویشنز کے اوقات بجے بڑھا دئیے گئے ہیں۔ ۔ ایک سوال کے جواب میں وفاقی وزیر صحت شیری رحمان نے کہاکہ ملک کی پانچ سے چھ فیصد آبادی میں ہیپاٹائٹس سی اور ہیپٹائٹس بی کا تین سے چار فیصد پھیلاو¿ ہے ۔ ہسپتالوں میں مریضوں کو مفت انجکشن فراہم کئے جاتے ہیں ۔ 1500 انجکشن کی خریداری کے لیے رقم مختص ہے ۔انہوں نے ایک سوال کے جواب میں کہاکہ ترقی نسواں کی ترقی کے حوالے سے2008-9 ء میں سولہ میگا پروجیکٹ شروع کئے جائیں گے سابقہ حکومت میں دعویٰ کیا گیا مگر خواتین کی ترقی اور انہیں با اختیار بنانے کے حوالے سے انتہائی قلیل فنڈز رکھے گئے پاک فوج کے سابق سربراہ ریٹائرڈ جنرل اسلم بیگ نے کہا ہے کہ صدر پرویز مشرف کا کھیل ختم ہو گیا ہے اس لیے انہیں باعزت طور پر مستعفی ہو جانا چاہیے ۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ وکلاء تحریک سول سوسا ئٹی کے تعاون سے کامیاب ہو گی اگر وکلاء تحریک کے پاس کوئی سیاسی ایجنڈا نہ ہوا تو ان کے خلاف سازشیں ہوتی رہیں گی انہوں نے کہا کہ اگر پیپلز پارٹی اپنا 77نکاتی فارمولہ دے سکتی ہے تو وکلاء بھی کم از کم سات نکاتی ایجنڈا دیں جس میں ان کی منزل کی نشاندہی ہو اسلم بیگ نے کہا ہے کہ وکلاء جب تک ایک سیاسی ایجنڈا نہیں دیں گے ان کا اتحاد قائم نہیں رہ سکے گا اور نہ ہی وہ مل کر بیٹھ سکیں گے اور نہ ہی عوامی مینڈیٹ کا اقدام کر سکیں گے۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ جب تک وکلاء کی آواز ایوانوں میں نہیں گونجے گی ان کی تحریک کمزور رہے گی سیاسی ایجنڈے کے بغیر تحریک کامیاب نہیں ہو سکے گی اور وہ یوں ہی سڑکوں پر رہیں گے ۔ قائداعظم بھی ایک وکیل تھے جنہوں نے اپنا تحریک قانون کی بالا دستی تک محدود نہیں کی بلکہ پورے برصغیر میں ایک ایجنڈے کے تحت تحریک چلائی جس کے نتیجے میں پاکستان وجود میں آیا۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ 18فروری کو عوام نے جو مینڈیٹ دیا تھا وہ بیرونی قوتوں کو پسند نہیں آیا جس کی وجہ سے وہ حکومت پر دباو¿ ڈال رہی ہیں کہ عوامی مینڈیٹ ان کے ایجنڈے کے مطابق نہیں ہے اسی وجہ سے موجودہ حکومت کے خلاف سازشیں ہو رہی ہیں بے نظیر بھٹو کو بھی بیرونی طاقتوں نے اپنے ایجنڈے کے تحت پاکستان بھیجا تھا لیکن بے نظیر نے پاکستان میں آ کر یہ محسوس کیا کہ وہ اس ایجنڈے پر کام نہیں کر سکتیں کیونکہ اس طرح نہ صرف ان کی ساکھ کو خطرہ تھا بلکہ پارٹی کی سالمیت بھی خطرے میں تھی۔ اسلم بیگ نے کہا کہ اگر وکلاء اور سول سوسائٹی مل کر چلتی رہی تو ایک دن انقلاب آ جائے گا جسے روکنا محال ہو گا صدر پرویز مشرف کا نظام تیزی سے زوال پذیر ہے اور صدر پرویز مشرف کی پوزیشن کمزور ہو رہی ہے اور انہیں فوری طور پر مستعفی ہو جانا چاہیے اگر موجودہ حکومتی اتحاد ٹوٹا تو یہ پاکستان کے لیے بہتر نہیں ہو گاملک کی بدقسمتی ہے کہ ہر دور میں تحریک کی کامیابی کی صورت میں ایک ڈکٹیٹر نے جنم لیا جس کا آغاز ایوب خان کے دور سے شروع ہوا جو مارشل لگا کر امریکہ کی لعنت بھی ساتھ لے آئے اور وہ ہماری جڑوں میں بیٹھ گیا۔ یحییٰ خان کو ملک کو دولخت کروانے کیلئے لایا گیا ۔ بھٹو نے آزاد فیصلے کئے تو اسے سیاسی جماعتوں کی تحریک چلوا کر تختہ دار پر لٹکادیا گیا۔ نوازشریف نے ایٹمی دھماکہ کیا تو سزا کے طور پر جنرل مشرف کو اقتدار پر براجمان کردیا گیا۔ آج بھی سیاسی ومذہبی جماعتیں اس کی حمایت کررہی ہیں۔ انہوں نے کہاکہ 18فروری کو عوام کے فیصلے سے نئی سلطانی جمہور کا سورج طلوع ہوچکا ہے ہم ایسے دوراہے پر کھڑے ہیں جس کی ایک سمت مسجدکی جانب جبکہ دوسرا راستہ مے خانہ کو جاتا ہے۔ نظام کہن کی قیادت جنرل مشرف کے ہاتھ میں ہے۔ صحافی اور وکلاء برادری مشترکہ طور پر باہمی اتحاد سے جمہوریت کے خلاف ہونے والی تمام سازشوں کو ناکام بنانے اور ایوانوں کو ہلا کر رکھ دینے کی صلاحیتیں رکھتے ہیں۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ وکلاء تحریک کا سیاسی ایجنڈا ہونا چاہئے۔ قائداعظم نے بھی قانون کی بالادستی اور اصولوں کی بنیاد پر سیاسی جہدوجہد کرکے علیحدہ وطن بنا کر دنیا میں مثال قائم کی۔ جبکہ ایکس سروس مین سوسائٹی لاہور ریجن نے مطالبہ کیا ہے کہ جنرل (ر) پرویز مشرف کا فوری طور پر مواخذہ اور کورٹ مارشل کیا جائے۔ انہیں قوم کی لوٹی ہوئی دولت اور قرضے معاف کرنے کیلئے این آر او جاری کرنے کا کوئی اختیار نہیں۔ مسئلہ کشمیر حل کئے بغیر بھارت سے تجارتی تعلقات قائم نہ کئے جائیں۔ معزول چیف جسٹس سمیت تمام ججوں کو بحال کیا جائے اور وزیرستان وقبائلی علاقوں سے مسلح افواج کو واپس بلایا جائے۔ یہ مطالبات لاہور پریس کلب میں صوبائی دارالحکومت میں رہائش پذیر سوسائٹی کے ممبران کے اجلاس کے بعد میجر جنرل (ر) شفیق احمد نے اپنے دیگر ساتھیوں کے ہمراہ پریس کانفرنس سے خطاب کرتے ہوئے کئے۔ اجلاس میں 10ریٹائرڈ جرنیلوں اور درجنوں برگیڈیئرز اور کرنل رینک کے ریٹائرڈ افسران نے شرکت کی ۔ اجلاس میں وکلاء کے لانگ مارچ میں بھرپور شرکت کا بھی فیصلہ کیا گیا۔ میجر جنرل (ر) شفیق احمد نے کہا کہ اس بات پر تمام ایکس مین متفق ہوئے کہ صدر جنرل (ر) پرویز مشرف نے گذشتہ نو سال کے دوران پاکستان کو تباہی کے دہانے پر پہنچادیا ہے۔ وہ منتخب حکومت پر شب خون مار کر اقتدار میں آئے ۔ انہوں نے غیر آئینی طور پر چیف جسٹس سمیت ججوں کو معزول کیا، وزیرستان ودیگر قبائلی علاقوں میں فوج کشی کرکے امریکہ کی جنگ کو پاکستان میں گھسیٹا اور اپنے ہی معصوم شہریوں کی جان لی۔ جن لوگوں نے قوم کے اربوں روپے لوٹے انہیں یہ لوٹی ہوئی تمام دولت این آر او کے تحت معاف کردی جس کا انہیں اختیار نہیں تھا۔ اس لئے جنرل (ر) پرویز مشرف کا فوری طور پر مواخذہ کیا جائے اور حکومت مناسب سمجھے تو ان کا کورٹ مارشل بھی کروائے۔ انہوں نے کہاکہ موجودہ حکمران مستقبل کیلئے تو آئین سے غداری کرنے والوں کیلئے آئینی پیکج پیش کرنا چاہتے ہیں لیکن جو بے شمار پاکستانیوں کا قاتل سامنے بیٹھا ہے اس کا مواخذہ کرنے کیلئے تیار نہیں ہیں۔ انہوں نے یہ بھی مطالبہ کیا کہ ماضی میں کسی بھی منتخب حکومت کا تختہ الٹنے کا حصہ بننے والے فوجی جرنیلوں یا افسران کا احتساب کیا جائے۔ عدلیہ کو آزاد کیا جائے اور معزول ججوں کو آئینی پیکج کی بجائے انتظامی حکم کے ذریعے بحال کیا جائے کیونکہ جب عدلیہ آزاد ہوگی تو پاکستانی قوم کو درپیش روٹی ، کپڑا ، مکان ، مہنگائی اور انصاف کے تمام مسائل حل ہوجائیں گے۔ انہوں نے مطالبہ کیا کہ ڈاکٹر عبدالقدیر خان کو مکمل طور پر رہا کرکے قومی ہیرو کا درجہ دیا جائے۔
CINEPAX LAUNCHING CEREMONY ON JUNE6,KASHMALA WILL BE THE CHIEF GUEST
ISLAMABAD(APS) Cultural Complex Cinepax Launching Ceremony to be held at
Cinepax near Maccdonald opp Islamabad Airport at 6pm:
Member National Assembly Kashmala Tariq will be the chief guest.
Gender agents to be appointed in key ministries: Sherry
ASSOCIATED PRESS SERVICE
ISLAMABAD : Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman Thursday said the government would appoint “gender agents” in the main ministries to herald a change in attitude on gender related issues. Speaking at the launching ceremony of Rozan’s Munsalik Media Project: Pakistani Aurat Ki Kahani, Media Ki Zubani here, she said these agents would be appointed in the Ministries of Information, Interior and Finance. Under the three-year Munsalik project, journalists would be trained on social issues and special workshops on gender sensitization would be arranged. This project would also focus on students of mass communication and journalism to highlight the importance of social issues.
The Minister said the government of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and its allies would involve all stakeholders in the law making process on gender sensitization issues.
She said electronic media would have to adopt more responsible approach in reporting events, adding that a race for beepers and breaking news puts extra pressure on the field staff.
“If one channel runs a false news, the reporters of other channels are put under intense pressure to create something to counter that story,” she remarked.
“Unnecessary focus on political news shadows coverage of real issues and problems in our media,” she said. However, she added the government would not enforce any law through PEMRA in this regard.
She suggested that the media itself should device a code of conduct for covering gender related issues.
Sherry Rehman suggested the electronic media to reserve at least 10 per cent total time for public service messages.
The Minister said that media becomes responsible through democratic environment but if the democratic process is not allowed to run, such things do happen.
The Minister said she has come to the seminar not as a Minister but as a person who supports the initiative of the Rozan and added she has struggled along with NGOs and other civil society organizations for rights of the people in the past and would like to do so in future also as it was a continuous process.
She said editors in the newspapers play a key role and decide the editorial priorities of the organizations and advised them to shift focus of news coverage from political to human interest stories. There was a need to change mindset of the society, she added.
Renowned artist Faryal Gohar, journalists including Absar Alam, Ghazi Salahaddin, Narjis Zaidi and representatives of different NGOs attended the ceremony.
Kareena adds a few pounds, sports a new look
New Delhi:Now that Kareena Kapoor's sleek size-zero look in her latest film "Tashan" failed to work wonders at the box-office, she has added a few pounds for a new look in her forthcoming "Main Aur Mrs Khanna".
A source close to Kareena has confirmed that she has put on weight for her new style for the film, which also stars brothers Salman and Sohail Khan in pivotal roles."'Tashan' had action scenes and required Kareena to be thin and to look fit. So she cut down on her weight. But her character in 'Main Aur Mrs Khanna' is entirely different."Kareena plays a housewife and has kept her style keeping the character in mind," the source was quoted as saying.Incidentally, Kareena's favourite designer Manish Malhotra, who tailored her look for Karan Johar's "Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham", said: "Bebo (Kareena) has never looked better."Although the actress' prescribed diet includes paranthas, momos, cheese, pasta and bananas, which are mostly considered fattening, it is her daily practice of yoga that keeps her fit."She is feeling more energetic, healthier and sexy now. Kareena wants her fans to know that it is only due to her dedication and discipline about her eating and fitness habits that she could achieve her figure," the source said.
Drona postponed, Priyanka spills the beans on film script
Drona, the Abhishek Bachchan-Priyanka Chopra starrer directed by Goldie Behl in which Abhishek takes on the avatar of a new age, Bollywood superhero on the lines of Hrithik Roshan’s superhero act in Krrish, has been postponed for various reasons. And if the buzz is to be believed then the delay is possibly because Abhishek wants Drona to be a slick product before it enters the market.
Priyanka Chopra, on the other hand says, “Abhishek is essaying the character of a person who is unaware that he has the potential to be a superhero. That job is thrust upon him for some reasons. And I have been told from my childhood that Abhishek is the guy I need to protect. Hence, my entire life revolves around this guy who is an absolute nerd. I am not too happy that this is the man that I have to actually protect all the while. So strangely, I am the one who has to constantly save his life when it should be the other way round,” says Priyanka and adds quickly, “The film has a very sweet ending too. The movie has a different dose of fantasy interspersed with tons of magic and mythology and yet it is set in the modern era.” Delay or no delay, Priyanka certainly has described the film’s story in graphic detail.
Is Sanjay pushing his luck too far?
SANJAY DUTT is on a strange high these days! And one can see that he has not learnt from his past traumas. Says an insider, “He has not learnt anything through his mistakes. He still wants it all .
But unfortunately you can’t have your cake and eat it too!” Recently the actor expressed the desire of becoming a politician and contesting the polls.
Looks like he got carried away with all the on-screen Gandhigiri and thought it was time to emulate it offscreen as well. But fate has other plans for Sanjay.
Residents of the locality where Sanju wishes to contest got disturbed and organised a Press conference announcing that they will not accept Sanjay as their leader and he shouldn’t be allowed to contest because of his criminal background. They even plan to start a signature campaign against him.
Whoever is advising him obviously does not have his interest at heart. Earlier he took the advice of his sisters but now they too do not talk to him.
Friends blame Maanyata for all his recent bad decisions. But Sanjay has been controversy’s child from day one.
Trishala hurt Now he has lost the confidence of his only daughter too. She refuses to speak to him and there is no way that he can change her mind especially after the latest blow that has hit him with the American Consulate apparently refusing him and wife Maanyata a US Visa.
Sanjay had planned to go to New York to meet Trishala to calm her down and win back her love. He tried calling her but she refuses to take his calls.
Trishala was hurt and humiliated when she heard about her father’s marriage to Maanyata through a third party.
She was shocked when a Mumbai based tabloid called her up for her views on her dad’s third marriage.
Trishala broke down when she told the tabloid that, “He’d never do something like that! I don’t know about it!” Since that day she has allegedly refused to communicate with her Dad.
She had earlier forgiven him for a million things that had kept her and him apart for so many years.
She had finally started trusting her dad when he broke her trust for the millionth time.
Her grandparents too have no more excuses to give their granddaughter about her father’s behavior. They have run out of excuses.
No friends Friends blame Maanyata for influencing Sanjay against them. His life has completely taken over a new turn post his marriage to Maanyata.
The actor who was once seen in the company of his friends is now constantly glued to his wife.
A family friend of the actor reveals, “Maanyata has taken over Sanju’s life completely. Sanjay was planning to revive his dad’s home-production along with older sister Namrata and her husband Kumar Gaurav but now on the insistence of Maanyata he’s renamed the production house to Sanjay And Maanyata Dutt Productions and has made Maanyata the business head.
This hasn’t gone down too well with his sisters who have never liked Maanyata.” Maanyata on the other hand seems to have no qualms about what the Dutt family thinks about her.
Industry sources reveal that Maanyata who was once a struggling actress and did an item number in a Prakash Jha film, now plans to debut as a director with a mega-budget film.
An industry source reports, “Maanyata decides everything at the Dutt’s production house; they have hired a professional head but her word is law.
Initially Sanju was reluctant about Maanyata’s directorial abilities, but he has given in to her wishes.” On Maanyata’s insistence Sanjay is also no longer friends with Sanjay Gupta and Mahesh Manjrekar; the two people who supported him through thick and thin during his nightmarish days.
More recently he even upset his long time supporter and close friend Suniel Shetty.
The buzz is that Sanjay shot for Suniel’s home production a few months ago but now he wants Suniel to reshoot his scenes because he’s lost weight and is looking better. Suniel is in a fix as his film has already gone over-budget but Sanjay is adamant that Suniel reshoots his portion and has been continuously postponing the dubbing of the film, leaving Suneil very little choice.
Dutt defends himself In a recent interview with TOI, however, Dutt dismissed talk that his marriage to Maanyata has caused troubled within the household.
“The family should have been upset when Priya got married and even Anju. I think everyone has the right to live his life the way he wants to and we believe in live and let live. Every family has its ups and downs. Outside forces are trying to create a rift in our family. But I can easily say that we are going to be there for each other whenever we need each other,” he says.
Moving on to a more personal subject, Dutt says he hopes to visit his daughter Trishala soon in New York.
“I have submitted by documents, which are being processed. Once that is done, I am sure I will get a visa to New York. Trishala plans to come to the Bahamas and take me to New York to eat at some of her favourite restaurants. I am really looking forward to meeting her.”
But unfortunately you can’t have your cake and eat it too!” Recently the actor expressed the desire of becoming a politician and contesting the polls.
Looks like he got carried away with all the on-screen Gandhigiri and thought it was time to emulate it offscreen as well. But fate has other plans for Sanjay.
Residents of the locality where Sanju wishes to contest got disturbed and organised a Press conference announcing that they will not accept Sanjay as their leader and he shouldn’t be allowed to contest because of his criminal background. They even plan to start a signature campaign against him.
Whoever is advising him obviously does not have his interest at heart. Earlier he took the advice of his sisters but now they too do not talk to him.
Friends blame Maanyata for all his recent bad decisions. But Sanjay has been controversy’s child from day one.
Trishala hurt Now he has lost the confidence of his only daughter too. She refuses to speak to him and there is no way that he can change her mind especially after the latest blow that has hit him with the American Consulate apparently refusing him and wife Maanyata a US Visa.
Sanjay had planned to go to New York to meet Trishala to calm her down and win back her love. He tried calling her but she refuses to take his calls.
Trishala was hurt and humiliated when she heard about her father’s marriage to Maanyata through a third party.
She was shocked when a Mumbai based tabloid called her up for her views on her dad’s third marriage.
Trishala broke down when she told the tabloid that, “He’d never do something like that! I don’t know about it!” Since that day she has allegedly refused to communicate with her Dad.
She had earlier forgiven him for a million things that had kept her and him apart for so many years.
She had finally started trusting her dad when he broke her trust for the millionth time.
Her grandparents too have no more excuses to give their granddaughter about her father’s behavior. They have run out of excuses.
No friends Friends blame Maanyata for influencing Sanjay against them. His life has completely taken over a new turn post his marriage to Maanyata.
The actor who was once seen in the company of his friends is now constantly glued to his wife.
A family friend of the actor reveals, “Maanyata has taken over Sanju’s life completely. Sanjay was planning to revive his dad’s home-production along with older sister Namrata and her husband Kumar Gaurav but now on the insistence of Maanyata he’s renamed the production house to Sanjay And Maanyata Dutt Productions and has made Maanyata the business head.
This hasn’t gone down too well with his sisters who have never liked Maanyata.” Maanyata on the other hand seems to have no qualms about what the Dutt family thinks about her.
Industry sources reveal that Maanyata who was once a struggling actress and did an item number in a Prakash Jha film, now plans to debut as a director with a mega-budget film.
An industry source reports, “Maanyata decides everything at the Dutt’s production house; they have hired a professional head but her word is law.
Initially Sanju was reluctant about Maanyata’s directorial abilities, but he has given in to her wishes.” On Maanyata’s insistence Sanjay is also no longer friends with Sanjay Gupta and Mahesh Manjrekar; the two people who supported him through thick and thin during his nightmarish days.
More recently he even upset his long time supporter and close friend Suniel Shetty.
The buzz is that Sanjay shot for Suniel’s home production a few months ago but now he wants Suniel to reshoot his scenes because he’s lost weight and is looking better. Suniel is in a fix as his film has already gone over-budget but Sanjay is adamant that Suniel reshoots his portion and has been continuously postponing the dubbing of the film, leaving Suneil very little choice.
Dutt defends himself In a recent interview with TOI, however, Dutt dismissed talk that his marriage to Maanyata has caused troubled within the household.
“The family should have been upset when Priya got married and even Anju. I think everyone has the right to live his life the way he wants to and we believe in live and let live. Every family has its ups and downs. Outside forces are trying to create a rift in our family. But I can easily say that we are going to be there for each other whenever we need each other,” he says.
Moving on to a more personal subject, Dutt says he hopes to visit his daughter Trishala soon in New York.
“I have submitted by documents, which are being processed. Once that is done, I am sure I will get a visa to New York. Trishala plans to come to the Bahamas and take me to New York to eat at some of her favourite restaurants. I am really looking forward to meeting her.”
Iran, Syria in the spotlight at IAEA board meeting
VIENNA - Allegations that first Iran and now Syria have been engaged in clandestine nuclear activities with possible military dimensions were the focus of a four-day meeting of the UN's atomic watchdog that ended here Thursday.
While Iran came under heavy fire for failing to come clean on alleged nuclear weapons work that took place just a few years ago, Syria also found itself in the dock amid accusations it had been building a clandestine nuclear facility until the site was bombed by Israeli airplanes last September.
The Syrian issue was the last item on the agenda of the International Atomic Energy Agency meeting that wrapped up early afternoon and Syria addressed the IAEA's 35-member board.
The IAEA is to send a team of experts to Damascus on June 22-24 to investigate allegations that a building in a remote site in the Syrian desert had been a covert nuclear reactor built with North Korea's help.
The reactor at Al-Kibar was allegedly close to becoming operational, but was destroyed in the Israeli air attack.
A diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that Syria had agreed to let the experts inspect Al-Kibar, but no other suspect site.
Another diplomat said the Syrian delegation had told the IAEA board that "there are no other sites related to this military installation that was bombed."
Damascus has dismissed the accusations as "ridiculous".
However, it wiped the destroyed site clean of rubble late last year and erected a new building where the destroyed one had stood, making any possible investigation by the IAEA more difficult.
The US ambassador to the IAEA, Gregory Schulte, said "Syria's obfuscation and concealment efforts raise many troubling questions."
The United States "calls on Syria to cooperate with the IAEA's investigation and to provide assurances there are no other undeclared nuclear activities," Schulte said.
The Slovenian representative to the IAEA, Bojan Bertoncelj, whose country holds the EU presidency, said the European Union was "deeply concerned" and "calls on Syria to cooperate fully with the agency, provide the necessary information and give all the access requested by the IAEA."
The Syrian issue looks set to become a separate full item at the IAEA's next board meeting in September, by which time IAEA inspectors will have visited the site.
Iran also came under heavy fire during the four-day meeting for failing to answer allegations that it had been trying to build a nuclear bomb until a few years ago.
But Iranian ambassador Ali Asghar Soltanieh said the matter was "over".
"We have given comprehensive responses, information and documents," Soltanieh told journalists.
"We have done our job. The matter is over," he said.
In his latest report on Iran, IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei accused the Islamic republic of withholding key information that could shed light on the so-called alleged studies.
These include nuclear research, engineering work and testing carried out until a few years ago that may have had a possible military dimension.
Iran claims that the allegations are "baseless" and the intelligence used to back up those allegations "forged" and "fabricated".
But the IAEA and Western countries insist that Tehran actively disprove the allegations rather than simply dismiss them as untrue.
Soltanieh denied that Iran had done no more than reject the allegations.
Six meetings had taken place between IAEA inspectors and the Iranian authorities in the run-up to ElBaradei's previous report in March. There had been 70 hours of discussions and Iran had turned over 200 pages of documents that disproved the allegations, Soltanieh said.
In addition, Iran had summarised its arguments in 30 pages of documents, including confidential information, that Soltanieh distributed to IAEA governors on Thursday, he said.
"We have answered every question. We have left no question answered," Soltanieh said.
He again dismissed the allegations as fake.
"The authenticity is the question. Quite simply the whole allegations are baseless. Nobody needs to prove it," Soltanieh said.
It was not only Western countries, however, that have called on Iran to respond to the weaponisation allegations.
The so-called Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), a bloc of countries including Cuba, India and South Africa that are normally supportive of Iran, said the IAEA was right to be asking such questions.
While Iran came under heavy fire for failing to come clean on alleged nuclear weapons work that took place just a few years ago, Syria also found itself in the dock amid accusations it had been building a clandestine nuclear facility until the site was bombed by Israeli airplanes last September.
The Syrian issue was the last item on the agenda of the International Atomic Energy Agency meeting that wrapped up early afternoon and Syria addressed the IAEA's 35-member board.
The IAEA is to send a team of experts to Damascus on June 22-24 to investigate allegations that a building in a remote site in the Syrian desert had been a covert nuclear reactor built with North Korea's help.
The reactor at Al-Kibar was allegedly close to becoming operational, but was destroyed in the Israeli air attack.
A diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that Syria had agreed to let the experts inspect Al-Kibar, but no other suspect site.
Another diplomat said the Syrian delegation had told the IAEA board that "there are no other sites related to this military installation that was bombed."
Damascus has dismissed the accusations as "ridiculous".
However, it wiped the destroyed site clean of rubble late last year and erected a new building where the destroyed one had stood, making any possible investigation by the IAEA more difficult.
The US ambassador to the IAEA, Gregory Schulte, said "Syria's obfuscation and concealment efforts raise many troubling questions."
The United States "calls on Syria to cooperate with the IAEA's investigation and to provide assurances there are no other undeclared nuclear activities," Schulte said.
The Slovenian representative to the IAEA, Bojan Bertoncelj, whose country holds the EU presidency, said the European Union was "deeply concerned" and "calls on Syria to cooperate fully with the agency, provide the necessary information and give all the access requested by the IAEA."
The Syrian issue looks set to become a separate full item at the IAEA's next board meeting in September, by which time IAEA inspectors will have visited the site.
Iran also came under heavy fire during the four-day meeting for failing to answer allegations that it had been trying to build a nuclear bomb until a few years ago.
But Iranian ambassador Ali Asghar Soltanieh said the matter was "over".
"We have given comprehensive responses, information and documents," Soltanieh told journalists.
"We have done our job. The matter is over," he said.
In his latest report on Iran, IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei accused the Islamic republic of withholding key information that could shed light on the so-called alleged studies.
These include nuclear research, engineering work and testing carried out until a few years ago that may have had a possible military dimension.
Iran claims that the allegations are "baseless" and the intelligence used to back up those allegations "forged" and "fabricated".
But the IAEA and Western countries insist that Tehran actively disprove the allegations rather than simply dismiss them as untrue.
Soltanieh denied that Iran had done no more than reject the allegations.
Six meetings had taken place between IAEA inspectors and the Iranian authorities in the run-up to ElBaradei's previous report in March. There had been 70 hours of discussions and Iran had turned over 200 pages of documents that disproved the allegations, Soltanieh said.
In addition, Iran had summarised its arguments in 30 pages of documents, including confidential information, that Soltanieh distributed to IAEA governors on Thursday, he said.
"We have answered every question. We have left no question answered," Soltanieh said.
He again dismissed the allegations as fake.
"The authenticity is the question. Quite simply the whole allegations are baseless. Nobody needs to prove it," Soltanieh said.
It was not only Western countries, however, that have called on Iran to respond to the weaponisation allegations.
The so-called Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), a bloc of countries including Cuba, India and South Africa that are normally supportive of Iran, said the IAEA was right to be asking such questions.
Pakistan's Asif held until Sunday in drugs probe
KARACHI- Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Asif will be detained in Dubai until Sunday, when the public prosecutor will decide whether he should be charged for possessing drugs or released, a PCB spokesman said on Thursday.
Shafqat Naghmi, chief operating officer of the Pakistan Cricket Board, told a news conference in Lahore that investigations into the case had been delayed until Sunday.
Asif was held at Dubai airport last Sunday after authorities found a suspicious substance in his possession.
"The results of the tests conducted on him and the substance have been received by the investigators but we can't say anything about them at this stage," Naghmi said.
"Our lawyer in Dubai is on the case and we just know that the matter has now been deferred to Sunday when something concrete will emerge," he added.
Asif has already been dropped from the Pakistan squad that leaves on Friday for Bangladesh to play in a triangular one-day series against India and the hosts from June 8.
The bowler, who has appeared in 11 tests and 28 one-day internationals, said the substance found on him was a medicine given to him by a local Hakeem (Ayurvedic practitioner) for some health problems, Naghmi said.
Shafqat Naghmi, chief operating officer of the Pakistan Cricket Board, told a news conference in Lahore that investigations into the case had been delayed until Sunday.
Asif was held at Dubai airport last Sunday after authorities found a suspicious substance in his possession.
"The results of the tests conducted on him and the substance have been received by the investigators but we can't say anything about them at this stage," Naghmi said.
"Our lawyer in Dubai is on the case and we just know that the matter has now been deferred to Sunday when something concrete will emerge," he added.
Asif has already been dropped from the Pakistan squad that leaves on Friday for Bangladesh to play in a triangular one-day series against India and the hosts from June 8.
The bowler, who has appeared in 11 tests and 28 one-day internationals, said the substance found on him was a medicine given to him by a local Hakeem (Ayurvedic practitioner) for some health problems, Naghmi said.
Asif hearing postponed to Sunday
Pakistan fast bowler Mohammed Asif who was arrested earlier this week at the Dubai International Airport for being in possession of contraband drugs was presented to the Public Prosecutor today and his statement was recorded.
The hearing in the case has been postponed till Sunday after which the chief prosecutor will review and pass a judgment in the case. Having been dropped from Pakistan's squad for Bangladesh, most cricket experts think that a comeback to the national squad will not be easy for Asif.
The hearing in the case has been postponed till Sunday after which the chief prosecutor will review and pass a judgment in the case. Having been dropped from Pakistan's squad for Bangladesh, most cricket experts think that a comeback to the national squad will not be easy for Asif.
Vehicles older than 20 years may go off-road
DUBAI — The registration of vehicles that have exceeded 20 years on the roads may not be renewed, according to an official of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
In a Press release yesterday, Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, stated that the Services Ministerial Council has approved of a motion of two decisions submitted by the RTA to the National Transport Authority.
“The first decision provided for reducing the maximum permissible gas emissions from vehicle exhausts. The policy calls for reducing carbon monoxide gases from 4.5 per cent to 2.5 per cent and hydrocarbon from 800ppm to 300ppm (parts per million). The second decision is related to banning registration and renewing registration of old light vehicles the life of which exceeds 20 years, provided the said period is further cut to 15 years by January 2010. It is also provided for banning the import of used light vehicles the life of which exceeds five years and used heavy vehicles the life of which exceeds seven years,” Al Tayer said.
However, the date of implementation of the new rule is yet to be decided as it is currently being discussed, sources say.
Earlier this year, the Dubai Municipality had conducted an 'On Road Vehicle Emission Measurement Study' where a US-based company which conducted the study suggested that a 10-year retirement for vehicles on Dubai roads was one of several feasible steps to reduce pollution.
The study had also revealed that the vehicle pollution in Dubai compared to American standards is around 13 per cent (for vehicles using petrol) whereas the pollution rate is 2.5 per cent in Virginia, US, and two per cent in Michigan.
The study by the Dubai Municipality revealed that six to 12 per cent of the vehicles registered in Dubai were harmful to the environment as they exceeded the permissible levels of emissions.
In a Press release yesterday, Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, stated that the Services Ministerial Council has approved of a motion of two decisions submitted by the RTA to the National Transport Authority.
“The first decision provided for reducing the maximum permissible gas emissions from vehicle exhausts. The policy calls for reducing carbon monoxide gases from 4.5 per cent to 2.5 per cent and hydrocarbon from 800ppm to 300ppm (parts per million). The second decision is related to banning registration and renewing registration of old light vehicles the life of which exceeds 20 years, provided the said period is further cut to 15 years by January 2010. It is also provided for banning the import of used light vehicles the life of which exceeds five years and used heavy vehicles the life of which exceeds seven years,” Al Tayer said.
However, the date of implementation of the new rule is yet to be decided as it is currently being discussed, sources say.
Earlier this year, the Dubai Municipality had conducted an 'On Road Vehicle Emission Measurement Study' where a US-based company which conducted the study suggested that a 10-year retirement for vehicles on Dubai roads was one of several feasible steps to reduce pollution.
The study had also revealed that the vehicle pollution in Dubai compared to American standards is around 13 per cent (for vehicles using petrol) whereas the pollution rate is 2.5 per cent in Virginia, US, and two per cent in Michigan.
The study by the Dubai Municipality revealed that six to 12 per cent of the vehicles registered in Dubai were harmful to the environment as they exceeded the permissible levels of emissions.
EU sets 18-month detention cap for illegal migrants
LUXEMBOURG - European Union interior ministers agreed on Thursday that illegal migrants can be detained for up to 18 months and face a 5-year ban in a move which rights groups say will undermine human rights.
The law is due to be voted on by the European Parliament next week. The assembly is divided, and lawmakers say the vote will be tight. Conservatives and many liberals support it, while socialists, greens and a communist-led group want changes, one EU official said.
The 18-month limit is higher than the maximum detention in two-thirds of the 27 EU states. Although EU states can keep a lower limit if they want, rights groups say it will encourage authorities to lock up more illegal migrants.
The European Commission estimates there are up to 8 million illegal migrants in the bloc. More than 200,000 illegal migrants were arrested in the EU in the first half of 2007, and less than 90,000 were expelled.
The new law also allows children to be detained while saying that should be for the shortest appropriate period of time.
Currently, illegal migrants cannot be detained for more than 40 days in Spain and a year in Hungary, according to European Commission data.
Germany already has an 18-month detention cap, while eight EU countries, who have higher caps or none at all would need to introduce the new EU limit.
Socialists in the European Parliament want the cap to be set at a maximum of six months, EU lawmaker Martine Roure said.
‘The vote will be very tight ... no one can say what the issue will be,’ she told Reuters.
‘Accepting the proposed directive as it stands will seriously undermine the fundamental rights of the individuals concerned,’ rights group Amnesty International and the European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) said in a joint statement.
‘Amnesty International and ECRE consider entry bans prohibiting deportees from returning to Europe for up to five years to be a blunt and inappropriate instrument,’ they said.
The law is due to be voted on by the European Parliament next week. The assembly is divided, and lawmakers say the vote will be tight. Conservatives and many liberals support it, while socialists, greens and a communist-led group want changes, one EU official said.
The 18-month limit is higher than the maximum detention in two-thirds of the 27 EU states. Although EU states can keep a lower limit if they want, rights groups say it will encourage authorities to lock up more illegal migrants.
The European Commission estimates there are up to 8 million illegal migrants in the bloc. More than 200,000 illegal migrants were arrested in the EU in the first half of 2007, and less than 90,000 were expelled.
The new law also allows children to be detained while saying that should be for the shortest appropriate period of time.
Currently, illegal migrants cannot be detained for more than 40 days in Spain and a year in Hungary, according to European Commission data.
Germany already has an 18-month detention cap, while eight EU countries, who have higher caps or none at all would need to introduce the new EU limit.
Socialists in the European Parliament want the cap to be set at a maximum of six months, EU lawmaker Martine Roure said.
‘The vote will be very tight ... no one can say what the issue will be,’ she told Reuters.
‘Accepting the proposed directive as it stands will seriously undermine the fundamental rights of the individuals concerned,’ rights group Amnesty International and the European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) said in a joint statement.
‘Amnesty International and ECRE consider entry bans prohibiting deportees from returning to Europe for up to five years to be a blunt and inappropriate instrument,’ they said.
Import of 2.5m tonnes of wheat will be completed by November
ISLAMABAD — The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet was informed here yesterday that the import of 2.5 million tonnes of wheat would be completed by November and the first consignment of 1 million tonnes will arrive Pakistan in August this year to remove the shortage of the commodity.
The ECC, which was presided over by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, was also told that the import 2.5 million tonnes of wheat to make up the shortfall of 1 million tonnes and rest of the quantity of wheat will be kept for building up sufficient food reserves in the country. The meeting also directed the provincial government to lift immediately the ban on inter-provincial movement of wheat flour to improve its supply to food deficient areas.
At the same time the ECC directed the interior ministry to take more stringent measures to check smuggling and hoarding of wheat to keep its supply steady. It also stressed that people should get at "affordable prices." Official sources said that the meeting was informed that the government has completed its target of purchasing 5 million tonnes of wheat and now have its sufficient stocks to meet any urgency. It was then decided that in the first phase, the inter-provincial restriction on the movement of atta must be lifted.
A concerned official when approached explained that since atta was a perishable item and could not be hoarded for more than 8 to 10 days, its smuggling to Afghanistan and the central Asian States was not all that easy. "We don't see its (atta) shortage anymore and that is why the prime minister directed to lift ban on its inter-provincial movement," he said. Sources said that the meeting also took serious notice of growing energy crisis, with prime minister asking the concerned officials to early firm up short and long term plans particularly to end what he termed the menace of load-shedding which was causing huge problems to the people.
The issue could not be thoroughly debated as the ministers for finance and water & power left the P.M House in the middle of ECC meeting to discuss other important issues with PPP Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari at his Islamabad's residence. Sources said that the prime minister asked the officials of the cabinet division to keep the energy problem as an important agenda item for discussion at the federal cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
The prime minister, sources said, also expressed his serious concern over the increasing price hike especially that of food items and asked the economic ministries to look into the issue by ensuring better supply demand situation and check undue profiteering. According to an official announcement, the ministry of food and Agriculture informed the ECC that the federal government had already started supply of wheat to the NWFP province to meet the food shortage of the province.
The prime minister also directed to the ministry of commerce to diversify exports and respond to the dynamics of the international market aimed at to export Pakistani products. He said that the trade policy should be prepared keeping in view these observations. The ministry of commerce apprised the ECC meeting that Trade Officers posted in Pakistan Embassies were doing useful work in increasing the trade between Pakistan and the countries of their accreditation. Those who fail to perform can be recalled earlier.
The Ministry of Commerce was also directed to focus on the countries of the East, like Malaysia, China and Sri Lanka, where a lot of potential of Pakistan's export exists and it should be tapped at the earliest. The commerce secretary informed the meeting that the situation in the textile sector will improve during the next year because of the good prospects of access to the European markets, and the Reconstruction Opportunities Zone (ROZ) products will be exported to the US at zero tariff.
Governor State Bank of Pakistan Dr Shamshad Akhtar apprised the ECC of the economic indicators of the country's economy and underscored the need to pursue stringent fiscal and monetary measure directed to narrow down gap between the balance of payments and government revenues. "We have to be realistic and march with confidence on the trajectory of prosperity and development", the Governor stated. A balance has to be stricken between the exports and the imports, the governor emphasised. She thanked the prime minister for the candid discussions on the economy of the country and added that such frank and open discussions had never taken place in the past at such forums. She said that the problems facing the economy had accumulated over the years and these were never addressed in time in the past.
The ECC was informed that there was a slight increase of 0.66 per cent in the sensitive price index ending May 31, 2008. Prices of 8 items recorded decrease and 15 recorded no change.
The ECC, which was presided over by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, was also told that the import 2.5 million tonnes of wheat to make up the shortfall of 1 million tonnes and rest of the quantity of wheat will be kept for building up sufficient food reserves in the country. The meeting also directed the provincial government to lift immediately the ban on inter-provincial movement of wheat flour to improve its supply to food deficient areas.
At the same time the ECC directed the interior ministry to take more stringent measures to check smuggling and hoarding of wheat to keep its supply steady. It also stressed that people should get at "affordable prices." Official sources said that the meeting was informed that the government has completed its target of purchasing 5 million tonnes of wheat and now have its sufficient stocks to meet any urgency. It was then decided that in the first phase, the inter-provincial restriction on the movement of atta must be lifted.
A concerned official when approached explained that since atta was a perishable item and could not be hoarded for more than 8 to 10 days, its smuggling to Afghanistan and the central Asian States was not all that easy. "We don't see its (atta) shortage anymore and that is why the prime minister directed to lift ban on its inter-provincial movement," he said. Sources said that the meeting also took serious notice of growing energy crisis, with prime minister asking the concerned officials to early firm up short and long term plans particularly to end what he termed the menace of load-shedding which was causing huge problems to the people.
The issue could not be thoroughly debated as the ministers for finance and water & power left the P.M House in the middle of ECC meeting to discuss other important issues with PPP Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari at his Islamabad's residence. Sources said that the prime minister asked the officials of the cabinet division to keep the energy problem as an important agenda item for discussion at the federal cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
The prime minister, sources said, also expressed his serious concern over the increasing price hike especially that of food items and asked the economic ministries to look into the issue by ensuring better supply demand situation and check undue profiteering. According to an official announcement, the ministry of food and Agriculture informed the ECC that the federal government had already started supply of wheat to the NWFP province to meet the food shortage of the province.
The prime minister also directed to the ministry of commerce to diversify exports and respond to the dynamics of the international market aimed at to export Pakistani products. He said that the trade policy should be prepared keeping in view these observations. The ministry of commerce apprised the ECC meeting that Trade Officers posted in Pakistan Embassies were doing useful work in increasing the trade between Pakistan and the countries of their accreditation. Those who fail to perform can be recalled earlier.
The Ministry of Commerce was also directed to focus on the countries of the East, like Malaysia, China and Sri Lanka, where a lot of potential of Pakistan's export exists and it should be tapped at the earliest. The commerce secretary informed the meeting that the situation in the textile sector will improve during the next year because of the good prospects of access to the European markets, and the Reconstruction Opportunities Zone (ROZ) products will be exported to the US at zero tariff.
Governor State Bank of Pakistan Dr Shamshad Akhtar apprised the ECC of the economic indicators of the country's economy and underscored the need to pursue stringent fiscal and monetary measure directed to narrow down gap between the balance of payments and government revenues. "We have to be realistic and march with confidence on the trajectory of prosperity and development", the Governor stated. A balance has to be stricken between the exports and the imports, the governor emphasised. She thanked the prime minister for the candid discussions on the economy of the country and added that such frank and open discussions had never taken place in the past at such forums. She said that the problems facing the economy had accumulated over the years and these were never addressed in time in the past.
The ECC was informed that there was a slight increase of 0.66 per cent in the sensitive price index ending May 31, 2008. Prices of 8 items recorded decrease and 15 recorded no change.
Asif’s absence a great loss, says chief selector
DUBAI — There is a status quo as far as Mohammed Asif’s case is concerned.
Nadeem Akram, director human resources and administration with Pakistan Cricket Board told Khaleej Times: “The results of the blood and urine tests as well the substance found in bowler’s possession will be available by 12noon today. After the results the chief prosecutor will announce his decision.”
Asif has been detained at Dubai International Airport since Sunday after an alleged contraband substance was found in his wallet. Since then, the PCB has appointed legal counsel for him and sent a senior board official Nadeen Akram to Dubai to handle the case.
Salahuddin Ahmed, chief selector Pakistan Cricket Board, told Khaleej Times from Karachi on telephone: “It's a sad news for PCB because Asif is our frontline bowler and his absence will be a great loss to the team.
“He has been replaced by Sohail Khan, a leading wicket-taker in domestic cricket.”
Salahuddin added: “Though Asif is shattered by the ordeal in Dubai, he is a strong lad and will be ready for the Asia Cup going to be held in Pakistan from June 24.
“He is most likely to miss Bangladesh tour because the team will be leaving for Dhaka on June 6.”
But Shafqat Naghmi, the PCB’s chief operating officer, said while addressing a Press conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday: “The Pakistan embassy in the UAE has also been contacted. Nadeem Akram has been there since that night. We are just hoping that Asif gets back as soon as possible, hopefully in time for the Bangladesh tri-series."
While answering a question about the team’s preparation for the tri-nation series, the chief selector said: “We have selected the best possible team and it looks like a balanced one.
“Some of our players (Sohail Tanvir, Kamran Akmal and Slaman Butt) have performed well in the recently concluded Indian Premier League.
“Although Shahid Afridi failed to deliver he has bowled well and a good batting performance is overdue from him in Bangladesh.
“Mohammed Yousuf scored a double century during his last match for Lancashire. The team is ready for the challenge in Bangladesh.
“Butt has improved as a batsman and newcomer Nasir Jamshed is a good prospect.
“The middle order comprising dependable Younis Khan, Yousuf and Misbahul Haq can pose problems for any team in the world.
“There are some good all-rounders in the form of Afridi, Shoaib Malik and Fawad Alam.
“Umer Gul, Rao Iftikhar and Tanvir are raring to go and we can foresee some good matches in Bangladesh.”
"There is no dearth of talent in Pakistan and we have included a new fast bowler in the squad.
"Wahab Riaz, a talented left-arm fast bowler from Lahore, looks like a good asset.
"He has attended the bowling camp supervised by one of the all-time greats Wasim Akram. Wahab may get chance to play against India and Bangladesh keeping in mind the pitch conditions.” There were rumours in the Press about coach Geoff Lawson that he may not come back to Pakistan citing some differences with the PCB officials. But the chief selector said: “Lawson is back with the team and the whole bunch is going to assemble in Karachi today.
“The team will hold practice sessions tomorrow (Thursday) before leaving for Bangladesh on June 6."
Nadeem Akram, director human resources and administration with Pakistan Cricket Board told Khaleej Times: “The results of the blood and urine tests as well the substance found in bowler’s possession will be available by 12noon today. After the results the chief prosecutor will announce his decision.”
Asif has been detained at Dubai International Airport since Sunday after an alleged contraband substance was found in his wallet. Since then, the PCB has appointed legal counsel for him and sent a senior board official Nadeen Akram to Dubai to handle the case.
Salahuddin Ahmed, chief selector Pakistan Cricket Board, told Khaleej Times from Karachi on telephone: “It's a sad news for PCB because Asif is our frontline bowler and his absence will be a great loss to the team.
“He has been replaced by Sohail Khan, a leading wicket-taker in domestic cricket.”
Salahuddin added: “Though Asif is shattered by the ordeal in Dubai, he is a strong lad and will be ready for the Asia Cup going to be held in Pakistan from June 24.
“He is most likely to miss Bangladesh tour because the team will be leaving for Dhaka on June 6.”
But Shafqat Naghmi, the PCB’s chief operating officer, said while addressing a Press conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday: “The Pakistan embassy in the UAE has also been contacted. Nadeem Akram has been there since that night. We are just hoping that Asif gets back as soon as possible, hopefully in time for the Bangladesh tri-series."
While answering a question about the team’s preparation for the tri-nation series, the chief selector said: “We have selected the best possible team and it looks like a balanced one.
“Some of our players (Sohail Tanvir, Kamran Akmal and Slaman Butt) have performed well in the recently concluded Indian Premier League.
“Although Shahid Afridi failed to deliver he has bowled well and a good batting performance is overdue from him in Bangladesh.
“Mohammed Yousuf scored a double century during his last match for Lancashire. The team is ready for the challenge in Bangladesh.
“Butt has improved as a batsman and newcomer Nasir Jamshed is a good prospect.
“The middle order comprising dependable Younis Khan, Yousuf and Misbahul Haq can pose problems for any team in the world.
“There are some good all-rounders in the form of Afridi, Shoaib Malik and Fawad Alam.
“Umer Gul, Rao Iftikhar and Tanvir are raring to go and we can foresee some good matches in Bangladesh.”
"There is no dearth of talent in Pakistan and we have included a new fast bowler in the squad.
"Wahab Riaz, a talented left-arm fast bowler from Lahore, looks like a good asset.
"He has attended the bowling camp supervised by one of the all-time greats Wasim Akram. Wahab may get chance to play against India and Bangladesh keeping in mind the pitch conditions.” There were rumours in the Press about coach Geoff Lawson that he may not come back to Pakistan citing some differences with the PCB officials. But the chief selector said: “Lawson is back with the team and the whole bunch is going to assemble in Karachi today.
“The team will hold practice sessions tomorrow (Thursday) before leaving for Bangladesh on June 6."
Pakistan frees dozens of pro-Taliban militants
PESHAWAR - The government in Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) has freed dozens of militants under a peace deal with the militants who have fought the security forces to enforce Taliban- style rule in the restive valley of Swat, officials said.
The release came after a meeting between the local authorities in Swat and the close aides of pro-Taliban cleric Maulana Fazlullah.
"We have allowed more than 60 suspected militants to go to their homes from Timergirah prison in Peshawar (provincial capital of NWFP)," a security official told Deutsche Presse-Agenture dpa on condition of anonymity. "Fifteen more will be released tomorrow."
Previously a popular tourist destination, Swat valley, came under fire when Pakistani army launched a major operation in late October to clear out followers of Fazlullah.
He had used a pirated FM radio to preach violence against security forces and formed a heavily armed militia to impose austere version of Islam in the region.
The months of clashes left hundreds of people dead, prompting the new government to launch peace talks with the rebels in March this year and reach an agreement on May 21 under which the militants are supposed to renounce violence in exchange of enforcement of Islamic judicial system in Swat district.
Despite peace accord, the firebrand cleric, Fazlullah, continued to criticize the government for what he called "its complete failure in restoring the peace in the region."
"We are committed to the peace agreement but it does not mean that the government should delay enforcing a true Islamic system in Malakand (of which Swat is a part)," he said in a fiery speech at the FM radio on Late Wednesday.
"I do not understand that the government is not taking any action against criminals, robbers and kidnappers while it is always prepared for military operation if someone demands for Islamic system," he added.
Fazlullah as made an issue of the lawlessness in Malakand division to justify his self-defined system of Islamic justice.
"People have cases in the courts and they are waiting for years for courts decisions. That's why people now consult us to resolve their feuds and we help them resolving their problems as per Islamic principles and traditions of the area," he added.
Peace negotiations with the Islamic rebels in Swat are being conducted under what the new government calls revision of hard-handed policies of President Pervez Musharraf, a key US ally in the fight against terrorism.
The similar dialogue is also underway with Islamic extremists in the neighbouring tribal belt, which is believed to provide safe- havens for al-Qaeda and Taliban militants launching cross-border attacks on international forces in Afghanistan.
The country has in the past signed peace deals with tribal rebels but according to many analysts and Washington these have given militants the opportunity to regroup and strike back in increased strength.
But Pakistan has its reasons for signing peace deals as it has been hit by dozens of suicide attacks over the last one and half year, leaving more than 4000 people dead, creating an atmosphere that has adversely affected the economy.
The release came after a meeting between the local authorities in Swat and the close aides of pro-Taliban cleric Maulana Fazlullah.
"We have allowed more than 60 suspected militants to go to their homes from Timergirah prison in Peshawar (provincial capital of NWFP)," a security official told Deutsche Presse-Agenture dpa on condition of anonymity. "Fifteen more will be released tomorrow."
Previously a popular tourist destination, Swat valley, came under fire when Pakistani army launched a major operation in late October to clear out followers of Fazlullah.
He had used a pirated FM radio to preach violence against security forces and formed a heavily armed militia to impose austere version of Islam in the region.
The months of clashes left hundreds of people dead, prompting the new government to launch peace talks with the rebels in March this year and reach an agreement on May 21 under which the militants are supposed to renounce violence in exchange of enforcement of Islamic judicial system in Swat district.
Despite peace accord, the firebrand cleric, Fazlullah, continued to criticize the government for what he called "its complete failure in restoring the peace in the region."
"We are committed to the peace agreement but it does not mean that the government should delay enforcing a true Islamic system in Malakand (of which Swat is a part)," he said in a fiery speech at the FM radio on Late Wednesday.
"I do not understand that the government is not taking any action against criminals, robbers and kidnappers while it is always prepared for military operation if someone demands for Islamic system," he added.
Fazlullah as made an issue of the lawlessness in Malakand division to justify his self-defined system of Islamic justice.
"People have cases in the courts and they are waiting for years for courts decisions. That's why people now consult us to resolve their feuds and we help them resolving their problems as per Islamic principles and traditions of the area," he added.
Peace negotiations with the Islamic rebels in Swat are being conducted under what the new government calls revision of hard-handed policies of President Pervez Musharraf, a key US ally in the fight against terrorism.
The similar dialogue is also underway with Islamic extremists in the neighbouring tribal belt, which is believed to provide safe- havens for al-Qaeda and Taliban militants launching cross-border attacks on international forces in Afghanistan.
The country has in the past signed peace deals with tribal rebels but according to many analysts and Washington these have given militants the opportunity to regroup and strike back in increased strength.
But Pakistan has its reasons for signing peace deals as it has been hit by dozens of suicide attacks over the last one and half year, leaving more than 4000 people dead, creating an atmosphere that has adversely affected the economy.
Danish team in Pakistan after embassy blast
ISLAMABAD - A team of Danish diplomats and technical staff has arrived in Islamabad to liaise with Pakistani police after a suicide bombing outside Denmark's embassy, the foreign ministry said Thursday.
The Danes, who flew in on Wednesday, will also carry out a damage assessment following Monday's devastating car bomb which killed six people including a Danish citizen.
Al Qaeda claimed in Internet statements Wednesday to have carried out the attack in revenge for the publication in Danish newspapers of cartoons insulting the Prophet Mohammed, SITE monitoring services said.
‘A Danish delegation comprising diplomats and some technical support staff arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday,’ foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Sadiq told a press briefing.
‘They are assessing damage to the Danish embassy building and meeting Islamabad police officials,’ he said, adding however that ‘there are no investigation experts in this team.’
Sadiq would not comment on the Al Qaeda claim.
Officials in Copenhagen however said that Denmark's secret services have sent three experts to Islamabad as part of their investigation.
Danish intelligence officials said Wednesday that the suicide attack on the embassy in Islamabad had been meticulously planned for a ‘long time with precision’.
Footage from the embassy's video surveillance cameras has been handed over to Pakistani authorities as part of their criminal enquiry, said the PET intelligence service in a statement.
The video showed ‘a car with a man at the wheel arriving at high speed, passing in front of the embassy's entrance before the explosion several seconds later,’ PET added.
A Danish national of Pakistani origin and two Pakistani staff members at the embassy were among those killed in the blast.
The embassy, located outside Islamabad's secure diplomatic enclave, shut briefly in February 2006 due to riots over the cartoons in Pakistan which left five people dead.
The Danes, who flew in on Wednesday, will also carry out a damage assessment following Monday's devastating car bomb which killed six people including a Danish citizen.
Al Qaeda claimed in Internet statements Wednesday to have carried out the attack in revenge for the publication in Danish newspapers of cartoons insulting the Prophet Mohammed, SITE monitoring services said.
‘A Danish delegation comprising diplomats and some technical support staff arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday,’ foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Sadiq told a press briefing.
‘They are assessing damage to the Danish embassy building and meeting Islamabad police officials,’ he said, adding however that ‘there are no investigation experts in this team.’
Sadiq would not comment on the Al Qaeda claim.
Officials in Copenhagen however said that Denmark's secret services have sent three experts to Islamabad as part of their investigation.
Danish intelligence officials said Wednesday that the suicide attack on the embassy in Islamabad had been meticulously planned for a ‘long time with precision’.
Footage from the embassy's video surveillance cameras has been handed over to Pakistani authorities as part of their criminal enquiry, said the PET intelligence service in a statement.
The video showed ‘a car with a man at the wheel arriving at high speed, passing in front of the embassy's entrance before the explosion several seconds later,’ PET added.
A Danish national of Pakistani origin and two Pakistani staff members at the embassy were among those killed in the blast.
The embassy, located outside Islamabad's secure diplomatic enclave, shut briefly in February 2006 due to riots over the cartoons in Pakistan which left five people dead.
Suicide blast hits Afghan town, 4 wounded
KABUL - A suicide attacker blew himself up near international troops in the southern Afghan town of Qalat early Thursday, wounding four civilians, police said.
The bomber ran at a patrol in the centre of the town, capital of Zabul province, and detonated the explosives he was carrying, deputy police chief Faridullah Khan told AFP.
The international troops suffered no casualties but four civilians, young men, were wounded, he said from the town which is about 400 kilometres (250 miles) south of Kabul.
The media office for the multinational NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, which has US and Romanian soldiers in Qalat, could not immediately confirm the explosion.
No one immediately claimed responsibility but the attack was similar to scores of others carried out by the extremist Taleban movement, which makes heavy use of bombings in an insurgency against the Western-backed government.
There were two suicide bombings in the country on Wednesday, one aimed at Canadian troops in the south that killed a child and the other outside a district government in the east that killed one person and wounded several.
The bomber ran at a patrol in the centre of the town, capital of Zabul province, and detonated the explosives he was carrying, deputy police chief Faridullah Khan told AFP.
The international troops suffered no casualties but four civilians, young men, were wounded, he said from the town which is about 400 kilometres (250 miles) south of Kabul.
The media office for the multinational NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, which has US and Romanian soldiers in Qalat, could not immediately confirm the explosion.
No one immediately claimed responsibility but the attack was similar to scores of others carried out by the extremist Taleban movement, which makes heavy use of bombings in an insurgency against the Western-backed government.
There were two suicide bombings in the country on Wednesday, one aimed at Canadian troops in the south that killed a child and the other outside a district government in the east that killed one person and wounded several.
'Kayani's charges against Musharraf childish and unbecoming'
ISLAMABAD — Presidential spokesman Maj-Gen. (Retd) Rashid Qureshi has termed the charges levelled against President Gen. (Retd) Pervez Musharraf by his one-time buddy Lt-Gen. (Retd) Jamshaid Gulzar Kayani, as "childish and unbecoming" of a retired army officer of the rank of lieutenant general.
In an interview with Geo News late on Tuesday night, the spokesman said Lt-Gen. Kayani's tirade against Musharraf on the same channel was disturbing. "He talked like an annoyed child not knowing what he was saying. If we go into the details of his allegations it will sound strange," Rashid Qureshi said while laughing off the charges of the former Rawalpindi corps commander.
Kayani held Musharraf responsible for twice subversion of the constitution, disregarding corps commanders' advice on every major decision including Kargil operation, referendum, slavishly submitting to American demands after 9/11 and involving the army in costly operations in Waziristan and Balochistan, ordering massacre of innocent girls and boys in Lal Masjid and sacking judges after imposing emergency in November 2007.
Lt-Gen. Kayani demanded that Musharraf must not be given a safe exit but tried on these charges and made an example as a deterrence to future adventurers.
Qureshi scoffed at Kayani's allegation that phosphorus bombs were used during the Lal Masjid operation that amounted to resort to chemical weapons. He said that white phosphorus grenades were used to create smoke to enable the soldiers move inside the premises, these grenades could not be called as chemical weapon.
He said if Lt-Gen. Jamshaid Gulzar Kayani had reservations against the Kargil operation, he should have the courage to speak against the same. He never uttered a word then. He also came up with double talk on briefing the former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on the Kargil operation and asked as to why Kayani did not resign if he was true to his claim, Qureshi asked.
In an interview with Geo News late on Tuesday night, the spokesman said Lt-Gen. Kayani's tirade against Musharraf on the same channel was disturbing. "He talked like an annoyed child not knowing what he was saying. If we go into the details of his allegations it will sound strange," Rashid Qureshi said while laughing off the charges of the former Rawalpindi corps commander.
Kayani held Musharraf responsible for twice subversion of the constitution, disregarding corps commanders' advice on every major decision including Kargil operation, referendum, slavishly submitting to American demands after 9/11 and involving the army in costly operations in Waziristan and Balochistan, ordering massacre of innocent girls and boys in Lal Masjid and sacking judges after imposing emergency in November 2007.
Lt-Gen. Kayani demanded that Musharraf must not be given a safe exit but tried on these charges and made an example as a deterrence to future adventurers.
Qureshi scoffed at Kayani's allegation that phosphorus bombs were used during the Lal Masjid operation that amounted to resort to chemical weapons. He said that white phosphorus grenades were used to create smoke to enable the soldiers move inside the premises, these grenades could not be called as chemical weapon.
He said if Lt-Gen. Jamshaid Gulzar Kayani had reservations against the Kargil operation, he should have the courage to speak against the same. He never uttered a word then. He also came up with double talk on briefing the former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on the Kargil operation and asked as to why Kayani did not resign if he was true to his claim, Qureshi asked.
Zardari-Shahbaz meet fails to end discord over judges
ISLAMABAD — The two main coalition partners, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), have constituted a joint committee to develop consensus on the draft constitution package proposed by the PPP.
The panel which immediately set to business yesterday was formed in a meeting between PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif here on Tuesday night.
While both failed to resolve their fundamental difference on restoration of deposed judges, they agreed on many other major elements of the package designed to clip powers of the president; provide stringent punishment to anybody subverting the constitution including judges who endorse acts of any military adventurer; give selective indemnity to some of the legislative and administrative actions of General Musharraf including the elections and the NRO that pardoned politicians and bureaucrats accused of corruption and political activists involved in criminal charges.
The PML-N stuck to its stance that restoration of judges could not be linked to the constitutional amendments that would amount to legalising Musharraf's unconstitutional purge of judiciary as envisaged in the package. The PPP agreed to the suggestion that the package be introduced in the parliament after adoption of the budget by which time consensus would be built among all four coalition partners and other stakeholders.
Both leaders, who were assisted by senior members of their respective parties, also discussed in detail the proposed long march threatened by lawyers on June 10. The PML-N has vowed to join it if judges are not restored. They further discussed issues related to the forthcoming budget as well as the overall political situation of the country.
Zardari reportedly drew Sharif's attention to grievances of his party's ministers and lawmakers in Punjab where the two parties are in a coalition led by PML-N. He greeted Shahbaz Sharif on his unopposed election and hoped he would take over as chief minister of the province within next couple of days. Shahbaz too pointed out that his party is not consulted at the centre on major decisions being taken by the PPP government. Zardari renewed his call to the PML-N to rejoin the federal cabinet and hoped that this would remove much of its grievances.
During the meeting, Shahbaz was assisted by PML-N leaders Khawaja Asif and Ishaq Dar, while Finance Minister Syed Naveed Qamar, Law Minister Farooq Naik and Information Minister Sherry Rehman accompanied the PPP Co-chairman.
The panel which immediately set to business yesterday was formed in a meeting between PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif here on Tuesday night.
While both failed to resolve their fundamental difference on restoration of deposed judges, they agreed on many other major elements of the package designed to clip powers of the president; provide stringent punishment to anybody subverting the constitution including judges who endorse acts of any military adventurer; give selective indemnity to some of the legislative and administrative actions of General Musharraf including the elections and the NRO that pardoned politicians and bureaucrats accused of corruption and political activists involved in criminal charges.
The PML-N stuck to its stance that restoration of judges could not be linked to the constitutional amendments that would amount to legalising Musharraf's unconstitutional purge of judiciary as envisaged in the package. The PPP agreed to the suggestion that the package be introduced in the parliament after adoption of the budget by which time consensus would be built among all four coalition partners and other stakeholders.
Both leaders, who were assisted by senior members of their respective parties, also discussed in detail the proposed long march threatened by lawyers on June 10. The PML-N has vowed to join it if judges are not restored. They further discussed issues related to the forthcoming budget as well as the overall political situation of the country.
Zardari reportedly drew Sharif's attention to grievances of his party's ministers and lawmakers in Punjab where the two parties are in a coalition led by PML-N. He greeted Shahbaz Sharif on his unopposed election and hoped he would take over as chief minister of the province within next couple of days. Shahbaz too pointed out that his party is not consulted at the centre on major decisions being taken by the PPP government. Zardari renewed his call to the PML-N to rejoin the federal cabinet and hoped that this would remove much of its grievances.
During the meeting, Shahbaz was assisted by PML-N leaders Khawaja Asif and Ishaq Dar, while Finance Minister Syed Naveed Qamar, Law Minister Farooq Naik and Information Minister Sherry Rehman accompanied the PPP Co-chairman.
Lawyers reject package
LAHORE — Rejecting the constitutional package, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) co-ordination committee has demanded the restoration of the pre-November 3 judiciary.
The committee at a meeting here said lawyers, traders, political and human rights activists, students and civil society members would take out rallies today and tomorrow from Data Darbar to Nasser Garden after Friday prayers. Khateebs of all the Jamia mosques will address in favour of the deposed judges and the independence of the judiciary in their Jumma sermon.
The committee at a meeting here said lawyers, traders, political and human rights activists, students and civil society members would take out rallies today and tomorrow from Data Darbar to Nasser Garden after Friday prayers. Khateebs of all the Jamia mosques will address in favour of the deposed judges and the independence of the judiciary in their Jumma sermon.
'Poor-friendly' Punjab budget on June 17
LAHORE — The Punjab finance minister has said the provincial budget 2008-09 would be presented in the Punjab Assembly on June 17 and the government has decided to provide targeted subsidies on food items, agriculture and to the industry.
Tanvir Ashraf Kaira also disclosed the government has decided to enhance the transfer fees on the sale and purchase of the land besides property tax to collect sufficient revenue during the next fiscal year. He said that the tax collection system would be made transparent and the powers of collectors and inspectors would be curtailed.
"We have decided to give subsidy on flour, ghee and pulses in order to provide relief to the poor in the upcoming budget. The concerned departments are developing a mechanism in this regard," he said while talking to reporters.
Kaira said that the government would provide subsidy on fertilizers, seeds and electricity to the farmers boost the agriculture and to cut down the agricultural input cost.
He said that the government would also give subsidy on the flour, ghee and pulses to provide cheap food to the poor and the government departments have been directed to develop a proper mechanism in this regard. He further said that the industrial sector would be provided land on lease in order to reduce the cost of doing business during the next fiscal year. He also claimed that the budget would be poor-friendly.
Tanvir Ashraf Kaira also disclosed the government has decided to enhance the transfer fees on the sale and purchase of the land besides property tax to collect sufficient revenue during the next fiscal year. He said that the tax collection system would be made transparent and the powers of collectors and inspectors would be curtailed.
"We have decided to give subsidy on flour, ghee and pulses in order to provide relief to the poor in the upcoming budget. The concerned departments are developing a mechanism in this regard," he said while talking to reporters.
Kaira said that the government would provide subsidy on fertilizers, seeds and electricity to the farmers boost the agriculture and to cut down the agricultural input cost.
He said that the government would also give subsidy on the flour, ghee and pulses to provide cheap food to the poor and the government departments have been directed to develop a proper mechanism in this regard. He further said that the industrial sector would be provided land on lease in order to reduce the cost of doing business during the next fiscal year. He also claimed that the budget would be poor-friendly.
Pakistan and India agree on inspection of Kishan Ganga Dam
LAHORE — The fourth round of meetings between Pakistan Indus Basin Water Commission (PIWC) and India Indus Basin Water Commission (IIWC) concluded here with the announcement that Kishan Ganga Dam would be discussed in India again next month.
PIWC Chairman Syed Jamaat Ali Shah said Pakistan had expressed reservations over Kishan Ganga Dam to the IIWC and discussions would continue in India next month. He said, "No progress is possible in the discussion on Kishan Ganga Dam until and unless the basic points are settled in this regard."
Shah said that both sides had, however, agreed on an inspection of the dam over Jhelum River. Responding to Pakistan's objections, India said that it had not constructed any new dam on Jhelum but had rehabilitated some part, which was wiped out in the recent flood, he added. Shah said they had also raised objections on the Uri-II project in the Baramula district of occupied Kashmir.
PIWC Chairman Syed Jamaat Ali Shah said Pakistan had expressed reservations over Kishan Ganga Dam to the IIWC and discussions would continue in India next month. He said, "No progress is possible in the discussion on Kishan Ganga Dam until and unless the basic points are settled in this regard."
Shah said that both sides had, however, agreed on an inspection of the dam over Jhelum River. Responding to Pakistan's objections, India said that it had not constructed any new dam on Jhelum but had rehabilitated some part, which was wiped out in the recent flood, he added. Shah said they had also raised objections on the Uri-II project in the Baramula district of occupied Kashmir.
Three petition filed against Sharifs
LAHORE — Three petitions were filed yesterday before the Lahore High Court to get Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shahbaz Sharif disqualified for the by-election.
Two petitions, one each against Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif, have been filed by one Khurram Shah. The third comes from Noor Elahi which is only against Shahbaz Sharif. The petitions say that both the brothers have been using derogatory language against the judiciary and are thus ineligible to contest election. They also say that the Sharifs were convicted in two cases. The court has been asked to declare the unopposed election of Shahbaz Sharif from PP-48 (Bhakkar) as invalid.
Similarly, the court has been prayed that the acceptance of nomination papers of Nawaz Sharif for NA-123 (Lahore) be set aside. Meanwhile, a session of the Punjab Assembly has been called for June 6, and efforts are being made for Shahbaz Sharif to take oath as early as possible.
Two petitions, one each against Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif, have been filed by one Khurram Shah. The third comes from Noor Elahi which is only against Shahbaz Sharif. The petitions say that both the brothers have been using derogatory language against the judiciary and are thus ineligible to contest election. They also say that the Sharifs were convicted in two cases. The court has been asked to declare the unopposed election of Shahbaz Sharif from PP-48 (Bhakkar) as invalid.
Similarly, the court has been prayed that the acceptance of nomination papers of Nawaz Sharif for NA-123 (Lahore) be set aside. Meanwhile, a session of the Punjab Assembly has been called for June 6, and efforts are being made for Shahbaz Sharif to take oath as early as possible.
PPP to fully support Shahbaz Sharif : Riaz
LAHORE:Senior Punjab Minister Raja Riaz Ahmad while felicitating Mian Shahbaz Sharif, President PML (N) for his unopposed election as MPA assured that PPP would fully support him for strengthening the coalition government in the province.
“ Mian Shabbaz Sharif’s unopposed success from PP-45 Bhakkar is a victory of the democratic system,” he said addressing a press conference here on Thursday.
He said that new ministers would be inducted in the provincial cabinet after Punjab budget while portfolios of some ministers were being changed for running government affairs effectively.
He said that PPP has played a significant role in the election of Shahbaz Sharif which will help to further strengthen the spirit of national consensus in the country.
He said that the coalition government was a new experience and its success was necessary to promote democracy in the country.
“ We will take all the coalition partners along and work together to solve the problems of the people,” Raja Riaz added.
To a question, he said that the party has prepared a constitutional package which will be presented before parliament after consultation with coalition partners.
“Parliament will take decision on the matter pertaining to restoration of judges,’ the minister said.
Govt committed to regularize contract employees: Gilani
ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said the government was committed to regularize contractual employees and that is why those working in grade 1 to 15 have been made permanent. Replying to points of order of various members in the National Assembly, the Prime Minister said it is part of PPP’s manifesto to secure the employment of the people.
He said none of the contractual employees were recruited during his party’s tenure and lamented that these people were suffering a situation of uncertainty over the last eight to nine years.
In response to a point raised by a member to regularize the services of PIA contractual employees, he said a cabinet committee has been formed for the purpose.
The Prime Minister said many perks and privileges were involved for those working in grade 16 and above and the committee will also decide about them.
On the question of wheat shortage in the country, he said the government has enhanced its support price, adding that Sindh and Punjab has already procured 80 percent of grain from farmers through PASSCO.
He said interprovincial ban on wheat movement has also been lifted.
The Prime Minister in response to a point from a member said that he will ensure that there is no more shortage of wheat in district Hangu.
Akram Masih Gill called for representation of minorities in the cabinet to which Prime Minister said it will be done as the cabinet is yet to be expanded.
Gilani said minority ministers have already been included in provincial cabinets.
MQM member Khush Bakht Shujaat raised the issue of consistent power outages in Karachi and said as a result the people were protesting on the streets.
Prime Minister Gilani said he was cognizant of the problem and has taken various measures like conservation and setting of clocks one hour forward.
He said more electricity is being brought into the existing infrastructure and Karachi will be given extra 1000 megawatt of electricity.
He hoped that with the melting of snow on mountains, the situation will improve greatly and added that he has instructed to distribute evenly the load shedding time for all cities.
Attia Inayatullah wanted to know when the ‘Prime Minister Question Hour’ would be started. The Prime Minister said it was upto the speaker to fix a day for him to reply to questions.
He said it was unprecedented in the history of Pakistan that a prime minister will answer members questions.
He said he was under no pressure and has volunteered to reply to questions.
He said chairmen of the house committees will also be announced soon.
PM chairs pre-budget PPP Parliamentary party meeting;Promises people-frindly budget
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Thursday, the PPP government was committed to giving a people-friendly and pro-development budget to the nation to provide relief to the poorest of the poor. He made these remarks while chairing a pre-budget Parliamentary Party meeting of PPP MNAs here at the Prime Minister House. Prime Minister Gilani said the government was conscious of the economic challenges facing the country and was fully aware of the expectations of the masses.
He reaffirmed PPP’s steadfast commitment to bringing about a qualitative improvement in the lives of the vulnerable segments of the society by providing basic necessities of life to them at their doorsteps.
The Prime Minister called on the party members to keep close contact with the people and play a proactive role in redressing the grievances of the masses. He asked them to hold open Kutcheries to be able to assess their aspirations.
The upcoming budget, he added, would be the first major step towards redeeming the various pledges made by the Party and Shaheed Mohatrama Benazir Bhutto.
While elaborating government’s priorities, the Prime Minister stressed to incorporate measures which help in addressing the challenges being faced by the country.
He said boosting agriculture and manufacturing growth, overcoming energy and water shortages, developing human resources as well as providing relief to the lowest income groups were the real objectives of the budget for 2008/09 fiscal year.
Prime Minister Gilani appreciated the valuable suggestions by the parliamentarians to make the budget responsive to the needs of the people.
He said that their proposals would help in making the budget realistic and in keeping with the aspirations of the people.
The parliamentarians described the decision by the Prime Minister to regularize low income contractual government employees as timely, courageous and fulfilment of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto pledge to the people.
The meeting also discussed at length overall political situation of the country, and parliamentarians expressed their full confidence in the leadership of the Prime Minister.
The meeting was attended by PPP Parliamentarians and Federal Ministers including Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Mrs Frayal Talpur, Ms. Sherry Rehman, Syed Khurshid Shah, Syed Naveed Qamar, Mian Manzoor Watoo, , Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Ch Qamar uz Zaman Kaira, Mr. Shah Mehmood Qureshi besides other MNAs from all parts of the country.
Govt accords priority to infrastructure development; Gilani
ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Thursday said the democratic government accords high priority to the development of infrastructure and provision of basic facilities of life to the people at their doorstep. He was talking to Hanif Abbasi, MNA of PML(N) who called on him at his chamber in Parliament House.
The Prime Minister said the democratic government both at the centre and provincial level were confronted with a lot of challenges and expressed the resolve to address these issues on priority.
He specifically mentioned the crisis of food and energy which require focused approach to mitigate the sufferings of the people.
The Prime Minister said the government is adopting both short and long term measures for socio-economic development particularly the underdeveloped areas of the country.
In this regard, he said that various initiatives are being taken to accelerate economic activities which will create more job opportunities thus alleviating poverty and improving the living standards of the people.
The Prime Minister said that both PPP and PML(N) are committed to resolving the problems being faced by the people to bring about qualitative change in their lives.
Hanif Abbasi apprised the Prime Minister of the ongoing development projects in his constituency and the problems being faced by the people of his area.
Country’s strength depends on strong economy, defence and leadership: Musharraf
ISLAMABAD : President Pervez Musharraf on Thursday said strength of a country depends on its economy, defence, human resource and management skills of its leadership and any weakness in this respect may weaken the country. Speaking here at the second convocation of the National Defence University, the President, who is also the Chancellor spoke about the role of governments for the progress and prosperity of their countries.
Addressing the graduates, including a large number from foreign countries, the President said the governments in general need to ensure defence, welfare and security from internal and external threats.
The President said stability and progressive economic growth were vital to ensure progress and development of a state. He said if the economy of a country was not stable or rising, it could not achieve its desired objectives of development and progress.
The President said every government must focus on development of communication, intra connectivity within the country and with the regional countries, projects for water, energy, telecommunication, industry and agriculture.
He said due attention should be given to the welfare and well being of the masses through poverty alleviation, employment generation and enhancing the quality of human resources through health, education and skill development.
President Musharraf said it was ultimately the leadership of a country that has to manage its affairs. “Mismanagement and lack of potential of a leadership can lead to weakening of a country,” the President said.
He said democracy, human rights and freedom of media must ensure that the governments take their respective countries forward.
President Musharraf recalled the days when he attended the National Defence College and said over the years the institution has carved a place for itself in national and international institutions.
He said the presence of a large number of students from different countries was a testimony to this fact and said the venue provided an opportunity for interaction and understanding of different environments in which they live.
The President hoped that the foreign students would also understand Pakistan’s environment and the compulsions under which it exists. The President also conferred degrees of Masters of Science in Defence and Strategic Studies, and War Studies and Defence Management and BS (Honours).
President NDU Lt Gen Mohammad Hamid Khan said the institution’s mission was to prepare future leadership from public and private sectors of Pakistan and other friendly countries through multi-disciplinary educational and research programs.
He said the focus was on security, defence and strategic studies. He said that the institution has run seven workshops on National Security Issues apart from its normal courses and a total of 405 participants have qualified.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Tariq Majeed, foreign diplomats and senior civil and military officials attended the convocation.
Rashid Qureshi asks for trial of Jamshed Kayani on false allegations, terms them foolish and rubbish
ISLAMABAD : Presidential Spokesman Maj Gen (retd) Rashid Qureshi has called for the trial of former Corps commander Lt Gen (retd) Jamshed Gulzar Kayani on levelling baseless allegations against President Pervez Musharraf in a talk show aired late last night.
He termed the charges levelled by Kayani against President Pervez Musharraf foolish and rubbish.
In an interview with Geo Tv channel programme “Meray Mutabiq”, with Dr Shahid Masood as host, the spokesman said he had great respect for Mr Kiyani, but what he uttered against his mentor (Musharraf) in the programme ‘Meray Mutabiq’ Monday and again on late Wednesday night, not only amazed but also upset him. He said he was upset after watching the interview of the retired corps commander as he (Rashid) has immense regard for Gen Kayani.
He said, he was astonished to watch uttering of baseless allegations as it was not clear that whether he (Kayani) was in his senses or not.It seems that an angry and perturbed child was talking senselessly about his father’s on his all favours.
He talked like an annoyed child not knowing what he was saying.
If we go into the details of his allegations it will sound strange,Qureshi said while commenting on the charges of the (retd) General.
“This gentleman availed every offer during the last eight years by remaining on key posts including corps commander and chairman Federal Public Service Commission but has now chosen the path for some ulterior motives. He did not talk from his head but it reflected that he was speaking for someone else,” charged the presidential spokesman.
All his talk is rubbish as he was provided job in federal public commission also. A group of retired officers was persistently trying to come into news by hook or by crook, he added.
Qureshi said that recently the retired general tried to be in the limelight, but when failed, he came up with this drama saying that chemical weapons were used in the Lal Masjid operation.Gen Gulzar has no idea that what happened in Lal Masjid is absolutely wrong to say that people were burnt in Lal Masjid by hurling phosphorus grenades there. He added that there are two kinds of phosphorus bombs one is white phosphorus. Jamshed was wrongly terming the chemical weapon a smoke emitting bomb.
He corrected that white phosphorus grenades were used to create smoke to enable the soldiers move inside the premises. He termed the allegation of using chemical weapons a white lie.
“What nonsense that a retired soldier could not differentiate between chemical weapons and phosphorus grenades. The retired general in fact needs a new course to know the difference between the two,” Qureshi added.
Lt General Kayani had retired after taking full benefits and he kept denying his own words and uttering absolutely baseless allegations. It transpired from his utterances that he has absolutely no idea what he is saying. Rashid said Kayani remained on lucrative slots, may be after showing some loyalty to the president. Asked what this loyalty may be that jacked him up, Qureshi corrected himself saying the army is a professional institution and makes promotions on merit.
On Kargil his allegations are laughable. He should have rather resigned from his job, but he got promotions obviously (after toeing the official line) Qureshi said.
He said, if Lt Gen ® Jamshed Gulzar Kayani had reservations against the Kargil operation, he should have had the courage to speak against it, he never uttered a word then. He also came up with double talk on briefing the former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the Kargil operation and asked as to why Kayani did not resign if he was true to his claim.
Qureshi reminded that if Kayani was a man of wisdom and character, he should have made his reservations public at different fora, but recalled that he did not utter a single word during these eight years.
The presidential spokesman smacked some new political element behind the interview of Lt Gen ® Jamshed Gulzar Kayani asking whom he was benefiting by making, what he called, ridiculous allegations.
He termed it as “unbecoming” of a retired Army officer of the rank of lieutenant general, and former Rawalpindi corps commander.
Gen Jamshed wrongly tried to mislead the nation by levelling baseless allegations.Perhaps he was trying to achieve a purpose or being used by somebody as it was not possible that he termed chemical weapon to a grenade used to create smoke, Rashid Qureshi added.
He showed sham loyalty and got promotions and lucrative appointment after retirement.On showing poor performance former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz sacked him from FPSC, he said.
If he was an upright person, he should have rejected appointment after retirement.Indeed he was trying to benefit some political elements. During service he did not utter a single word against the policies of President Musharraf, Rashid said.
To a question he said Kayani tried to benefit a particular political party as once he said a particular person did not know about Kargil adventure, and then said he gave three briefings to the same person, presidential spokesman concluded.
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