World Bank OKs over $400 mn in Pakistan flood aid


Zarmina, 9, plays next to her house which was destroyed by floods in Charsadda.—Reuters
WASHINGTON: The World Bank said on Thursday it had approved over $400 million in credit to help Pakistan rebuild from massive flooding, some of the first aid to flow from the lender since the disaster.
The World Bank said it approved $300 in credit to help pay for imports of food, medicine, tents, fuel and machinery. It said the funds were part of the Bank's $1 billion commitment to Pakistan in this fiscal year.
The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank are conducting a damage assessment of the floods. It said preliminary figures show more than 1.8 million homes were damaged or destroyed, which had displaced over 8 million people.
“The credit is part of the first phase of the World Bank's strategy to assist with flood recovery in Pakistan,” said Rachid Benmessaoud, World Bank country director for Pakistan.
In addition, the World Bank said it approved a $130 million credit line to repair Pakistan's highway system, much of which was destroyed by the floods.

Pakistan army accused of killings


Pakistani troops have been accused of carrying out hundreds of unlawful killings in the Swat Valley  [GALLO/GETTY]
An amateur video posted on a social networking site appears to show Pakistani troops unlawfully killing six young men, raising fresh concerns over the conduct of US-backed Pakistani forces in their battle against Taliban-allied groups.
The blurry video, which runs for more than 5 minutes, shows men in Pakistani military uniforms lining up blindfolded young men with their hands tied behind their backs before gunning them down.
The Pakistani military has said the video is fake.
Al Jazeera's Imran Khan reports on the video and the controversy surrounding it
An organisation called the International Pashtuns' Association posted the video on Facebook and says that the incident took place during the military's crackdown on the Pakistani Taliban in the Swat valley the summer of 2009.
The Pakistani government launched the operation after coming under pressure from Washington to do more to stop cross-border Taliban attacks on Nato troops in neighbouring Afghanistan.
The location cannot be identified from the grainy footage, which appears to have been shot on a mobile telephone, but explosions can be heard in the background as the men are shot dead by the firing squad.
As the soldiers prepare to fire, one of them asks the commander: "One by one, or together?" "Together" is the reply. The conversation is in Urdu, the language used by the Pakistani military.




Signaling Tensions, Pakistan Shuts NATO Route -by Jane Perlez and Helene Cooper


ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — American officials pressed their Pakistani counterparts on Thursday to reopen a vital supply route for American and NATO forces in Afghanistan, as relations deteriorated after the fourth strike by coalition helicopters in a week killed three members of Pakistan’s border force.
Pakistan angrily closed the crossing to protest the strikes on its side of the border, leaving American officials to use meetings and phone calls to try to soothe relations and get the route reopened. Both sides indicated that they might be able to resolve the dispute with a joint investigation.
But the border closing, and the exceptional series of strikes by piloted aircraft, as opposed to drones, signaled a general increase in tensions between Pakistan and the United States, already uncomfortable allies that are pursuing competing interests in the Afghan war.
The C.I.A. has carried out a record number of drone attacks inside Pakistan this month, and fresh reports surfaced this week of unlawful executions by the Pakistani Army in areas where it has opened operations againstTaliban forces threatening the government.

Yawar Saeed resigns as manager of Pakistan team

Yawar Saeed was manager of the Pakistan cricket team during their tumultous tour of England. —AP Photo
LAHORE: The manager of Pakistan’s cricket team resigned on Monday, just days after the players flew home from England following controversies over spot fixing.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt relieved Yawar Saeed of his duties at Saeed’s own request, the board said.
The 75-year-old Saeed had hinted about stepping down before the tour began in June and denied that his decision to go was connected to the allegations that marred the team’s tour of England.

Ian Botham is biased, says Mohsin

He (Botham) has always had a problem with Pakistan: Mohsin Khan.—AFP photo
He (Botham) has always had a problem with Pakistan: Mohsin Khan.—AFP photo
KARACHI: Pakistan’s former Test opener and incumbent chief selector Mohsin Khan has lashed out at former England captain Ian Botham, describing him as a “biased and foolish” person who has an axe to grind with Pakistan cricket. 
Botham, who was in Sky Sports commentary team for the recent England series, has been campaigning for Pakistan cricket to be banned by the ICC since the spot-fixing scandal broke out after the fourth Test at Lord’s in late August.

Botham has given statements calling on cricket playing nations to boycott and ban Pakistan cricket and Mohsin said in a television interview that he was not surprised by Botham’s comments.

Pakistan central bank raises policy rate to 13.5 pct



The State Bank of Pakistan raised the rate by 50 basis points to 13 per cent on July 30. – File Photo
KARACHI: Pakistan’s central bank on Wednesday announced an increase in its key policy rate to 13.5 percent from 13 per cent.
The State Bank of Pakistan raised the rate by 50 basis points to 13 per cent on July 30. 

CIA chief due to hold Pakistan talks

“Panetta will call on President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, army chief General Ashfaq Kayani and ISI chief Lieutenant General Ahmad Shuja Pasha,” a senior Pakistani official said. -File Photo
ISLAMABAD: CIA chief Leon Panetta is due to hold talks with Pakistani leaders following a report that Western intelligence uncovered a major European terror plot hatched in Pakistan, an official said Wednesday.
“Panetta will call on President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, army chief General Ashfaq Kayani and ISI chief Lieutenant General Ahmad Shuja Pasha,” a senior Pakistani official told AFP, requesting anonymity.
Talks will focus on “bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation, the Afghan situation and other regional issues,” the official said. There was no comment from the US embassy.
The spy chief's visit comes as a covert American drone war steps up missile strikes on Al-Qaeda-linked commanders in North Waziristan, Pakistan's most notorious stronghold of Taliban and Al-Qaeda linked militants.

Ijaz Butt withdraws fixing claims against England

The England cricket board had threatened Butt with legal action if he didn't withdraw the accusation. -AP File Photo
LONDON: Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt has withdrawn his statements linking England's team with throwing a one-day international earlier this month.
Butt had said he had heard from bookmakers that England's players were paid to lose the third one-day international to Pakistan on Sept. 17.
The England cricket board had threatened Butt with legal action if he didn't withdraw the accusation.
The board released a statement Wednesday quoting Butt as saying: ''I never intended to question the behavior and integrity of the England players nor the ECB nor to suggest that any of them were involved in any corrupt practices or in a conspiracy against Pakistan cricket.''
The board says it now regards the matter as closed. -AP
Sources

Pakistan’s Commonwealth Games squad departs

Members of Pakistan hockey team board a bus for the Allama Iqbal Airport – a 54-member Pakistan squad left for India to participate in the Commonwealth Games. —Photo by Arif Ali/White Star
LAHORE: Pakistan’s 54-member Commonwealth Games contingent left for India on Wednesday after organisers moved quickly to improve the squad’s accommodation in the Games Village.
Speaking at the squad’s departure from Lahore, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) president Lt Gen Arif Hasan said the contingent’s hopes for winning medals in some of the disciplines are high after undergoing satisfactory pre-tournament preparations.
Earlier, giving a quick response to Pakistan’s ultimatum of 24 hours, the organisers of the 19th Commonwealth Games removed all objections regarding the accommodation, as the first batch of the Pakistan contingent comprising 54 athletes and officials left via the Allama Iqbal Airport in Lahore.

Govt will complete its term, says PM

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. — Photo by AFP

ISLAMABAD: Speaking to media representatives in Islamabad on Monday, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said the government will complete its five-year term.
Those talking about changes in the government will be disappointed, he said.
He said that a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking deferment of the hearing in the NRO implementation case till a review of the beneficiaries' cases was complete. 
Gilani further stated that he has “not received any list of NRO beneficiaries as yet”.
On questions regarding the President’s immunity, he said the matter was sub judice.
Responding to another question regarding resignations by certain PPP ministers, Gilani said “jointly we have come and jointly we will go”.
Sources

Chelsea undone by Tevez, Arsenal lose to West Brom


LONDON: Leaders Chelsea failed their first serious test of the Premier League season on Saturday when a Carlos Tevez goal gave Manchester City a 1-0 home win over the champions who were unstoppable in their opening five matches.

A day after City manager Roberto Mancini suggested Chelsea’s title defence would be a cruise, his side begged to differ and clinched victory thanks to captain Tevez’s 59th-minute solo goal, his fourth in three matches against the London club.

Arsenal could not capitalise on Chelsea’s defeat as they surprisingly went down 3-2 at home to West Bromwich Albion despite two late goals from Samir Nasri.

Chelsea, who failed to score in the league for the first time since December, are top with 15 points but Manchester United can cut the gap to a point if they beat Bolton Wanderers on Sunday.

CJP used fake domicile certificate, alleges Jatoi



QUETTA: The ruling quarters came under fire on Saturday when Federal Minister for Defense Production Abdul Qayyum Jatoi hurled allegations against Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, ARY NEWS reports.

Jatio alleged that the CJP had a fake domicile certificate.

“Mr Chaudhry belongs to Faisalabad but he used the domicile of Balochistan to become a judge,” Jatio blamed while addressing a news conference after meeting Nawabzada Talal Akbar Bugti, Chief of Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) and son of Nawab Akbar Bugti.

He said ‘corruption is right of everyone’. "There should be equality in corruption. All should be given their due share."

Interior Minister Rehman Malik resigns: sources


ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister of Interior Rehman Malik has tendered resignation from his office, sources said on Monday.

Rehman Malik has been a beneficiary of the National Reconciliation Ordinance.

Prime Minister Yousur Raza Gilani in his recent address to the Senate had asked the ministers and other officials facing NAB cases to quit their offices.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik has been the first federal minister that has tendered his resignation after the prime minister's statement in the Senate.
Sources

Altaf accuses foreign powers of plotting to eliminate him


In an open letter to party workers, which was released to the media on Sunday, MQM chief said that ‘international powers’ could eliminate him anytime.— File Photo
KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has said that ‘international powers’ had in the past tried to eliminate the MQM through the Pakistani establishment, but now they were trying to get rid of him. 
In an open letter to party workers, which was also released to the media on Sunday, Mr Hussain said that ‘international powers’ could eliminate him anytime and they (MQM workers) should be mentally prepared for such an eventuality.

He said that he had given a philosophy and ideology for struggle against generals, feudal lords and chieftains who assumed “power through unfair means”.

He said it was not only the aristocracy which benefited from the mediaeval system, but international powers also used it to their advantage. 

NRO beneficiaries to be sacked: Gilani




“In the game of chess, when the game is over, the kings and pawns are put in the same box,” Prime Minister Gilani. -File Photo
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Sunday that rewriting or amending the Constitution was the sole prerogative of parliament and not of the Supreme Court.
Talking to senior journalists and television anchorpersons, he said in what appeared to be a shift from his earlier position that he would sack all beneficiaries of the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) when a list now being vetted by the law ministry was submitted to him.
He said a five-point summary signed by him would be submitted to the Supreme Court on Monday.
The prime minister said he would hold a meeting with Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani at around 2pm to exchange views on the political situation.

Zardari chairs another important meeting today


President Zardari has rubbished reports about a change in the government.—Reuters photo
President Zardari has rubbished reports about a change in the government.—Reuters photo
ISLAMABAD: Yet another meeting of senior leaders of the ruling Pakistan People’s Party will be held on Monday, with President Asif Ali Zardari in the chair. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will also attend it.

“The meeting will deliberate on the political situation and flood relief and rehabilitation measures being undertaken,” president’s spokesman, Farhatullah Babar, said. All MNAs and senators of the party have been asked to attend it.

The meeting of the PPP parliamentary committee is significant because the Supreme Court will take up on Monday a case relating to implementation of its verdict on the National Reconciliation Ordinance. 

Seventy NRO beneficiaries to face the axe


The law ministry has sent a list of around 70 NRO beneficiaries to PM Gilani.—File photo
The law ministry has sent a list of around 70 NRO beneficiaries to PM Gilani.—File photo
ISLAMABAD: In a late-night development, a group of journalists were invited to the Prime Minister’s House at short notice. 
Having gathered there at about ten on Sunday night, they were told that a list of NRO beneficiaries would be released. However, an hour later they were informed that the list would not be released.

Sources in the Prime Minister’s House revealed that the government was likely to take the difficult but pragmatic decision of shedding the NRO beneficiaries working in different positions. 

SC hears petitions challenging 18th Amendment


Supreme Court of Pakistan. — Photo by AP
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday was hearing petitions challenging the 18th Amendment.
A 17-judge full court was hearing the petitions challenging certain clauses in the amendment.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry said opening the Objectives Resolution’s Pandora’s box was not necessary.
He further said that the Supreme Court has made obvious the constitution's fundamental features through its decisions.
“The constitution represents 180 million people of Pakistan…any legislation in conflict with the constitution cannot be a law,” Chief Justice Iftikhar said.
Judiciary is neither a part of the government, nor is it the government’s subordinate, he said.

Legacy of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto the founder of Pakistan people’s party and the prime minister of Pakistan is the great leader of 2oth century. After Qaeda-e-Azam Muhammad Ali he is the only leader that have charismatic personality to attracts the people and creates long lasting affects in Pakistani politics and society. He was socialist and came in power through his motto of Roti Kapra aur Makan for all. He was foreign minister of Ayub and resigned from cabinet after Tashkent declaration. He mobilize the masses against dictator regime and the biggest achievement of Bhutto is that he brings the politics in mass, Bhutto transformed drawing room politics to the mass politics. Politics was restricted to elites and it was elite’s game. He started mass politics in Pakistan.
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto

Now every party speaks about poor. Every party claims to be representative of poor people and proclaim to solve poor man issues. It was Bhutto legacy that now it slogan of every party to solve poor man issues. An interesting point regarding Bhutto legacy is the division of Pakistani politics in two groups after him.

Coca-Cola top brand for 11th year in a row

Brand value estimated at $70.5b.
Coca-Cola has retained its position at the top of Interbrand’s ranking of the world’s best brands for the 11th consecutive year with Sprite making its first appearance on the list at 61.
The 2010 report estimates Coca-Cola’s brand value to be at $70.5 billion.
Interbrand is a leading brand consultancy firm and comes out with a report of the best global brands every year.
“The number one brand for the 11th year in a row makes the Coca-Cola brand central to its business operations,” said the report. Established in 1886, The Coca-Cola Company operates in more than 200 countries and markets nearly 500 brands and more than 3,000 beverage products.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 24th, 2010.

England takes first step against Ijaz Butt



The ECB and the Professional Cricketers' Association have sent a pre-action letter to PCB chairman, Ijaz Butt, seeking a "full and unreserved apology" foralleging that England's players were involved in fixing the outcome of the third ODI at The Oval, which Pakistan won by 23 runs.
The letter, sent on behalf of the England team, advised Butt that "if a satisfactory response was not received, legal proceedings will be commenced against him without further notice."
In an extraordinary statement last Sunday, which he read out to ESPNcricinfo, Butt had said, "There is loud and clear talk in bookie circles that some English players have taken enormous amounts of money to lose the match [the third ODI]. No wonder there was such a collapse." He had also accused certain "august cricket bodies" of conspiring to defraud Pakistan and Pakistan cricket.

Govt agrees to release funds to varsities for raise


HEC Chairman Dr Javed Leghari in a meeting with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. —Online photo
ISLAMABAD: The government agreed on Thursday to immediately release funds for a 65 per cent increase in the salary of university teachers and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) requested the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (Fapuasa) to withdraw its call for an indefinite strike in state-run universities. 
“The committee formed by the prime minister for the resolution of the budgetary crisis in the higher education sector has successfully resolved the issues under discussion. Fifty per cent salary increase and 15 per cent medical allowance will be paid to universities as additional recurring grant,” a handout said. 

Pakistan return home after disastrous cricket tour


File photo taken September 20, 2010 shows Pakistan's Umar Gul (L) talking to Shahid Afridi (R) during the fourth One Day International cricket match between England and Pakistan at Lords Cricket Ground in London. – AFP Photo
KARACHI: One-day captain Shahid Afridi Friday called Pakistan’s scandal-marred tour of England the “most difficult” of his career as the team staged a low-key return home after four gruelling months away.
Coach Waqar Younis also conceded that it had been a punishing tour “on and off the field” after corruption investigations engulfed the side, triggering a barrage of condemnation from the press and public.
An exhausted-looking Afridi flew in to Karachi with three team-mates while the rest of the squad arrived in Lahore in the early hours, with a phalanx of gun-toting policemen escorting the players out of both airports.
“It was tough because of the controversies and became very difficult to cope with, because every time we went out of the hotel people passed remarks against us,” Afridi told a scrum of reporters in Karachi.

Ignore rumours, but be ready for the worst: Zardari

The meeting was convened for a mid-term review of the performance of the PPP-led coalition government and to discuss the situation in the wake of the Supreme Court’s renewed attention towards the NRO, official and unofficial sources of the party told Dawn. - Photo by PPI.
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Zardari on Thursday asked PPP ranks to pay no heed to rumours of change, but at the same time “be prepared for a signal to meet any emergency”.
The PPP co-chairman was speaking at the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting at the Presidency.
The meeting was convened for a mid-term review of the performance of the PPP-led coalition government and to discuss the situation in the wake of the Supreme Court’s renewed attention towards the NRO, official and unofficial sources of the party told Dawn.
Although a number of members criticised the government’s performance and blamed arbitrary decision-making of the party leadership for the internal party crisis, they stood behind the leadership in facing challenges because of internal rifts and “judicial activism”.
Ruling out the possibility of any in-house change, the president said such things were only there in the media, the sources said. But at the same time, he advised PPP members “to be ready for any possible emergency situation” for which a call could be given any time.
Some members, particularly those belonging to Sindh, protested over the PPP leadership’s decision of not inviting Senator Safdar Abbasi, considered to be a dissident, to the meeting. Another important CEC member, Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan, did not attend the meeting.

Is it True? Shoaib Akhtar tampering the ball?



Pakistan fast bowler Shoib Akhter can ball at high speed but there is always controversy around him. Lately his team defeted by England by a massive 121 runs. His temperamental and furious attiude always fit for a fast bowler.
But it is sorrow to know that Akhtar was caught on camera tampering with the cricket ball during their fifth ODI match against England at the Rose Bowl stadium in Southampton.
In the past he was reported several times but always he is able to come back. Some players of the team was hit by a series of controversies during the just-concluded tour. They are blocked for spot-fixing.

Camera catches Shoaib Akhtar tampering

SOUTHAMPTON: The British media gave a one final gift to the visiting Pakistan cricket team on early Thursday as they caught fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar doctoring the cricket ball during the final One Day International between Pakistan and England.

  
Shahid Afridi of Pakistan smiles with Shoaib Akhtar during the 5th NatWest One Day International between England and Pakistan. Courtesy: GETTY IMAGES

England wrapped up the series by winning the fifth ODI at Rose Bowl in commanding fashion but cameras kept looking for yet another scandal to give Pakistani cricketers some torrid memories of the tour.

 As per the reports of a British tabloid, Shoaib Akhtar was caught on camera tampering the cricket ball in the 41st over of the innings.

 In the picture released by the tabloid, Shoaib Akhtar can clearly be seen scratching the ball with his left thumb so as to make it reverse-swing. If that wasn’t enough, the speedster dropped the ball on the ground and stood on it with spikes right on the seam.

England tour one of the toughest of my career: Afridi

“The players were down and it was not easy lifting them up. It was very difficult but they responded well.” —AP Photo
KARACHI: Pakistan’s one-day captain, Shahid Afridi has described the tour to England that ended on Wednesday as one of the most difficult of his cricket career.
“It was one of the most difficult tours of my 14-year career. It was difficult to even venture out of the hotel, there were people hooting at us and there was lot of pressure on the players,” Afridi told a local television channel.
Pakistan lost the test, Twenty20 and one-day series to England and the team was rocked by allegations of fixing parts of matches against some of its players.
Test captain, Salman Butt and pace bowlers, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz were all questioned by Scotland yard over the allegations with the first three also suspended by the International Cricket Council after the News of the World newspaper broke a story on Aug. 28 that the players had deliberately bowled no balls in the fourth test against England at Lords.

Widow of Imran Farooq makes appeal

Shumaila Imran appeal for information relating to the murder of her husband Imran Farooq, at a police press conference in London.

''Someone, somewhere knows something about my husband's murder,'' said Shumaila Imran, who broke down in tears at the Scotland Yard press conference called to publicise the appeal for information.
She said no piece of information is unimportant as police search for clues in the brazen daylight attack.
Her husband Imran Farooq was stabbed and beaten to death outside his North London home last week.
He was a prominent member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

Obama doubles down on Middle East peace drive


UNITED NATIONS: President Barack Obama beseeched the world Thursday to back his Middle East peace drive, warning of more bloodshed in the Holy Land unless Israelis and Palestinians make peace within a year.
In a sweeping survey of his foreign policy before the United Nations General Assembly, Obama also told Iran the door to nuclear diplomacy remained open, and said he would make his twice-postponed trip to Indonesia in November.
The US president warned that if current US-mediated direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians did not end in a deal, Palestinians would never get a state and Israel would never know security.
“The hard realities of demography will take hold. More blood will be shed. This Holy Land will remain a symbol of our differences, instead of our common humanity,” Obama said.
“I refuse to accept that future. We all have a choice to make. And each of us must choose the path of peace,” said Obama, upping the ante at a critical moment in peace talks and wagering a hefty bet with his own political capital.

Reformed GST to be imposed from Oct 1: Shaikh

ISLAMABAD:  Federal Finance Minister Dr Hafeez Shaikh announced on Thursday that the reformed General Sales Tax (GST) will be enforced in the country effective from October 1.
Speaking to newsmen, Dr Shaikh said that the government intends to introduce GST in its original format and eliminate all exemptions.
The original form of GST has been distorted by exemptions, and the lobby which has benefited from exemptions is opposing restoration of GST to its original form, he said.
Pakistan, Dr Shaikh said, has the lowest tax-to-GDP ratio in the world with only nine per cent.
He said that the ministry of finance was currently working on formulating new taxes with the objective not to burden common man, rather burden the affluent class. 
“Country’s financial situation was not good before the floods but became worse after the devastation of floods,” he said.
Sources

PPP to continue with policy of reconciliation: CEC


ISLAMABAD: The Central Executive Committee of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in a meeting on Thursday showed its trust in President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and decided to follow the policy of reconciliation.
PPP General Secretary Jahangir Badar, after the meeting, briefed the media persons in a press conference.
He denied reports of not allowing Safdar Abbasi to attend the meeting and said that Abbasi was the member of the CEC and he was invited in the meeting.
Badar said that the meeting not only discussed the performance of the government in the flood-affected areas but also reviewed the post flood operations.
He said that the meeting also reiterated its commitment towards strengthening democracy in the country. There was no other way except democracy, he added.
The party’s general secretary said that we will win the war on terror with the help of the Army and the people of Pakistan. PPP doesn’t want any confrontation with the judiciary, he added.
Answering a question about Adnan Khwaja, he said that the issue was not discussed in the meeting.
Sources

Dr Aafia Siddiqui sentenced to 86 years in jail


NEW YORK: A US-trained Pakistani scientist convicted of trying to kill US agents and military officers in Afghanistan was sentenced Thursday to 86 years in prison after she called on Muslims to resist using violence and said she loves American soldiers.
Aafia Siddiqui, 38, was sentenced in US District Court in Manhattan by Judge Richard M. Berman, who said ''significant incarceration is appropriate.''
''Don't get angry,'' Siddiqui said in court to her supporters after the sentence was announced. ''Forgive Judge Berman.''
Berman responded, saying: ''I wish more defendants would feel the way that you do.''
The sentencing capped a strange legal odyssey that began two summers ago, when Siddiqui turned up in Afghanistan carrying evidence that —depending on the argument —proved she was either a terrorist or a lunatic.

Dodgy to the end! Shoaib Akhtar is caught on camera as ball tampering row sours England's Rose Bowl win

Was this the moment Pakistan's cricketers became embroiled in one final controversy?
In the last game of their acrimonious tour of England at the Rose Bowl last night fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar could be seen apparently running his left thumb along the ball's seam before dropping the ball on the ground and standing on it with his spiked right boot.
Shoaib Akhtar shines the ball then stands on it
Shoaib Akhtar shines the ball then stands on it
Sportsmail's pictures were taken in the 41st over of England's innings as Shoaib prepared to bowl to Paul Collingwood.
It is not the first time Shoaib, 35, has come under the spotlight at the Rose Bowl.
Four years ago, he was filmed by Sky cameras flicking at the ball with his thumb during a one-day international here against England.
On that occasion Shoaib was cleared but was warned about his behaviour after being accused of tampering with the ball during a Test match in Zimbabwe in late 2002.

VCs threaten to shut down universities from tomorrow



ISLAMABAD: Vice Chancellors of public sector universities have threatened to shut down universities from Wednesday after their meeting with government officials ended without any conclusion on Tuesday.
The meeting was held on the directives of PM Gilani to resolve the financial crisis faced by universities.

The meeting chaired by Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Nadeem ul Haq was also attended by three vice chancellors and other officials.
The vice chancellors said that the cash strapped universities cannot continue with their development projects and demanded an immediate release of Rs7 billion.

عوام کے نمائندگی کون کر رہا ہے.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, was born on January 5, 1960 in the district of Gujrat, Pakistan. He obtained his early education from his home town and got Master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of the Punjab, Lahore.
see the article

Many faces of PML


As for the latest development, the PML-N is reportedly keeping a close eye on things. The Q-League has given it a tough time in parts of Punjab and perhaps Chaudhry Shujaat and Mushahid Hussain are trying to create a constituency in Sindh by merging with Pir Pagara’s faction. - Photo on file
The news that the Chaudhry Shujaat-led PML-Q has merged with Pir Pagara’s Functional League has been met by many political observers with a sense of bemused scepticism. Pir Sahib will lead the new entity, which has been dubbed the All Pakistan Muslim League. Though political parties in Pakistan split at the drop of a hat, the Pakistan Muslim League is perhaps the party which has seen the most splits, mergers, unifications and factions in the history of this country.

Starting from the Ayub era, the party has been broken up into so many factions that it is difficult to keep count.

Military dictators including Ayub Khan, Ziaul Haq and Pervez Musharraf have all used the Muslim League banner to cobble together a willing coalition of political malcontents, opportunists and turncoats that could offer a democratic fig-leaf to their authoritarian adventurism. The countless variants of the League have had different shelf lives, with some outliving their patrons politically. 

Power sector reforms in pakistan


Nearly two decades ago, the government came to the late realisation that a power sector owned and operated by the state was inefficient and resulted in under-investment in power generation, transmission and distribution systems, leading to ‘loadshedding’. - APP Photo
Two and a half years since ascending to power, the political government in Islamabad still appears to have little idea about how to address the crisis in the power sector. True, many of the reasons for the crisis are structural and pre-date the present government, but the fact remains this administration inherited a mess that through inaction it has helped turn into an even bigger mess. A report in this paper yesterday suggests that at long last, the next step in the privatisation and deregulation of the power sector may finally be undertaken — though even at this point it is not clear which reforms will be pushed through and which will remain tied up in bureaucratic red tape.

Designed and Developed By Amir Sayani