Awaz Apni

Last night, the Saskatchewan election leaders' debate took place in Regina between Brad Wall (Sask. Party), David Karwacki (Liberal) and Lorne Calvert (NDP and incumbent premier). Here is what I noticed last night, written in point form: 1. The format of the debate must have ticked a lot of people off.       While the statement speeches were handled quite well, I felt that the bickering that occurred during the actual debate times must have turned off people who already had a hunch that politics is 'skum-bag' sport. 2. Brad Wall focused much more on the NDP's history and his independent review than his actual policy.       Last night, Wall focused on two broad points: a) his platform has had an independent review by an economist (and that economist said it was balanced); and b) Saskatchewan pretty much is falling apart under Calvert. However, Wall really didn't mention much about his exact ideas and—for the ones he did bring up—how those ideas will make Sas...

Last night, the Saskatchewan election leaders' debate took place in Regina between Brad Wall (Sask. Party), David Karwacki (Liberal) and Lorne Calvert (NDP and incumbent premier). Here is what I noticed last night, written in point form: 1. The format of the debate must have ticked a lot of people off.       While the statement speeches were handled quite well, I felt that the bickering that occurred during the actual debate times must have turned off people who already had a hunch that politics is 'skum-bag' sport. 2. Brad Wall focused much more on the NDP's history and his independent review than his actual policy.       Last night, Wall focused on two broad points: a) his platform has had an independent review by an economist (and that economist said it was balanced); and b) Saskatchewan pretty much is falling apart under Calvert. However, Wall really didn't mention much about his exact ideas and—for the ones he did bring up—how those ideas will make Sas...

Summary: Exchange 2007 fails to mount additional databases after you've created 5 Storage Groups. In additional, you get Event ID:9589 "Exceeded the max number of 6 Storage Groups on this server." You have verified that your Exchange 2007 Edition is Enterprise in the EMC GUI. Resolution: Re-enter your product key in the Shell and restart your information store. [PS] H:\>set-exchangeserver -identity dcex01 -productkey XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX WARNING: The Exchange server "DCEX01" is already licensed. WARNING: The product key has been validated and the product id has been successfully created. Note: This change will not be complete until the store has been restarted. Cause: Unknown James Chong (MVP) MCSE | M+, S+, MCTS, Security+ msexchangetips.blogspot.com

Reading this post we can learn about the big security vulnerability of our Nokia and Sony Ericsson Symbian 9 smartphones. We need to do following steps: Take an update firmware package (currently supported only by Nokia for S60 smartphones).Edit some part of it, where all those capabilities are listed that a user can grant to a 3rd party application upon installation.Update these

CNews ISLAMABAD: Three policemen were among seven persons killed in a suicide attack in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, Interior Ministry spokesman Javed Iqbal Cheema said. The head of suicide attacker has been found, which was of a fair colour man between 19 to 23 years, the spokesman said in a press briefing here. He said the death toll in the blast has reached to seven including three policemen. Moreover, he said ceasefire in Swat has been implemented to provide militants an opportunity to take dead bodies of their accomplices. Cheema said that contingents of Frontier Constabulary, Frontier Corps and Police would remain posted in Swat. He said attaching suicide attacks with Lal Masjid incident was incorrect. "The police were the target in Rawalpindi attack," he added.

CNews RAWALPINDI: A high level meeting presided over by President Gen. Pervez Musharraf was underway here on Tuesday, sources said.Provincial governors, chief ministers and other top officials are attending the meeting at presidential camp office here.The participants discussing law and order, upcoming general elections, caretaker setup and other issues in the meeting, sources added.

CNews SWAT: Gunship helicopters making continues flights over different areas of Swat whereas Mangora -Bakhilia Road has opened for traffic.Gunship helicopters making flights over Manglore, Kot, Fizza Gut, Imam Dehri and Bandai areas. Meanwhile, Mangora and Khawazkhela Road have opened for traffic. Bodies of security officials were scattered in Miragari Manglore, Kot and other adjoining areas since Sunday, which were not picked up but due to lack of arrangements.However, Taliban handed over the bodies to security forces after negotiations with conciliatory committee.

CNews GENEVA: A key prosecutor said he received the conclusions of a money laundering investigation against former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, but it was unclear whether there would be any further legal action against her in Switzerland."The investigating magistrate has sent me the file," Daniel Zappelli, chief prosecutor of the canton (state) of Geneva, told the foreign news agency.The prosecutor can now decide whether to file charges, suspend the proceedings or drop the case.Since 2004, the magistrate had been conducting the investigation into allegations that Bhutto had used Swiss banks to launder millions of dollars in kickbacks.Swiss lawyers are closely following the developments in Pakistan and there has been speculation in the Swiss media whether they might wait to see what Pakistan's highest court will decide.Another Geneva magistrate convicted Bhutto and her husband, Asif Ali Zardari, in absentia of money laundering in July 2003 under a Swiss law tha...

CNews ISLAMABAD: A three-day anti-polio drive kicks off all across the country today.Ministry of health said that all the children below 5 years would be administered polio safety drops. The five districts of Punjab—Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahimyar Khan and Multan have been declared sensitive areas to polio.

CNews ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz informed on Monday tribal people of North Waziristan have given ultimatum to the foreigners to leave the area. He was talking to the executive committee of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), led by Hameed A Haroon.He said the government wishes to resolve the North Waziristan issue through dialogue. He informed that the foreigners have been given ultimatum to leave the area. The Prime Minister said that the proposed security draft during the campaign for the general elections has been sent to the political parties for their views. “The interior ministry’s security draft has been sent to the political parties to get their comments after which it will be published,” Shaukat Aziz added. This plan, he said, will ensure that life and security of the rally participants is safe. The Prime Minister made it clear that all the ruling parties will be bound, including the ruling coalition, by the finalised plan. Replying to a question about the ...

CNews KARACHI: Former premier and PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto Monday returned to Karachi Monday after wrapping up a visit to her ancestral home in southern Pakistan, hailing her supporters for defying security threats and promising them democracy. PPP leaders including Nafees Siddiqui and others along with party workers received Benazir Bhutto at Karachi airport.Security was beefed up at the airport on arrive of Benazir. She came out of the airport from departure lounge instead of arrival lounge. Benazir was seated in her vehicle after checking of the vehicle by bomb disposal squad and Benazir’s convoy arrived at Bilawal House with in 20 minutes.Benazir entered into Bilawal House from backdoor whereas her security squad entered from the main gate of her residence.

CNews ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court larger bench Monday adjourned hearing of the constitutional petitions challenging the candidature of General Musharraf for presidential election.Justice Javed Iqbal is the head of the 11-member larger bench hearing the case. The counsels of petitioners concluded their arguments today. Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday in his remarks during the proceedings said that the court if declares that an electoral college could not elect an office twice the decision would cause a state of uncertainty.Attorney General Malik Qayyum in his arguments said the petitions challenging the candidature of General Musharraf for presidential election are non-maintainable. He further argued that the court have no jurisdiction of hearing the case against the president under Article 41-VI. He contended that President Musharraf is eligible for re-election and under earlier judgments of the apex court and the dual-office law Gen. Musharraf can contest the election. He said the constit...

CNews KARACHI: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Sunday said that the Nawaz League was a reality as it had representation in the assemblies and negotiations could be undertaken with its leaders.The prime minister said this while addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Gymkhana here at North Nazimabad.He, however, parried the question about talks with Nawaz Sharif, saying the outcome would be known after reaching political reconciliation with the party. He said the issue of Nawaz Sharif’s return was sub judice and he could not comment on that.He announced Rs 100 million for North Nazimabad Gymkhana to be established at a total cost of Rs 220 million besides CNG buses for the city. The Prime Minister also announced to provide a 25-storey high snorkel to help carry out rescue and fire extinguishing work in the city. Sindh Governor, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan, Chief Minister, Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, Babar Khan Ghauri, City Nazim, Syed Mustafa ...

CNews SWAT: Estranged conditions continued to prevail in Swat, as at least 17 militants and 11 law-enforcers were killed and more than 35 others were injured on the third consecutive day of the clashes between the defiant Taliban and the security forces here on SundayUnconfirmed reports, however, said that 20 personnel of law-enforcing agencies had been killed in a reported suicide bombing in Sangota. The clashes left about 55 persons injured, two of them Islamabad-based journalists, 14 security personnel, 20 militants and 19 civilians, including women and children.The injured media persons were identified as Khalid Jameel and Reza Agha of a private television channel, who sustained injuries when a wall of a mosque fell on them after being hit by a mortar shell.There were conflicting claims from both the sides as the top military spokesman Maj Gen Waheed Arshad put the death toll of the militants at 50-60. “The report about the casualties is based on intercepted messages of the local m...

CNews PESHAWAR: The police here in the Badh Beer area defused two rockets and the officials told that the rockets here were fired on this location.SSP Muhammad Tahir Khan told CNews News that the two defused rockets were hidden down the earth. In all five rockets were hidden at Badh Beer, out of which, three were fired at different areas here this morning. SSP told that the search operation in the area was underway albeit no one could be arrested as yet.

CNews PESHAWAR: The police here in the Badh Beer area defused two rockets and the officials told that the rockets here were fired on this location.SSP Muhammad Tahir Khan told CNews News that the two defused rockets were hidden down the earth. In all five rockets were hidden at Badh Beer, out of which, three were fired at different areas here this morning. SSP told that the search operation in the area was underway albeit no one could be arrested as yet.

CNews ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman, Abdullah Yusuf has said that the revenue collection target fixed for the current fiscal year would not be revised downward.In a statement issued here, Abdullah Yusuf said that a target of Rs1025 billion revenue collection for the current fiscal year was certainly challenging, but not impossible. FBR chairman said that for meeting the target of the collection of taxes all the resources would be brought into use for which the officers would have to strive harder. He said that the high-tech and non-traditional process of revenue collection would be adopted for achieving this target.

CNews KAKUL: Vice Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Saturday said Pakistan Army will spare no effort as part of the national strategy to assist the Government and eradicate the menace of extremism and obscurantism with the support and help of the people of Pakistan.“We would like to continue on the path of progress, so that our future generations live in peace, prosperity and security,” he said while addressing the passing out parade of 116 PMA, 30 Graduate, 35 Integrated Course and second Ladies Integrated Course at Pakistan Military Academy. Addressing the parade, he congratulated the passing out cadets on successful completion of training and on grant of commission in Pakistan Army. He said this day is of great significance for cadets who will leave the academy and join the Army. The Vice Chief of Army Staff said the country is faced with a difficult environment. “Our country is facing a significant threat from forces of extremism and obscurantism. Despite being i...

CNews LARKANA: Former Prime Minister and PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto vowed Sunday not to bow before the extremists and ruled out negotiations with them.“ I will not hold negotiations with the extremists who are involving in killing of their Muslim brethren,” she said while addressing a press conference here.Benazir once again called upon the extremists to surrender arms and live as law-abiding citizens. Benazir also vowed to step up the fight against militants blamed for the twin attacks in Karachi on her homecoming parade, saying she feared extremism was gathering force in areas of the military-ruled nation. "I am very concerned about what is happening in my country. I always believed that dictatorship fuels militancy and extremism,” she said."I feel sad that for the last five years we were not able to address this problem and to stop this from spreading," she remarked.Benazir Bhutto visited victims of the devastating October 18 suicide blasts on Sunday, as the forme...

CNews KARACHI: Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz has said that the talks for the restoration of democracy with all the parties were in progress.Addressing a press conference at the Governor House here, the prime minister said that the government desires restoration of democracy. He said that the Muslim League-N was a reality and a major party and the government’s talks were also continuing with the PML-N, but no deal was being cut with any party, he hastened to add. The prime minister said nothing about the homecoming of Nawaz Sharif.Regarding Swat standoff, Shaukat Aziz said that no army operation was being conducted in Swat, while the police and security forces were striving for the maintenance of law and order. “We do not want loss of life in Swat, the local administration had requested the federal government for the deployment of army to maintain law and order,” he disclosed. The prime minister during the press conference said that the investigations into the Karsaz tragedy were underwa...

CNews KARACHI: The century old heritage building of Radio Pakistan located on the main artery of the metropolis, M. A. Jinnah Road badly damaged in a blaze on Sunday. The transmissions were suspended for several hours due to the blaze.The fire broke out at Radio Pakistan Karachi Station this morning around 10:45 hours. A fire official said it is believed that a short circuit caused the fire. Being Sunday a number of children along with others were present for recording of a weekly children's programme. They were safely evacuated, officials said.Two dozen fire fighting vehicles of the city government and a snorkel and fire fighers from KPT, DHA and Clifton Cantonment struggled for three hours to bring the blaze under control.City Naib Nazim Nasreen Jalil, DCO Karachi Javed Hanif, prominent social worker Maulana Abdul Sattar Edhi were also present at the place. The volunteers of Khidmat Khalq Foundation, Hilal-e-Ahmar, Chheepa Welfare and other organization were also reached the plac...

CNews SWAT: Unknown persons destroyed a police post in Swat as Taliban and security forces exchanged gunfire in Kabal bazaar further increasing tension in the area. Unknown persons blasted off a vacant police post in Tulligram area.Security forces fired over local Taliban in Kabal bazaar increasing tension in the area. Police and paramilitary troops set up security posts and bunkers protected by sandbags near Frontier House in Kabal, a small town near Mingora.Meanwhile, militants quit police post in Charbagh village and returned to their hideouts, sources said. Local Taliban have also ended siege of Shahdera police post in tehsil Kabal after talks with Nazim of Shahdera Iftikhar Khan and local notables. The main bazaar in Kabal was closed, the town was tense and residents were told not to venture out of their homes, although no curfew has officially been declared.

CNews ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Aftab Khan Sherpao said Pakistan and India would jointly work out a strategy to eradicate the extremism. Aftab Khan Sherpao said this while talking to the journalists at Islamabad airport on Saturday as he returned after attending the SAARC conference. The interior minister said the member states of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) agreed on developing a mechanism for exchange of information to eradicate the curse of terrorism and drugs. He said the recommendations regarding the information mechanism were discussed during the conference and the participants agreed upon the need for collective efforts to combat terrorism. He went on to say that the issues including human trafficking, money laundering and fake currency were discussed in the conference and it was decided that the SAARC states would hold three meetings next year in Islamabad in which police chiefs, law experts and experts working against terrorism, present ...

CNews KARACHI: Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz has said that the Muslim League-Q, its allied parties and MQM would jointly participate in the upcoming elections and added that he was sanguine of ML-Q and allied parties’ success in making the next government also. He was addressing an inaugural ceremony of an edible oil plant project costing $150 million at the Governor House here. Sindh Governor, Dr. Ishratul Ibad Khan, Sindh Chief Minister, Dr, Arbab Ghulam Rahim, ML-Q president, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Federal Minister for Port and Shipping, Babar Khan Ghori were also present on this occasion. Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz said that the political temperature would rise in the days to come. He said that the government was striving for keeping the law and order enforced in the country and declared that the upcoming elections would be transparent and impartial. The prime minister said that Pakistan due to the positive government policies made progress in every sector economically durin...

CNews SWAT: Home secretary NWFP Badshah Gul Wazir said that the government has to take further steps to control the situation in Mattah, an area of Swat. Here in Kabal, the attack from armed persons on the police station was averted and the security forces have imposed an unannounced curfew in Kabal. Talking with CNews News in Peshawar, home secretary Badshah Gul Wazir said that in the areas of Swat – Mattah and Kabal – law and order situation has become worse and to overcome it the government would take further steps. He told that the security forces have averted the attack from militants at the police station in Kabal. However, according to independent sources, the militants attacked the police station after which flames were seen rising from the police station. Later, the security forces imposed an unannounced curfew in Kabal. Badshah Gul Wazir further told that the chief minister NWFP, Shamsul Malik has announced to give a cash prize of Rs.500,000 to the security officials obstruct...

CNews LAHORE: Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid has said the future of National Reconciliation Ordinance has been in the hands of Benazir Bhutto. “The process of reconciliation can be stopped if Benazir Bhutto continued her irresponsible statements,” Rashid told media after farewell meeting with railway workers at railway workshops here. The cabinet was against the National Reconciliation Ordinance but supported the law on advice of the president, Rashid said. Rashid said that Mohtarma has confidence over the foreign agencies but if they would have been as much active they had traced Mulla Umar.

CNews LARKANA: Chairperson Pakistan People’s Party and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto said that she has taken her party into confidence on the issue of becoming prime minister for third time. However, no agreement could be made in the negotiations with the government on the abolishment of 58 (2) B. While talking with journalists in Larkana, Benazir Bhutto said that the negotiations are being held with the government for the restoration of democracy and the prosperity of the people. Benazir said that she wants the people to get the ruling power, unemployed persons to get employment and the backward people to get betterment. She said that General Musharraf had said to retire before oath-taking of the president but still there are many works to do for the restoration of democracy. On the national reconciliation ordinance, Benazir said that the cases made against her were not strong and the cabinet signing the ordinance admitted that the cases were fabricated as revenge against her. ...

CNews LARKANA: Pakistan Peoples Party Chairperson Benazir Bhutto Saturday reached her native home in Naudero after offering Fateha at Mazar of her father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh graveyard. Benazir after her arrival at Sukkur Airport from Karachi this morning leading a rally reached Garhi Khuda Bakhsh in a bulletproof car amid tightened security. Peoples’ Party workers and local people in large number accorded rousing welcome to Benazir Bhutto on her arrival in native town after eight years. The party workers including large number of women chanted slogans for Benazir. Stringent security arrangements were made on Benazir Bhutto’s arrival to Garhi Khuda Bakhsh. Benazir Bhutto earlier offered Fateha at graves of her father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and two brothers Murtaza Bhutto and Shahnawaz Bhutto. She recited holly Quran and offered Fateha and laid floral wreaths and flowers at the graves. There were reports that Benazir will address a gathering but due to security reasons...

ISLAMABAD: Polling in the elections of the Supreme Court Bar Association was completed after which counting of the votes continues. Votes were cast in eight cities including all the four provincial capitals for the election of the officials of the Supreme Court Bar Association. A large number of members availed their voting right in the Supreme Court Bar elections. Polling was held in peaceful atmosphere after which counting of the votes continues. The results will be officially announced on October 31. Contest is going on between Chaudhry Aitezaz Ahsan and Zafarullah Khan for the seat of president of the Supreme Court Bar Association while 11 candidates are contesting for four seats of vice-president. There is contest between three for secretary and two for additional secretary. Zaheer Ahmed Qadri has already been elected unopposed the finance secretary. There are 32 candidates for 14 seats of the executive committee whereas candidates for both the NWFP executive seats have already be...

CNews HANGU: Some unknown persons have kidnapped three policemen from the security forces check-post at the Hangu district. Sources told that some unknown persons attacking the Torpal check-post in Tal area of the district Hangu abducted the policemen and took them away to some unknown destination. Taj Mohammad, Sakhi Badshah and Munsif Ali were included among the abductees. Police said that the investigations into the incident have started.

CNews SAN DIEGO: Firefighters were making progress against California's wildfires but around 22,000 homes remained threatened by the blazes, which have killed seven people. Cooler temperatures and calmer winds have allowed firefighters to staunch or contain most of the 23 fires that have erupted since Sunday, triggering the evacuation of more than 500,000 people, the biggest in California history. Some 1,800 properties have been gutted by the blazes and officials have tallied over one billion dollars in damage. Nine fires remained active Friday but officials said they were on course to break the back of the blazes, which have so far scorched 201,000 hectares (498,000 acres) of tinder-dry land.

CNews SWAT: Exchange of fire between miscreants and security forces has resumed in Swat and residents flee from Kabal area after fresh series of explosions. According to sources, exchange of fire resumed late night in different areas of Swat. Unknown persons surrounded police check post in Char Bagh Bazar and targeted it with rockets and automatic weapons. Meanwhile, series of explosions resumed in Kabal and adjoining areas and residents started fleeing from Koza Banda and Barah Banda areas. Security forces targeting miscreants and suspected attackers hideouts but no causality was reported in fresh clashes and blasts so far. According to some reports, firing has been started in Kanju and Pizagat areas of Swat.

CNews CHAMAN: The security forces grabbed 257 Uzbek and Afghan nationals during a search operation conducted in Pak-Afghan border area near Chaman. Talking to CNews News, DPO Chaman Naseebullah Khilji said that Police raided a house near Pak-Afghan border and arrested 20 Uabek nationals, followed by a security cordon around the border area in collaboration with ATF. Meanwhile, the search operation was conducted and more Uzbeks and Afghans were nabbed from various houses there, which raised the number of the hitherto arrested persons to 257. DPO Chaman said the most of the arrested persons belonged to the northern areas of Afghanistan; also, three agents running the business of the cross-border transportation of people were arrested. The arrested persons have been shifted to Saddar police station in Chaman. Police is still on high alert and more raids are being conducted.

CNews KARACHI: A man shot dead in Lyari area of Karachi whereas two people inured in different incidents.According to police sources, unknown persons opened fire at a man in Baghdadi area injuring him seriously. He was immediately shifted to Civil Hospital where he was succumbed to injuries.Two persons were injured in firing incidents in Korangi and Tariq Road areas.

CNews ISLAMABAD: A seven-member special bench of Supreme Court will hear on October 30th a contempt petition over the recent deportation of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from Islamabad airport to Saudi Arabia.The bench is headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. The other judges comprising the bench are Justice Javed Iqbal, Justice Sardar Mohammed Raza Khan, Justice Faqir Mohammed Khokhar, Justice M Javed Buttar, Justice Nasirul Mulk and Justice Raja Fayyaz Ahmed.

CNews SWAT: A blast tore through a security forces vehicle in restive northwest Pakistan on Thursday, killing 30 people and wounding dozens more, a senior security official said. The attack in scenic Swat valley in the North West Frontier Province was the latest in a wave of violence targeting the military since government troops stormed the Al-Qaeda-linked Red Mosque in Islamabad in July. The blast comes just one day after Pakistan deployed more than 2,000 military troops to the area to bolster efforts to stem the rising violence, which is linked to pro-Taliban militants. The truck -- carrying paramilitary soldiers and packed with ammunition -- was travelling on a road outside the valley's main city of Mingora when the explosion occurred, the security official said. "Thirty people were killed in the explosion including 17 paramilitary soldiers. The damage was high because the truck was packed with ammunition," the official, who asked not to be named, said. Swat mayor Faz...

CNews RAWALPINDI: President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday reiterated the government resolve to establish peace and maintain law and order in the country.In a meeting at the President’s Camp Office, the president and the Prime Minister said that no stone would be left unturned to establish peace, law and order across the country.The meeting was held to discuss the prevailing political situation.They also exchanged views on the arrangements being made for the forthcoming general elections, the draft code of conduct issued by the Election Commission and the need for ensuring security in the run up to the polls. They also discussed measures to ensure that the elections are held in a free, fair and transparent manner. During the meeting the two leaders reviewed the progress on several development projects and schemes, initiated by the present government in various parts of the country. It was noted that the overall pace of development was at a record l...

CNews ISLAMABAD: The 11-member bench of the Supreme Court (SC) headed by Justice Javed Iqbal during proceedings of various constitutional petitions filed against the candidacy/eligibility of the president for the next term as well holding of two offices on Thursday adjourned the hearing of the case till Monday.Supreme Court is a constitutional and not a revolutionary forum, Justice Javed Iqbal heading an 11-member bench of the apex court observed on Thursday during proceedings of the said constitutional petitions filed by Wajihuddin Ahmed and Makhdoom Amin Fahim and others.Ch.Aitzaz Ahsan appearing before the bench as counsel of the petitioner Justice (Retd) Wajihuddin Ahmed who completed his arguments on Thursday said that general elections for existing assemblies were held on October 10, 2002 and they had already completed the mandate and the constitutional term of five year on October 10, and today is October 25. So, these assemblies were not competent to elect the president for ano...

CNews PESHAWAR: More than 300 armed miscreants were present in Swat, provincial home secretary here said on Thursday. Home Secretary of NWFP Bacha Gul Wazir talking to CNews News here said that no military operation will be launched in the area but action will be taken against those creating hurdles in the efforts for maintenance of peace and public order in the area. The security men have started patrolling at Kabal, Ayub Bridge and Kanju areas of Swat, he said, adding that between 300 to 400 miscreants and criminals were present in the area. He indicated probable presence of foreigners among the miscreants. These persons have been armed with automatic weapons and rocket launchers, which might be smuggled from Afghanistan, tribal areas and other places to here, home secretary said. Provincial home secretary said that the government was working to control the situation peacefully. All DCOs and DPOs have been directed to hold Jirgas in their areas, he saidHe said the government would es...

CNews NEW DELHI: A private television news network broadcast footage of men accused of taking part in deadly Gujarat riots in 2002 apparently admitting that the Hindu-ruled local government supported violence against Muslims.India Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadev has demanded the arrest of former Chief Minister Gujarat Naredndra Singh Modi whereas Congress said that the report has proved that the incidents were a planned massacre. The tv network Thursday showed secretly recorded interviews by a news magazine with several people it identified as right-wing Hindus.The video interviews show several men reportedly boasting about their role in the widespread killings and referring to the involvement of police and tacit support of politicians.At least 2,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed after a Muslim mob was accused of torching a train, burning 59 Hindus alive.The footage shows a man reportedly admitting to slitting a pregnant woman's stomach and bringing out the foetus with a s...

India's main opposition party has dismissed claims that its government in the state of Gujarat supported violence against Muslims in 2002. The allegations against the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were made in secret video recordings by the Tehelka magazine. They have also been broadcast on local television. The BJP has described the allegations as a conspiracy hatched by India's governing Congress party. Elections are due in Gujarat next month. 'Election stunt' According to official figures, more than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, died in the 2002 riots. Independent groups placed the figure closer to 2,000.A spokesman for the BJP, Prakash Javdekar, described the Tehelka report as an election stunt stage-managed by Congress. He said it was a sting operation based on rumours and hearsay. In the secret video footage, apparently filmed over six months, several hardline Hindu politicians, mostly belonging to the BJP, are seen describing how they carried out...

Cnews SWAT: The ceasefire has been announced between the Security forces and militant supporters of a radical religious leader Maulana Fazlullah in the scenic Swat valley in North West Frontier Province, the base of the cleric, who has been driving a fierce campaign to introduce pro-Taliban laws.Troops backed by gunship helicopters clashed with a militant cleric's supporters at his hideout in northwest Pakistan on Friday, leaving three rebels dead, officials said. Heavy fighting broke out in Swat valley a day after a blast tore through a security forces vehicle in Swat, killing about 30 people, in an apparent reaction to the arrival of more than 2,000 troops in the area earlier this week. Violence first erupted in Swat in July, when militants mounted revenge attacks on the army after government troops stormed the Al-Qaeda-linked Red Mosque in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad. The Swat valley was once one of Pakistan's premier tourist spots, attracting a large number of foreign ...

CNews ISLAMABAD: Federal minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed paying glowing tribute to 18-October blast victims said the said deceased political workers of PPP caravan of democracy are martyrs. Talking Geo News programme “Capital Talk” Sheikh Rasheed urged PPP leadership to give compensation up to Rs 10 million to the heirs of each victim of the Karachi tragedy instead of Rs 5000. Paying compensation to the tune of Rs 10 million to the heirs of each victim of the Karachi tragedy is not a problem for PPP leadership, he said.Speaking on the occasion, counsel of Benazir Bhutto Farooq A. Naik called upon Sheikh Rasheed to play role to save PPP-government reconciliation deal.

CNews CHAMAN: Security forces have arrested 140 Afghan and Uzbek nationals during a search operation in Chaman area near Pak- Afghan border.DPO Chaman Naseebullah Khilji told CNews News that police on Wednesday arrested 20 Uzbek citizens during a raid at a house near Pak-Afghan border. Later ATF had cordoned off the border area and 120 more Uzbek and Afghan citizens were arrested in the search operation. DPO said that majority of arrested persons belonged to Afghanistan’s northern areas. Three agents who helped people in crossing the border were also arrested.The detainees were shifted to Saddar Police Station in Chaman. Police put on high alert and more raids are underway.

Cnews KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Makhdoom Amin Fahim said that the powers of Town Nazims should be seized before elections.Fahim said that this is a wrong impression that PPP wants dissolution of local bodies. It is a duty of Election Commission to seize powers of town nazims before elections but they should remain continue their duties.About Karachi tragedy investigations, Fahim said that investigation should be carried out in a manner, which would satisfy the masses. He stressed usage of scientific methods for the investigation.

CNews KARACHI: Former premier and PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto repeated her calls Thursday for an independent investigation into the blasts and for overseas expertise to track down those responsible. PPP wouldn’t accept the Oct-18 tragedy probe without overseas expertise, she said here while talking to newsmen at Bilawal House. "We take financial help and political help from abroad, why can't we take help from technical experts for this investigation?" she said. The government has rejected the request, saying local investigators are capable of arresting those behind the nation's worst attacks. Benazir asked the government for permission to travel in a convoy of cars with tinted windows in the wake of last week's devastating suicide blasts. Bhutto has been surrounded by heavily armed guards since the attacks tore through her homecoming parade in Karachi city killing 139 people and ruining her triumphant return after eight years in self-imposed exile. She has vowe...

CNews KARACHI: A new chief investigator would resume his office today (Thursday). Saud Mirza, the chief of criminal investigations at Karachi, will now head the five-man team probing last week's bombing of Bhutto's homecoming parade that killed 136 people, said the sources. The Sindh police chief replaced the previous chief investigator, Manzar Mughal, after Bhutto raised objections on Mughal appointment.

CNews Islamabad, Oct 26: The Saudi Arabian government has given its approval to former Premier Nawaz Sharif to go back to Pakistan and modalities are being worked out for his return in November, a senior leader of his PML-N party said on Friday. "Saudi Arabia has already told Nawaz Sharif that he can go back to his country whenever he likes. We are working out the modalities so that he can return in November," said PML-N acting President Makhdoom Javed Hashmi. Hashmi`s assertion came a day after President Pervez Musharraf told a meeting of top leaders of the ruling PML-Q and its allies that Sharif would not return to Pakistan from exile before the general election, which is due by mid-January. Sharif was arrested and deported to Saudia Arabia barely four hours after he returned to Pakistan on September 10. The former Premier, who signed an agreement to go into exile in Saudi Arabia for 10 years in exchange for the dropping of his jail terms, had come back after Pakistan`s Sup...

CNews ISLAMABAD: An important meeting of the parliament members of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) and its allied parties has been called today (Thursday) at Prime Minister House here. According to the government sources, this meeting bears extraordinary significance under the prevalent situation in the country and the affairs regarding the present political scenario of the country, law and order situation and Karachi Tragedy would be given thought at the meeting. Also, President Musharraf will take into confidence the allied parties over vital decisions being taken in view of the situation after Supreme Court ruling comes on his candidacy case. The members of the Parliament and federal cabinet will take part in the meeting.

CNews ISLAMABAD: A seven-member special bench of Supreme Court will hear on October 30th a contempt petition over the recent deportation of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from Islamabad airport to Saudi Arabia. The bench is headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. The other judges comprising the bench are Justice Javed Iqbal, Justice Sardar Mohammed Raza Khan, Justice Faqir Mohammed Khokhar, Justice M Javed Buttar, Justice Nasirul Mulk and Justice Raja Fayyaz Ahmed.

CNews SWAT: A blast tore through a security forces vehicle in restive northwest Pakistan on Thursday, killing 30 people and wounding dozens more, a senior security official said. The attack in scenic Swat valley in the North West Frontier Province was the latest in a wave of violence targeting the military since government troops stormed the Al-Qaeda-linked Red Mosque in Islamabad in July. The blast comes just one day after Pakistan deployed more than 2,000 military troops to the area to bolster efforts to stem the rising violence, which is linked to pro-Taliban militants. The truck -- carrying paramilitary soldiers and packed with ammunition -- was travelling on a road outside the valley's main city of Mingora when the explosion occurred, the security official said. "Thirty people were killed in the explosion including 17 paramilitary soldiers. The damage was high because the truck was packed with ammunition," the official, who asked not to be named, said. Swat mayor Faz...

CNews ISLAMABAD: The 11-member bench of the Supreme Court (SC) headed by Justice Javed Iqbal during proceedings of various constitutional petitions filed against the candidacy/eligibility of the president for the next term as well holding of two offices on Thursday adjourned the hearing of the case till Monday. Supreme Court is a constitutional and not a revolutionary forum, Justice Javed Iqbal heading an 11-member bench of the apex court observed on Thursday during proceedings of the said constitutional petitions filed by Wajihuddin Ahmed and Makhdoom Amin Fahim and others. Ch.Aitzaz Ahsan appearing before the bench as counsel of the petitioner Justice (Retd) Wajihuddin Ahmed who completed his arguments on Thursday said that general elections for existing assemblies were held on October 10, 2002 and they had already completed the mandate and the constitutional term of five year on October 10, and today is October 25. So, these assemblies were not competent to elect the president for ...

CNews PESHAWAR: More than 300 armed miscreants were present in Swat, provincial home secretary here said on Thursday. Home Secretary of NWFP Bacha Gul Wazir talking to Cnews News here said that no military operation will be launched in the area but action will be taken against those creating hurdles in the efforts for maintenance of peace and public order in the area. The security men have started patrolling at Kabal, Ayub Bridge and Kanju areas of Swat, he said, adding that between 300 to 400 miscreants and criminals were present in the area. He indicated probable presence of foreigners among the miscreants. These persons have been armed with automatic weapons and rocket launchers, which might be smuggled from Afghanistan, tribal areas and other places to here, home secretary said. Provincial home secretary said that the government was working to control the situation peacefully. All DCOs and DPOs have been directed to hold Jirgas in their areas, he said He said the government would e...

Cnews KARACHI: Customs officials’ ceased 8.25-kilogram heroin from a Pakistani passenger at Karachi airport bound to Katmandu through a foreign airlines. Pakistan Customs’ Drug Enforcement Cell staff during search of baggage of a Pakistani passenger Muhammad Nazim this morning at Quaid-e-Azam International Airport here, found 8.25-kilogram heroin from secret pockets of his suitcase. He was bound to Katmandu by a foreign airways flight. The Customs staff has taken the accused in custody and further investigating into the matter, a spokesman said.

CNews FAISALABAD: Two persons were killed and 15 wounded when a bus overturned near Faisalabad on Thursday, police said. A speedy bus traveling from Sangla Hill to Faisalabad was upturned near Chak Jhumra railway station while anticipating a sharp turn, police said. Two passengers of the bus were killed in the accident on the spot, while 15 were injured and transferred to nearby hospital. Police has registered case against the bus driver who was also wounded in the mishap.

CNews NEW DELHI: Pakistan Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, who arrived here to participate in the SAARC Home and Interior Ministers’ conference, said his country would not allow terrorists to use its land to carry out their nefarious activities. Sherpao said Pakistan was a victim of terrorism. He said about 450 innocent people had been killed in suicide attacks in the country this year alone. Pakistan is a frontline state in the war against terrorism, he said. Sherpao said his country would not allow foreigners in Waziristan to pursue subversive activities across the border. The Pakistani minister said the SAARC ministerial conference was very important, as it will allow interaction between the ministers of eight nations responsible for regional security. Issues related to drug and human trafficking, and cooperation among police departments will also be discussed at the conference. Participating ministers will also look into establishing a database to coordinate action again...

CNews SEHWAN: Fire broke out at main line in Sehwan grid station causing disruption of power supply in various areas. Tehsil Nazim Sikandar Raopoto said that fire erupted in 132 KV line that cut the power supply in Sehwan Sharif, Jhangara, Bobak, Bhan and other areas. The reason of the fire eruption is yet to be known. Wapda would set up investigation team to find out the causes of the fire. A technical team has been called from Dadu to remove the fault.

CNews ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court larger bench Thursday hearing the constitutional petitions challenging the candidature of General Musharraf for contesting the election for the office of the president. Justice Javed Iqbal is the head of the 11-member larger bench of the apex court hearing the case. Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan, the counsel for Justice (retd) Wajihuddin Ahmed, is giving his arguments. Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday on Wednesday observed that taking oath under the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO) was nothing to be ashamed of, saying that since 1977 everything was being governed under the 1973 Constitution despite the imposition of martial laws. Arguing before the larger bench of the Supreme Court, when Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan, said he didn’t want to read out the oath taken by the judges of the apex court under the PCO, Justice Ramday replied that taking oath under the PCO was not a shameful act. Justice Khalilur Rehman remarked that the Constitution had been made a joke and e...

CNews ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court larger bench Thursday hearing the constitutional petitions challenging the candidature of General Musharraf for contesting the election for the office of the president. Justice Javed Iqbal is the head of the 11-member larger bench of the apex court hearing the case. Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan, the counsel for Justice (retd) Wajihuddin Ahmed, is giving his arguments. Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday on Wednesday observed that taking oath under the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO) was nothing to be ashamed of, saying that since 1977 everything was being governed under the 1973 Constitution despite the imposition of martial laws. Arguing before the larger bench of the Supreme Court, when Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan, said he didn’t want to read out the oath taken by the judges of the apex court under the PCO, Justice Ramday replied that taking oath under the PCO was not a shameful act. Justice Khalilur Rehman remarked that the Constitution had been made a joke and e...

CNews WASHINGTON: Three veteran US senators on Wednesday urged Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf to ensure the safety of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto after the deadly attack on her homecoming parade. In an unusual letter to the key US anti-terror ally, Senators Joseph Biden, Joseph Lieberman and Patrick Leahy warned that the suicide bombings, which killed 139 people, reflected risks faced by all candidates in January's elections. "We extend our condolences to you, to the victims' families, and to all of the people of Pakistan," the senators wrote in the letter. "We believe this devastating attack serves as a stark reminder of the need for effective security mechanisms for the protection of all candidates and their supporters (particularly, although not exclusively, Ms. Bhutto and members of her party)." The senators called on Musharraf to provide the level of security to Bhutto offered to any former Pakistani prime minister. They suggested ...

CNews NEW DELHI: The Indian media has claimed that its investigation into 2002 post Godhra riots in Gujarat has found that the massacre of Muslims were carried out in full knowledge and sanction of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. The six-month long "investigation brings confirmation that the Gujarat murder of Muslims was not a spontaneous swell of anger, but a planned genocide strategized and executed by top functionaries of the RSS, the VHP, the Bajrang Dal and the state authorities, with the knowledge and sanction of Chief Minister Narendra Modi," the media said. The media quoted a BJP MLA, who said that he was present in the meeting in which Modi gave them "three days' time to do whatever they wanted. "He had given us three days time to do whatever we could. He said he would not give us time after that...He said this openly," the MLA was quoted as saying. After three days "he (Modi) asked us to stop and everything came to a halt," Haresh ...