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SC orders medical checkup of seven detainees

2012-02-13T06:50:00.000-08:00

ISLAMABAD: Seven men allegedly held by the intelligence services on Monday appeared in the Supreme Court.

The men appeared frail, weak, unable to talk and unable to walk properly when they appeared before Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, more than a year and a half after being allegedly arrested.

The judge ordered a full medical examination. Intelligence agencies last month handed over the men to the custody of the provincial government in the northwest, after the Supreme Court took up the case.

Four of the men were reportedly held in Peshawar and three in the tribal region of Parachinar.

“There should be proper medical treatment and they shall not be shifted to internment centre in Parachinar, so long as the matter is pending before the court,” Chaudhry said.

“A medical board shall be constituted to examine their health,” he added.

Lawyer Tariq Asad, who represented the detainees, said the court ordered the ISI and Military Intelligence (MI) to submit details at the next hearing on March 1 about their detention and under which law they were held.

“The report will contain details about what happened to them during their detention over one year and a half and whether any trial took place,” he said.

Only 18 percent of total budget is allocated for Pakistan Army:Kayani

2012-02-13T06:48:00.000-08:00

JACOBABAD: Pakistan’s army chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani has said that only 18 per cent of country’s total budget is allocated for armed forces while wrong facts and figures are quoted in TV talk shows in this regard.

Speaking at the Shahbaz Airbase during a ceremony on Monday, the army chief said that out of 18 percent Pakistan Army got only 8 to 9 per cent budget.

He said that the army had not received Rs1.5 billion in account of Coalition Support Fund. General Kayani said that new F-16 Block-58 fighters would prove a great asset for the Pakistan Air Force and would strengthen its defence capabilities.

When asked whether the new F-16 fighters would be used in tribal region where the armed forces have been battling insurgents, the the army chief said although it was not an appropriate forum to discuss the issue, nominal force would be used in the insurgency stricken region.

Speaking about restoration of Nato supply routes and relations with the United States, Kayani said that the prime minister had given a categorical statement that the parliament would take any decision in this regard. He said that the Pakistan military had capability to respond in befitting manner to any Indian aggression.

Speaking on the occasion Air Chief Rao Qamar Suleman said that Shahbaz Air Base was in under complete control of the Pakistan Air Force.

Answering a question regarding extension in his term, the air chief said the question should be asked to the government.

Nawaz Sharif criticises govt’s allies for supporting ‘corruption’

2012-02-13T06:43:00.000-08:00

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Nawaz Sharif has said that government allies’ support to the government for not complying with the Supreme Court orders is against the will of people.

Talking to media after a meeting with Sindh National Front Chairman Mumtaz Bhutto on Monday, the former prime minister said that the allies should rethink that on what matter they were supporting the government.

He said that the national wealth lying in Swiss banks should be brought back in Pakistan as it belonged to people of Pakistan. “Why government was avoiding to return people’s money” he said.” Whether prime minister’s loyalty is with the country or plunder”.

He said that the government was blaming judges for its deeds. Replying a query regarding the perception that the PPP was seeking political martyrdom, the former prime minister said that martyrdom was a great position and he could do nothing if anybody wanted to embrace martyrdom for corruption.

Mr Sharif said that resignations from the parliament were not a big deal for him. He said had the PML-N not struggled for restoration of deposed judges of the Supreme Court, there would have been Dogar Courts in Pakistan.

He said that the nation would standby the apex court to get its decisions implemented.

Speaking on the occasion SNF chairman Mumtaz Bhutto said that he had met Nawaz Sharif to discuss caretaker government. He said that he did not trust the incumbent government for holding free and fare election. Mr Bhutto said the people were committing suicides due to aggravated situation in the country.

Altaf urges Gilani to exercise restrain

2012-02-13T06:40:00.001-08:00

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Monday expressed his sympathies with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on being charged with contempt by the Supreme Court, FTNews reported.

According to a statement issued, Hussain said that he had repeatedly emphasised on the need for the state institutions to respect each other and avoid conflict.

“Now that the prime minister has been charged by the apex court, he should respect the court’s verdict and show patience,” said the party chief.

He further said that any action which could produce emotional reactions should be avoided because the country cannot afford the clash between its institutions.

No moral justification left for Gilani to continue premiership: Imran Khan

2012-02-13T06:39:00.000-08:00

KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan on Monday posed a question to the Pakistan Peoples Party-led government – “What moral justification does Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani have after being indicted with contempt charges?“

Khan was speaking to the media at the induction of Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) Karachi division chief organiser Syed Hafeezuddin into his party.

The PTI chairman said that Gilani should resign from the premiership under the light of his indictment in the Supreme Court of Pakistan today.

“The Supreme Court is operating cautiously in all its proceedings, so rather than pressurising it, you [Gilani] should resign as there is no justification for you [Gilani] to continue as the prime minister of Pakistan.”

Khan said that democracy is governed by “morality, not force,” as force “remains with the armed forces.”

“Why was this contempt done?” Khan questioned. “Was this done to benefit or to serve the people of Pakistan? No. This was done only to guard the plundered money in President Asif Ali Zardari’s Swiss accounts.”

Khan said that Gilani will not be able to take any action against anybody who is facing contempt charges. “You set an example for the people to follow. If Gilani has been indicted with contempt charges, how can he in the future question somebody who is found in contempt to the court?”

Body of missing BRP leader found near Turbat

2012-02-13T06:38:00.000-08:00

QUETTA: The mutilated body of missing Baloch Republican Party (BRP) leader Sangat Sana was found dumped near Turbat on Monday.

Official sources said that Sana’s body was found near Murgab by the some passers-by, who informed the nearby Levies station.

The body was shifted to the Turbat district headquarter hospital, where locals identified the deceased as Sangat Sana, a member of the central committee of the BRP.

Sources said that the body was mutilated and had bullet wounds.

According to Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), an organization working for the recovery of Baloch missing persons, Sana Sangat was whisked away from Kolpur area in Bolan on December 8th, 2008. He was also the former chairman of Baloch Student Organization (BSO-Azad).

His father is currently on hunger strike along with other relatives of Baloch Missing persons outside the Karachi Press Club.The VBMP has strongly condemned the killing.

Dubai police arrest suspect in Shahbaz Bhatti murder case

2012-02-13T06:37:00.000-08:00

KARACHI: A suspect involved in the murder former minorities minister Shahbaz Bhatti was arrested by police in Dubai on Monday.

Bhatti, the first Christian parliamentarian, was assassinated in March last year, during an attack on his vehicle in Islamabad.

Sources told FTNews that Pakistan’s Interior Ministry had contacted authorities in Dubai to arrest Ziaur Rehman and Malik Abid, who had managed to flee to the Arab country last year.

The police arrested Rehman and are conducting raids to nab Abid. Paperwork to bring Rehman back to Pakistan has been initiated, sources said.

England win toss, bat on flat Abu Dhabi track

2012-02-13T06:35:00.000-08:00

ABU DHABI: England captain Alastair Cook won the toss and chose to bat in the first day-night international against Pakistan at Abu Dhabi Stadium here on Monday.

Routed 3-0 in the preceding Tests by Pakistan, England brought in new faces in Steven Finn, Samit Patel and Ravi Bopara for the four-match one-day series.

Pakistan kept the same combination which beat Afghanistan by seven wickets in the only one-day played in Sharjah on Friday, resisting the temptation to play left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman.

Teams:

Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Umar Akmal, Asad Shafiq, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Wahab Riaz, Shoaib Malik.

England: Alastair Cook (capt), James Anderson, Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, Steven Finn, Craig Kieswetter, Eoin Morgan, Samit Patel, Kevin Pietersen, Graeme Swann, Jonathan Trott.

Umpires: Simon Taufel (AUS) and Ahsan Raza (PAK)
TV umpire: Kumara Dharmasena (SRI)
Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL)

Contempt case: Supreme Court indicts Gilani

2012-02-13T03:40:00.001-08:00

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday charges have been framed against Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani for contempt of court in the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) implementation case.

A two-page charge sheet was read out by Justice Nasirul Mulk, who headed the seven-member bench hearing the case.

The charge sheet said that the prime minister had violated Article 204 of the Constitution by not writing a letter to the Swiss authorities as ordered by the court. It added that the prime minister also violated paragraph 178 of the court’s verdict in the NRO implementation case.

Gilani pleaded not guilty and sought more time in the case. But, the court ordered Attorney General Maulvi Anwarul Haq to prosecute the prime minister and present more documents and proof to the court.

Gilani’s lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan told the court that he will present his arguments on February 22, while Gilani was ordered to bring sufficient evidence by February 27.

The prime minister was exempted from further hearings while the hearing was adjourned till February 22.

Prime Minister Gilani was served a contempt notice in the NRO implementation case when the government did not follow the court’s orders of writing a letter to the Swiss authority to reopen graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) stalwart Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan is serving as Gilani’s lawyer in the case.

The Supreme Court has said it will only drop the summons if Gilani obeys its order to write to the Swiss authorities, asking them to re-open the cases.

If convicted, Gilani faces six months in jail and disqualification from office in a case that has fanned political instability and may force elections within months.

Adiala prisoners' case: Seven prisoners presented before SC

2012-02-13T03:39:00.000-08:00

ISLAMABAD: Resuming the Adiala missing prisoners’ case on Monday, the Supreme Court sought written explanations from the Inter-Services Intelligence and Military Intelligence chiefs, Judge Advocate General (JAG) and Chief Secretary Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Ghulam Dastagir Khan asking why the prisoners were not presented on court’s earlier order.

Seven prisoners who were sought by the court earlier were presented before the court today.

The court told K-P chief secretary to submit a comprehensive report entailing the details of the detention within four days to the Registrar Office of the Supreme Court, while JAG, MI and ISI were told to submit their reports on March 1.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry inquired about the prisoners and asked where they were before January 26. K-P chief secretary replied saying that he did not have knowledge regarding the whereabouts of the prisoners.

The chief justice criticised his statement and said, “A provincial chief secretary should be aware of everything that happens in the province.”

“You should know where the Taliban are stationed and where an operation is carried out against them. You should have knowledge about the province,” said Chief Justice Chaudhry.

Counsel of ISI and MI chiefs Raja Irshad informed the court that, complying with the court’s orders, the prisoners were moved to Islamabad to be presented before the court.

Counsel of the prisoners Advocate Tariq Asad informed the court that during the confinement which lasted for more than a year, the prisoners were not exposed to the sunlight which worsened their health.

Advocate Asad further told the court that three out of the seven prisoners are suffering from kidney failure, while the rest diagnosed with other chronic diseases.

The court asked the counsel of ISI and MI chiefs if both the agencies had the constitutional authority to detain the civilians.

The chief justice said that the condition of the prisoners was rueful and that once the report is submitted, the court will determine if the detentions were lawful or not.

Defence of Human Rights Chairperson Amina Janjua prayed to the court that orders for the release of all the missing persons should be issued.

The court also ordered that the prisoners will now remain under the provincial administration and not ISI and MI.

The three-member bench, headed by the chief justice, had served notices to the ISI and MI chiefs on January 25 to explain the circumstances behind the deaths of the prisoners.

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa governor was directed to present a report through the provincial chief secretary on the condition of the prisoners who are hospitalised in Peshawar and Parachinar.

The civilians had been facing a court martial under the Army Act on charges of attacking the General Headquarters (GHQ) and ISI’s Hamza Camp base.

They were picked up from Adiala Jail by intelligence agencies after they had been acquitted of the charges by the court.

Four of the 11 detainees – Muhammad Amir, Tahseenullah, Said Arab and Abdul Saboor – died in the custody of the ISI and MI.

Defiance: Allies renew ‘support for democracy’

2012-02-13T03:37:00.000-08:00

ISLAMABAD: All political players in the ruling coalition have resolved to ‘protect’ democracy in case Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani loses his office in the event of a conviction by the Supreme Court in the contempt case.

“It was our decision, our commitment. We will not let the system fall in any case. Even if Gilani has to go,” said a senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader on the eve of the premier appearing before the apex court to face contempt charges.

President Asif Ali Zardari chaired the meeting of key leaders from all the parties from governing coalition and at least three officials from various groups said all had assured their support to the system.

“Everybody looked to be on the same page … all said they would stand behind democracy,” the PPP official added in what appeared to be calculated remarks without explicitly mentioning whether the allies’ backing was only for the system or for the premier as well. None of the officials who spoke to FTNews were, however, forthcoming to elaborate what would be the plan in case Gilani had to step down after facing conviction in the case after failing to implement the 2009 court decision on the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).

At the centre of the NRO lies a conflict between the government and the top judicial body on whether Gilani, as the chief executive, should write a letter to Swiss authorities to reopen closed graft case against President Zardari.

The PPP had been maintaining that Zardari was immune from any criminal charges against him as long as he holds office, while the Supreme Court insisted Gilani would have to send a letter to Switzerland in any case.

The participant at the meeting said there was a consensus among all the coalition partners that the letter would never be written. “That is out of question … there is no way our government can do that,” the PPP leader said.

There were fears of trouble at the court premises on Thursday as MPs from the ruling coalition and PPP workers had been asked to accompany the premier as they did last time.

On the other hand, lawyers from local bar councils have also apparently decided to converge at the main boulevard in front of the Supreme Court to support Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry against the government.

Tight security measures have been ordered to avoid any trouble.

US concerned about rights abuses in Balochistan: Munter

2012-02-13T03:35:00.000-08:00

KARACHI: Insisting that the US administration’s stance remains unchanged vis-à-vis Balochistan, US Ambassador Cameron Munter asserted on Sunday that “there is no doubt that people in Balochistan are facing human rights abuses”.

In an exclusive interview with a newspaper, the top US diplomat in Pakistan said that his country was concerned at the human rights situation in Balochistan and the US administration should take up the ‘alarming issue’ with Pakistani leaders.

“This is an important issue for us to be discussing with the Pakistani government. But we don’t want to go beyond that, in a manner that might be destabilising to any part.”

Munter’s statement came days after Pakistan’s Ambassador in Washington Sherry Rehman called a US Congressional hearing on Balochistan as an “ill-advised move that would be detrimental to the trust between Pakistan and the US.”

However, Munter reassured that the Congressional hearing did not reflect a change in the US official policy. “US government’s stance is very clear; we have not changed our position,” he said.

“We are always concerned, not just in Balochistan, but all around the world on issues that have to do with human rights. And let’s be honest there are human rights issues in Balochistan.”

Emphasising on the fact that the debate did not mean much in terms of policy making, he stated: “Debate in the Congress is an open debate, people can say what they want but our government’s position remains unchanged.

“The Congress is not controlled by our government. We welcome any discussion about the future of your country. Its means that if people are interested in human rights situation of Balochistan, then that should be talked about in public.”

The Salala attack

Recalling the ‘very tragic’ incident of November 26, 2011 when US-led Isaf forces ‘accidentally’ killed two dozen Pakistani soldiers, Munter said Islamabad was ‘understandably’ upset with Washington.

“There has been a pause in Pakistan-US relationship after the very tragic incident in Salala in which Nato troops accidently killed some soldiers. A terrible accident which we regret and Pakistan is understandably upset,” said Munter.

“(Pakistani) parliament will be debating this issue next week. Since the Salala attack, we have not had that extant of contact with Pakistan about issues like the Afghan reconciliation that we would like to.

“However, we are committed to sharing all this information with Pakistan. Once we have this debate in your Parliament, we want to reengage as soon as Pakistan wants.”

Appreciating the efforts of the Pakistani military in fighting militants, Munter said: “We hope that, the efforts made by the Pakistani military, which are significant, will continue to be successful.

“We have nothing but the greatest respect for the Pakistani Army. Hence, we want to ensure good contacts over the border between Isaf and them to avoid terrible incidents like Salala.”

Regarding peace talks with Afghanistan, the US ambassador said: “We want to see an Afghan-led process to bring peace to Afghanistan and the good news is America and Pakistan agree on this.

The Qatar initiative

Stressing on the need to keep a direct contact with the Afghan government to ensure a timely end to the more than a decade-long war, Munter said: “We were delighted when Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar went to Kabul and had a successful meeting. This kind of contact is very important.

“There are issues that Pakistan and Afghanistan need to work on together. I think Pakistan can support the dialogue process in Qatar.

“Pakistan will always be included in that process. People in Afghanistan realise that they need to have a process that includes Pakistan.”

Stressing on the geo-political importance of the country he added: “Pakistan has legitimate needs in this region.”

Probing 26/11: Mumbai attacks monitored, managed live from Karachi

2012-02-13T03:33:00.000-08:00

LAHORE: As 11 gunmen wreaked havoc on Mumbai in 2008, and killed 166 people over the course of three days, the planners watched the terror unfold live at a rented house in the North Nazimabad neighbourhood of Karachi, sources privy to investigations revealed to FTNews.

The planners not only watched the terror unfold via cameras carried by the attackers, they provided them live instructions to engage Indian security personnel and inflict maximum damage, sources added.

Pakistani and Indian investigation agencies have found as many as 35 people to be involved in the siege at landmarks in India’s financial capital while Indian authorities have been able to trace the exact location of the ‘base camp’ of the attack in Karachi, sources added, while discussing a Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) report on the attacks. According to the report, available with FTNews, these terror suspects provided logistic and financial support to the gunmen who carried out the attack.

The extensive report includes names of the captain and crew of boats that carried the attackers to Mumbai, financers of the operation, the facilitators in Karachi and those who provided logistical support and technology.

The attackers were purportedly trained at sea near Thatta and had even made preparatory trips to Mumbai, unnoticed by the Indian navy, sources added.

The investigations, however, refute claims made by Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the leading planners of the Mumbai attacks.

Headley had testified earlier that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence and militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) had coordinated with each other for the attack. The ISI provided military and moral support to the group, he had alleged.

Indian charge sheet

Meanwhile, the Indian government sanctioned its National Investigation Agency in December 2011 to charge sheet nine people – including Headley, LeT’s founder Hafiz Saeed, al Qaeda operative Ilyas Kashmiri and two serving Pakistan Army officers posted with the ISI – for plotting terror strikes in India, including the Mumbai attacks. It is the first time an Indian probe agency will name serving ISI officers – Major Iqbal and Major Samir Ali – in a charge sheet.

Name of a retired Pakistani major, Abdul Rehman Hashim, will also be included in the charge sheet for allegedly setting set up the ISI’s ‘Karachi Project’ and training a number of Indian youth for carrying out attacks in India. The charge sheet will also be the first Indian ‘legal’ document mentioning the ‘Karachi Project.’

Won’t allow trial of Benazir’s grave: Firdous Awan

2012-02-13T03:31:00.001-08:00

ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) will not allow trial of Benazir Bhutto’s grave by writing letter to Swiss authorities to reopen graft cases.

Speaking to reports outside the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday, She said that the president enjoyed complete immunity and court orders could not be implemented in this regard.

She said that the government respected the court as the PPP had rendered great sacrifices for the independence of the judiciary. When asked if the president enjoyed immunity in civil proceedings she refused to answer saying the matter was legal and she could comment.

Bomb kills two in Balochistan

2012-02-13T03:30:00.000-08:00

DERA MURAD JAMALI: A homemade bomb exploded next to a police vehicle in the town of Dera Murad Jamali in the southwestern Balochistan province, killing two people and wounding 14, local officials said.

The injured were shifted to the Civil Hospital, said officials.

PML-N decides not to support any other PM

2012-02-13T03:28:00.000-08:00

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) reiterated its stance on early elections, saying that it would oppose the appointment of a new prime minister, in case Yousuf Raza Gilani is ousted from his job.

After submitting his nomination papers for the Senate elections here on Monday, senior PML-N leader Ishaq Dar told reporters that the party had not backtracked from its demand of holding early general elections.

He said that his party would take steps in making the election commission impartial.

When asked about the memogate scandal, Dar insisted that the PML-N was acting responsibly on the matter and that disinformation was being spread against his party leadership.—FTNews

All transport services may be opened to private sector

2012-02-13T03:26:00.000-08:00

ISLAMABAD: The government is opening up the entire transportation sector and services — rail, road, air, ships, ports, airports and waterways — to the private sector under an integrated National Transport Policy (NTP) expected to be considered for approval by the federal cabinet in a forthcoming meeting.

Informed sources told FTNews on Sunday that a comprehensive document envisaging policies and framework to guide planning, implementation, operations and monitoring of the transport system was finalised at a recent meeting presided over by Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Dr Nadeem-ul-Haque and attended by secretaries and senior officers of the ministries concerned and organisations in the transportation chain.

The NTP covers six areas and five sets of issues across the different modes and levels of government in whole or in part. These six areas include roads, railways, ports and shipping, aviation, pipelines and waterways. The five sets of issues are urban transport, rural transport, transport services, logistics and customs and inter-modal services. All these modes and sets would be brought under one coordinated ministry.

The government initially considered creating a new ministry of transport to cover these areas but then decided to place under a renamed ministry of communications and transport (MOC&T) to avoid loss of time in the creation of a new ministry. As a result, the restructured ministry would house various modal and supporting agencies such as safety, research and development for coordinating policy, planning and monitoring across the national and sub-national transport system and its linkage to economic and social development.

The national trade corridor task force, transport advisory council and provinces would work in coordination with the ministry. The government has acknowledged that 95 per cent of all passenger and freight transportation was being made through roads and since the trucking and passenger services were in the unorganised private sector, it is a source of high-cost external factors hampering not only domestic trade but also with neighbouring countries.

ROADS: In the road infrastructure and services sector, the government will give priority to maintenance of roads that will primarily depend on user charges. All major construction decisions will be subject to rigorous assessment and cost-benefit and alternatives analysis to justify a project. The role of private sector and public-private participation (PPP) in infrastructure finance and service provision will be utilised to expanded levels.

This will lead to strict enforcement of the axel and gross loads, certification, training and licensing regulations of the trucking industry and other modes while regulated passenger fares will be adjusted rapidly to meet the demand of fast changing conditions in a deregulated environment. The fares will be completely deregulated.

RAILWAYS: The railways will be operated purely on commercial lines through use of commercial management practices and the focus of future development would be on freight. Pakistan Railways will be directed to focus on providing core services and divesting non-core activities.

The cross functional subsidies in the railway operations will be eliminated. The PR will provide loss producing lines or services only when the government decides to continue them and services and provide funds for subsidising the cost. The PR will also be responsible for adapting a continuous rolling stock management system and expanding the role of private sector and PPPs for increased financial participation.

PORTS & SHIPPING: In the shipping sector, the government will continue with port management and operations but will corporatise and outsource services to the private sector. An integrated master plan will be prepared to monitor port charges and reduce them where excessive rates are found compared with revenues and profit levels of other regional port operators because higher charges were resulting in trade constraints. Also, the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) will be made to compete on an even basis with all competitors for providing transport and freight services to government cargo.

AVIATION & AIRPORTS: The government plans to restructure Civil Aviation Administration into a competitive organisation, independent from provision of airport and other services, to ensure customer choice, safety, environmental integrity and energy efficiency. The airport management and related services will be commercialised through PPPs and privatised. Likewise, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) would be opened up for private sector participation while passenger and cargo services will be deregulated. New airports and runway investments will be based on prior cost and alternative option assessments to ensure full cost recoveries.

PIPELINES: To reduce road congestion and transportation costs, the use and development of a pipeline infrastructure will be aggressively pursued through increased private sector participation for both domestic and international fluid and gas transportation. Operating and safety standards will be put in place before inviting the private sector in pipeline investments and their operations.

URBAN TRANSPORT: To increase productivity of urban transport, the government will increase the use of large buses on priority lanes first and then seek investment in mass transit systems in major cities. The public fares will be formula based indexed to fuel prices to change automatically.

Ponting may replace injured Clarke as captain

2012-02-13T03:23:00.000-08:00

SYDNEY: Australia captain Michael Clarke will miss Friday’s tri-series one-day international against Sri Lanka with a hamstring injury, Cricket Australia said on Monday.

Clarke strained his right hamstring while fielding during Australia’s four-wicket ODI loss to India in Adelaide on Sunday.

The Australia skipper said scans on Monday revealed that the injury was not too serious.

“I have a grade one hamstring strain so will be out of Friday’s game,” Clarke posted on Twitter.

Australia will name a replacement captain on Tuesday for the Sydney ODI against Sri Lanka, with wicketkeeper and vice-captain Brad Haddin and ex-skipper Ricky Ponting in the frame.

Regular vice-captain Shane Watson only returned to club cricket last weekend after a six-week absence with a calf injury.

While Clarke said he hoped to return for Sunday’s one-dayer against India in Brisbane, team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris was non-committal.

“(He) sustained a low grade right hamstring strain,” Kountouris said in a statement.

“I will assess him later this week and decide on his availability for the game in Brisbane on Sunday.”Selectors face several decisions in choosing their next one-day squad, with Clarke’s injury and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin’s future key discussion points.

Haddin missed Australia’s initial three matches of the tri-series, with selectors saying he was rested as Matthew Wade took his spot.

Australia’s batting line-up also faces scrutiny with newcomer Peter Forrest making 66 on debut in Sunday’s defeat by India to bolster his chances of remaining in the squad.

“I know the selectors are meeting today so I’ll be sitting by my phone tomorrow (Tuesday) hoping to get a call,” Forrest told reporters in Brisbane on Monday.

“Yesterday was a great day and one I’m not going to forget.

“It was nice to contribute but it would have been a lot nicer had I got 80 plus or a hundred and got the side to a win.”

Railways retrieve more land

2012-02-13T03:21:00.000-08:00

LAHORE: The Pakistan Railways have got more than eight acre land vacated from grabbers during the last two days.

According to a spokesman, the market value of the retrieved commercial, agricultural and residential land in Peshawar, Sukkur, Quetta, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Workshops is said to be in millions. The PR Directorate of Property and Land is supervising the campaign launched on the directive of the Supreme Court, said an official on Sunday. He said the drive was being monitored by all eight divisional superintendents concerned.

During the past two days, seven acre and 10 marla have been retrieved in Peshawar, two acres, two kanal and four marla in Sukkur, one acre, two kanal and nine marla in Quetta, five acres, two kanal and 15 marla in Karachi, 10 marla in Rawalpindi, one acre, six kanal and three marla in Lahore while 18 marla in Workshops Mughalpura divisions. — Staff Reporter

Riteish-Genelia to star in Masti 2?

2012-02-13T03:20:00.000-08:00

MUMBAI: A few days ago, they had a grand wedding. And if things go well, the Masti (2004) sequel is likely to become Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza’s first project together after their nuptials. Industry insiders inform that producers Indra Kumar and Ashok Thakeria are already in talks with Genelia to work in the sequel opposite Riteish.

“It’s not surprising if they want to sign Genelia opposite Riteish. After all, both the actors starred together in the original too. And now, since they are married, it will only help the franchise. If Genelia is roped in, she will be the only female actor to be repeated from part one,” says a trade source. When contacted, Indra Kumar doesn’t deny the casting outright. “Let’s see how things go. We are still working on the story/screenplay. Once it’s finalised, we will start talking to other actors. It’s too early to comment. I am not saying anything right now.”

But the filmmaker confirms that the film is going on floors in May. “All the boys – Vivek Oberoi, Aftab Shivdasani and Riteish Deshmukh – will be in part two also, but we are yet to finalise rest of the cast,” he says. Riteish and Genelia will soon be seen in Mandeep Kumar’s Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya (TNLHG). The duo – who started off their career together with Tujhe Meri Kasam (2003) – last shared screen space in Masti.

After getting married a week ago in a traditional Maharashtrian-style wedding, Riteish and Genelia have been busy with the promotions of TNLHG, which releases on February 24.Immediately after their wedding, both were seen together at the Celebrity Cricket League. While Riteish was playing for the Mumbai Heroes, Genelia was present on the sidelines to boost the team’s morale. Riteish had said that the couple would only think of going on a honeymoon after March.

SBP keeps key policy rate flat at 12 per cent

2012-02-11T04:50:00.000-08:00

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan on Saturday announced it would keep its key policy rate unchanged at 12 per cent for the next two months in a bid to contain expected inflation in the second half of the 2011-12 fiscal year.

The announcement was in line with what the majority of analysts polled by Reuters earlier this week expected.

The central bank has left its key policy rate unchanged since cutting it by 150 basis points to 12 per cent on Oct 8, 2011.

Two foreigners abducted from Multan held by Taliban

2012-02-11T04:49:00.000-08:00

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Two foreign aid workers kidnapped from Multan in January are being held by the Pakistan Taliban near the border with Afghanistan, a senior militant commander told Reuters on Saturday.

“The two NGO (non-governmental organisation) workers who were kidnapped in Multan nearly a month ago are in our custody near the border. We haven’t made any demands yet,” a senior commander of the Pakistan Taliban said.

“They are in good health.”

A German and an Italian citizen were kidnapped from their house in Multan on January 19, according to local officials.

The foreigners reportedly work for an aid group, Welthungerhilfe, which helped victims of the devastating 2010 floods. They have been identified as German national Bernd Johannes, 70, and Italian national Giovanni, 24.

Bernd had arrived in Multan on January 11, while Giovanni arrived on January 17 from Islamabad.

Pakistan, Sri Lanka agree to enhance cooperation

2012-02-11T04:47:00.000-08:00

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday decided to further enhance and promote bilateral cooperation between the two countries in trade, defence, technical education and other sectors.

Gilani and Rajapaksa, who is in Pakistan on a three-day visit, held talks at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad. Their one-on-one meeting was follow by delegation level talks.

In his remarks, Gilani emphasised on the need for exploring the true potential of trade between the two countries. He said that the commonality of views on different international and regional issues was the hallmark of the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

The Sri Lankan president said that his country was looking forward to the expansion of trade and economic ties with Pakistan.

Three MoUs signed

The two countries also signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) at the Prime Minister House today.

The first MoU was for cooperation in media and was signed by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on behalf of Pakistan and Minister for External Affairs Prof. GL Peiris on behalf of Sri Lanka.

The second MoU was signed for the credit of $200 million for improving Pakistan’s exports to Sri Lanka, and the third was signed for enhancing cooperation in technical training in different fields.

We don’t need power without people’s support: Gilani

2012-02-11T04:46:00.000-08:00

FAISALABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that those who have been talking about bringing a change and revolution in the country have not been given opportunity by the people so far.

Addressing a public rally in Jaranwala( Faisalabad) on Saturday, the prime minister said those who talk about taking three wickers on a single ball had not rendered as much sacrifices as the PPP did.

“Our aim is to serve the people of Pakistan, doesn’t matter we remain in power or not,” Gilani said.

“Gone are the days when party workers used to sacrifice, now the leaders will render sacrifices,” the prime minister said.” We don’t need government which is not given by masses.”

The prime minister said that former prime minister and PPP founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto prefer to embrace gallows instead of compromising people’s right.

He said that when he was in jail he was asked to join dictatorial regime saying BB and Nawaz Sharif would not return to Pakistan. “But I didn’t surrender and said I don’t want such power which is not granted by people,”.

The prime minister said the office he held belonged to ZA Bhutto and BB.

He said that no government carried out such a huge development as compared to the PPP incumbent government.

Those deviating from court orders are destroying democracy: Nawaz Sharif

2012-02-11T04:11:00.000-08:00

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif said on Saturday that the Pakistani nation is united to ensure the implementation of all court orders, and anyone who goes against the judiciary is a threat to democracy.

In a statement, Sharif said that the respect for court orders is crucial not only for democracy but also for the stability of constitutional institutions of the country.

He added that the country is going through several internal and external dilemmas all because of the people who choose to deviate from the country’s Constitution.

Paying tribute to the judiciary, the party leader said that the whole nation, as well as the political leaders, should be thankful to the judiciary for upholding the Constitution.