PAKISTAN NEWS

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2012-02-01T03:29:00.000-08:00

Govt Got Geo Telecasts Disrupted

2011-03-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD: A top Pemra executive has blown the whistle and unveiled the government’s game plan to misuse its executive authority and defy the Supreme Court,
by inflicting heavy damage on the Jang Group by illegally interrupting the cricket World Cup matches telecast by Geo Super TV channel. None other than the Regional General Manager (RGM) of Pemra in Balochistan, Gul Muhammad Kakar, who was ordered by Pemra bosses in Islamabad to defy the Supreme Court orders, has provided the hard documentary evidence that Geo was being penalised and persecuted unlawfully by Pemra. When the conscientious officer resisted and refused to commit such a crime, he was removed from his position, the documents reveal. In a related development, RGM Kakar has moved an application in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, requesting Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry to take suo motu notice of his wrongful removal from Pemra, Balochistan, merely for attempting to implement the apex court’s orders and for not complying with unlawful orders of its acting chairman. (Detailed report on page 4) Evidence shows that the RGM Balochistan wrote to Pemra Chairman Dr Abdul Jabbar on March 3, 2011 that he saw no reason for his abrupt removal other than his urge to respect the Supreme Court’s decision with regard to the telecast of the World Cup matches by Geo Super. Kakar, also referred to the verbal orders of Dr Jabbar, who, according to the letter, expected from him to let the cable operators interrupt Geo Super’s World Cup telecast by freezing the Geo Super signals and shuffling the channel number on cable networks in the province. The communication clearly indicates that Dr Jabbar gave verbal orders to interrupt Geo Super’s World Cup telecast, a clear violation of Supreme Court’s order. Kakar claimed in his letter that he refused to obey the verbal orders, as these were not in line with the Supreme Court’s directives. When contacted by The News, Kakar confirmed that he is a victim of Pemra chairman’s wrath after he refused to follow the unlawful orders to facilitate the cable operators to disrupt Geo Super signals during the World Cup matches on cable networks. Ever since Geo Super got the exclusive rights for the telecast of World Cup 2011 matches through cable and satellite, the federal government is using all possible means to create problems. When contacted, Acting Chairman Pemra Dr Jabbar told The News that if there was any evidence to substantiate the allegations levelled against him, it should be brought before him. In response to all the allegations, he had a one-line response: Show me the proof. Dr Jabbar, it may be added, was appointed Acting Chairman of Pemra when its Chairman, Mushtaq Malik suddenly proceeded on a three-month leave, 10 days before the start of the World Cup. Sources in Pemra confirmed that the Presidency is directly involved in this foul play, which continues despite the Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court orders in favour of Geo Super and its exclusive rights on cable and satellite. The government used Pemra to connive with cable operators and defy the courts, disturb Geo Super signals and broadcast the ICC World Cup 2011 matches only on PTV Home so that the Jang and Geo Group could be slammed with financial losses in terms of lost advertisement revenues. According to credible sources, Acting Chairman Pemra Dr Jabbar by giving certain favours to cable operators, all during the ICC World Cup 2011 and by using Pemra’s regional offices, persuaded and at times coerced cable operators across the country to disturb the Geo Super signals and shuffle its channel number repeatedly so the Jang and Geo Group suffered huge losses. This was in blatant violation of assurances Pemra had given before the Supreme Court that Geo Super’s legal rights would be fully protected. In practice, however, it was secretly involved in the dirty game which has now been publicly exposed by its own Balochsitan chief. Documents show that Kakar issued notices and warnings to some leading cable operators for violating the apex court’s orders in the case of Geo Super. Instead of getting praise from the Pemra headquarter, Kakar was reprimanded by the Acting Chairman Pemra and ultimately sent back to his parent department in an indecent haste. The official Pemra letters available with The News show that the general public registered complaints with Pemra offices that Geo Super signal were being repeatedly shuffled and there were problems with its signals. According to these documents, Gul Muhammad Kakar, in his capacity as RGM Balochistan, issued notice (RGM/QTA/(273)/2011/167) to one major cable network of Balochistan namely Combined Broadband Cable Network on February 21, 2011 (3rd day after starting of World Cup). This notice reads in its second paragraph: “It has been regretfully observed by the Authority through several public complaints that you are not complying with the instructions issued in above-mentioned circulars and found airing Indian Channel i.e. Star Cricket for ICC World Cup 2011 and scrambled the frequency of Geo Super which is clear violation of Pemra Ordinance 2002 and is contempt of the Honourable Court for not implementing the Honourbale Court’s orders in letter and spirit pertaining to the distribution of ICC World Cup 2011 only on Geo Super. Therefore, you are hereby directed through this notice to stop airing any satellite TV channel/channels other than Geo Super for broadcasting of ICC World Cup 2011 (Live). Non compliance on the matter will lead your firm to strict legal action which may lead to seizure of the equipment, fine or revocation of your cable TV licence as per Pemra rules.” According to the documents, the cable operators continued to disturb Geo Super signal and shuffled channel number despite the issuance of this notice. After public complaints, RGM Kakar issued a ‘warning’ to the same major cable network of Quetta. The letter reads: “With reference to this office circular No. RGM/QTA/(44)/2011/99 dated January 25, 2011, RGM/QTA/(44)/2011/168 dated February 21, 2011 and Notice No. RGM/QTA/(273)/2011/167 dated February 21, 2011 on subject (Broadcast of ‘ICC World Cup 2011’ on Geo Super) matter. It is regretfully observed by the Authority that you paid no heed to the instruction issued to you pertaining to the distribution of ICC World Cup 2011 on Geo Super only. You are hereby once again directed through this warning to bring Geo Super on its old position i.e. 19 No slot, set the frequency correctly and stop airing any other satellite TV channel that is involved in broadcasting ICC World Cup 2011 illegally with immediate effect. Non compliance with the instructions through warning will lead your firm liable to strict legal action which may lead to seizure of the equipments, fine or revocation of your cable TV license as per Pemra laws.” Gul Muhammad Kakar on being approached by The News confirmed writing these letters to cable operators and revealed that even after issuing warnings, the cable operator continued to disturb the Geo Super signals. When he tried to take some action through his staff, the cable operators threatened that they would get the staff members removed. On this, he ordered a raid on cable operators as per Pemra laws. However, Kakar said, Dr Jabbar removed him from Pemra and repatriated him. Kakar confirmed to The News that he wrote a letter to present chairman Pemra Dr Jabbar on March 3rd and gave complete details of his services for Pemra and reason of his removal. In this March 3rd letter, Kakar wrote that the only reason of neglecting him was his refusal to act on Dr Jabbar’s verbal orders to interrupt Geo Super signals during the ICC World Cup 2011 matches and broadcasting the matches on PTV Home through cable TV through cable operators in Balochistan. At one point, the letter reads: “Sir, I am sorry because I was not in a position to obey your orders due to Supreme Court orders passed in favour of Geo Super.” The sources said that Dr Jabbar had been directly interacting with the leading Quetta cable operators to encourage them to violate the Supreme Court’s order. However, when asked, Dr Jabbar again demanded evidence in this regard. Kakar told The News that when he met Dr Jabbar in his office to ask him to take his illegal orders back, he (Dr Jabbar) replied that the reason of his removal was that in fact Pemra was removing officers working on deputation. Kakar said he gave Dr Jabbar names of many officials who were working on deputation and also named officials from the province of Punjab who were even given extensions in their deputation period as they were dancing to his tunes.

China News: China smash their Asian Games gold record

2010-11-26T03:21:00.000-08:00

GUANGZHOU: China smashed their 20-year gold medal record at the Asian Games early on Friday when women's karate fighter Feng Lanlan captured the delegation's 184th title.

The 26-year-old Asian champion Feng felled Japan's Emiko Homma 3-0 with a single scoring blow to clinch gold in the 68kg kumite class.

Kayaker Zhou Yu's triumph in the women's singles 500m discipline had earlier brought China's total to 183, equalling their haul at the 1990 Beijing Games.

China underlined their dominance in the event by picking up two more golds, including the men's canoe single 200m and the women's kayak double.

The hosts had already breezed to their goal of exceeding their 165-gold haul at the 2006 Doha Games with days to spare.

Although losing some of their most decorated athletes to injury and retirement, China brought 34 Olympic champions to the southern city of Guangzhou to usher in a new generation ahead of the London 2012 Olympics.

China will hope to further boost their record on Friday when Olympic boxing champion Zou Shiming defends his 49kg title against Birzhan Zhakypov, while the hosts will fancy their chances against South Korea in the men's basketball final.

One competition where the long arm of China's Soviet-style sports system has yet to produce success will wrap up on Friday, when Afghanistan take on Bangladesh in the final of the men's Twenty20 cricket competition.

Afghanistan's band of refugee camp-raised players upset a second-string side from world cricket power Pakistan in the semi-final on Thursday and will hope a fairytale ending can bring joy to their war-torn country.

Lahore News: Govt fails to ensure sugar sale at Rs 72 per kg

2010-11-26T03:19:00.000-08:00

THE powerful sugar mafia has outsmarted the City District Government Lahore (CDGL) which has failed to ensure the sale of sugar at the official rate of Rs72 per kilogram and the commodity is being sold at Rs80 to Rs100 per kilogram in the open market.
Sources in the CDGL have claimed that the authorities are only focusing on the sale of imported sugar by the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) at Rs 72 per kilogram in the open market while getting the Pakistani sugar, hoarded by dealers, at the official rate is still a dream for the public.
The reason behind the difference in the rate of the TCP’s sugar and Pakistani sugar is that the former is thin while the latter is thick and called crystal sugar.
Ashgar Butt, President Lahore Sugar Dealers Association, said the CDGL had no mechanism to check the sugar price in the open market. He said Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif was not informed properly about the demand and supply of sugar. He said a particular group of dealers was distributing the imported sugar to their favourites in the City. He said the daily demand of sugar in the provincial capital was around 1,000 tonne per day and the supply line was completely empty. He said though the mills had started sugarcane crushing but they were demanding Rs 80 per kilogram from the dealers, adding that if the dealers would buy sugar at Rs 80 per kg, then how they could sell it at Rs 72 per kg.
MPA Saeed Elahi, who is member CM’s Taskforce on Sugar, admitted that local sugar was being sold at higher rates in the City.
He, however, said that the TCP’s sugar was available at the official rate and there was no shortage.
Rana Ayub, President Punjab Sugar Dealers Association, said the reason for sugar shortage was the lack of lifting capacity of the government. He said the lifting capacity of the TCP Karachi godown was around 5,000 tonne while the daily demand of sugar was around 12,000 tonne.
He said the TCP should have spread the sugar stock across the country much earlier because the transportation time from Karachi to Lahore was that of about five days. He said the lack of lifting capacity was widening the gap between the demand and supply which ultimately was affecting the public.
Mr Ayub also confirmed that sugar mills were demanding Rs 80 per kg and a large number of industrial consumers were ready to buy the sugar stocks at Rs 78 to Rs 80 per kilogram. He said he was ensuring the supply of sugar to the public instead of industrial consumers. He also criticised the local sugar dealers, saying many black sheep were still involved in hoarding of sugar.
“This is why we have changed the supply time and on Thursday, we supplied sugar at Akbari Mandi during the day instead of the night,” he said, adding that the act had resulted in availability of sugar in the market for many hours.
District Coordination Officer Lahore Ahad Cheema said that the city government was ensuring the sale of sugar at the official rate.
However, he also admitted that Pakistani sugar was being sold at higher rates. He said teams were constituted to check the availability and sale of sugar at official rates in the City and they teams were checking around 700 retailers on a daily basis. He said the city government had also started inspecting big stores to ensure the sale of sugar at the official rate.

Sports News: Pakistan win cricket bronze, beat Sri Lanka

2010-11-26T03:16:00.000-08:00

GUANGZHOU: Skipper Khalid Latif smashed an unbeaten 53 off 42 balls as Pakistan won the cricket bronze medal at the Asian Games with a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka on Friday.

Khalid, whose five one-day internationals made him the only capped player in his young team, hit four sixes and two fours to lift Pakistan past Sri Lanka's 135 all out with two overs to spare.

Three of those sixes came in one over from leg-spinner Malinga Bandara, boosting the total after Pakistan had lost four wickets for 85 runs.

Bilawal Bhatti returned unbeaten on a quickfire 24 off 14 balls that included the winning hit for a six off Nuwan Zoysa.

Pakistan made amends for the 22-run defeat in Thursday's semi-final against Afghanistan, who take on Bangladesh in the final later on Friday.

Sri Lanka's total revolved around an opening stand of 53 in eight overs between Zoysa and Jeevantha Kulatunga.

Kulatunga top-scored with 31, while Zoysa, who played 30 Tests and 95 one-dayers primarily as a left-arm seamer, hit two fours and a six in a run-a-ball 24.

Dilshan Munaweera's 28 carried Sri Lanka to 100-3 by the 15th over, before the last seven wickets crashed for 35 runs, four batsmen being run out.

Left-arm spinner Raza Hassan was Pakistan's best bowler with 2-19 from his four overs.

Pakistan News: Senate approves report on RGST amid opposition protests

2010-11-26T03:14:00.000-08:00

ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Friday approved review report of Committee on Finance and Revenue on Reformed General Sales Tax (RGST) amid massive protest from the opposition and some of PPP allies, anewz News reported.

Committee on Finance and Revenue presented its review report on RGST amid massive uproar in the house. The report was presented by Senator Ahmed Ali. A massive uproar was witnessed in the upper house over the bill.

Opposition as well as the coalition partners of the government, MQM, JUI-F opposed the RGST and demonstrated against it. Awami National Party (ANP) supported PPP government over the bill.

At the beginning of the session, government allies MQM and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) along with opposition PML-Q presented their proposals and a motion rejecting the RGST.

PML-Q staged walk out against the bill.

PML-N and Jamaat-e-Islami also opposed the bill and raised slogans against it.

Senator Raza Rabbani raised his reservations on the bill, saying the report presented by the committee is inappropriate.

Chairman Farooq H Naek refused voting over the bill presented against RGST.

World News: US Worried at New WikiLeaks’ Release

2010-11-25T21:15:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON: The United States is concerned about a big dumping of classified documents by WikiLeaks which is expected to include diplomatic cables.

“We are gearing up for the worst-case scenario, that leaked cables will touch on a wide range of issues and countries,” Crowley told media.

The spokesman added that “we’ve known all along that WikiLeaks has in its possession State Department cables.”

“We are prepared if this upcoming tranche of documents includes State Department cables. We are in touch with our posts around the world. They have begun the process of informing governments that a release of documents is possible in the near future,” Crowley said.

He said that diplomatic cables, messages between US posts around the world, “involve discussions that we had with government officials, with private citizens.”

“Inherent in this day-to-day action is trust that we can convey our perspectives to other governments in confidence,” he said. Breaking that confidence “has an impact.”

“These revelations… are going to create tensions on our relationships between our diplomats and our friends around the world,” he said.

Pentagon spokesman Colonel Dave Lapan said that US officials were expecting a possible release of documents “late this week or early next week.”

“I’m not going to talk specifics but I would say that even though they are believed to be State Department documents, classified cables, there are some that contain DoD (Department of Defense) related issues.

WikiLeaks has not said what will be contained in its coming release, indicating only that it will be “seven times” the Iraq War logs in which it posted 400,000 secret documents.

A new posting would mark WikiLeaks’ third mass release of classified documents after it published 77,000 secret US files on the Afghan conflict in July.

WikiLeaks argues the release of the documents, US-soldier authored incident reports from 2004 to 2009, has shed light on the wars, including allegations of torture by Iraqi forces and reports that suggested 15,000 additional civilian deaths in Iraq.

WikiLeaks’ announcement Monday came just days after Sweden issued an international arrest warrant for the website’s head, Australian national Julian Assange, wanted for questioning related to rape and sexual molestation accusations.

India News: RSS Hooligans Attack Mirwaiz in Chandigarh

2010-11-25T21:13:00.001-08:00

CHANDIGARH: The Chairman of All Parties Hurriyet Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was attacked by the hoodlums of the Hindu communal organisation, Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh in Chandigarh Thursday during a seminar on Kashmir and Pak-India relations.

According to the KMS news agency, the attackers barged onto the stage, where Mirwaiz had just started his speech and snatched mike before him. They subjected the APHC Chairman to physical assault.

The All Parties Hurriyet Conference (APHC) has started a campaign to apprise the people of India about the gross human rights violations being committed by Indian troops across the Valley and need for resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq reached Chandigarh to address the seminar as a part of the campaign. He was also likely to travel to Kolkata for attending another seminar.

It may be mentioned here that the hooligans of Hindu extremist organizations had earlier attacked veteran Kashmiri Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani, and senior APHC leader, Shabbir Ahmad Shah.

Entertainment News: Romanian satire Morgen speaks universal language

2010-11-25T21:11:00.002-08:00

LOS ANGELES: Set against the staunch bureaucratic backdrop of international border politics, “Morgen” is an oddball, gently-observed, fish-out-of-water tale that leaves an impression despite its languid, low-key tone.

Working with a cast of regional actors, Romanian filmmaker Marian Crisan refrains from firing more pointed satirical barbs to make his case for tolerance in the face of ever-tightening government regulations. His efforts were rewarded with multiple prizes at this year”s Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.

While out fishing, Nelu, a middle-aged, mild-mannered supermarket security guard (Andras Hathazi) lands more than he bargained for when he encounters Behran, an illegal Turkish immigrant (Yilmaz Yalcin) ducking Romanian-Hungarian border police.

Despite the tricky language barrier (the impish, bearded Turk”s lines aren”t even accompanied by subtitles), Nelu offers the cold, hungry man refuge back at his rural farmhouse, much to the irritation of his bossy wife (Elvira Rimbu). In the process of trying to figure out how to smuggle his unintended guest across the border into Hungary, Nelu and Behran end up forming a curiously engaging bond.

Allowing his story to unfold in extended wide-angle shots that underscore the unhurried daily regimen of Nelu”s small-town existence, writer-director Crisan puts an accessible human face on the subjects of politics and xenophobia. While it recalls Danis Tanovic”s Oscar-winning “No Man”s Land” (depicting the 1993 war between Bosnia and Herzegovina) in its examination of the folly of international conflict, Morgen takes a less biting approach to its brand of satire, allowing its universal truths to unfold organically, with the patience of a seasoned fisherman intent on landing the big catch.

Latest News: Krishna asks Pakistan to dismantle terrorists’ network

2010-11-25T21:11:00.000-08:00

Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has asked Pakistan to dismantle the terror machine operating from its territory and bring all the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attack to speedy justice.

In a statement to coincide with the second anniversary of the terrorist attack in Mumbai, the Minister said, Once again I call upon Pakistan to dismantle the terror machine operating with impunity in territories under its control and to bring all the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks to speedy justice. India has accused Pakistan of not doing enough to bring the plotters behind the audacious attacks to justice.He said India seeks peaceful, stable and cooperative relations with Pakistan. India is committed to resolving all outstanding issues with Pakistan through dialogue, the Minister added.

Bussiness News: EURO Devalues to Historic Low

2010-11-25T21:06:00.001-08:00

EURO has plunged down to a historic low after the fears of fiscal crisis in Europe whereas bearish Asian markets have transformed into bullish.

European currency remained under pressure due to increased interest rates on Spanish debts and protests in Portugal. Value of EURO reached 1.32 dollars in London which is a historic low value. Apprehensions related with affects of Irish fiscal crisis reaching Portugal and Spain are also prevailing.

On the other hand German Chancellor Anjela Merkel has termed the fiscal and monetary situation of Europe as serious.

Afghanistan defeat Pakistan, Pakistan Got Upset Defeat

2010-11-25T21:05:00.000-08:00

In the first semi-final game of cricket of Asian game Pakistan got defeated from Afghanistan team. The match was played at Guanggong International Cricket Stadium. It was upset defeat to Pakistan team. Pakistan team was favorite to win the Asian game but it was bad luck for them as they got defeated from Afghanistan team.

Afghanistan scored 125 runs in their 20 over. They batted first after Pakistan asked them to bat first after winning the toss. Shabir Noori scored 35 runs and remained the top scorer for Afghanistan. Raza Hasan, Muhammad Irshad and Lal Kumar took 2 wickest each and they restricted them to the total of 125 runs.

Pakistan openers provided them good start and they scored 31 runs between them. Pakistan’s team lost wickets in the middle of the inning and that really hurt them and they were able to score only 103 runs.

Great fight back from Afghan team and they really show their commitment about cricket and got win for their country. Pakistan lost an easy match may be it was a pressure that cost them a match but it was not a big task for Pakistan team to x=chase 125 runs. Pakistan lost only 7 wickets but was not able to chase the total.

Babar Awan says Agriculture Tax is Provincial Matter,

2010-11-25T21:01:00.000-08:00

Federal Law minister Babar Awan has said that after the 18th amendment, imposition of tax on agriculture has become a provincial matter.

Talking to the media outside the parliament house,
Babar Awan urged the Punjab government to immediately arrest those involved in torturing the lawyers in Lahore in compliance with Supreme Court’s directions. He also said that the Punjab government has failed to implement the orders of the apex court for regulating the price of sugar.He added that 19th amendment is the only way out to resolve the issue of judges’ appointment.

Freida Pinto look for work in Indian language film

2010-11-25T03:31:00.000-08:00

Updated at: 1011 PST, Thursday, November 25, २०१०

MUMBAI: Slumdog Millionaire’ star Freida Pinto has ruled out starring in a Bollywood movie as she thinks many of the films are “churned out” by producers with no quality control.

The Mumbai-born actress, who shot to worldwide fame with the Oscar-winning movie, has been offered several “
stereotypical” roles in India but is adamant not to star in an all-singing, all-dancing Bollywood movie, reported Contactmusic.
“I wouldn’t want to do a Bollywood film per se, but I would like to do an Indian-language film. For some reason I think Bollywood has become synonymous with commercial cinema, which is song and dance and everything that is larger than life, and I am interested in the reality… It is great to have entertainment, but I think there needs to be something that also makes you want to go back and think about what you’ve seen,” said Pinto.

The 26-year-old actress, who has starred in Woody Allen’s latest film and has also signed a Hollywood sci-fi, said that she wants to act in films which carry some meaning. “Mindless cinema is not my cup of tea… I could get into trouble for saying that. I don’t think Bollywood is only mindless cinema, but a lot of films they churn out are not films that I completely enjoy watching,” said the actress.

“I say hats off to them for doing what they do, because it takes a lot of courage. It is easier to stand and deliver dialogue. Imagine dancing a song out and kind of expressing through it. I think it is a challenge and requires you to lose your inhibitions,” she added.

Pakistan, Malaysia final clash begins in A. Games hockey

2010-11-25T03:28:00.000-08:00

GUANGZHOU: The final clash between Pakistan and Malaysia for lifting the Asian Games hockey title has begun here.
Pakistan has reached the final of Asian Games hockey after 20 years,
while its first time for Malaysia to play for the title.
Former Pakistan hockey coach and goalkeeper Shahid Ali Khan has stated that the role of goalkeepers of both the teams would be crucial in the match.
He said that Pakistan goalkeeper would help lift the title if the team played a natural game.

United States worried at new WikiLeaks release

2010-11-25T01:08:00.000-08:00

The United States is concerned about a big dumping of classified documents by WikiLeaks which is expected to include diplomatic cables, State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said.

"We are gearing up for the worst-case scenario, that leaked cables will touch on a wide range of issues and countries,"
Crowley told media.
The spokesman added that "we've known all along that WikiLeaks has in its possession State Department cables."
"We are prepared if this upcoming tranche of documents includes State Department cables. We are in touch with our posts around the world. They have begun the process of informing governments that a release of documents is possible in the near future," Crowley said.
He said that diplomatic cables, messages between US posts around the world, "involve discussions that we had with government officials, with private citizens."
"Inherent in this day-to-day action is trust that we can convey our perspectives to other governments in confidence," he said. Breaking that confidence "has an impact."
"These revelations... are going to create tensions on our relationships between our diplomats and our friends around the world," he said.
Pentagon spokesman Colonel Dave Lapan said that US officials were expecting a possible release of documents "late this week or early next week."
"I'm not going to talk specifics but I would say that even though they are believed to be State Department documents, classified cables, there are some that contain DoD (Department of Defense) related issues.
WikiLeaks has not said what will be contained in its coming release, indicating only that it will be "seven times" the Iraq War logs in which it posted 400,000 secret documents.
A new posting would mark WikiLeaks' third mass release of classified documents after it published 77,000 secret US files on the Afghan conflict in July.
WikiLeaks argues the release of the documents, US-soldier authored incident reports from 2004 to 2009, has shed light on the wars, including allegations of torture by Iraqi forces and reports that suggested 15,000 additional civilian deaths in Iraq.
WikiLeaks' announcement Monday came just days after Sweden issued an international arrest warrant for the website's head, Australian national Julian Assange, wanted for questioning related to rape and sexual molestation accusations

M.Q.M: Urges Agriculture Tax in RGST Talks

2010-11-25T00:49:00.000-08:00

KARACHI, Pakistan News: The second round of talks, held between government officials and a delegation from MQM to review RGST, has concluded here late Wednesday.
Talks, ended after 1:00 am, lasted for no less than 8 hours .
Government, during the talks, assured MQM of reviewing RGST, however, MQM
insisted on imposition of taxes on agriculture sector instead of poor people.
Federal Interior Minister Abdul Rehman Malik and Federal Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh met with MQM delegation comprising Dr. Farooq Sattar, Syed Mustafa Kamal, Babar Khan Ghauri, Haider Abbas Rizvi and Dr. Sagheer Ahmed here at Governor House.
Talking to media at the end of talks, Malik, dispelling news regarding deadlock, said dialogues were ‘successful’, adding that MQM apprised government of reservations over RGST. Talks held amid friendly atmosphere, he maintained.
He said both sides agreed upon not overburdening poor masses by means of huge taxes.
“Government reckons MQM’s suggestions of bringing agriculture sector under tax network rational,” the minister said, “government is in favour of agriculture tax but provincial governments should have to take measures in this regard.”
Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh said RGST is not a new tax while daily commodities would not be brought under tax through RGST, he added.
He hoped continuation of talks to review RGST.
Subsequently, MQM’s Farooq Sattar, Federal Minister for Oversees Pakistanis, told media that MQM had informed government of reservations over RGST, which comprised of 9 points.
Imposition of agriculture tax is leading the rest among 9 points, which MQM presented to government officials during talks, the minister maintained.
He said, “MQM wants government to bring well-offs under taxing network instead of overloading poor people.”
Babar Khan Ghauri, on the occasion, said MQM hopes government will show seriousness in reviewing RGST in light of our party’s suggestions.

Blogger Help - Add Read More link to your posts

2010-11-24T04:50:00.000-08:00

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Rehman Malik: Anti-Corruption Drive To End Mence From Country:

2010-11-23T07:46:00.001-08:00

Minister for Interior Rehman Malik said on Tuesday that the anti-corruption drive launched by the government would end the menace from the country.Talking to mediapersons outside the parliament, he said “the measures taken by the government would end corruption from all the government departments”.The minister said that a committee had been constituted comprising Interior Secretary, four provincial home secretaries and representatives of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and intelligence agencies to address the complaints of citizens and review corruption cases related to other public departments.

SHC To Hear Twin Offices Case Tomorrow

2010-11-23T02:10:00.000-08:00

KARACHI: Chief Justice of Sindh High Court Sarmad Jalal Osmani today constituted a three-member bench to hear a constitutional petition challenging the two offices of the president of Pakistan and co-chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party held by Asif Ali Zardarim, our News reported Tuesday.

5 Dead in Mingora blast

2010-07-15T02:36:00.000-07:00

A suicide bomber blew himself up in an apparent attack at a security convoy, killing at least five people including two women and injuring 45 others, including women and children bomber hit a security convoy in Mingora, anewz reported Thursday. The blast occurred at central bus stand, which is usually a crowded place. The bus stand was teeming with people at the time blast, causing huge number of people to be victims of the blast. Casualties are feared to rise. At the time of blast, a security cavalcade was around passing by. The blast was so powerful that at least eight vehicles and nearby 50 shops were also damaged in the blast. Law enforcers cordoned off the area soon after the blast, as the relief activities are in progress. The 45 injured have been transported to Saidu Sharif General Hospital, where paramedics confirmed five casualties. Soon, after the blast, the commercial areas of the city were closed down and unannounced curfew has been clamped in the city. It should be mentioned here that a tip-off regarding the entry of suicide bombers was received some days ago, resulting in stepped up security arrangements in the city.

Model Shayda Bastani released after $1.1m bail paid (AUS)

2010-07-14T01:14:00.000-07:00

THE pregnant fiancee of Kings Cross identity Fadi Ibrahim has been released from a Sydney jail after making bail.
Shaghayegh Bastani, known as Shayda,
was released from Silverwater Correctional Complex at 2pm (AEST) today.
The 24-year-old was whisked away in a black car which ran a red light as it left.
Prison authorities had earlier said she would be released at 1.30pm (AEST).
Bail of $1.1 million, comprising $100,000 cash and $1 million surety, was set.
Bastani's bail conditions include surrendering her passport, abiding by an 8.30pm to 6am curfew and daily reporting to police.
She was yesterday charged with conspiring to murder Sydney man John Macris between July 5 and September 24, 2009, at Castle Cove in Sydney's north.
Five men - including Fadi Ibrahim, the brother of nightclub baron John Ibrahim, and his younger brother Michael - are also charged over the alleged murder plot.

Budget surplus forecast to be $2 billion larger (AUS)

2010-07-14T01:11:00.000-07:00

THE Federal Government is now forecasting a $3.1 billion Budget surplus in three years' time, larger than the $1 billion anticipated in the May Budget.
Treasurer Wayne Swan released an economic statement today, revising forecasts and the nation's Budget position during the next four years, possibly just days before an election is called by Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
Mr Swan said the update showed a modest improvement in the projected surplus, as well as dramatically lower debt than any other major advanced economy.
"These strong results come despite increased uncertainty around the global economic outlook arising from sovereign debt issues in Europe in particular and an uneven global economic recovery," he said.
He said finance ministers from other countries often approached him at meetings to comment on how well the Australian economy was doing.

Budget For S Punjab Uplift Lauded

2010-07-14T01:07:00.001-07:00

Health coordinator Punjab Sheikh Tariq Rasheed has lauded the provincial budget for an allocation of Rs 52 billion for south Punjab uplift. The huge development allocation will end a sense of deprivation among people of this area, the PML-N leader said in a statement.
He termed the plan to set up a liver transplant centre in Nishtar Hospital a revolutionary initiative that would help poor people of the area avail the facility on their doorsteps without having to travel to foreign countries.

An allocation of Rs 6 billion for the provision of medicines to the poor free has proved Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif a poor-friendly Chief Minister, he added.
He also lauded Rs 300 million for dialysis facilities, billions of rupees for mobile hospitals, besides a plan to set up four medical colleges in Punjab including one each in DG Khan and Sahiwal.

Pakistani Parliamentarians Attend Briefing At NATO Headquarters

2010-07-14T01:06:00.000-07:00

A delegation of Young Parliamentarian Forum led by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Faisal Karim Kundi visited North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Headquarters on the invitation from Public Diplomacy Division of NATO. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen political dialogue and to create greater awareness among elected representatives of Pakistan about NATO’s role and engagement in Afghanistan.

A comprehensive briefing was given to them on the ongoing NATO’s operation in Afghanistan. The discussions were devoted to the developments of the situation in Afghanistan and insurgency over boarder with Pakistan.
Special emphasis was laid on NATO-Pakistan relations especially close ties and collaboration with Pakistan, as Pakistan is the key partners for stability of the region.
NATO’s assistance to Pakistan’s earthquake hit areas in 2005 and subsequent efforts for rehabilitation were highlighted. Terrorism, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Climate Change, Piracy and Cyber Crimes are the challenges NATO is confronted with today.
The Young Parliamentarian Forum delegation stressed that military operations alone will not provide a long-term answer to creating a secure and peaceful environment in the area.
A comprehensive approach, involving all stakeholders, massive reconstruction of the region and poverty alleviation is the solution for a successful outcome of the international engagement.
The delegation also gave Pakistan’s point of view on the security situation in the region as well as Pakistan’s proactive efforts at establishing peace in the region.
Dilating up the deteriorating situation as a result of air strikes, the Parliamentarians called for a politically and economically stable Afghanistan so that the process of dialogue may get a chance to restore peace in the area.
They also reiterated Pakistan’s stance that a stable and peaceful Afghanistan is in the vital interest of Pakistan.
The members of delegation represent all political parties including PML (N); PML (Q); ANP and PPP. During their stay in Brussels the delegation will visit Supreme Europe Allied Headquarters (SHAPE) and will also attend briefing at Kashmir Centre, Brussels.