Nawaz rules out compromise on freedom of judiciary (Updated at 2305)
ISLAMABAD: Former Premier Nawaz Sharif said Tuesday that no compromise would be made on Pakistani nation’s right to rule, supremacy of the constitution and the freedom of the judiciary.
According to a statement issued by Muslim League (N) here, Nawaz Sharif said General Musharraf’s extra-constitutional step has caused irreparapale damage to the image of Pakistan across the world; basing on this, the anti-Pakistan lobby is presenting Pakistan as a dangerous country.
He said that the confrontation between the democracy and dictatorship has entered a decisive phase and Gen. Musharraf would soon become a victim of the crisis that he himself created.
Nawaz ruled out the possibility of the free and fair elections under the marital law. He said 2400 workers of PML-N have been arrested thus far.
former premier Benazir Bhutto arrived in Islamabad Tuesday for talks with political leaders on the state of emergency, but said she had no plans to meet President Pervez Musharraf.
"I am going to hold discussions with the leadership of other parties on the current situation and chalk out a joint strategy with them," she told reporters as she left Karachi airport.
Opposition leader Benazir Bhutto said a meeting with Musharraf was "not in her schedule during her stay in Islamabad."
She said the moderation is being targeted in the country, so the world brethren should stop supporting President General Musharraf, adding that her party and other people would stage demonstration outside the parliament House, so that the Gen Musharraf could be pressurized for the general election.
Benazir Bhutto said that democracy was attacked in the country; accordingly the world fraternity should support the cause of the people, adding Musharraf promised the moderation, but avoided acting upon it.
“The government should fight back the extremists; but it is fighting with the unarmed people, instead,” she added.
Third day after emergency: relatively calm (Updated at 2035)
ISLAMABAD: The third day after the emergency was proclaimed in the country remained a bit peaceful; however the pressure from all over the world kept mounting on the government to restore the constitution.
Today on Tuesday, the USA once again demanded the President Musharraf to doff his army uniform and announce the schedule for the elections.
Today, four more judges took oath under PCO; these judges include Justice Chaudhry Ijaz Yousuf, Justice Qaim Jan Khan, Justice Ijazul Hasan and Justice Moosa K Leghari.Justice Javed Sarfraz of Lahore High Court took oath under news PCO.
Supreme Court 8-member bench nullified the verdict of seven judges against the emergency.
Former Chief Justice, Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry, in his first telephonic address after the emergency, said the rulers feared the verdict was going to be against them, accordingly, they took the unconstitutional step of promulgating the emergency.
USA asked in a message to the information minister to lift the ban imposed on TV channels.
US envoy came to the Election Commission, met Chief Election Commissioner and saw the preparations being made for the elections. Talking on this occasion, she said she hoped that the elections would be fair and transparent.
In comparison with the yesterday’s demonstrations, today was relatively calm; but police once again manhandled the demonstrators in Multan.
The journalists protested and boycotted the weekly briefing of the interior ministry spokesman.
The situation at the stock market was rather better in comparison with yesterday crash and Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) 100-index rose by 100 points.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz presided over the meeting of federal cabinet, in which the emergency promulgation was approved.
Pakistan Cabinet discusses possible delay in elections (Updated at 1905)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Cabinet discussed Tuesday possibly delaying by up to three months crucial parliamentary elections after President Gen. Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency, a minister said.
``The issue of holding elections was discussed at length, and after attending the Cabinet meeting I feel that the elections may be delayed by two months,'' the minister said while talking to an international news agency on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
``There will not be a delay of elections for longer than three months.'' ``There is no final decision,'' he said.
A government spokesman did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment about Tuesday's meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.
Police surround Geo News office Islamabad (Updated at 1855)
KARACHI: The police surrounded the Geo news office premises on Tuesday.
According to reports, three police vehicles and the personnel of intelligence agency are present around the Geo News building since today’s morning; however, a large number of policemen arrived in the evening.
According to sources, the directives regarding the arrest of some journalists of Geo News have been issued from the interior ministry.
The daily News office is also situated at the building of Geo News office.
It should be mentioned that the government has not allowed the cable operators to take again on air Geo News channels, in which entertainment channels are also included.
Benazir Bhutto arrives at Islamabad (Updated at 1755)
ISLAMABAD: PPP Chairperson Bhutto has arrived at Islamabad Airport on Tuesday evening.
There are reports that the police took recourse to aggression at the people and PPP supporters, who reached there to receive Benazir Bhutto.
The people, who were waiting for domestic and international flights to land, have been forced to leave the area. Meantime, the media personnel also have not been allowed to enter the premises of Islamabad Airport.
The contingents of Elite Force and Lady police have also been given duties on Islamabad Airport and the whole area has been vacated.
Afghanistan sugar factory death toll rises to 90: sources (Updated at 1745)
KABUL: A hospital director in Northern Afghanistan said Tuesday that a suicide bomb blast occurred here in a sugar factory killing at least 90 people including members of the national parliament and wounding 50 others.
Police sources are reported to have said that there are dozens of dead bodies scattered around the incident spot.
It is reported that at least six MPAs have lost their lives in the suicide attack.
The suicide attacker blew himself up when a delegation of some parliamentarians were visiting the hospital in Afghan town of Baghlan, the director of the local hospital said.
"The bodies of 90 people have been brought to the hospital so far and 50 people have been wounded," Baghlan hospital director Dr. Khalilullah was quoted as saying.
Five parliamentarians, including opposition spokesman Mostafa Kazemi, were among those killed, the provincial governor said. Baghlan's intelligence chief, Abdurrahman Sayedkhail, said the number of casualties was so high it was impossible to give an accurate number for now.
A lawmaker in Kabul, Shukria Barakzai, said she was told that at least seven MPs were dead or wounded.
Benazir flies to Islamabad (Updated at 1630)
Karachi: People’s Party Chairperson Benazir Bhutto flew to Islamabad on Tuesday afternoon.
On this occasion, stringent security measures have been taken on Islamabad airport and the media personnel have been denied entrance there.
The contingents of Elite Force and Lady police have also been given duties on Islamabad Airport and the whole area has been vacated.
The Geo News team, which arrived at Karachi airport to cover Benazir’s departure, was stopped from performing the professional duties by ASF and other intelligence agencies.
Final talks with Palestinians after peace conference: Olmert (Updated at 1620)
HELD AL QUDS: Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Tuesday indicated he was prepared to deal with the "fundamental issues" after the Annapolis conference.
Speaking after a meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres, Olmert confirmed that he was committed to a two-state solution, and planned to proceed with final status negotiations in the aftermath of the Annapolis summit.
"After the Annapolis peace conference, we will move forward with the Palestinians to serious peace negotiations in order to deal with the fundamental issues and reach a solution in the framework of two states for two nations," the Israeli PM stated.
While Olmert urged other countries to participate in the conference, particularly Syria, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, in a separate meeting with European Union Officials, declared that the Arab world must dispose of all preconceptions, and "support any decision or compromise reached by the Palestinians."
Livni also delivered a barb to Israel's Arab neighbors, effectively arguing that it was their behavior, rather than a brutal Israeli occupation, that had prevented the dream of Palestinian statehood.
"Had the Arab World conducted itself differently, the Palestinians could be celebrating 60 years of their independence - or at least the 7 year anniversary of their state."
SC full court declares seven-judge decision against emergency void (Updated at 1610)
ISLAMABAD: The eight-member full court of the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday declared the seven-judge decision against the declaration of emergency as null and void.
The full court ruled that the decision was null and void as it was taken after the declaration of emergency and they had ceased as judges with declaration of the emergency.
It was binding for the said seven judges to take oath under the PCO to continue as the judges of the Supreme Court but they did not and ceased as judges, the ruling said.
The petition against the decision of the former judges of the Supreme Court was filed by Attorney General Justice (Retd) Malik Abdul Qayyum.
Talks with govt about caretaker govt not included in schedule: Benazir (Updated at 1635)
KARACHI: Former premier Benazir Bhutto said she going to Islamabad Tuesday for talks with political leaders on the state of emergency but said she had no plans to meet President Pervez Musharraf.
"I am going to hold discussions with the leadership of other parties on the current situation and chalk out a joint strategy with them," she told reporters at Karachi airport.
Bhutto said that a meeting with Musharraf regarding formation of caretaker government was "not in her schedule during her stay in Islamabad."
This will be her first visit to the capital since she returned to Pakistan on October 18 from eight years in self-exile on corruption charges, a homecoming that ended in twin bombings that killed 139 people.
Ban on Pakistan TV channels should be lifted: US (Updated at 1435)
WASHINGTON: USA has urged upon Pakistan ministry of information that the ban on all TV channels should be lifted, as this ban was not in the interest of Pakistan.
USA in its dispatch stated that the successes achieved as regards to the freedom of press would go waste as a result of the government actions, reliable sources told here.
It further said that the people deprived of the peaceful means of venting out their sentiments through the media generally take recourse to violence and, therefore, the people should not be deprived of the peaceful means of information.
The dispatch addressing the ministry of information made it clear that the difference of opinion didn’t mean that those dissenting with you were not loyal to the state or you and the government should shun curbing the freedom of access to information.
The US message further demanded immediate lifting of the ban on all TV channels in Pakistan.
US Ambassador Anne Patterson meets ( Updated at 1530)
ISLAMABAD: US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W Patterson met with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice (Retd) Qazi Muhammad Farooq here on Tuesday.
They exchanged views about the preparations for the forthcoming general elections in Pakistan. Qazi Muhammad Farooq briefed Anne Patterson about the steps being taken to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.
The US Ambassador stressed the need that the schedule for the general elections should be announced at the earliest. Secretary Election Commission (EC) Kanwar Irshad was also present in the meeting. Justice Iftikhar rejects
Musharraf blames to justify emergency (Updated at 1430)
ISLAMABAD: Former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry has rejecting the blames leveled by President General Pervez Musharraf to justify declaration of emergency.
The rulers had feared that Supreme Court would give decree in Musharraf eligibility contrary to their wishes so they imposed emergency in the country, Justice Iftikhar said.
ftikhar Chaudhry was addressing the lawyers first time after imposition of the emergency. He said that the charges framed by President Musharraf against Supreme Court are baseless and unfounded. Declaration of emergency has damaged the constitution, he said, adding that Supreme Court had always worked within constitutional framework.
Police continue arresting lawyers (Updated at 1400)
KARACHI: Pakistan's government pursued its crackdown on pro-democracy activists Tuesday as police rounded up more than 100 people protesting emergency rule by President Pervez Musharraf, officials said.
Around 50 lawyers were arrested in the eastern city of Lahore as they tried to assemble on the premises of the provincial high court, a senior officer said.
Lawyer Arif Saeed said that police had taken over the bar room at the Lahore high court bar association and anyone entering the premises was being whisked away.
Lahore police official Akram Beg said the administration has imposed a ban on gatherings of more than five people, and police have picked up those who were defying the restriction.
About 50 others were arrested in various cities across Pakistan, including the central city of Multan and the southern city of Quetta.
Police sources have said around 1,500 opposition workers, lawyers and civil society members have been detained in the crackdown launched after Musharraf suspended the constitution and imposed emergency rule on Saturday.
Justice Javed of LHC takes oath under PCO (Updated at 1330)
ISLAMABAD: Lahore High Court (LHC) judge Justice Javed Sarfaraz took the oath under the PCO here that brought the number of judges who had taken the oath under PCO to 18 in LHC.
Chief Justice of LHC Justice Iftikhar Hussain Chaudhry has administered the oath in a ceremony held in LHC.
No decision to hold elections on schedule: Tariq Azeem (Updated at 1300) ISLAMABAD: Federal State Minister, Tariq Azeem has said that no decision has as yet been made to hold elections on schedule.
Talking to a French News Agency, he said that the country was presently under emergency rule, the constitution was in abeyance and no decision has as yet been made for holding elections on schedule.
He said that no schedule has been given for the general elections, but the government would possibly wish to remain in power till the time given in the constitution, which says that the elections should be held in the country within 60 days after the completion of assemblies tenure and their dissolution.
Federal State Minister dismissed this statement of the Attorney General saying that the assemblies would be dissolved on November 15 and the general elections in the country would be held before Muharram in January.
Pakistan protests to UN chief (Updated at 1245)
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has protested to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for issuing a statement in which the UN chief voiced concern over the internal developments in Pakistan.The protest was conveyed to the secretary-general when Pakistan UN Ambassador Munir Akram met him on Monday evening.
A press release issued by the Pakistan Mission to the UN said during the meeting, Akram explained to Ban Ki-moon the “grave and multiple” challenges which had compelled the Pakistan government to declare the state of emergency.
However, he said it’s scope was restricted. Governance continues to be as close as possible to the Constitution, with the cabinet, assemblies and other organs of the state functioning normally.
Pakistan rejects international condemnation (Updated at 1230)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's imposition of a state of emergency is an internal matter, the foreign office said Tuesday, rejecting a wave of international condemnation.
"We understand that many of our friends have commented on the proclamation of emergency in the country, which is first and foremost an internal matter of Pakistan," foreign office spokesman Mohammad Sadiq told foreign news agency.
"The president has stated that our friends should show understanding of the ground conditions and the serious challenges that we face in the shape of extremism and terrorism," Sadiq added.
Federal cabinet goes in session in Islamabad (Updated at 1200)
ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet, which has gone into session this morning with the Prime Minister in the chair, is said to be this moment deliberating on the revision of print and electronic media policy and the new available options in this regard.
Geo News sources told that this crucial cabinet meeting was being attended by among others ministry of information and Pemra officials.
Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz has said that the election schedule would come under discussion in the cabinet meeting and efforts would be made to prepare the timetable for the elections. The prime minister said that an understanding was also now needed for the holding of transparent elections without hurdle and peacefully.
Sale of dish antenna on rise due to ban on TV channels (Updated at 1130)
KARACHI: The sale of dish antenna and digital receiver has increased in the metropolis as a result of ban on private TV channels in the wake of declaration of emergency in the country.
The people rushed to the market to dish antenna and digital receiver to watch private TC channels and foreign news channels to be aware of situation in the country.
With the increase in demand of dish antenna and digital receiver, their price has also been increased. The price of dish antenna has increased to Rs 8000 from Rs 4000.
Moody’s Pakistan rating outlook changed to negative (Updated at 1100)
NEW YORK: Following the imposition of emergency rule and political instability, the credit rating US Agency, Moody’s Investors Service has changed Pakistan’s rating outlook from stable to negative.
US Agency, Moody’s Investors Service, expressing concern on the emergency clamp in Pakistan, said that it would negatively impact on Pakistan’s international business rating, as Pakistan’s political situation would further get entangled, while the process of raising the funds for meeting the existing trade deficit of Pakistan would also be affected.
The Agency said that the international investors, despite Pakistan’s political situation, invested sizeable amount since the advent of the year till now, but it has now witnessed a downslide.
The Agency said that Pakistan in foreign and local currency Bonds was rated B1, while for the bank deposits B2 and the foreign currency country selling has also impacted negatively.
More 4 SC judges take oath under PCO (Updated at 1045)
ISLAMABAD: Four more judges of the Supreme Court (SC) have taken oath under the PCO, the reports said.
They included justice Qaim Jan Khan, justice Ejaz-ul-Hassan, justice Chaudhry Ejaz Yousuf and justice Moosa K. Leghari.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar administered the oath of the said judges.
In this way the number of the Supreme Court judges, who have taken oath under the PCO, has increased to nine.
Defiant judges put under house arrest, as crackdown continues (Updated at 1030)
ISLAMABAD: Deposed Supreme Court judges, ousted by the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO) were detained at their houses and thousands others including prominent lawyers and politicians have been arrested after declaration of state of emergency by Gen. Pervez Musharraf.
A seven-member bench of the Supreme Court declared the Army Chief’s step unconstitutional and refused to take oath under the PCO..
Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and other judges including Justice Bhagwandas, Justice Javed Iqbal, Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday, Justice Sardar Raza Khan, Justice Falak Sher, Justice Mian Shakirullah Jan, Justice Tasaddique Hussain Jillani, Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk, Justice Raja Fayyaz Ahmed, Justice Chaudhry Ejaz Ahmed, Justice Syed Jamshed Ali, Justice Hamid Ali Mirza and Justice Ghulam Rabbani have been detained at their homes.
Chief Justice of Sindh High Court Mr. Justice Sabeehuddin, Justice Sarmad Jalal Usmani, Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Sajjad Ali Shah and others have also been put under house arrest.
Lahore High Court Judges that refused to take oath under the PCO are Justice Khwaja Muhammad Sharif, Justice Mian Najm-uz-Zaman, Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, Justice Moulvi Anwar-ul-Haq, Justice Sair Ali, Justice Mian Hamid Farooq, Justice Ejaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Justice M.A. Shahid Siddiqui, Justice Javed Sarfaraz, Justice Jahangir Arshad, Justice Shaikh Azmat Saeed, Justice Muhammad Ata Bandial and Justice Iqbal Hameed-ur-Rahman.
Police have also arrested President Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan, former president of SCBA Munir Malik, Ali Ahmed Kurd, Justice (Rtd) Tariq Mehmood, Sahibzada Anwar Hameed, President Lahore High Court Bar Ahsan Bhon, President Sindh High Court Bar Abrar Hassan, President Lahore Bar Association Syed Muhammad Shah, President Karachi Bar Iftikhar Javed Qazi, President Balochistan High Court Bar Hadi Shakil Advocate and other prominent lawyers.
Former ISI chief Gen. (Rtd) Hameed Gul, and dozens prominent politicians including Javed Hashmi and Khwaja Asif of Muslim League (N), Asfandyar Wali, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Balochistan National Party leader Akhtar Hussain Lango and Jamat Islami’s Munawwar Hassan have also been detained.
Security beefed outside SHC (Updated at 930)
KARACHI: The security has been beefed up outside Sindh High Court (SHC) building to avoid any untoward incident in the wake of emergency.
The police have been deployed at Sindh High Court to stop the entry of common people as part of security measures.
The lawyers and court staff members are allowed to enter the SCH premises only after checking and verification of their service cards.
Bush urges Musharraf to end state of emergency (Updated at 900)
WASHINGTON: US President George W. Bush on Monday strongly urged Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf to end a state of emergency imposed in the country and "restore democracy as quickly as possible." "We expect there to be elections as soon as possible, and for the president to remove his military uniform," Bush said during a joint public appearance with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Bush has called on Musharraf to hold elections and relinquish his army post. He said he instructed Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to deliver that message in a telephone call with Musharraf. Rice calls Musharraf to underscore U.S.
opposition to emergency rule (Updated at 830)
WASHINGTON: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to underscore U.S. opposition to his decision to impose a state of emergency, a senior U.S. official said.
Rice telephoned Musharraf from her plane as she was returning to Washington from the Middle East, the official told US news agency, adding that President George W. Bush was expected to provide some details of the call.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of Bush’s announcement, said Rice had made clear that the United States was deeply disappointed in the weekend move and wanted Musharraf to rescind the decision as well as hold elections as scheduled in January.
Canadians in Pakistan advised to observe caution (Updated at 800)
OTTAWA: Canadian High Commission in an advisory directed nationals in Pakistan to observe caution in the country due to security fears.
In an e-mail message Canadian mission has advised its citizens in Pakistan to observe maximum caution after state of emergency declared in the country.
The mission has directed the nationals to remain aware about the situation and stay away from public gatherings and rallies.
Police raid Jang press to stop printing (Updated at 730)
KARACHI: Police on Monday raided a printing press belonging to Pakistan's biggest-selling Jang newspaper group amid tough curbs on the media imposed under the state of emergency, officials said.
They stormed the Karachi premises of Awam, a sister publication of Jang group, following reports it was bringing out a special supplement on the emergency imposed by President Pervez Musharraf at the weekend, they said.
ISLAMABAD: Former Premier Nawaz Sharif said Tuesday that no compromise would be made on Pakistani nation’s right to rule, supremacy of the constitution and the freedom of the judiciary.
According to a statement issued by Muslim League (N) here, Nawaz Sharif said General Musharraf’s extra-constitutional step has caused irreparapale damage to the image of Pakistan across the world; basing on this, the anti-Pakistan lobby is presenting Pakistan as a dangerous country.
He said that the confrontation between the democracy and dictatorship has entered a decisive phase and Gen. Musharraf would soon become a victim of the crisis that he himself created.
Nawaz ruled out the possibility of the free and fair elections under the marital law. He said 2400 workers of PML-N have been arrested thus far.
former premier Benazir Bhutto arrived in Islamabad Tuesday for talks with political leaders on the state of emergency, but said she had no plans to meet President Pervez Musharraf.
"I am going to hold discussions with the leadership of other parties on the current situation and chalk out a joint strategy with them," she told reporters as she left Karachi airport.
Opposition leader Benazir Bhutto said a meeting with Musharraf was "not in her schedule during her stay in Islamabad."
She said the moderation is being targeted in the country, so the world brethren should stop supporting President General Musharraf, adding that her party and other people would stage demonstration outside the parliament House, so that the Gen Musharraf could be pressurized for the general election.
Benazir Bhutto said that democracy was attacked in the country; accordingly the world fraternity should support the cause of the people, adding Musharraf promised the moderation, but avoided acting upon it.
“The government should fight back the extremists; but it is fighting with the unarmed people, instead,” she added.
Third day after emergency: relatively calm (Updated at 2035)
ISLAMABAD: The third day after the emergency was proclaimed in the country remained a bit peaceful; however the pressure from all over the world kept mounting on the government to restore the constitution.
Today on Tuesday, the USA once again demanded the President Musharraf to doff his army uniform and announce the schedule for the elections.
Today, four more judges took oath under PCO; these judges include Justice Chaudhry Ijaz Yousuf, Justice Qaim Jan Khan, Justice Ijazul Hasan and Justice Moosa K Leghari.Justice Javed Sarfraz of Lahore High Court took oath under news PCO.
Supreme Court 8-member bench nullified the verdict of seven judges against the emergency.
Former Chief Justice, Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry, in his first telephonic address after the emergency, said the rulers feared the verdict was going to be against them, accordingly, they took the unconstitutional step of promulgating the emergency.
USA asked in a message to the information minister to lift the ban imposed on TV channels.
US envoy came to the Election Commission, met Chief Election Commissioner and saw the preparations being made for the elections. Talking on this occasion, she said she hoped that the elections would be fair and transparent.
In comparison with the yesterday’s demonstrations, today was relatively calm; but police once again manhandled the demonstrators in Multan.
The journalists protested and boycotted the weekly briefing of the interior ministry spokesman.
The situation at the stock market was rather better in comparison with yesterday crash and Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) 100-index rose by 100 points.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz presided over the meeting of federal cabinet, in which the emergency promulgation was approved.
Pakistan Cabinet discusses possible delay in elections (Updated at 1905)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Cabinet discussed Tuesday possibly delaying by up to three months crucial parliamentary elections after President Gen. Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency, a minister said.
``The issue of holding elections was discussed at length, and after attending the Cabinet meeting I feel that the elections may be delayed by two months,'' the minister said while talking to an international news agency on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
``There will not be a delay of elections for longer than three months.'' ``There is no final decision,'' he said.
A government spokesman did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment about Tuesday's meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.
Police surround Geo News office Islamabad (Updated at 1855)
KARACHI: The police surrounded the Geo news office premises on Tuesday.
According to reports, three police vehicles and the personnel of intelligence agency are present around the Geo News building since today’s morning; however, a large number of policemen arrived in the evening.
According to sources, the directives regarding the arrest of some journalists of Geo News have been issued from the interior ministry.
The daily News office is also situated at the building of Geo News office.
It should be mentioned that the government has not allowed the cable operators to take again on air Geo News channels, in which entertainment channels are also included.
Benazir Bhutto arrives at Islamabad (Updated at 1755)
ISLAMABAD: PPP Chairperson Bhutto has arrived at Islamabad Airport on Tuesday evening.
There are reports that the police took recourse to aggression at the people and PPP supporters, who reached there to receive Benazir Bhutto.
The people, who were waiting for domestic and international flights to land, have been forced to leave the area. Meantime, the media personnel also have not been allowed to enter the premises of Islamabad Airport.
The contingents of Elite Force and Lady police have also been given duties on Islamabad Airport and the whole area has been vacated.
Afghanistan sugar factory death toll rises to 90: sources (Updated at 1745)
KABUL: A hospital director in Northern Afghanistan said Tuesday that a suicide bomb blast occurred here in a sugar factory killing at least 90 people including members of the national parliament and wounding 50 others.
Police sources are reported to have said that there are dozens of dead bodies scattered around the incident spot.
It is reported that at least six MPAs have lost their lives in the suicide attack.
The suicide attacker blew himself up when a delegation of some parliamentarians were visiting the hospital in Afghan town of Baghlan, the director of the local hospital said.
"The bodies of 90 people have been brought to the hospital so far and 50 people have been wounded," Baghlan hospital director Dr. Khalilullah was quoted as saying.
Five parliamentarians, including opposition spokesman Mostafa Kazemi, were among those killed, the provincial governor said. Baghlan's intelligence chief, Abdurrahman Sayedkhail, said the number of casualties was so high it was impossible to give an accurate number for now.
A lawmaker in Kabul, Shukria Barakzai, said she was told that at least seven MPs were dead or wounded.
Benazir flies to Islamabad (Updated at 1630)
Karachi: People’s Party Chairperson Benazir Bhutto flew to Islamabad on Tuesday afternoon.
On this occasion, stringent security measures have been taken on Islamabad airport and the media personnel have been denied entrance there.
The contingents of Elite Force and Lady police have also been given duties on Islamabad Airport and the whole area has been vacated.
The Geo News team, which arrived at Karachi airport to cover Benazir’s departure, was stopped from performing the professional duties by ASF and other intelligence agencies.
Final talks with Palestinians after peace conference: Olmert (Updated at 1620)
HELD AL QUDS: Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Tuesday indicated he was prepared to deal with the "fundamental issues" after the Annapolis conference.
Speaking after a meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres, Olmert confirmed that he was committed to a two-state solution, and planned to proceed with final status negotiations in the aftermath of the Annapolis summit.
"After the Annapolis peace conference, we will move forward with the Palestinians to serious peace negotiations in order to deal with the fundamental issues and reach a solution in the framework of two states for two nations," the Israeli PM stated.
While Olmert urged other countries to participate in the conference, particularly Syria, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, in a separate meeting with European Union Officials, declared that the Arab world must dispose of all preconceptions, and "support any decision or compromise reached by the Palestinians."
Livni also delivered a barb to Israel's Arab neighbors, effectively arguing that it was their behavior, rather than a brutal Israeli occupation, that had prevented the dream of Palestinian statehood.
"Had the Arab World conducted itself differently, the Palestinians could be celebrating 60 years of their independence - or at least the 7 year anniversary of their state."
SC full court declares seven-judge decision against emergency void (Updated at 1610)
ISLAMABAD: The eight-member full court of the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday declared the seven-judge decision against the declaration of emergency as null and void.
The full court ruled that the decision was null and void as it was taken after the declaration of emergency and they had ceased as judges with declaration of the emergency.
It was binding for the said seven judges to take oath under the PCO to continue as the judges of the Supreme Court but they did not and ceased as judges, the ruling said.
The petition against the decision of the former judges of the Supreme Court was filed by Attorney General Justice (Retd) Malik Abdul Qayyum.
Talks with govt about caretaker govt not included in schedule: Benazir (Updated at 1635)
KARACHI: Former premier Benazir Bhutto said she going to Islamabad Tuesday for talks with political leaders on the state of emergency but said she had no plans to meet President Pervez Musharraf.
"I am going to hold discussions with the leadership of other parties on the current situation and chalk out a joint strategy with them," she told reporters at Karachi airport.
Bhutto said that a meeting with Musharraf regarding formation of caretaker government was "not in her schedule during her stay in Islamabad."
This will be her first visit to the capital since she returned to Pakistan on October 18 from eight years in self-exile on corruption charges, a homecoming that ended in twin bombings that killed 139 people.
Ban on Pakistan TV channels should be lifted: US (Updated at 1435)
WASHINGTON: USA has urged upon Pakistan ministry of information that the ban on all TV channels should be lifted, as this ban was not in the interest of Pakistan.
USA in its dispatch stated that the successes achieved as regards to the freedom of press would go waste as a result of the government actions, reliable sources told here.
It further said that the people deprived of the peaceful means of venting out their sentiments through the media generally take recourse to violence and, therefore, the people should not be deprived of the peaceful means of information.
The dispatch addressing the ministry of information made it clear that the difference of opinion didn’t mean that those dissenting with you were not loyal to the state or you and the government should shun curbing the freedom of access to information.
The US message further demanded immediate lifting of the ban on all TV channels in Pakistan.
US Ambassador Anne Patterson meets ( Updated at 1530)
ISLAMABAD: US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W Patterson met with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice (Retd) Qazi Muhammad Farooq here on Tuesday.
They exchanged views about the preparations for the forthcoming general elections in Pakistan. Qazi Muhammad Farooq briefed Anne Patterson about the steps being taken to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.
The US Ambassador stressed the need that the schedule for the general elections should be announced at the earliest. Secretary Election Commission (EC) Kanwar Irshad was also present in the meeting. Justice Iftikhar rejects
Musharraf blames to justify emergency (Updated at 1430)
ISLAMABAD: Former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry has rejecting the blames leveled by President General Pervez Musharraf to justify declaration of emergency.
The rulers had feared that Supreme Court would give decree in Musharraf eligibility contrary to their wishes so they imposed emergency in the country, Justice Iftikhar said.
ftikhar Chaudhry was addressing the lawyers first time after imposition of the emergency. He said that the charges framed by President Musharraf against Supreme Court are baseless and unfounded. Declaration of emergency has damaged the constitution, he said, adding that Supreme Court had always worked within constitutional framework.
Police continue arresting lawyers (Updated at 1400)
KARACHI: Pakistan's government pursued its crackdown on pro-democracy activists Tuesday as police rounded up more than 100 people protesting emergency rule by President Pervez Musharraf, officials said.
Around 50 lawyers were arrested in the eastern city of Lahore as they tried to assemble on the premises of the provincial high court, a senior officer said.
Lawyer Arif Saeed said that police had taken over the bar room at the Lahore high court bar association and anyone entering the premises was being whisked away.
Lahore police official Akram Beg said the administration has imposed a ban on gatherings of more than five people, and police have picked up those who were defying the restriction.
About 50 others were arrested in various cities across Pakistan, including the central city of Multan and the southern city of Quetta.
Police sources have said around 1,500 opposition workers, lawyers and civil society members have been detained in the crackdown launched after Musharraf suspended the constitution and imposed emergency rule on Saturday.
Justice Javed of LHC takes oath under PCO (Updated at 1330)
ISLAMABAD: Lahore High Court (LHC) judge Justice Javed Sarfaraz took the oath under the PCO here that brought the number of judges who had taken the oath under PCO to 18 in LHC.
Chief Justice of LHC Justice Iftikhar Hussain Chaudhry has administered the oath in a ceremony held in LHC.
No decision to hold elections on schedule: Tariq Azeem (Updated at 1300) ISLAMABAD: Federal State Minister, Tariq Azeem has said that no decision has as yet been made to hold elections on schedule.
Talking to a French News Agency, he said that the country was presently under emergency rule, the constitution was in abeyance and no decision has as yet been made for holding elections on schedule.
He said that no schedule has been given for the general elections, but the government would possibly wish to remain in power till the time given in the constitution, which says that the elections should be held in the country within 60 days after the completion of assemblies tenure and their dissolution.
Federal State Minister dismissed this statement of the Attorney General saying that the assemblies would be dissolved on November 15 and the general elections in the country would be held before Muharram in January.
Pakistan protests to UN chief (Updated at 1245)
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has protested to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for issuing a statement in which the UN chief voiced concern over the internal developments in Pakistan.The protest was conveyed to the secretary-general when Pakistan UN Ambassador Munir Akram met him on Monday evening.
A press release issued by the Pakistan Mission to the UN said during the meeting, Akram explained to Ban Ki-moon the “grave and multiple” challenges which had compelled the Pakistan government to declare the state of emergency.
However, he said it’s scope was restricted. Governance continues to be as close as possible to the Constitution, with the cabinet, assemblies and other organs of the state functioning normally.
Pakistan rejects international condemnation (Updated at 1230)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's imposition of a state of emergency is an internal matter, the foreign office said Tuesday, rejecting a wave of international condemnation.
"We understand that many of our friends have commented on the proclamation of emergency in the country, which is first and foremost an internal matter of Pakistan," foreign office spokesman Mohammad Sadiq told foreign news agency.
"The president has stated that our friends should show understanding of the ground conditions and the serious challenges that we face in the shape of extremism and terrorism," Sadiq added.
Federal cabinet goes in session in Islamabad (Updated at 1200)
ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet, which has gone into session this morning with the Prime Minister in the chair, is said to be this moment deliberating on the revision of print and electronic media policy and the new available options in this regard.
Geo News sources told that this crucial cabinet meeting was being attended by among others ministry of information and Pemra officials.
Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz has said that the election schedule would come under discussion in the cabinet meeting and efforts would be made to prepare the timetable for the elections. The prime minister said that an understanding was also now needed for the holding of transparent elections without hurdle and peacefully.
Sale of dish antenna on rise due to ban on TV channels (Updated at 1130)
KARACHI: The sale of dish antenna and digital receiver has increased in the metropolis as a result of ban on private TV channels in the wake of declaration of emergency in the country.
The people rushed to the market to dish antenna and digital receiver to watch private TC channels and foreign news channels to be aware of situation in the country.
With the increase in demand of dish antenna and digital receiver, their price has also been increased. The price of dish antenna has increased to Rs 8000 from Rs 4000.
Moody’s Pakistan rating outlook changed to negative (Updated at 1100)
NEW YORK: Following the imposition of emergency rule and political instability, the credit rating US Agency, Moody’s Investors Service has changed Pakistan’s rating outlook from stable to negative.
US Agency, Moody’s Investors Service, expressing concern on the emergency clamp in Pakistan, said that it would negatively impact on Pakistan’s international business rating, as Pakistan’s political situation would further get entangled, while the process of raising the funds for meeting the existing trade deficit of Pakistan would also be affected.
The Agency said that the international investors, despite Pakistan’s political situation, invested sizeable amount since the advent of the year till now, but it has now witnessed a downslide.
The Agency said that Pakistan in foreign and local currency Bonds was rated B1, while for the bank deposits B2 and the foreign currency country selling has also impacted negatively.
More 4 SC judges take oath under PCO (Updated at 1045)
ISLAMABAD: Four more judges of the Supreme Court (SC) have taken oath under the PCO, the reports said.
They included justice Qaim Jan Khan, justice Ejaz-ul-Hassan, justice Chaudhry Ejaz Yousuf and justice Moosa K. Leghari.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar administered the oath of the said judges.
In this way the number of the Supreme Court judges, who have taken oath under the PCO, has increased to nine.
Defiant judges put under house arrest, as crackdown continues (Updated at 1030)
ISLAMABAD: Deposed Supreme Court judges, ousted by the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO) were detained at their houses and thousands others including prominent lawyers and politicians have been arrested after declaration of state of emergency by Gen. Pervez Musharraf.
A seven-member bench of the Supreme Court declared the Army Chief’s step unconstitutional and refused to take oath under the PCO..
Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and other judges including Justice Bhagwandas, Justice Javed Iqbal, Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday, Justice Sardar Raza Khan, Justice Falak Sher, Justice Mian Shakirullah Jan, Justice Tasaddique Hussain Jillani, Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk, Justice Raja Fayyaz Ahmed, Justice Chaudhry Ejaz Ahmed, Justice Syed Jamshed Ali, Justice Hamid Ali Mirza and Justice Ghulam Rabbani have been detained at their homes.
Chief Justice of Sindh High Court Mr. Justice Sabeehuddin, Justice Sarmad Jalal Usmani, Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Sajjad Ali Shah and others have also been put under house arrest.
Lahore High Court Judges that refused to take oath under the PCO are Justice Khwaja Muhammad Sharif, Justice Mian Najm-uz-Zaman, Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, Justice Moulvi Anwar-ul-Haq, Justice Sair Ali, Justice Mian Hamid Farooq, Justice Ejaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Justice M.A. Shahid Siddiqui, Justice Javed Sarfaraz, Justice Jahangir Arshad, Justice Shaikh Azmat Saeed, Justice Muhammad Ata Bandial and Justice Iqbal Hameed-ur-Rahman.
Police have also arrested President Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan, former president of SCBA Munir Malik, Ali Ahmed Kurd, Justice (Rtd) Tariq Mehmood, Sahibzada Anwar Hameed, President Lahore High Court Bar Ahsan Bhon, President Sindh High Court Bar Abrar Hassan, President Lahore Bar Association Syed Muhammad Shah, President Karachi Bar Iftikhar Javed Qazi, President Balochistan High Court Bar Hadi Shakil Advocate and other prominent lawyers.
Former ISI chief Gen. (Rtd) Hameed Gul, and dozens prominent politicians including Javed Hashmi and Khwaja Asif of Muslim League (N), Asfandyar Wali, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Balochistan National Party leader Akhtar Hussain Lango and Jamat Islami’s Munawwar Hassan have also been detained.
Security beefed outside SHC (Updated at 930)
KARACHI: The security has been beefed up outside Sindh High Court (SHC) building to avoid any untoward incident in the wake of emergency.
The police have been deployed at Sindh High Court to stop the entry of common people as part of security measures.
The lawyers and court staff members are allowed to enter the SCH premises only after checking and verification of their service cards.
Bush urges Musharraf to end state of emergency (Updated at 900)
WASHINGTON: US President George W. Bush on Monday strongly urged Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf to end a state of emergency imposed in the country and "restore democracy as quickly as possible." "We expect there to be elections as soon as possible, and for the president to remove his military uniform," Bush said during a joint public appearance with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Bush has called on Musharraf to hold elections and relinquish his army post. He said he instructed Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to deliver that message in a telephone call with Musharraf. Rice calls Musharraf to underscore U.S.
opposition to emergency rule (Updated at 830)
WASHINGTON: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to underscore U.S. opposition to his decision to impose a state of emergency, a senior U.S. official said.
Rice telephoned Musharraf from her plane as she was returning to Washington from the Middle East, the official told US news agency, adding that President George W. Bush was expected to provide some details of the call.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of Bush’s announcement, said Rice had made clear that the United States was deeply disappointed in the weekend move and wanted Musharraf to rescind the decision as well as hold elections as scheduled in January.
Canadians in Pakistan advised to observe caution (Updated at 800)
OTTAWA: Canadian High Commission in an advisory directed nationals in Pakistan to observe caution in the country due to security fears.
In an e-mail message Canadian mission has advised its citizens in Pakistan to observe maximum caution after state of emergency declared in the country.
The mission has directed the nationals to remain aware about the situation and stay away from public gatherings and rallies.
Police raid Jang press to stop printing (Updated at 730)
KARACHI: Police on Monday raided a printing press belonging to Pakistan's biggest-selling Jang newspaper group amid tough curbs on the media imposed under the state of emergency, officials said.
They stormed the Karachi premises of Awam, a sister publication of Jang group, following reports it was bringing out a special supplement on the emergency imposed by President Pervez Musharraf at the weekend, they said.
