President advises election on Jan 8
KARACHI: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has recommended to the election commission to hold general elections on Jan 8, 2008. He stated this while addressing members of the now dissolved Sindh Assembly at the Chief Minister house here. He hoped coalition parties would again win the election if they remained united. The president said assemblies have completed their tenure for the first in the country's history. He said a few people were trying to create instability and talking about boycotting the election, adding these elements have no confidence even in themselves and declared that election would be held on January 8. The president appreciated performance of Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad and Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim and said credit goes to them for running the coalition set-up smoothly. He also appreciated the role of the Sindh assembly speaker for running the house in proper and dignified manner.He also thanked Pir Pagara and MQM chief Altaf Hussain for their cooperation.
Mirpur Khas protest demo against media curbs (Updated at 1340)
MIRPUR KHAS: Mirpur Khas Union of Journalists and press club organized a demonstration Monday here to protest against closure of Geo News and curbs on media. A large number of journalists and officials of Pakistan Medical Association and Chemists Association participated in the demonstration. President Mirpur Khas Press Club Rashid Saleem and senior vice president Mirpur Khas Union of Journalists Muhammad Khalid in their speeches denounced curbs on private television channels. Mirpur Khas Union of Journalists and press club have also announced another protest demo on Tuesday (tomorrow).
Militants among 18 killed in Swat attacks (Updated at 1325)
SWAT: At least 18 people including 12 militants were killed and 28 injured during gunship helicopters firing and shelling in Swat.According to sources, security forces gunship helicopters attacked militant hideouts in Shakardara, Manja Kabal, Bandai, Kanju, Nangoi and Kabal. Twelve militants were killed and eight injured during the action. Six people were killed and 20 hurt during exchange of fire and shelling.Meanwhile, four suspected secret agents including president of Matta Bazar Association were arrested, sources said.Telephone and electricity lines have been shut down in Matta and Kabal tehsils of Swat.
Punjab Caretaker CM, cabinet take oath (Updated at 1315)
LAHORE: The caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Justice (Retd.) Shaikh Aijaz Nisar along with his 17-member cabinet took oath of the office on Monday.The oath taking ceremony was held here at Governor House where Governor Punjab Khalid Maqbool administered oath to the new cabinet and also announced the portfolios of the caretaker provincial ministers.Mumtaz Khan Minhaes was awarded Livestock portfolio, Khursheed Zaman Qureshi given Agriculture ministry, Khawaja Muhammad Jalaluddin Roomi Industiry, Prof. Dr. Mir Afilbos Education, Mubashir Luqman Information Technology, Mian Muhammad Shafiq Commerce, Barrister Mehmood Shaikh Law, Maqbool Illahi Malik Human Rights, Sohail Afzal Special Education, Saad Hasanuddin Forest and Fisheries, Justice (Retd.) Asif Jan Local Government, Shahzad Azam Khan Labor and Manpower, Mian Shafqat Ali Housing and Physical Planning, Senator Syed Dilawar Abbas Irrigation, Walid Tariq Sehgal Excise and Makhdoom Iftikhar-ul-Hasan Mineral Development.Later, talking to media the caretaker Chief Minister, Shiakh Aijaz Nisar said he has to focus on one-point agenda that is to ensure holding free, fair and transparent elections. Any decision with regard to the release of the detained political leaders will be taken after announcement of election schedule, he added.
Balochistan Caretaker CM, his cabinet take oath(Updated at 1250)
QUETTA: The Caretaker Chief Minister of Balochistan, Saleh Muhammad Bhotani along with his 11-member cabinet took oath of the office on Monday.Governor, Balochistan, Awais Ghani administered oath at a ceremony held here at Governor House and attended by high civil and military officials.The caretaker Chief Minister, Saleh Bhotani, who has served as provincial minister several times, hails from Dareji area located in District Lasbela.The members of the caretaker set-up of Balochistan include Saadat Ali Hazara, Amjad Rasheed, Nawab Ghaus Buksh Barozai, Mir Muhammad Murad Abro, Mir Arif Muhammad Hasni, Dr. Atta Muhammad Gul, Sardar Haider Khan Nasir, Abdul Ghaffar Baloch, Nawabzada Aurangzeb Jogezai, Roshan Khursheed Barocha and Nawabzada Saifullah Magsi.
Another judge takes oath under PCO (Updated at 1240)
LAHORE: Another former judge of Lahore High Court (LHC) Mr. Justice Mian Hamid Farooq took the oath under PCO here on Monday.Chief Justice Lahore Justice Iftikhar Hussain Chaudhry has administrated the oath. Now the number of judges took the oath under PCO has reached to 21.
People of different walks of life express solidarity with Geo (Updated at 1220)
KARACHI: People belonging to various walks of life, including political leaders, representatives of student organizations and common citizens visited the office of Geo News and expressed solidarity with the network following the imposition of ban on its transmission.They were of the opinion that Geo is being punished for giving voice to the truth. With Geo News people remained well informed about the latest developments taking place around the world in the comfort of their homes. But now, they have been thrown back into the dark-ages as a result of the silencing of Geo’s channels.The citizens said their hearts beat with the rhythm of Geo and the whole nation is protesting along with the Geo network against the curbs on its transmission.The visitors on the occasion registered their impressions and presented bouquets to show solidarity with the Geo team.
MMA to boycott election commission meeting (Updated at 1210)
ISLAMABAD: Muttahida Majalis Amal (MMA) has announced to boycott the meeting of the Election Commission of Pakistan, to be held in Islamabad today. “The election commission is a controversial, partial and incomplete body and its code of conduct for general elections will be unconstitutional and unacceptable”, said MMA leader Dr. Farid Paracha in a statement. He said President Gen. Musharraf should quit both the offices and impartial caretaker governments should be announced. He also demanded an independent election commission and suspension of district governments during the elections.
Bangladesh cyclone toll reaches to 10,000 (Updated at 1200)
DHAKA: The death toll of Bangladesh’s worst cyclone in a decade crossed to 10,000.Helicopters airlifted food to hungry survivors Monday while rescuers struggled to reach remote.Media reports and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society said the death toll had already surpassed 10,000, and was likely to go up.While it will take several days to determine the number of dead and missing, some 3 million survivors who were either evacuated from the low-lying southern coast or whose homes and villages were destroyed will need support, the government said.Aid workers fear inadequate supplies of food, drinking water and medicine could lead to outbreaks of disease. The government put the official toll at 3569 confirmed dead. Military ships and helicopters were trying to reach thousands of people believed stranded on islands in the Bay of Bengal and in coastal areas still cut off by the devastating storm. A huge effort was underway to get food, drinking water and shelter to tens of thousands affected by the storm.US President Bush and his wife offer condolences to the victims of Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh, especially those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods in this tragedy. The United States Government has provided an initial contribution of 2.1 million dollars for emergency relief.
Election Commission meets today (Updated at 1140)
ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the election commission will be held today to finalize the code of conduct and to hold consultation with political parties. Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Rtd) Qazi Muhammad Farooque will chair the meeting. The meeting will consider proposals about the code of conduct from various political parties. The election commission has also invited political parties in the meeting but according to reports some political parties have decided to boycott the meeting. The meeting would likely to decide about two members of the commission from Sindh and NWFP.
Afghan governor son among 7 killed in blast (Updated at 1130)
KANDAHAR: A suicide attack outside the office of the governor of Afghanistan's southwestern Nimroz province on Monday killed one of his sons and six of his bodyguards, the governor told foreign news agency. The blast took place at the gate of the provincial headquarters in Zaranj city soon after the governor entered. "Just as I got into my office today, there was a suicide attack outside the compound. Apparently I was the target of the suicide attacker," governor Ghulam Dastageer told the agency."Six of my bodyguards and my son were martyred in the suicide attack," he added. "Fourteen other people, including police and civilians, were wounded."Provincial police chief Mohammad Daud Askaryar said four of the wounded were civilians.
Soldiers kill 10 rebels in Sri Lanka (Updated at 1025)
COLOMBO: Government soldiers fought with separatist Tamil Tiger rebels in five separate clashes across SriLanka's restive northern region, leaving 10 guerrillas dead, the military said Monday. The two sides fought in Parappakandal, Periyathampanai and Navatkulam villages of the northern district of Vavuniya on Sunday in clashes that killed seven rebels, an official at the defense ministry information center said. Soldiers fired artillery rounds into another region in Vavuniya, killing one rebel, the official said on condition of anonymity, citing government rules. A separate clash Sunday in the nearby Mannar district also killed one guerrilla, he said.
KARACHI: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has recommended to the election commission to hold general elections on Jan 8, 2008. He stated this while addressing members of the now dissolved Sindh Assembly at the Chief Minister house here. He hoped coalition parties would again win the election if they remained united. The president said assemblies have completed their tenure for the first in the country's history. He said a few people were trying to create instability and talking about boycotting the election, adding these elements have no confidence even in themselves and declared that election would be held on January 8. The president appreciated performance of Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad and Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim and said credit goes to them for running the coalition set-up smoothly. He also appreciated the role of the Sindh assembly speaker for running the house in proper and dignified manner.He also thanked Pir Pagara and MQM chief Altaf Hussain for their cooperation.
Mirpur Khas protest demo against media curbs (Updated at 1340)
MIRPUR KHAS: Mirpur Khas Union of Journalists and press club organized a demonstration Monday here to protest against closure of Geo News and curbs on media. A large number of journalists and officials of Pakistan Medical Association and Chemists Association participated in the demonstration. President Mirpur Khas Press Club Rashid Saleem and senior vice president Mirpur Khas Union of Journalists Muhammad Khalid in their speeches denounced curbs on private television channels. Mirpur Khas Union of Journalists and press club have also announced another protest demo on Tuesday (tomorrow).
Militants among 18 killed in Swat attacks (Updated at 1325)
SWAT: At least 18 people including 12 militants were killed and 28 injured during gunship helicopters firing and shelling in Swat.According to sources, security forces gunship helicopters attacked militant hideouts in Shakardara, Manja Kabal, Bandai, Kanju, Nangoi and Kabal. Twelve militants were killed and eight injured during the action. Six people were killed and 20 hurt during exchange of fire and shelling.Meanwhile, four suspected secret agents including president of Matta Bazar Association were arrested, sources said.Telephone and electricity lines have been shut down in Matta and Kabal tehsils of Swat.
Punjab Caretaker CM, cabinet take oath (Updated at 1315)
LAHORE: The caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Justice (Retd.) Shaikh Aijaz Nisar along with his 17-member cabinet took oath of the office on Monday.The oath taking ceremony was held here at Governor House where Governor Punjab Khalid Maqbool administered oath to the new cabinet and also announced the portfolios of the caretaker provincial ministers.Mumtaz Khan Minhaes was awarded Livestock portfolio, Khursheed Zaman Qureshi given Agriculture ministry, Khawaja Muhammad Jalaluddin Roomi Industiry, Prof. Dr. Mir Afilbos Education, Mubashir Luqman Information Technology, Mian Muhammad Shafiq Commerce, Barrister Mehmood Shaikh Law, Maqbool Illahi Malik Human Rights, Sohail Afzal Special Education, Saad Hasanuddin Forest and Fisheries, Justice (Retd.) Asif Jan Local Government, Shahzad Azam Khan Labor and Manpower, Mian Shafqat Ali Housing and Physical Planning, Senator Syed Dilawar Abbas Irrigation, Walid Tariq Sehgal Excise and Makhdoom Iftikhar-ul-Hasan Mineral Development.Later, talking to media the caretaker Chief Minister, Shiakh Aijaz Nisar said he has to focus on one-point agenda that is to ensure holding free, fair and transparent elections. Any decision with regard to the release of the detained political leaders will be taken after announcement of election schedule, he added.
Balochistan Caretaker CM, his cabinet take oath(Updated at 1250)
QUETTA: The Caretaker Chief Minister of Balochistan, Saleh Muhammad Bhotani along with his 11-member cabinet took oath of the office on Monday.Governor, Balochistan, Awais Ghani administered oath at a ceremony held here at Governor House and attended by high civil and military officials.The caretaker Chief Minister, Saleh Bhotani, who has served as provincial minister several times, hails from Dareji area located in District Lasbela.The members of the caretaker set-up of Balochistan include Saadat Ali Hazara, Amjad Rasheed, Nawab Ghaus Buksh Barozai, Mir Muhammad Murad Abro, Mir Arif Muhammad Hasni, Dr. Atta Muhammad Gul, Sardar Haider Khan Nasir, Abdul Ghaffar Baloch, Nawabzada Aurangzeb Jogezai, Roshan Khursheed Barocha and Nawabzada Saifullah Magsi.
Another judge takes oath under PCO (Updated at 1240)
LAHORE: Another former judge of Lahore High Court (LHC) Mr. Justice Mian Hamid Farooq took the oath under PCO here on Monday.Chief Justice Lahore Justice Iftikhar Hussain Chaudhry has administrated the oath. Now the number of judges took the oath under PCO has reached to 21.
People of different walks of life express solidarity with Geo (Updated at 1220)
KARACHI: People belonging to various walks of life, including political leaders, representatives of student organizations and common citizens visited the office of Geo News and expressed solidarity with the network following the imposition of ban on its transmission.They were of the opinion that Geo is being punished for giving voice to the truth. With Geo News people remained well informed about the latest developments taking place around the world in the comfort of their homes. But now, they have been thrown back into the dark-ages as a result of the silencing of Geo’s channels.The citizens said their hearts beat with the rhythm of Geo and the whole nation is protesting along with the Geo network against the curbs on its transmission.The visitors on the occasion registered their impressions and presented bouquets to show solidarity with the Geo team.
MMA to boycott election commission meeting (Updated at 1210)
ISLAMABAD: Muttahida Majalis Amal (MMA) has announced to boycott the meeting of the Election Commission of Pakistan, to be held in Islamabad today. “The election commission is a controversial, partial and incomplete body and its code of conduct for general elections will be unconstitutional and unacceptable”, said MMA leader Dr. Farid Paracha in a statement. He said President Gen. Musharraf should quit both the offices and impartial caretaker governments should be announced. He also demanded an independent election commission and suspension of district governments during the elections.
Bangladesh cyclone toll reaches to 10,000 (Updated at 1200)
DHAKA: The death toll of Bangladesh’s worst cyclone in a decade crossed to 10,000.Helicopters airlifted food to hungry survivors Monday while rescuers struggled to reach remote.Media reports and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society said the death toll had already surpassed 10,000, and was likely to go up.While it will take several days to determine the number of dead and missing, some 3 million survivors who were either evacuated from the low-lying southern coast or whose homes and villages were destroyed will need support, the government said.Aid workers fear inadequate supplies of food, drinking water and medicine could lead to outbreaks of disease. The government put the official toll at 3569 confirmed dead. Military ships and helicopters were trying to reach thousands of people believed stranded on islands in the Bay of Bengal and in coastal areas still cut off by the devastating storm. A huge effort was underway to get food, drinking water and shelter to tens of thousands affected by the storm.US President Bush and his wife offer condolences to the victims of Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh, especially those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods in this tragedy. The United States Government has provided an initial contribution of 2.1 million dollars for emergency relief.
Election Commission meets today (Updated at 1140)
ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the election commission will be held today to finalize the code of conduct and to hold consultation with political parties. Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Rtd) Qazi Muhammad Farooque will chair the meeting. The meeting will consider proposals about the code of conduct from various political parties. The election commission has also invited political parties in the meeting but according to reports some political parties have decided to boycott the meeting. The meeting would likely to decide about two members of the commission from Sindh and NWFP.
Afghan governor son among 7 killed in blast (Updated at 1130)
KANDAHAR: A suicide attack outside the office of the governor of Afghanistan's southwestern Nimroz province on Monday killed one of his sons and six of his bodyguards, the governor told foreign news agency. The blast took place at the gate of the provincial headquarters in Zaranj city soon after the governor entered. "Just as I got into my office today, there was a suicide attack outside the compound. Apparently I was the target of the suicide attacker," governor Ghulam Dastageer told the agency."Six of my bodyguards and my son were martyred in the suicide attack," he added. "Fourteen other people, including police and civilians, were wounded."Provincial police chief Mohammad Daud Askaryar said four of the wounded were civilians.
Soldiers kill 10 rebels in Sri Lanka (Updated at 1025)
COLOMBO: Government soldiers fought with separatist Tamil Tiger rebels in five separate clashes across SriLanka's restive northern region, leaving 10 guerrillas dead, the military said Monday. The two sides fought in Parappakandal, Periyathampanai and Navatkulam villages of the northern district of Vavuniya on Sunday in clashes that killed seven rebels, an official at the defense ministry information center said. Soldiers fired artillery rounds into another region in Vavuniya, killing one rebel, the official said on condition of anonymity, citing government rules. A separate clash Sunday in the nearby Mannar district also killed one guerrilla, he said.
