Election symbols allotted to political parties
ISLAMABAD: The incomplete Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in a meeting, which was held today (Sunday) formally allot the election symbols to the political parties.Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice (Retd) Qazi Muhammad Farooq presided over the meeting.Pakistan Muslim League was allotted bicycle as the election symbol, arrow to PPP, kite to MQM, flower to PML (F), thumb was allotted to PPP (SB).The MMA had fought the 2002 election with ‘book’ as election symbol. But it has not been able to surmount its internal differences at the moment. It faces division on the question of participation in the electoral process.
Germany beat Australia to win Champions Trophy (Updated at 2020)
KUALA LUMPUR: Germany won the 29th Champions Trophy after defeating Australia 1-0 in the final held at Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium on Sunday.Germany scored the goal in the fifth minute through Timo Wess.In the match for third place, the Netherlands beat South Korea 3-2. The Netherlands led 2-0 in the first half.The Netherlands scored through Taeke Taekema (16th minute), Rob Reckers (26th) and Jeroen Hertberger (52nd).South Korea's goals came through Kon Yeo Woon (36th) and Yong Lee Nam (68th).
Pakistan placed 7th in Champions Trophy hockey (Updated at 1925)
KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan have been placed seventh in the Champions Trophy hockey tournament when they beat Malaysia 3-2 here at Bukit Jalil stadium on Sunday.From Pakistan, Muhammad Imran scored two goals and Muhammad Arshad made one while from Malaysia Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin netted all the two goals. Results from the Champions Trophy finals: Pakistan beat Malaysia 3-2 to get the seventh position. Spain beat Britain 4-2 to achieve the fifth position. Netherlands beat Korea 3-2 to take the third position. Final positions: 1- Germany, 2- Australia, 3- Netherlands, 4- Korea, 5- Spain, 6- Britain, 7- Pakistan, 8- Malaysia.
12 killed in suicide attack in Swat (Updated at 1900)
SWAT: A suicide car bomber smashed into a security forces’ checkpost in Neemgolai, an area in Swat on Sunday, killing 12 persons while the suicide bomber was also killed. Official sources confirmed the killing of nine persons.According to the sources, the bomber hit the checkpost barricades with the car.Ten civilians including two children, and three policemen were killed in the attack. Their names are Abdullah Qureshi, Zafar Ali, Ibrahim, Hanifa Mama, Mohammad Faraz, Saima, Fatima Bibi, two children, and policemen Israr, Hazrat Syed and Qadar Gul.The toll included the suicide bomber himself who was suspected to be belonging to some local terrorist outfits.Various persons including police inspector Bahadur Khan were injured who were shifted to Saidu Sharif hospital. Many of the wounded are in critical condition.A nearby parked bus was also damaged in the blast.
APDM meeting continues to decide on boycotting elections (Updated at 1830)
LAHORE: The meeting of the All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM) continues in Lahore Sunday under the chairmanship of Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif and is expected to make a decision on whether to boycott January 8 polls, party officials said.Present in the meeting are Qazi Hussain Ahmed, Imran Khan, Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Raja Zafarul Haq, Dr. Qadir Magsi, Ehsan Wayne, Mehmud Achakzai, Prof. Sajid Mir, Abid Hasan Manto and others.Talking with media before the meeting, Qazi Hussain Ahmed said that the restoration of the judges is our fundamental demand and we will not make any compromise on it.Imran Khan said that he would full pressure on the APDM leadership for bocotting the elections.APDM component parties say that free and fair elections were not possible under the hand-picked judiciary and emergency rule imposed by President Pervez Musharraf on November 3.The attorney general has said that emergency rule would be lifted on December 15.But opposition parties accuse the election commission of being biased and say that it could not hold free and transparent polls.
Decision to participate in elections final: Fazalur Rehman (Updated at 1730)
ISLAMABAD: MMA's decision to participate in the ensuing elections was final, as JUI workers have been asked to gear up the electioneering campaign, Secretary General MMA Maulana Fazalur Rehman said.Talking to government tv channel, he said JUI is part of MMA and it will not boycott the elections under any circumstances. JUI will remain intact and will field its own candidates on Jamaat-e-Islami seats, even if they decide to boycott.Boycott would definitely prove a big mistake like resignations from the assemblies in the past. People who follow the decision of APDM's boycott were not on the path of MMA, he said. Some powers want postponement of elections. Let the people be allowed to choose their representatives, he observed."There is no atmosphere favouring boycott. Politics should move towards reconciliation and avoid agitation and violence," he said.The MMA supreme council had decided that only unanimous boycott decision can prove effective. The supreme council also approved the MMA manifesto and talk of boycott by JI was astonishing, he said.In APDM-ARD Charter of Demands (CoDs) drafting committee, Professor Khurshid Ahmed represents JI and not MMA, he informed while replying to a question.MMA was formed to clear perception of muslims in general and Ulema in particular that they are not extremists and can do politics through peaceful means, he added.Maulana Fazalur Rehman said "Qazi Hussain Ahmed use to advise me to adopt reconciliatory attitude, but now I'm astonished that he has chosen the extreme path.""Qazi should not leave his companions alone and avoid negative politics," he suggested.Responding to a query he said, JUI had suspended its membership from APDM on October 5. To another question, Maulana said that in London APC conference JUI and other parties were invited on party basis, and not on behalf of MMA. About other component parties of MMA he said they are with JUI and participated in parliamentary board meeting the other day. JI was alone on the defiance path.
Pakistan 86-1 against India’s huge 626 on second day (Updated at 1645)
KOLKATA: Pakistan is again facing a great challenge to score 427 for avoiding follow-on against India on the second day of the third and final Test, being played here at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday.At stumps, left-handed opener Salman Butt and stand-in captain Younus Khan were at the crease. Butt was unbeaten with an aggressive 50 and Younis Khan with seven. They still need 341 more runs to avoid a follow-on.The only wicket Pakistan lost was of Yasir Hameed, who was given leg before off Indian captain Anil Kumble for 19. He along with Salman Butt, made 59 for the opening wicket.Earlier, India, resuming their first innings at 365 for five, were all out for 626 about 20 minutes after tea, It was India's highest total against Pakistan at home, beating the previous best of 616-5 declared in the second Test of the current series at Kolkata.Sourav Ganguly and Irfan Pathan posted career-best knocks as India showed their batting prowess to put Pakistan under pressure before a large Sunday crowd.Ganguly cracked an elegant 239 for a maiden Test double-century and Pathan marked his comeback with an explosive 102 for a first hundred. Left-handed Ganguly and Pathan put the Pakistani attack to the sword with thrilling strokeplay on a good batting track, adding 178 for the seventh wicket to ensure the tourists bat under the threat of a follow-on.The pair also overshadowed Pakistani seamer Yasir Arafat, who finished with five wickets on his Test debut.Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria claimed three and fast bowler Muhammad Sami two wickets.
Pak-India 3rd Test: India dismissed for 626 (Updated at 1445)
BANGALORE: India, resuming their first innings at 365 for five, were all out for 626 about 20 minutes after tea on the second day of the third and final test against Pakistan on Sunday.
Swat suicide attack death toll rises to seven (Updated at 1440)
SWAT: A suicide car bomber smashed into a police checkpost in Pakistan's restive northwestern Swat valley on Sunday, killing a policeman and six civilians, officials said. The attack in Kabal district was in an area where the military has launched an operation against militants loyal to pro-Taliban cleric Maulana Fazlullah. "It was a suicide attack. The bomber hit the checkpost barricades with the car and then blew himself up," provincial government spokesman Amjad Iqbal said. He did not immediately have details of those injured in the blast. On Saturday, officials claimed they had almost cleared the Swat valley of rebels, killing 290 and arresting another 143 in recent weeks.
4 of same family killed in old enmity firing (Updated at 1420)
SHEIKHUPURA: Four persons of the same family were killed in firing here. Police told that three persons due to old enmity opening fire killed four persons of the same family, while one was severely wounded at the outskirt village Khariayanwala here.
Following the incident, the accused under the cover of firing escaped from the scene.Among the dead included: Muhammad Ismail, his to sons—Muhammad Asghar, Muhammad Aslam and a companion Sikandar. Severely wounded Mubarak Ali was shifted to the General Hospital here. Police, after registering the case, have sent the bodies for autopsy.
Pak-India 3rd Test: India 611 for 7 at tea (Updated at 1320)
BANGALORE: India were 611 runs for the loss of 7 wickets at tea on the day two of the third and final Test against Pakistan being played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.Sourav Ganguly, who by hitting 239 runs eclipsed the record of most runs in an innings by a left-hand Indian batsman in Tests held till today by the former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli (227 runs), was clean bowled by Danish Kaneria.He was dislodged while he was trying to sweep the ball.The other southpaw to attain elegance today was Irfan Pathan who played some very good shots on his way to unbeaten 93. He was involved in a partnership of 178 runs with Ganguly.Pathan (93 batting) and Anil Kumble (2 batting) are at the crease.
Musharraf vows not to support any party in polls (Updated at 1300)
ISLAMABAD: President Pervez Musharraf underlined that he would not support any political party in the upcoming polls, stressing that all political parties would be given an equal chance.In an interview, Musharraf said the elections would be held in a free and fair manner, and that foreign observers would be welcome to review the polls.He denied that Al Qaeda leaders were present in the country. 'It is just their guess. So, I don't want to make such wild guesses,” he remarked.The Pakistani president challenged anyone to provide him with firm intelligence, adding, 'They (Al Qaeda) can be anywhere.' The president reiterated emergency would be lifted by the second week of December.Musharraf said once the emergency was lifted on Dec 15, the situation in Pakistan would be much better. The legislation to revoke the Provisional Constitution Order (PCO) was in its final stages and the constitution would be revived by Dec 15, he added.He said growing militancy in Pakistan's north was a reason for imposition of the state of emergency, and added that the Swat operation was going on successfully.He said security forces have managed to destroy important militant bases, which is a good sign for the country.He also maintained that Pakistan is determined to fight terrorism and will continue its role in the war against terror.Musharraf declared a state of emergency in the country on Nov 3, citing a growing rift between the country's three pillars of state as one of the reasons for its necessity.The move has been met with international criticism, including the suspension of the country's Commonwealth membership. It has also raised concerns that the upcoming general elections would not be held in a free, fair and transparent atmosphere.
Students’ hunger strike camp outside LPC (Updated at 1240)
LAHORE: Notwithstanding the chill weather here, male and female students of different private Universities have set up a hunger strike camp outside the Lahore Press Club (LPC).These students on hunger strike said that they would continue their sit-ins here without taking any food or drinks until their arrested fellow students were not released. Elaborating their demands they said that besides release of their arrested fellow students, they have staged this hunger strike for expressing their solidarity with the lawyers and media especially, Geo. The students further said that they were now awakened and they have stated waging a struggle for awakening the nation.Scores of male and female students from Lums, Faast, Pims and other private Universities were included among those staging sit-ins and observing hunger strike at the camp set up outside the LPC under the aegis of Students Action Committee.Despite severe cold, these students with their books, laptops and beddings, which they have brought from their houses, were seen sitting in the camp set up on the footpath, where they had made bonfire to ward off the chills. They were also distributing pamphlets among the passersby.
Feeling half lost on Geo ban: Viewers (Updated at 1225)
LAHORE: Even on the 36th day of the ban on Geo channels, large number of people including youths, children and elders from different segments of the society kept pouring in the Geo Solidarity Camp set up on Davis Road for expressing their deep sympathy and strong support to the Geo principled stand for the media freedom.The visiting citizens making a large crowd of men, women, children, young and old voiced slogans and made signs of victory expressing their complete solidarity with Geo. The people said that Geo has acquired the status of one of their family members and its being off air has left them feeling half lost.The people demanded from the government restoration of the transmission of their darling channel immediately so that they can get themselves acquainted with the home news. Besides elders, children were also seen anxious to view their beloved channel Geo
Pak-India 3rd Test: India 461/6 at lunch (Updated at 1150)
BANGALORE: India were 461 for six in their first innings at lunch break on the second day of the third and final cricket Test against Pakistan in Bangalore on Sunday. Dinesh Kaarthick (24) was the only wicket to fall in the morning session. India’s scored 461 in 1st innings for 6 in 117 overs and Sourav Ganguly is batting.
16 Tamil rebels killed in fighting in volatile north (Updated at 1130)
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Gunbattles and mortar fire between soldiers and Tamil Tiger fighters across the front lines in northern Sri Lanka killed 16 rebels, the military said Sunday.Soldiers repelled a rebel mortar attack in Periyathampanai village in the district of Vavuniya on Saturday, killing 10 guerrillas, a defense ministry official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media. Two soldiers were injured, he said.Four insurgents were killed in a clash in nearby Mannar district, while two other rebels were killed in northern Jaffna peninsula, he said.
Case of rocket attack on Peshawar air force base lodged (Updated at 1130)
PESHAWAR: A case has been registered against unidentified assailants behind rocket attack ont an air force base in northwest Pakistan early Sunday.Police have registered a case against unknown attackers and have started their investigations, a senior police official Mohammad Tahir Khan said.Two rockets landed in an open field at Peshawar air force base, while a third one exploded on a road near the area after midnight but caused no damage or casualties.Part of Peshawar air force base is used for domestic and international passenger flights. Peshawar is the provincial capital of North West Frontier Province which borders Afghanistan.
Shikarpur firing claims 4 dead, 4 injured (Updated at 1120)
SHIKARPUR: Some persons from Jatoi tribe killed four of their tribesmen and wounded four at Lakki Ghulam Shah area here. Police told that eight armed persons raiding Gul Mir residence at Goth Rajab opened volley of fires and killed four persons of the same family, which included Gul Mir Jatoi, his wife Musammat Zadi besides Gul Mir’s cousin Ali Hassan and Dilbar Jatoi. The attackers after the incident fled from the scene. The corpses and the injured were shifted to the Civil Hospital here. Police told that a marriage proposal irk triggered this assault.
Grenade hurled at Shahbaz Gari PS (Updated at 1035)
MARDAN: Shahbaz Gari police station here was targeted with a hand grenade, but fortunately, no loss of life took place.Police told that some unknown persons hurled a hand grenade at Shahbaz Gari police station, which missing the target fell with a bang away from the PS. Meanwhile, the police and the attackers traded fires. However, the marauders took to their heels after a while and the police were hunting them in the nearby hillocks.
Draft receiving final touches for emergency lifting (Updated at 0900)
ISLAMABAD: The legal advisors are Saturday giving final touches to the draft of Provisional Constitutional Amended Order-II at the President House for lifting the emergency on December 15 and several new amendments are being recommended in the constitution.The suggested amendments include the accountability of the judges of higher judiciary and deleting the words regarding the appointed timeframe for the presidential election.According to the sources, the legal advisors are mulling over amending Clause-3 of the Article 41 of the amended PCO related with the presidential election. Under this article, the presidential election can be held prior to end of its stipulated tenure; also, thought is being given to eliminating the words related with the timeframe for this election from August 17, 1988.Phrase ‘subject to constitution’ is being replaced by ‘notwithstanding anything contained in the constitution’ in Sub-clause II of Article 44 dwelling upon the eligibility of the presidential candidates.According to sources, a proposal to amend Article 51-2(A) is under consideration. The proposal envisages addition of words --10 reserve seats for Ulema, professionals and technocrats-- after reserved seats at National Assembly for non-Muslims. Holding of elections for two seats of Islamabad in accordance with the modus operandi given in the Article 59 is also being considered.Amendment in Article 209 is also under consideration for the accountability of higher judiciary. It is being considered to add “Chief Justice of Pakistan” with the word ‘judge’.Amendment in this article is that in case there is a reference filed against any judge, President will be entitled to send this judge on forced leave in due consultation with Supreme Judicial Council until the case is being heard at SJC and a final decision on the same by the President. A high court will also be established in Islamabad under the amendment in Article 175 of the Constitution.(Updated at 2145)
ISLAMABAD: The incomplete Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in a meeting, which was held today (Sunday) formally allot the election symbols to the political parties.Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice (Retd) Qazi Muhammad Farooq presided over the meeting.Pakistan Muslim League was allotted bicycle as the election symbol, arrow to PPP, kite to MQM, flower to PML (F), thumb was allotted to PPP (SB).The MMA had fought the 2002 election with ‘book’ as election symbol. But it has not been able to surmount its internal differences at the moment. It faces division on the question of participation in the electoral process.
Germany beat Australia to win Champions Trophy (Updated at 2020)
KUALA LUMPUR: Germany won the 29th Champions Trophy after defeating Australia 1-0 in the final held at Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium on Sunday.Germany scored the goal in the fifth minute through Timo Wess.In the match for third place, the Netherlands beat South Korea 3-2. The Netherlands led 2-0 in the first half.The Netherlands scored through Taeke Taekema (16th minute), Rob Reckers (26th) and Jeroen Hertberger (52nd).South Korea's goals came through Kon Yeo Woon (36th) and Yong Lee Nam (68th).
Pakistan placed 7th in Champions Trophy hockey (Updated at 1925)
KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan have been placed seventh in the Champions Trophy hockey tournament when they beat Malaysia 3-2 here at Bukit Jalil stadium on Sunday.From Pakistan, Muhammad Imran scored two goals and Muhammad Arshad made one while from Malaysia Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin netted all the two goals. Results from the Champions Trophy finals: Pakistan beat Malaysia 3-2 to get the seventh position. Spain beat Britain 4-2 to achieve the fifth position. Netherlands beat Korea 3-2 to take the third position. Final positions: 1- Germany, 2- Australia, 3- Netherlands, 4- Korea, 5- Spain, 6- Britain, 7- Pakistan, 8- Malaysia.
12 killed in suicide attack in Swat (Updated at 1900)
SWAT: A suicide car bomber smashed into a security forces’ checkpost in Neemgolai, an area in Swat on Sunday, killing 12 persons while the suicide bomber was also killed. Official sources confirmed the killing of nine persons.According to the sources, the bomber hit the checkpost barricades with the car.Ten civilians including two children, and three policemen were killed in the attack. Their names are Abdullah Qureshi, Zafar Ali, Ibrahim, Hanifa Mama, Mohammad Faraz, Saima, Fatima Bibi, two children, and policemen Israr, Hazrat Syed and Qadar Gul.The toll included the suicide bomber himself who was suspected to be belonging to some local terrorist outfits.Various persons including police inspector Bahadur Khan were injured who were shifted to Saidu Sharif hospital. Many of the wounded are in critical condition.A nearby parked bus was also damaged in the blast.
APDM meeting continues to decide on boycotting elections (Updated at 1830)
LAHORE: The meeting of the All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM) continues in Lahore Sunday under the chairmanship of Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif and is expected to make a decision on whether to boycott January 8 polls, party officials said.Present in the meeting are Qazi Hussain Ahmed, Imran Khan, Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Raja Zafarul Haq, Dr. Qadir Magsi, Ehsan Wayne, Mehmud Achakzai, Prof. Sajid Mir, Abid Hasan Manto and others.Talking with media before the meeting, Qazi Hussain Ahmed said that the restoration of the judges is our fundamental demand and we will not make any compromise on it.Imran Khan said that he would full pressure on the APDM leadership for bocotting the elections.APDM component parties say that free and fair elections were not possible under the hand-picked judiciary and emergency rule imposed by President Pervez Musharraf on November 3.The attorney general has said that emergency rule would be lifted on December 15.But opposition parties accuse the election commission of being biased and say that it could not hold free and transparent polls.
Decision to participate in elections final: Fazalur Rehman (Updated at 1730)
ISLAMABAD: MMA's decision to participate in the ensuing elections was final, as JUI workers have been asked to gear up the electioneering campaign, Secretary General MMA Maulana Fazalur Rehman said.Talking to government tv channel, he said JUI is part of MMA and it will not boycott the elections under any circumstances. JUI will remain intact and will field its own candidates on Jamaat-e-Islami seats, even if they decide to boycott.Boycott would definitely prove a big mistake like resignations from the assemblies in the past. People who follow the decision of APDM's boycott were not on the path of MMA, he said. Some powers want postponement of elections. Let the people be allowed to choose their representatives, he observed."There is no atmosphere favouring boycott. Politics should move towards reconciliation and avoid agitation and violence," he said.The MMA supreme council had decided that only unanimous boycott decision can prove effective. The supreme council also approved the MMA manifesto and talk of boycott by JI was astonishing, he said.In APDM-ARD Charter of Demands (CoDs) drafting committee, Professor Khurshid Ahmed represents JI and not MMA, he informed while replying to a question.MMA was formed to clear perception of muslims in general and Ulema in particular that they are not extremists and can do politics through peaceful means, he added.Maulana Fazalur Rehman said "Qazi Hussain Ahmed use to advise me to adopt reconciliatory attitude, but now I'm astonished that he has chosen the extreme path.""Qazi should not leave his companions alone and avoid negative politics," he suggested.Responding to a query he said, JUI had suspended its membership from APDM on October 5. To another question, Maulana said that in London APC conference JUI and other parties were invited on party basis, and not on behalf of MMA. About other component parties of MMA he said they are with JUI and participated in parliamentary board meeting the other day. JI was alone on the defiance path.
Pakistan 86-1 against India’s huge 626 on second day (Updated at 1645)
KOLKATA: Pakistan is again facing a great challenge to score 427 for avoiding follow-on against India on the second day of the third and final Test, being played here at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday.At stumps, left-handed opener Salman Butt and stand-in captain Younus Khan were at the crease. Butt was unbeaten with an aggressive 50 and Younis Khan with seven. They still need 341 more runs to avoid a follow-on.The only wicket Pakistan lost was of Yasir Hameed, who was given leg before off Indian captain Anil Kumble for 19. He along with Salman Butt, made 59 for the opening wicket.Earlier, India, resuming their first innings at 365 for five, were all out for 626 about 20 minutes after tea, It was India's highest total against Pakistan at home, beating the previous best of 616-5 declared in the second Test of the current series at Kolkata.Sourav Ganguly and Irfan Pathan posted career-best knocks as India showed their batting prowess to put Pakistan under pressure before a large Sunday crowd.Ganguly cracked an elegant 239 for a maiden Test double-century and Pathan marked his comeback with an explosive 102 for a first hundred. Left-handed Ganguly and Pathan put the Pakistani attack to the sword with thrilling strokeplay on a good batting track, adding 178 for the seventh wicket to ensure the tourists bat under the threat of a follow-on.The pair also overshadowed Pakistani seamer Yasir Arafat, who finished with five wickets on his Test debut.Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria claimed three and fast bowler Muhammad Sami two wickets.
Pak-India 3rd Test: India dismissed for 626 (Updated at 1445)
BANGALORE: India, resuming their first innings at 365 for five, were all out for 626 about 20 minutes after tea on the second day of the third and final test against Pakistan on Sunday.
Swat suicide attack death toll rises to seven (Updated at 1440)
SWAT: A suicide car bomber smashed into a police checkpost in Pakistan's restive northwestern Swat valley on Sunday, killing a policeman and six civilians, officials said. The attack in Kabal district was in an area where the military has launched an operation against militants loyal to pro-Taliban cleric Maulana Fazlullah. "It was a suicide attack. The bomber hit the checkpost barricades with the car and then blew himself up," provincial government spokesman Amjad Iqbal said. He did not immediately have details of those injured in the blast. On Saturday, officials claimed they had almost cleared the Swat valley of rebels, killing 290 and arresting another 143 in recent weeks.
4 of same family killed in old enmity firing (Updated at 1420)
SHEIKHUPURA: Four persons of the same family were killed in firing here. Police told that three persons due to old enmity opening fire killed four persons of the same family, while one was severely wounded at the outskirt village Khariayanwala here.
Following the incident, the accused under the cover of firing escaped from the scene.Among the dead included: Muhammad Ismail, his to sons—Muhammad Asghar, Muhammad Aslam and a companion Sikandar. Severely wounded Mubarak Ali was shifted to the General Hospital here. Police, after registering the case, have sent the bodies for autopsy.
Pak-India 3rd Test: India 611 for 7 at tea (Updated at 1320)
BANGALORE: India were 611 runs for the loss of 7 wickets at tea on the day two of the third and final Test against Pakistan being played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.Sourav Ganguly, who by hitting 239 runs eclipsed the record of most runs in an innings by a left-hand Indian batsman in Tests held till today by the former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli (227 runs), was clean bowled by Danish Kaneria.He was dislodged while he was trying to sweep the ball.The other southpaw to attain elegance today was Irfan Pathan who played some very good shots on his way to unbeaten 93. He was involved in a partnership of 178 runs with Ganguly.Pathan (93 batting) and Anil Kumble (2 batting) are at the crease.
Musharraf vows not to support any party in polls (Updated at 1300)
ISLAMABAD: President Pervez Musharraf underlined that he would not support any political party in the upcoming polls, stressing that all political parties would be given an equal chance.In an interview, Musharraf said the elections would be held in a free and fair manner, and that foreign observers would be welcome to review the polls.He denied that Al Qaeda leaders were present in the country. 'It is just their guess. So, I don't want to make such wild guesses,” he remarked.The Pakistani president challenged anyone to provide him with firm intelligence, adding, 'They (Al Qaeda) can be anywhere.' The president reiterated emergency would be lifted by the second week of December.Musharraf said once the emergency was lifted on Dec 15, the situation in Pakistan would be much better. The legislation to revoke the Provisional Constitution Order (PCO) was in its final stages and the constitution would be revived by Dec 15, he added.He said growing militancy in Pakistan's north was a reason for imposition of the state of emergency, and added that the Swat operation was going on successfully.He said security forces have managed to destroy important militant bases, which is a good sign for the country.He also maintained that Pakistan is determined to fight terrorism and will continue its role in the war against terror.Musharraf declared a state of emergency in the country on Nov 3, citing a growing rift between the country's three pillars of state as one of the reasons for its necessity.The move has been met with international criticism, including the suspension of the country's Commonwealth membership. It has also raised concerns that the upcoming general elections would not be held in a free, fair and transparent atmosphere.
Students’ hunger strike camp outside LPC (Updated at 1240)
LAHORE: Notwithstanding the chill weather here, male and female students of different private Universities have set up a hunger strike camp outside the Lahore Press Club (LPC).These students on hunger strike said that they would continue their sit-ins here without taking any food or drinks until their arrested fellow students were not released. Elaborating their demands they said that besides release of their arrested fellow students, they have staged this hunger strike for expressing their solidarity with the lawyers and media especially, Geo. The students further said that they were now awakened and they have stated waging a struggle for awakening the nation.Scores of male and female students from Lums, Faast, Pims and other private Universities were included among those staging sit-ins and observing hunger strike at the camp set up outside the LPC under the aegis of Students Action Committee.Despite severe cold, these students with their books, laptops and beddings, which they have brought from their houses, were seen sitting in the camp set up on the footpath, where they had made bonfire to ward off the chills. They were also distributing pamphlets among the passersby.
Feeling half lost on Geo ban: Viewers (Updated at 1225)
LAHORE: Even on the 36th day of the ban on Geo channels, large number of people including youths, children and elders from different segments of the society kept pouring in the Geo Solidarity Camp set up on Davis Road for expressing their deep sympathy and strong support to the Geo principled stand for the media freedom.The visiting citizens making a large crowd of men, women, children, young and old voiced slogans and made signs of victory expressing their complete solidarity with Geo. The people said that Geo has acquired the status of one of their family members and its being off air has left them feeling half lost.The people demanded from the government restoration of the transmission of their darling channel immediately so that they can get themselves acquainted with the home news. Besides elders, children were also seen anxious to view their beloved channel Geo
Pak-India 3rd Test: India 461/6 at lunch (Updated at 1150)
BANGALORE: India were 461 for six in their first innings at lunch break on the second day of the third and final cricket Test against Pakistan in Bangalore on Sunday. Dinesh Kaarthick (24) was the only wicket to fall in the morning session. India’s scored 461 in 1st innings for 6 in 117 overs and Sourav Ganguly is batting.
16 Tamil rebels killed in fighting in volatile north (Updated at 1130)
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Gunbattles and mortar fire between soldiers and Tamil Tiger fighters across the front lines in northern Sri Lanka killed 16 rebels, the military said Sunday.Soldiers repelled a rebel mortar attack in Periyathampanai village in the district of Vavuniya on Saturday, killing 10 guerrillas, a defense ministry official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media. Two soldiers were injured, he said.Four insurgents were killed in a clash in nearby Mannar district, while two other rebels were killed in northern Jaffna peninsula, he said.
Case of rocket attack on Peshawar air force base lodged (Updated at 1130)
PESHAWAR: A case has been registered against unidentified assailants behind rocket attack ont an air force base in northwest Pakistan early Sunday.Police have registered a case against unknown attackers and have started their investigations, a senior police official Mohammad Tahir Khan said.Two rockets landed in an open field at Peshawar air force base, while a third one exploded on a road near the area after midnight but caused no damage or casualties.Part of Peshawar air force base is used for domestic and international passenger flights. Peshawar is the provincial capital of North West Frontier Province which borders Afghanistan.
Shikarpur firing claims 4 dead, 4 injured (Updated at 1120)
SHIKARPUR: Some persons from Jatoi tribe killed four of their tribesmen and wounded four at Lakki Ghulam Shah area here. Police told that eight armed persons raiding Gul Mir residence at Goth Rajab opened volley of fires and killed four persons of the same family, which included Gul Mir Jatoi, his wife Musammat Zadi besides Gul Mir’s cousin Ali Hassan and Dilbar Jatoi. The attackers after the incident fled from the scene. The corpses and the injured were shifted to the Civil Hospital here. Police told that a marriage proposal irk triggered this assault.
Grenade hurled at Shahbaz Gari PS (Updated at 1035)
MARDAN: Shahbaz Gari police station here was targeted with a hand grenade, but fortunately, no loss of life took place.Police told that some unknown persons hurled a hand grenade at Shahbaz Gari police station, which missing the target fell with a bang away from the PS. Meanwhile, the police and the attackers traded fires. However, the marauders took to their heels after a while and the police were hunting them in the nearby hillocks.
Draft receiving final touches for emergency lifting (Updated at 0900)
ISLAMABAD: The legal advisors are Saturday giving final touches to the draft of Provisional Constitutional Amended Order-II at the President House for lifting the emergency on December 15 and several new amendments are being recommended in the constitution.The suggested amendments include the accountability of the judges of higher judiciary and deleting the words regarding the appointed timeframe for the presidential election.According to the sources, the legal advisors are mulling over amending Clause-3 of the Article 41 of the amended PCO related with the presidential election. Under this article, the presidential election can be held prior to end of its stipulated tenure; also, thought is being given to eliminating the words related with the timeframe for this election from August 17, 1988.Phrase ‘subject to constitution’ is being replaced by ‘notwithstanding anything contained in the constitution’ in Sub-clause II of Article 44 dwelling upon the eligibility of the presidential candidates.According to sources, a proposal to amend Article 51-2(A) is under consideration. The proposal envisages addition of words --10 reserve seats for Ulema, professionals and technocrats-- after reserved seats at National Assembly for non-Muslims. Holding of elections for two seats of Islamabad in accordance with the modus operandi given in the Article 59 is also being considered.Amendment in Article 209 is also under consideration for the accountability of higher judiciary. It is being considered to add “Chief Justice of Pakistan” with the word ‘judge’.Amendment in this article is that in case there is a reference filed against any judge, President will be entitled to send this judge on forced leave in due consultation with Supreme Judicial Council until the case is being heard at SJC and a final decision on the same by the President. A high court will also be established in Islamabad under the amendment in Article 175 of the Constitution.(Updated at 2145)
