Daily Top Story - Haq Ki Baat

In depth With Nadia Mirza (Faisal Raza Abidi) 3rd April 2014

2014-04-04T10:29:00.002-07:00

Syed Faisal Raza Abidi exclusive interview in 'In depth' with Nadia Mirza on Waqt News. 3rd April 2014.

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Pakistan's Sharif frees 16 Taliban prisoners in bid to revive peace talks

2014-04-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

(Reuters) - Pakistan has freed at least sixteen Taliban prisoners with the approval of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, officials said on Thursday, in a move designed to invigorate a shaky peace process with the militant group.

The Pakistani Taliban called a one-month ceasefire on March 1 but said this week they would not extend the truce because the government was not serious about meeting their demands.

The demands include releasing 800 prisoners the insurgent group describes as innocent family members and withdrawing the army from parts of the semi-autonomous tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan.

The political agent of South Waziristan, the highest government official in the northwestern tribal region, confirmed

the government has started releasing non-combatant prisoners to boost reconciliation efforts.

"South Waziristan's political administration released sixteen men on April 1," Islam Zeb told Reuters.

"They are not major commanders. They are innocent tribals who were arrested during different search operations in South Waziristan in the last two to three years."

Zeb said all the released prisoners belonged to the Mehsud tribe, a major Pashtun tribe living in South Waziristan. Another 100 prisoners on the Taliban's list were being processed and would be released in the next few days, he added.

Taliban negotiators were not immediately available to comment on the releases.

Intelligence officials confirmed that the prisoners were brought to the Zari Noor army camp in Wana, the region's main town.

The enclave on the Afghan border was once the epicentre of a spreading Taliban insurgency and the site of a major military offensive in 2009 that displaced half a million people.

Security officials said once at Wana, the prisoners were handed over to office of the political agent, who then released them to the Taliban.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif personally authorized the releases, a source in his office said - an apparent sign the premier is giving in to pressure from the Pakistan Taliban and resisting those in the military arguing for tougher military action against militant strongholds.

"But they (released prisoners) are all non-combatant civilians. They are not sensitive figures," the prime minister's aide said. "Maybe some of them are Taliban sympathizers but they are not commanders and have no role in the talks process."

"Releasing them will create goodwill and we hope they (Taliban) will reciprocate," he added.

Sharif, who took power last year promising to strike a negotiated peace with the Taliban, has been trying to engage the militants, who want to topple his government and enforce severe Islamic law.

But talks broke down last month, when a Taliban wing operating in the Mohmand Pashtun tribal region said it had executed 23 soldiers in revenge for the killing of its fighters by the security forces.

Islamabad then refused to hold further talks until the Taliban announced a ceasefire on March 1.

The second round of peace talks now hangs in the balance after the Taliban announced on Wednesday they would not extend the ceasefire and warned that attacks would begin again in Pakistan.

Pakistan was not entirely peaceful during the ceasefire either.

On Wednesday night, a bomb exploded near a bridge just 30 minutes before the convoy of former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf, who is on trial for treason, passed by. The retired general was not harmed.

Last month, a judge was among 11 people killed in a rare attack by a militant group calling itself Ahrar-ul-Hind on a court in Islamabad.

Pakistan's powerful military, which has the upper hand in policy-making and a free hand on internal security, has always been skeptical about talks.

A senior army official said the release of Taliban prisoners involved in attacks on civilians and the army was "impossible".

"There is no way these hardened militants will be freed," said the official who declined to be identified.

"Neither will the army pull out of the tribal areas. What are the Taliban asking: that we hand them parts of the country? That's not going to happen. No chance."

(Additional reporting by Syed Raza Hassan in Islamabad, Saud Mehsud in Karachi and Jibran Ahmed in Peshawar; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

Prime Time With Rana Mubashir – 31st March 2014

2014-04-02T04:18:00.000-07:00

Some facts about 1999 marshal law and Treason case on Pervez Musharraf discussed in Prime Time With Rana Mubashir – 31st March 2014

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President Pervez Musharraf and his Government Time Period

2014-04-01T12:48:00.001-07:00

Introduction:
This document lists some of the achievements of the former President of Pakistan, General (Retd.) Pervez Musharraf. It is, probably the longest single statement of feats of developments, repairs and enhancements in one of the “most difficult countries to govern” (Time Magazine).

The Situation on 12th October 1999, when Mr. Musharraf took over was that Pakistan faced:
- Economic bankruptcy.
- International isolation.
- The Country was referred to as a ‘failed state’.
- Political instability and chequered political history of previous governments. Opposition never allowed an elected government to complete term and derailed the process / institutions.

Achievments Summary:
- Empowerment of people through devolution at grass roots level.
- Empowerment of Women at all tiers of government / legislature.
- Legislation against honour killings. Women Protection Bill.
- Empowerment of minorities through joint electorate as well as reserved seats.
- Empowerment of younger generation by reducing voter age from 21 to 18 years.
- Empowerment of media by allowing total freedom to press and print media and flow of information.
- Empowerment of economy through wide ranging economic reforms.
- Record allocations for science and technology, education and health sectors. Emphasis on human resource development.
- Free, Fair, Transparent and Peaceful Elections

Economic Achievements
General:

During his years in power, Pakistan pursued consistent and favourable policies of liberalization, deregulation and privatization.
Economic recovery, institutional reforms and good governance were our declared priorities.
For economic recovery, the Government pursued a two-pronged strategy of ensuring macro-economic stability and introducing structural reforms for self-sustainable growth.
As a result, the economy had expanded at an average rate of 7% per annum during the last four years. Its growth touched a record level of 9% in 2004-05.
Growth of large scale manufacturing which was 3.6% during 1999-00, registered an average increase of 11.31 % per annum during the period from 2000-07. Growth of this sector was highest in 2004-05 i.e. 19.9%.
Exchange rate remained stable despite widening of trade and current account deficits, clearly indicating strong inflows of external resources.
Foreign Exchange reserves have crossed US$ 16 billion mark and the increased reserves can now finance more than 31 weeks of imports against only 10 weeks in 1998-99.
Per capita income had increased from $ 526 (1999-00) to $925 (2006-07).

Revenue Collections

Total revenue collections increased from Rs 308 billion in 1999 to Rs 846 billion during 2007.

GDP

GDP growth which was 3.9% in 1999-00 grew at an average rate of 6% per annum during the period from 2000-07.
Total GDP which ranged between Rs 769.7 billion (1988-89) and Rs 2,938.4 billion (1998-99), registered an enormous growth during the last 8 years and ranged between Rs 3,826 billion (1999-00) and Rs 9,970 billion (2006-07).

FDI

Total FDI during 11 years from 1988-99 amounted to US$ 4.87 billion. The same during the subsequent 8 years registered enormous growth and amounted to US$ 13.195 billion.

Micro Credits and Loans

Micro credits to the tune of Rs 11.454 billion were extended to lower strata of the society.
Agricultural loans of the order of Rs 596.44 billion were extended to farmers.

Stock Market

Growth of stock market ranged between (–) 44.7% (in 1997-98) and 219.1% during 1988-99.
As against KSE index of 1,257 points on 12th October, 1999, it was 13,772 in 2006-07.
As against market capitalization of Rs 334 billion on 12th October, 1999, it was Rs 3,980 billion at the close of financial year 2006-07.

State of Foreign Debt

Foreign debt and liabilities grew at an average rate of 7.4% per annum during 11 years from 1989-99. Total debt in 1989 was $20.522 billion which rose to $38.922 billion in 1999.
If this trend had continued, Pakistan’s external debt and liabilities would have been over $ 60 billion. This level was brought down to $38.86 billion.
External Debt and Liabilities (EDL) as % of GDP, which fluctuated between 51% and 66.3% during the period from 1988-99; (66.3% in 1988-89), fluctuated between 42.6% (2002-03) and 27.1% (2006-07).

Agriculture

In 1998-99 our country was importing key staples to meet domestic requirements. In contrast, in FY07, country witnessed significant rise in the productivity in almost all major crops.
Agriculture credit market was quite shallow and gross disbursements were only Rs 42.9 billion in 1998-99. Gross disbursements of agri-credit rose to Rs 168 billion in 2006-07.

Remittances

As against US$ 1.06 billion received during 1998-99, US$ 5.5 billion were received during 2006-07.

President’s Programme for Improvement of Watercourses
Total watercourses to be improved
86,000- 90,000
Watercourses improved
41,459 (against a target of 38,200)
Target for next two years
48,541
Funds spent
Rs 21,653 million
Funds to be spent
Rs. 29,000 million
Social Sector Achievements
Health Sector

During 1998-1999 total health expenditure was Rs 25 billion which had increased to Rs 50 billion.
There had been an increase of about 20,000 registered doctors, around 3,000 registered dentists, about 15,000 nurses, and 56,000 lady health workers. The quantity, quality and distribution of this workforce were being improved.
During 2000-2008 health indicators had shown gradual improvement.
Many new initiatives in the health sector were undertaken during this period, including the Expanded Program of Immunization; Polio Eradication Programme; Hepatitis Control Programme; Primary Health Care Programme, TB Prevention & Control Programme; Aids Prevention & Control Programme; Blindness Prevention & Control Programme; National Maternal and Child Health Programme; and National Nutrition Program.
Ø President’s Special Initiative on Health sector were started. Under this initiative all the resources in BHUs/ RHCs were being computerized and complete integration of Primary Health Service at BHUs were being pursued to improve the health care delivery system. Programme implemented at 837 BHU & all over Pakistan.
Ø Public health related legislations enacted since 1999-2000 for promotion of healthy causes such as Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-smokers, Promotion of Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition. Transfusion of Safe Blood, Medical Aid to Injured Persons and Safe Use of Injections & Invasive medical devices.
Legislation to regulate Tissues and Organ Transplantation has been carried out.
Urban Health Initiative

Clinics to be set up in next two years
815 (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Quetta).
Estimated cost
Rs 1.548 billion (Federal Govt. to fund establishment charges for three years).

Education Spread

81 new universities including Degree Awarding Institutions (DAI) and 14,117 schools/colleges were opened.
1,267,519 stipends to the needy students.
47,546,520 students were provided books free of cost.
127,623 missing facilities were provided in educational institutions.

Women Empowerment

National Policy for Development and Empowerment of Women was announced on 7th March, 2002.
This policy contained a vision, defined goals, aims and objectives, formulated through a laborious and detailed consultative process.
Reservation of 20% women’s seats in the National Assembly (There were 72 women Members of the National Assembly against 60 reserved seats).
Reservation of 18% seats for women in the Senate (There were 17 women Members of the Senate).
Reservation of women seats in the Provincial Assemblies (There were 139 women Members of the Provincial Assemblies against 128 reserved seats).
There were six (6) women members of the then Federal Cabinet, which was an important step towards increasing women’s role in the national decision – making. We have a woman as Governor of the State Bank.
Reservation of 33% seats for women at all tiers of local government remains a hallmark of the new system centered on the devolution of power (There are 27,624 Women Councilors against 28,549 reserved seats in local bodies).

Legal and Social Empowerment of Women

Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2004 (Honour Killing Bill) enacted.
Reservation of quota for women in Government jobs including Central Superior Services.
Presidential Ordinance promulgated on 8th of July 2006, “the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance, 2006,” allowed bail for women held on all charges with the exception of terrorism and murder. Out of more than 6,000 jailed women, around 1,000 were freed.
Enactment of Women Protection Act, 2006 which provides a just and secure environment for women to work as equal partners for the development of Pakistan.

Poverty Alleviation

Government’s efforts have resulted in reduction of poverty from 34.4% in 2001 to 23.9% in 2005.
In this way one crore 27 lac (12.7 million) people came out of poverty.
During last 5 years Rs 1,441 billion have been spent on poverty reduction and employment generation.

Employment opportunities

During 1999-07, as many as 110,086 teachers, 65,231 Lady Health Visitors and 78,024 personnel in Police Department were appointed.
1,187,432 job opportunities were created in the Telecom Sector and 126,742 in Local Government Departments.
6.6 million Job opportunities were created in Punjab in new business/industries.
165,609 jobs were provided in various departments in the provinces.

Infrastructure Development
Mega Projects

Work on 102 mega projects was initiated in various sectors from 2000.
Such projects included Makran Coastal Highway, Lowari Tunnel, Pindi Bhattian – Faisalabad Motorway (M-3), Karachi Northern Bypass, Mirani Dam, Raising of Mangla Dam, Gomal Zam Dam, Sabakzai Dam, Satpara Dam, Kachhi Canal, Rainee Canal, Greater Thal Canal, Gwadar Port, Lining of Watercourses, Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road, Diamer-Bhasha Dam, Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Electric Project and Islamabad-Muzaffarabad Road.
Six projects costing between Rs 1-5 billion have since been completed.
Work on six projects including raising of Mangla Dam and Lyari Expressway and first unit of 4 MW of Satpara Dam, was nearing completion.
Work on the remaining 89 projects was in progress and was scheduled to be completed during April, 2008 to December, 2016.
As many as 34,251 development schemes were launched during the period from 1999-07.

Electricity and Gas Supply – 1999-2007
Village Electrification (WAPDA):

Villages electrified during 1947-1999: 67,180

Villages electrified during 1999-2007: 54,50
Rate of Village electrification per year

In 1999 In 2007
1,400 14,000

New connections installed: 1.36 million

Number of beneficiaries (new): 9.53 million

Total amount spent: Rs 26.60 billion

Gas supply:

Towns/ villages/ localities supplied gas during 99- 07: 11,494

Amount spent on gas supply schemes during 99-07: Rs 78.81 billion
New connections provided during the period: 17.94 million

Clean Drinking Water Programme
Telecom

Telephone connections
2001-02 2006-07

Fixed line 3.7 7
Mobile 1.6 62
Teledensity 3.3% 45%
Total Length of Roads Constructed
4,575.7 Kms of roads constructed by NHA at a total cost of Rs 90.9 billion.
PSDP Allocations

As against total Federal PSDP of Rs 568.57 billion during 11 years from 1988-99, Rs 1,078.90 billion were provided during the next 8 years viz from 1999-2000 to 2006-07.

Objectives and Challenges in the Foreign Policy
- To promote a peaceful environment regionally and internationally that is conducive to tasks of socio- economic and technological development of Pakistan to build a strong, progressive prosperous moderate Islamic society consistent with the vision of the Quaid-i-Azam.
- To build relations and international cooperation that helps socio-economic progress and a strong defence.
- To seek peaceful resolution of disputes especially Jammu and Kashmir.
- To promote causes espoused by the Muslim Ummah and support international endeavours especially for the progress and rights of the developing countries
- To project the correct image of Pakistan abroad.
- To promote Pakistan as a hub of economic and communication activities leveraging its strategic location at the intersection of South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia.
Regional Peace and Security

Relations with India
-         Building tension free relations with India is in the interest of both countries and the region.
-         Kashmir is at the heart of the past conflict and tension between Pakistan and India. The President initiated the peace process which aimed at confidence building measures as well as resolution of disputes. The atmosphere in bilateral relations has since improved which is important for both countries.
-         We are making efforts to resolve Kashmir. The President had put forward his ideas for a solution which is acceptable to all three Parties especially Kashmiris. This is possible, given sincerity, flexibility and courage on the part of leadership in both countries.
-         The ideas relate to defining regions of Kashmir, self-governance, demilitarization and joint mechanism. It is important that Kashmiris should be free to manage their affairs and interact with each other. President initiated ideas for the bus service and opening of five routes across the LoC.
-         These ideas have generated positive resonance among the Kashmiris. The President had interacted with leaders of APHC on a number of occasions who supported the President’s ideas.
-         Pakistan is ready to show flexibility and move forward depending on Indian reciprocity.
-         We also want to move forward on resolution of issues including Siachen and Sir Creek in a positive manner.
-         The best confidence building is the ability to resolve problems.
-         Trade between Pakistan and India has increased. But trade and interaction especially in cultural areas depend on trust and confidence.
-         We want to maintain the peace process and hope for early settlement of disputes which could turn a new page of peace, understanding and cooperation in South Asia.

Afghanistan
-         No country has greater stake than Pakistan in peace, stability and prosperity of Afghanistan. Our vision for transforming Pakistan into a hub of economic activity with linkages to Central Asia cannot be realized without stable Afghanistan.
-         We would not allow our territory to be used by elements that want to destabilize Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan has suffered an unfortunate history in the past thirty years which has gravely impacted on Pakistan. Today both countries are facing challenges of terrorism and extremism as a result of forces that are product of this unfortunate history.
-         In order to address the problems we need to understand ground realities. The main problem has been in Afghanistan in the shape of Taliban militancy, drugs, war-lords and absence of national reconciliation. There is some support from our side of the border especially from FATA to the Taliban and other militant elements inside Afghanistan. On our part we are committed to stop such cross border support.
-         We have taken measures and made sacrifices. We have deployed our forces. The Afghan army and the multi-national forces have same responsibility to stop the movement of undesirable elements across the border.
FATA
-         Our Tribal Areas have been affected by the Afghan Jihad which had generated forces of extremism. After 9/11, Al-Qaeda escaped to our areas placing a heavy responsibility on us to counter this challenge.
-         We have adopted a comprehensive strategy for FATA to counter terrorism and extremism. Military action is only one part of the strategy. Political measures and socio-economic development are other important elements.
-         However, it is our responsibility that FATA or any other area is not used against Afghanistan or by any elements against any country. On this count the world has an expectation from Pakistan. We are also working with tribal elders to ensure that the tribal territory is not used by militants for violence and terrorism.
-         The actions that we are taking are in the interest of Pakistan’s security and development. Our policy is not at the behest of any out side country. The comment in the international media or in some foreign circles that Pakistan should do more is not relevant as we are doing whatever is in our best interest. We understand that the world has a stake in our success because there is a common challenge. But our strategy to meet the challenge will be dictated by our interests and what we determine is the most effective way forward.
Afghan Jirga
-         The recent Afghan Jirga has been a positive development particularly the decision by the Jirga to constitute a 50 member Council (25 from each side) which inter alia is mandated to talk to “opposition” for peace in the area.
-         The President had himself attended the concluding session.
-         At the Jirga as well as in other meetings, the two countries have also agreed not to provide shelter to subversive and anti-state elements from either side. There is also need to stop exchanging accusations against each other. What is needed is cooperation to counter the common challenges. The Jirga has registered success in that direction.
-         Pakistan-Afghan trade is close to 1.2 billion dollars. Pakistan has contributed US $ 300 million for reconstruction and rehabilitation inside Afghanistan. Half of this amount was disbursed on projects that were completed including the Torkham-Jalalabad road.
Extremism and Terrorism
-         We need to counter the danger of extremism and terrorism for our own sake, for the stability and progress of our society.
-         The international community also has expectation from us in this regard. We can differ on the approach to counter these forces but everyone rejects violence, terrorism and extremism.
-         Extremism is a state of mind. There is need for a comprehensive strategy that combines political and administrative measures, socio-economic development and military action for an effective strategy.
Relations with United States
-         It is an important relationship which is not limited to cooperation in counter-terrorism. After the EU, the US is the largest trading partner of Pakistan. We have large US investments in the country and there is nearly one million strong Pakistani expatriate community in the United States.
-         The US also desires long term sustainable, strong, strategic relations with Pakistan. In developing this relationship, both countries ought to remain sensitive to each other.
-         The notion that Pakistan’s policies are influenced by the United States is wrong. Our foreign policy is shaped primarily by our own national interests. However, in determining our interests we have to understand the regional and global environment and our relations with other countries.
-         Our independent policy is evident in our refusal to contribute troops in Iraq or our position on Iran which opposes use of force or our position on IPI or our position on peaceful use of nuclear technology.
-         We also have differences of perception with the United States. For addressing terrorism, we insist on addressing the root causes. But these differences should not imply that we adopt a course of confrontation with the Untied States or for that matter with any country. Such an option would be disastrous in today’s world.
-         (In response to questions about perceived US involvement in Pakistan’s affairs, it may be mentioned that friendly countries are interested in political stability and progress in Pakistan. They have an interest in the political developments in Pakistan. However, these developments are determined by ground realities in the country. The government’s strength is primarily derived from what it has achieved in the country.)
Relations with China
-         Relations with China are strong and stable and are continuously growing in all aspects. There is unprecedented level of Chinese investments in Pakistan especially in the telecom sector, construction and mining. China has constructed the Gwadar port and are upgrading KKH. Chinese firms are engaged in construction of dams, raising the height of Mangla and other similar projects. Pakistan and China has signed an FTA. In the defence field, we are cooperating on important joint projects including JF-17 aircraft and production of tanks. China remains our reliable partner.
Iran
-         We have traditional close friendly ties with Iran.
-         We support Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy within the framework of its obligations of the NPT. We are opposed to use of force in the Iran-US standoff on nuclear issues.
-         Pakistan is engaged in important negotiations on the Gas Pipeline project (IPI Project).
Relations with Islamic countries
-         We enjoy close brotherly ties with brotherly Islamic countries and play an active role within the OIC.
-         The President had visited number of Islamic countries (Arab and non-Arab countries) in an effort to bring focus on the Middle East situation specially the problems of Palestine and Iraq and the rising confrontation in the Gulf region. The President was subsequently invited to address the Arab League Summit in Riyadh.
-         We have special relations with the Gulf countries which regard Pakistan as an important anchor of stability in the region.
-         The President has made efforts to reform and strengthen the OIC.
South East Asia and Pacific Regions
-         In October 2003 Pakistan launched Vision East Asia policy with a focus on building Pakistan’s relations with countries of the region. Pakistan became a member of Asian Regional Forum and signed a treaty of Amity and Cooperation with the ASEAN. Pakistan was invited to Asia-Europe meeting in September 2006 and remains an active member of Asia Cooperative Dialogue (ACD). Pakistan had hosted the Fourth ACD meeting in Islamabad in April 2005.
-         Pakistan has strong relations with Japan and South Korea. Japan has a large ODA programme in Pakistan and is one of the largest investor in the country.
New openings in Africa and Latin America
- President had visited Brazil, Argentina and Mexico in 2004 and has concluded several agreements with these countries. Following the visit, Pakistan signed an agreement with MERCOSUR in July 2006 providing a framework for economic cooperation with Latin American countries.
-         Pakistan is actively expanding its interaction and relations specially trade with African countries.
The United Nations
Pakistan continues to play an active role in the United Nations and other international forums. Pakistan remained member of the Security Council 2003-2004 and held the Presidency of ECOSOC in 2005 and is presently the Chairman of G-77.
Provinces Specific Data

A. Balochistan

Development Projects

Balochistan being the least developed Province was the special focus of attention for development.
During the 8 years period from 1999-07, Rs 108.3 billion were allocated for Federal projects in Balochistan.
As many as 185 development projects were initiated in various sectors, in Balochistan. These were estimated to cost Rs 216 billion.
As against Rs 30.6 billion allocated for these projects during 2006-07, an amount of Rs 46.60 billion has been allocated in PSDP for the current financial year (2007-08); a 52.29% increase over last year.

Dams

Mirani Dam (Completed).
Sabakzai Dam (Completed).
Mangi Dam and Water Conveyance System for storage and supply of drinking water to Quetta city/surrounding areas.

Communication Infrastructure

Gwadar Deep Sea Port (First Phase completed).
Coastal Highway (Completed).
NHA projects (14).
6,378.89 Kms of black topped roads.
1,561 Kms of shingle roads.
194 Kms farm-to-market roads.
Construction of numerous roads between towns/villages, some examples are:-
- Lakpass Tunnel Project: 180 meter long tunnel worth Rs 932.153 million is being constructed near Quetta for smooth flow of traffic.
- Hoshab – Panjgur – Nag – Basima – Khuzdar road (600 kms): The project would cost Rs 17.45 billion and on completion help in developing remote areas.
- Dera Allah Yar – Nuttal – Sibi – Dhadar road project: Work is in progress. On completion it will link many towns of interior Balochistan.
- Construction of Khujuri- Bawata Road (64 kms):
- Reopening of Chamalang Coalmines: These mines were re-opened and providing jobs to more than 12,000 persons.
- Water Supply Schemes
  - Provision of clean drinking water.
  - Installation of Tube Wells.
  - Irrigation Schemes
    - Kachhi Canal (this project alone is providing employment to over 8,000 people and on completion has potential to change the fate of farmers of the area by irrigating 700,000 acres of agricultural lands).
    - Installation of new tube Wells.
    - Flood protection Schemes.
    - Construction of ponds (for storage).
    - Restoration of Karez system of water storage and transportation.
    - Health
      - Construction of Hospitals/dispensaries.
      - Posting of Medical/paramedical staff.
      - Provision of equipment/medicines.
      - Miscellaneous measures
        
        All the 29 Revenue Districts of Balochistan have successfully been converted from ‘B’ to ‘A’ areas.
        
        Bringing the entire Province under the jurisdiction of one law enforcement agency i.e. the Police would yield great benefits for the people of Balochistan.
        
        Besides going a long way in improving the law and order situation, it would also generate additional opportunities for the youth of Balochistan.
        
        Capacity building of rehabilitated IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) through payment of subsistence, rehabilitation grant @ Rs 20,000, 10 goats per family and provision of tractors, seeds and fertilizers, jobs in PPL and Schools and health facilities.
        
        Student completing 16 years of education will get stipend of Rs 10,000 per month for a year.
        
        Waiving off of agriculture loans up to Rs 300,000/-.
        
        Enhancement of quota from 3.5 to 5% for Federal employment.
        
        Introduced the concept of Oil City to attract the international investors and provide employment to locals of the area.

Employment Opportunities

7,589 teachers recruited so far since 1999. 6,000 more being recruited shortly.
40,234 Lady Health Visitors recruited out of which 35,130 LHVs were appointed on contract in Family Planning Health Project.
12,308 youth recruited in Police Department, another 9,000 are being recruited.
10,141 individuals recruited in District Governments and approximately 10,000 more are being recruited shortly.
58,225 job opportunities offered in various departments e.g. forest, Local Government Agriculture, General Administration etc.
Nearly 2,300 individuals were provided loans of Rs 210,000 each by NBP for procurement of Rickshaws under President’s Rozgar Scheme. 2,500 other cases were processed.
30,000 vacancies were created for Baloch youth in FC.
Due to pragmatic policies of his Government, the number of soldiers and officers joining Armed Forces for Balochistan had increased manifold.

Literacy Drive

5 new universities established. 2 universities (at Naseerabad and Gawadar) were being established.
9 Engineering Universities were being established in collaboration with industrially advanced countries.
58 colleges and 556 schools were opened.
1,239 appointments made in universities.
5,483 students enrolled.
Rs 88.50 million provided to district Governments for onward disbursement to needy students.
3,250,537 students provided with free books.
Rs 438 million allocated for provision of missing facilities in educational institutions of the Province.
7x New cadet colleges are being established shortly.
1000 x scholarships for Baloch Students in best schools/colleges of the city with free lodging and boarding.
6 x new buses for Balochistan University.

Poverty Alleviation

Rs 514 million provided as micro-credit loans by Zarai Taraqiati Bank and Khushhali Bank. All banks are allowed to award micro-credits to needy people for small business schemes.
Rs 4,026 million provide as agricultural loans to needy farmers.
Provincial Bait-ul-Mal has disbursed Rs 950 million among 603,648 needy families since 1999.
2,122 development schemes have been launched since 1999 through Provincial ADPs for which Rs 59.91 billion have been allocated by the provincial Government and Rs 18.59 billion have been provided by foreign donors as aid.

New Roads Constructed

6,378.68 Kms of roads black topped.
1,560 Kms of shingle roads
194 Kms farm-to-market roads.

B. Punjab

Employment Opportunities

70,000 teachers appointed.
4,800 LHVs appointed.
37,495 persons appointed in Police Department.
6.6 million persons given jobs in new businesses/industries.
43,220 persons given jobs in various departments.

Literacy Spread

18 new Universities/Degree Awarding Institutions (DAIs) opened.
6,108 schools/colleges opened.
1.2 million students were given stipends.
28 million students provided with books free of cost.
118,276 missing facilities provided.

Poverty Alleviation

Rs 10.94 billion disbursed as microcredit.
Rs 592.41 billion given as agricultural loan.
96,362 persons supported by Bait-ul-Mal.
15,874 development schemes executed.

New Roads Constructed

4,815 Kms of roads.
5,041 Kms of farm-to-market roads.

C. Sindh

Employment Opportunities

20,182 Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) appointed.
9,035 persons appointed in Police Department.
7,001 persons given jobs in various departments.

Literacy Spread

29 new Universities/Degree Awarding Institutions (DAIs) opened.
4,369 schools/colleges opened.
23,945 students were given stipends.
165,000 students provided with books free of cost.
1,733 missing facilities provided.

Poverty Alleviation

9,201 development schemes executed.

New Roads Constructed

1,303 Kms of roads.
946 Kms of farm-to-market roads.
2,606 Kms of roads improved.
626 roads/accesses constructed in rural areas.

D. NWFP

Employment Opportunities

28,737 teachers appointed.
15 LHVs appointed.
14,890 persons appointed in Police Department.
57,163 persons given jobs in various departments.

Literacy Spread

15 new universities/DAIs opened.
2,996 schools/colleges opened.
32,000 students were given stipends.
15.6 million students provided with books free of cost.
6,570 missing facilities provided.

Poverty Alleviation

7,054 development schemes executed.

New Roads Constructed

174.56 Kms of roads.

E. Northern Areas

Employment Opportunities

1,783 teachers appointed.
142 LHVs appointed.
1,717 appointed in Police Department.
17,327 job opportunities created in new business/industries.
9,476 persons appointed in various departments.

Literacy Spread

One new university opened.
332 schools/colleges opened.
32,000 students were given stipends.
15.6 million students provided with books free of cost.
6,570 missing facilities provided.

Poverty Alleviation

7,054 development schemes executed.

New Roads Constructed

621 Kms of metalled (truckable) roads.
280 Kms of farm-to-market shingle roads.
235 Kms of jeepable shingle roads.
493 truckable shingle roads.

F. FATA

Employment Opportunities

11,727 teachers appointed.
351 LHVs appointed.
370 new job opportunities created in new business/industries.
6,155 persons given jobs in various departments.

Literacy Spread

509 schools/colleges opened.
153,564 students were given stipends.
1.300 million students provided with books free of cost.
10,193 missing facilities provided.

Poverty Alleviation

Agricultural loans worth Rs 782.562 million extended.
12,973 new development schemes executed.

New Roads Constructed

534.73 Kms of shingle roads.
872.19 Kms of black topped roads.
322.605 Kms of improvement of roads.
432.693 Kms of roads in Agencies/Frontier Regions.

******
Economic Achievements

Economic recovery result of prudent macro-economic policies, wide-ranging structural reforms, fiscal discipline and consistency in policies.
Economy has performed robustly over the last several years with GDP growth touching a record level of 9% in 2004-05.
External debt and foreign exchange liabilities grew at an average of 7.4% per annum during 1990-99, rising from $ 20.5 billion in 1990 to $ 38.9 billion by June, 1999.
If this trend had continued, Pakistan external debt and liabilities would have been over $ 60 billion instead of the current level of $ 38.86 billion.
External Debt and Liabilities (EDL) as % of GDP, which fluctuated between 51% and 66.3% during the period from 1988-99; fluctuated between 42.6% (2002-03) and 27.1% (2006-07).
Exchange rate had been stable hovering around Rs 60 per dollar.
- Foreign exchange reserves have crossed US$ 16 billion mark and the increased reserves can now finance more than 31 weeks of imports against only 10 weeks in 1998-99.
- Revenue collections increased from Rs 347 billion in 1999 to Rs 841.4 billion.
- Extra fiscal space allowed us to increase PSDP from Rs 116 billion in 1999 to Rs 520 billion in 2007-08.

Mega Projects launched – nearing completion.

Major Economic Achievements of Musharraf Government

Economic Growth

I salvaged a near bankcrupt economy and transformed it to emerge as one of the four fastest growing economy in the Asian region along with China, India and Vietnam
Pakistan’s economy grew at an average rate of 7.0 percent per annum
The performance of large-scale manufacturing has been unparalled in the country’s history. It grew at an average rate of 11 percent per annum
Services sector grew at an average rate of 6.0 percent per annum
Because of our strong economic policies, Goldman Sachs a global investment bank, included Pakistan in the category of new emerging market (Next – 11) destined to play a major role in the world economic setting.
Goldman Sachs extended their coverage from BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India and China) to eleven more emerging economic power including Pakistan, Korea, Mexico, Vietnam, Turkey etc.
Pakistan’s per capita income doubled (from $ 526 in 1999-2000 to $1085 in 2007-08). In other words, the average income of Pakistani people more than doubled during my regime.
The size of the economy more than doubled (from $74 billion in 1999-2000 to $170 billion in 2007-08) as well.

Investment

I succeeded in turning around the economy with the help of Pakistan’s private sector. My government always interacted/communicated with private sector because we believed that they were the engine of growth. Constant engagement helped restore the confidence of the private sector on economic management.
Investment as a result rose from 17.4 percent to 22.9 percent of GDP – an increase of 5.5percent of GDP in seven/eight years is unparallel in recent times in Pakistan.
Foreign Investment surged from $0.5 billion to $8.5 billion during my government – a 17 fold increase in 8 years which reflected the growing confidence of foreign investors on Pakistan.

Unemployment & Poverty

The government succeeded in creating 13.5 million new jobs and accordingly reduced the unemployment rate from 8.3 percent to 5.2 percent
Strong economic growth succeeded not only in creating new jobs but reducing poverty by one – half. That is, poverty reduced to one-half during my government. The number of people living below the poverty declined from 34.5 percent in 2000-01 to 17.2 percent in 2007/08.
Income inequality also started narrowing after 2005-06.

Inflation

Low inflation has been the hallmark of my government. Inflation averaged 5.5 percent during 2000-2007

Deficit and Debt

Tax collection by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) tripled during my regime – increasing from Rs 308 billion to Rs.1025 billion
Overall budget deficit as percentage of GDP reduced to almost one half. Budget deficit averaged over 7.0 percent of GDP during the 1980s and 1990s but was reduced to an average of 4.0 percent of GDP, thus reflecting the financial discipline of my government.
The country’s debt burden reduced to one – half. National (Public) debt was over 100 percent of GDP by end of the 1990s but reduced to 55 percent by the end of my government
In the words of the IMF “The large and sustained decline in the external debt to –GDP –ratio was one of Pakistan’s most remarkable macroeconomic achievements of recent years”.
Debt servicing used to consume 64 percent total revenue in 1998-99. By maintaining financial discipline and reducing budget deficit, we succeeded in bringing it down to 25 percent only. In other words, the resources saved from debt servicing were diverted towards development program.

External Sector

Both exports and imports grew at higher double –digit-levels
Foreign exchange reserves increased from $500 million to over $16 billion – a sixteen fold increase in reserves during my government.
Exchange rate remained stable as a result of the build up in foreign exchange reserves
Remittances continued to grow from less than $1.0 billion to over $16.0 billion
Pakistan’s international credit rating continued to improve from selective default to B+
I had the honour of taking Pakistan out of the IMF program in December 2004.
We re-entered the international bond and equity markets by floating Eurobonds and Global Depository Receipts (GDR). We also succeeded in floating a 30 year Eurobond which showed the confidence of the global investors in Pakistan.
We pursued a successful privatization program for the state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

Stock Market

Karachi Stock Exchange emerged as one of the best stock exchange, in emerging economies. The Karachi Stock Exchange Index surged more than 11 times – rising from 1189 in October to 13998 in November 2007. This represented the growing confidence of the private sector (both domestic and foreign) on economic management.

SOCIAL SECTOR

Education

Overall Literacy Rate increased from 45% to 55% during 2000-01 to 2006-07.
Male literacy rate increased from 58% to 67%.
Female literacy rate increased from 32% to 42% during my government.
Gross enrolment at primary level (5.9 years) increased from 72% to 91% – an increase of 19 percentage points.

Higher Education

The state of higher education in Pakistan was in a pathetic condition prior to my government. We had 48 universities; the number of Ph.Ds and engineers per million population was only 112 –about one – third of the minimum standards prescribed by the UNESCO. We had the stock of only 2600 science Ph.D and the country was producing barely 50-60 per annum.
My government launched a multi – pronged strategy, including the establishment of Higher Education Commission (HEC).
We provided substantial resources to higher education. The development budget for higher education increased from Rs. 500 million to Rs. 14 billion in 2006-07 .
Number of universities increased to 130 in 2006-07 from 48 in 1998-99.
Number of students enrolled in universities increased from 276 thousands to 948 thousands – more than three fold increase in enrolment in universities.
Number of Ph.Ds produced by Pakistani universities increased sharply to 624 from as low as 50 – 60.
There were 3800 students sent abroad for higher education (Ph.D) in foreign universities, of which, 303 have completed their degrees.
There 3508 students enrolled in Ph.D Programs in Pakistani universities, of which 336 have completed their programs.

Health

Various Health indicators also improved during my government. for example, children aged 12-23 months immunized increased from 53% in 2000-01to 76% in 2006-07.
Life expectancy increased from 63 years in 2000 to 66.5 years by 2008
Infant mortality rate declined from 83.3 per 1000 infants in 2000 to 65 by 2008.
Social Sector and Poverty – Related Expenditures Increased from Rs. 167 billion (3.8% of GDP) to Rs. 500 billion (5.7 % of GDP)

Question: Not a single MW of power was added to the national grid in your time. Is this perception correct?

Answer: This perception is factually incorrect. The total installed generation capacity in 2000-01 was 17,772 MW which increased to 19,566 MW by 2007-08 – an increase of 1794 MW during my tenure. These facts are well documented in Pakistan Economic Survey 2001-02 (PP. 202, Table 15.13) and Pakistan Economic Survey 2007-08 (PP.259, Table 15.16)
Out of 1794 MW increase in installed generation capacity, 1770MW (99%) increase is attributed to WAPDA. The major addition came from Ghazibrotha power project.
But I would like to explain a little bit more on this issue. In 2000-01, Pakistan was having a surplus of 3000 MW because of the induction of electricity through the Independent Power Producers (IPPs). According to the 1994 Power Policy, even if we did not consume electricity, the government was required to pay 60% of the capacity to respective IPPs. Thus, we were having surplus power 3000 MW with all its financial implications.
We entered into negotiation with India to export electricity but it did not work out for a variety of reasons, including the military standoff in December 2001 till August – September 2002.
By January 2003, we were still having surplus of 2000 MW with all its financial implications. Do you think that my government would have set up another power plant when we were already having surplus electricity. According to our estimates, the surplus power was to be a eliminated by 2007 provided our consumption of electricity would have grown at the rate of 6 percent per annum.
Pakistan’s economy grew at an average rate of 7.5 percent per annum during 2003-07 and accordingly the electricity consumption grew at an average rate of 10-11 percent – much higher than our assumption of 6 percent. Consequently, the surplus power was eliminated by mid- 2004 instead of 2007.
Your question would then be: what did your government do in mid – 2004? My answer is plain. We launched 50 new power projects totaling 12, 141 MW during February 2004 and until June 2007.
These facts can be checked with Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB). These projects were to come in operation during October 2008 to December 2015. You should keep in mind that it takes minimum four years for a power plant to come under operation. Three of the said projects have come into operation and inaugurated by the current Prime Minister.
Thus, the perception is absolutely wrong. It was created deliberately by the present regime to hide their inefficiencies and misguide the people of Pakistan.
Question: People have raised question about the utilization of US assistance under was against terror which was provided to your government.
Answer: People have raised question about US assistance on war against terror because they were not provided facts. Let me give you the facts.
The total US assistance since 2001-02 and until November 2008 (the last number I have) amounted to $10,768 million. These assistance include economic, military and war against terror. Of the total assistance of $10,768 million, $6,062 million (56.3%) was the reimbursement of expenditure that Pakistan incurred against the war on terror. Since war on terror is being fought on daily basis, the expenditures are also incurred on daily basis.
My question to you: should we treat reimbursement as economic assistance? The answer is certainly no. Thus, over 56 percent of US money was not economic assistance. This was our money which was reimbursed by the US.
The remaining $4,706 million included debt write off ($1495 million), $ 3 billion US assistance package under the Camp David agreement; and remaining amount included grants for the purchase of Wheat and Soyabean oil.The bottom line is that Pakistan received $1,514 million in cash over seven – and – a half years.

News Beat (Syed Faisal Raza Abidi) 30-03-2014

2014-03-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

Syed Faisal Raza Abidi exclusive interview in 'News Beat' with Paras Khursheed on Samaa News. 30th March 2014.

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Clean Chit (Dr. Farooq Satar) 29th March 2014

2014-03-29T21:48:00.002-07:00

Farooq Sattar (MQM) exclusive interview in 'Clean Chit' Ab Tak News. 29th March 2014.

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Is Pakistan aiding Syrian rebels?

2014-03-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

Pakistan denies claims it is arming Syrian rebels at Saudi Arabia's behest. Experts, however, say Islamabad is not only providing military equipment to anti-Assad groups, it's also helping jihadists to go fight in Syria.

Pakistani and international media have reported about Pakistan-based Wahhabi militant groups, including al Qaeda and the Taliban, sending their members to Syria to fight against President Bashar Assad's forces. Some observers claim these fighters are also getting some kind of state support.
Despite the Pakistani government's categorical denial of any involvement in the Syrian conflict, the Islamic Republic's opposition parties, including the main opposition Pakistan People's Party (PPP) led by former President Asif Ali Zardari, have challenged Islamabad's claims. A number of political experts in Pakistan also disagree with the government's stance that it did not get itself involved in the violent Syrian conflict on Saudi Arabia's request.
"We strongly reject the media speculation that Pakistan has changed its position on Syria or is supplying arms to Syrian rebels directly or indirectly. These impressions are totally baseless and misleading," Sartaj Aziz, an advisor to Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on national security and foreign affairs, recently told the country's parliament.
The discussion about whether or not the Pakistani government armed the Syrian rebels commenced after the Saudi Crown Prince, Salman bin Abdulaziz, travelled to Pakistan last month.

Pakistan denies involvement

"I would like to clarify that during the Saudi Crown Prince's visit, the two sides only mentioned the need to enhance bilateral cooperation in the field of defense with an aim to have a mutually beneficial defense and security cooperation," said Aziz.
According to news agency AFP, which quoted a source close to Saudi decision-makers, Riyadh was interested in getting Pakistan-made shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles, known as Anza, and anti-tank rockets, to aid the rebels.
"The United States could allow their to allies provide the rebels with anti-aircraft and anti-tank weapons following the failure of Geneva talks and the renewed tension with Russia," AFP quoted the head of the Gulf Research Centre, Abdel Aziz al-Sager.
Ghaffar Husain, a London-based researcher and counter-terrorism expert, told that Saudi-Pakistani alliance is decades-long, and that it is highly likely that Riyadh could have asked for Islamabad's assistance in turning the tide in Syria.

Claims 'not exaggerated'
Ali K. Chishti, a security expert in Karachi, told that Pakistan's assistance to Syrian rebels was of covert nature, and that it was obvious why Pakistan did not officially admit it. "I don't think that the claims that Pakistan is helping Syrian opposition are incorrect or exaggerated. Islamabad believes that since Iran is openly supporting the Assad regime, which is responsible for killing hundreds of thousands of people in his own country, it is justified to aid the rebels," said Chishti.

Pakistani educationist and former BBC journalist, Nauman Naqvi, says there is no doubt whatsoever that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are on same page over the Syrian conflict.
"The Pakistani government can deny it, but everyone knows what is going on. Pakistan's respectable journalists have written about the matter," Naqvi told, adding that Pakistan had put its relations with Iran at stake in order to please Saudi Arabia. "Pakistan has been serving the Saudi interests in the Middle East and South Asia for a long time. Our relations with Tehran were different in the 1970s. They have been severely damaged since the last phase of the Cold War. The expert gave the example of Pakistan-based terrorist organization Jundullah, which Iran claimed to be a proxy group used by its enemies, to highlight the worsening Iranian-Pakistani ties.

Sharif's personal involvement
Some experts argue that the alleged Saudi-Pakistani deal on Syria was a result of Sharif's personal connections with the Saudi rulers. Earlier this month, Pakistan received a 1.5 billion USD loan from Riyadh, which Pakistani opposition parties claimed was a "gift' from Saudis to Sharif for his "services" to the kingdom.
Husain says Pakistan has "the expertise, weapons and fighters for the Syrian war, and Saudi Arabia has the cash that Pakistan desperately needs right now."
Naqvi, however, says that any other head of the government in Islamabad would have complied with the Saudi demands. "We must not forget that Sharif has no say in defense related matters. It is the Pakistani army which calls the shots. Former President Zardari would not have acted differently in this scenario."

For Chishti, accepting the Saudi demands was a sensible decision: "Iran is openly supporting Assad whereas Saudi Arabia is aiding the rebels - both for their sectarian interests. Why would then the Pakistani state, which follows the Saudi Wahhabi Islamic ideology, side with the Shiite Tehran on this?"

Pakistani militants migrating to Syria
"A large number of foreign fighters are based in Pakistan's northern Waziristan area, which shares border with Afghanistan. Some of them are now migrating to Syria. The Pakistani Taliban have actually established a cell to monitor the Syrian situation. Al Qaeda's head, Aymen al-Zawahiri sent out a message to Pakistani militants to move to Syria," told Chishti, adding that Muslim al Shishani, a Chechen commander from North Waziristan, was one such Islamist who migrated to Syria on March 27.

The expert, however, is not sure whether it's a good thing for the Pakistani state. "We need to see how certain non-state actors are being used in this conflict. It can be a double edged sword," he said.
For his part, Naqvi says there is "structural linkage" between the Pakistani military apparatus and the jihadists. "These militants have been doing what the army thinks is in Pakistan's geo-strategic interests," said Naqvi. The expert is of the view that Pakistan finds itself in a quagmire for not keeping itself non-aligned in regional and international conflicts and will ultimately have to pay a big price for its actions.

Source: DW

UN panel: 8 reasons to worry about global warming

2014-03-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

YOKOHAMA: If you have already read "12 Pieces of Practical Advice from Housecats," now you can move on to "8 Reasons to Worry about Global Warming."

A United Nations panel of scientists is joining the list craze with what they call eight "key risks" that are part of broader "reasons for concern" about climate change.

It's part of a massive report on how global warming is affecting humans and the planet and how the future will be worse unless something is done about it. The report is being finalized at a meeting this weekend by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

They assembled the list to "make it understandable and to illustrate the issues that have the greatest potential to cause real harm," the report's chief author, Chris Field of the Carnegie Institution of Science in California, said in an interview.

But a draft of the list - called by the acronym RFCs - includes science-heavy language, caveats and uses lowercase Roman numerals, for example using iv instead of 4.

A boiled-down version of what the scientists say the warmed-up future holds for Earth if climate change continues:

1. Coastal flooding will kill people and cause destruction.

2. Some people will go hungry because of warming, drought and severe downpours.

3. Big cites will be damaged by inland flooding.

4. Water shortages will make the poor even poorer in rural areas.

5. Crazy weather, like storms, can make life miserable, damaging some of the things we take for granted, like electricity, running water and emergency services.

6. Some fish and other marine animals could be in trouble, which will probably hurt fishing communities.

7. Some land animals won't do much better and that's not good for people who depend on them.

8. Heat waves, especially in cities, will kill the elderly and very young.

So far, the scientists haven't come up with the next step, common on Facebook pages: The interactive quiz to determine which global warming problem you most resemble.

Iran Condemns Attack on Shrines in Syria

2014-03-28T22:37:00.000-07:00

March-27. 2014

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham condemned the attack on the holy shrines in the Syrian Northern city of Raqqa, and called on the international community to take action against such "inhumane" crimes.

On Thursday, Afkham denounced the terrorist attack and called on international organizations, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to react to such extremist acts which run counter to international norms.

”The reaction of the international community and the condemnation of such acts are the first step in carrying the responsibility for safeguarding things sacred to divine religions and preventing the recurrence of such extremist and blind acts,” she stated.

Media reports said on Wednesday that militants from an Al-Qaeda splinter group bombed a large Shiite Muslim shrine in the Northern Syrian city of Raqqa.

Photos of the mosque of Ammar bin Yasir and Uwais al-Qarani posted on the internet on Wednesday showed extensive damage to the exterior walls and roof of the site.

Other pictures showed concrete and twisted metal strewn on the street outside the mosque with an interior wall collapsed inward.

The site, seized over a year ago by militants fighting against the Syrian government, was once a destination for Shiite Muslim pilgrims from Iran, Lebanon and Iraq.

The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) had carried out two powerful explosions at the mosque earlier in the day.

The Al-Qaeda splinter ISIL and other Takfiri militant groups have targeted many historical and religious sites in Syria over the past three years.

Among them are the holy shrine of Hazrat Zaynab (AS), the daughter of the first Shiite Imam, Imam Ali (PBUH), and Hazrat Fatemeh (PBUH), the Daughter of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), as well as churches in the Christian village of Maaloula, near the capital city of Damascus.

Tonight With Jasmeen (Hassan Nisar)

2014-03-28T02:14:00.000-07:00

Hassan Nisar exclusive interview in 'Tonight With Jasmeen' Ab Tak News. 18th March 2014.

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Tonight With Jasmin (Faisal Raza Abidi)

2014-03-27T22:54:00.001-07:00

Syed Faisal Raza Abidi exclusive interview in 'Tonight With Jasmeen' Ab Tak News. 27th March 2014.

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Ab tak at ARY News (Faisal Raza Abidi)

2014-03-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

Syed Faisal Raza Abidi exclusive interview in 'Ab tak' with Sadaf Jabar on ARY News. 25th March 2014.

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Mumkin with Asma Chaudhary (Faisal Raza Abidi)

2014-03-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

Syed Faisal Raza Abidi exclusive interview in 'Mumkin' with Asma Chaudhary on Capital TV. 13th March 2014.

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Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 has been Crash in the Southern Indian Ocean With No Survivors

2014-03-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

Malaysia Airlines tonight announced that the missing flight MH370 crashed into the Indian Ocean with no survivors.
In a statement to the families of those with relatives on board, the airline said: "We deeply regret that we have to assume beyond any reasonable doubt that MH370 has been lost and that none of those on board have survived..we must now accept all evidence suggests the plane went down in the Southern Indian Ocean."
The news came after Chinese relatives in Beijing were called to the second floor of the Lido Hotel for an emergency meeting.
Paramedics attended the scene.
It is believed that relatives in Kuala Lumpur will be flown to Perth tonight.
Announcing the grim news at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur tonight, Prime Minister Najib Razak, said: "This evening, I was briefed by representatives from the UK Accidents Investigation Branch or AAIB. They informed me that Imaset, the UK company that provided the satellite data which indicated the northern and southern corridors has been performing further calculations on the data using a type of analysis never before used in an investigation of this sort.
"They have been able to shed more light on the location of 370’s flight path. Based on the new analysis, Imaset and UK AIB have concluded that MH370 flew along the southern corridor and that its last position was in the middle of the Indian Ocean, west of Perth.
"This is a remote location, far from any possible landing sites. It is therefore with deep sadness, I regret that I must inform you that according to this new data, flight MH370 ended in the Southern Indian Ocean."
Malaysian authorities earlier said that Australian search teams had identified two objects in the Indian Ocean possibly linked to missing Malaysia Airlines flight 370, and it was hoped that they would be picked up within hours.
At a daily press conference into the disappearance of the jet, Malaysia's Acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the Australians had sent a ship to investigate.
The sighting comes just hours after Chinese spotter teams were reported to have seen "some suspicious objects" floating in the sea.
"A few minutes ago, the prime minister received a call from the prime minister of Australia who informed him that Australian search aircraft had located two objects in the Australian search area, one circular and one rectangular," Hussein said.
"HMAS Success is in the vicinity and it is possible that the objects could be received within the next few hours or by tomorrow morning at the latest."
He added: "HMAS Success remains the only vessel in the search area. A number of Chinese vessels are expected to commence arriving within the search area on the 25th of March."

Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott confirmed the new find in a speech to parliament.
"The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has advised that objects have been located by a Royal Australian Air Force P3 Orion and I can advise the House that HMAS Success is on scene and is attempting to locate and recover these objects," he said.
"The objects were spotted in the search area about 2500 kilometres southwest of Perth at about 2.45pm our time.
"The crew on board the Orion reported seeing two objects, the first a grey or green circular object and the second an orange rectangular object. These are separate to the objects reported earlier today by a Chinese search aircraft."
Sounding a note of caution he added: "We don’t know whether any of these objects are from MH370. They could be flotsam. Nevertheless we are hopeful that we can recover these objects soon and that they will take us a step closer to resolving this tragic mystery."
Earlier Monday China's Xinhua news agency said the crew of an Ilyushin-76 transport jet had seen “two relatively big floating objects with many white smaller ones scattered within a radius of several kilometres”.
The larger objects were “white and rectangular”, Xinhua said.
“The crew has reported the coordinates - 95.1113 degrees east and 42.5453 south - to the Australian command centre as well as Chinese icebreaker Xuelong, which is en route to the sea area,” Xinhua said, adding that the the ship was expected to reach the location early Tuesday morning.
The coordinates suggested the objects were about 465 kilometres northeast of where a Chinese satellite spotted a large floating object on March 18.
Google Map: locations of suspicious objects found in Indian Ocean

View MH370: possible locations in a larger map
Meanwhile, the United States Navy is moving one of its high-tech black box detectors closer to the search area for a missing Malaysia Airlines plane in remote seas off the Australian coast, bolstering hopes wreckage of the plane may be found soon.
Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 vanished from civilian radar screens less than an hour after taking off from Kuala Lumpur with 239 people on board on a flight to Beijing on March 8.
The so-called Towed Pinger Locator will be crucial in finding the black box of the missing jetliner if a debris field is established by an Australian-led international search team scouring an area in the southern Indian Ocean some 2,500 km southwest of Perth.
"If debris is found we will be able to respond as quickly as possible since the battery life of the black box’s pinger is limited," Commander Chris Budde, U.S. Seventh Fleet Operations Officer, said in an emailed statement.
Attention and resources in the search for the Boeing 777 have shifted in recent days from an initial focus north of the equator to an increasingly narrowed stretch of icy sea in the southern Indian Ocean.
Chinese and Japanese military aircraft were joining a 10-strong international fleet of planes scouring the area for the first time on Monday.
A flotilla of Chinese ships, including the icebreaker Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, is also making its way south.
Budde stressed that bringing in the black box detector, which is towed behind a vessel at slow speeds and can pick up "pings" from a black box to a maximum depth of 20,000 feet, was a precautionary measure.
Similarly, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss stressed the challenges of the search.
"It’s a lot of water to look for just perhaps a tiny object," Truss told Australian Broadcasting Corp. Radio.
"Today we expect the weather to deteriorate and the forecast ahead is not that good, so it’s going to be a challenge, but we will stick at it," he said.
Two Chinese military Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft, two Australian P3 Orions and two ultra-long range civilian jets were in the early search party on Monday. Another ultra-long range jet, a U.S. Navy P8 Poseidon and two Japanese P3 Orions were due to depart later in the day.
Australia was analysing French radar images showing potential floating debris that were taken some 850 kms (530 miles) north of the current search area.
"We only recently got this information and we are still examining it," an AMSA spokeswoman told Reuters by telephone. Malaysia said it received the images on Sunday and passed them on to Australia.
"We are taking it into account but at this stage we are still focused on the same search area," the spokeswoman said, contradicting earlier comments from Australian Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss that the search area had been expanded north to take into account the French sighting.
Australia has used a U.S. satellite image of two floating objects to frame its search area.
The search planes are zeroing in on the areas around where the earlier sightings were made in an effort to find the object identified by China and other small debris, including a wooden pallet, spotted by a search plane on Saturday.
China said the object it had seen on the satellite image was 22 metres long (74ft) and 13 metres (43ft) wide.
It could not be determined easily from the blurred images whether the objects were the same as those detected by Australia, but the Chinese photograph could depict a cluster of smaller objects, said a senior military officer from one of the 26 nations involved in the search.
The wing of a Boeing 777-200ER is approximately 27 metres long and 14 metres wide at its base, according to estimates derived from publicly available scale drawings. Its fuselage is 63.7 metres long by 6.2 metres wide.
NASA said it would use high-resolution cameras aboard satellites and the International Space Station to look for possible crash sites in the Indian Ocean. The U.S. space agency is also examining archived images collected by instruments on its Terra and Aqua environmental satellites, said NASA spokesman Allard Beutel.
"Our satellites and space-based cameras are designed for long-term scientific data gathering and Earth observation. They’re really not meant to look for a missing aircraft, and obviously NASA isn’t a lead agency in this effort. But we’re trying to support the search, if possible," Beutel said.
Truss said the aircraft flying on Monday would be focused on searching by sight, rather than radar, which can be tricky to use because of the high seas and wind in the area. Civilian aircraft, which can carry more people, have joined the search.
Investigators believe someone on the flight shut off the plane’s communications systems. Partial military radar tracking showed it turning west and re-crossing the Malay Peninsula, apparently under the control of a skilled pilot.
That has led them to focus on hijacking or sabotage, but investigators have not ruled out technical problems. Faint electronic "pings" detected by a commercial satellite suggested it flew for another six hours or so, but could do no better than place its final signal on one of two vast arcs north and south.
The lack of solid news has meant a prolonged and harrowing wait for families of the passengers, who have complained in both Beijing and Kuala Lumpur about the absence of information.
A Malaysian statement said a "high-level" team briefed relatives in Beijing on Sunday in a meeting that lasted more than six hours.
While the southern arc is now the main focus of the search, Malaysia says efforts will continue in both corridors until confirmed debris are found.
"We still don’t even know for certain if the aircraft is in this area," Truss said of the southern Indian Ocean search.
"We’re just clutching at whatever little piece of information that comes along to try to find the place we can concentrate the efforts."

Google enhances encryption technology for email

2014-03-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: Google says it´s improved the encryption technology for its flagship email service.

The change will make it harder for the National Security Agency to intercept messages moving among the company´s worldwide data centers.

Among the most extraordinary disclosures in documents leaked by former NSA systems analyst Edward Snowden were reports that the NSA had secretly tapped into the main communications links that connect Yahoo and Google data centers around the world.

Google has previously said it was outraged over the practice. It didn´t mention the NSA in Thursday´s announcement, except in a veiled reference to what it called "last summer´s revelations."

Honey is a new approach to fighting antibiotic resistance: study

2014-03-18T05:54:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Honey could be one sweet solution to the serious ever growing problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, says a research.

Medical professionals sometimes use honey successfully as a topical dressing but it could play a larger role in fighting infections, reported health news.

The unique property of honey lies in its ability to fight infection on multiple levels making it more difficult for bacteria to develop resistance.

That is it uses a combination of weapons including hydrogen peroxide, acidity, osmotic effect, high sugar concentration - all of which actively kill bacterial cells.

The osmotic effect which is the result of the high sugar concentration in honey draws water from the bacterial cells dehydrating and killing them.

In addition, several studies have shown that honey inhibits the formation of biofilms or communities of slimy disease causing bacteria.

Honey may also disrupt quorum sensing which weakens bacterial virulence rendering the bacteria more susceptible to conventional antibiotics.

Quorum sensing is the way bacteria communicate with one another and may be involved in the formation of biofilms.

In certain bacteria this communication system also controls the release of toxins which affects the bacteria’s pathogenicity or their ability to cause disease. Team of researchers is also finding that honey has antioxidant properties and is an effective antibacterial.

Rs7m spent on ex-CJ’s temporary residence

2014-03-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD: After his retirement last December, former Supreme Court chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has comfortably settled into a government house next to his old official residence for six months. However, what is disturbing is that the renovation and maintenance work done at his ‘temporary’ abode has cost over Rs7 million.

According to official details of renovation and maintenance at the residence of the former CJ available with Dawn, the amount has been spent on the purchase of new furniture, bathroom fittings, curtains, wooden floor and rugs.
Just the purchase of new furniture cost Rs1.6m and renovation of bathrooms ran up a bill of Rs1.4m.
The ex-chief justice, who retired on Dec 11, left his former official residence and was given house No 12 in the Judicial Enclave, where a judge of the apex court was residing.
According to official details of renovation work, Rs1.6m was spent on the purchase of new furniture, Rs1.4m utilised on renovation of bathrooms, Rs0.6m on bathroom fittings, Rs0.27m on whitewashing, Rs0.75m on purchase of new curtains, Rs0.15m on supply of new rugs, Rs0.6m on construction of a shed, Rs0.35m on laying of wooden floor, Rs0.35m on purchase of floor tiles, Rs0.25m on roof treatment and Rs0.2m on purchase and fixing of marble slabs.
It has been learnt that some of the work is still in progress and the details of these expenses will be known later.

The opposition has already obtained information about what it termed ‘extravagance’ committed in the name of maintenance and brought the matter to the notice of parliament.
An inside source said the former CJ, who gave a number of historical decisions during his five-year term in office, asked for renovation and maintenance work in his present official residence soon after he shifted his family there.
The order was conveyed to the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD), which is responsible for maintenance work in many government buildings, including the Prime Minister House, the Presidency, Supreme Court building, Ministers’ Enclave and Judicial Enclave.
However, a senior official of the Pak PWD, under whose domain the Judicial Enclave fell, refused to carry out heavy maintenance work in the residence. He said he did not have the funds required to meet the expenses of the extraordinary maintenance work.
Later the case was referred to the Pak PWD headquarters and the department’s top brass gave approval for the work.
The Pak PWD Director General, Attaul Haq Akhtar, said he was not aware of any expenditure in the house of the former CJ. He, however, said it would not be around Rs7m. “Normally we carry out petty maintenance work at government houses but not for that huge [an] amount. How is it possible that Rs7m have been spent on the maintenance of a three-bedroom house?”
The DG said whatever amount had been spent on the residence of the former CJ had not been approved by him. “I have neither seen any such estimates nor approved them,” he claimed.
In reply to a query, Mr Akhtar said the former CJ has been provided a house in the Judicial Enclave for six months, for which he was authorised.
Opposition curious
An opposition politician, Senator Farhatullah Babar, said he had sent a question to the Senate Secretariat asking for details of the amount spent on lodging, security and stay of the former CJ in his new house. “We have already invoked parliamentary instruments to find the truth behind reports of extravagance at public expense in massaging the ego of individuals. We will then [raise] the issue in parliament appropriately,” he added.
“One is not surprised given the well-known penchant of the former CJ for protocol, security, pomp and show,” Mr Babar said.
Supreme Court Registrar Dr Faqir Hussain told Dawn he was not aware of the maintenance and renovation work.
The registrar agreed that he would reply to queries on the renovation work if they were e-mailed to him, but was unable to answer them even two weeks after the questions were sent to him.
“I have checked such kind of renovation work at my end but could not find anything. I came to know that all such details would be available with PWD so it is better to contact the PWD people to confirm your report,” the registrar told this reporter.On the other hand, sources said the registrar was fully aware of the work done in the residence of the former CJ because he was coordinating with officials of Pak PWD on the matter.
Information Minister Pervez Rashid, who also holds the portfolio of law, was reluctant to comment on the issue, saying he was not aware of any such renovation and maintenance work.
He, however, said that maybe the condition of the official residence provided to Mr Chaudhry required such a heavy maintenance work. “If such a heavy amount has been spent on that house, even then it would be considered as value addition to an official residence that would be handed over to any other judge after six months’ stay of the former CJ.”

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Pakistan, Saudi Arabia sign $183m credit agreements

2014-03-12T11:10:00.001-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday signed two agreements under which the latter will provide a total of around $183 million for the import of urea fertiliser from Saudi Arabia and the construction of a hydro-power project in Chitral.
The two countries expressed the desire to further strengthen cooperation in various fields for promotion of the causes of the Ummah as well as international peace and stability. This was discussed in a meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince and Defence Minister Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud who called on him at the PM House. Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif were also present on the occasion. Both the leaders remained together for some time and discussed matters relating to mutual interest.
Prime Minister Nawaz said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had brotherly relations and had similar views on regional as well as international matters. Pakistan supported efforts of Saudi Arabia aimed at strengthening unity among the Islamic countries, the prime minister added. He said that Pakistan held Saudi Arabia in highest esteem and the relations between the people of both the countries were more than fraternal. He said that the large Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia served as a bridge between the two brotherly countries and played a positive role in the development of Saudi Arabia as well as Pakistan’s economy through annual remittances of over $4 billion.
Saudi Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud expressed his gratitude to the prime minister for the hospitality shown towards him and his delegation during the visit. Earlier, both the leaders witnessed the agreements’ signing ceremony between the two countries that included an agreement on export credit facility of $125 million for purchase of urea from Saudi Arabia Industries Cooperate. The second agreement pertained to $58 million funding by the Saudi Fund for Development of Golen Gol Hydropower Project in Chitral.
Economic Affairs Division Secretary Nargis Sethi from Pakistan side and Saudi Fund for Development Vice Chairman and MD Yousaf Ibrahim Albassam from the Saudi side signed the agreements. Later, the prime minister hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting dignitary and his delegation.

And That's the reason why Dollar price comes down in Pakistan

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In a driverless future, drivers will do anything else

2014-03-07T05:51:00.000-08:00

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GENEVA: Brew an espresso, watch a movie on a large screen, surf the Internet or simply sit and chat with friends?

As automakers and technology firms steer towards a future of driverless cars, a Swiss think tank is at the Geneva Motor Show this week showing off its vision of what vehicles might look like on the inside when people no longer have to focus on the road.

"Once I can drive autonomously, would I want to watch while my steering wheel turns happily from left to right?" asked Rinspeed founder and chief executive Frank Rinderknecht.
"No. I would like to do anything else but drive and watch the traffic. Eat, sleep, work, whatever you can imagine," he told AFP at the show, which opens its doors to the public Thursday.
Google is famously working on fully autonomous cars, and traditional carmakers are rapidly developing a range of autonomous technologies as well.
With analysts expecting sales of self-driving, if not completely driverless, cars to begin taking off by the end of this decade, Rinderknecht insists it's time to consider how the experience of riding in a car will could be radically redefined.
Patting his shiny Xchange concept car, Rinderknecht says he envisages a future where car passengers will want to do the same kinds of things we today do to kill time on trains an airplanes.
So Rinspeed has revamped the interior of Tesla's Model S electric car to show carmakers how they might turn standard-sized vehicles into entertainment centres, offices and meeting spots wrapped into one.
The seats can slide, swivel, and tilt into more than 20 positions, allowing passengers to turn to face each other or a 32-inch screen in the back.
Up front too, an entertainment system lines the entire length of the dashboard, and the steering wheel can be shifted to allow passengers a better view of the screens.
And of course there is an espresso machine.
While brewing coffee, video conferencing and keeping an eye on your email at 120 kilometres an hour may sound like a fantasy today, Rinderknecht is convinced it could happen in the not too distanced future.
"We think this is what things could look like in a few years time," he said.
Driving, he said, is on the cusp of being redefined, allowing people to take the wheel for pleasure, for instance while going over an Alpine pass, but handing over control of the car on tedious stretches.
"If I have to go three hours from Geneva to Zurich and it's congested, I'm not doing anything... I want to be doing something else," he said.
Carmakers at the Geneva Motor Show seemed to agree that vehicles that drive themselves, at least to a certain extent, are on the horizon.
"Autonomous driving is an inevitability that we are approaching very rapidly," Hyundai Europe COO Allan Rushforth told AFP.
He stressed though that "full automation" was not a priority.
Ford Europe chief Stephen Odelle also said the technology was speeding forward, but added that he believed "the technology will be ready before legislation and consumers are."
"How comfortable will consumers be with fully automated cars?" he asked, adding that legislating for liability would be quite tricky with no driver behind the wheel.
Rinderknecht acknowledged there are obstacles, but insisted "they can be overcome." He pointed out that accident reduction is actually a major argument for automation, since once the technology is finalised the machines should be far more reliable than humans.
And while it will be an upward battle to redefine liability legislation, "I think it can be done, because laws must adapt to life, and life as we all know changes," he said.

News Hour (Faisal Raza Abidi)

2014-03-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

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Armed attack in Islamabad district court leaves 11 dead, 25 injured

2014-03-03T05:26:00.001-08:00

The attack on a district court in Islamabad's sector F-8 has killed 11 people and injured 25 others. PHOTO: MYRA IQBAL

ISLAMABAD / RAWALPINDI: Eleven people were killed and 25 others injured in a suicide attack at a district court in Islamabad’s sector F-8.

Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences’ (PIMS) Dr Altaf told the media that five of the injured, including three lawyers, were in critical condition. Islamabad Additional Sessions Judge Rafaqat Ahmad Khan Awan and a female lawyer were among the dead.
According to the PIMS list, the dead include: Additional Session Judge Rafaqat Ahmed Awan, senior advocate Rao Abdul Rashid, advocate Tanveer Ahmed Shah, advocate,Fizza Malik, Mian Muhammad Aslam, AIOU regional director Muhammad Riaz, policeman Akbar Umer Tariq, junior Munshi Talib Hussain, court staff Shabir, Haji Sanullah and an unidentified person.
The injured includes Raja Basharat, Waseem Iqbal, Mazhar Ali, Abdul Khaliq, Oun Azhar, Syed Obaidullah, Akmal Umer Tariq, Yasir Hameed Malik, Muhammad Hasnain, Muhammad Faisal, Nadeem Aziz, Mian Abdur Razzaq, Muhammad Bashir, Nisar, Faizan Mahmood, Muhammad Ishtiaq, Nisar Ahmed, Ch. Maqsood Akhtar, Syed Obaidullah, Qazi Rafiuddin, Muzamil Hussain, Amin, Nadeem, Madiha, Muhammad Miskeen, Asadullah, Easa Khan, Shakir and advocate Rai Azhar Hussain.
The injured were being provided medical treatment and police are investigating.
According to Islamabad SSP Dr Muhammad Rizwan, two young men entered the court premises. They hurled hand-grenades in the courtrooms and opened indiscriminate firing with automatic weapons.
Dr Rizwan said search operation was under way to clear the area, adding bodies and injured had been shifted to the PIMS.
Condemning the attack, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid announced that TTP was not responsible.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan condemned the attack and a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani will hear the case regarding the attack on March 4 (tomorrow).
Police and Rangers cordoned off the area as well as Islamabad’s Red Zone. The remaining attackers are reportedly at large in the capital city.
A case was also filed against unidentified men in the Margalla Police Station.
After the attack, police started a search operation on IJP Road and nearby areas in Rawalpindi. The entry and exit points were sealed by the police.
Initial report
Police and intelligence agencies submitted an initial report to the interior ministry. According to the report, four armed men entered the court building and two suicide attacks took place. Firing broke out after the blasts and the other two attackers fled the scene.
The attackers were between 20 and 25 years of age.

News Beat (Syed Faisal Raza Abidi)

2014-02-28T10:54:00.002-08:00

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Air force combat ready for assigned missions: PAF chief

2014-02-27T10:44:00.000-08:00

ISLAMABAD: In a week where Pakistan Air Force has pounded targets in the tribal areas along its western border, the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt on Thursday said that the military’s air advantage was maintaining combat readiness in pursuit of its assigned mission.

Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD: In a week where Pakistan Air Force has pounded targets in the tribal areas along its western border, the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt on Thursday said that the military’s air advantage was maintaining combat readiness in pursuit of its assigned mission.

“The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is committed to maintaining combat readiness in pursuit of the assigned mission while ensuring judicious use of resources and preservation of assets.”
Addressing the PAF Annual Safety Review for the year 2013 at Air Headquarters, Islamabad on Thursday, the Air Chief said that there was complete synergy among the supervisors at Air Headquarters and the field commanders.
“The entire air force is training to conduct day and night operations,” he said.
The review was presided over by the Air Chief Marshal and was attended by principal staff officers, regional commanders and supervisors from the field.
The Annual Safety Review is a routine activity during which operational activities are reviewed.
The forum is also used to carry out an in depth study of the standards of flight and ground safety in PAF.
A PAF fighter aircraft crashed in Mandi Bahauddin last month killing both the pilot and the co-pilot, while in October last year a PAF helicopter crashed in Gujranwala injuring both the pilot and co-pilot.

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Shahid Orkazai Accused Nawaz Shareef for Funding to TTP

2014-02-24T23:00:00.000-08:00

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), the majority party in the National Assembly, was in contact with the Taliban even before the May 2013 general elections and its leader Mian Nawaz Sharif had secretly channelled money to Hakimullah Mehsud in December 2012, alleged Shahid Orakzai in an application.

He filed constitutional petition (CP) 182/2014 in the Supreme Court on Saturday and made the federation as respondent. The petition said: "After receiving the payment, Taliban chief had proposed Nawaz as a guarantor for the truce with the Armed Forces of Pakistan he had proposed under the previous government."
Shahid Orakzai said he would produce the evidence to show how an officer of Pakistan Air Force was murdered only to cover up the financial transactions between al-Qaeda boss Osama bin Ladin and Mian Nawaz Sharif. He further stated that he would elaborate and interrelate the facts that the court discovers the sinister design behind the shameful peace talks.
The petitioner also challenged the peace committee taking the plea in his constitutional petition that no one among three members of government negotiations team including Rustam Shah, Maj (Retd) Muhammad Aamir and Rahim Ullah Yusufzai is member of the National Assembly and, as per assembly rules and procedure, no non-elected person can become member of any committee of the NA.
Irfan Siddiqui, advisor to the Prime Minister (PM) on national security, has not been made respondent in the petition as he is entitled to take part in the NA proceedings as per the constitution. However, he is not authorised to cast vote.
Orakzai said that the PM has entrusted a vital matter of national security to the non-elected persons who have not been appointed under any federal law. It also said that the government team has failed to provide security to the citizens of Pakistan under Article 9.
He said the three members of the committee as well as the Armed Forces of Pakistan are completely unaware of the actual base of the liaison between Nawaz and Taliban.
Orakzai claimed that the respondent federation, before constituting the unlawful Committee on 29-01-2014, did give a special access to the so-called Taliban to count and confirm the presence of their imprisoned members in the Rawalpindi Central Jail, saying the evidence would be provided.
The unlawful access, in clear breach of national security, was given by the incumbent interior minister who was then making secret contacts with the Taliban. He said that he would produce the evidence to show how the Punjab government financed a mega jailbreak in April 2012.
He prayed that in views of the above facts, this court may instruct the federation not to take any step under Article 45 regarding any prisoner, or person in judicial custody, who is convicted or accused of any act punishable by anti-terrorist courts until the disposal this CMA.
The release of any prisoner by the President of Pakistan would be against the letter and spirit of Article 45. This court may take note that Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shahbaz Sharif were released by the President in December 2000 under the same Article 45.

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Saudi Arabia 'seeking Pakistani arms for Syrian rebels'

2014-02-24T00:28:00.001-08:00

February 24, 2014

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia is in talks with Pakistan to provide anti-aircraft and anti-tank rockets to Syrian rebels to try to tip the balance in the war to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad, a Saudi source said Sunday.

The United States has long opposed arming the rebels with such weapons, fearing they might end up in the hands of extremists, but Syrian opposition figures say the failure of Geneva peace talks seems to have led Washington to soften its opposition.

Pakistan makes its own version of Chinese shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles, known as Anza, and anti-tank rockets -- both of which Riyadh is trying to get for the rebels, said the source, who is close to Saudi decision-makers, requesting anonymity.

The source pointed to a visit to Riyadh earlier this month by Pakistan's army chief of staff, General Raheel Sharif, who met Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz.

Prince Salman himself last week led a large delegation to Pakistan, shortly after Saudi's chief diplomat Prince Saud al-Faisal visited the kingdom's key ally.

Jordan will be providing facilities to store the weapons before they are delivered to rebels within Syria, the same source said.

AFP could not obtain confirmation from officials in Saudi, Pakistan or Jordan.

The head of the Syrian opposition, Ahmad Jarba, promised during a flying visit to northern Syria last week that "powerful arms will be arriving soon."

"The United States could allow their allies provide the rebels with anti-aircraft and anti-tank weapons following the failure of Geneva talks and the renewed tension with Russia," said the head of the Gulf Research Centre, Abdel Aziz al-Sager.

Providing those weapons to the rebels "relieves pressure on the US in the short-term," said Simon Henderson, director of the Gulf and Energy Policy Programme at the Washington Institue for Near East Policy.

"But the long-term political worry is that Manpads (Man-portable air-defence systems) will leak and be used to bring down a civilian airliner somewhere in the world."

Rebels have long said that anti-aircraft rockets would help them defend themselves against Syrian warplanes, which regularly bomb rebel-held areas with barrels loaded with TNT and other ordinance.

The nearly-three-year conflict in Syria has torn the country apart, killing more than 140,000 people, including some 50,000 civilians, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Rising Saudi influence

Saudi Arabia has a strong influence on Syria's southern front, where it coordinates with Jordan, and has helped unite the rebel fighters in the area, according to Syrian opposition sources.

On the other hand, Qatar and Turkey are responsible for coordinating with the rebels on the northern front, said an official of the Syrian opposition, requesting anonymity.

Saudi Arabia has come to eclipse Qatar as the main supporter of the Syrian rebels, a development illustrated by the election last July of Ahmad Jarba, who has strong Saudi links, to lead the Syrian National Coalition, the main umbrella opposition group.

The trend appeared to continue with the dismissal last week of General Selim Idriss, the top commander of the Western-backed Free Syrian Army, who was considered close to Qatar, according to an opposition source.

The main criticism of Idriss was "bad distribution of weapons" and "errors in battle," said another opposition source.

Idriss, who has refused his dismissal, has been replaced by Brigadier General Abdel Ilah al-Bashir, the leader of the rebel military council for the region of Quneitra in southern Syria.

On its internal front, Saudi Arabia has sidelined intelligence chief Prince Bandar bin Sultan, who had been leading Riyadh's efforts concerning Syria, according to a Western diplomat.

Diplomats have said that the file has been passed to the interior minister, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, known for his successful crackdown on Al-Qaeda following a wave of deadly attacks in the kingdom between 2003 and 2006.

Bandar's management had triggered American criticism, diplomats said.

The Saudi royal himself has reproached Washington for its decision not to intervene militarily in Syria, and for preventing its allies from providing rebels with much-needed weapons, diplomats added. (AFP)
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