Minor killed by speeding dumper Angry mob attacks traffic police, offices

Four-year-old Shayan was crushed to death by a speeding dumper on Friday. The incident was reported in SITE-B Section police limits. Police said that Shayan’s father, Farooq Qureshi, also sustained injuries in the incident.

SHO Shahid Chaudhry said that Farooq was heading home ...link

Four promoted as lieutenant generals

ISLAMABAD: Four major generals have been promoted to the rank of lieutenant generals, including Maj-Gen Shafqat, former military secretary to Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf.

The other three are Maj-Gen Khalid Nawaz, Commandant Staff College Quetta, Maj-Gen Alam Khattak, Deputy Chief of General Staff (DCGS) and Maj-Gen Sardar Mehmood, DG Military Training and an international basketball player...link

FoDP’s next focus is Pak energy crisis

NEW YORK: Recognising Pakistani people's sufferings due to the prolonged electricity shortfalls, the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP) said in a statement Thursday that its next focus will be to support Pakistan's efforts in formulating a sustainable, integrated energy plan.

A joint statement issued by US President Barack Obama, President Asif Ali Zardari and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the participants agreed to assist and support for Pakistan's economic and human development...link

Zardari urges world to do more for terror-hit people

NEW YORK: President Asif Ali Zardari, stressing that Pakistan's democracy has begun to deliver, on Friday urged the world to do more for peace and development of the people affected by militancy and terror.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, the president said: "We are doing more in our self-interest. We urge the world democracies to do more for peace and for the development of people affected by militancy and terror."...link

Nation urged to remember Swat operation martyrs

GUJRAT: Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain Monday urged the nation to remember on this Eid those who laid down their lives during the Swat operation.

Talking to media after offering Eid prayers, he said the nation salutes their brave sons who embraced martyrdom during the Swat operation.

He said Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) supported the Swat operation at the very outset...link

PM’s wife passes Eid with children at orphanage

LAHORE: Wife of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Fauzia Gilani Monday said the orphaned children need more affection and attention and the well-off people should pass more time with these children.

Addressing an Eid ceremony at Darush Shafqat, she said she went several times to such institutions however, after watching Children’s program at Geo News, she was much impressed and decided to pass Eid Day with these children.

On this occasion, her daughter Fiza Gilani was also with her; she talked to the children and distributed gifts among children at the orphanage.

Fauzia said she is overjoyed at this Eid passing it with these children and never felt such ever before...link

Eid celebrated today in NWFP

PESHAWAR: Huge Eid congregations were held on the second day in Peshawar on Monday after Central Ruet-e-Hilal announced that moon has sighted.

In many parts of NWFP including Hazara Division, Peshawar and Swat, Eid is being celebrated with religious zeal and fervour.

NWFP government announced Eid on Sunday; however, Eid was celebrated in Peshawar areas of Cantt and interior city with massive Eid prayers congregations. The largest among them was held at Sehri Masjid with special arrangements of security on the occasion.

Police were deployed at mosques, Eidgahs and Imambargah.

Meantime, Peshawar citizens urged the government to take up concrete steps for one Eid across the country...link

Sarwat Qadri visits Jinnah Hospital, distributes gifts

KARACHI: Sunni Tehreek Chief Sarwat Ijaz Qadri Sunday visited Jinnah Hospital and distributed gifts and Eidi among the patients.

He was accompanied with Shahid Ghauri on the occasion of Eidul Fitr and consoled the children patients at Jinnah Hospitals and gave away gifts to them.

Speaking on the occasion, he greeted the entire nation on Eid and urged all the political and religious parties to work in unison for the progress and prosperty of the country...link

Province soon to become example of peace: Hoti

PESHAWAR: NWFP Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr said that the province will soon become an example of peace and tranquility.

He said this while exchanging Eid greetings with the locals from Peshawar and Mardan.

The Chief Minister said it is the utmost effort of the government to eliminate terrorism and establish peace.

Meanwhile, the CM visited various restaurants and paid others bills to share happiness with the people on Eid...link

No load shedding during Eid holidays: PEPCO

KARACHI: Due to the Eid holidays power demand has remarkably reduced in the country and load shedding is not being undertaken as shortfall has not been registered.

According to Pakistan Electric Power Company (Private) Limited (PEPCO) officials, load shedding will not be enforced in next three days.

Power demand has come down to 2000-3000 MW during holidays.

Electricity demand and supply is standing at 12500 MW, PEPCO officials told...link

Anti-India protest demos on Eid-ul-Fitr in held Kashmir

SRINAGAR: In occupied Kashmir, the Eid-ul-Fitr, today, was marked with massive Eid gatherings, anti-India protests and clashes between the Indian police and demonstrators.

Indian troops after using brute force foiled an attempt by a large number of people to break the police siege around the residence of senior Kashmiri Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani to bring him out for Eid prayers...link

Loud explosion heard in Hungo

Updated at: 0521 PST, Tuesday, September 22, 2009
HUNGO: A loud explosion has been heard in Hungo.
According to the sources, a deafening blast has been heard in Hungo city and police efforts are underway to pinpoint the location of the explosion...link

ADB urges raise in power tariffs

MANILA: Asia Development Bank (ADB) said in its report Sunday the raise in power tariffs is imperative so that the subsidy could be whittled down and circular debt eliminated.

According to report, the major cause of economic slump lies in power crisis; accordingly, the government will have to curtail power wastages and losses.

The reports said Pakistan is facing major challenges in the economic field and that the government of Pakistan will have to focus on the creating revenue, so that the projects regarding infrastructure and development could be taken along.
ADB report said Pakistan would have to bring about essential changes to augment the size of exports...link

Pak-Afghan bordering areas epicenter of terrorism: Hillary Clinton

WASHINGTON: U. S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has said that Pak-Afghan bordering areas were the focal point of terrorism and added that if Taliban again gets control over Afghanistan, then Al-Qaeda outfit will stage a come back.

In a TV interview, Hillary Clinton said that U. S. government aims at ensuring protection to the U.S. and its allied countries from the terrorists holed up in Pak-Afghan bordering areas.

U. S. Secretary of State referring to some saying that Al Qaeda has been wiped out of Afghanistan, said that if Taliban again gets control over Afghanistan, then one could not imagine how swiftly Al Qaeda would be back

Hillary Clinton said that Obama Administration on the basis of best available information striving for comprehending all the factors related to Afghan issue and its resolution...link

Younis not to play tomorrow’s match vs WI

JOHANNESBURG: Pakistan team captain Younis Khan has Tuesday announced not to play tomorrow’s match due to fracture in his hand’s finger.

Pakistan is playing its first match against West Indies tomorrow in ICC Champions Trophy.

Talking to media, Younis said he is raring to play match against India and rout it.

It should be mentioned here that doctors advised him to take four-week rest. He said he would be able to take part in the ICC Champions Trophy only after doctors’ advise.

Vice Captain Shahid Afridi will captain tomorrow’s match against West Indies...link

CM Shahbaz calls on PM

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif Tuesday called on Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and discussed national political situation, overall law and order condition including Malakand military operation and rehabilitation of Swat affectees.

Shahbaz Sharif visited the PM at the latter’s residence in Defence.

After a brief meeting, the PM left for his native area in Multan.

The PM said he would see Mian Nawaz Sharif on his return to homeland.

Both the leaders expressed pleasure that the Swat affectees celebrated Eid at their homes not at the camps.

The CM told that Punjab government provided the essential commodities including atta and sugar at cheaper rates during the holy month of Ramadan...link

Five militants nabbed in Adamkhel search operation

PESHAWAR: At least five militants have been arrested during the search operation in Darra Adamkhel, Geo News reported Tuesday.

According to sources, the militants have been arrested during the search operation in Darra Adamkhel area of Sagiwal.

According to sources, the arrested militants are said to be the mastermind of suicide attacks.

Suicide vests have also been recovered from the possession of the arrested extremists..link

Krishna urges Pakistan to take swift action against Hafiz Saeed

NEW DELHI: Indian Foreign Minister, S.M. Krishna has urged upon Pakistan to take swift action against the Mumbai attacks mastermind, Hafiz Saeed.

In an Indian TV interview, S. M. Krishna said that Pakistan announced several measures in connection with the Mumbai attacks investigations, but the real issue was still standing where it was and the Mumbai attacks accused were freely roaming about.

He claimed that the evidences provided by India against the accused were enough for actions. He told that in his meeting with the Pakistan Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Quraishi matters relating to across the border terrorism would be discussed...link

Pakistan should grill Saeed for role in Mumbai attacks: Chidambaram

NEW DELHI: Commenting on the house arrest of Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed in Lahore was essentially “a face-saving technique”, India today reiterated that Pakistan should investigate his role in masterminding the Mumbai terror attacks and look for evidence against him on its own soil.

On reports that Saeed had been put under house arrest, Home Minister P Chidambaram pointed out that the Lashkar-e-Taiba founder had been charged under two FIRs “unrelated to 26/11”.

“If that is a face-saving technique, I have no objection. My demand is that now that he has been arrested, he should be interrogated on the 26/11 incidents; his role in the 26/11 attacks must be investigated,” Chidambaram said. He said Pakistan should look for evidence on its own soil.

On the Pakistan government’s stand that there was not enough evidence to take action against Saeed, Chidambaram said: “Evidence is on Pakistani soil. When Pakistan says give us evidence, evidence is not on Indian soil — all the evidence against Hafiz Saeed is on Pakistani soil. Therefore, one must investigate in Pakistan, and find the evidence in Pakistan"...link

Saudi Arabia frees Pakistanis under arrest in drug case: Rahman Malik

ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister, Rahman Malik disclosed that the Pakistanis, who were arrested sometime ago in drug case in Saudi Arabia, have been set free unconditionally.

Addressing a press conference here, Rahman Malik said that he, on behalf of the prime minister, offers thanks to the Saudi royal family. He said that all the accused Pakistanis would return to Pakistan immediately after Eid vacation.

Rahman Malik said, “Saudi Arabia is our big brother, our ties would further get strengthened.” Replying to a question, he said that Prince Naif played the key role in getting the accused Pakistanis released.

He said that Syed Sarwat, Safia and other accused involved in drug smuggling case were arrested, while only Tunio was absconding...link

Tunnels, bunkers found out in Swat search operation

SWAT: The security forces found out four inter-linked tunnels and shell-proof bunkers during the search operation in Malakand and Swat.

According to a press release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Tuesday, the security forces discovered four tunnels and bomb-proof bunkers during search operation in Plankan area near Biakand area of Swat.

All these tunnels are inter-connected with each tunnel eight meters in length.

Also, the forces arrested three Afghan natives from Malakand Fort.

In Swat area of Shan Khaad, five militants including militant commander Muhammed Zaman have been arrested...link

MPA Tahir takes manhandles police

SIALKOT: Guards of an MPA hailing from Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) manhandled a police personnel at Saddar police station here, Geo News reported on Sunday night.

According to media reports, SHO Hameedullah Warraich said the police arrested some people for allegedly molesting women. On this, MPA Tahir Mehmood Handli showed up at police station to get the arrested released; however, when the police turned him down, an exchange of hot words between the parties ensued.

Warraich said the MPA along with his guards manhandled the ASI and tore down his uniform shirt; later on, the minister took away the arrested three men.

When contacted, MPA Tahir denied mishandling the ASI, and said, ‘ASI Mazhar ill-treated first with my guards and then with me

U.S. drone attack kills 8 in N. Waziristan

MIRANSHAH: U.S. drone attack killed eight in North Waziristan, sources said here today.

Sources said that a U.S. drone fired missile on the hideout of defunct Tahrik-e-Taliban at Turikhel area in village Mirali of North Waziristan.

Sources further said that eight persons were killed as a result of the drone attack in Turikhel village...link

Cotton, sugar production likely to drop

KARACHI: The produce from cotton crop is likely to miss the target by 7 percent while the sugar production to remain lower than target by 17 percent in the next season.
According to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the government estimated target was 15 million bales of cotton from the next crop but due to virus concerns the expectation has now dropped to 14 million bales. The total cotton produce stood at 12.8 million bales in the previous season.
He sugar cane produce is expected to drop to 48 million tonnes in the next season which is 8 percent less compared to the previous season in which it stood at 52 million tonnes. The sugar cane produce hit a record in financial year 2007-08 in which the total quantity jumped to 64 million tonnes.
The Ministry is now expecting the total sugar production to stand at 3 million tones against the total annual requirement of 32 to 35 million tonnes.

Eid holidays from Sept 20 to 22 announced

ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Ministry has announced public holidays on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr from September 20 to 22 while summary of observing holiday on September 23 has been forwarded to the Prime Minister.

Talking to Geo News, Interior Ministry officials said Eid holiday schedule for three days from September 20 to 22 has been finalized while the decision will be made by the Prime Minister regarding declaration of holiday on Wednesday in case of Eid falling on Tuesday. A summary in this regard has being sent to the PM.

The official notification of Eid holidays will be issued in the next two to three days, the officials said...link

63 militants surrender in Tehsil Kabal

SWAT: Fourteen militants were killed in clashes with security forces in Malakand and Swat.
Meanwhile, 44 militants, including Nazim-e-Ala of outlawed Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi Maulana Safiullah, were presented before media while 63 militants surrendered.
Sources said that militants running away from Batkhela, Swat clashed with security forces in Derai Jolgraham, an area of Malakand and resultantly eight militants were killed while one official was also wounded and a vehicle was partly damaged.

According to sources, five militants were killed also in clash with security forces in tehsil Charbagh of Swat while a security official was also injured..link

8 injured in Shah Faisal firing

KARACHI: Eight people were injured in firing between two groups here in Shah Faisal on Monday.
According to sources, the firing continues to be heard in the area...link

Karachi stampede toll mounts to 18

KARACHI: Eighteen women and children were crushed and suffocated to death due to stampede during free distribution of ration in Khori Garden area here on Monday.

Like previous years, the ration was distributed free this year too by a trader Chaudhry Iftikhar in a densely populated area of Khori Garden in Jodia Bazar where hundreds of women had come for ration collection.

But the crowed went out of control running over one another in an attempt to collect the ration which led to a stampede and as a result 18 people including women and children died of suffocation and crush injuries.

The bodies and injured were taken to the Civil Hospital Karachi...link

US should monitor aid to Pakistan says Tharoor

NEW DELHI: A day after former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf's confession about US aid being diverted against India, minister of state for external affairs Shashi Tharoor Monday asked Washington to monitor its aid to Islamabad.
"We support countries helping Pakistan fighting against terrorism, but we do not expect the aid turned against us," Tharoor told reporters.
The US should monitor its aid to Pakistan, he said, adding that Musharraf's disclosure did not surprise India.
Musharraf's revelation confirms India's stand on misuse of US aid by Pakistan, he said.
He was reacting to a question on Musharraf's admission in an interview that Pakistan had used the aid provided by the US for the war against terror during his regime to strengthen defences against India...link

14 extremists killed in Malakand, Swat

SWAT: Fourteen extremists were killed during clashes with security forces in various areas of Swat and Malakand on Monday.
According to the sources some extremists were trying to escape from the Batkhela area of Swat and the exchange of fire took place between the security forces and fleeing terrorists, in which eight extremists were killed and one solder sustained injuries.
The dead bodies have been moved to Batkhela hospital for identification.
In another clash between security forces and extremists five terrorists were killed previous night, while one soldier was injured.
Earlier one terrorist was killed in Matta area...link

$200 million investment back to Pak stock markets

KARACHI: Seventy-eight per cent of the amount withdrawn by foreign investors from January to May 2009 has been returned to Pakistan stock markets.
As per statistics released by National Clearing Company, foreign investors withdrew an amount of $261 million in January-May 2009 while they brought back the amount of $203 million in June-September 2009 which is 78 per cent of the total amount withdrawn.
After an improvement by world rating agencies – Modis International and Standard and Pores, confidence of foreign investors in stock markets is increasing and investment in Pakistan’s stock markets is being considered as the most attractive in Asian countries...link

Sugar price up by Rs1/kg

KARACHI: Contrary to all government claims sugar price has been increased by Rs1 to Rs48.50/kg in wholesale market.
According to the wholesale market sources, sugar mills owners are supplying the commodity for Rs47.60/kg instead of Rs44.75/kg.
On the other hand Chairman of All Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (APSMA) Iskander Khan claimed that sugar mills are providing the commodity for Rs45/kg.
Sugar mills owners have nothing to do with the price elevation in the local market, he added...link

15 people die in stampede during flour distribution

KARACHI: Ten people, including women and children, died in an stampede during free distribution of ration in Khori Garden area here on Monday, while police officials said that the number of casualties is 15 and hospital sources confirmed 13 deaths.

Reports said that flour was being distributed free of cost by a private firm. Its godown is situated on second floor of a building in Khori Garden area where a large number of people gathered to get free atta.

The incident took place when the company’s administrative staff tried to dispurse the people and ten women died while several went unconscious.

A number of women were injured due to slipping and falling from stairs of the building.

Wounded people and dead bodies are being taken to the Civil Hospital where emergency has been imposed.

SHO Risala Police Station told that 15 people died and ten wounded in the stampede.

However, the hospital sources are confirming 13 deaths which include children...link

Altaf Hussain expresses grief over Khori Garden tragedy

LONDON: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Chief Altaf Hussain expressed heartfelt sorrow and grief over the stampede, during the free distribution of ration in Khori Garden on Monday, in which 18 people died and many others sustained injuries.

In his statement MQM Quaid said that due to the extreme poverty people have been forced to stand in long queues to get subsidized flour.

“This heart-rending and tragic event is deeply shocking for everyone.”

He demanded government to investigate the tragedy so that effective measures can be adopted to avoid such sad events in future...link

President approves appointments of 12 LHC additional judges

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has granted approval to the appointments of 12 additional judges of Lahore High Court (LHC).

In a statement issued here at the Presidency, the President has approved appointments of 12 additional judges including Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Najmul Hasan, Manzoor Ahmed Malik, Asad Munir, Tariq Javed, Aijaz-ul-Hasan, Hafiz Abdul Rehman Ansari, Sardar Tariq Masood and Nasir Saeed Sheikh...link

Top Al-Qaeda leaders fleeing to Somalia, Yemen: Malik

ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik said Monday that many top level Al-Qaeda leaders are escaping to Somalia and Yemen.

He said preparation of a new database is underway for all foreigners who entered in Pakistan.

Talking to Geo News Asif Ali Bhatti, the Minister said Egypt, Sudan and Yemen based Al-Qaeda groups are backing the Taliban and other terrorist outfits.

“Some people are still providing shelter to Al-Qaeda leaders.”

Stern action will be taken against the landlords who are renting out their houses to foreigners without informing the local police and administration, he added...link