NEWS PULSE

DINA for the issue of January 28, 2012

2012-01-28T09:40:00.000+05:00

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D A W N I n t e r n e t N e w s A l e r t
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January 28, 2012 Saturday Rabi-ul-Awwal 4, 1433
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The DAWN Internet News Alert (DINA) is a free daily news-service
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(c) Pakistan Herald Publications (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan - 2012

The link at the end of each extract can be used to access the
complete story on DAWN - the Internet Edition.

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SC seeks ISI, MI reports on Balochistan killings
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By Nasir Iqbal
ISLAMABAD, Jan 27: The Supreme Court directed the Inter-Services Intelligence and the Military Intelligence on Friday to submit reports on senseless and indiscriminate killings in Balochistan.

The order was issued by a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Khilji Arif Hussain and Justice Tariq Parvez during the hearing of a petition about the breakdown of law and order in the province. It was filed by Hadi Shakeel, former president of the Balochistan High Court Bar Association...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/28/sc-seeks-isi-mi-reports-on-balochistan-killings.html

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Gilani says ready to go to prison if court so desires
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Monitoring Desk
DAVOS, Jan 27: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said here on Friday he would be ready to go to prison if the court so desired, giving a clear hint how far his government was prepared to go to defend President Asif Ali Zardari on the issue of immunity in Swiss cases.

In an interview to CNN on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, the prime minister dwelt upon the question of immunity...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/28/gilani-says-ready-to-go-to-prison-if-court-so-desires.html

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Fresh hike in petrol price proposed
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By Khaleeq Kiani
ISLAMABAD, Jan 27: Prices of petroleum products are likely to be increased by Rs3-6 per litre on Jan 31 in line with a rising trend in the international market.

An official said here on Friday that tension between the United States and Iran had led to heavy buying by China and Japan for enhancing stocks, resulting in a high demand and increase in prices...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/28/islamabad-jan-27-prices-of-petroleum-products-are-likely-to-be-increased-by-rs3-6-per-litre-on-jan-31-in-line-with-a-rising-trend-in-the-international-market.html

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Volley of rockets fired at Kakul academy
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By Rashid Javed
ABBOTTABAD, Jan 27: In an attack evoking the swoop by US commandos on the Abbottabad compound of Osama bin Laden, unknown miscreants fired a volley of rockets at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), Kakul, on Friday.

A total of nine rockets were fired at the country's premier military academy from Khola Dehri at around 3:20am...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/28/volley-of-rockets-fired-at-kakul-academy.html

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Khurram says petitioners threatened him
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By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD, Jan 27: Mian Khurram Rasool, a high-profile suspect in a case of swindle who finds himself in a soup for allegedly involving the Prime Minister's Office as partner in crime, on Friday appeared before the Supreme Court and blamed his detractors for his predicament.

"They (petitioners) are very dangerous people who forced me to remain underground for almost eleven months through intimidation and threats," claimed Mian Rasool before a three-judge Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/28/khurram-says-petitioners-threatened-him.html

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Zardari says PPP will prevail despite plots
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By Shamim-ur-Rahman
KARACHI, Jan 27: President Asif Ali Zardari said on Friday that the PPP-led government would change the destiny of the country if it was allowed to complete its term and if bureaucracy cooperated with it.

Launching the poverty alleviation programme, Waseela-i-Haq, at the Bilawal House here, he said his government had foiled conspiracies against the democratic dispensation, adding that the PPP would contest elections with the aim of serving the people...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/28/zardari-says-ppp-will-prevail-despite-plots.html

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By-elections rescheduled to Feb 25
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By Ahmad Hassan
ISLAMABAD, Jan 27: The Election Commission rescheduled on Friday by-elections on 10 seats of the national and provincial assemblies to Feb 25. The date earlier set by the commission was Feb 20.

By-elections will be held on six seats of the National Assembly and four of provincial assemblies in Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Two provincial assembly seats on which elections were earlier scheduled for Feb 15 and Feb 6 will also be held on Fen 25...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/28/by-elections-rescheduled-to-feb-25.html

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Senators question creation of ministries
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By Iftikhar A. Khan
ISLAMABAD, Jan 27: Senators questioned on Friday the creation of new ministries in the post-devolution scenario, with Mian Raza Rabbani, chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, terming it a clear violation of the Constitution.

Speaking on a point of order in the Senate, Mr Rabbani said he had informed Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani of his viewpoint that the steps were against the spirit of the 18th Amendment and the Constitution...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/28/senators-question-creation-of-ministries.html

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US says Pakistan not sidelined in Afghan talks
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By Anwar Iqbal
WASHINGTON, Jan 27: Pakistan has a very important role to play in the Afghan reconciliation process, says the US State Department, rejecting suggestion that the Obama administration's new initiative to directly engage the Taliban militants has sidelined Islamabad.

The State Department also confirmed that a top US diplomat held a number of meetings in Qatar last week on the reconciliation process but stopped short of naming the Taliban as the group he had met...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/28/us-says-pakistan-not-sidelined-in-afghan-talks.html

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Carbon credit claims in jeopardy
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By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD, Jan 27: With Pakistan's efforts to claim carbon credits on clean energy projects from the United Nations in initial stages, the Three Gorges Dam Company of China and a consortium of Japanese and Australian companies have become embroiled in a dispute over consultancy services to secure international awards for 1,100MW Kohala Hydropower Project (KHP) in Azad Kashmir.

If unresolved, the dispute could cause a major setback to Pakistan's efforts to earn international recognition and clean energy credit benefits following a government decision to build the $2.5 billion project through CWE of China, a subsidiary of the Three Gorges Dam Company...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/28/carbon-credit-claims-in-jeopardy.html

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Disapproval of US leaders soared to 85pc in Pakistan
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By Our Correspondent
WASHINGTON, Jan 27 A Gallup report, which reviews all surveys carried out by the prime opinion survey group of the US, of Pakistani public opinion in 2011, notes that the disapproval of US leadership in Pakistan soared to an all-time high of 85 per cent last year, dashing "hopes for achieving some normalcy between the nations". But data collected later revived "some hopes", because a sizable number of Pakistanis, 43 per cent, believe it is very important for Western and Muslim societies to get along.

Pakistan's relations with the US remain on hold as the country continues to re-evaluate ties after a Nov 26 Nato air strikes killed 24 Pakistani soldiers in two security posts inside Pakistan...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/28/disapproval-of-us-leaders-soared-to-85pc-in-pakistan.html

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Swat family got back seized land, SC told
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By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD, Jan 27: A petition filed by a man from Swat whose family was displaced by army operation and whose farmland was taken over by the authorities was disposed of by the Supreme Court on Friday after the judges made sure that the legal heirs of the petitioner had taken possession of the property.

"For the reason that possession of the property has been taken over by the petitioners — a fact confirmed by petitioner's counsel Sanaullah Zahid and the Additional Advocate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Syed Arshad H, Shah, no further action is called for," a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry observed...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/28/swat-family-got-back-seized-land-sc-told.html

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MQM chief lashes out at nationalists
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By Waseem Shamsi
SUKKUR, Jan 27: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has called upon the Urdu- and Sindhi-speaking people of Sindh to respect each other and promote love and tolerance to defeat the designs of what he termed 'so-called nationalists'.

Addressing on phone from London a large public meeting here on Friday, he said the MQM followed the teachings of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai whereas the nationalists were playing an evil game to widen the divide between the two communities to promote their vested interests...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/28/mqm-chief-lashes-out-at-nationalists.html

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Karachi Stocks Up 97.08Points:
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KARACHI, Jan 27: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 11981.00, up 97.08 points.
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Forex Update:
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KARACHI, Jan 27: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at 90.5 to the US Dollar in the open market.
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Dunya TV

2012-01-28T08:14:00.001+05:00

Dunya TV

Australia seal India series whitewash
Government dont want to control anybody: Gilani
Embezzlement in repair of railway locomotives unearthed
Two shot dead in Karachi
Karachi: More than 70 mortar shells recovered
British soldier killed in Afghanistan attack: ministry
US not seeking military bases in SE Asia
Muslims call for NYPD chief to resign over movie
Gunmen kill 15, burn bodies in northern Nigeria
NZ declares at 495-7 against Zimbabwe
Djokovic edges Murray, sets up final vs Nadal
Woods, McIlroy in the hunt in Abu Dhabi
Coe, government back lifetime Olympic doping ban
Football: Jemaa seals 2-1 victory for Tunisia over Niger
Pakistan keen to move towards FTA with Thailand: Gilani

Australia seal India series whitewash

Posted:

Australia completed a 298-run win over India in the fourth and final cricket Test at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday. India resumed on 166-6 needing to bat out an unlikely draw, but Australia took just 58 minutes to mop up the rest of the Indian batting as the tourists were bowled out for 201. Australia scored a match-controlling 604-7 declared and then dismissed India for 272. Then refusing to enfore the follow-on, Australia batted again and set India 500 runs for victory. The highest winning chase at the Adelaide Oval is Australia s 315 against England in 1902, while India s highest-ever run hunt was 406 against the West Indies in Trinidad in 1976. But the beleaguered tourists never got close and crashed to 166 for six by stumps leaving the final day s outcome as a formality under sunny skies. Nigtwatchman Ishant Sharma was out on the eighth ball of the last day, caught behind off Ryan Harris for two and he was followed in the next over by Wriddhiman Saha also caught behind off Siddle for three. Zaheer Khan hit out lustily for three fours before he was caught by David Warner at short cover off Hilfenhaus for 15. The final wicket came when Umesh Yadav (1) was caught behind by Haddin for spinner Nathan Lyon s fourth wicket of the innings. Ravi Ashwin remained 15 not out. Siddle was announced man-of-the-match with six wickets.

Government dont want to control anybody: Gilani

Posted:

Pakistan knows the importance of the United States and wants to "maintain very good relations," Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on the sidelines of the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Friday (January 27). "We want to work together for a common objective, that is war on terrorism and extremism but at the same time, we want that it should be on mutual respect and mutual interest," Gilani said. The prime minister said he wanted the US to realise that "as a partner with the United States, we have paid a huge price and the world should understand." Pakistan s military on Monday rejected U.S. findings on a November 26 NATO cross-border air attack that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers, reducing the chances of a resolution of the dispute and an improvement in ties which are at their lowest in years. The death of the Pakistani soldiers dug in along the mountainous, isolated border area, along with the initial NATO response, has incensed Pakistanis and marked yet another setback in the Obama administration s efforts to improve chronically troubled ties with an uneasy ally. Gilani was attending the WEF s annual meeting in Davos just days after Pakistan s Supreme Court adjourned a contempt hearing for the prime minister which is adding to growing pressure on the unpopular civilian government. Gilani was in court to explain why he should not be charged with contempt for failing to re-open old corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari. The government maintains Zardari has presidential immunity. Pakistan s government also faces pressure from the military over a mysterious memo seeking US help to avert an alleged planned coup last year. Asked how Gilani planned to bring the military under control in his country, he said "we don t want to bring somebody under control or not to bring somebody under control. We should all work under the constitution."

Embezzlement in repair of railway locomotives unearthed

Posted:

According to sources, a plan to repair 36 out of work locomotives was initiated in 2007 with a cost of 1.6 billion rupees. The said locomotives were repaired in two years time and were made operational with a guarantee that the engines will work smoothly for four to five years. However, 13 of the repaired locomotives went out of order within few weeks and the remaining engines also developed faults. An inquiry revealed corruption of hundreds of millions of rupees and use of inferior material in repair work was also detected. The Railway Ministry has handed over the case to NAB for further investigation.

Two shot dead in Karachi

Posted:

According to details, some unidentified persons opened fire on three youth sitting outside an office of a private campany, killing one youth on the spot while the other died after reaching hospital. Panic gripped the area after the incident. Earlier, some unidentified miscreants opened fire on Rashid Minhas Road and also set ablaze a mini bus. The fire brigade brought the fire under control after a hectic effort. Heavy contingent of Rangers and police reach the spot and brought the situation under control.

Karachi: More than 70 mortar shells recovered

Posted:

According to details, police recovered large quantity of ammunition during a raid in KMC Ground located in Pak Colony. Bomb disposal squad was called in to diffuse the mortar shells. According to police, dozens of gunny bags full of cartridges were recovered during the raid. The police were of the view that the ammunition was meant for terrorist activities in the city. Police have cordoned off the area, however, no arrest was made during the raid.

British soldier killed in Afghanistan attack: ministry

Posted:

A British soldier was shot dead Friday in an insurgent attack in Afghanistan, becoming the 397th serviceperson to die since the military mission there started in 2001, the defence ministry said. The soldier from the 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment was killed during a foot patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj district in Helmand Province, Task Force Helmand spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Mackenzie said. His next of kin have been informed, the ministry said in a statement. Of the 397 British troops who have died in Afghanistan in the past 11 years, 352 were killed in combat. Britain has some 9,500 troops in Afghanistan, mainly based in Helmand where they are battling a Taliban insurgency. Britain intends to pull out all its combat troops by 2015.

US not seeking military bases in SE Asia

Posted:

The United States wants a greater military presence in Southeast Asia but does not seek permanent bases anywhere in the region, the chief of the Pacific Command said Friday. Despite impending budget cuts, the U.S. wants to reinforce its presence in the Asia-Pacific, as its involvement in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan winds down. That reflects the region s growing economic importance and concern about China s military capabilities and intentions. Adm. said U.S. forces heavily deployed in Japan and South Korea are now "biased" toward Northeast Asia. He said arrangements announced in recent months to station American troops in northern Australia and dock Navy vessels in Singapore would enable the U.S. to rotate forces through Southeast Asia more easily, and without the cost of sustaining bases there. He indicated the U.S. was seeking something similar with the Philippines. "We would welcome discussions with the Philippines along those lines but there s no aspirations for bases in Southeast Asia," Willard told a news conference. In Washington Friday, senior U.S. and Philippine diplomats and defense officials were rounding off two days of strategic talks on how they can enhance military cooperation. Both sides have been at pains to say re-establishing the kind of permanent American base that was closed in the Philippines 20 years ago is not on the cards. But in Manila, Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario said in a statement the Philippines was considering more joint military exercises with the U.S. and "a rotating and more frequent presence by them." The Philippines also wants more training and American military hardware: an additional U.S. Coast Guard cutter, a squadron of F-16 fighter jets and other weapons to bolster its territorial defense.

Muslims call for NYPD chief to resign over movie

Posted:

Muslim groups are calling for New York s police commissioner to step down because of his appearance in a film they say puts their religion and its adherents in a bad light. About 20 activists held a news conference on the steps of City Hall on Thursday and criticized Ray Kelly for giving an interview to the producers of the movie "The Third Jihad." The movie uses dramatic footage to warn against the dangers of radical Islam and shariah, or Islamic law. Muslim groups say it encourages Americans to be suspicious of all Muslims. "Terrorism is an evil that must be eliminated, but one cannot fight wrong with wrong," said Talib Abdur-Rashid, a Muslim cleric. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Thursday he stood by Kelly and the commissioner s spokesman, Paul Browne. Activists had also demanded Browne s resignation. However, the mayor said Kelly would have to redouble his outreach efforts to Muslims. "Anything like this doesn t help credibility, so Ray s got to work at establishing, re-establishing or reinforcing the credibility that he does have," Bloomberg said. Kelly appears for about 30 seconds of the 72-minute movie, which was made by the conservative Clarion Fund. He originally said he was not involved but on Wednesday acknowledged he had given a 90-minute interview to the filmmakers in 2007. Browne had initially forgotten details of Kelly s involvement in the film until asked about it again this week. "This goes back five years," he said. "There s some suggestion that,  Gee, I suddenly remembered.  I didn t suddenly remember I went through five years of emails to try and figure out did I get request by this guy who s connected with the foundation." The movie was later shown to police trainees. The police department said it was played in a continuous loop in the sign-in area of counterterrorism training sessions between October and December 2010. As many as 1,489 trainees may have seen the movie, according to documents released under New York s public records law. Kelly apologized Wednesday for his appearance and for the playing of the movie.

Gunmen kill 15, burn bodies in northern Nigeria

Posted:

Gunmen have killed 15 village traders returning from a market at night and set their bodies ablaze in northern Nigeria s Zamfara state, a local police chief said on Friday. "Gunmen, suspected to be armed robbers, attacked some local traders on their way back from a market in neighbouring Katsina state late Thursday," Zamfara state police commissioner Tambrai Yabo told AFP. "The armed robbers waylaid the traders travelling back in an open truck and opened fire on them. They then loaded the truck with 14 bodies and burnt them," said Yabo, adding that a 15th victim had died in hospital. Villagers said around 100 robbers came out of the bush and forced the truck to stop. The attack ocurred near a village that is close to the town of Birnin Magaji in Zamfara state, which borders Niger. Armed robberies have been on the rise in Zamfara in recent months. In October, marauding bandits combed a village in Lingyado and killed 19 people in response to an attack on a gang of robbers by local vigilantes, residents said. In December, four policemen and two children from one family were killed by armed men in Dansadau village. Zamfara is around 350 kilometres west of Kano city, where Islamist sect Boko Haram killed 185 people in a wave of gun and bomb attacks a week ago.

NZ declares at 495-7 against Zimbabwe

Posted:

B.J. Watling reached a maiden test century on Saturday before New Zealand declared its first innings at 495 for seven on the third day of its one-off test against Zimbabwe. In his seventh test and first as wicketkeeper, Watling became the fifth New Zealand gloveman to post a test century when he took his overnight score from 52 to 102 before the declaration just before drinks in the morning session. New Zealand resumed at 392-5 after only 15.2 overs were bowled on the rain-affected second day and added 103 runs in 18.2 overs before declaring. Watling was 94 when he received a message that New Zealand would declare at the end of the current over. He hit a four, then survived a run out to reach his century from 148 balls. Meanwhile, New Zealand captain Ross Taylor was Saturday ruled out of the remainder of the Zimbabwe series by a calf strain which forced him to retire hurt on 122 in the first innings of the Test. Taylor was attempting a quick single early Friday as he built on his sixth Test century when he tore his right calf and was forced to hobble from the field. Following hospital treatment, he said he would be sidelined for three to four weeks. New Zealand are playing one Test, three one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches against Zimbabwe before hosting South Africa from February 19. "While it is early days, our target is to have Ross available for the one day series against South Africa in late February," New Zealand physiotherapist Paul Close said. Meanwhile, a full day s play was expected in Napier Saturday after much of Friday was washed out by rain.

Djokovic edges Murray, sets up final vs Nadal

Posted:

Defending champion Novak Djokovic moved into an Australian Open final against Rafael Nadal after struggling past Andy Murray in a five-set, almost five-hour semifinal late Friday night. Despite appearing tired and sore from the second set on, Djokovic rallied to beat Murray 6-3, 3-6, 6-7 (4), 6-1, 7-5 in a rematch of the 2011 final at Melbourne Park to reach his third consecutive Grand Slam final. After wasting a chance to serve out the match at 5-3 in the fifth and letting Murray back into the contest, Djokovic cashed in his first match point when the Scottish player missed a forehand after four hours, 50 minutes. Djokovic dropped onto his back, fully laid out on the court. He got up and shook hands with Murray, before jogging back out onto the court like a boxer, dropping to his knees and crossing himself. It was already after 12:30 a.m. Saturday when he got up again and pumped his arms triumphantly. "Andy deserves the credit to come back from 2-5 down. He was fighting. I was fighting," Djokovic said. "Not many words that can describe the feeling of the match. "Evidently it was a physical match ... it was one of the best matches I played. Emotionally and mentally it was equally hard." It was a bitter setback for Murray, who lost the previous two Australian finals. Djokovic finished last year at No. 1 after winning three of the four majors, including a straight-sets win over Murray in the Australian final. His only loss at a Grand Slam in 2011 was against Roger Federer in the French Open semifinals. He is now aiming to be only the fifth man in the Open Era started in 1968 to win three straight majors. His 70-6 win-loss record in 2011 included six wins over Nadal all in finals. Nadal, the 2009 Australian Open winner, beat four-time champion Federer in Thursday s semifinal and has an extra day to prepare for Sunday night s final.

Woods, McIlroy in the hunt in Abu Dhabi

Posted:

As Tiger Woods finished the second round within two shots of the lead at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, rivals relished seeing signs of the Woods of old on Friday. He finished with a 3-under 69 to be 5 under for the tournament and tied for fourth, two shots back of surprise Danish leader Thorbjorn Olesen (67). Woods started slowly and came to life on the back nine, hitting three birdies over five holes. He dropped a shot on the 16th after an errant drive landed in deep rough, one of his two bogeys on the day. Still, playing partners Rory McIlroy (72) and Luke Donald (72) enjoyed watching up close Woods  threatening short game and his renowned ability to shape even the most difficult of shots. "He s definitely got the ball under control. He seems comfortable. He s only had a couple of bogeys in two days," McIlroy said. "He s not making many mistakes and he s very consistent, his ball flight looks good. Really looking forward to battling over the weekend." After saving par on 18, Woods expressed satisfaction with his round. "I made a couple putts here and there but it was tough out there," he said. "The greens got a little quicker, a little bit drier and the rough is certainly getting deeper and more lush." Olesen, a runner-up three times in his rookie season last year, led at 7 under by one shot over 18-year-old Italian Matteo Manassero (65) and Northern Ireland s Gareth Maybin (70). Woods was another shot back with six others, including McIlroy and Robert Karlsson of Sweden (72). McIlroy incurred a two-shot penalty for brushing away sand in front of his ball which sat on the fringe of the 9th. A group of five were at 4 under, including Sergio Garcia (69), Padraig Harrington (69), and Charl Schwartzel (70). The top-ranked Donald (72) struggled with his drives and stood at 1 under, six shots back. No. 3-ranked Lee Westwood (72) was par for the tournament, surviving the cut by two strokes. Not so fortunate was fourth-ranked Martin Kaymer (73), the three-time winner and defending champion. At 6 over he missed the cut, along with British Open winner Darren Clark (81), Colin Montgomerie (76), and Branden Grace (73), winner of the Joburg Open and Volvo Champions in the last two weeks.

Coe, government back lifetime Olympic doping ban

Posted:

The British government and Olympic great Sebastian Coe are backing the national Olympic body s fight to keep a lifetime ban for drug cheats. Coe, the two-time 1,500-meter champion who heads the organizing committee for the 2012 London Games, and Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson said Friday they have written letters supporting the British Olympic Association s hardline doping rule. The letters were sent to the Court of Arbitration for Sport ahead of a hearing in London on March 12. The BOA is challenging a decision by the World Anti-Doping Agency, which ruled in November that the lifetime ban was "noncompliant" with the global code and amounts to a second sanction. The BOA contends the rule, which has been in place since 1992, is a matter of eligibility.

Football: Jemaa seals 2-1 victory for Tunisia over Niger

Posted:

Issam Jemaa scored a 90th-minute winner to send former champion Tunisia to the brink of qualifying for the African Cup of Nations quarterfinals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over tournament debutant Niger. The substitute stepped inside two defenders and hammered a left-footed shot into the net to finally shake off Niger s committed challenge in the Group C game at Stade de l Amitie. Youssef Mzakni s second goal in two games put Tunisia ahead in the fourth minute and apparently on course for a straightforward victory, but Ngounou Tonji equalized five minutes later. Niger had the Tunisians rattled for the rest of the first half, hitting the post and missing a string of chances before Tunisia found its composure in the second.

Pakistan keen to move towards FTA with Thailand: Gilani

Posted:

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said Pakistan was keen to move towards a Free Trade Agreement with Thailand and stressed focused talks for increased bilateral trade between the two countries. Talking to Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, in Davos on the margins of the World Economic Forum meeting, Gilani said the trade between the two countries was increasing progressively and had touched US one billion dollars. He said there was a huge potential to increase it further. Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar while briefing media persons said Pakistan and Thailand had agreed to initiate a process towards an FTA in 2005. She said Thailand was keen to move forward and said the two sides agreed on activating the Joint Economic Commission at the earliest. She said the meeting of the JEC that has not been held for a long time now, would cover economic, trade and investment relations between the two countries and encourage business-to-business partnership.

DINA for the issue of January 27, 2012

2012-01-27T09:56:00.000+05:00

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D A W N I n t e r n e t N e w s A l e r t
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January 27, 2012 Friday Rabi-ul-Awwal 3, 1433
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The DAWN Internet News Alert (DINA) is a free daily news-service
from Pakistan's largest English language newspaper, the Daily
DAWN.

We encourage comments & suggestions. We can be reached at:

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(c) Pakistan Herald Publications (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan - 2012

The link at the end of each extract can be used to access the
complete story on DAWN - the Internet Edition.

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Gilani trashes perception of 'creeping coup'
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Monitoring Desk
DAVOS, Jan 26: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani rejected on Thursday a suggestion that democracy was under threat and a 'creeping coup' was taking place in Pakistan, asserting that the parliament, the civil society, media, intelligentsia and, above all, the nation wanted democracy to continue.

In an interview to the BBC's Nik Gowing at the World Economic Forum, Mr Gilani spoke on a wide range of issues being faced by the country...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/27/interview-in-davos-gilani-trashes-perception-of-creeping-coup.html

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Lawyers condemn Karachi killings
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Dawn Report
KARACHI, Jan 26: As lawyers boycotted courts and held protest meetings across the country on Thursday against the murder of three lawyers in Karachi the previous day, Sindh High Court Chief Justice Mushir Alam said the judiciary had to play an active role if other institutions failed to perform their functions.

It was the responsibility of the law-enforcement agencies to protect the life and property of every citizen, he said while addressing the general body meeting of the SHC Bar Association...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/27/lawyers-condemn-karachi-killings.html

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US wants Pakistan to drop IP project
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By Anwar Iqbal
WASHINGTON, Jan 26: The United States is working with Pakistan to help it deal with the consequences if it agrees to abandon the Iran pipeline project, says the US State Department.

"Pakistan is one of the countries that we're working with, primarily from the US Embassy" in Islamabad, the department's spokesperson Victoria Nuland told a briefing in Washington when asked if the United States was also urging Pakistan not to buy gas from Iran...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/27/us-wants-pakistan-to-drop-ip-project.html

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Attack on FC post near Sui claims six lives
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By Saleem Shahid
QUETTA: Gunmen killed five soldiers in a pre-dawn attack on a checkpost of the Frontier Corps in Dera Bugti district on Thursday.

The banned Baloch Republican Army claimed responsibility for the attack and said its men had taken away an FC man, along with weapons...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/27/attack-on-fc-post-near-sui-claims-six-lives.html

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Iranian forces kill six Pakistanis
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By Our Staff Correspondent
QUETTA, Jan 26: Iranian security forces shot dead six Pakistanis and injured two others on their side of the border near Gwadar on Thursday.

"Six Pakistanis were killed in the Chah-Bahar area inside Iran in firing by Iranian forces," Deputy Commissioner, Gwadar, Abdul Rehman Dashti told Dawn...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/27/iranian-forces-kill-six-pakistanis.html

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Nisar calls for consensus on new CEC
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By Ahmad Hassan
ISLAMABAD, Jan 26; Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said here on Thursday the Pakistan Muslim League-N would not support the 20th Amendment unless the government came up with a bill relating to the tenure of members of the Election Commission and reached an agreement with opposition parties on the appointment of a new chief election commissioner.

The 20th Amendment bill has been moved by the government to give constitutional cover to by-elections conducted by the CEC under an incomplete Election Commission. The Supreme Court told the government last week that if the amendment was not adopted by Feb 6, election of 29 MNAs and MPAs might be declared illegal...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/27/nisar-calls-for-consensus-on-new-cec.html

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Gilani's ex-aide Khurram Rasool gets jail term
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Dawn Report
RAWALPINDI / LAHORE, Jan 26: An accountability court in Rawalpindi sentenced Mian Khurram Rasool, former media coordinator to the prime minister, to four-year imprisonment on Thursday and declared him an absconder in a Rs71 million bank fraud case.

However, a special court for banking offences in Lahore granted him interim bail hours after a division bench of the Lahore High Court had denied him protective bail for not appearing before the court...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/27/gilanis-ex-aide-khurram-rasool-gets-jail-term.html

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Sanctions not to affect plan for Iran gas: FO
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By Iftikhar A. Khan
ISLAMABAD, Jan 26: Pakistan made it clear on Thursday that US sanctions against Iran would not affect its stance on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project

"There is no change in our stance and we are working to complete the project by 2014. We believe that this project is beyond the scope of relevant UN resolutions which we are obliged to comply with like all other UN member states," Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said at the weekly press briefing...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/27/sanctions-not-to-affect-plan-for-iran-gas-fo.html

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Political compulsions stopping govt from taking bold decisions on power sector
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By Khaleeq Kiani
ISLAMABAD, Jan 26: People in the government avoid talking about recovering the actual cost of electricity from consumers, not only because power rates will skyrocket but also because in that case consumers in Punjab will pay less than those in three other provinces and that may dent the popularity of the PPP and its coalition partners.

This was the crux of a background briefing to a group of economic journalists by a senior cabinet member who himself is not ready to discuss the issue in public...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/27/political-compulsions-stopping-govt-from-taking-bold-decisions-on-power-sector.html

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Punjab govt moves against buses found unfit for roads
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By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD, Jan 26: Punjab government cancelled roadworthiness certificates of 4,826 substandard buses after a stringent vehicle inspection drive launched in the wake of an accident that claimed the lives of 35 schoolchildren in Kallar Kahar last year, according to its prosecutor general. The faulty vehicles have been taken off the road.

The provincial government launched the inspection campaign under the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1960 on the order of Supreme Court that had taken suo motu notice of the Sept 27 accident, in which a bus carrying 105 schoolchildren, three teachers, headmaster and a servant skidded off the Motorway and fell into a ditch, killing 38 people. The 35 children who died belonged to Millat Grammar School, Faisalabad...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/27/punjab-govt-moves-against-buses-found-unfit-for-roads.html

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PCNS issues fresh summons for Ijaz
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By Ahmad Hassan
ISLAMABAD, Jan 26: The parliamentary panel investigating the memo scandal issued fresh summons on Thursday against American businessman Mansoor Ijaz, the central figure in the case, for Feb 10.

After hearing Attorney General Maulvi Anwarul Haq, the 17-member Parliamentary Committee on National Security expressed satisfaction at arrangements made by the government to protect Mr Ijaz in the country...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/27/pcns-issues-fresh-summons-for-ijaz.html

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President, PM felicitate India
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ISLAMABAD, Jan 26: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani felicitated India on its Republic Day on Thursday.

In a letter to his Indian counterpart Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President Zardari said: "On the occasion of the Republic Day of India, I wish to convey to Your Excellency and the people of India warm felicitations and good wishes of the people of Pakistan. I am confident that our two countries would continue to endeavour to develop friendly, good neighbourly and cooperative relations. We wish the people of India progress and prosperity. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration."..

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/27/president-pm-felicitate-india.html

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Trapped miners yet to be rescued
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By Our Correspondent
ABBOTTABAD, Jan 26: Fourteen workers trapped for over 30 hours in a mine in Batkanala village near Tarnawai, some 28km from here, could not be rescued till late Thursday night.

The phosphate mine collapsed on Wednesday night after a rockslide near its entrance...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/27/trapped-miners-yet-to-be-rescued.html

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Karachi Stocks Down 73.82 Points:
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KARACHI, Jan 26: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 11875.93, down 73.82 points.
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Forex Update:
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KARACHI, Jan 26: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at 90.6 to the US Dollar in the open market.
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Dunya TV

2012-01-27T08:14:00.001+05:00

Dunya TV

Australian PM stumbles before angry protesters
Arab League to take Syria to UN
Pak forex reserves fall to $16.80b
Euro remained under pressure in Asia
Samsung earns $4.72 billion in 4th Q
Creditors should waive part of Greek debts: Juncker
Abbottabad: 3 bodies of phosphate mine victims recovered
Lahore: CIA police arrests suspected terrorist
Scientists discover river running under Antarcticas ice
MQM to hold rally in Sukkur today
Abbottabad: Rockets fired near PMA
Pentagon proposes 13pc cut in Army size
Italy ink pact for aid to Afghanistan
Egypt flays travel ban on US NGO workers
Khurram Rasool surrenders himself to FIA

Australian PM stumbles before angry protesters

Posted:

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard stumbled and was caught by a security guard as riot police helped her force a path through a crowd of rowdy protesters following a ceremony to mark Australia s national day Thursday. She appeared distressed as she was pulled away from the protesters but was unharmed. She later remarked that she was made of "pretty tough stuff" and commended police for their actions. Some 200 supporters of indigenous rights had surrounded a Canberra restaurant and banged its windows while Gillard and opposition leader Tony Abbott were inside officiating at an award ceremony. Around 50 police escorted the political leaders from a side door to a car. Gillard stumbled, losing a shoe. Her personal security guard wrapped his arms around her and supported her to the waiting car, shielding her from the angry crowd. The protesters had been demonstrating for indigenous rights nearby at the so-called Aboriginal Tent Embassy, a ramshackle collection of tents and temporary shelters in the national capital that is a center point of protests against Australia Day. Australia Day marks the arrival of the first fleet of British colonists in Sydney on Jan. 26, 1788. Many Aborigines call it Invasion Day because the land was settled without a treaty with traditional owners. Abbott appeared to be the target of protesters, who chanted "shame" and "racist" outside the restaurant. The Tent Embassy celebrated its 40th anniversary on Thursday. Abbott had earlier angered indigenous activists by saying it was time the embassy "moved on." Gillard was unharmed and later hosted another Australia Day function for foreign ambassadors at her official residence. "The only thing that angers me is that it distracted from such a wonderful event," Gillard told reporters. "I am made of pretty tough stuff and the police did a great job," she added. Reaction from protesters afterward was mixed, with some saying police assaulted them and that Gillard and Abbott were never in danger. They also made conflicting claims over who had Gillard s shoe.

Arab League to take Syria to UN

Posted:

Activists said almost 50 people were killed in unrest on Thursday, including 10 children. UN human rights chief Navi Pillay said the United Nations could not keep track of the death toll in Syria s crackdown on dissent that has already cost more than 5,400 lives. At the Cairo-based Arab League, the organisation s chief Nabil al-Arabi said he and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al-Thani were to head to New York on Saturday to seek support for an Arab plan on Syria. They are to "hold a meeting with the UN Security Council on Monday to seek ratification of the Arab League decision on Syria," for embattled President Bashar al-Assad to hand power to his deputy, Arabi said. Arab League ministers on Sunday urged Assad to delegate powers to his vice president and clear the way for a national unity government within two months, a plan which Damascus has ruled out as interference in its internal affairs. On Thursday, there was no let-up in violence on the ground. "The toll for the day has risen to 34 civilians killed by the security forces in several regions of Syria, mostly in Homs," said the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Separately, seven deserters and eight regular soldiers died in clashes, according to the rights group, among them a colonel killed in Homs, a protest hub in central Syria. The Observatory said the army launched an offensive on Thursday evening in the Karm al-Zeitoun district of Homs, killing 26 civilians, including nine children, and wounding dozens. And in the rebel city of Hama, also in central Syria, where the army launched a major assault on Tuesday, four civilians were killed, including a 58-year-old woman shot dead by snipers, it said. Elsewhere, one civilian reportedly died in the restive northwestern province of Idlib, and two others were killed in the suburbs of Damascus. In the southern province of Daraa, cradle of the uprising, a teenager was killed when security forces fired indiscriminately on a student demonstration in the town of Nawa, the Observatory said. Just north of Damascus, security forces attacked the town of Douma, another hotbed of anti-regime protests that activists say was in the hands of rebel troops last week before a withdrawal.

Pak forex reserves fall to $16.80b

Posted:

Reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) fell to $12.55 billion from $12.69 billion a week earlier, while those held by commercial banks rose to $4.25 billion, compared with $4.21 billion the previous week. Foreign exchange reserves hit a record $18.31 billion in the week ending July 30 last year, but have since eased due to debt repayments. Reserves were boosted in June last year by inflows of $411 million, including a $191.9 million loan from the World Bank, and a $196.8 million loan from the Asian Development Bank. Higher export proceeds and a record inflow of remittances have also helped support Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves. According to official data, remittances rose 19.6 per cent to $6.33 billion in the first half of the fiscal year (July-June), compared with $5.29 billion in the same period a year earlier. Islamabad has to start repaying an $8 billion International Monetary Fund loan in early 2012. Without additional sources of revenue, that will put further pressure on Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves.

Euro remained under pressure in Asia

Posted:

The single currency fetched $1.3096 and 101.40 yen in Tokyo morning trade, marginally down from $1.3104 and 101.48 in New York late Thursday. The dollar was at 77.40 yen, almost unchanged from New York. Market attention was shifting back to ongoing Greek debt talks from Wednesday s interest rate projections by the US Federal Reserve, said Sumino Kamei, senior analyst at Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ. The focus will be on a European Union summit meeting in Brussels on Monday and whether or not any progress will be made by then, she told Dow Jones Newswires. "With uncertainty over the future of the European sovereign debt crisis, the euro will continue to fall," she said. Greece resumed talks Thursday with banks and insurers on an elusive deal for a major debt writedown to escape looming default. Prime Minister Lucas Papademos and Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos met with the private creditors  lead negotiators, Charles Dallara and Jean Lemierre, with the talks due to resume again on Friday. The private creditors said in a statement that "some progress was realised" in Thursday s discussions.

Samsung earns $4.72 billion in 4th Q

Posted:

South Korea s Samsung Electronics Friday posted a record operating profit of 5.3 trillion won ($4.72 billion) in the fourth quarter, thanks largely to booming smartphone sales. The company, the world s largest technology firm by revenue, is battling US giant Apple for leadership of the global smartphone market. It credited its flagship Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Note brands for helping its telecoms businesses achieve a record quarterly operating profit of 2.64 trillion won. "Despite intensified competition amid the global economic slowdown, our telecommunications businesses continued to post solid earnings with an enhanced line-up of high-end smartphones, resulting in higher average selling price," said senior vice-president Robert Yi in a statement. The overall quarterly operating profit figure, a 76 percent increase year-on-year, was largely in line with the earnings guidance issued early this month by the firm. Revenue in October-December was 47.3 trillion won, a 13 percent rise year-on-year. Net profit of four trillion won was up 17 percent on a year earlier. For the whole of last year the company logged a net profit of 13.7 trillion won, down 15 percent from the previous year. Revenue rose 6.7 percent to a record 165 trillion won and operating profit declined 6.05 percent to 16.2 trillion won. Samsung overtook Apple in the third quarter of last year to become the world s largest seller of smartphones, although it was unclear who held the lead in the fourth quarter.

Creditors should waive part of Greek debts: Juncker

Posted:

Greece s creditor countries should "waive a portion of the Greek debt", Jean-Claude Juncker, head of the Eurogroup of eurozone finance ministers, said Friday.  As Greece resumed talks with banks and insurers on an elusive deal for a major debt writedown to escape looming default, Juncker told Austria s Standard newspaper that countries should ask themselves "whether public aid may be needed".

Abbottabad: 3 bodies of phosphate mine victims recovered

Posted:

On Wednesday, a phosphate mine collapsed in Kalubandi area, killing 11 labourers and injuring seven others. Rescue teams have recovered only three bodies yet while efforts underway to recover others.

Lahore: CIA police arrests suspected terrorist

Posted:

According to CIA police, a terrorist identified as Mavia has been arrested form railway station His arrest was possible due to call trackers. Police has shifted him to an unidentified location and investigation is ongoing.

Scientists discover river running under Antarcticas ice

Posted:

The team set out to investigate the effects of global climate change deep in the ice covered Antarctic continent say they have discovered a surprising system of rivers beneath the frozen surface. The team of 17 specialists made their observations at the Union glacier just 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) from the South Pole along the 84th parallel far inside the interior of the Chilean Antarctic Territory. The investigators were studying the effects of global climate change in the interior of the southernmost continent which is almost completely covered in ice and glaciers. Though Antarctica has a varied topography including mountains and valleys and has been known to have massive lakes deep beneath the ice, the team of glaciologists and cryosphere specialists say finding running water in liquid form in the area they did was astonishing. "We re talking about an altitude of seven or 800 meters in the area we observed, with temperatures normally at 15 or 20 degrees [Celsius] below zero [5 or -5 degrees Fahrenheit]. Therefore finding running water is a special phenomenon," said exploration team member Ricardo Jana and Chilean Antarctic Institute Glaciologist and researcher for the Centre for Quarternary Fuego-Patagonia and Antarctic Studies. One of the Brazilian researchers, Jefferson Simoes, the director of Brazil s National Cryosphere Institute says they still need to study the origin of the rivers before drawing any conclusions. "With Antarctica s wind we have some doubts. It could be warming or it could be, as we have seen many times before, melted ice water," Simoes said. The team left an automated laboratory just 670 kilometres (415 miles) from the South Pole which continues to send them vital readings including temperature, carbon dioxide and other atmospheric readings in real-time.

MQM to hold rally in Sukkur today

Posted:

MQM Deputy Convener Dr Farroq Sattar visited the venue and checked the arrangements. People from all walks of life also visited the venue along with their families to witness the arrangements. MQM chief Altaf Hussain will also addressed the participants.

Abbottabad: Rockets fired near PMA

Posted:

As per details, rockets have been fired at the Pakistan Military Academy from Galyat Mountains, damaging the academy’s wall partially. Talking to Dunya News, District Officer Coordination Imtiaz Hussain shah said that the wall of the academy damaged partially due to rockets firing and fortunately no casualty has been reported. After the incident security forces cordoned off the area and launched search operation.

Pentagon proposes 13pc cut in Army size

Posted:

As the debt-ridden United States winds down a decade of war but vowed new investments to exert power in Asia and the Middle East. With pressure mounting to balance the US books, President Barack Obama s administration sought a nine percent cut in the 2013 budget compared with last year s request by retiring older ships and planes and pulling back two brigades from Europe. But the administration called for investment on new projects including a futuristic floating base for special operations and drones and assigning elite Brigade Combat Teams with language training to each region of the world. "We are at a strategic turning point after a decade of war and substantial growth in defense budgets," Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said as he unveiled a preview of the Defense Department s 2013 budget requests. Panetta vowed to maintain US power in the Middle East and Asia -- where China s growing military has concerned the United States and its allies -- including by modernizing submarines and funding a next-generation bomber. Panetta called for funding to station littoral combat ships in Singapore and patrol craft in Bahrain, part of the US strategy of forward-deploying its military to such small and strategically placed US allies. "The force we are building will retain a decisive technological edge, leverage the lessons of recent conflicts and stay ahead of the most lethal and disruptive threats of the future," Panetta told a news conference. The budget is far from a done deal. Panetta is hoping to ward off calls for steeper cuts backed by some members of his Democratic Party, while Republicans seeking to defeat Obama in November elections have resisted any cuts to the military and instead prefer reductions on social benefits at home. Panetta proposed a $613 billion budget for the year starting in October -- a $525 billion base spending plan and $88.4 billion for combat operations, primarily in Afghanistan. He said the base budget would rise to $567 billion by the 2017 fiscal year, by when the United States plans to withdraw most forces from Afghanistan. He proposed reducing the number of active US Army soldiers from 570,000 in 2010 to 490,000 by 2017 and cutting the Marines  strength from 202,000 to 182,000 over the same period. General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged that the proposals were "tough" and said he expected more cuts in the future as the Pentagon looks to meet a goal of saving $259 billion over five years. "The primary risks lie not in what we can do, but in how much we can do and how fast we can do it," Dempsey said. "As I have said before, we will face greater risks if we do not change from our previous approach." Among the most ambitious future projects, the budget would fund work on an "afloat forward staging base" -- a giant barge that can transport special operations or other forces at quick notice, reducing demands on aircraft carriers. Even with cuts, the US military remains far larger than those of other countries. China, which has the world s second largest military budget, said it was devoting 601.1 billion yuan ($91.1 billion) in 2011, although many foreign experts believe that the actual figure is higher. The United States has 285 ships and a goal of 313 in total, although the proposal calls for the early retirement of seven cruisers. Panetta also called for getting rid of six of the Air Force s 60 tactical air squadrons -- meaning about 120 planes -- along with one training squadron. As previously announced, the Pentagon plans to pull out two of four brigades from Europe -- for a total of more than 7,000 troops. The United States now has three brigades in Germany and one in Italy, although it has not decided which to withdraw. In one proposal that is especially sensitive, Panetta said that Obama would ask Congress to set up a commission to consider closure of military bases "with a goal of identifying additional savings and implementing them as soon as possible." Panetta promised to maintain military pay raises over the next two years that are in line with the private sector but warned of "more limited" increases afterward. He also called for increases in fees paid for health care, although he said the costs for retirees would remain below private sector plans.

Italy ink pact for aid to Afghanistan

Posted:

While Germany extended its military mission there for another year, developments that came as Afghan President Hamid Karzai began a tour of Europe with a stop in Rome. Italian Premier Mario Monti assured Karzai that "Italy will not abandon" his impoverished, conflict-scarred nation, where Taliban militants once thought defeated after the U.S.-led invasion in 2001 have roared back in recent years. The two men signed a long-term cooperation agreement that deals with a wide range of areas, including political, security, and economic, as well as efforts to counter the drug trade and establish the rule of law. While in Rome, Karzai also met with Marc Grossman, the U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, to discuss ongoing efforts to engage the Taliban in peace talks by having them open a representative office in Qatar, the State Department said in Washington. Grossman was wrapping up a tour of numerous countries, including Afghanistan and Qatar, to discuss the matter. Prior to traveling to Doha, he had met with Karzai at least two times in Kabul in the last week-and-a-half, spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said. The meeting in Rome "gave Ambassador Grossman an opportunity to debrief President Karzai on his meetings in Qatar and continue to work closely with the Afghan government on next steps in the reconciliation process," Nuland told reporters. She refused to say if he had seen any Taliban officials in Qatar but said his meetings in Doha focused on whether and when the group would open an office there. In Germany, parliament voted to extend the country s military mission in Afghanistan to next year, signing off on a plan that gradually reduces troop levels toward an eventual complete withdrawal. The plan sets a ceiling of 4,900 soldiers, reduced from the maximum 5,350 over the last year. By the end of January 2013, the government aims to get troop numbers down to 4,400. That s part of overall plans by the U.S. and other allies to withdraw combat troops and hand over responsibility for security to Afghan authorities by the end of 2014. The plan garnered cross-party support, with 424 voting for it, 107 against, and 38 abstaining. "It s positive that Parliament has supported our soldiers in Afghanistan with such a wide majority," German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said. "It is also important that this mission is responsibly and orderly carried out through the end." Germany also has promised its support for Afghanistan after troops leave in 2014. It hosted a conference in Bonn in December, where it was one of about 100 nations and international organizations, including the United Nations, which pledged political and financial long-term support for war-torn Afghanistan to keep it from falling back into chaos or becoming a safe haven for terrorists.

Egypt flays travel ban on US NGO workers

Posted:

The authorities slapped a travel ban on several US citizens working for non-governmental organisations, preventing them from leaving the country, officials said on Thursday. "We understand that a number of Americans working for NGOs, including the IRI, have been barred from travelling," US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy and Human Rights Michael Posner said in Cairo. The IRI is the International Republican Institute, whose Egypt director Sam LaHood -- the son of US Secretary for Transportation Ray LaHood -- was among those banned from travel, an Egyptian airport official said. The ban was issued following "the orders of the prosecutor general," the official told AFP. In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said she believed "four or five" Americans had been prevented from taking flights from the airport, although she added their passports had not been confiscated. Nuland told reporters she understood that the ban will last as long as it takes for the Egyptian authorities to complete a judicial process. "We are urging the government of Egypt to lift these restrictions immediately and allow folks to come home as soon as possible. And we are hopeful that this issue will be resolved in merest days," Nuland said. The move comes amid a crackdown on foreign-funded NGOs. It is likely to further strain relations between Egypt and the United States after prosecutors last month stormed the offices of groups including IRI as part of a probe into allegations of illegal funding from abroad. Nuland said the authorities have yet to return computers and other confiscated material, which she added are also subject to the ongoing judicial process. Posner said the United States was "gravely concerned that organisations like IRI and like NDI (the National Democratic Institute) and Freedom House which have long worked in this country and around the world, are not able to operate as they do in many places in the world."

Khurram Rasool surrenders himself to FIA

Posted:

Khurram Rasool has been convicted in the banking fraud case and Rawalpindi Accountability Court had sentenced Khurram Rasool to three years in jail on Thursday. On the other hand, a Banking Court had accepted his interim bail on same day. He has been convicted ex-parte for no appearance in the banking fraud case. Khurram was charged with embezzling Rs 710 million of a private bank. Earlier, the Lahore High Court had rejected the protective bail plea of PM’s former media coordinator on his non-presence in LPG quota fraud case. Two-member bench of Lahore High Court heard the petition and summoned NAB officials. During proceedings the NAB officials informed the court that Khurram Rasool is involved in Rs710 million LPG quota fraud. Khurram Rasool’s counsel prayed to court that his client feared security risk that is why he has never appeared in the court. In response the court while expressing dissatisfaction rejected the plea of protective bail by Khurram Rasool. Talking to the media, Khurram said that he has been receiving life threats from last year, therefore he went on missing. He said that his family was also facing threats and his children could not attend schools from last year due to threats. Khurram Rasool also rejected all the allegations leveled against him and said he had refunded all the amounts and he did not commit any crime. He showed confidence over judiciary and hoped justice.

DINA for the issue of January 26, 2012

2012-01-26T10:16:00.000+05:00

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D A W N I n t e r n e t N e w s A l e r t
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January 26, 2012 Thursday Rabi-ul-Awwal 2, 1433
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The DAWN Internet News Alert (DINA) is a free daily news-service
from Pakistan's largest English language newspaper, the Daily
DAWN.

We encourage comments & suggestions. We can be reached at:

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(c) Pakistan Herald Publications (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan - 2012

The link at the end of each extract can be used to access the
complete story on DAWN - the Internet Edition.

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Gilani retracts remarks against Kayani, Pasha
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By Khawar Ghumman
ISLAMABAD, Jan 25: In what was seen here as yet another backtracking, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Wednesday that his remarks about replies filed in the Supreme Court in the memo case were not against the army chief and the director general of ISI.

"The remarks were made in a different context," the prime minister said, adding that the remarks on that occasion had been made in a unique situation when things were overlapping and there was no clarity...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/26/move-to-mend-fences-gilani-retracts-remarks-against-kayani-pasha.html

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Fourteen of 29 trapped miners rescued
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Dawn Report
ABBOTTABAD/QUETTA, Jan 25: At least 29 workers were trapped inside two mines on Wednesday — 15 in Mach area of Balochistan and 14 in Tarnawai area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, 14 of them were later rescued.

Fourteen workers were trapped inside a mine when heavy rocks blocked its entrance in Batt Kanal village near Tarnawai area, about 30km from Abbottabad...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/26/14-of-29-trapped-miners-rescued.html

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SC summons AG and chiefs of army, ISI
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By Nasir Iqbal
ISLAMABAD, Jan 25: Overruling an office objection, the Supreme Court accepted on Wednesday a petition by a woman whose three sons had been picked up by intelligence personnel for their alleged role in the October 2009 attacks on the army GHQ and the ISI's Hamza Camp in Rawalpindi. She alleged that her sons and eight other people had been kept in illegal confinement since May 29, 2010, and four of them, including Abdus Saboor, died in mysterious circumstances.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, Justice Khilji Arif Hussain and Justice Tariq Parvez took up the appeal of Ms Ruhaifa through her counsel Tariq Asad and summoned Attorney General Maulvi Anwarul Haq, advocate general of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Inter-Services Intelligence Director General Lt-Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha, director general of Military Intelligence, the judge advocate general and the army commanding officer concerned...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/26/petition-on-deaths-in-custody-sc-summons-ag-and-chiefs-of-army-isi.html

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Three lawyers killed in Karachi sectarian attack
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By S. Raza Hassan
KARACHI, Jan 25: Three lawyers were shot dead and a fourth was wounded here on Wednesday in what appeared to be a targeted sectarian attack.

Gunmen sprayed the lawyers' car with bullets on Maulana Din Mohammad Wafai Road near Pakistan Chowk when they were going home from City Courts. One of the deceased was a senior lawyer and the others his son and nephew...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/26/three-lawyers-killed-in-karachi-sectarian-attack.html

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SC warns FIA chief
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ISLAMABAD, Jan 25: The Supreme Court warned the Director General of Federal Investigation Agency, Tehseen Anwar Shah, on Wednesday of contempt proceedings if he failed to arrest PTV's former adviser Mian Khurram Rasool by Friday.

The adviser is wanted in fraud cases but is being allegedly protected by top government officials...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/26/sc-warns-fia-chief.html

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100 cardiac patients have died: Shahbaz
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By Asif Chaudhry
LAHORE, Jan 25: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that reaction to suspected drugs has claimed lives of 100 cardiac patients at Punjab Institute of Cardiology so far, disputing his own health department's death toll of 72 on Wednesday.

Although the chief minister publicly revealed the death of 100 patients, the health department confirmed only 72 deaths on Wednesday, showing a wide gap in casualty figures between the two top authorities of the province...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/26/100-cardiac-patients-have-died-shahbaz.html

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Six troops, 18 militants die in Kurram
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By Our Correspondent
PARACHINAR, Jan 25: Security forces claimed on Wednesday to have captured a Taliban stronghold in central tehsil of Kurram. Eighteen militants and six soldiers died in the fighting for the area.

According to sources, the fighting broke out on Tuesday when security personnel launched a search operation in the Jogi area...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/26/six-troops-18-militants-die-in-kurram.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Zardari confers Benazir award on Suu Kyi
--------------------------------------------------------------
YANGON (Myanmar), Jan 25: President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Award for Democracy on Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday in recognition of her outstanding services for the cause of democracy.

The award was presented to Suu Kyi by Aseefa Bhutto Zardari at a ceremony held at the residence of the Myanmar leader. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and members of the visiting Pakistani delegation attended the ceremony...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/26/zardari-confers-benazir-award-on-suu-kyi.html

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Pakistan and India report progress on key pipeline
----------------------------------------------------------------
NEW DELHI, Jan 25: India and Pakistan said on Wednesday they were now closer to an agreement on a pipeline to import gas from Turkmenistan, signalling a further warming of economic ties between the two countries.

Turkmenistan has the world's fourth-largest gas reserves and energy-hungry India and Pakistan are both eager to tap this source through the pipeline that would run through the Central Asian nation's eastern neighbour, Afghanistan...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/26/pakistan-and-india-report-progress-on-key-pipeline.html

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N-talks: plea for balanced approach
----------------------------------------------------------------
ISLAMABAD, Jan 25: In its deliberations, Conference on Disarmament (CD) should take into account the security needs of all states, Foreign Office said on Wednesday.

Commenting on reports regarding the current impasse in talks on nuclear disarmament, spokesman for the Foreign Office said: "The CD should have a balanced approach and pursue all items on its agenda, taking into account the well-established principle of equal and undiminished security for all states."..

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/26/n-talks-plea-for-balanced-approach.html

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Karachi Stocks Down 41.63 Points:
----------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Jan 25: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 11949.75, down 41.63 points.
----------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------
Forex Update:
----------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Jan 25: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at 90.8 to the US Dollar in the open market.
----------------------------------------------------------------

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UK economy shrinks by 0.2%

2012-01-25T15:01:00.001+05:00

UK economic activity fell by 0.2% in the last three months of 2011, according to the Office for National Statistics.

For more details: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news

------------------------------------------------

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DINA for the issue of January 25, 2012

2012-01-25T09:59:00.000+05:00

----------------------------------------------------------------
D A W N I n t e r n e t N e w s A l e r t
----------------------------------------------------------------
January 25, 2012 Wednesday Rabi-ul-Awwal 1, 1433
----------------------------------------------------------------
The DAWN Internet News Alert (DINA) is a free daily news-service
from Pakistan's largest English language newspaper, the Daily
DAWN.

We encourage comments & suggestions. We can be reached at:

e-mail webmaster@dawn.com
WWW http://dawn.com
fax +92(21) 35693995
snail-mail DAWN Media Group,
Haroon House, Karachi 74200, Pakistan

(c) Pakistan Herald Publications (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan - 2012

The link at the end of each extract can be used to access the
complete story on DAWN - the Internet Edition.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Memo probe heading for stalemate?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
By Malik Asad
ISLAMABAD, Jan 24: A high-level commission formed by the Supreme Court to investigate the memo issue appeared to have reached a dead end after its fourth hearing on Tuesday when Mansoor Ijaz, the man at the centre of the controversy, again refused to come to Pakistan saying he feared he would be assassinated.

The commission gave a final opportunity to Mr Ijaz to appear at its next hearing on Feb 9...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/25/memo-probe-heading-for-stalemate.html

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Apex court reproves CEC over delay in preparing list
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Nasir Iqbal
ISLAMABAD, Jan 24: The Supreme Court's directive to the Election Commission to postpone the Feb 20 by-elections has sparked a legal battle between the two constitutional institutions, with the latter accusing the former of meddling in its domain and the former defending its position.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a second clarification within 24 hours and explained that it was obligated to ensure that all organs of the state and authorities functioned in accordance with the spirit of law and Constitution...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/25/apex-court-reproves-cec-over-delay-in-preparing-list.html

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Gilani-Kayani meeting shows ties on the mend
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By Khawar Ghumman
ISLAMABAD, Jan 24: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's meeting on Tuesday with Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Director General of Inter Services Intelligence Lt Gen Ahmad Shuja Pasha indicated that tense relations between civil and military leadership are on the mend.

Although the media wing of the prime minister's secretariat said in a two-paragraph press statement that the meeting was meant to discuss security situation in the region, with particular reference to Afghanistan, but, according to a senior PPP leader, all important issues currently besetting the country came under discussion...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/25/gilani-kayani-meeting-shows-ties-on-the-mend.html

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Panel fails to suggest ways of resolving energy crisis
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Khaleeq Kiani
ISLAMABAD, Jan 24: With the difference between cost and sale price of electricity widening to Rs3.29 per unit (kwh), the National Assembly's Special Committee on Energy Crisis and government institutions assisting it for more than two and a half months failed on Tuesday to suggest ways of addressing the problem.

A meeting of the 17-member committee presided over by Usman Khan Taraki criticised the ministry of water and power for not providing sufficient information and for its lethargic attitude in reducing the tariff differential and said it could cause further deterioration in the country's fragile financial position...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/25/panel-fails-to-suggest-ways-of-resolving-energy-crisis.html

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Eid Miladun Nabi on Feb 5
----------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Jan 24: The Rabiul Awwal moon has been sighted and the first of Rabiul Awwal will be on Wednesday (Jan 25).

Announcing the sighting of the moon after presiding over a meeting of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee here on Tuesday, its chairman Mufti Munib-ur-Rehman said the crescent had been sighted and Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH) would be celebrated on Feb 5...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/25/eid-miladun-nabi-on-feb-5.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Move to strengthen ties with Myanmar
--------------------------------------------------------------
NAYPYIDAW (Myanmar), Jan 24: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for enhancing trade between Pakistan and Myanmar and a 'preferential tariff arrangement' leading to a comprehensive free trade agreement.

Talking to Myanmar President U. Thein Sein after his arrival here on Tuesday, he called for setting up a joint ministerial commission to promote economic and trade cooperation between the two countries and collaboration in the oil and gas sector...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/25/zardari-to-give-benazir-award-to-suu-kyi-move-to-strengthen-ties-with-myanmar.html

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Two troops, 7 militants killed in Kurram clash
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Correspondent
PARACHINAR, Jan 24: Two soldiers and seven militants were killed in a gunfight in central Kurram on Tuesday. Two security men were injured.

According to officials, the gunfight erupted when troops fired back on militants who had attacked a checkpost in Jogi area of the central tehsil, killing Salman Khan and Assad Khan...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/25/two-troops-7-militants-killed-in-kurram-clash.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Pakistani wins Oscar nomination
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Anwar Iqbal
WASHINGTON, Jan 24: Pakistani journalist and filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy's latest documentary 'Saving Face' has won an Oscar nomination in the 'best documentary (short subject)' category, an official announcement said on Tuesday.

She is the first Pakistani to be nominated for an Oscar...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/25/pakistani-wins-oscar-nomination.html

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Giving voting right to expats arduous task, SC told
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD, Jan 24: The Supreme Court was informed on Tuesday that extending voting rights to overseas Pakistanis was an arduous task because the number of such people was approximately eight million.

A four-judge bench which had taken up a petition of Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf chief Imran Khan seeking voting rights for Pakistanis living abroad was informed that certain countries, including the United States and Britain, allowed dual nationality...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/25/giving-voting-right-to-expats-arduous-task-sc-told.html

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Avalanche kills Indian soldier; six missing
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SRINAGAR, Jan 24: A huge avalanche buried seven Indian soldiers on Tuesday while they were clearing snow from an army supply road near the Line of Control in Indian-held Kashmir, the army said.

Rescuers with sniffer dogs and a helicopter retrieved the body of one paramilitary officer, but another paramilitary man and five army soldiers were still missing hours after the morning avalanche, police said...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/25/avalanche-kills-indian-soldier-six-missing.html

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Karachi Stocks Down 70.09 Points:
----------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Jan 24: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 11967.57, down 70.09 points.
----------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------
Forex Update:
----------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Jan 24: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at 90.8 to the US Dollar in the open market.
----------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------
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Egypt 'to end state of emergency'

2012-01-24T20:35:00.001+05:00

Egypt will lift a 30-year state of emergency on Wednesday - the anniversary of the uprising which ousted Hosni Mubarak - its rulers say.

For more details: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news

------------------------------------------------

DINA for the issue of January 24, 2012

2012-01-24T09:57:00.000+05:00

Top Kenyans to face ICC trial

2012-01-23T20:38:00.001+05:00

Four Kenyans, including two potential presidential candidates, to face trial over 2007 election violence, International Criminal Court says.

For more details: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news

------------------------------------------------

DINA for the issue of January 23, 2012

2012-01-23T09:58:00.000+05:00

.----------------------------------------------------------------
D A W N I n t e r n e t N e w s A l e r t
----------------------------------------------------------------
January 23, 2012 Monday Safar 28, 1433
----------------------------------------------------------------
The DAWN Internet News Alert (DINA) is a free daily news-service
from Pakistan's largest English language newspaper, the Daily
DAWN.

We encourage comments & suggestions. We can be reached at:

e-mail webmaster@dawn.com
WWW http://dawn.com
fax +92(21) 35693995
snail-mail DAWN Media Group,
Haroon House, Karachi 74200, Pakistan

(c) Pakistan Herald Publications (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan - 2012

The link at the end of each extract can be used to access the
complete story on DAWN - the Internet Edition.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Gilani rules out 'viceroy security'
-----------------------------------------------------------------
By Amjad Mahmood
LAHORE, Jan 22: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that American businessman Mansoor Ijaz has been spitting venom against Pakistan, its establishment and governments for a long time.

Mr Ijaz "does not deserve the protocol being sought for him because that will require billions of rupees," he said while talking to reporters after offering condolences to the family of the world's youngest IT professional, late Arfa Karim Randhawa, here on Sunday...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/23/gilani-rules-out-viceroy-security.html

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FoDP task force gives top priority to Bhasha dam
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Khaleeq Kiani
ISLAMABAD, Jan 22: The Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP) has prioritised $28.2 billion water and hydropower projects to be completed by 2020 and decided to follow the guidelines and safeguards set by the Asian Development Bank for providing funds and technical assistance.

This is the crux of the final report of FoDP's water sector task force after including suggestions of the stakeholders. The report completed in about a year is scheduled to be launched on Feb 20...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/23/fodp-task-force-gives-top-priority-to-bhasha-dam.html

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Major gas pipeline blown up
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Saleem Shahid
QUETTA, Jan 22: Gas supply to several areas in Sindh was disrupted after a main pipeline was blown up in Mullguzar area on Sunday evening.

An official of the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) said the repair work would begin after security clearance.The banned Baloch Republican Army claimed responsibility for the attack...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/23/major-gas-pipeline-blown-up.html

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Mansoor Ijaz keeps everyone guessing
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By Khawar Ghumman
ISLAMABAD: Although the government has assured foolproof security to Mr Mansoor Ijaz, the main character in the 'memogate' affair, it is not yet certain that he will visit Pakistan.

Mr Ijaz is scheduled to appear before the three-member investigation commission formed by the Supreme Court, on Tuesday...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/23/mansoor-ijaz-keeps-everyone-guessing.html

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Fans mob Pakistani women writers in Jaipur
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By Jawed Naqvi
JAIPUR (India), Jan 22: Celebrated Pakistani women writers — historian Ayesha Jalal and social activist Fatima Bhutto — were mobbed, applauded and loved at the Jaipur Literary Festival here on Sunday where they canvassed support for friendlier ties with India and pooh-poohed the prospects of a military coup in their country.

Clearly upstaging the top-billed American media star Oprah Winfrey who made a widely televised appearance at the festival at the same time, though at a separate platform, Miss Bhutto and Ms Jalal were roundly cheered for an incisive analysis of the evolving political situation in Pakistan and its impact on the world...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/23/fans-mob-pakistani-women-writers-in-jaipur.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Musharraf gets support from former military colleagues
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD, Jan 22: Former president Pervez Musharraf has got much-needed backing from his former military colleagues at a time when his All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) lacks support for his unhindered and safe homecoming.

The Pakistan First Group (PFG), whose formation was announced this weekend by retired military personnel, has demanded of the government to provide to Gen Musharraf the protocol a former head of state deserves...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/23/musharraf-gets-support-from-former-military-colleagues.html

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US-Pak intelligence cooperation continues
----------------------------------------------------------------
ISLAMABAD, Jan 22: The death of a senior Al Qaeda leader in a US drone strike in Pakistan's tribal areas, the first strike in almost two months, signalled that the US-Pakistan intelligence partnership is still in operation despite political tensions.

The Jan 10 strike — and its follow-up two days later — were joint operations, a Pakistani security source based in the tribal areas said...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/23/us-pak-intelligence-cooperation-continues.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Pakistan govt will overcome crisis: India
--------------------------------------------------------------
BANGALORE, Jan 22: India's External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said on Sunday that developments in Pakistan were of 'deep concern' from the point of stability in South Asia.

"Peace prevailing in Pakistan brings some kind of stability in South Asia," he told reporters at the taluka headquarters town of Sira in Tumkur district of Karnataka. "In that background, the current situation is a matter of deep concern."..

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/23/pakistan-govt-will-overcome-crisis-india.html

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Grant of Motorway project to Malaysian firm: EOBI accuses NHA of foul play in award of contract
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Bakhtawar Mian
ISLAMABAD, Jan 22: The Employees Old-age Benefit Institution (EOBI) has accused the National Highway Authority of foul play in the award of the Rs24.93 billion Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway construction contract to a Malaysian company, saying the NHA ignored the lowest bid offered by it.

A top EOBI official told Dawn on Sunday that his organisation had offered to build the project of international standard at a cost of Rs18 billion – Rs6 billion less than what had been offered by the Malaysian company – but "our bid was not even opened because we could not pay kickbacks"...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/23/grant-of-motorway-project-to-malaysian-firm-eobi-accuses-nha-of-foul-play-in-award-of-contract.html

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Snow paralyses life in northern Balochistan
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Staff Correspondent
QUETTA, Jan 22: Several areas of Balochistan remained cut off from Quetta because of the snowfall that continued in the central and northern parts of the province on the second consecutive day on Sunday.

The Met office has forecast snowfall and rain in different areas of the province for the next 24 to 36 hours...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/23/snow-paralyses-life-in-northern-balochistan.html

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Imran urges US to stop drone attacks
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Correspondent
WASHINGTON, Jan 22: PTI leader Imran Khan urged the United States on Sunday to stop drone attacks in Pakistan because they also killed many innocent people.

In an interview to CNN's Fareed Zakaria, Mr Khan noted that each bomb that killed terrorists also killed many people who might be related to the terrorists but were not involved in terrorism...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/23/imran-urges-us-to-stop-drone-attacks.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
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DINA for the issue of January 22, 2012

2012-01-22T09:02:00.000+05:00

----------------------------------------------------------------
D A W N I n t e r n e t N e w s A l e r t
----------------------------------------------------------------
January 22, 2012 Sunday Safar 27, 1433
----------------------------------------------------------------
The DAWN Internet News Alert (DINA) is a free daily news-service
from Pakistan's largest English language newspaper, the Daily
DAWN.

We encourage comments & suggestions. We can be reached at:

e-mail webmaster@dawn.com
WWW http://dawn.com
fax +92(21) 35693995
snail-mail DAWN Media Group,
Haroon House, Karachi 74200, Pakistan

(c) Pakistan Herald Publications (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan - 2012

The link at the end of each extract can be used to access the
complete story on DAWN - the Internet Edition.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Ijaz lawyer links trip to assurance by army chief
-----------------------------------------------------------------
By Nasir Iqbal & Baqir Sajjad Syed
ISLAMABAD, Jan 21: Saturday saw a tense build-up to Pakistani-American businessman Mansoor Ijaz's arrival in the country for appearing before the commission investigating the memo case.

The day began with a meeting called by Attorney General Maulvi Anwarul Haq to finalise arrangements for Mr Ijaz's security...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/22/ijaz-lawyer-links-trip-to-assurance-by-army-chief.html

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Sindh loses Rs10bn to 'ghost workers'
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By Shamim-ur-Rahman
KARACHI, Jan 21: A verification exercise conducted in collaboration with Nadra has revealed the existence of thousands of "ghost employees" in Sindh government departments.

Disclosing this at a press conference here on Saturday, provincial Information Minister Shazia Marri said the government had so far lost over Rs10 billion on account of salary payment to these non-existent employees...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/22/sindh-loses-rs10bn-to-ghost-workers.html

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CJ reiterates support for democracy
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Tahir Siddiqui
KARACHI, Jan 21: Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry reiterated on Saturday that the judiciary was trying to establish democratic and parliamentary norms in the county and had never tried to assume the role of the executive or the legislature.

"We respect the integrity and independence of every institution. The role of judiciary is not that of an opposition to the legislature or the executive. However, in cases of actions in utter violation of legal or constitutional norms, the judiciary has to exercise its power of judicial review," he said in an address to lawyers after administering oath to the newly-elected body of the Karachi Bar Association at the Sindh High Court...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/22/cj-reiterates-support-for-democracy-2.html

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Snow blankets Quetta
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Saleem Shahid
QUETTA, Jan 21: The Quetta valley and northern Balochistan received snow on Saturday, disrupting life in these areas.

The provincial capital saw its first snowfall after four years. An eight-inch layer of snow blanketed most city areas...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/22/snow-blankets-quetta.html

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Karachi killings
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Private television channels quoted the Chief Justice as expressing disappointment over the government's action on recommendations given by a special bench of the Supreme Court to stop killings and kidnappings in Karachi.

The court had held special hearings in the city after a wave of target killings and kidnappings by rival gangs in July and August terrorised the populace...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/22/karachi-killings-3.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Coordinated attacks, gunfights kill 162 in Nigerian city
--------------------------------------------------------------
KANO (Nigeria), Jan 21: Bomb attacks targeting security forces and gun battles killed at least 162 people in Nigeria's second-largest city of Kano, sources said, as bodies littered the streets on Saturday.

A curfew was imposed on Kano in Nigeria's mainly Muslim north after it exploded into violence on Friday evening, with eight police and immigration offices or residences targeted...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/22/coordinated-attacks-gunfights-kill-162-in-nigerian-city.html

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New guidelines affect foreign investment
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Parvaiz Ishfaq Ranamonths
KARACHI, Jan 21: A stringent security clearance policy adopted by the interior ministry for prospective foreign investors or companies prior to getting registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is taking its toll over direct foreign investment (DFI) in the country.

According to corporate consultants, six months ago the ministry widened the scope of security clearance by asking foreign companies, directors and even the foreign directors who get re-elected on boards of companies to get prior clearance and NOC. In the past the conditions were restricted to security service companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) having foreign funding or involving foreigners and companies having Indian nationals...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/22/new-guidelines-affect-foreign-investment.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Colonel among three Germans held
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Ali Hazrat Bacha
PESHAWAR, Jan 21: A house located in University Town was raided on Saturday and three German citizens were taken into custody for their alleged involvement in 'suspicious activities', police said.

The suspects, who were interviewed after reports they were living in the house on the Park Lane Street illegally, failed to produce documents validating their stay in Pakistan...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/22/colonel-among-three-germans-held.html

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Pir Pagara elected Functional chief
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Mansoor Mirani
KHAIRPUR, Jan 21: Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi, the eighth Pir Pagara of Hur Jamaat, was unanimously elected president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Functional at a meeting of its central council in Pir Jo Goth on Saturday.

Ninety-one members of the council offered condolences on the death of Pir Pagara Shah Mardan Shah and discussed a one-point agenda of electing a new president of the party...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/22/pir-pagara-elected-functional-chief.html

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Grossman in Kabul; Karzai meets Hekmatyar's delegation
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KABUL, Jan 21: US envoy Marc Grossman arrived in Kabul on Saturday for talks with President Hamid Karzai on preliminary peace negotiations with the Taliban.

"The United States stands ready to assist in any way we can an Afghan-led reconciliation process to find a peaceful end to this conflict," he said in a statement...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/22/grossman-in-kabul-karzai-meets-hekmatyars-delegation.html

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Taliban video speaks of 'revenge on military'
----------------------------------------------------------------
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Jan 21: Fifteen soldiers stood blindfolded, handcuffed to each other on a barren hilltop as one of their bearded Taliban captors held an AK-47 rifle and spoke with fury about revenge. He left no doubt what would come at any second.

The Taliban kidnapped the paramilitary troops on Dec 23 from near the country's tribal areas to avenge military operations...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/22/taliban-video-speaks-of-revenge-on-military.html

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Officer killed in Kurram mine blast
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Correspondent
PARACHINAR, Jan 21: A security official was killed and two personnel were injured in bomb blasts in Kurram Agency on Saturday.

Sources said Lieutenant Atta Muhammad died when a landmine planted by militants on a dirt track exploded in Talai area...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/22/officer-killed-in-kurram-mine-blast.html

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US links Grossman's visit to Pakistan's assent
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Anwar Iqbal
WASHINGTON, Jan 21: US special envoy Marc Grossman will go to Pakistan when the Pakistanis are ready for talks with the United States on a multi-faceted bilateral relationship, says the State Department.

Mr Grossman, who is now in the region, wanted to visit Pakistan for consultations on exploratory talks with the Taliban but Islamabad asked him to postpone the visit...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/22/us-links-grossmans-visit-to-pakistans-assent.html

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Taliban move to rein in masked kidnappers
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Pazir Gul
MIRAMSHAH, Jan 21: The Taliban have warned masked men belonging to various Jihadi groups against detaining people on suspicion of spying, said a pamphlet distributed in Miramshah, the headquarters of lawless North Waziristan Agency.

Different militant groups in North and South Waziristan Agencies, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, recently formed a Shura-i-Muraqebah to address local people's grievances...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/22/taliban-video-speaks-of-revenge-on-military.html

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Landmine blast kills 13 Indian policemen
----------------------------------------------------------------
PATNA (India), Jan 21: Suspected Maoist rebels triggered a powerful landmine on Saturday, killing 13 policemen in eastern India. At least two policemen were injured in the explosion that blew up their minibus in Jharkhand state, police superintendent G.K. Rath said.

The policemen had conducted a routine search for rebel hideouts in a remote, densely forested region and were returning from the operation when the blast occurred...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/22/landmine-blast-kills-13-indian-policemen.html

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Islamists grab over two-thirds of seats in Egypt elections
----------------------------------------------------------------
CAIRO, Jan 21: Egypt's Islamists led by the once-banned Muslim Brotherhood clinched two thirds of seats in parliament in historic polls after the ouster of strongman Hosni Mubarak, official results showed on Saturday.

The Brotherhood that fought the election through the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) won 235 seats in the new People's Assembly, or 47.18 per cent, electoral committee head Abdel Moez Ibrahim told a news conference, giving the final results from marathon polls...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/22/islamists-grab-over-two-thirds-of-seats-in-egypt-elections.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
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DINA for the issue of January 21, 2012

2012-01-21T09:59:00.000+05:00

----------------------------------------------------------------
D A W N I n t e r n e t N e w s A l e r t
----------------------------------------------------------------
January 21, 2012 Saturday Safar 26, 1433
----------------------------------------------------------------
The DAWN Internet News Alert (DINA) is a free daily news-service
from Pakistan's largest English language newspaper, the Daily
DAWN.

We encourage comments & suggestions. We can be reached at:

e-mail webmaster@dawn.com
WWW http://dawn.com
fax +92(21) 35693995
snail-mail DAWN Media Group,
Haroon House, Karachi 74200, Pakistan

(c) Pakistan Herald Publications (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan - 2012

The link at the end of each extract can be used to access the
complete story on DAWN - the Internet Edition.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Govt-military ties on the mend?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
By Baqir Sajjad Syed
ISLAMABAD, Jan 20: Amid a lowering of tensions between the government and the military establishment, Navy chief Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila was decorated on Friday with Nishan-i-Imtiaz (military), one of the highest national honours, for his meritorious services.

The citation of the award conferred by President Asif Ali Zardari at a ceremony in the Presidency reads: "Nishan-i-Imtiaz (M) was being conferred upon the naval chief in recognition of his long meritorious services."..

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/21/govt-military-ties-on-the-mend.html

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Consumers to bail out power firms
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Khaleeq Kiani
ISLAMABAD, Jan 20: On top of the continuously increasing tariff, electricity consumers will also have to pay the cost of interest on power sector loans.

A decision to that effect was taken at a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet presided over by Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Friday. It asked the ministry of water and power to issue binding policy guidelines to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to increase power tariff so that the interest could be recovered from consumers. It may be mentioned that Nepra has so far been refusing to endorse the move...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/21/ministry-told-to-work-out-guidelines-consumers-to-bail-out-power-firms.html

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GHQ, ISI camp attacks: Fourth detainee found dead
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Malik Asad
ISLAMABAD, Jan 20: A civilian facing a court martial under the Army Act on charges of attacking the GHQ and ISI Hamza camp died mysteriously on Friday, a brother of the deceased, told Dawn on Friday.

Abdul Saboor, 29, is the fourth civilian detained in the case to have died in mysterious circumstances over the past six months -- Mohammad Aamir died on Aug 15, last year, Tahseen Ullah on Dec 17, and Said Arab on Dec 18. Their bodies were recovered from the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/21/ghq-isi-camp-attacks-fourth-detainee-found-dead.html

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'Pakistan to allow US trainers, not drones'
----------------------------------------------------------------
WASHINGTON, Jan 20: US military trainers will be invited back into Pakistan "as early as April or May", but the nation has ruled out allowing CIA drones back into the country, American Fox News reported late on Friday night.

Relations between the two nations have been at an all-time low since 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed in air strikes by Nato in November...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/21/pakistan-to-allow-us-trainers-not-drones.html

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Assurance sought against removal of Kayani, Pasha
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Nasir Iqbal
ISLAMABAD, Jan 20: The Supreme Court asked the government on Friday to submit a written assurance on a petition filed in anticipation of a perceived move to sack Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and ISI Director General Lt-Gen Ahmad Shuja Pasha against the backdrop of the 'memogate' fiasco.

The order was issued by a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry when Attorney General Maulvi Anwarul Haq rubbished the claim and said the government had no plans to remove the two top military officers...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/21/assurance-sought-against-removal-of-kayani-pasha.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
New move for PML-N's patch-up with Chaudhrys
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Zulqernain Tahir
LAHORE, Jan 20: Makhdoom Ahmad Mehmood, a landlord-politician of Rahimyar Khan, has met the PML-Q's Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Pervaiz Elahi to convey them PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif's message that he is ready to shake hands with them in view of the changing political scenario.

Senior leaders in the two PML factions confirmed the meeting...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/21/new-move-for-pml-ns-patch-up-with-chaudhrys.html

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'Dictators have no future': Gilani says energy crisis to ease in six months
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Staff Reporter
LAHORE, Jan 20: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said here on Friday that the problems of energy shortage would be solved in six months.

Speaking to media personnel after attending the ninth convocation of the Lahore College for Women University, he said his government had already added 3,334 megawatts to the national grid and was also trying to resolve the gas supply issue...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/21/dictators-have-no-future-gilani-says-energy-crisis-to-ease-in-six-months.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Mansoor Ijaz set to visit Pakistan next week
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Baqir Sajjad Syed
ISLAMABAD, Jan 20: After receiving a 'nod of approval' from the US State Department, Pakistani-American business tycoon Mansoor Ijaz, who rocked the top echelons of the government by exposing the so-called 'memogate' scandal, is likely to visit Pakistan next week for his testimony before a commission appointed by the Supreme Court to investigate the matter.

Mr Ijaz, the most important witness in the case pertaining to allegations that Pakistan's ambassador to US Hussain Haqqani sent a memorandum to US authorities seeking help to pre-empt a military coup in the country, has finally obtained a Pakistan visa...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/21/mansoor-ijaz-set-to-visit-pakistan-next-week.html

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Karachi-Iraq ferry service soon, says Ghauri
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Parvaiz Ishfaq Rana
KARACHI, Jan 20: Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Babar Khan Ghauri said on Friday that a ferry service between Karachi and Iraq would be launched soon to facilitate pilgrims going to Karbala and other holy places.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of a desalination plant at Manora Island, he said a private firm was being issued licence for starting the ferry service...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/21/karachi-iraq-ferry-service-soon-says-ghauri.html

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Cross-border raid has no effect on civilian aid: US
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Anwar Iqbal
WASHINGTON, Jan 20: America's civilian assistance to Pakistan continues and has not been interrupted since the tragic November 26 incident, the US State Department said on Friday.

"We consider bilateral US civilian assistance to be an important component of the relationship (with Pakistan) and believe it can help Pakistan become a more prosperous, stable, and democratic state, which serves the national interests of both the United States and Pakistan," said a statement issued by the office of the State Department's spokesman...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/21/cross-border-raid-has-no-effect-on-civilian-aid-us.html

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Five women MPAs with fake degrees booked
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Staff Reporter
LAHORE, Jan 20: Islampura police on Friday registered cases against five women members of the Punjab Assembly for having contested the election on the basis of fake degrees.

Three MPAs belong to the PML-N and two to the PPP...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/21/five-women-mpas-with-fake-degrees-booked.html

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Govt refuses favour to Indian army chief
----------------------------------------------------------------
NEW DELHI, Jan 20: The Indian government on Friday night ruled out any compromise with Army chief Gen V.K. Singh over his age issue which has been dragged to the Supreme Court.

The government also made it clear that there was no move to appoint Gen Singh chief of defence staff, a post which at present is at conceptual stage and will likely be above the chiefs of the three defence services. "No compromise formula is being worked out," a government source said...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/21/govt-refuses-favour-to-indian-army-chief.html

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Karachi Stocks Up 227.64 Points:
----------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Jan 20: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 11743.23, up 227.64 points.
----------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------
Forex Update:
----------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Jan 20: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at 90.8 to the US Dollar in the open market.
----------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------
*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*
--------------------------------------------------------------
To subscribe or unsubscribe to this mailing list, please fill the form located at: http://www.dawn.com/alerts
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DINA for the issue of January 20, 2012

2012-01-20T09:58:00.000+05:00

----------------------------------------------------------------
D A W N I n t e r n e t N e w s A l e r t
----------------------------------------------------------------
January 20, 2012 Friday Safar 25, 1433
----------------------------------------------------------------
The DAWN Internet News Alert (DINA) is a free daily news-service
from Pakistan's largest English language newspaper, the Daily
DAWN.

We encourage comments & suggestions. We can be reached at:

e-mail webmaster@dawn.com
WWW http://dawn.com
fax +92(21) 35693995
snail-mail DAWN Media Group,
Haroon House, Karachi 74200, Pakistan

(c) Pakistan Herald Publications (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan - 2012

The link at the end of each extract can be used to access the
complete story on DAWN - the Internet Edition.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Gilani sticks to immunity plea for Zardari: PM bows before law, soothes nerves
-----------------------------------------------------------------
By Nasir Iqbal
ISLAMABAD, Jan 19: Attired in a dark blue suit, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani drove a white SUV with his counsel Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan by his side on Thursday and told the Supreme Court respectfully that he had no intention of defaming or ridiculing the judiciary. But, he said, he believed that the Constitution provided a blanket protection to President Asif Ali Zardari.

"I have no intention to, God forbid, defame or ridicule the superior judiciary. That is not my intention. We have the highest respect for your decision (NRO verdict), but at the same time, the Constitution is in between," said a confident Prime Minister Gilani who is facing contempt charges for not writing a letter to Swiss authorities for reopening graft cases also involving President Zardari...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/20/gilani-sticks-to-immunity-plea-for-zardari-pm-bows-before-law-soothes-nerves.html

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Pakistanis thrash world No 1 in Dubai Test
----------------------------------------------------------------
DUBAI, Jan 19: Pakistan handed top-ranked England its first test defeat in 13 months with a blowout 10-wicket victory inside three days on Thursday.

Pakistan stubbornly extended its first innings in the morning to 338 for a lead of 146, then before lunch began dismantling England in its second innings for 160 in 58 overs...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/20/pakistanis-thrash-world-no-1-in-dubai-test.html

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Norwegian security chief quits over spy disclosure
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD, Jan 19: Pakistan and Norway scrambled on Thursday to contain the fallout of disclosure about presence of Norwegian intelligence operatives in Pakistan.
"We have excellent relations with Norway and an ongoing cooperation in counter-terrorism. There is nothing extraordinary about the revelation," Abdul Basit, who heads the Europe desk at the Foreign Office, told Dawn shortly after meeting Norwegian Ambassador Cecilie Landsverk.

Norwegian security chief Janne Kristiansen had earlier made a startling disclosure in her country's parliament (Stortinget) that agents affiliated with the 'E wing' of Norway's military intelligence were present in Pakistan...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/20/norwegian-security-chief-quits-over-spy-disclosure.html

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Women's commission bill passed by NA
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Raja Asghar
ISLAMABAD, Jan 19: In a most significant pro-women move in nearly four years of its life, the National Assembly unanimously passed on Thursday a government bill to create a powerful National Commission on the Status of Women as the fruit of years of efforts of a women's caucus, overcoming some last-minute hitches that held it up for a day.

The vote came after the adoption of 22 consensus amendments agreed between the treasury and opposition benches following overnight consultations, just before the house was prorogued after an eight-day session...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/20/womens-commission-bill-passed-by-na.html

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Bangladesh coup plot foiled: army
----------------------------------------------------------------
DHAKA, Jan 19: The Bangladesh army said on Thursday that it had foiled a plot by more than a dozen "religiously fanatic" officers to overthrow the elected government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"We have unearthed a heinous conspiracy to overthrow the democratic government through the army," army spokesman Brigadier General Masud Razzaq said in a statement...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/20/bangladesh-coup-plot-foiled-army.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Obama wants US, Pakistan to work together
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Anwar Iqbal
WASHINGTON, Jan 19: US President Barack Obama wants the United States
and Pakistan to continue to work together for achieving their common goals of defeating terrorism and building a stable and peaceful Pakistan, says the White House.

A brief statement, issued by the White House on Thursday, said Mr Obama conveyed this message to Pakistan's new Ambassador Sherry Rehman who presented her credentials to the US president on Wednesday...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/20/obama-wants-us-pakistan-to-work-together.html

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Joint session next week on fresh ties with US
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Baqir Sajjad Syed
ISLAMABAD, Jan 19: A joint session of parliament is likely to be convened next week for ratifying recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) relating to a review of ties with the United States in the aftermath of Nato border attacks that killed 24 Pakistani troops.

Parliament's nod would set the ball rolling for resumption of ties with Washington that have been frozen since the federal cabinet, on the recommendation of its defence committee, directed the PCNS to re-evaluate the intricate relationship and suggest parameters for sustainable ties...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/20/joint-session-next-week-on-fresh-ties-with-us.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
SC wants by-polls held on new voter lists
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD, Jan 19: The Supreme Court ordered the Election Commission on Thursday to postpone the Feb 20 by-elections for five National Assembly and one provincial assembly seats –— four in Punjab and one in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — until new and verified voter lists are complete.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry had taken up a constitutional petition moved by Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf Chairman Imran Khan against the alleged faulty electoral lists...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/20/sc-wants-by-polls-held-on-new-voter-lists.html

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US should not push Pakistan to go after militants: Khar
----------------------------------------------------------------
ISLAMABAD, Jan 19: Pakistan's ties with the United States remain on hold following a Nato cross-border air attack, its foreign minister said on Thursday, and Washington should not push Islamabad to go after militant groups or bring them to the Afghan peace process.

"Now that the re-evaluation process is under way as we speak, so till the time that that re-evaluation process is not complete, we cannot start the re-engagement," Hina Rabbani Khar said in an interview on Thursday...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/20/us-should-not-push-pak-to-go-after-militants-khar.html

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Six injured in Nowshera suicide bomb attack
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Correspondent
NOWSHERA, Jan 19: Six people, among them a police official, were injured when a suspected suicide bomber blew himself up to avoid arrest, sources said.

They said a police team had cordoned off an area and during checking of vehicles asked a suspect — later identified as Azjad alias Jannat Gul, a resident of Ziarat Kaka Sahib area — to get off his vehicle for body search...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/20/six-injured-in-nowshera-suicide-bomb-attack.html

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Two foreign workers kidnapped
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Staff Correspondent
MULTAN, Jan 19: Two foreign employees of a German NGO working in flood-hit areas of Muzaffargarh were kidnapped from Multan's Qasim Bela area on Thursday, sources said.

The employees of Welt Hunger Hilfe were staying at a house located opposite their regional office in Weston Fort Colony. Four gunmen entered the house after overpowering the guard and took the foreigners away. They have been identified as Mr Burnd, a German national, and Mr Giovanni, who belongs to Italy. Soon after the incident, the local administration along with law-enforcement personnel cordoned off the area...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/20/two-foreign-workers-kidnapped.html

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'Talks with Taliban faltering'
----------------------------------------------------------------
ISLAMABAD, Jan 19: Exploratory peace talks between Pakistan and the Taliban have made little progress, a senior Pakistani security official told Reuters on Thursday.

The official said the group had flatly rejected a demand that it work through tribal elders to reach a deal whereby fighters approach authorities and lay down their arms...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/20/talks-with-taliban-faltering.html

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US costs soar for new Nato routes
----------------------------------------------------------------
WASHINGTON, Jan 19: The Pentagon says the US is paying six times more than before to send war supplies to troops in Afghanistan through alternate routes since Pakistan's punitive decision in November to close border crossings to Nato convoys.

Pentagon figures provided to the AP show it now costs about $104 million per month to move the supplies through a longer northern route, $87 million more a month than when the cargo moved through Pakistan...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/20/us-costs-soar-for-new-nato-routes.html

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Grossmandue in India today
----------------------------------------------------------------
WASHINGTON, Jan 19: A US envoy on a mission to discuss post-war Afghanistan will head on a previously unscheduled trip to New Delhi after Pakistan refused his visit, officials said on Wednesday.

US officials said Pakistan informed them that it did not want to receive special envoy Marc Grossman until Islamabad completes an ongoing review of relations with Washington, which have sunk to rock-bottom in recent months...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/20/grossman-due-in-india-today.html

----------------------------------------------------------------
Karachi Stocks Down 26.92 Points:
----------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Jan 19: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 11520.80, down 26.92 points.
----------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------
Forex Update:
----------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Jan 19: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at 91 to the US Dollar in the open market.
----------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------
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Rick Perry ends White House bid

2012-01-19T21:33:00.001+05:00

Texas Governor Rick Perry, once a front-runner, gives up his campaign for the US Republican presidential nomination, backing Newt Gingrich.

For more details: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news

------------------------------------------------

DINA for the issue of January 19, 2012

2012-01-19T09:52:00.000+05:00

DINA for the issue of January 18, 2012

2012-01-18T09:56:00.000+05:00

Qatada wins deportation appeal

2012-01-17T14:24:00.001+05:00

Radical cleric Abu Qatada wins his appeal against deportation from UK to Jordan at the European Court of Human Rights.

For more details: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news

------------------------------------------------

DINA for the issue of January 17, 2012

2012-01-17T10:00:00.000+05:00

DINA for the issue of January 16, 2012

2012-01-16T09:57:00.000+05:00

DINA for the issue of January 15, 2012

2012-01-15T10:28:00.000+05:00

----------------------------------------------------------------
D A W N I n t e r n e t N e w s A l e r t
----------------------------------------------------------------
January 15, 2012 Sunday Safar 20, 1433
----------------------------------------------------------------
The DAWN Internet News Alert (DINA) is a free daily news-service
from Pakistan's largest English language newspaper, the Daily
DAWN.

We encourage comments & suggestions. We can be reached at:

e-mail webmaster@dawn.com
WWW http://dawn.com
fax +92(21) 35693995
snail-mail DAWN Media Group,
Haroon House, Karachi 74200, Pakistan

(c) Pakistan Herald Publications (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan - 2012

The link at the end of each extract can be used to access the
complete story on DAWN - the Internet Edition.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
PM holds out olive branch to military
-----------------------------------------------------------------
By Baqir Sajjad Syed
ISLAMABAD, Jan 14: In a sudden reversal in the tide of events, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani lauded on Saturday the army's role in preserving country's security and impressed on national institutions to work in harmony, days after he accused Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani of acting 'unconstitutionally'.
"National unity is the need of the hour. Each organ and state institution has to play its due role, within its respective domain, to bring forth

the best in promoting Pakistan's national interest," the prime minister said at a meeting of the Defence Committee of Cabinet, making it clear that while the government wanted to avoid a collision course, it also expected the military establishment and the assertive judiciary not to transgress their constitutional confines...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/15/pm-holds-out-olive-branch-to-military.html

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Kayani calls on Zardari
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD, Jan 14: Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani held a one-on-one meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday shortly before attending the all important meeting of the Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC).

It was the first meeting between the two after President Asif Ali Zardari's trip to Dubai last month for medical treatment and many saw it as a positive development that may help defuse the ongoing tension between the government and the army...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/15/kayani-calls-on-zardari.html

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All cases terminated under NRO reopened
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Iftikhar A. Khan
ISLAMABAD, Jan 14: The National Accountability Bureau has reopened all 155 cases terminated under the National Reconciliation Ordinance at different stages of court proceedings, Admiral (retd) Fasih Bokhari, the NAB chairman, told media on Saturday.

During his first interaction with journalists after taking over as NAB chairman, two days before hearing of the NRO implementation case by the Supreme Court, Admiral Bokhari said the revived cases were being pursued in accordance with the law...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/15/all-cases-terminated-under-nro-reopened.html

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Three attackers among seven killed in D.I. Khan
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Muhammad Irfan Mughal
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Jan 14: Two constables and two pedestrians were killed and 10 others, including seven policemen, injured when terrorists disguised as policemen attacked the district police office with hand grenades and automatic weapons here on Saturday.

The attack set off a ferocious exchange of fire between police and the assailants, which lasted about two hours. Two of the terrorists blew themselves up while one lost his life in the police operation that followed the strike...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/15/three-attackers-among-seven-killed-in-di-khan.html

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US report rejected
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet's Defence Committee rejected on Saturday a US military investigation into the deadly Nato air strikes on Pakistani border posts in November.

A meeting of the committee, chaired by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, asked the military command to share its rejoinder with the American side...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/15/us-report-rejected.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Islamabad: where facts meet fiction
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Arifa Noor
ISLAMABAD: Saturday may have been quiet in comparison to the crisis-ridden week that just passed but it had its fair share of political activity.

Chief of Army Staff Ashfaq Parvez Kayani met President Asif Ali Zardari for the first time since the heated outburst of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and the ISPR's waspish reply. The COAS then went on to join the prime minister in the DCC meeting who then waxed lyrical over the Pak military...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/15/islamabad-where-facts-meet-fiction.html

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Lanka suffer 5th straight loss
----------------------------------------------------------------
EAST LONDON, Jan 14: South Africa condemned Sri Lanka to their fifth successive one-day international defeat with what home captain A.B. de Villiers described as a "clinical" five-wicket win in the second one-dayer at Buffalo Park on Saturday.—AFP..

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/15/lanka-suffer-5th-straight-loss.html

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Iranians freed after deal in murder case
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Amanullah Kasi
QUETTA, Jan 14: A sessions court in Kharan on Saturday freed three Iranian security personnel involved in the killing of a Pakistani national after a compromise application was filed by the relatives of the deceased and Iranian officials.

On Jan 1, the Iranians entered Pakistan and opened fire, killing Saeed Ahmed and injuring Arsalan Gul. Pakistani security forces chased the three Iranians and arrested them...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/15/iranians-freed-after-deal-in-murder-case.html

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US urges Pakistan to hold dialogue on Balochistan
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Anwar Iqbal
WASHINGTON, Jan 14: The US has urged Pakistan to "really lead and conduct a dialogue that takes the Balochistan issue forward", says the US State Department.

State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland addressed the issue in a "twitter-briefing" that the department holds every Friday, allowing people from around the world to tweet their questions to her...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/15/us-urges-pakistan-to-hold-dialogue-on-balochistan.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Mossad agents posed as CIA operatives to recruit Jundallah men
--------------------------------------------------------------
WASHINGTON, Jan 14: Agents with Israel's Mossad agency posed as American CIA agents in operations to recruit members of militant group Jundallah, a report in Foreign Policy magazine said on Friday.

Using American dollars and US passports, the agents passed themselves off as members of the Central Intelligence Agency in the operations, notably in London, according to memos from 2007 and 2008, said the report...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/15/mossad-agents-posed-as-cia-operatives-to-recruit-jundallah-men.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
PML-N proposes amendments to govt resolution
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Amir Wasim
ISLAMABAD, Jan 14: The Pakistan Muslim League-N proposed on Saturday three amendments to the resolution moved by the PPP-led coalition government in the National Assembly on Friday that wanted state institu-tions to act within constitutional "limits" and reposed "full confidence and trust" in the country's political
leadership.

Through the amendments signed by all 90 members of the PML-N, a copy of whose draft was made available to Dawn, the party has sought to remove the call for all state institutions to "strictly function" within the constitutional limits and, instead, suggested to make it binding on the government "to immediately implement in letter and spirit all previous resolutions of parliament and all the decisions of the superior judiciary"...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/15/pml-n-proposes-amendments-to-govt-resolution.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
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--------------------------------------------------------------
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DINA for the issue of January 14, 2012

2012-01-14T10:03:00.000+05:00

----------------------------------------------------------------
D A W N I n t e r n e t N e w s A l e r t
----------------------------------------------------------------
January 14, 2012 Saturday Safar 19, 1433
----------------------------------------------------------------
The DAWN Internet News Alert (DINA) is a free daily news-service
from Pakistan's largest English language newspaper, the Daily
DAWN.

We encourage comments & suggestions. We can be reached at:

e-mail webmaster@dawn.com
WWW http://dawn.com
fax +92(21) 35693995
snail-mail DAWN Media Group,
Haroon House, Karachi 74200, Pakistan

(c) Pakistan Herald Publications (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan - 2012

The link at the end of each extract can be used to access the
complete story on DAWN - the Internet Edition.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Act-within-limits resolution tabled
-----------------------------------------------------------------
By Raja Asghar
ISLAMABAD, Jan 13: In the face of multi-pronged challenges, the ruling coalition moved a strong resolution in the National Assembly on Friday asking state institutions to strictly act within constitutional "limits" while voicing "full confidence and trust" in the country's political leadership, but put off a vote until on Monday in search of endorsement from a hesitant opposition.

The resolution, which also calls for adherence to "the basic constitutional principle of trichotomy of powers" — in which parliament is regarded sovereign and above the executive and judiciary — came amid a hot guessing game gripping Pakistan for several days and government worries about the Supreme Court's handling of some cases that seem to seek undermining government leadership and perceived differences with military leadership...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/14/act-within-limits-resolution-tabled.html

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The worst seems to be over
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Baqir Sajjad Syed
ISLAMABAD, Jan 13: After days of heightened civil-military tensions, conciliation was in the air in the federal capital on Friday evening as vibes from both sides suggested that they were prepared to get past the incident.

"No one is seeking confrontation. It is important to lower temperatures and every one realises that," a senior politician aware of back-channel discussions between the civilian leaders and the military commanders told Dawn late Friday night suggesting a thaw was in the offing...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/14/the-worst-seems-to-be-over.html

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Opposition alliance in the offing
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Iftikhar A. Khan
ISLAMABAD, Jan 13: Leaders of opposition in parliament agreed on Friday to work jointly to mount pressure on the PPP-led government to hold early general election because it has failed on all fronts and lost moral ground to be in power.

During a meeting with PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, the leaders discussed various proposals to force the government to accept their demand for early polls...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/14/no-trust-motion-ruled-out-opposition-alliance-in-the-offing.html

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New terms likely for Nato supplies
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD, Jan 13: The Parliamentary Committee on National Security has paved the way for the government to reopen the Nato supply route after getting assurances from the US that there will be no repeat of the 26/11 attacks on Pakistani border posts by coalition forces in Afghanistan.

The government may introduce new conditions, including a tax on the Nato cargo transported through Pakistan, before announcing the resumption of the route suspended after the November attacks in Mohamand post in which 24 troops lost their lives...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/14/new-terms-likely-for-nato-supplies.html

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Two former officials held by NAB
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD, Jan 13: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Friday arrested former secretary Establishment Division Ismael Qureshi and former additional director general Ahmad Riaz Sheikh, informed sources told Dawn.

Mr Qureshi was secretary when Adnan A. Khwaja, a matriculate, was appointed chairman Oil and Gad Development Company reportedly on the verbal orders of the prime minister. Mr Sheikh was detained for being a beneficiary of the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) that has been declared null and void by the Supreme Court.An SC bench had recently directed NAB to probe the appointment of a matriculate as OGDCL chief and re-open the cases closed under the now defunct NRO...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/14/two-former-officials-held-by-nab.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Briefing on economy fails to win politicians' attention
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Khaleeq Kiani
ISLAMABAD, Jan 13: It may not be an indicator of political strength or weakness but surely a sign of lack of focus on an economy whose weaknesses are troubling most people irrespective of their political affiliations.

Amid high political drama surrounding the 'memogate' scandal and the National Reconciliation Ordinance, an event arranged by the government for an all-party briefing on the state of economy and the challenges it faces attracted only seven parliamentarians, all of them from the ruling Pakistan People's Party...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/14/briefing-on-economy-fails-to-win-politicians-attention.html

----------------------------------------------------------------
Haqqani not alone in authoring memo: Ijaz
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Masood Haider
NEW YORK, Jan 13: Mansoor Ijaz, the main character in the memo case, is reported to have told his US go-between Gen Jim Jones in a private email that there were three people who "prepared" the now-infamous document, not just former Pakistani ambassador Husain Haqqani, according to a report published in Foreign Policy magazine on Friday.

The report contradicts his previous assertion that Haqqani alone authored the memo...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/14/haqqani-not-alone-in-authoring-memo-ijaz.html

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Sacked secretary consults lawyers
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Khawar Ghumman
ISLAMABAD, Jan 13: Former defence secretary Lt-Gen (retd) Naeem Khalid Lodhi has decided to challenge his dismissal in court.

Talking to Dawn on Friday, Mr Lodhi said he was consulting lawyers to file a petition possibly in a high court against his removal by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/14/sacked-secretary-consults-lawyers.html

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Three security personnel, seven assailants killed
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Ali Hazrat Bacha
PESHAWAR, Jan 13: At least three security personnel and seven assailants were killed in an attack on a checkpost in Sarband, near Peshawar, late on Thursday night.

Thirteen police and Frontier Constabulary personnel were injured...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/14/three-security-personnel-seven-assailants-killed.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
PPP lawyers discussing Swiss letter issue
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Zulqernain Tahir
LAHORE, Jan 13: The PPP leadership has finally started discussing a Supreme Court order which requires the government to write a letter to Swiss authorities for reopening cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.

In its last meeting held earlier this month, the PPP core committee had reiterated its stand that President Zardari enjoyed immunity under the Constitution and, therefore, the government should not write the letter. But after the six options given by the apex court to the government to implement its verdict in the NRO case, some allies reportedly advised the PPP leaders to give a second thought to the matter...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/14/ppp-lawyers-discussing-swiss-letter-issue.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Report about PM's call to UK envoy denied
--------------------------------------------------------------
ISLAMABAD, Jan 13: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's office denied a report on Friday that he called the British High Commissioner in Islamabad this week, expressing concerns that the army could mount a coup and asking London to support his government.

The prime minister's office simply said Mr Gilani had "not spoken to the British High Commissioner in this regard"...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/14/report-about-pms-call-to-uk-envoy-denied.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
US officials, experts rule out coup
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Anwar Iqbal
WASHINGTON, Jan 13: The US State Department has once again made it clear that the Obama administration backs the Zardari government in the conflict between the civil and military establishments and that it is trying to hold direct talks with the Taliban without involving Islamabad.

A day after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made these points in a news briefing at her office, the department's spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters that the US would continue to support the current democratic set-up in Pakistan...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/14/us-officials-experts-rule-out-coup.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
SC puts off hearing against Awan
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD, Jan 13: The Supreme Court accepted on Friday a request of former law minister Dr Babar Awan and put off to Feb 2 a hearing against him for his remarks ridiculing the judiciary.

A two-judge bench, comprising Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan and Justice Muhammad Ather Saeed, adjourned the proceedings after Dr Awan sought time...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/14/sc-puts-off-hearing-against-awan.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Application filed seeking action against Ijaz's lawyer
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Malik Asad and Nasir Iqbal
ISLAMABAD, Jan 13: Former ambassador Husain Haqqani has submitted an application to the memo investigation commission, accusing the counsel for his accuser Mansoor Ijaz of making false allegations regarding threats to the life of his client.

Mr Haqqani said in the application submitted through his counsel Zahid Hussain Bukhari and Sajid Khan Tanoli on Friday that Mr Ijaz's lawyer Akram Sheikh had claimed before the commission that he was receiving threats on email from him...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/14/application-filed-seeking-action-against-ijazs-lawyer.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Karachi Stocks Up 105.34 Points:
--------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Jan 13: At the close of trading; the KSE-100 index was at 11014.46, up 105.34 points.
--------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------
Forex Update:
--------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Jan 13: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at 91.5 to the US Dollar in the open market.
--------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------
*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*
--------------------------------------------------------------
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--------------------------------------------------------------

DINA for the issue of January 13, 2012

2012-01-13T09:59:00.000+05:00

----------------------------------------------------------------
D A W N I n t e r n e t N e w s A l e r t
----------------------------------------------------------------
January 13, 2012 Friday Safar 18, 1433
----------------------------------------------------------------
The DAWN Internet News Alert (DINA) is a free daily news-service
from Pakistan's largest English language newspaper, the Daily
DAWN.

We encourage comments & suggestions. We can be reached at:

e-mail webmaster@dawn.com
WWW http://dawn.com
fax +92(21) 35693995
snail-mail DAWN Media Group,
Haroon House, Karachi 74200, Pakistan

(c) Pakistan Herald Publications (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan - 2012

The link at the end of each extract can be used to access the
complete story on DAWN - the Internet Edition.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
PML-N hints at tabling no-trust move
-----------------------------------------------------------------
By Amir Wasim
ISLAMABAD, Jan 12: The Pakistan Muslim League-N decided on Thursday to launch a campaign to mount pressure on the government starting with a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who has been trying to seek parliamentary support in the standoff with the judiciary on the NRO and with the military on the memo issues.

Sources in the PML-N said the decision had been taken at a joint meeting of the party's central working committee and the parliamentary group, presided over by party chief Nawaz Sharif. But it was subject to a response from other political parties, they said...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/13/pml-n-hints-at-tabling-no-trust-move.html

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PPP's allies stress caution, policy of conciliation
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Khawar Ghumman
ISLAMABAD, Jan 12: The PPP may be ready to go down fighting but its coalition partners are urging it to stick to its policy of reconciliation in coping with the current crisis.

At a meeting held before the National Assembly session on Thursday, the allies advised the Pakistan People's Party to avoid confrontation with other state organs...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/13/ppps-allies-stress-caution-policy-of-conciliation.html

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ISI, IB should be made more accountable: commission
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD, Jan 12: A commission constituted by the government to investigate the circumstances leading to the killing of journalist Syed Salim Shahzad has blamed various 'belligerents' involved in the war on terror for his murder.

But it didn't single out any person or organisation, who could have killed him, leaving the room open for further probe. In its set of recommendations, the most important was to rein in the Inter-Services Intelligence and Intelligence Bureau and make them accountable within their organisations and to the parliamentary committees concerned...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/13/isi-ib-should-be-made-more-accountable-commission.html

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Generals quietly review options
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Baqir Sajjad Syed
ISLAMABAD, Jan 12: Amid an intensifying row with the government, army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani met the corps commanders on Thursday at an unannounced session of the military's top brass that studied various options for dealing with the political crisis that has ensued from the memo scandal.

The silence maintained by the military and its media wing, ISPR, over the meeting was more worrying than reassuring as it sent Islamabad's rumour mills working overtime...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/13/generals-quietly-review-options.html

----------------------------------------------------------------
Mansoor Ijaz yet to apply for visa
----------------------------------------------------------------
Dawn Report
ISLAMABAD, Jan 12: Brushing aside rumours in some circles, Mansoor Ijaz, one of the main characters in the memo controversy, announced on Thursday that he would definitely visit Pakistan to offer his testimony before the judicial commission.

"Some important security-related concerns have arisen as the date of my testimony nears. Certain adjustments are being made that are not for public dissemination," Mr Ijaz said without elaborating in an email...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/13/mansoor-ijaz-yet-to-apply-for-visa.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Drone kills 5 in North Waziristan
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Pazir Gul
MIRAMSHAH, Jan 12: Five people were killed and two others wounded when missiles fired by a US drone hit a compound in North Waziristan Agency on Thursday, sources said.

This was the second drone attack in the area in two days...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/13/drone-kills-5-in-north-waziristan.html

----------------------------------------------------------------
15 elders select successor Sibghatullah Hurs' new spiritual leader
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Correspondent
SUKKUR, Jan 12: Shah Mardan Shah-II Pir Pagara, the spiritual leader of Hur Jamaat and chief of the Pakistan Muslim League (Functional), was laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard in Dargah-i-Rashidia in Pir Jo Goth on Thursday afternoon.

According to the family tradition, the decision about Pir Pagara's succession was taken before burial by 15 Khalifas (elders of the jamaat) who selected the late leader's eldest son Pir Sibghatullah Shah alias Raja Sain as the 8th Pir Pagara...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/13/15-elders-select-successor-sibghatullah-hurs-new-spiritual-leader.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
SC orders verification of military claim about Swat 'terrorist'
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Nasir Iqbal
ISLAMABAD, Jan 12: The Supreme Court ordered the Defence Secretary on Thursday to verify claims made by military authorities while branding a Swat resident a terrorist.

A four-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry had taken up a petition of Abdul Ghaffar Khan seeking to reclaim his ancestral farmland and gardens he had left behind while leaving as an internally displaced person when the operation "Rah-i-Rast" was launched by security forces against Taliban terrorists in Swat.The petitioner said he owned 500 kanals of agricultural land and gardens in the revenue estate of Kota in Tehsil Barikot...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/13/denial-of-farmland-and-property-to-family-sc-orders-verification-of-military-claim-about-swat-terrorist.html

----------------------------------------------------------------
Senate elections on March 2
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Iftikhar A. Khan
ISLAMABAD, Jan 12: The Election Commission announced on Thursday that Senate elections would be held on March 2.

The ruling Pakistan People's Party is set to win majority seats in the upper house for the first time in the country's parliamentary history. The elections for half of the seats, in addition to the four reserved for minorities under the 18th Amendment, will take the number of senators from 100 to 104, with the PPP having the prospect of securing over 40 seats...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/13/senate-elections-on-march-2.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
US orders probe into defiling of Taliban bodies
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Correspondent
WASHINGTON, Jan 12: US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has ordered a probe of the video showing Marines urinating on dead Taliban.

The video that began circulating online on Wednesday afternoon shows four US Marines apparently urinating over three Taliban corpses somewhere in Afghanistan...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/13/us-orders-probe-into-defiling-of-taliban-bodies.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Clinton speaks out in favour of elected govt
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Anwar Iqbal
WASHINGTON, Jan 12: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday expressed strong support for the current democratic set-up in Pakistan and said the United States expected Pakistani rulers to resolve their differences in a just and transparent manner that upheld their laws and constitution.

The statement, in a joint briefing with the visiting Algerian foreign minister, indicated that Secretary Clinton had discussed this issue with the new Pakistani Ambassador, Sherry Rehman, as well who met her at the State Department on Wednesday...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/13/clinton-speaks-out-in-favour-of-elected-govt.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Karachi Stocks Down 22.76 Points:
--------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Jan 12: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 10907.73, down 22.76 points.
--------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------
Forex Update:
--------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Jan 12: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at 91.5 to the US Dollar in the open market.
--------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------
*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*
--------------------------------------------------------------
To subscribe or unsubscribe to this mailing list, please fill the form located at: http://www.dawn.com/alerts
--------------------------------------------------------------

DINA for the issue of January 12, 2012

2012-01-12T09:57:00.000+05:00

----------------------------------------------------------------
D A W N I n t e r n e t N e w s A l e r t
----------------------------------------------------------------
January 12, 2012 Thursday Safar 17, 1433
----------------------------------------------------------------
The DAWN Internet News Alert (DINA) is a free daily news-service
from Pakistan's largest English language newspaper, the Daily
DAWN.

We encourage comments & suggestions. We can be reached at:

e-mail webmaster@dawn.com
WWW http://dawn.com
fax +92(21) 35693995
snail-mail DAWN Media Group,
Haroon House, Karachi 74200, Pakistan

(c) Pakistan Herald Publications (Pvt.) Ltd., Pakistan - 2012

The link at the end of each extract can be used to access the
complete story on DAWN - the Internet Edition.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Sanity follows high drama
-----------------------------------------------------------------
By Baqir Sajjad Syed and Amir Wasim
IT was a day of nail-biting suspense that followed a night of hectic political activity. But its denouement that came the same evening was surprisingly calm.

The first strike of Wednesday came from Pindi. The Inter Services Public Relations, the military's information wing, released a hard-hitting press statement that took to task the prime minister who had in an interview to a Chinese journalist on Monday inexplicably announced that the answers submitted to the Supreme Court by the Chief of Army Staff and the head of the ISI had not been filed following the rules of procedure...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/12/sanity-follows-high-drama.html

----------------------------------------------------------------
Defence secretary Naeem Lodhi sacked
----------------------------------------------------------------
ISLAMABAD: Wednesday evening saw high drama as the army warned the prime minister of "grievous consequences" for his allegations against the Chief of Army Staff and the ISI spymaster and the government struck back by sacking the defence secretary. However as night fell, sanity prevailed with the news of telephone conversation between Mr Yousuf Raza Gilani and Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.

Talking to reporters, the prime minister said Gen Kayani had spoken to him before ISPR, the military's public affairs wing, issued a rejoinder to the former's interview with China's People's Daily Online...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/12/defence-secretary-naeem-lodhi-sacked.html

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Parliamentary groups of coalition parties to meet before NA session
----------------------------------------------------------------
ISLAMABAD: The PPP finds itself stuck between the proverbial devil and the deep blue sea — and unreliable coalition allies.

The allies are not interested in committing their support to the PPP in parliament, without first knowing and approving of the tactics it will use to respond to the Supreme Court's Tuesday ruling in the NRO implementation case, according to sources...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/12/parliamentary-groups-of-coalition-parties-to-meet-before-na-session.html

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Seven-judge bench set up for NRO case
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD, Jan 11: A day after the stern order in the NRO implementation case, the Supreme Court constituted a seven-judge bench to resume the hearing from Monday next.

A source privy to the development conceded to Dawn that the bench so formed would be headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk and comprised Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmany, Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, Justice Ijaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Muhammad Ather Saeed...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/12/seven-judge-bench-set-up-for-nro-case.html

----------------------------------------------------------------
14 FC men slain in Turbat
----------------------------------------------------------------
QUETTA, Jan 11: At least 14 personnel of the Frontier Corps died in an ambush by armed men in the Nawano area of Turbat district late on Wednesday night.

The banned Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) claimed responsibility for the attack...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/12/14-fc-men-slain-in-turbat.html

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Stage set for parliamentary fightback
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Raja Asghar
ISLAMABAD, Jan 11: An emergency National Assembly session beginning on Thursday sets the stage for a parliamentary fightback by the government against a spate of judicial and other provocations which have heightened political tensions and fuelled speculations about a new standoff with the judiciary.

The PPP-led coalition government is likely to use the session to demonstrate its parliamentary strength and backing to its policies through a debate or a voted resolution as a counter to perceived moves to destabilise it before it completes its five-year term in March next year...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/12/stage-set-for-parliamentary-fightback.html

----------------------------------------------------------------
PML-N chief calls for early elections
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Amjad Mahmood
LAHORE, Jan 11: PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif has suggested early general elections to steer the country out of a situation in which a clash among state institutions appears to be imminent.

In a prepared statement read out in front of mediapersons outside his Raiwind residence on Wednesday, Mr Sharif cautioned all quarters concerned against any misadventure and said that "continuation of constitutional and democratic process is in the best national interest"...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/12/pml-n-chief-calls-for-early-elections.html

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Dasti quits PPP, NA
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Correspondent
MUZAFFARGARH, Jan 11: Infuriated at alleged interference of party colleague and Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar in his constituency's affairs, MNA Jamshed Dasti announced on Wednesday that he had decided to quit the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and resign from the National Assembly.

Talking to reporters at his residence, Mr Dasti alleged that Ms Khar had got posted "some corrupt officials" in his constituency and the party leadership had been unmoved despite repeated complaints...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/12/dasti-quits-ppp-na.html

----------------------------------------------------------------
Questions raised about next Pagara
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Habib Khan Ghori
KARACHI, Jan 11: The passing away of Pir Pagara, spiritual leader of the Hur Jamaat, in London on Tuesday night has set off speculation among political circles as to which of his four sons — Pir Syed Sibghatullah Shah, Pir Syed Gohar Ali Shah, Pir Syed Sadruddin Shah alias Yunus Sain and Pir Syed Hizbullah Shah Rashdi — will succeed him.

There is no tradition of nominating a son as successor by the Pir himself in Hur Jamaat, sources close to the Kingri House, which is the official residence in Karachi of their spiritual guide, told Dawn...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/12/questions-raised-about-next-pagara.html

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'US playing no role in Pakistan matters'
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Correspondent
WASHINGTON, Jan 11: The US State Department said on Wednesday that the conflict between the civil and military establishments in Pakistan was the country's internal matter and it would not like to comment on it.

At a briefing in Washington, a State Department official also said the US was not playing any role in removing differences between the civilian government and the Pakistani military...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/12/us-playing-no-role-in-pakistan-matters.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
SCBA adopts resolution in support of Supreme Court
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Nasir Iqbal
ISLAMABAD, Jan 11: The second meeting of the 14th executive committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) adopted on Wednesday a hard-hitting, but disputed resolution, condemning perceived attempts on part of the government to flout the Supreme Court's verdict on the NRO.

Attended by 21 members of the newly-elected body of the SCBA, the resolution was signed by 16 members. President Yasin Azad and four other office-bearers chose not to support it...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/12/scba-adopts-resolution-in-support-of-supreme-court.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
'US let down by Sunni Ittehad'
--------------------------------------------------------------
By Our Correspondent
WASHINGTON, Jan 11: The US Department of State paid $36,607 to the Sunni Ittehad Council during the US fiscal year 2009-10, reveals a document placed on the website of a government agency called USAspending.gov.

The money came from the State Department's fund for "public diplomacy programmes for Afghanistan and Pakistan", the document shows...

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/12/us-let-down-by-sunni-ittehad.html

--------------------------------------------------------------
Karachi Stocks Down 2.69 Points:
--------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Jan 11: At close of trading, the KSE-100 index was at 10.930.49, down 2.69 points.
--------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------
Forex Update:
--------------------------------------------------------------
KARACHI, Jan 11: The Pakistani Rupee was traded at 91.3 to the US Dollar in the open market.
--------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------
*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*DINA*
--------------------------------------------------------------
To subscribe or unsubscribe to this mailing list, please fill the form located at: http://www.dawn.com/alerts
--------------------------------------------------------------

DINA for the issue of January 11 2012

2012-01-11T10:01:00.000+05:00