Corps Commanders vow to knock-off Extremism, terrorism (Updated at 1745)
RAWALPINDI: President General Pervez Musharraf said that the imposition of emergency was a difficult decision but it was taken in the larger interest of the nation for knocking-off extremism and terrorism and for the political stability in the country.
President General Pervez Musharraf told this to the participants of conference of the corps commanders, briefing them about the situation caused for emergency and the incidents which have taken place after emergency.
He said that all necessary arrangements would be made for holding early the independent and transparent elections.
The President said that the stabilized situation of law and order is vital for economic development and every possible action would be taken for knocking-off extremism.
He praised the role of the Pak army in dealing with the extremism in the country.
He gave a detailed briefing about the law and order situation in the country, particularly in Swat and tribal areas.
He said that the Pak armed forces present in these areas would be provided all facilities and the entire nation is with them in this critical situation.
Present in the conference were Vice-chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kiani, corps commanders, principal staff officer and high military officials.
Tenure of assemblies not to be extended (Updated at 2320)
ISLAMABAD: Government has decided not to extend the tenure of existing assemblies and elections of national and provincial assemblies are expected in second week of February.
The Corps Commanders conference Saturday thoroughly reviewed the situation in the country and important decisions were taken in this respect, senior journalist Hanif Khalid reported. President Pervez Musharraf will announce the decisions in a press conference on Sunday.
The meeting decided not to extend the tenure of existing assemblies. It is recalled that President Musharraf had earlier rejected proposal of extension in the tenure of existing assemblies.
The tenure of present assemblies would expire on Nov. 12, 2007. Pakistan:
Three British journalists ordered to leave the country (Updated at 2230)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's government on Saturday ordered three journalists for Britain's Daily Telegraph to leave the country.
They have been told to leave within 72 hours, state minister for information Tariq Azeem told foreign news agency.
"They used foul language against Pakistan and its leadership in an editorial published on November 9," he said. "They have been ordered to leave within 72 hours."
The three _ Isambard Wilkinson, Collin Freeman and Daniel Macelroy _were the reporters ordered out of Pakistan.
Musharraf destroying army, judiciary, establishment, political process: Liaquat Baloch (Updated at 2200) LAHORE: Jamaat Islami said that President General Pervez Musharraf is destroying the army, judiciary, establishment and political process in the country.
A meeting of Jamaat Islami, presided over by naib Ameer JI Liaquat Baloch, was held in which a resolution against the curbs on media was approved.
This was demanded in the meeting to take back the announcement of November 3 issued by the chief of the army staff, to declare null and void the emergency and all actions taken under PCO and immediately abolish the restrictions on media.
This was said in the meeting that violence on lawyers and the persons of Human Rights Commission, their arrests and taking them to far-flung areas are the worst example of dictatorship which is being watched all over the world.
Militants kidnap seven security officials in Swat (Updated at 2130)
SWAT: Militants kidnapped seven officials of security forces in Shamozai, an area of Swat.
According to the sources, the militants kidnapped seven of the security forces officials who were on round in Shamozai of district Kabal. The kidnapped persons were taken to an unknown place.
Spokesman of the militants told that the security forces manhandle their accomplices after arresting them while the government sources said that the militants have to face disastrous results for this action.
Pakistan, Iran finalize gas pipeline agreement (Updated at 2055)
TEHRAN: Pakistan and Iran have finalized the agreement on gas pipeline and the agreement will be signed in a month.
Deputy minister for oil, Hojatollah Ganimifard told that the legal experts from both sides have also expressed their consent on the final documents of the gas pipeline agreement between Iran and Pakistan.
He said that other matters regarding the project are of technical nature and these would be reviewed within a month after which the heads of both the countries would sign the agreement.
The points of the agreement of gas pipeline between Pakistan and Iran have been accepted in the absence of India.
Judges not taking oath under PCO do not try to become heroes: Attorney-general (Updated at 2030)
ISLAMABAD: Attorney-general of Pakistan Justice (r) Malik Qayyum said that the judges who did not take oath under PCO be not try to become the heroes.
He said that all of them were ready to take oath but the government did not call them.
Talking with Geo News, the attorney-general said that now there is no question of calling any former judge for taking oath under PCO. However, if any former judge wants to take oath in the provincial high courts then the government can call him to take oath under PCO.
The attorney-general said that there is no pressure for reinstatement of former chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and now his reinstatement is impossible.
Deputy attorney-general Pakistan resigns (Updated at 1745)
ISLAMABAD: Deputy attorney-general Pakistan Yawar Ali Khan has resigned form his post.
He is brother-in-law of a Supreme Court judge Justice Khalil-ur-Rehman Ramday, who did not take oath under the PCO.
Talking with Geo News, Yawar Ali Khan said that he has faxed his resignation to President General Pervez Musharraf and he does not want to work further on this post.
Yawar Ali Khan was posted as deputy attorney-general after the reinstatement of chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.
Nawaz Sharif’s letter to Benazir Bhutto on country’s political situation (Updated at 1830) DUBAI: Pakistan Muslim League (N) chief Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has written a letter to chairperson Pakistan People’s Party Benazir Bhutto on the political situation of the country.
According to reports, Nawaz Sharif has written that he is pleased to see her marching against dictatorship.
Nawaz Sharif said that the ARD was formed for restoration of democracy.
He said that the message of APC has been received and our objective is the restoration of democracy.
He asked to make contacts with other leaders of the APDM also and said that the solidarity with the opposition parties for the restoration of democracy is a good step.
He presented a proposed four-point agenda for restoration of democracy.
For cooperation with Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif offered the condition of sealing of dialogue with the government.
Nawaz Sharif said that he also should be taken into confidence for the long march.
He wrote in the letter that the country is passing through an important passage.
Emergency to be lifted in a month, says Qayyum
ISLAMABAD: A state of emergency imposed by Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf is likely to be lifted within one month, Attorney General of Pakistan Malik Qayyum said Saturday.
"The emergency is likely to be lifted in a month," Malik Mohammad Qayyum told Geo New.
"It is mainly because of the law and order situation in some parts of the country. We hope it will continue to improve as it is improving now," Qayyum added.
Replying to a question about petitions against Musharraf’s presidential candidacy, Malik Qayyum said that he is trying that Supreme Court would resume the hearing as soon as possible. So far, there are nine judges. The hearing would be resumed soon after formation of 11-memebr Bench.
He expressed hope that the two judges would be appointed within a day or two.
Petition filed in SHC by Geo News, Geo Entertainment, Geosuper, Aag channels (Updated at 1655)
KARACHI: The ban on the television channels has been challenged in the petition, which has been filed Saturday in the Sindh High Court by Geo News, Geo Entertainment, Geosuper and Aag channels.
It was requested in the petition to declare the ban on these channels illegal under the third PEMRA Amendment Ordinance 2007.
The stance was adopted in this petition that various types of restrictions have been imposed by issuing the PEMRA Amendment Ordinance but the private television channels have already been banned prior to implementation of the ordinance.
This has been said in the petition that these channels have been banned without any notice and without any non-compliance of this Amendment Ordinance.
This has also been said in the petition that by banning suddenly, these channels have been made suffering with huge losses and on the other hand the people were deprived of their right to know the facts and acquire knowledge.
Third ODI between India and Pakistan in Kanpur tomorrow (Updated at 1615)
KANPUR: The third One-day International of the five-match series between hosts India and visitors Pakistan will be played tomorrow (Sunday) in Kanpur. The series between the two arch rivals is so far leveled 1-1.
The first ODI played at Guwahati went to India, who won by five wickets while the second match resulted in a sensational four-wicket victory by Pakistan at Mohali.
Now both teams’ preparations for the third encounter are going in full swing.
Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik said that the morale of his team is very high and it would display the best performance in the third One-day International.
Strict security arrangements have been arranged for the Kanpur match.
PHC lawyers’ protest meeting, hunger strike camp (Updated at 1445)
PESHAWAR: NWFP lawyers of Peshawar High Court (PHC) and the subordinate courts also boycotted the court proceedings, while the protests against the imposition of emergency continued throughout the province.
PHC lawyers held a protest meeting, while the hunger strike camp was set up. Mardan, Naushehra, Swabi and Kohat besides different district’s lawyers also staged protest demonstrations. Heavy contingents of police were posted at the exit/entry roads leading to PHC and the subordinate courts in the NWFP province.
The lawyers vowed to continue their protests until the end of emergency, restoration of the constitution and democracy.
Lawyers continue court boycott in Lahore (Updated at 1415)
LAHORE: The legal fraternity continued today boycotts of the court proceedings in protest against imposition of emergency.
Police put barriers outside the buildings of Supreme Court and High Court, however, security measures have been relaxed as compared to previous. Lawyers continued boycott of court proceedings, which affected the hearing of the cases.
Meanwhile, special Anti Terror Court has granted bail to 350 lawyers arrested while agitating against emergency imposition.
Ex MPA Pir Muhammad Khan dies (Updated at 1350)
PESHAWAR: Former member provincial assembly Pir Muhammad has succumbed to injuries on Saturday.
Pir Mohammad was in a critical condition after receiving injuries during a suicide bomb blast occurred at the residence of Federal Minister for Political Affairs Amir Muqam in Hyattabad. He was a cousin of Amir Muqam.
Pir Mohammad’s body has sent to his ancestral town of Shangla.
6 NATO troops, 3 Afghan soldiers killed in ambush (Updated at 1335)
KABUL: Six troops from the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and three Afghan soldiers have been killed in an ambush by insurgents in eastern Afghanistan, ISAF said in a statement on Saturday.
Eight ISAF troops and 11 Afghan soldiers were also wounded in the fighting which began when insurgents ambushed their patrol from multiple positions with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire, the statement said.
Benazir Bhutto to lead the long march on Nov. 13 (Updated at 1320)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairperson, Benazir Bhutto would be leading Tuesday long march against emergency, while she is chairing a crucial party meeting at the PPP secretariat here, following the end of her detention, told the spokesman of the party.
Sources told that Benazir Bhutto would also be meeting members of the civil society and the diplomats. The former prime minister would also raise the matter of the reinstatement of the superior court judges during her discussions with the diplomats and would urge upon them to pressurize General Pervez Musharraf in this regard.
Party spokesman, Farhatullah Babar said that Benazir Bhutto would lead the march from Lahore to Islamabad on Tuesday, which is being done to compel President Pervez Musharraf to give up the post of Army Chief, end the emergency, restore the constitution and hold elections on time.
Justice Javed Iqbal shifted to Quetta (Updated at 1245)
QUETTA: Justice Javed Iqbal who did not take the oath under PCO has been shifted to Quetta.
According to sources, he was shifted to Quetta through PIA flight PK-363 from Islamabad. Stern security measures were taken at this occasion and heavy police and law enforcement agencies contingents were deployed at the airport.
Risalpur targeted by three missiles, no loss of life reported (Updated at 1250)
NAUSHERA: Three missiles were fired at the Risalpur area here, but no loss of life occurred.
Sources told that the missiles were Russian made, which were fired from the west. One of the missiles fell on a private lighting factory, whose two vacant rooms were damaged, while the second one landed at the Export Processing Zone and the third at a derelict area, sources told.
Sources further told that the missiles in fact targeted Pakistan Air Force Academy, Risalpur, while the team has already reached Risalpur for investigations into the incident.
President Musharraf chairs Corp Commanders’ meeting (Updated at 1230)
ISLAMABAD: Corp Commanders’ meeting chaired by the President General Pervez Musharraf is in progress here.
Sources told that the meeting besides reviewing the post emergency situation in the country would also be mulling over the Fata and Swat security matters, especially in relation to the future strategy for the restoration of law and order in Swat and the new measures in this regard.
Lawyers stage protest boycott in Blochistan’s several district courts (Updated at 1150)
QUETTA: The lawyers in the several district courts of Balochistan boycotted the proceedings even on the seventh day of their protests against the imposition of emergency.
The lawyers are observing black day in continuation of their protests here, while black flags have been hoisted on the Bar Rooms and the lawyers stayed away from the proceedings in the High Court, Session Courts and the District Courts for recording their protests.
Heavy contingents of police stand posted outside the courts, while the FC and police were patrolling the city. Besides Quetta, the lawyers boycotted courts at Zhob, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Musakhel, Qila Abdullah, Ziarat, Qalat, Khuzdar, Mastung and other areas of the province.
News channels were violating Pemra CoE: PM (Updated at 0925)
KARACHI: Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz has said that many news channels were churning out rumours in the country by breaching the code of ethics (CoE) of Pemra, which was tarnishing the image of the country and, therefore, the government had to take emergency measures.
Talking to the delegations of Stock Exchange, bankers, overseas investors, Chamber of Commerce and Industry and others here, Shaukat Aziz said that following the release of Pemra code of ethics, the transmissions of the majority of tv channels were already on the air, while a few of the tv channels still left out, their transmissions would also soon be restored.
Journalists observe black day countrywide (Updated at 0855)
ISLAMABAD: Journalists observed 'black day' throughout the country on the call of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) against the imposition of emergency in the country, ban on private TV channels and new curbs imposed on media.
Journalists of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad observed black day on Friday. They (journalists) boycotted all the official functions while black flags were hoisted at the Press Clubs. The protesting journalists wearing black ribbons on their shoulders staged a protest camp outside the Rawalpindi/Islamabad Press Club camp office.
Canada urges Commonwealth to press Pakistan for lifting emergency (Updated 0530)
TORONTO: Canada on Friday called on the Commonwealth to press its member Pakistan to fix a date for lifting the state of emergency imposed on the country almost a week ago.
The 53-nation group of mostly former British colonies is to meet on the situation in Pakistan on Monday at its headquarters in London, and could decide to suspend Islamabad from the organization once again.
"Canada is pressing for a strong Commonwealth response that sets clear deadlines for the end of the state of emergency and for the restoration of democratic processes and principles," said Canadian Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier.
He also called for the release of all political prisoners, free and fairelections and a separation between the head of the government and the army.
"I urge the government of Pakistan to take these actions immediately and I urge all sides to refrain from violence and to respect human rights," Bernier said.
The Commonwealth suspended Pakistan in 1999 after Pakistani military ruler Pervez Musharraf seized power in an army-backed coup.
But the country was reinstated as a full Commonwealth member in 2004 after Musharraf promised to give up his dual role as president and military chief by the end of that year.
On Saturday, Musharraf imposed a state of emergency on his country citing growing Islamic militancy and an unruly judiciary.
The state of emergency under which Musharraf also suspended the constitution, sacked the chief justice and imposed media curbs, has left him facing the most serious challenge to his rule since he seized power eight years ago.
"We obviously continue to call upon the Pakistani government to restore the rule of law, to end the provisional constitutional orders, and to release all political prisoners," Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon has convened a meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group at the organization's Marlborough House headquarters in London on Monday.
US calls for early end to Pakistan emergency (Posted at 0530)
CRAWFORD: The White House called on Friday for an early end to the state of emergency in Pakistan and urged all sides to refrain from violence.
"Free and fair elections require a lifting of the state of emergency," said Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for the White House National Security Council.
"We therefore continue to call for an early end to that state of emergency and the release of political party members and peaceful protesters who have been detained," he told reporters in Texas, where President George W. Bush is staying at his ranch.
"We also continue to call on all sides to refrain from any violence and to work together to put Pakistan back on the path to democracy," Johndroe said.
The White House said it continued to push for Musharraf to give up his military position and hold elections.
"We're going to hold him to his commitments, but more importantly I think the people of Pakistan will hold him to his commitments to have elections and take off the uniform," Johndroe said.
RAWALPINDI: President General Pervez Musharraf said that the imposition of emergency was a difficult decision but it was taken in the larger interest of the nation for knocking-off extremism and terrorism and for the political stability in the country.
President General Pervez Musharraf told this to the participants of conference of the corps commanders, briefing them about the situation caused for emergency and the incidents which have taken place after emergency.
He said that all necessary arrangements would be made for holding early the independent and transparent elections.
The President said that the stabilized situation of law and order is vital for economic development and every possible action would be taken for knocking-off extremism.
He praised the role of the Pak army in dealing with the extremism in the country.
He gave a detailed briefing about the law and order situation in the country, particularly in Swat and tribal areas.
He said that the Pak armed forces present in these areas would be provided all facilities and the entire nation is with them in this critical situation.
Present in the conference were Vice-chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kiani, corps commanders, principal staff officer and high military officials.
Tenure of assemblies not to be extended (Updated at 2320)
ISLAMABAD: Government has decided not to extend the tenure of existing assemblies and elections of national and provincial assemblies are expected in second week of February.
The Corps Commanders conference Saturday thoroughly reviewed the situation in the country and important decisions were taken in this respect, senior journalist Hanif Khalid reported. President Pervez Musharraf will announce the decisions in a press conference on Sunday.
The meeting decided not to extend the tenure of existing assemblies. It is recalled that President Musharraf had earlier rejected proposal of extension in the tenure of existing assemblies.
The tenure of present assemblies would expire on Nov. 12, 2007. Pakistan:
Three British journalists ordered to leave the country (Updated at 2230)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's government on Saturday ordered three journalists for Britain's Daily Telegraph to leave the country.
They have been told to leave within 72 hours, state minister for information Tariq Azeem told foreign news agency.
"They used foul language against Pakistan and its leadership in an editorial published on November 9," he said. "They have been ordered to leave within 72 hours."
The three _ Isambard Wilkinson, Collin Freeman and Daniel Macelroy _were the reporters ordered out of Pakistan.
Musharraf destroying army, judiciary, establishment, political process: Liaquat Baloch (Updated at 2200) LAHORE: Jamaat Islami said that President General Pervez Musharraf is destroying the army, judiciary, establishment and political process in the country.
A meeting of Jamaat Islami, presided over by naib Ameer JI Liaquat Baloch, was held in which a resolution against the curbs on media was approved.
This was demanded in the meeting to take back the announcement of November 3 issued by the chief of the army staff, to declare null and void the emergency and all actions taken under PCO and immediately abolish the restrictions on media.
This was said in the meeting that violence on lawyers and the persons of Human Rights Commission, their arrests and taking them to far-flung areas are the worst example of dictatorship which is being watched all over the world.
Militants kidnap seven security officials in Swat (Updated at 2130)
SWAT: Militants kidnapped seven officials of security forces in Shamozai, an area of Swat.
According to the sources, the militants kidnapped seven of the security forces officials who were on round in Shamozai of district Kabal. The kidnapped persons were taken to an unknown place.
Spokesman of the militants told that the security forces manhandle their accomplices after arresting them while the government sources said that the militants have to face disastrous results for this action.
Pakistan, Iran finalize gas pipeline agreement (Updated at 2055)
TEHRAN: Pakistan and Iran have finalized the agreement on gas pipeline and the agreement will be signed in a month.
Deputy minister for oil, Hojatollah Ganimifard told that the legal experts from both sides have also expressed their consent on the final documents of the gas pipeline agreement between Iran and Pakistan.
He said that other matters regarding the project are of technical nature and these would be reviewed within a month after which the heads of both the countries would sign the agreement.
The points of the agreement of gas pipeline between Pakistan and Iran have been accepted in the absence of India.
Judges not taking oath under PCO do not try to become heroes: Attorney-general (Updated at 2030)
ISLAMABAD: Attorney-general of Pakistan Justice (r) Malik Qayyum said that the judges who did not take oath under PCO be not try to become the heroes.
He said that all of them were ready to take oath but the government did not call them.
Talking with Geo News, the attorney-general said that now there is no question of calling any former judge for taking oath under PCO. However, if any former judge wants to take oath in the provincial high courts then the government can call him to take oath under PCO.
The attorney-general said that there is no pressure for reinstatement of former chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and now his reinstatement is impossible.
Deputy attorney-general Pakistan resigns (Updated at 1745)
ISLAMABAD: Deputy attorney-general Pakistan Yawar Ali Khan has resigned form his post.
He is brother-in-law of a Supreme Court judge Justice Khalil-ur-Rehman Ramday, who did not take oath under the PCO.
Talking with Geo News, Yawar Ali Khan said that he has faxed his resignation to President General Pervez Musharraf and he does not want to work further on this post.
Yawar Ali Khan was posted as deputy attorney-general after the reinstatement of chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.
Nawaz Sharif’s letter to Benazir Bhutto on country’s political situation (Updated at 1830) DUBAI: Pakistan Muslim League (N) chief Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has written a letter to chairperson Pakistan People’s Party Benazir Bhutto on the political situation of the country.
According to reports, Nawaz Sharif has written that he is pleased to see her marching against dictatorship.
Nawaz Sharif said that the ARD was formed for restoration of democracy.
He said that the message of APC has been received and our objective is the restoration of democracy.
He asked to make contacts with other leaders of the APDM also and said that the solidarity with the opposition parties for the restoration of democracy is a good step.
He presented a proposed four-point agenda for restoration of democracy.
For cooperation with Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif offered the condition of sealing of dialogue with the government.
Nawaz Sharif said that he also should be taken into confidence for the long march.
He wrote in the letter that the country is passing through an important passage.
Emergency to be lifted in a month, says Qayyum
ISLAMABAD: A state of emergency imposed by Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf is likely to be lifted within one month, Attorney General of Pakistan Malik Qayyum said Saturday.
"The emergency is likely to be lifted in a month," Malik Mohammad Qayyum told Geo New.
"It is mainly because of the law and order situation in some parts of the country. We hope it will continue to improve as it is improving now," Qayyum added.
Replying to a question about petitions against Musharraf’s presidential candidacy, Malik Qayyum said that he is trying that Supreme Court would resume the hearing as soon as possible. So far, there are nine judges. The hearing would be resumed soon after formation of 11-memebr Bench.
He expressed hope that the two judges would be appointed within a day or two.
Petition filed in SHC by Geo News, Geo Entertainment, Geosuper, Aag channels (Updated at 1655)
KARACHI: The ban on the television channels has been challenged in the petition, which has been filed Saturday in the Sindh High Court by Geo News, Geo Entertainment, Geosuper and Aag channels.
It was requested in the petition to declare the ban on these channels illegal under the third PEMRA Amendment Ordinance 2007.
The stance was adopted in this petition that various types of restrictions have been imposed by issuing the PEMRA Amendment Ordinance but the private television channels have already been banned prior to implementation of the ordinance.
This has been said in the petition that these channels have been banned without any notice and without any non-compliance of this Amendment Ordinance.
This has also been said in the petition that by banning suddenly, these channels have been made suffering with huge losses and on the other hand the people were deprived of their right to know the facts and acquire knowledge.
Third ODI between India and Pakistan in Kanpur tomorrow (Updated at 1615)
KANPUR: The third One-day International of the five-match series between hosts India and visitors Pakistan will be played tomorrow (Sunday) in Kanpur. The series between the two arch rivals is so far leveled 1-1.
The first ODI played at Guwahati went to India, who won by five wickets while the second match resulted in a sensational four-wicket victory by Pakistan at Mohali.
Now both teams’ preparations for the third encounter are going in full swing.
Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik said that the morale of his team is very high and it would display the best performance in the third One-day International.
Strict security arrangements have been arranged for the Kanpur match.
PHC lawyers’ protest meeting, hunger strike camp (Updated at 1445)
PESHAWAR: NWFP lawyers of Peshawar High Court (PHC) and the subordinate courts also boycotted the court proceedings, while the protests against the imposition of emergency continued throughout the province.
PHC lawyers held a protest meeting, while the hunger strike camp was set up. Mardan, Naushehra, Swabi and Kohat besides different district’s lawyers also staged protest demonstrations. Heavy contingents of police were posted at the exit/entry roads leading to PHC and the subordinate courts in the NWFP province.
The lawyers vowed to continue their protests until the end of emergency, restoration of the constitution and democracy.
Lawyers continue court boycott in Lahore (Updated at 1415)
LAHORE: The legal fraternity continued today boycotts of the court proceedings in protest against imposition of emergency.
Police put barriers outside the buildings of Supreme Court and High Court, however, security measures have been relaxed as compared to previous. Lawyers continued boycott of court proceedings, which affected the hearing of the cases.
Meanwhile, special Anti Terror Court has granted bail to 350 lawyers arrested while agitating against emergency imposition.
Ex MPA Pir Muhammad Khan dies (Updated at 1350)
PESHAWAR: Former member provincial assembly Pir Muhammad has succumbed to injuries on Saturday.
Pir Mohammad was in a critical condition after receiving injuries during a suicide bomb blast occurred at the residence of Federal Minister for Political Affairs Amir Muqam in Hyattabad. He was a cousin of Amir Muqam.
Pir Mohammad’s body has sent to his ancestral town of Shangla.
6 NATO troops, 3 Afghan soldiers killed in ambush (Updated at 1335)
KABUL: Six troops from the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and three Afghan soldiers have been killed in an ambush by insurgents in eastern Afghanistan, ISAF said in a statement on Saturday.
Eight ISAF troops and 11 Afghan soldiers were also wounded in the fighting which began when insurgents ambushed their patrol from multiple positions with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire, the statement said.
Benazir Bhutto to lead the long march on Nov. 13 (Updated at 1320)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairperson, Benazir Bhutto would be leading Tuesday long march against emergency, while she is chairing a crucial party meeting at the PPP secretariat here, following the end of her detention, told the spokesman of the party.
Sources told that Benazir Bhutto would also be meeting members of the civil society and the diplomats. The former prime minister would also raise the matter of the reinstatement of the superior court judges during her discussions with the diplomats and would urge upon them to pressurize General Pervez Musharraf in this regard.
Party spokesman, Farhatullah Babar said that Benazir Bhutto would lead the march from Lahore to Islamabad on Tuesday, which is being done to compel President Pervez Musharraf to give up the post of Army Chief, end the emergency, restore the constitution and hold elections on time.
Justice Javed Iqbal shifted to Quetta (Updated at 1245)
QUETTA: Justice Javed Iqbal who did not take the oath under PCO has been shifted to Quetta.
According to sources, he was shifted to Quetta through PIA flight PK-363 from Islamabad. Stern security measures were taken at this occasion and heavy police and law enforcement agencies contingents were deployed at the airport.
Risalpur targeted by three missiles, no loss of life reported (Updated at 1250)
NAUSHERA: Three missiles were fired at the Risalpur area here, but no loss of life occurred.
Sources told that the missiles were Russian made, which were fired from the west. One of the missiles fell on a private lighting factory, whose two vacant rooms were damaged, while the second one landed at the Export Processing Zone and the third at a derelict area, sources told.
Sources further told that the missiles in fact targeted Pakistan Air Force Academy, Risalpur, while the team has already reached Risalpur for investigations into the incident.
President Musharraf chairs Corp Commanders’ meeting (Updated at 1230)
ISLAMABAD: Corp Commanders’ meeting chaired by the President General Pervez Musharraf is in progress here.
Sources told that the meeting besides reviewing the post emergency situation in the country would also be mulling over the Fata and Swat security matters, especially in relation to the future strategy for the restoration of law and order in Swat and the new measures in this regard.
Lawyers stage protest boycott in Blochistan’s several district courts (Updated at 1150)
QUETTA: The lawyers in the several district courts of Balochistan boycotted the proceedings even on the seventh day of their protests against the imposition of emergency.
The lawyers are observing black day in continuation of their protests here, while black flags have been hoisted on the Bar Rooms and the lawyers stayed away from the proceedings in the High Court, Session Courts and the District Courts for recording their protests.
Heavy contingents of police stand posted outside the courts, while the FC and police were patrolling the city. Besides Quetta, the lawyers boycotted courts at Zhob, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Musakhel, Qila Abdullah, Ziarat, Qalat, Khuzdar, Mastung and other areas of the province.
News channels were violating Pemra CoE: PM (Updated at 0925)
KARACHI: Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz has said that many news channels were churning out rumours in the country by breaching the code of ethics (CoE) of Pemra, which was tarnishing the image of the country and, therefore, the government had to take emergency measures.
Talking to the delegations of Stock Exchange, bankers, overseas investors, Chamber of Commerce and Industry and others here, Shaukat Aziz said that following the release of Pemra code of ethics, the transmissions of the majority of tv channels were already on the air, while a few of the tv channels still left out, their transmissions would also soon be restored.
Journalists observe black day countrywide (Updated at 0855)
ISLAMABAD: Journalists observed 'black day' throughout the country on the call of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) against the imposition of emergency in the country, ban on private TV channels and new curbs imposed on media.
Journalists of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad observed black day on Friday. They (journalists) boycotted all the official functions while black flags were hoisted at the Press Clubs. The protesting journalists wearing black ribbons on their shoulders staged a protest camp outside the Rawalpindi/Islamabad Press Club camp office.
Canada urges Commonwealth to press Pakistan for lifting emergency (Updated 0530)
TORONTO: Canada on Friday called on the Commonwealth to press its member Pakistan to fix a date for lifting the state of emergency imposed on the country almost a week ago.
The 53-nation group of mostly former British colonies is to meet on the situation in Pakistan on Monday at its headquarters in London, and could decide to suspend Islamabad from the organization once again.
"Canada is pressing for a strong Commonwealth response that sets clear deadlines for the end of the state of emergency and for the restoration of democratic processes and principles," said Canadian Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier.
He also called for the release of all political prisoners, free and fairelections and a separation between the head of the government and the army.
"I urge the government of Pakistan to take these actions immediately and I urge all sides to refrain from violence and to respect human rights," Bernier said.
The Commonwealth suspended Pakistan in 1999 after Pakistani military ruler Pervez Musharraf seized power in an army-backed coup.
But the country was reinstated as a full Commonwealth member in 2004 after Musharraf promised to give up his dual role as president and military chief by the end of that year.
On Saturday, Musharraf imposed a state of emergency on his country citing growing Islamic militancy and an unruly judiciary.
The state of emergency under which Musharraf also suspended the constitution, sacked the chief justice and imposed media curbs, has left him facing the most serious challenge to his rule since he seized power eight years ago.
"We obviously continue to call upon the Pakistani government to restore the rule of law, to end the provisional constitutional orders, and to release all political prisoners," Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon has convened a meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group at the organization's Marlborough House headquarters in London on Monday.
US calls for early end to Pakistan emergency (Posted at 0530)
CRAWFORD: The White House called on Friday for an early end to the state of emergency in Pakistan and urged all sides to refrain from violence.
"Free and fair elections require a lifting of the state of emergency," said Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for the White House National Security Council.
"We therefore continue to call for an early end to that state of emergency and the release of political party members and peaceful protesters who have been detained," he told reporters in Texas, where President George W. Bush is staying at his ranch.
"We also continue to call on all sides to refrain from any violence and to work together to put Pakistan back on the path to democracy," Johndroe said.
The White House said it continued to push for Musharraf to give up his military position and hold elections.
"We're going to hold him to his commitments, but more importantly I think the people of Pakistan will hold him to his commitments to have elections and take off the uniform," Johndroe said.
