Bridge mag international march, 2014 by Bridge Mag International

Published Monthly in Chicago, USA and distributed simultaneously to major cities of USA, Canada, UK and Pakistan

Published by Bridge Publications USA, Inc Publisher Jawaid Riaz

7331 N Kolmar Ave Suite G, Lincolnwood, Illinois 60712 773 828 5126 973 517 5586 (

email: info@bridgepublicationsusa.com

5 Involving army in talks will be dangerous: Khursheed

7 Aitzaz calls for briefing by interior minister

Contents

Edi t o ri a l 23rd March: This day holds a special importance This day holds a special importance in the heart of every Pakistani owing to the fact that on this day the concept of a separate Islamic Republic of Pakistan was presented at the location where Minar-e-Pakistan stands today and it was until 14th August 1947 when this dream took a practical form. On March 23, 1940, at Muslim League’s 27th session, under Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s dynamic leadership, Mr A.K. Fazl-ul-Haq moved a resolution and demanded a separate sovereign state for the Muslims in the North West and Eastern Zones of the sub-continent, where they were in majority. The resolution was seconded by Ch. Khaliq-uz-Zaman and supported by several prominent leaders and members of the Muslim League party to transcribe the hopes and wishes of millions of Muslims into reality. The words of the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his Presidential address to the session carried a far deeper impression on the oppressed and demoralised Muslims at the hands of ruthless and undemocratic Congress rule. Mr. Jinnah said that, “The Hindus and Muslims belong to two different religious philosophies, social customs, and literature. They neither inter-marry nor inter-dine together, and indeed they belong to two different civilizations which are based mainly on conflicting ideas and conceptions.” The ‘Pakistan Resolution’ created deep down a sense of nationalism, integrity, solidarity, and enthusiasm for getting out of slavery, in the hearts and minds of the Muslims of the sub-continent, which later resulted in a preponderant movement on the basis of which Pakistan was established.

After adoption of the ‘Pakistan Resolution’, Jinnah had a clear objective before him and he struggled hard to achieve it. He said that, “We are a nation of a hundred million and what is more, we are a nation with our distinct culture and civilization, language and literature, art and architecture, legal laws and moral codes, customs and calendar, history and traditions, aptitudes and ambitions. In short, as Muslims we have our own distinctive outlook of life and on life. By all cannons of international laws, we are a nation”. Mr. Jinnah’s political acumen and far-sightedness had rightly perceived the establishment of a separate state for the Muslims of the sub-continent to save them from unfair treatment by the Hindu majority.

9 Malaysian plane carrying 227 passengers missing

Due to the persistent hostility of the Indian National Congress, the Muslims were left with no alternative but to demand the partition of the sub-continent through the famous resolution of 23rd March, 1940. Under the charismatic and sagacious leadership of Jinnah, the Muslims of the sub-continent were able to get a separate homeland where they could live in accordance with the tenets of Islam. The response of the millions, to the call of ‘Unity, Faith, and Discipline’ from their Quaid, firmly placed Pakistan on the world map on August 14, 1947.

The ‘Pakistan Resolution’ is believed to be the epitome of goal-orientation of untiring and unfailing struggle of Indian Muslims because it actualised the dreams of our founding fathers for an independent state for the Muslims of the sub-continent. It was the resolution, which made the Muslims of India discern their own identity and spelled out destination for them to a separate Muslim-state. March 23rd is the most propitious occasion for introspection, for a reappraisal of national objectives, for revisiting the past, for recollecting the Quaid’s inspirational words, and for delineating the train of events that led to the creation of Pakistan.

The commemoration of the Day is an expression of the whole nation’s resolute determination to preserve her independence. So, let us make an effort to achieve the objective laid down by the Quaid in his broadcast to the nation in which he said that, “Now is the time, chance, and opportunity for every Muslim to make his or her fullest and best contribution and make the greatest sacrifice and work ceaselessly in the service of our nation and the world.”

Abid Ali Syed Andleeb Jawaid Baseer Naveed Madah Jawaid Dr.Naseem Shekhani Dr.Naveen Aman Dr. Tanveer Imam Tariq Khawaja Special correspondent from Pakistan Syed Tariq Abrar

For Advertisement

Reports, Features, Community Events

Please Call Jawaid Riaz 773 828 5126 email: info@bridgepublicationsusa.com

973 517 5586

ADVISORY BOARD

PUBLICATION COMMITTEE

Jawaid Riaz, Editor Armughan Asar, Queens, NY Mashood Ahsan, Saint Louis, MO Najeeb Ali Kidwai, Canada Rashid khan, Springfield, MA Shahid Alam, Dallas, TX Shahid Khan, London, UK Suhail Ahmed, Houston, TX Zafar Khursheed, Denville, NJ Zulikha Wahid Washington, DC

(

EDITORIAL BOARD

While at one side we celebrate this day it is also thinkable that are we celebrating that Pakistan which was founded by Mr. Muhammed Ali Jinnah? Isn’t today’s Pakistan different from the one that was left for us by those who made great sacrifices for it? Jawaid riaz

Abdul Aziz Memmon, Karachi, Pakistan Abdul Waheed Jamal, Karachi, Pakistan Dr. Azfar Malik, St. Louis, MO Ghulam Mustafa Majeed, Bahrain Dr. Hadi Zadi, St. Louis, MO Hassan Mahmood Jafri, Karachi, Pakistan Mark Asim, New York City, NY Mubbashir Aslam, Canada Dr. Naseem Shekhani, St. Louis, MO Dr. Naveen Aman, Chicago, IL Syed Ashiq Raza, Karachi, Pakistan Syed Mazhar Alam, Naperville, IL Tariq Khawaja Dr. Tausif Ahmed Khan, Karachi, Pakistan Art Director : Syed Tariq Abrar ( Pakistan ) Design by : Seema Niazi (Pakistan) 011 + 92 + 333 3270755

4 March - 2014

NEWS

PM assures level playing field to foreign investors

US ready to assist in Islamabad attack probe: Olson

investors and oil and gas companies and assures them protection of their investments.The PM appreciated professionalism and expertise of the MOL and the important role it has been playing in this region for the last 15 years in the development of petroleum and gas sector of Pakistan. “MOL management in Pakistan deserves applauds for their role in smooth operations of the company, however, they need to explore ISLAMABAD: Alexander Dodde, more investment opportunities Executive Vice President, MOL, in oil and gas sector of Pakistan.” the Hungarian oil and gas He encouraged MOL to acquire company, here on Tuesday called new blocks independently or on Prime Minister Muhammad jointly with Pakistan’s state Nawaz Sharif. owned companies i.e. Oil and

that Washington wanted the elimination of terrorists.

n a statement on Tuesday, the ambassador said, “With this attack on innocent civilians, terrorists continue to demonstrate blatant disregard for life. The US remains steadfast in its commitment to the people of Pakistan in their efforts to counter terrorism and build a peaceful future.”

ISLAMABAD: The US Ambassador to Pakistan, Richard G Olson, condemning the Islamabad terror attack, has said that the US stood ready to provide Gas Development Company Limany appropriate aid to assist he PM said that Pakistan had a ited (OGDCL) and Pakistan Petrothe authorities in investigating vast onshore & offshore sedimentary area out of which only leum Limited (PPL) through com- this tragic attack, adding around 35% is under exploration. petitive bidding process or joint “The government is making all out ventures. efforts to enhance oil & gas exAlexander Dodde expressed the ploration activities in the country confidence in the government’s through investment friendly polieconomic policies and appreciatcies,” he added. ed its efforts to boost the energy sector in Pakistan. Shahid Khaqan He further stated that the government believes in providing a Abbasi, Minister of Petroleum, level playing field to all foreign was present at the occasion.

The ambassador extended his deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the despicable act of terrorism that took place at Islamabad’s District Court Complex in the F-8 Sector.He also wished those who were injured a full and speedy recovery.

Pakistan not to accept hegemony of any state: Sartaj

Steps being taken to foil terror bids: Pervaiz Rashid of the hour. He claimed that 50 bomb disposal vehicles were being imported as part of the measures to foil the terror attacks. Five vehicles had already arrived in the country, while the remaining 45 would be delivered within a few months, he added. Rashid rejected the impression that the police were not fulfilling their responsibilities. The minister noted that the policeman ISLAMABAD: Minister for who was martyred during the terInformation and Broadcasting rorist attack on Islamabad district Pervaiz Rashid on Tuesday said courts, was not on duty. He said effective steps were being taken the police were not trained for counter-terrorism; rather they to counter the terror bids. were trained for dealing with e said training and capacity- ordinary criminals and not hardbuilding of the law enforce- core terrorists. ment agencies were the need

He said that the government was bringing a four-point national foreign policy.

“Internal security and policy of non-interference, economic development through trade and not aid, fully benefiting from geographical location and promoting Pakistan’s image by strengthening democracy and economic institutions will be basic components of our policies,” he said, adding that the opinion of the House would ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the also be sought while finalising Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs these policies. and National Security Sartaj Aziz on Tuesday said that Pakistan He said the government would follows a clear policy of ‘no assure that it creates and purinterference’ and ‘no favourites’ sues a clear, balanced and effecand is not interfering in the tive sovereign foreign policy in affairs of other countries but it the light of the sayings Quaid-iAzam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to will not accept hegemony of any safeguard our national and interother country. national interests. peaking in the National As- He said the internal and extersembly, Sartaj Aziz said the nal threats were also being kept government was preparing de- under consideration while framfence and foreign policies, which ing the policies and he has been would be presented before the briefing the House and its standHouse within the next few weeks. ing committees on these issues.

continued...

5 March - 2014 Sartaj Aziz particularly mentioned relations with Iran saying the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would be visiting Iran on invitation of Iranian President.“Iran is our nearest Muslim country and the government is engaged with them to resolve bilateral issues,” he said. He told the House that Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline was government’s priority but the project could not be completed before three years. He said the issue of gas pipeline with Iran was an issue of sanctions but it could not have affected the project if Iran and Pakistan had sufficient resources. “Sanctions are a major problem - when we have to seek financial assistance internationally then the sanctions are a problem. He maintained that Pakistan would not provide arms to Saudi Arabia for use in Syria.On relations with India, he said the path was being paved for resumption of composite dialogue through working groups and back channel diplomacy.At the same time, he said, the government was not giving one-sided relaxations to India in trade and would fully safeguard the country’s interests.

NEWS ing the energy sector and investment of 30 to 32 billion dollars in Pakistan will bring about positive changes.He further told the House that the government was also keeping an eye on changing scenarios and new emerging alliances.

ment, so by involving the army in the dialogue process, the government had admitted that the army was a separate institution not under it. “The army is only included in such a committee in case of a ceasefire with an enemy country after a battle,” he said.

He said regional cooperation is another important component of our policy as menaces like terrorism cannot be overcome without adopting a regional approach because it is not a war between armies of any two countries.He said that Pakistan would fully benefit from its regional importance by extending links to Central Asian states and improving internal security.

However, Shah said he had no objection if a former member of the armed forces participated in the peace talks. “The terrorists are the murderers of 60,000 Pakistanis and it would be unfortunate to see the army sitting with them,” he added.

Involving army in talks will be dangerous: Khursheed

He said Pak-Afghan relations are on way to normalcy after the government had made them believe in Pakistan’s policy of non-interference. “Bringing in a favourite regime in Afghanistan is no more our policy. We have conveyed it to them and the previous atmosphere of no trust is now improving towards strong bilateral rela- ISLAMABAD: Opposition Leader in the National Assembly tions.” Khursheed Shah on Wednesday About United States, he stated, opposed involving the army in Pakistan has made US believe negotiations with the Taliban. that its previous policy had not e said the gove r nme nt favoured Pakistan. “We have told should not involve the army them that Pakistan should not be seen through the Afghan lens,” in the dialogue process with the Taliban as only the government ithe said. self could go for the dialogue.“The He pointed out that the United army is meant to obey the govStates had so far ignored Paki- ernment orders and armed forcstan’s internal security challeng- es involvement in talks with the es. “The internal security will also terrorists will produce a very danbe a component of strategic part- gerous result,” he said while talknership with the United States,” ing to newsmen at the Parliament Sartaj Aziz said. House after the PAC meeting.

The opposition leader said he had no objection to the dialogue. PR adds: The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) President Senator Ch Shujaat Hussain said that the army should not be involved in the dialogue with the Taliban. He said the first priority of members of parliament should be national security and solidarity and peoples’ problems. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman He expressed these views while Makhdoom Shah Mahmood talking at the luncheon recepQureshi on Tuesday urged the tion hosted by him in honour of government to evolve national the office-bearers of the Youth consensus on foreign policy. Parliament.A press release said the PML-Q’s senior central leader alking to media men outside and former deputy prime minthe parliament, he said foreign ister Ch Parvez Elahi, PPP and policy was directly linked with the MQM senators also attended the country’s internal security policy. luncheon reception. He said if the internal security Hussain said in the prevailing cir- policy was improved than the forcumstances, responsibilities of eign investors would invest in the the public representatives had country and pave way for a prosimmensely increased.The Youth perous economy.

Parliament office-bearers appreciated the welfare services introduced by the PML-Q like Rescue 1122 Service.

Those who attended the luncheon reception included Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Senator Jahangir Badr, Senator Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, Senator Sehar Kamran, Senator Rubina Irfan, Senator Saeedul Hassan Mendokhel, Senator Kamil Ali Agha, Wasim Sajjad, Syed Dilawar Abbas, Muhammad Basharat Raja, Rizwan Sadiq besides Youth Parliament President Tauseef Abbasi, Foreign Minister Saad Khan, Information Minister Hanna Anwar, Talal Almas, Education Minister Afzaal Chaudhry and Minister for Pakistan is also seeking invest- The opposition leader said the Kashmir Affairs Abdul Qadir Abment in different sectors includ- army works under the govern- basi among others.

Qureshi urges govt to evolve national consensus on foreign policy

Shah Mahmood said that PTI always wanted transparency in tax system, foreign policy and accountability, adding that if the capitalists paid taxes, the economy of the country would progress. Chairman PTI Imran Khan and the other party leaders always raised the issue of transparency in the system at all forums, he added. Explaining the statement of PTI’s MNA Asad Umar in the national assembly, he said Asad’s statement reflected the party stance. Regarding the terrorism incident in Islamabad district courts, he said that the government should tell the nation who was responsible for the heinous incident if TTP was not taking responsibility for the attack.

6 March - 2014

Operation can be launched on ceasefire violation: Kh Asif

NEWS For a government long considered soft for pursuing peace talks, Khawaja Asif said there were now very few takers for the argument that the Taliban are truly committed to dialogue. “The Taliban have not even condemned this so-called splinter group four days after the (Islamabad courts) attack. They are saying, ‘We have not violated a ceasefire, these are peripheral groups, they are not under our control,’” he said. “But we cannot believe this.”

we can go for a military operation,” he said, adding: “We want to give space to the dialogue process. Our aim is peace and not the bloodshed.” He said if the militants prolonged the talks and the (militant) activities continued alongside, the government will have no other option.

Sindh chief minister admits negligence in Thar

When asked about reports that talks may be re-launched, this time with the military in the driving seat, he said: “The army’s input is very valuable. They are the people on the frontlines. They have to execute our decisions.”

ISLAMABAD: A full-scale military operation against the Pakistani Taliban in the tribal areas near the Afghan border can be launched as early as this month in case of violation of ceasefire by the insurgents, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said.

he minister told Reuters in an interview that the government would not hesitate to bomb militants hideouts or send forces into the tribal areas if the Taliban did not abide by the ceasefire announced last weekend.

Khawaja Asif said if in the postwithdrawal period, the Afghan Taliban become stronger and carve out an area of influence in the south and east of Afghanistan, which is next to Pakistan’s border — that’s a scenario Pakistan should even avoid thinking of. “Because then the Pakistani Taliban will have a powerhouse behind them, to support them. This option is there and everyone ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister should try to avoid it.” Nawaz Sharif and Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani on FriFor sceptics, there is another sceday took serious notice of the nario Pakistan wants to avoid at incidents of death of children in all costs: an unfriendly AfghaniThar after Chief Minister Qaim stan backed by India. Khawaja Ali Shah admitted negligence Asif said Pakistan, and particuthat caused deaths of 124 kids. larly its army, had evolved. “We have evidence that India is medhe premier directed the Nadling in Afghanistan, no doubt,” tional Disaster Management he said. “But I’m a believer that Authority (NDMA) to immediateif the conditions in the four walls ly get in touch with authorities in of your own house are stable, the Sindh province and provide nobody from outside will try to all possible aid and assistance.As enter. We give India the opportu- many as 124 children have died nity.” — Reuters due to a famine in the area.

“It will not take months now. We’ll have to march in the month of March,” Khawaja Asif said, describing the government’s response if insurgent attacks continued. “If there is a ceasefire, it has to be complete. Without that, we just can’t afford to have talks AFP adds: Khawaja Asif told Geo with the Taliban.” News that the government was In February, the government committed to bringing peace launched talks with the Taliban to through dialogue with the Talifind a negotiated settlement. But ban but warned a military operahopes of a peace deal have been tion could be launched if the talks crushed by a series of attacks and failed. counter-attacks by both sides. The minister said dialogue re-

ber of the party and officials to probe into the deaths,” Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali told reporters.He ordered the arrest of senior health officials for neglecting their duties, saying they had failed to move the children to hospitals in the larger cities. Qaim Ali Shah said the cause of the deaths would be confirmed by the investigation but apparently pneumonia and malnutrition were among the reasons. The chief minister said the government records showed the death of 41 children but there were fears that the actual number might be higher. He admitted that the authorities had not done all they could, to look after the needs of the people. “I admit that the distribution of wheat was not appropriate,” Shah said. In 2000 also, the desert suffered a famine that killed 90 percent of the livestock. Meanwhile, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani took notice of the death of children in Tharparkar due to acute malnutrition and fixed the hearing of the case on March 10 (Monday). According to a press release issued by the Supreme Court here on Friday, the notice was taken on appearance of news reports as well as reports telecast by TV channels to the effect that due to prolonged drought conditions in the region, residents of the Tharparkar region faced starvation and as result around 100 children died due to malnutrition and diseases. Taking the cognisance of the issue, the Chief Justice of Pakistan passed the order that it is a serious violation of Article 9 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The chief justice directed the Sindh government chief secretary and the concerned authorities to submit a report on the issue. The case has been fixed for hearing on March 10 (Monday) before the Bench No1 at Islamabad.

Agencies add: The Sindh government authorities have ordered a probe into the deaths of children who reportedly died of pneumonia and malnutrition in the Thar Desert.Officials were alarmed by media reports from Mithi, one of the least developed and most remote districts in Sindh, sug“We won’t just take this lying mained the government’s pre- gesting that about 124 people down,” the minister said. “If we ferred option. “Talks are top pri- had died because of famine and The chief justice also directed are attacked, the state is attacked, ority even today to bring peace malnutrition. that an officer of the government civilians are attacked, military in the country,” he said.“But if personel are attacked, we will re- there is no advancement in talks “It is a very serious matter and of Sindh not below the rank of taliate. We will retaliate in kind.” and they fail to fulfil the objective, we have deputed a senior mem- additional secretary should apcontinued...

7 March - 2014

NEWS

Aitzaz calls for briefing by interior minister

Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) here, Khursheed Shah said the terrorist attack in Islamabad had exposed Interior Minister According to an ISPR spokesman, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s false the Pakistan Army troops from claim that the capital was a safe ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in Senate Aitzaz Ahsan the Hyderabad Garrison carrying city. on Tuesday urged Interior Minimmediate relief goods and rations left for the drought-affected He remarked that foreign mis- ister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to areas of TharparkarThe staff of sions in Islamabad were deliber- brief the House on the terror atmedical camp is also going with ating on shifting to other places tack in Islamabad district courts. them to the affected areas with as the federal capital was not peaking in the Senate, Aitzaz lady doctors, paramedical staff safe. “On the one hand, the intesaid there was a security failand medicines. rior minister claimed thatIslam- ure and the opposition was not abad was a safe city and on the doing politics on this issue. Had Our correspondent adds from Laother, the terrorist incident in it been against the talks with Talihore: Punjab Chief Minister Muheart of the city exposed the per- ban, it would not have supported hammad Shahbaz Sharif has exformance of security apparatus the government, he added. He pressed deep sense of grief and of the Interior Ministry,” he said. said, whenever Taliban were in sorrow over the death of a numtrouble, they went for a cease ber of persons, including children, Besides visiting PIMS, the opin Tharparkar due to a drought. position leader also visited Pakistan Bar Council and residence of The chief minister said that the Advocate Fizza Malik, one of the Punjab government and the victims in the terrorist incident people were with their affected at F-8 Katcheri.Khursheed Shah ISLAMABAD: Independent Membrethren of Tharparkar in this termed it strange that the interi- ber National Assembly Jamshed hour of trial and were ready to or minister was telling the nation Dasti on Wednesday demanded provide all possible help to them. that government would ask the a judicial inquiry into his allegaThe CM directed the director tions. general of the Provincial Disaster Taliban to pinpoint the terrorist alking to media persons outManagement Authority to send organisation involved in the incident while he told the NA that side parliament, Jamshed necessary relief items to TharPakistan had 27 intelligence agen- Dasti refused to appear before parkar for the victims. cies. The opposition leader said the National Assembly’s seventhe prime minister was avoiding member committee, saying ‘I am visit to Parliament and was not not a culprit’.He lauded the govtaking the nation into confidence. ernment’s decision to include all “If the government takes concrete stakeholders in the dialogue promeasures, the opposition would cess with the Taliban. Jamshed support the government in its ef- Dasti said that the government should be given a free hand for forts against terrorism,” he said. pear along with the report in the court on behalf of the Sindh chief secretary.

fire. They should not be given time and an immediate action should be taken against them to stop their brutalities, he added.

Dasti demands transparent judicial inquiry

Country ensnared in Talibanisation: Khursheed

Agencies add: Meanwhile, speaking on a point of order in the National Assembly, Syed Khursheed Shah said there were inadequate security arrangements at the Islamabad district courts, which enabled the terrorists to kill innocent people on Monday. He questioned how did eight terrorists make it to the district courts, killing and injuring people for 40 minutes without any resistance. No personnel from the police ISLAMABAD: Opposition Leader station situated adjacent to the in the National Assembly (NA) venue, turned up to counter the Syed Khursheed Shah on Tues- terrorists, he added. day said that the country was in the grip of Talibanisation, and Khursheed also criticised the disthat it was time to take a deci- trict administration for not deploying well-equipped security sion. personnel on the court premises. peaking in the National As- He urged the government to desembly and talking to news- cide its future strategy to deal men after visiting the Pakistan with the menace of terrorism.

dialogue with Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other groups. He said that some foreign elements did not want the success of the peace process in the country.

Army to assist govt from behind curtain: Pervaiz

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Pervaiz Rashid has said that the army will remain behind the curtain in talks with the Taliban and assist the government.

n an interview on Saturday, the minister said that every possible means will be used to bring peace to the country but the first option is dialogue. If the talks did not yield positive results, a course of action will follow as hinted by the defence minister.

Pervaiz Rashid said the government has always desired peace in the country without any bloodshed. He said the goal is peace and the best option is dialogue.

He said the army is a part of the government and it assists the government in the implementation of decisions. The minister said the army assisted the government in naming the negotiating committee with the Taliban because the panel could not work without the backing of the army.

8 March - 2014

NEWS

Saudi Arabia names Brotherhood a terrorist group

to reflect pressure from the US, which wants to see Assad’s overthrow but is alarmed by the rising influence of hard-line foreign jihadists — many of them linked to al-Qaida — among the rebels.

Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Badr Abdel-Attie praised the decision, saying it “reflects the coordination and solidarity” between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. He said he hopes that other countries make the same decision.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia identified the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group along with al-Qaida and others on Friday, warning those who join them or support them they could face five to 30 years in prison.

Saudi Interior Ministry statement said King Abdullah approved the findings of a committee entrusted with identifying extremist groups referred to in a royal decree earlier last month. The decree punishes those who fight in conflicts outside the kingdom or join extremist groups or support them. The king’s decree followed the kingdom enacting a sweeping new counterterrorism law that targets virtually any criticism of the government. The Muslim Brotherhood has been targeted by many Gulf nations since the July 3 military overthrow of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi in Egypt, himself a Brotherhood member. Saudi Arabia has banned Brotherhood books from the ongoing Riyadh book fair and withdrew its ambassador from Qatar, a Brotherhood supporter, along with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. In a statement, the Muslim Brotherhood condemned Saudi Arabia’s decision. “It is one of the founding principles of the group not to interfere in matters of other states, and this new position from the kingdom is a complete departure from the past relationship with the group, since the reign of the founding king until now,” the statement read.

US President Barack Obama is scheduled to fly to Saudi Arabia and meet King Abdullah this month.Meanwhile in Qatar, outspoken Egyptian cleric Youssef el-Qaradawi did not deliver his usual sermon on Friday. The reasons for his absence were not “We expect other countries to made immediately public. His fulfil their responsibilities in the past sermons, in which he pubfight against terrorism,” Abdellicly criticized the UAE and other Attie told journalists Friday.The Gulf countries for their support Saudi statement, carried by the of Egypt’s new government in its official Saudi Press Agency, iden- crackdown on the Brotherhood, tified the other terrorist groups led to outrage among Qatar’s named as al-Qaida’s branches neighbours who saw the comin Yemen and Iraq, the Syrian al- ments as an attack on their sovNusra Front, Saudi Hezbollah and ereignty. Yemen’s Shiite Hawthis. It said the law would apply to all the groups and organizations identified by the United Nations Security Council or international bodies as terrorists or violent groups. It said the law also would be applied to any Saudi citizen or a foreigner residing in the kingdom for propagating atheism or pledging allegiance to anyone other than the kingdom’s leaders.

Inflation lowering, economic progress going up: Dar

The counterterrorism law bans meetings of the groups inside or outside of the kingdom and covers comments made online or to media outlets. The unprecedented and harsh prison terms seem aimed at stemming the flow of Saudi fighters going to Syria, Yemen or Iraq. The Syrian civil war is believed to have drawn hundreds of young Saudis, worrying some in the kingdom that fighters could return radicalized and turn their weapons on the monarchy.

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday said that the ratio of economic development was increasing and the ratio of inflaInfluential Saudi clerics who foltion was registering an upward low the kingdom’s ultraconserva- trend. tive religious Wahhabi doctrine encouraged youths to fight in the e said this while chairing a war and view it as a struggle bemeeting to roll out the preptween Syria’s Sunni majority and aration of the next year’s budget President Bashar Assad’s Alawite, at the Finance Ministry here. Dr Shiite-backed minority. Saudi Waqar Masood, Finance Secreofficials and some clerics have tary, gave a detailed presentation spoken out against young Saudis on the next budget. joining the war. The finance minister expressed However, the Saudi government satisfaction on fiscal results for backs some rebel opposition the first eight months of the curgroups in Syria with weapons and rent year, which showed a defiaid. The new law is also believed cit of 3.2 percent as compared

to the proportionate target up to February of 3.5 percent. He stressed the need for continued vigilance on expenditure in line with revenue receipts so that the budgetary targets are achieved without fail. Commenting on the preparatory exercise presented in the meeting the finance minister emphasized that austerity will continue to remain the hallmark of PML-N’s budget strategy and fiscal management. He further underlined the need for clear and meaningful indications of budgetary ceilings to all federal ministries and for Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) so that they can prioritize and formulate their expenditure proposals well in time.

Meanwhile talking to Philip Barton, British High Commissioner to Pakistan accompanied by Richard Montgomery Head of UK Department for International Development Pakistan who called on the minister here at the Finance Ministry on Friday Ishaq Dar urged international investors to grab huge potential and opportunities in Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure sectors. The minister informed the delegation that Pakistan’s economy is performing much better as all the economic indicators are on the positive side. He emphasized that there is a great potential for trade expansion with the United Kingdom in the light of prime minister’s vision for consistency in economic policies and creating an atmosphere where foreign investors can invest in energy hydrocarbons and infrastructure projects. The minister also briefed the High Commissioner about his recent visit to Afghanistan and development projects including Torkham-Jalalabad Highway and Kidney Hospital undertaken by Pakistan. The High Commissioner said that making Pakistan more prosperous is key to our relationship. He said that we are very keen to work with Pakistan on enhancing our commercial and economic relations. He said that we are impressed with the transparency and merit oriented policies the government is pursuing. He expressed his government’s resolve to work with Pakistan in bringing peace and prosperity to the region.

9 March - 2014

NEWS

Malaysian plane carrying 227 passengers missing more than 24 hours after it went missing. Operations will continue through the night, officials said.

KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysia Airlines flight carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew was presumed to have crashed off the Vietnamese coast on Saturday, and European officials said two people on board were using false identities.

here were no reports of bad weather and no sign why the Boeing 777-200ER would have vanished from radar screens about an hour after it took off from Kuala Lumpur for Beijing.

“We are not ruling out any possibilities,” Malaysia Airlines CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya told a news conference. By the early hours of Sunday, there were no confirmed signs of the plane or any wreckage,

There were no indications of sabotage nor claims of a terrorist attack. But the passenger manifest issued by the airline included the names of two Europeans - Austrian Christian Kozel and Italian Luigi Maraldi - who, according to their foreign ministries, were not in fact on the plane. A foreign ministry spokesman in Vienna said: “Our embassy got the information that there was an Austrian on board. That was the passenger list from Malaysia Airlines. Our system came back with a note that this is a stolen passport.”Austrian police had found the man safe at home. The passport was stolen two years ago while he was travelling in Thailand, The spokesman said. The foreign ministry in Rome said no Italian was on the plane either, despite the inclusion of Maraldi´s name on the list. His mother, Renata Lucchi, told Reuters his passport was lost, presumed stolen, in Thailand in 2013.

Altaf cautions govt on talks with Taliban LAHORE: MQM chief Altaf Hussain on Sunday warned the ruling PML-N government to carefully handle peace dialogue with the Taliban militants, as the country’s future will be at stake if the issue of terrorism stayed unresolved.

n a telephonic address from London to a crowded Sufi conference at Doongi Ground on Wahdat Road, Altaf said terrorists had no religion. He said targeting innocent people and ‘namazis’ belonging to any sect couldn’t be justified.

Condemning terrorist incidents, he said extremists beheaded soldiers, attacked Malala Yousafzai, murdered a woman lawyer and flogged innocent girls.

Altaf said all these incidents clearly reflect a mindset that had nothing to do with Islam, as it always preaches love, tolerance and Altaf said Islam spread in the subbrotherhood. continent due to the efforts of the Sufis who always taught love and He said the Holy Quran had ortolerance to people. On the other dered Muslims to fight against hand, he said the terrorists were cruel elements. He read out killing innocent people in the verses of Baba Bulleh Shah and name of Islam. He said Shariah thanked the Punjab Government never allowed anyone to attack for its cooperation in the holding the shrines of saints. of the conference.

10 March - 2014

NEWS

Thar people to be helped in time of distress: Nawaz

Situation still alarming in Thar

Tahir Khalil adds: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Pervaiz Rashid said that no invitation was waited for providing assistance at the time of adversity, and the federal government wanted to extend every kind of help to the Thar people. ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will visit the drought-hit Tharparkar district today (Monday) where 124 children died due to malnutrition. He cancelled all his other engagements in this connection. He is likely to announce an aid package for the drought-hit areas.

he prime minister also announced the provision of a MI-17 helicopter for the supply of necessary relief goods to the calamity-hit people.

He also assured all-out cooperation by the federal government to the Sindh government for Tharparkar’s victims. The prime minister also directed all the departments concerned to provide succour to the affected families in this hour of distress. According to a press statement issued on Sunday, the PM Office was keeping the prime minister abreast of the Thar situation on a daily basis. The PM Office has been in contact with the Sindh Government and assured it of allout support. Upon the prime minister’s directions, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is in contact with the Sindh Provincial Disaster management Authority (PDMA) and has offered all kind of support and assistance. Senior officials of the Pakistan Army were also keeping the premier updated about the situation in Thar, the statement said. — Agencies

While talking to ‘The News’ Senator Pervaiz Rashid said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had cancelled all his engagements and would visit Thar today (Monday). He said that the prime minister had provided a helicopter for the succor of the draught-hit people of Thar.

THARPARKAR: The situation is still alarming in the desert district of Tharparkar as five more children died of malnutrition in Chachro tehsil on Sunday, while 2,500 patients from the district are hospitalised.

According to ISPR, the relief teams of the Pakistan Army have distributed 45 tons of food. Four medical camps have been established at Diplo, Chachro, Mithi and Nagarpakar to provide healthcare to the malnourished and sick.

ospitals are overburdened but no alternate arrange- A team of doctors including three Pervaiz Rashid said that longments have been made to ac- lady officers and three child speterm measures were also being taken to help the people of Thar. commodate the patients. cialists has treated 1,625 patients so far at medical camps. The minister said that the Sindh According to reports pouring in Government was the govern- from the affected district, only On the instructions of Sindh Chief ment of Pakistan and Thar was 900 bags of flour could be distrib- Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, A part of Pakistan and it was their uted in Tharparkar out of 47,000 Tharparkar Relief and Rehabilitaobligation to help the people of bags sent for the drought-affect- tion Cell has been established at the area. He said that federa- ed population. the Public Complaints Cell, CM tion and province would together Chachro is among those areas of House. cope with the human tragedy in Tharparkar where the Sindh GovThe principal secretary to the CM Thar. ernment hasn’t started its relief will be the head of the cell. The He said that the prime minister operation. cell will look after the perforhad ordered to send the army Several prominent members of mance of relief work by the Sindh there and directed the NDMA to the Sindh government have vis- Government and will submit a reprepare a survey report on Thar. ited the famine-hit areas but report on a daily basis to the chief He said that medicines and food lief activities are still facing delay minister. were being provided to the afdue to which the affected people fected people. have been forced to move to oth- The cell will work in three shifts. The first shift will be active from While replying to a question, Per- er places. 9:00am to 4:00pm and will be vaiz Rashid said that it was the Several villages are empty now as supervised by Additional Secrejoint responsibility of all to halt people have left their homes due tary Admin Saeed Ahmed Sheikh. the rising human disaster in Thar. to starvation. In the last two days, The second shift will work from 375 children were brought to the 4:00pm to 12:00am under the On a query, the minister said that Mithi hospital. supervision of Additional Secredialogue with the Taliban was the priority of the federal gov- The drought-hit people say they tary Captain (retd) Anwarul Haq, ernment and the Khyber Pakh- could not take care of their chil- while the third shift will remain tunkhwa government had also dren properly as they were raven- active from 12:00am to 9:00am been included in the committee. ous themselves. under the supervision of AddiResponding to another question, tional Secretary Board and Unithe minister said that he had no The Pakistan Army and Rangers versities Syed Noor Muhammad information regarding the open- are carrying out relief operations Shah. in several areas of Tharparkar. ing of a Taliban office.

11 March - 2014

NEWS

Sindh govt responsible for Thar situation: SC

Bilawal promises all help for Thar’s children

ARACHI: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman, On this, the chief justice remarked that the Sindh Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has said government was respon- that his party would make sacsible for whatever hap- rifices for the children of Tharpened in the Tharparkar parkar as 120,000 bags of wheat district.He further stated had been sent there. that the media highlighted He vowed that he and his party the issue, otherwise the workers would remain engaged matter would have been in providing each and every afburied. fected person with adequate

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court, while declaring the Sindh government responsible for the Thar situation, has said that if the media had not highlighted the issue, it would have been swept under the carpet.

two-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Tasadduq Hussain Jillani, heard the Tharparkar suo moto notice case on Monday.A total of 67 death cases of infants and children have been reported in Tharparkar in the last three months, stated a report submitted by the chief secretary of Sindh in the Supreme Court. The report stated that 26 deaths were reported in December, 18 in January and 23 in February.“Most of these deaths have occurred due to pneumonia, sepsis, birth asphyxia and very few from malnutrition. Sepsis is mainly due to use of unhygienic methods of delivery used by midwives and untrained local Daiees,” the report states further. According to the report, around 0.12 million wheat bags worth Rs429 million are being distributed amongst the affected people. “Around 80,000 bags have already been dispatched and received in the district.”

food. Bilawal said the PPP would Advocate General Fateh work for the well-being of each Malik argued that the sitchild of Tharparkar and would uation wasn’t as bad as bring them back to a healthy the media was highlightstate. “Negligence at any level ing it.The apex court inquired will not be tolerated,” he noted. how many children died in the region and when did it come to He vowed to fight the calamity the knowledge of the provincial with full devotion and vigour. He authorities. pledged that no official of the Sindh government would sit idle The advocate general told the till relief was provided to each court that 60 children had died household of Tharparkar. On the during the last three months.Jusoccasion, CM Sindh Syed Qaim tice Azmat Saeed said that peoAli Shah said that the Tharparkar ple in the district did not need calamity should not be politithe prime minister or the chief minister, they needed food. “We should bow our heads in shame over what is happening there,” Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani said about the situation in Tharparkar.The court has sought a detailed report from the Sindh government about the total number of deaths due to drought and adjourned the hearing till March 17. Our correspondent adds: Appearing on notice, Advocate General Sindh Fateh Malik acknowledged that there was famine in Tharparkar, however, he said that the media has exaggerated the situation. He contended that such a situation has not arisen for the first time.

He said that as a principle, the Sindh government accepts the responsibility and expresses its During the proceedings of the regrets over the children’s death. case, the Sindh Advocate Gen- Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed asked eral told the court that children the AG not to blame the people in Tharparkar died due to cold. for not taking medical treatment, Parents don’t get their children saying that the fact was that no treated until their condition gets proper medical facilities were available there. critical, he added.

cised. He said that he would treat each child of Tharparkar like his own children. He stated that the poor people of Tharparkar faced difficulties quite often. He promised that his government would allocate all resources to the relief of the affected population. Talking to political workers, provincial Information Minister Sharjeel Memon said that the crisis was not much critical and it was exaggerated. He said that he was not the only representative of the people but was also the custodian of their life and property.

12 March - 2014

NEWS

DG IAEA visits nuclear Centre of Excellence SPD.APP adds: The Director General IAEA also held a meeting with Federal Minister for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid here. He appreciated Pakistan’s safe and secure operation of nuclear power plants and assured full cooperation in this regard.

RAWALPINDI: Yukiya Amano, Director General International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), visited Pakistan’s Centre of Excellence for Nuclear Security on Wednesday. He was briefed on the training spectrum based on international best practices and standards on nuclear security, says an ISPR press release.

he DG IAEA in his remarks said, “It is very impressive that you organise the training in a very systemic and operational manner.”It may be mentioned here that Pakistan has been operating nuclear plants for almost five decades with commendable safety and security record. As a responsible nuclear state, Pakistan desires to contribute to the global cause of nuclear security. In pursuit of its vision, the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Nuclear Security has been established in 2012 to impart training in entire range of activities, directly or indirectly linked with nuclear safety and security. During the Nuclear Security Summit 2012 held in Seoul, the CoE has been offered as a training hub to the countries in the region and beyond.The visit of DG IAEA to the Pakistan’s Centre of Excellence for Nuclear Security is an international recognition of the high standards of training and culture of excellence in the field of nuclear security of Pakistan. Nuclear security being the national responsibility, Pakistan accords the highest priority to it in all forms and manifestation.

Earlier, on his arrival, he was received by Maj Gen Muhammad Tahir, Director General Security,

The minister briefed the IAEA chief on the mandate and achievements of the Ministry of Science and Technology and its subsidiary research and development organisations. He highlighted the government’s holistic S&T Vision 2025. The government was not only working in the traditional fields but also in the emerging areas of science and technology, including nanotechnology, biotechnology and fuel cell technology with the idea to reorient the S&T sectors according to the need of the day, he explained.

national experts were obtained by inviting them and full benefit was achieved through their experience. He said that although Pakistan had been working with the IAEA for over five decades, its nuclear scientists and engineers also visited the under-developed countries under the auspicious of IAEA and gave them useful suggestions and recommendations in this regard.

China to invest $4 billion in Pak Railways: official

The minister hailed the positive role played by the IAEA in health, agriculture and food safety sectors in Pakistan. The Secretary S&T, Kamran Ali Qureshi, PAEC Chairman Dr Ansar Parvez and heads of 15 organisations of the ministry were also present in the meeting.

ISLAMABAD: China has agreed to finance the upgrading of a rail network on its mainline and to construct a state-of-the-art dry port at Havelian by investing $4 Hanif Khalid adds: The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission billion during the next three to (PAEC) Chairman Dr Ansir Pervaiz four years. said that Pakistan was the foundow the Ministry of Railways ing member of the International has been assigned to carry Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). out a feasibility study for upgradWhile talking to The News, he ing the rail network from Havelian said that Pakistan had been co- to Karachi on its mainline (ML-1) operating with the IAEA for over which will be accomplished in the last 50 years for peaceful use of next seven to eight months,a top civil nuclear energy and Pakistani official of the Ministry of Railways nuclear experts were in constant confirmed to The News here on contact with the IAEA nuclear ex- Thursday. perts in this regard. The rail link from Gwadar to KaHe said that this gave Pakistan rachi will also be established.The benefit in such a way that Paki- feasibility study will unveil the exstan streamlined its programmes act cost of these railway projects in accordance with the interna- but according to rough estimates tional level and especially fol- calculated by the concerned highlowed the set guidelines of the ups, the total investment requireIAEA in connection with nuclear ment will be standing at around design, operation and taking pre- Rs300 to Rs400 billion. Both sides cautionary measures in this re- have also finalised the timelines, so these railway projects could gard. be accomplished within the tenDr Asir said that opinions of inter- ure of PML-N led regime.

Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique told The News on Thursday that the government was working on a revitalising plan for the Pakistan Railways under which it would be turned around from a loss making to profit making entity over the medium term. Under this vision, he said, the rail linkages with neighbouring countries, including China, India and Turkey, would be established over the medium term. However, official sources said that under the Vision 2025, which is under preparation, the Ministry of Railways has been vying its options to link Khunjerab with Havelian through the rail network but it requires substantial cost and long term plans to make it happen. Pakistan has requested China to provide interest free loans to finance rail upgrading network, he said and added that the exact mode of financing by the Chinese side was not yet finalised but Beijing was considering different options, including soft loans with mark up of one to two percent to execute these projects. In order to develop the western China, the industrial goods would be transported through the Karakoram Highway (KKH) by upgrading the road network from Khunjerab to Havelian and then through the rail network consignments would be transported to the port city of Karachi. On the other side, the rail network from Gwadar to Jacobabad will ensure transportation of trade goods. “China has agreed to finance these mega projects in the recently-concluded early harvest programme signed by both the sides in Beijing,” said the official.In a bid to establish the Pak-China Economic Corridor, both countries have decided to establish rail, road and sea links to promote trade and economic activities. Special economic zones will also be established on the sidelines of routes linking through rail and road network for exploiting the existing economic opportunities in this region.The sources said that the government was also planning to upgrade 27 kilometers line through Wagah under its short term plan. The Monabhao rail link between Pakistan and India does not require upgrading at the moment, he concluded.

13 March - 2014

Saudi Arabia gives $1.5 billion to Pakistan, IMF told

NEWS against a US dollar in the days ahead, said the sources and added that more injections of foreign inflows were expected within this month mainly in the shape of the release of a tranche worth $540 million from the IMF in its scheduled board meeting on March 24 in Washington DC. When contacted IMF spokesperson in Washington DC stated in a written reply: “Fund staff has been made aware of the disbursements to the Pakistan Development Fund on a timely basis. However, the government would be better placed to provide details”.

However, the economists say that there could be no economic justification for this sharp decline of dollar against rupee in recent ISLAMABAD: The government days that paved the way for rehas shared details with the IMF duction of public debt by Rs800 of foreign inflows of $1.5 billion billion in one go.But now the govreceived from a friendly country ernment would have to pass on into the Pakistan Development the benefits of appreciation of Fund (PDF) after which the coun- rupee against dollar in terms of try’s foreign reserves went up to reducing the prices of POL prod$9.357 billion. ucts, electricity and other importn the last couple of weeks, Is- ed items. lamabad received $1.5 billion Meanwhile a Reuters report from in the shape of two instalments Islamabad says Saudi Arabia from one Muslim country that re- loaned $1.5 billion to Pakistan sulted in the appreciation of the last month to help Islamabad rupee against the dollar in a big shore up its foreign exchange reway,” official sources confirmed serves, meet debt-service obligato The News here on Thursday. tions and undertake large energy

It is yet to be seen how the exchange rate will stabilise in the days ahead and stability will be crucial for the economy.

“Most recently, we got $750 million from the Saudis.“Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has long enjoyed close relations with the Saudi royal family. After his second term as prime minister was ended by a military coup in 1999, he was sent into exile in Saudi Arabia. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, the Saudi financier and member of the House of Saud, has described Sharif as “Saudi Arabia’s man in Pakistan”.Finance Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on Wednesday that $1.5 billion was received under the development fund but declined to comment on the source.“Why do you want to expose our friends?” he told reporters.

No military man to sit in talks: Nisar

and infrastructure projects.

Pakistani officials told Reuters the Saudi assistance has contributed to a sharp recovery of the PakiThe sharing of these details with stani rupee, which rose to a ninethe IMF is crucial because in the month high of 97.40 from 105.40 ’90s the Saudi Oil Facility (SOF) on against the dollar between March deferred payments had always 4 and 12, its strongest rally in 30 been questioned by the IMF high- years. ups for being treated as tax rev- “On a personal guarantee of the enue or non-tax revenue. prime minister, Saudi Arabia Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had already stated that the country’s reserves would cross $10 billion on March 31 and would touch $16 billion by the end of June 2014. His claim is backed by the launching of Eurobonds worth $500 million in April and expected inflows from other multilateral and bilateral donors in the coming quarter (April-June) period of the current fiscal year.

ment Fund set up to channel money from “friendly countries” like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.“We have a promise of a total $3 billion, of which $1.5 billion has been received so far,” the second official said.

has given $1.5 billion, which has helped bail out the rupee,” one senior Pakistani government official close to the deal told Reuters, requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to disclose the source and purpose of the funding.

The governor of the Saudi central bank declined to comment, and officials gave no details of the loan terms.Another top offiThe exchange rate slightly depre- cial who is based in Lahore said ciated on Thursday but it will re- the money went into an account main stable in the range of Rs100 known as the Pakistan Develop-

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Monday said the new peace committee, comprising three to four bureaucrats, will be announced in the next three days to hold a dialogue with the Taliban.

members were under consideration of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. He, however, said the committee members belonged to Fata and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The interior minister said the venue of the meeting and inclusion of members from both sides was yet to be decided.sides was yet to be decided.He said JUI-S chief Maulana Samiul Haq had played a very positive role in the dialogue process and the government wished that the dialogue committee established earlier should also stay intact. He said representation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government on the committee was also being discussed. He said the new committee will also include the KP Governor’s Secretariat and the federal government. Answering a question from the host, Nisar said the federal government had not asked the KP government to nominate some politician for the committee and some bureaucrat will represent it.

Sindh CM visits Amin Fahim’s residence

ARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah visited Amin Fahim’s residence as peaking in Geo News proboth the Pakistan People’s Party gramme ‘Jirga’, Nisar said the leaders developed differences army-backed new committee over the issue of drought in Tharwill have no military official and parkar.According to sources, folit will talk to the Taliban directly. lowing a telephonic conversation Clarifying, he said the army was with the PPP senior leader Amin practically helpful to the federal Fahim on Friday, the CM reached government and at no stage did his residence shortly afterwards. it interfere or air apprehensions It is pertinent to mention here about the dialogue process. that the CM had suspended He said the process will be taken Makhdoom Amin Fahim’s two forward with the help and sup- sons from the posts of deputy port of the army.The minister said commissioner and provincial the committee will represent the minister over alleged negligence government and the names of its in drought-hit Tharparkar.

14 March - 2014

NEWS

Operation to continue till crime ends in Karachi: Nawaz

KARACHI: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Friday said the ongoing targeted operation in the port city against terrorists, extortionists and criminals would continue till their complete elimination.

hairing a meeting here at the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House to review the Karachi law and order situation, the prime minister directed the provincial authorities to transfer the location of the Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATCs) functioning in Karachi to Malir Cantonment in order to give due protection to judges, prosecutors, investigators, witnesses involved in the process of speedy disposal of court cases against notorious criminals and terrorists being caught during the ongoing targeted operation. Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and other officials attended the meeting. The prime ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fresh orders are reminiscent of his second tenure when in the late 1990s, military courts were established and started functioning in Malir Cantonment in view of the adverse law and order situation in Karachi, but later on the superior judiciary outlawed the setting up of military courts for the accused terrorists having civilian background. Nawaz also directed the authorities concerned to lift the ban on recruitments for civil armed forces and security institutions in the country, including those respon-

under a composite system and for the purpose a joint committee should be established for maintaining the required coordination among the institutions sible for maintenance of law and involved in conducting investigaorder in Karachi. He also directed tions against the accused crimithat the services of recruitment nals and terrorists. centres of the Pakistan Army should be availed of for making The prime minister expressed serecruitments for the police de- rious concerns over the outbreak of violence and armed hostilipartment. ties in the troubled area of Lyari He also directed the creation of in recent days and directed the a Quick Response Force for the home department to spare no Sindh Police to fight urban ter- effort to restore law and order in rorism. He also gave directives for the southern locality of the city, establishing more police stations which hitherto had been known in Lyari. The premier said the in the country for promotion of proposed Quick Response Force sports. should be raised on the pattern of the Special Services Group The premier directed the offi(commandoes) of armed forces cials concerned to take steps for while the personnel of the pro- speeding up development projposed forces should be given the ects in Lyari and also for launching required modern weapons and projects for encouraging healthy, peaceful, and recreational activiequipment. ties among the residents of Lyari. He also directed that an operation be launched against unscru- The meeting resolved that the pulous elements involved in provincial government would instances of land grabbing in Ka- decide and then publicise head rachi and the politically influen- money for catching and bringing tial persons patronising criminals. to justice criminals and terrorists, presently at large, affiliated with Nawaz said he was personally su- the criminal gangs of Lyari. While pervising the progress of the on- for those patrons and notorigoing targeted operation against ous criminals related to criminal the criminals and terrorists in Ka- gangs of Lyari who had fled and rachi and in this regard the fed- got refuge in foreign countries, eral government would continue the Interior Ministry would do to support the Sindh government. the required consultation with the Sindh government authoriThe meeting resolved that cases ties concerned for approaching against the target killers, extorthe Interpol for issuance of red tionists and criminals involved in warrants against them. land grabbing instances in Karachi, being caught by the LEAs, would Director-General Sindh Rangers be instituted in accordance with Maj. Gen. Rizwan Akhtar, reportthe anti-terrorism laws. edly, while giving his input on Lyari emphasized that political The meeting further resolved backing of criminal gangs should that the authorities concerned of be stopped at once as the comthe Sindh government would appulsory pre-condition for comproach the superior judiciary for plete restoration of peace in Kasetting up new ATCs in the city rachi. while a request would also be made to speed up the proceed- He was of the view that the paraings of trial court cases against military force was just doing the the accused terrorists while re- fire-fighting job in Lyari while maining within the ambit of rel- complete peace in the southern evant criminal laws. locality of the city could not be restored until political backing of The PM directed the authorities criminal gangs operating there concerned to conduct investigawas ended. tions against the apprehended accused terrorists and criminals Nawaz Sharif was also briefed

about the state of security at the Sindh jails. The premier directed the authorities concerned to work in collaboration with the Interior Ministry for adopting a policy on composite basis for transferring notorious criminals and terrorists at present languishing in jails of Karachi to jails of other provinces. On the issue of unregistered and illegally issued SIMs, the premier said these should be banned on an immediate basis in order to curb the resurgence of crime in the city. He also directed the provincial authorities to evolve an updated system using bio-metric technology for issuance of new SIM cards. He directed the interior minister and secretary interior to maintain a close liaison with the Government of Sindh for the required intelligence sharing, support and sharing of resources needed for speeding up the ongoing targeted operation in Karachi.

No forward bloc in PPP, says Siraj Durrani

SUKKUR: Speaker Sindh Assembly Agha Siraj Durrani has said that there was no forward block in the PPPP and nor Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah was not being removed.He said that some people have misguided the CM Sindh who sacked Makhdoom Amin Fahimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two sons from the post of deputy commissioner and ministerial post.

e said that co-chairman of the party Asif Ali Zardari was continued...

15 March - 2014 due in Karachi and would help end issues between Qaim Ali Shah and Makhdoom Amin Fahim. He said that there was no forward block in the PPPP and the Pir of Pagara met Makhdoom Amin Fahim just to inquire after his health. The meeting should not be linked to difference between Qaim and Makhdoom.

NEWS Durrani said that people of Thar would be facilitated and the chief minister Sindh and others were taking all-out efforts to ensure relief activities. He said that owing to lack of rain falling in Thar drought-hit to Thar but not a single child died due to starvation.He said that the Sindh government has taken steps against the officials for their dereliction of duties.

MQM gets offer to join Sindh government Waseem was again asked to when the MQM would be joining the government, to which he said, “No decision has been taken as yet…Discussions are under way in this regard”.He mentioned that Governor Ebad had earlier met former president Asif Ali Zardari in Dubai to sort out various issues.

KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) confirmed on Wednesday that the party had received an offer to join the Sindh government, but said that it was holding deliberations within party ranks following the talks held in Karachi between former interior minister Rehman Malik, the Sindh governor and the chief minister.

Waseem said that departments and ministries did not matter for the MQM.It may be noted here that Sindh Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon had told a press conference at the Sindh Assembly that he would neither confirm nor contradict reports about the MQM joining the government.

ment. However, independent sources claimed that the ruling party was trying to convince the MQM not to insist on the local government and excise portfolios, as the PPP had been holding both portfolios in the previous tenure and there were reservations in the party ranks on this demand.

PPP leader Syed Khurshid Shah had recently raised objections against MQM chief Altaf Hussain for his statement regarding the role of the army, while Speaker Sindh Assembly Agha Siraj Durrani also criticised the MQM’s demand for the local government and excise portfolios.

The MQM spokesperson rejected the impression that the process of talks was affected due to the statements of some PPP leaders against the MQM and pointed out that the dialogue was still in process as per the advice of the top leadership of both parties. He pointed out that the party leaders were bound to follow the instructions of the party chief and avoid talking to the media as the high command of both parties agreed that no party leader would speak against each other in the media.

However, the MQM spokesman said that the party leaders would not speak in the media against any PPP leader and hoped that the PPP would also follow the instruction of their party high command in this regard. The Governor’s House issued a statement that during their meeting, Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad, Qaim Ali Shah and Rehman Malik agreed that both the PPP and the MQM believed in political harmony and reconciliation. They also said the leaderships of the two parties were engaged in talks to become coalition partners.

Opposition resists Pakistan Protection Bill

He had further said that ministries or departments did not matter for the ruling party as the same could be changed at any time.However, Speaker Sindh Ashis was disclosed to The News ISLAMABAD: The opposition on by MQM leader and member sembly had told The News that Wednesday opposed the ProtecCoordination Committee Was- important departments could tion of Pakistan (Amendment) eem Akhtar just after Rehman not be given to Muttahida. Bill and the government deferred Malik held a meeting with Dr Ish- It may be noted here that the the deliberation on the bill. ratul Ebad Khan at the Governor MQM normally takes time to join House and later called on Sindh the government as they say that he government members inChief Minister Syed Qaim Ali they have had bitter experiences cluded eight more proposals Shah. in the bill during a meeting of the in the past and that they are acStanding Committee of National Waseem said that the ruling Paki- countable to their people and Assembly on Wednesday.Earlier, stan People’s Party (PPP) has of- voters.Rehman Malik has been members of the Standing Comfered the MQM to join the gov- playing a vital role to bridge the mittee raised a strong protest and ernment, adding that the MQM gap between the PPP and the expressed reservations over the has not demanded any portfolios MQM. absence of officials of the Minisas being reported in a section of Earlier, the ruling PPP and the try of Interior from the meeting. the press. opposition MQM remained en- The opposition has threatened gaged in negotiations to evolve a that it would stage a walkout as He said that it was the second power-sharing formula and both a protest if the secretary interior meeting in Karachi between sides were hopeful that the is- remained absent from the next Qaim Ali Shah, Rehman Malik and sues would be resolved amicably. meeting. Dr Ishratul Ebad but added that the MQM Coordination Commit- Sources said that both sides were According to the sources, the intee would take a final decision on busy settling the remaining is- camera meeting of the standing whether to join the government sues and clearing the way for the committee was held at the ParMQM to join the Sindh govern- liament House on Wednesday, or not.

which was chaired by its head Rana Shamim Khan. The members of the PTI, PPP, JUI-F, MQM and JI opposed the Protection of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill while the ruling party members presented eight more proposals to make them part of the bill. Rana Shamim Khan seemed helpless as he could not cite any reason for holding an in-camera meeting of the standing committee and told the awaiting journalists that he came to know about it after he arrived here and he would not tell who made this meeting in-camera. He said that an issue was under consideration that an amendment should be included in such a manner in the Protection of Pakistan Ordinance 2013 that any under trial case, being heard in any court including the Supreme Court, could be transferred to the Special Court on the direction of the government. It was termed the first amendment in the Protection of Pakistan Ordinance. However, another amendment bill was already under consideration in the National Assembly. The in-camera meeting was deferred after the reservations of members of the committee on the bill.

16 March - 2014

NEWS

Bilawal says LeJ has threatened him Qaumi Movement was keen to join the Sindh government as a coalition partner but at the same time he put down two preconditions to make the likely coalition government arrangement between the two former allied political parties workable in the province.

KARACHI: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday said he had received threats from the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) – a banned outfit.

n a tweet posted after 9pm on Thursday night, Bilawal also said that he would hold the Punjab government responsible for any attacks, especially if they failed to act against the banned outfit.

The PPP’s central leader, Bilawal Bhutto, disseminated this information and made public his take on the issue of the ongoing talks between the two parties for agreeing on a possible formula for coalition government through his personal account on Twitter social networking service.

coalition government arrangement between the two major political parties of the province. Also on Wednesday, the MQM leaders for the first time publicly and on-the-record had acknowledged that talks were on between the interlocutors of MQM and PPP for striking an arrangement for a possible coalition government in the province with inclusion of the two parties.

Taliban hand over list of 300-400 prisoners: Sami

According to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, it would be almost impossible for the ruling PPP in the province to work together with The original tweet read: “received the MQM in case the MQM didn’t threat letter frm LEJ.Will hold Pun- retract its statements for supportjab govt responsible 4 LEJ attacks ing the military takeover in the if Sharif cont 2 give them protec- country and for breaking Sindh tion & refuse2 take action.”Later, largely on lines of urban and rural NOWSHERA: The Jamiat Ulemaformer interior minister Rehman pockets of the province. e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S) chief and Malik said he had been asking for an action against the LeJ in Bilawal’s fresh utterances on the head of the Taliban negotiation Karachi, adding that the threats likely coalition arrangement be- committee, Maulana Samiul to Bilawal was a violation of the tween the MQM and PPP echoed Haq, on Thursday said that the ceasefire between the govern- the recent statement of Leader Taliban would conditionally rement and the Taliban. “I hv been of the Opposition in National As- lease the Islamia College Univerconsistently asking action agst LEJ sembly Syed Khursheed Shah, sity Vice-Chancellor, Ajmal Khan, to finish target killing in Kar.Threat who also belongs to the PPP. The and other important personalities. of LEJ to BBZardari is violation of leader of the opposition in the alking to reporters at the Jamia NA had reportedly stated that the Talban Jungbandi” Usmania, Jalozai, he said that PPP was a democratic party and it the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan In response to another tweet, would be a difficult decision for its Bilawal defended the Sindh Po- leadership to include the MQM in (TTP) was also expecting the relice over its failure to control the the government in the provincial lease of important militant combanned outfit and said the provin- government until the MQM chief manders. He said the Taliban cial government was being threat- took his words back about inviting had handed over a list of 300 to ened for arresting and killing their the army’s interference in politics. 400 prisoners to the government committee, which would be preoperatives. Shah had reportedly said that Al- sented to the Minister for InteHe, however, accepted the fact taf Hussain’s statement was un- rior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. He that there was more to be done. constitutional and if the MQM said the two committees were “Police fighting vs them despite wanted to join the Sindh govern- expected to meet again today limited capacity.LEJ threatening ment, the MQM chief had to take (Friday).He said the government GOS 4 arresting&killing their guys. his statement back, but it seems would confirm all the names on Much more needs 2 b done” the list, which would take some impossible. time, adding that the Taliban had Meanwhile, a private TV channel The PPP patron-in-chief made his mentioned the names of places reported that Punjab Chief Min- utterances on the issue through and villages from where women ister Shahbaz Sharif took notice his Twitter account just one day and children had been allegedly of the reported threats to Bilawal after Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul picked up by the spy agencies.He and directed the provincial police Ebad Khan, Sindh Chief Minister added a peace zone was needchief to look into the matter. Syed Qaim Ali Shah, and Senator ed where representatives from Azeem Samar adds: The patron- Rehman Malik met here at Sindh both the sides could take part in in-chief of the Pakistan People’s Governor House and held further the peace talks, adding that the Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, on negotiations for fine-tuning the peace zone would be announced Thursday said that the Muttahida matters related to the possible in the next few days.

JSQM rejects forensics report of assassinated leaders

SUKKUR: The Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) has rejected the forensic lab’s report on the deaths of Maqsood Ahmed Qureshi and Salman Wadho, terming it incorrect and based on false evidence.

iaz Kallani, vice chairman JSQM, said that assassination of Maqsood Qureshi was a conspiracy against JSQM. He said that JSQM has rejected the forensic lab’s report which he termed was based on incorrect and false evidence. He was speaking at the Soyem of the assassinated JSQM leaders Maqsood Ahmed Qureshi and Salman Wadho at Ratedero on Wednesday. Hundreds of JSQM activists and workers of other nationalist parties attended the Soyem. Earlier, the JSQM council met at Qureshi House in Ratedero. It was decided in the meeting of the council to register FIRs of the assassinated leaders within three days after consulting with a panel of lawyers. The meeting also decided to register a protest at the office of the UN.

“We have no hope to get justice from the government because it had not dispensed justice in the case of Bashir Khan Qureshi,” Kallani said.He claimed that the JSQM leaders were first kidnapped, then shot dead and later the car was set on fire with their bodies. He said that JSQM workers and leaders were sacrificing their lives for the interests and sovereignty of Sindh.Meanwhile, DIG Sukkur Sharjeel Ahmed Kharal condoled with JSQM Chairman Sanan Qureshi at Ratedero and told media persons that a probe was underway in the case.

17 March - 2014

NEWS

Pakistan’s image improving in Dubai

DUBAI: Diplomats and influential persons in Dubai have started talking positive about Pakistan. They see things changing for the better and hope that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will succeed in making a peace deal with the Taliban.

or Pakistani businessmen and diplomats, the high profile get-togethers and functions in Dubai were used to be mere embarrassment till recently. Now they have started hearing good about Pakistan. There are no more the talks of mega corruption. There are no more the nonsensical discussions like the possible disintegration of the country in 2015.

“It’s a feel-good situation for us,” a key Pakistani businessman told The Media. He said that those matter here and have influence are now seeing Pakistan taking off from a situation that was very upsetting only months back. He added, “In the past, we used

to get depressed when diplomats and businessmen from other countries had been discussing about the possibilities of Pakistan’s disintegration. We were asked about corruption and the corrupt and if there was any hope for Pakistan.” The ongoing government-Taliban dialogue process is of great interest for the outside world. Generally it is believed and said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is the best person to strike peace deal with the Taliban. Now the most frequently asked question to overseas Pakistanis is, “Will the talk process succeed?”

MQM suspends membership of Saleem Shehzad membership of Saleem Shehzad over violation of party’s rules and regulations, media reports said. The leadership clarified that Saleem Shehzad has no more link to the political party, and transactions with him would not be directly or indirectly linked with the MQM. KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Friday night announced suspension of the party membership of its veteran leader Saleem Shehzad for an indefinite period.

Meanwhile, Saleem Shehzad said that the party leadership was already aware that he had decided to resign from the basic membership of the party. He said he he MQM’s leadership has an- would announce his plans after nounced the suspension of reaching Britain soon.

Musharraf’s mother admitted to hospital

The Pakistanis are often told by foreign diplomats and businessmen that the country’s economy is though presently showing positive indications of recovery, for sustainable growth the country requires peace. For this reason, it is argued that the Nawaz Sharif government’s policy of talks with the Taliban is vital. DUBAI: A spokesperson for Interestingly as against Pakistan Musharraf’s All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) told Khaleej Indian diplomats, professionTimes on Saturday that his als and businessmen in Dubai 95-year-old mother was in a seare these days defensive about rious condition and was being the chances of Narendra Modi’s rushed to the W.W.Wilson Hospital. success in the upcoming general elections. How would he behave he has severe breathing issues which could lead to othif elected and why do the India opt for an extremist prime min- er problems…we fear she could ister, are the sort of questions develop heart problems,” said the spokesperson. She had been faced by the Indians in Dubai. rushed to hospital two days ago but had recovered.

Egypt sentences 529 Mursi supporters to death

Please pray for Gen Musharraf’s mother. She has been taken to the W.Wilson hospital in Sharjah in a serious condition 10 minutes ago,” read a message from the spokesperson. A high-profile treason case is currently being held against the 70-year-old Musharraf. He is currently in a military hospital in the garrison city of Rawalpindi and has avoided appearing before the special court, citing medical and security concerns. Musharraf is facing charges of challenging the Constitution in 2007, when he imposed emergency rule and fired top members of the judiciary. It was not clear if Musharraf would be allowed to travel to Dubai to see his sick mother.

Police visits AFIC for Musharraf arrest warrant compliance today

in a mass trial that raised an outcry from rights activists. ISLAMABAD: The police would he verdicts are subject to visit the Armed Forces Institute appeal and would likely be of Cardiology (AFIC) Monday to serve arrest warrants on former overturned, rights lawyers said. president General (retd) Pervez But they said the swiftness and Musharraf by the special court. harshness of the rulings on such a large scale deepened concerns ccording to sources, 2,100 that Egypt’s courts have been police, Rangers and secret politicised and that due process is agencies personnel would be debeing swept away amid a month- ployed at different points of the CAIRO: An Egyptian court on long crackdown on Morsi’s Mus- route. Monday sentenced to death 529 lim Brotherhood supporters Two or three different routes supporters of ousted President since the military removed the have been designated to take Mohammad Mursi in connection president last summer.Monday’s Musharraf to the court. The Red with an attack on a police station verdicts by a court in the city of Zone will be sealed on the arrival that killed a policeman, convict- Minya were the first such mass of the former military ruler in the ing them after only two sessions trial to issue death sentences. court.

On Saturday, a police team was formed o ensure compliance of former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf’s arrest warrant. SP City Mustansar Feroze will lead the police team.

1818March March- 2014 - 2014

NEWS

Treason case: Farogh Naseem appears on behalf of Musharraf today cial court as it was dissolved after Justice Faisal Arab had declined to further hear this case during the previous hearing, Barrister Farogh Naseem hurriedly filed his power of attorney to represent Pervez Musharraf today.

Musharraf’s counsels decide to boycott special court ISLAMABAD: A team of counsels defending the former military ruler General (reted) Pervez Musharraf in treason case have decided to boycott the proceedings of the special court.

ccording to the sources, the decision was taken as Justice Meanwhile, reports reaching Faisal Arab would continue to here said that All Pakistan Mus- hear the treason case. lim League (APML) leader and a ISLAMABAD: Barrister Farogh member of Pervez Musharraf’s The sources said Musharraf counNaseem has been appointed as team of counsels, Ahmad Raza sels are of the view that Justice the new counsel of the former Kasuri has been stopped from en- Faisal Arab had decided to dissopresident Pervez Musharraf be- tering the premises of the court ciate himself from the hearing. ing tried by the special court in by the security men on the pretreason case on Monday . text that as the hearing has alources said that the team ready started, no one would be of Pervez Musharraf’s coun- allowed to enter the court premsels having taken the stand that ises for security reasons until the they do not recognize this spe- proceeding continues.

Pak-Iran gas pipeline project can’t be completed, NA told

Musharraf makes second court appearance in treason case ISLAMABAD: Former president Pervez Musharraf has made his second court appearance in the special court conducting his treason trial on Monday.

arlier, it was reported that Pervez Musharraf has left the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiolgy (AFIC) for appearance in the special court as against the reports that his BP suddenly shot up, shifted to the ICU and there was 50/50 chance of his appearance in the court. Musharraf is likely to face indictment in the high treason case today. Musharraf had to rush to the AFIC on Jan 2 after he suffered chest pain while he was on his way to the special court. Initially, he was kept in the ICU but was later shifted to a room. Late on Saturday, Musharraf was again moved to the AFIC’s ICU after his condition deteriorated due to stress upon receiving the news of his mother’s illness, who is currently hospitalized in Sharjah and is suffering from respiratory complications. Earlier, non-bailable arrest warrant for Musharraf were issued

The counsels claimed that Justice Faisal Arab’s remarks against Anwar Mansoor are unnecessary and against the facts, the sources added.

in case he failed to appear before the court today.

ISLAMABAD: Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has told the National Assembly that the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project cannot be completed due to international sanctions on Iran.

e said this while replying to a question from MNA ShaFor his appearance in the special court today, three different zia Marri during the Questionroutes were set up by the capital Hour here on Friday. No further police before Musharraf’s depar- implementation of the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project is in progress ture from AFIC. as international sanctions stand A police squad and commandos slapped on Iran, said the minister. had reached AFIC early in the morning to escort Musharraf to He said even if the project was accomplished, Pakistan could the court’s premises. not acquire gas till the sanctions were scaled back. The previous For the former president’s security, three thousand police government had also not impleand Rangers personnel were de- mented this project, he said. He ployed on the routes. The police told the House that work on the squad is being headed by Super- LNG terminal had started. The intendent Police Islamabad Mus- terminal will become functional tanser Feroz and strict security by November 25 this year. No measures were also in place out- talks have been held with Qatar on the pricing formula so far, he side AFIC. added. Meanwhile, Musharraf’s lawyer Ahmad Raza Kasuri told media To another question, he said the that defence lawyers would not price of petroleum products will appear in court as the case had be worked out for importing the LNG. Replying to a question from taken on a political nature.

Naeema Kishwar Khan, Parliamentary Secretary Raja Javed Ikhlas told the House that selling of arms to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was not under consideration. No license for establishment of any ordnance factory in the KPK had been issued to anyone except Wah Factory. Parliamentary Secretary Shahzadi Omarzadi told the House that she expected the import of LNG would start by the end of this year. Talks are continuing with Qatar for importing LNG, she added. Parliamentary Secretary Chaudhry Jaffar Iqbal told the House that the Supreme Court had given five months for conducting the Local Bodies (LB) polls and these elections will be held within this stipulated period. State Minister Sheikh Aftab Ahmad said the SC had ordered during the previous general elections that the right to vote be given to overseas Pakistanis. He added that a bill in this regard was under debate in the Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice and further progress will be made in line with the committee’s report. The Election Commission of Pakistan and Pakistani embassies functioning in other countries have also been informed in this regard, he said. The government wants that the overseas Pakistanis are given the right to vote in 2018, he added.

19 March - 2014

SPORTS

India beat Australia in World Twenty20

Shehzad ton sets up easy win for Pakistan

out for 88 in 17.4 overs in their India face South Africa in the seclast group match at Zahur Ahmed ond semi-final, also in the BanglaChowdhury stadium. Pacemen deshi capital on Friday. Logan van Beek and Mudassar Bukhari took three wickets apiece. The Netherlands, sent into bat, had made 133-5 in their 20 overs, with Wesley Barresi scoring 48 and Stephan Myburgh 39.Stuart Broad was the pick of England bowlers with 3-24 in his four overs. Both teams had already lost out on a place for the semi-finals. England lost three of their four matches, while the Netherlands also lost three.

DHAKA: India defeated Australia by 73 runs in Dhaka on Sunday to end the Super-10 round of the World Twenty20 with four successive wins.

ndia, who had already qualified for the semi-finals, scored 1597 after being sent in to bat and then bowled out Australia for 86 in 16.2 overs to top group two.

Sri Lanka beat New Zealand to reach semi-finals

It was Australia´s third loss in a row, leaving them at the bottom of the table along with Bangladesh. Pakistan, who beat Bangladesh by 50 runs earlier on Sunday, will clash with the West Indies on Chittagong (Bangladesh) (AFP) Tuesday to decide the second - Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by semi-finalist from the group. 59 runs in a low-scoring World Twenty20 Super-10 group one match in Chittagong Monday to cruise into the semi-finals. hehzad, who had a previous highest of 98 not out in Twenew Zealand were bowled out ty20 internationals, scored an for their lowest Twenty20 tounbeaten 111 off 62 balls with 10 tal of 60 in 15.3 overs in the final fours and five sixes as Pakistan got match of the group played at Za190-5.Bangladesh was restricted hur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium. to 140-7 with pace bowler Umar Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath Gul bagging 3-30 and off-spinner took a career best 5-3 in a deSaeed Ajmal finishing with 2-20. structive spin bowling display of Shehzad added 83 runs for the 3.3 overs. fourth wicket with Shoaib Malik Sri Lanka were bowled out for a (26) as Pakistan utilized the good paltry 119 in 19.2 overs with leftbatting conditions after electing arm paceman Trent Boult taking to bat. CHITTAGONG: The Netherlands a career best 3-20 and Jimmy Pakistan now needs to beat the upset 2010 champions England Neesham 3-22. West Indies in the last league with a 45-run victory in their SuSri Lanka will play the first semigame on Tuesday to enter the per-10 group one match at the final on Thursday, against the semifinals. World Twenty20 in Chittagong on winners of final group two match Monday. between Pakistan and defending India has already ensured a semifinal berth from the group with ngland, chasing a modest champions the West Indies to be three consecutive wins. 134-run target, were bowled played in Dhaka on Tuesday. MIRPUR: Opener Ahmed Shehzad scored a superb maiden century Sunday as Pakistan scored an easy 50-run win over Bangladesh in World Twenty20 Group 2 game.

Yousuf to join national selection committee

World T20: Netherlands defeat England

KARACHI: Pakistan’s former Test captain M Yousuf has agreed to join the new national selection committee that will take charge from April 1 under the chairmanship of Rashid Latif. According to a reliable source in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Haroon Rasheed, a former Test batsman who has remained a selector, head coach and manager of the national junior and senior teams in the past, will also work as coopted member of the selection committee.

aroon is presently Director Game Development in the national cricket academy in Lahore. “Rashid has discussed some possible candidates to work with him and he had recommended the name of Yousuf who has been convinced to work as a national selector,” a source said.

He said Latif had also agreed to the nomination of Haroon as coopted member. “Rashid agreed with Haroon’s nomination because he brings a lot of experience with him,” the source stated. The source said that Latif, a former captain, had also recommended the names of batsman, Wajahatullah Wasti from Peshawar and pace bowler, Shabbir Ahmed to work with him in the selection committee. “Wasti’s name has been approved but there is still some discussion going on over Shabbir’s name as the name of batsman, Ali Naqvi has also been suggested but Rashid wants a bowler on his committee.”

20 March - 2014

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Receives Green Signal To Visit India

SHOWBIZ

Humaima To Mehmood Speak About Bhatti Refuses Environmental Resham’s Issues In Sindh Marriage Assembly Proposal

According to news of a daily paper of Pakistan, Resham proposed to Mehmood Bhatti, a leading Pakistani fashion designer residing in Paris. In a meeting after seven he has been publicly speak- years Resham proposed him. Paing on behalf of WWF voicing per writes that Mehmood tried the issues that Pakistan needs to to turn the topic of marriage but be dealing with. She will focus Resham asked again. On the conon WWF’s global initiative “Earth tact of that newspaper MehmHour” and introduce the idea if ood said, “She is interested in conserving energy in a country marriage with me but I am not”. like Pakistan. esham is a Pakistani film, Malick has been quoted as saying, television and theater actress “The Earth Hour is a global initia- based in Lahore. She debuted tive. For a country like Pakistan with Syed Noor’s film, Jeeva in that has been dealing with en- 1995. ergy problems for over a decade, Dominating in the fashion capital it is essential that all of us take of the world, Paris, France – Mahsteps individually at our homes mood Bhatti is one of the best to preserve and conserve energy, fashion designers in the world. Pakistan is country stricken by an energy crises, the first step to Born in Lahore, graduated in deal with this is creating aware- 1976, he went to France in search ness and I will in collaboration of better opportunities, but had with WWF, speak on various av- to go through a lot of pain in purenues to get the message across.” suit of his goals. World Wildlife Fund is all set to speak at the Sindh Assembly about Pakistan’s environmental concerns.

The well-known singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is now cleared of all charges in India. A nephew of Pakistani singing legend Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Rahat is a top Bollywood playback singer and has several hit numbers to his credit.

e won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer. It was really an embracing situation when the singer was detained at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport with undeclared currency worth US $ 124,000, or over Rs. 60 lakh.

As per one report his lawyer in India has given him green signal for a safe visit to India without any interrogation. Rahat was facing numerous charges in India; and the most important one was violation of Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s arrest news was indeed a bad news for his fans when they heard about his absence. Now, the singer can visit India whenever he wants. He has not visited India for a long time; in the meanwhile, the great singer has recorded soundtracks of many dramas.

but till now she has not been provided with an official sitting place where she could resolve the matters prevailing in our Lollywood industry. According to media reports, Zeba Ali has been struggling to get an office of her own for the last six months, but her efforts have not borne fruit till now.

WWF is a global organisation concerned with preserving the environment and various habitats and the creatures within it. WWF chose Humaima Malick to be the voice of Pakistan. Apart from being a seasoned well-known actress, she is also a socially responsible citizen who has a certain drive to take up such initiatives. The event at the Sindh Assembly will be attended by parliamentarians, corporate entities, WWF team and Earth Hour celebrity ambassadors. Malick in furthering WWF’s Earth Hour initiative will be discussing Pakistan’s energy crises at length and ways of dealing with it on a large scale.

No Office Space Available For Zeba Ali

he is widely regarded as one of the top stars in the 1960s and the early 1970s. She made her screen debut in Chiragh Jalta Raha in 1962. During a career that spanned almost three decades, Zeba appeared in numerous commercially successful as well as critically appreciated films, many of which featured her alongside actor and husband Mohammad Ali. She also starred in the 1966 film Arman which was produced by actor and producer Waheed Murad, Pakistan’s first Platinum Jubilee film.

It is not correct to talk about films unless one is doing it: Katrina Kaif

We told you about Katrina Kaif being approached to star opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Farhan Akhtar’s Raees, directed by Rahul Dholakia. Well, fans who got their hopes up will be disappointed to know that the actress denied these rumours.

Renowned film actress Zeba Begum elected as the chairperson of Punjab Film Censor Board chairperson on October 1st, 2013

don’t know where this news has come from. There is no such discussion like that till now. There are three films Bang Bang, Phantom and Jagga Jasoos that I am doing right now. I am in talks for two more projects which I can’t reveal, Katrina told PTI. continued...

21 March - 2014

SHOWBIZ

Even Rahul dismissed the report There are a number of films lined and said, “I don’t think so we up for release in Katrina’s kitty. have approached her. But we will She will be seen in Bang Bang opsurely finalize the leading lady in posite Hrithik Roshan, in Phantom opposite Saif Ali Khan and in Jagga a couple of weeks.” Jasoos opposite Ranbir Kapoor. There is also news about Katrina Speaking about working with rubeing offered Ashutosh Gowari- moured boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor, kar’s period film. When asked she she said, “Both the films that Randidn’t deny or confirm the news. bir and I did were really liked by She put it off saying, “I feel for people and were successful. It is whatever films I am in discussion exciting for me to work with Ranwith a filmmaker it is not correct bir again, he is a great actor. Directo talk about it unless one is doing tor Anurag Basu is one of the finit because if it doesn’t work out est directors that we have today then it makes things awkward for and I am privileged to work with him.” the people and the project.”

Amitabh, Jaya & Aishwarya Bachchan at the trailer launch of Kochadaiiyaan “It is unbelievable the way he reinvents himself. He has something new to offer to moviegoers. I would like to say that when the history of Indian cinema is written, it will be before ‘Kochadaiiyaan’ and after ‘Kochadaiiyaan’.” On Rajinikanth’s fan following, Amitabh said: “If you wish to witness his fan following, you must go to the south. You can’t get tickets of his films on the first day first show as it’s completely occupied by his fans. After many attempts, when you get a ticket, you can’t hear anything because of the applause and whistles. I hope ‘Kochadaiiyaan’ is filled for years and years in theatres.”

The Hindi trailer of southern superstar Rajinikanth’s much awaited film “Kochadaiiyaan” was launched by Amitabh Bachchan. Amitabh was accompanied by wife Jaya and daughter-in-law, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for the event. Aishwarya’s mom. Vrinda Besides the trailer, a special Rai too accompanied them. shoot on the making of the film t’s very difficult to find words was also shown.

and put it together, but I would like to say that a woman has directed it. Soundarya has taken a step forward and proved women in India are capable of doing their best, Amitabh said during the launch at a multiplex.

Many veteran actors attended the event. Shekhar Kapur, Subhash Ghai, Ramesh Sippy and R. Balki gave their blessings to debutant director Soundarya.

Praising Soundarya’s work, Shekhar Kapur said: “This film is going “Rajnikanth and I are very close to be a game changer and your to each other. We are like famfather should be very proud of ily... we have worked together in you today.” many films and he has been very humble. When we get time off Jaya Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai screen, we discuss life and cin- Bachchan, Kajol and Anupam ema,” he said. Kher were also present. “During ‘Robot’, he told me he However, the leading lady of the was bored of his work, but I told film, Deepika Padukone, could him ‘Please don’t stop working’. not make it to the event. Look what he has produced now.

22 March - 2014

Health - Fashion

Three Worst Food Mistakes You Can Make For Your Skin then consider the replacement of sugary and processed carbs with fresh vegetables. 2. Beverages:

The foods you eat not only make you physically and mentally healthy but also affect your skin. We daily consume many foods that are taking a toll on our skin. Two studies published in 1969 and 1971 suggested that chocolate and fried foods lead to breakouts and flawed skin complexion.

hese two studies are revived by new research that demonstrates that our diet regimen is the total of food items and drinks that are undesirable for the skin. Certain foods and dietary habits lead to acne, wrinkles, irritation and skin cancer. Discover three worst food mistakes that wreak havoc on your skin. Avoid these mistakes and make your skin fresh and free from damages.

These drinks are loaded with sugars that exacerbate your skin. The way sugar is harmful for skin in the foods, sugar found in liquids is also damaging that can contribute to acne, premature aging and many other skin inflammatory issues. The sugar rapidly absorbed via drinks and flow like blood in the blood streams. Sodas especially black colas are the main cause of skin damage. The advanced glycation end products are used in coloring the colas that are the main culprit in the stimulation of skin aging process.

You should also avoid caffeinated beverages to keep skin fresh as they reduce circulation and cause dehydration. Alcoholic drinks dehydrate the skin and speed up the process of aging. Water is the essential component to keep the skin fresh by reducing fine lines and wrinkles from the skin. Less consumption of water makes your skin dull. So maximize the intake 1. Sugary Foods: of water on regular basis. Avoid artificial colored drinks rather go The foods that are packed with refined carbohydrates and sugar for fresh juices and drinks. cause your blood sugar level to 3. Starchy and Superior Glycemic spike and cause chronic inflam- Food Items: mation in the body. The rapid spike in the sugar level and in- Take in too much starchy and suflammation damage collagen and perior glycemic food items pace elastin; the connective tissue that up the aging. High consumption keep the skin supple and firm in a of starchy diets is closely associprocess called â&#x20AC;&#x153;glycationâ&#x20AC;?. When- ated with premature aging. The ever you intake sugary foods like starchy foods like pasta, white chocolates, candies, ice cream, bread and white rice lead to spike processed foods and condiments, in blood sugar that causes irritathe digested sugar attaches to tion in physique. The rapid spike your collagen in the skin perma- in blood sugar produces enzymes nently. that break elastin and collagen that cause skin damage. Glycation can worsen your skin conditions. The sugary foods The research has showed that stimulate the production of oil in large glycemic food stuffs spark the skin and pore clogging skin breakouts and strengthen zits cells shed faster. Research has and pimples on the skin. To keep also revealed that sugar loaded your skin fresh and wrinkle free, diets encourage premature ag- opt for whole grains that are ing and fine lines. If you are con- loaded with antioxidants, low glycerned with premature aging cemic and anti-inflammatory.

Textiles Collection at Pakistan Fashion Week 5 London

23 March - 2014