Oil rebounds in Asian trade

SINGAPORE: Oil rebounded in Asian trade Friday from overnight falls but worries over sluggish US energy demand will likely cap the price surge, analysts said.

New York's main contract, light sweet crude for January delivery was 10 cents higher at 70.64 dollars a barrel.Brent North Sea crude for January delivery added 16 cents to 72.02 dollars a barrel.

Investors remained concerned over weak energy demand in the US, the world's biggest oil consumer, analysts said.

President Zardari, Aitzaz discuss politics

ISLAMABAD: Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan called on President Asif Ali Zardari here at the Presidency Thursday. Presidential spokesman, confirming the meeting, said the President and Aitzaz Ahsan had an exchange of views on the overall situation of the country including politics. On the other hand, Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan said that he has been offered a number of government positions but ‘I am not a candidate for any of these positions.’ It may be mentioned here that President Asif Ali Zardari had invited Aitzaz Ahsan over to the Presidency for the meeting.

17 children among 37 martyred in Pindi attack

RAWALPINDI: Thirty-seven people including 17 children, 10 civilians, 10 Army personnel embraced shahadat when terrorists attacked a mosque in Parade Lane, Rawalpindi, Saddar Friday. According to ISPR, reportedly 4 terrorists approached a mosque inside officers residential colony in Parade Lane, Rawalpindi Saddar and hurled grenades on Namazies followed by indiscriminate firing. Meanwhile two suicide bombers entered the Mosque and blew ... Full Story

Obama receives Nobel Peace Prize

OSLO: President United States Barrack Hussain Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize here at a prize distribution ceremony on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, the U.S. President said, “I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the considerable controversy that your generous decision has generated. In part, this is because I am at the beginning, and not the end, of my labors on the world stage.”

He said the most profound issue surrounding his receipt of this prize is the fact that he is the Commander-in-Chief of a nation in the midst of two wars. One of these wars is winding down, he added.

He continued:

A decade into a new century, (the) old architecture is buckling under the weight of new threats. The world may no longer shudder at the prospect of war between two nuclear superpowers, but proliferation may increase the risk of catastrophe. Terrorism has long been a tactic, but modern technology allows a few small men with outsized rage to murder innocents on a horrific scale.

Moreover, wars between nations have increasingly given way to wars within nations. The resurgence of ethnic or sectarian conflicts; the growth of secessionist movements, insurgencies, and failed states; have increasingly trapped civilians in unending chaos. In today's wars, many more civilians are killed than soldiers; the seeds of future conflict are sewn, economies are wrecked, civil societies torn asunder, refugees amassed, and children scarred.

I face the world as it is, and cannot stand idle in the face of threats to the American people.

. . A non-violent movement could not have halted Hitler's armies. Negotiations cannot convince al-Qaida's leaders to lay down their arms. To say that force is sometimes necessary is not a call to cynicism -it is a recognition of history; the imperfections of man and the limits of reason.

I raise this point because in many countries there is a deep ambivalence about military action today, no matter the cause. At times, this is joined by a reflexive suspicion of America, the world's sole military superpower.

Yet the world must remember that it was not simply international institutions -not just treaties and declarations -that brought stability to a post-World War II world. Whatever mistakes we have made, the plain fact is this: the United States of America has helped underwrite global security for more than six decades with the blood of our citizens and the strength of our arms.

. . . So yes, the instruments of war do have a role to play in preserving the peace. And yet this truth must coexist with another -that no matter how justified, war promises human tragedy. The soldier's courage and sacrifice is full of glory, expressing devotion to country, to cause and to comrades in arms. But war itself is never glorious, and we must never trumpet it as such.

I believe that all nations - strong and weak alike - must adhere to standards that govern the use of force.

. . . Furthermore, America cannot insist that others follow the rules of the road if we refuse to follow them ourselves. For when we don't, our action can appear arbitrary, and undercut the legitimacy of future intervention -no matter how justified.

. . . I believe that force can be justified on humanitarian grounds, as it was in the Balkans, or in other places that have been scarred by war. Inaction tears at our conscience and can lead to more costly intervention later. That is why all responsible nations must embrace the role that militaries with a clear mandate can play to keep the peace.

America's commitment to global security will never waiver. But in a world in which threats are more diffuse, and missions more complex, America cannot act alone. This is true in Afghanistan. This is true in failed states like Somalia, where terrorism and piracy is joined by famine and human suffering. And sadly, it will continue to be true in unstable regions for years to come.

Afghanistan troop drawdown won't be steep: Obama

OSLO: President Barack Obama said that the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, set to start in 19 months, will be gradual and U.S. aid to that nation will last for years.

"We're not going to see some sharp cliff, some precipitous drawdown," Obama told reporters in Oslo, where he traveled to accept the Nobel Peace Prize.

The president said he is sticking to his plan to start the drawdown in July 2011, but he signaled that

Aitzaz confirms he was offered govt position

LAHORE: Former president of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Aitzaz Ahsan Monday confirmed that he was offered a position by the government.

Talking to media at Aiwan-e-Iqbal here, Aitzaz said he is associated with Pakistan People’s Party and that he finds nothing wrong in accepting a position in the government. However, he said, if he disclosed more details about the offered position it will result in sleepless nights for some people.

Earlier, addressing a seminar on the occasion of birth anniversary of national poet Dr. Allama Iqbal, he said after 62 years Pakistan finally has independent judiciary and now nothing can stop it from progressing.

Aitzaz advised the people, who were protected in criminal cases under NRO, to get themselves pre-arrest bails while those whose cases were in NAB should approach the Supreme Court.

Pak security apparatus geared to meet all challenges: CJCSC

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Tariq Majid, NI(M) has rejected the article by Seymour M. Hersh, published in The New Yorker' terming it as absurd and plain mischievous.

He stated, "we have operationalised a very effective nuclear security regime, which incorporates very stringent custodial and access controls.

As overall custodian of the development of our strategic programme, I reiterate in very unambiguous terms that there is absolutely no question of sharing or allowing any foreign individual, entity or a state, any access to sensitive information about our nuclear assets,” said an ISPR press release issued here Monday.

Our engagement with other countries through IAEA or bilaterally to learn more about the international best practices for security of such assets are based on two clearly spelt out RedLines - non intrusiveness' and our right to pick and choose'.

Also, our security apparatus has the capacity and is fully geared to meet all conceivable challenges, therefore, we do not need to negotiate with any other country to physically augment our security forces, which in any case, we believe, are more capable than their forces."

Commenting on the question raised through an article captioned Pakistan Nuclear Security Plan: How much does US really know?', which appeared in The News', Islamabad on November 9, General Tariq responded, "only that much as they can guess and nothing more".

ISLAMABAD: Former chief of Intelligence Bureau, Brigadier (retd.) Imtiaz making startling disclosures said that the President House was engaged in st

Corruption charges on judges reviewed at SJC meeting

KARACI: All banks are liable to provide uninterrupted ATM services to account holders, said spokesman State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

Zimbabwean batsman equals Saeed Anwar’s world record

Nation celebrating 62nd Independence Day

ISLAMABAD: The nation Friday celebrating its 62nd Independence Day with great zeal, enthusiasm and renewed commitment to make Pakistan strong, progressive and prosperous. It is a public holiday. With the dawn of this day, special prayers were held in mosques for the progress and prosperity of the country. Celebrations began with a 31-gun salute in the Federal Capital and 21-gun salute in all the four provincial capitals. At 7.58 A.M, all vehicular traffic stopped for two minutes with the sounding of sirens and national anthem played at 8:00 A.M A change of the guard ceremony at the mausoleum of Pakistan’s founder Quaid-e-Mohammed Ali Jinnah also took place in Karachi, where an elegant and smart contingent of Pakistan Naval Academy assumed charge of the guard. Later, the Naval Academy Commandant laid wreath on the mausoleum of the founder of Pakistan and offered ‘Fateha’ for the salvation of the soul of the great Quaid of Muslims of sub-continent.The Independence Day celebrations, which kicked off midnight yesterday rose to it height this morning, which would continue for the whole day, as the ruling Pakistan People’s Party as well as other major political parties are all set to celebrate the historic day in a dignified manner by hoisting national and party flags, while the electronic and print media have planned comprehensive programmes. The electronic media would present various programmes including national songs, talk shows, dramas and children programmes. The main event of the day will be a flag-hoisting ceremony in the Capital here. Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani will unfurl the national flag. Rallies, processions and colorful functions under the aegis of various public and private sector, social and political organizations in all small and major towns and cities of the country will be the hallmark of the day. Keeping alive previous traditions, all the government and private buildings have been illuminated. People, all over the country have decorated their houses, shopping centers and offices with national flags, banners, lightings, paintings and balloons, particularly in green and white colours. In the Federal Capital the main celebrations include flag hoisting ceremony at the premises of Lok Virsa, while the artisans would display their work, folk music performances at open air theater, photographic exhibition will be the other major features of the day. The Heritage Museum will remain open to public from 10.00 A.M. to 8.00 P.M. for local and foreign visitors.

Ajmal fined for Sangakkara send-off

COLOMBO: Saeed Ajmal has been fined 15% of his match fee for giving Kumar Sangakkara a send-off after dismissing him in the one-off Twenty20 match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Ajmal was found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct following a hearing in Colombo after the game, and charged under Level 1.6 of the code, which refers to "pointing or gesturing towards the pavilion in an aggressive manner by a bowler or other members of the fielding side upon the dismissal of a batsman." In the 14th over of the Sri Lankan innings, when Sri Lanka were 100 for 3, needing 73 off 42 balls, Ajmal got the key wicket of Sangakkara, and then pointed to the pavilion and spoke aggressively to the Sri Lankan captain. The on-field umpires Asoka de Silva and Tyron Wijewardene immediately had a word with Ajmal and then reported the incident to the match referee Alan Hurst, who slapped Ajmal with a fine.

Morakot toll at 70 in China, Taiwan

TAIPEI: Rescue and recovery efforts continued Wednesday in China and Taiwan after Typhoon Morakot, which killed at least 70 people in both countries.In Taiwan, the death toll was 62 as of Tuesday evening, a Chinese news agency, reported. Another 57 were missing, and three others were killed Tuesday when a relief helicopter crashed.Thousands of households remained without electricity or running water. In mountainous areas, helicopters were used to drop food and water in villages cut off by bridges that had washed away.Sixteen Chinese tourists were evacuated Tuesday after being trapped since the storm at Mount Ali.Morakot made landfall in Taiwan late Friday and in China early Sunday. In China, eight were reported dead and three missing.Vice Premier Hui Liangyu, who traveled to the provinces hit by the storm, warned of secondary damage from flooded rivers. He said more than 20 rivers in Fujian, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces were at dangerous levels and continued rainfall could bring more floods and landslides.Morakot also hit areas in the Philippines and its outer bands caused high winds and rain on the Japanese island of Okinawa.

10 militants die in Lower Orakzai

PESHAWAR: Ten militants killed during security forces action against militants in Lower Orakzai and neighboring areas.According to sources, security forces targeted militants suspected hideouts in Oblan and adjoining areas. Ten militants were killed and two hideouts destroyed.Meanwhile, two women and seven children wounded when a rocket fire from unknown direction landed near Afghan Ghamkol refugee camp in Kohat. A body of local resident recovered from Kohi chowk in tehsil Bara of Khyber Agency.

Australia crush England to level Ashes

LEEDS: Australia thrashed England by an innings and 80 runs as they won the fourth Test at Headingley here on Sunday inside three days to level the series at 1-1 and revive their bid to retain the Ashes.The result left the Ashes all square ahead of the fifth and final Test at The Oval starting on August 20.England, who resumed Sunday in the dire position of 82 for five in their second innings, still 261 runs behind Australia's first innings 445 and facing the prospect of a record-breaking home defeat, were bowled out for 263. Stuart Broad (61) and Graeme Swann (62) delayed the seemingly inevitable with an eighth-wicket stand of 108 off 79 balls that delighted home fans after the pair had come together with England on 120 for seven,At lunch, England were 245 for eight, 98 behind, with Swann 56 not out and Stephen Harmison six not out.But soon after the break Swann on 62, one shy of his Test-best score, was caught behind off left-arm quick Mitchell Johnson, who took five wickets for 69 runs in the innings.

U.S. commander says Taliban have Afghan momentum

Updated at: 1553 PST, Monday, August 10, 2009 KABUL: The Taliban are advancing out of traditional strongholds in Afghanistan's south and east into the north and west, the commander of U.S. and NATO troops in the country said in an interview published on Monday. U.S. Army General Stanley McChrystal, who will soon present an assessment of the war, said the resurgent Taliban would force a change of tactics on foreign forces and warned that record casualty figures would remain high for some months. "It's a very aggressive enemy right now," McChrystal told The Wall Street Journal newspaper in an interview in Kabul. "We've got to stop their momentum, stop their initiative. It's hard work." Violence across Afghanistan this year had already reached its worst levels since the Taliban were ousted by U.S.-led Afghan forces in 2001 and escalated dramatically after major offensives were launched in the south over the past two months. With thousands of U.S. Marines and British soldiers aiming to push Taliban fighters out of populated areas in southern Helmand province, July quickly became the deadliest month of the war for troops in the country. McChrystal said he planned to push more troops into Kandahar, the spiritual home of the Taliban adjacent to Helmand. "It's important and so we're going to do whatever we got to do to ensure Kandahar is secure," he said. There are now about 101,000 foreign troops in Afghanistan, with U.S. numbers at about 62,000. Washington has been pouring in thousands of extra troops this year, in part to help secure Aug. 20 presidential and provincial council elections.

Fighting erupts over Baitullah’s successor

ISLAMABAD: The government has received reports that shooting broke out between two top commanders of Baitullah Mehsud at the Taliban Shura meeting, and one of them may have been killed, the interior minister said on Saturday.“The infighting was between Waliur Rehman and Hakimullah Mehsud,” Interior Minister Rehman Malik told Reuters. “We have information that one of them has been killed. Who was killed we will be able to say later after confirming.“According to reports Waliur Rehman fired and killed Hakimullah Mehsud,” the official said.The state-run television said there were reports that both leaders might have been killed in a shootout.The Taliban Shura was called in the Taliban-controlled territory in Waziristan.“We have reports that there was fighting between Waliur Rehman and Hakimullah... I said earlier that one of them is dead. I will not disclose the name. I am seeking verification,” Malik told Geo News.“We have solid reports about the killing of Baitullah Mehsud but the situation will be clear in the next 48 hours,” Malik told Geo television.Our correspondents add from Peshawar/Wana: Senior officials also claimed that two top commanders of Baitullah had killed each other in a bid to grab the top TTP slot. However, Taliban militants considered close to Baitullah Mehsud and his network continued denying his death and the clash between his top militant commanders in South Waziristan.A senior government official, who is based in Peshawar and handles the affairs of the Fata, said they had heard reports about an armed clash between the two top militant commanders of Baitullah Mehsud — Mufti Waliur Rahman and Hakimullah Mehsud — in South Waziristan over the replacement of their slain leader.Pleading anonymity, the official said they had received reports that Hakimullah Mehsud had been killed while Mufti Waliur Rahman sustained injuries in an exchange of fire between the followers of the two commanders.Interestingly, the official, who wished not to be named, said he would not personally confirm any such clash between the militant groups and casualty of Hakimullah Mehsud. “Honestly speaking, there is no confirmation of these rumours,” the official remarked.He quoted tribal informers as saying that a council meeting of the TTP South Waziristan chapter was in progress for choosing Baitullah’s replacement when the Taliban commanders exchanged harsh words and opened fire at each other.The government official said preliminary reports suggested that Hakimullah Mehsud had been killed while Waliur Rahman seriously injured in the exchange of fire by supporters of the two militant commanders.However, militants close to Baitullah Mehsud denied all such reports.A senior TTP commander in Orakzai Agency told The News that neither the reports about Baitullah Mehsud’s death were true nor any such clash between his commanders had ever taken place.“All what is appearing on the media is hundred per cent false. I do not know what has happened to the media and journalists. They should at least verify such sensitive news before it is on air on TV channels and printing in newspapers,” the Taliban commander, who seemed to be upset with the media, explained.He claimed that he had spoken to Hakimullah Mehsud at around 5 pm on Saturday, and he did not say anything about the clash. Also, the Taliban commander claimed there was no truth in reports about their Shura meeting in South Waziristan.He said Baitullah Mehsud was ill and it was difficult for him to travel to various tribal regions and keep contacts with the TTP commanders and, therefore, had already nominated Mufti Waliur Rahman as his successor. He said the 45-year-old Mufti represented Baitullah in various meetings held with the government in the past. The Taliban commander felt that the creation of such controversial reports about the Taliban was a conspiracy of the government to pave the way for a military operation in South Waziristan.On the other hand, sources close to Mufti Waliur Rahman claimed that he was invited to a tea party in Deela village, Srarogha Tehsil, of South Waziristan at around 6 pm in the evening, where he even denied Baitullah Mehsud’s death.The 30-year-old Hakimullah Mehsud is one of Baitullah’s trustworthy commanders and was nominated the commander of three important tribal regions — Kurram, Orakzai and Khyber — to strengthen the TTP there.In the past, Hakimullah served as Baitullah’s spokesman with codename Zulfiqar Mehsud.

Zardari-Nawaz meeting begins in Raiwand after 8 months

Updated at: 1506 PST, Friday, July 17, 2009 LAHORE: The meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League (N) quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif has begun.This is the first meeting in eight months between the two leaders at luncheon.On arriving at the old airport of Lahore, chief minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif and senior leader of PML (N) Khwaja Asif welcomed the president. The president was accompanied by Governor Punjab Salman Taseer and senator Jahangir Badar.The president was brought by helicopter to Raiwand where Mian Nawaz Sharif himself received him.According to sources, present in the meeting are Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Raja Zafarul Haq, Sardar Zulfiqar Khosa, Pervez Rasheed, Khwaja Saad Rafiq, Khwaja Asif, Sardar Mehtab Abbasi, Ghaus Ali Shah and Sardar Yaqoob Nasir.From Pakistan People’s Party, president Zardari is accompanied by Ahmed Mukhtar, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Nazar Mohammad Gondal, Mian Raza Rabbani, Raja Riaz, Farhatullah Babar, Syed Khursheed Shah and Dr Babar Awan.Sources said that a one-on-one meeting is also expected between president Zardari and Mian Nawaz Sharif.The sources said that besides reviewing the challenges being faced by the country, all the matters including the17th amendment, 58-2B and Charter of Deemocracy will also be discussed in the meeting.

UN probe team arrives Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: An advance team of the UN commission to probe into Benazir Bhutto’s assassination arrived here on Thursday. The United Nations commission will start its formal inquiry into the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto from Thursday (today).The members of the team — Boonrod Tanarak, Pitak Isan and R. Pothathong — were received at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport by senior officials of interior ministry and the Foreign Office. Senior members of the inquiry commission, Chile’s permanent representative to the UN Heraldo Munoz, Marzuki Darusman and Peter Fitzgerald, are among team. The members of the commission were expected to be in the country until July 19, a source said.Talking to the BBC on Wednesday, Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said the commission would arrive in Islamabad on Thursday (today) while a technical team had already visited Pakistan. It has been learnt that one member of the commission has already arrived while two members will reach today. But no official confirmation has been made in this connection. However, the spokesman did not divulge the details regarding the working of the probe team. The commission is headed by Chile’s ambassador to UN Heraldo Munoz. The other two members are: former Indonesian attorney general Marzuki Darusman and former senior Irish police officer Peter Fitzgerald. The inquiry will last six months and investigate the “facts and circumstances” of Benazir Bhutto’s death who was killed as she had left a rally of Pakistan People’s Party supporters in Rawalpindi in December 2007. According to sources, the UN Commission after completing its investigation within six months would send report to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and the UN to share that report with the Pakistani government

Obama reps Chicago's South Side, delivers first All-Star pitch

ST LOUIS — Where did it land? Was it a strike or wasn't it? Why didn't the network choose a better camera to shoot from? Those were the questions that viewers of baseball's All-Star Game were asking themselves at home after Fox elected to show President Barack Obama's ceremonial first pitch at the 80th All-Star Game from a tight angle.
Ruling as a part-time umpire who had a good view from the pressbox at Busch Stadium, Obama's pitch was a no-doubt-about-it ball, even factoring in an expanded strike zone for the Commander-in-Chief. Obama's southpaw delivery landed a little short of the plate, but Cardinals star Albert Pujols(notes) was able to save it by quickly scooping it up.
Watch it here ....

THE WINNERS

Curtis Granderson tripled and scored late and the AL beat the NL 4-3 to extend its All-Star grip

ICC agrees new 2011 World Cup schedule

MUMBAI: World Cup 2011 organisers on Tuesday handed out Pakistan's share of the tournament schedule with the 14 matches originally set for the troubled nation split between India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.The saga over Pakistan's status as co-host of the 2011 event has seen threats of legal action and even moves to have games played in the UAE and was prompted by the deteriorating security situation in the Asian nation.Now 29 of the 49 games will be played in India, including eight which were set for Pakistan, 12 will be in Sri Lanka (including four from Pakistan) and eight in Bangladesh (two moved from Pakistan).A total of 13 venues will be used with eight in India, three in Sri Lanka and two in Bangladesh.Bangladesh will now stage two of the four quarter-finals, with India and Sri Lanka hosting one each. Under the previous arrangement each of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were to have staged one eachThe two semi-finals will be staged in India and Sri Lanka, with the final in India.The meeting of the central organising committee was chaired by ICC vice-president Sharad Pawar and attended by ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat and representatives of Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.Pakistan was invited to the meeting but no Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) representative attended.It was also agreed that the tournament secretariat will be based in Mumbai rather than Pakistan. Tournament director Ratnakar Shetty said: "We had a good, productive meeting."There was a recognition that there is much hard work to be done but we are confident we are now well on the way, with operational plans in place to become effective from the start of August."Moving forward, the COC will meet on a regular basis with everyone committed to a successful event, something we are confident we can achieve." The recommendations of the committee will now go to the ICC board.In June, the ICC stressed that the Pakistan Cricket Board remained a World Cup co-host and would still receive a hosting fee of 750,000 dollars per match - 10.5 million dollars in total.

Malik wants judicial probe of each target killing

KARACHI: The federal Interior Minister Rehma Malik Tuesday said the jurisdiction of Crisis Management Cell has been widened in Karachi for peace in the city; the Cell will have cooperation of IB and other agencies.Addressing the journalists accompanied with Sindh Governor Dr Isratul Ibad and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah at CM House after a meeting with Sindh CM, he said CMC will have link with Sindh governor, CM, police and Rangers.Rehman Malik said the intelligence network has been increased six-fold; the number of Rangers is also being augmented in Karachi and they are being given more powers.He said he met Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain twice who assured him of complete cooperation, adding MQM Chief and Awami National Party Chief Asfandyar Wali Khan have vital role in putting an end to the tension between their respective parties.Malik said he wants judicial investigations of each target-killing in Karachi, urging the people to make mobile video of such target-killings and send them to interior ministry.He said the name of one who sends correct information will be kept secret and he would be awarded Rs500000.He said there is no operation underway in Karachi, only security arrangements are being made.

Debutant Fawad’s century brings Pakistan back in game

COLOMBO: Debutant Fawad Alam scored an unbeaten century as Pakistan produced a remarkable turnaround to claw their way back in the second Test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The tourists, who were bowled out for 90 in their first innings, hit back to dismiss Sri Lanka for 240 and then cruised to 178-1 in their second knock by stumps on the second day.Left-handed Alam led the way with a determined 102 not out to give Pakistan a lead of 28 runs with nine wickets in hand on a dry pitch that appeared to have eased out under the hot sun.The fearless 23-year-old from Karachi moved to 98 by lofting left-arm spinner Rangana Herath for a six over mid-wicket and then flicked the next ball for two runs to reach the coveted century.Alam put on 85 for the first wicket with Khurram Manzoor, who made 38 before he was caught behind by wicket-keeper Tillakaratne Dilshan off Herath.Skipper Younus Khan, who was dismissed for zero in the first innings, was unbeaten on 35 at stumps after adding 93 for the unbroken second wicket with Alam.Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara rotated his seam and spin attack in short bursts to gain quick breakthroughs, but Pakistan's batsmen were not found wanting a second time.Pakistan's fightback was launched by seamer Umar Gul and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, who took four wickets each to keep Sri Lanka's first innings in check. The hosts lost their last seven wickets for 63 runs after starting the day at a comfortable 164-3.Gul extracted reverse swing with the old ball on the dry wicket to rip through the innings, including the wickets of Nuwan Kulasekera and Herath off successive deliveries.Thilan Thushara denied Gul a hat-trick and Angelo Mathews hit a defiant 27 towards the end to boost Sri Lanka's total from 220-8 before the innings ended 20 minutes after lunch.The hosts lost the overnight pair of Sangakkara and Thilan Samaraweera within the first hour for the addition of 24 runs.Samaraweera, who made 21 in a fourth-wicket stand of 44 with his captain, was run out by a direct throw from Mohammad Aamer at mid-off while trying to attempt a cheeky single.Sangakkara plodded from his overnight score of 81 to 87 but was denied a 19th Test century when Gul pegged back his off-stump with a reverse-swinging delivery that came in sharply.Ajmal, who had claimed two wickets on Sunday, earned another crucial break when umpire Daryl Harper ruled Dilshan caught at the wicket by Kamran Akmal for 20 to make Sri Lanka 203-6.The hosts tripped to 220-8 soon after, when Gul had Kulasekera edging a wild heave to Misbah-ul Haq at first slip before taking a return catch off Herath with the next delivery.Thushara was leg-before to Abdur Rauf in the first over after lunch before Ajmal terminated the innings by having Mathews caught in the covers by Mohammad Yousuf.Sri Lanka won the first Test in Galle by 50 runs last week to take the lead in the three-match series.
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Bangladesh thrash Windies in 1st Test match

KINGSTOWN: Mahmudullah completed a memorable debut Test, when he cruelly exposed West Indies' frailty to spin, and bowled Banglade ...Full Story

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Police take no action over recovery of unlicensed arms

KARACHI: The police have taken no action so far following recovery of unlicensed weapons from the guards of provincial minister for Transport Akhter Jadon on Monday.According to details, the provincial minister for Transportation Akhter Jadon came here from Islamabad when the Airport Security Force (ASF) searched the vehicle arrived at airport to take him from there, recovering unlicensed illegal weapons.The recovered armaments included one Kalashnikov, two pistols and several rounds of bullets, According to ASF sources.The minister, when asked about the license of weapons by ASF, argued and quarreled with them, admitting the ownership of weapon and refusing to produce their license before them, as this was his protocol, sources said.Following the argumentation, the ASF handed him over to airport police while the provincial minister for Transportation Akhter Jadon was said to be belonging to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), sources added.On the incident, the State Minister for Port and Shipping Nabeel Gabol said the police have performed their duty vigilantly while minister Jadon, instead of asking for police cooperation, must produce weapons license otherwise police are supposed to take legal action against him according to rules and regulations.The acting speaker Sindh assembly Sehela Raza said that Jadon has escaped twice murder attempts during which he received four bullets but he must respect the law and carry licensed weapons.She said he is responsible minister but to error is human. He is not fleeing country so the license could be produced later on and he must be set free to go home.The minister had been released to go home according to latest reports following several influential phone calls, sources claimed.

Sri Lanka skittle Pakistan for 90 runs

COLOMBO: Pakistan team collapsed for a mere total of 90 runs against Sri Lanka after lunch on first day of the second Test match here on Sunday.This was Pakistan’s lowest ever Test score against Sri Lanka, eclipsing previous total was 117 made just in the first Test.Sri Lanka's pace duo of Nuwan Kulasekera and Thilan Thushara ripped through Pakistan's batting line after Pakistan elected to bat on a wicket that gave early assistance to the seamers, slumped to 19-4 within the first seven overs before going to lunch on the first day struggling at 74-6.Kulasekera, playing his eighth Test, grabbed four wickets for 21 runs and left-armer Thushara chipped in with three scalps in a dramatic Pakistani collapse at the P. Sara Oval.Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik was the lone batsman to defy the Sri Lankan bowlers as he returned unbeaten at the end of the innings with 39.Only two other batsmen, Fawad Alam (16) and Mohammad Yousuf (10) could enter into double figures whereas four batsmen, captain Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Saeed Ajmal and Abdul Rauf, got out for nought. It was not the start the tourists were looking for after losing the first Test in Galle last week to trail 1-0 in the three-match series.Pakistan appeared rattled after Kulasekera struck the first blow in his second over when Khurram Manzoor edged an outswinger into the hands of wicket-keeper Tillakaratne Dilshan.Pakistan captain Younus Khan departed in the next over without scoring when he chopped a ball from Thushara pitched outside the off-stump on to his stumps to make it 6-2.Kulasekera, who worked up a tidy pace, gained a valuable break in his next over when veteran Mohammmad Yousuf cut a ball to point where Rangana Herath picked up a low catch.Yousuf, who scored a century in the first Test, hit two boundaries in his 10.There was further trouble for Pakistan when Misbah-ul Haq edged a Kulasekera delivery to the agile Dilshan behind the stumps before he had scored.Malik took charge with three exquisite drives for boundaries, two of them off Kulasekera and one against Thushara.Left-hander Fawad Alam, who replaced opener Salman Butt from the side that lost at Galle, hung around for 81 minutes to make 16 and add 32 for the fifth wicket with Malik.Alam hit his only boundary, a square-drive off Angelo Mathews, in the 15th over, but was trapped leg-before off the seamer's next delivery.Thushara came on for his second spell and removed Kamran Akmal for nine, the batsman slashing a wide ball into the hands of the wicket-keeper as Pakistan dipped to 67-6.

Larceny case registered against MPA Shumaila

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif directed police authorities to take legal action against MPA Shumaila Rana by registering the larceny case against her for stealing credit cards.According to Punjab Government spokesman, the CM directed police to expedite investigations against her and take disciplinary action in the light of the investigations.Earlier, Shahbaz Sharif asked for the details of MPA Shumaila Rana larceny case. Meantime talking to Geo News, Senior Adviser and PML-N Punjab President Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa said this is a plain case of theft and Shumaila Rana will have to resign like former MNA Haji Pervez.Khosa said in case the theft is confirmed, then legal action will be taken against her; also, she will have to face disciplinary action from party.

Presidency justifies PDL Ordinance

ISLAMABAD: The Presidency on Thursday defended the decision to promulgate an ordinance regarding the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) and said that the government accepted the interim order of the Supreme Court with an open heart but it issued the PDL Ordinance as allowed under the Constitution and there was no contradiction between the two.“The president by issuing the ordinance, in accordance with the advice of the prime minister, achieved two important objectives in the given circumstances — first, it has shown respect to the independence of judiciary by upholding its verdict and second, it has demonstrated that law-making is to be done in accordance with the Constitution and that parliament is supreme,” said presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar while talking to media persons after the Supreme Court hearing here on Thursday.He said the Supreme Court had opined that the levy of Rs 120 billion in the name of carbon tax appeared questionable and pending a decision on it had stayed the levy. “The president has not suspended the carbon tax as it has already been suspended by the court verdict and the carbon tax has been abolished on the order of the apex court,” he added.Justifying the ordinance, he said the law-making through ordinances was not the most preferred or most desirable way of legislation but under the circumstances when the National Assembly was not in session and when circumstances so warrant, the Constitution under Article 89 provides for the promulgation of ordinances.“The president, under the advice of the prime minister, promulgated the ordinance, and it is within the ambit of the law and the Constitution,” he added.He said it was not important at what time the ordinance was issued. The importance lay in the fact whether the issuance of the ordinance was within the ambit of the Constitution and the law, he added.The presidential spokesman said the relief to the people was the most important factor for the government and no political government could be unmindful of it. “The government has been striking a delicate balance between relief to the people and hard political decisions for long-term economic viability,” he added.He said the levy of the PDL was a difficult political decision but at the same time critical for long-term economic viability. “Those who wish to challenge the ordinance may do so as there is complete freedom to everyone and the judiciary is free and independent. Those who wanted to pit institutions of the state against one another have been disappointed today,” he added.

CIA chief admitted lying to Congress

WASHINGTON: The US Central Intelligence Agency has admitted "concealing significant actions" from Congress for years during the Bush administration, prompting the chairman of the House of Representatives intelligence committee to accuse the agency of having "affirmatively lied".Members of Congress say the CIA director, Leon Panetta, made the admission at a closed session last month. The CIA admission came to light after seven Democratic members of the House intelligence committee wrote to Panetta demanding he correct a statement in May in which he denied Pelosi’s assertions, saying that it is not the agency’s "policy or practice to mislead Congress"."Recently you testified that you have determined that top CIA officials have concealed significant actions from all members of Congress, and misled members for a number of years from 2001 to this week," the letter said. "This is similar to other deceptions of which we are aware from other recent periods."However Republicans on the intelligence committee challenged the Democrats characterization of the extent of Panetta’s admission.

Shoaib eyes yet another comeback

KARACHI: Shoaib Akhtar is back with his never-say-die attitude. The enigmatic fast bowler has declared himself a hundred percent fit and claims that his current form will allow him to make a successful international return even at a short notice.Pakistan are currently touring Sri Lanka where they lost the Test series opener in Galle by 50 runs from a seemingly winning position and it seems Shoaib is fancying his chances of earning a recall during the tour that concludes with a Twenty20 International on August 12.Shoaib, who turns 34 next month, has been rejected as spent force by his critics who believe that the injury-prone pacer would never be able to make a successful international.But Shoaib is confident that he will make his critics eat their words.In an interview with Geo television, Shoaib vowed that he would silence his critics by giving a forceful performance on his return to international cricket soon.“I’m going to silence the people who are talking against me by making a successful international return soon,” Shoaib said.Shoaib missed last month’s ICC World Twenty20 because of a skin problem and was later ignored for the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka.The Rawalpindi-born pacer made it clear that he has no problems with his fitness and can return to national duty any time the team needs him.“I must tell you that there were never any problems with my fitness,” said Shoaib.“I was dropped from the Twenty20 world cup on medical grounds. I’ve recovered from that and am 100 percent fit. I’m in the best form of my life and am training extensively,” he stressed.Shoaib, who has taken 178 wickets in 46 Tests and 223 wickets in 144 ODIs and eight wickets in seven T20 Internationals, said that he is even ready to bowl in tough weather conditions.“Lahore is very, very hot these days but I’ve been training there daily and can play in any type of conditions.”Shoaib thanked former pacer Waqar Younis for backing his bid to make yet another international comeback.“Waqar was a great fast bowler. He has been a good friend and also gives me valuable advice,” he said.Waqar, a former Pakistan captain, said in an interview that he believes Shoaib can play for Pakistan for a few more years. “Shoaib can still play for a couple of years for Pakistan and if that is possible then it is good for Pakistan cricket,” said Waqar. “There is no doubt he is fast and is a very intelligent bowler,” he had added.But Shoaib’s international career has been dogged by a series of disciplinary breaches. The bowler is once again facing a brush with the authorities after claiming that he can sue the current team management for conspiring against him.
Pietersen and Collingwood defy Australia in Cardiff
CARDIFF: Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood kept Australia at bay with an unbroken century stand as England got through the second session of the first Ashes Test here on Wednesday without losing a wicket.At tea, England were 194 for three with both Pietersen and Collingwood having made responsible fifties to be 52 not out and 50 not out respectively.Their stand was worth 104 after they’d come together with England faltering at 90 for three.The pair knew all about building a big partnership after sharing an England fourth-wicket record against Australia of 310 at Adelaide in 2006/07.Pietersen twice drove Ben Hilfenhaus through extra-cover for resounding boundaries shortly after lunch but his innings had so far featured just three fours in all.Australia captain Ricky Ponting, after 31 overs of seam bowling, eventually turned to Nathan Hauritz. The off-spinner had been selected for this match in spite of his two wickets on tour so far costing 260 runs.Pietersen and Collingwood then proceeded to score steadily against Hauritz (none for 41 off 15 overs) as they rebuilt the innings.Hauritz only looked like taking a wicket when Pietersen charged down the pitch before being saved from a possible stumping when the ball hit his pads.Left-arm spinner Michael Clarke, primarily a batsman, came on at the other end as Ponting looked to give his quicks a breather. Clarke almost bowled Pietersen around his pads, the ball missing leg-stump by a whisker.England went 21 overs between boundaries before Collingwood ended the drought with a couple of square cuts off Hauritz and Pietersen followed up by driving Clarke to long-off. Before lunch, Australia’s pace trio battled hard to overcome a placid pitch.When fast bowler Brett Lee, a veteran of 76 Tests, was ruled out Monday with a rib injury it meant Australia, who thrashed England 5-0 in 2006/07, would go into this match with an attack where all the bowlers were making Ashes debuts.They were given a boost thanks to a brilliant catch by Mike Hussey.Left-hander Alastair Cook (10), playing loosely away from his body against Hilfenhaus, saw Hussey hold a diving one-handed chance in the gully. Ravi Bopara was then hit second ball in the throat by lively first-change Peter Siddle, unlucky not to take a wicket, and he got off the mark thanks to a fortunate inside edge.But Bopara, who’d scored hundreds in his last three Tests, all against the West Indies, did strike several elegant boundaries.However, he was also hit on the head by a Mitchell Johnson bouncer. England captain Andrew Strauss, who’d won the toss, looked secure while making 30. But it was the left-hander, not Bopara, who fell to a well-directed bouncer from Johnson which he gloved to Clarke in the slips.And then Bopara’s uneven innings of 35, featuring six fours, came to an end when he spooned a catch off Johnson to Phillip Hughes at point. —AFPEngland won tossEngland 1st innings*A J Strauss c Clarke b Johnson 30A N Cook c Hussey b Hilfenhaus 10R S Bopara c Hughes b Johnson 35K P Pietersen not out 52P D Collingwood not out 50Extras (b8, lb1, nb8) 17Total (3 wickets; 59 overs) 194To bat: †M J Prior, A Flintoff, S C J Broad, G P Swann, J M Anderson, M S PanesarFall: 1-21, 2-67, 3-90Bowling: Johnson 13-2-45-2; Hilfenhaus 12-3-27-1 (3nb); Siddle 15-2-52-0 (3nb); Hauritz 14-1-41-0 (2nb); Clarke 5-0-20-0Australia P J Hughes, S M Katich, *R T Ponting, M E K Hussey, M J Clarke, M J North, †B J Haddin, M G Johnson, N M Hauritz, B W Hilfenhaus, P M SiddleUmpires: Aleem Dar (Pakistan) and B R Doctrove (West Indies). TV umpire: R A Kettleborough. Match referee: J J Crowe (New Zealand)

The petroleum

ISLAMABAD: The petroleum product prices have been inflated again through president ordinance as the Petroleum Development Levy has been imposed on petroleum products with immediate effect, Geo news said early on Thursday.Now, Rs.10 on petrol and Rs.8 have been raised on diesel. The ordinance has been named as Petroleum Development Levy Ordinance 2009 which president signed early in the morning. The president signed the written advice from Prime Minister to raise petroleum prices through president ordinance while their copies have been sent to Ministry of Petroleum and Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).It is pertinent to mention that Supreme Court (SC) suspended the carbon tax surcharge on petroleum products through its ruling on Tuesday.

Poignant service says goodbye to M.J., the man

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson was an entertainment phenomenon both triumphant and troubled, a dazzling performer who transcended barriers, transformed the music world and transfixed fans and non-fans alike in every corner of the Earth.
But Tuesday's memorial was not for that Michael Jackson.
Instead, those closest to the legend gave us a glimpse of Michael Jackson the man.
In a poignant and serene service, the portrait they painted was of a human just as remarkable, making his loss doubly painful to bear for those who truly loved him.
"I just wanted to say ... ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him — so much," said Jackson's 11-year-old daughter, Paris-Michael, before dissolving into tears and falling into the embrace of her aunt Janet.
It was a deeply emotional moment, the most profound part of a memorial that accomplished what Jackson could not in life: humanizing a man who for so long had seemed like a caricature.
How could someone who moved like he moved, sang like he sang, and reached musical heights no person has ever touched be as human as the rest of us? How could a man who threw a wedding for Elizabeth Taylor, had a chimpanzee as a companion, and wore masks to cover his surgically altered face be any part normal?
How can a man who admitted he shared his bed with boys — though he maintained it was never sexual, as others suggested — be a decent man, closer to saintly than devilish?
It took those closest to him, from his brother Marlon to his old friend Brooke Shields, to explain Michael Jackson to those who saw him as a talented freak — an image that deeply pained Jackson.
So while Motown founder Berry Gordy talked about the child prodigy he signed at age 10, and pronounced him not just the King of Pop, but "the greatest entertainer who ever lived," he also talked about the little kid who played catcher during family softball games against the Gordys, who cracked jokes and frolicked in the pool. Magic Johnson talked about the perfectionist who made him achieve higher heights as a basketball player, but also told of sitting around and eating KFC at his home. And Shields talked about a friendship in which laughter was central to it all.
"We had a bond, and maybe it was because we both understood what it was like to be in the spotlight from a very, very young age," Shields said, fighting back tears. "Both of us needed to be adults very early, but when we were together, we were two little kids having fun. ... M.J.'s laugh was the sweetest and purest of anyone I've known."
For Jackson's family and the organizers of the memorial, it was a successful rehabilitation of the image of a superstar who had been derided for so long. The words "sweet" and "pure" had rarely been used to describe Jackson in the last two decades of his life, marked by allegations of child abuse, an ever-changing face, multiple lawsuits, eccentric behavior and what seemed to be one bad career move after another.
Only true Jackson fans, a number that seemed to be dwindling year after year, seemed to remember the man who dazzled us with "Thriller," made us swoon with delight with infectious grooves like "Rock With You" and "Remember the Time," and conversed with presidents, kings and queens

PAKISTANI TEAM DOWN AGAIN

Pakistan was all out at 117 runs total in their second innings on the fourth day of the Galle Test beaten by Sri Lanka by 50 runs in the first Test on Tuesday. Sri Lankan bowlers were the architects of a surprising turnaround in fortunes of the rival teams on fourth day. The home side bowlers jolted Pakistan in the beginning today as the visitors lost quick wickets and no pair of the batsmen settled for a useful partnership to score 97 runs that were needed for the victory. Opener Salman Butt was the top scorer of the second Pakistani innings with 28 runs. Sri Lankan bowlers snatched a certain victory from the visitor. Herath was the most successful bowler of the home team with 3 wickets for 15 runs. Tushara and Ajantha Mendis grabbed two wickets each.

US drone attack kills 12 in SWaziristan

Suspected US spy plane fired missiles that hit a training camp run by Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud, killing 12 insurgents and wounding some others, sources said. The two missiles flattened a compound in the Makeen area of South Waziristan on Tuesday, sources said. They said local militants had pulled out twelve bodies from the rubble

England can win Ashes even if I fail: KP

CARDIFF: Kevin Pietersen says England can regain the Ashes even if he has a lean series. The South Africa born batsman, who comes into the Ashes series that starts here at Sophia Gardens on Wednesday under the shadow of an Achilles injury, made his Test debut during England’s 2005 home triumph against Australia when he scored 473 runs at an average of nearly 53.And even though England lost the return Ashes series in Australia, in 2006/07, by a thumping 5-0, Pietersen still managed to score 490 runs at an average of more than 54. By contrast the 29-year-old Pietersen’s career average in his 52 Tests against all opponents is 50.49.No less a figure than now retired Australia leg-spin great Shane Warne, Pietersen’s former county captain at Hampshire, said last month: “If England haven’t got Pietersen I don’t believe they can win.“He’s just a wonderful player.” But Pietersen, speaking to reporters at Sophia Gardens here on Monday, said: “I think you guys make the weight of expectation a lot greater than it actually is. In the dressing room, I am just as important as anybody else.“There’s no great weight of expectation on me in the England dressing room,” said Pietersen, forced into resigning the captaincy of his adopted country in January after a falling out with then coach Peter Moores.And he pointed to the form of his top-order colleagues as proof that England were more than a one-man batting unit.“I know and we all know if you look at the stats over the last 12 months, that (England captain Andrew) Strauss has got hundreds, (Alastair) Cook has turned his fifties into hundreds, Colly (Paul Collingwood) has got hundreds, (Ravi) Bopara has got three (hundreds) in a row, and (Matt) Prior has got runs.“We’ve all got runs. I truly believe the guys in the dressing room will perform. If you get me out cheaply or if I have a bad series, England can still win. But I don’t ever intend to have a bad series.“I am as ready as I can be. I love playing Australia.” As for his own fitness, Pietersen, who has had cortisone injections, said: “I started running last week so I’m pretty good compared to where I was two weeks ago.”Wednesday’s match will be the first time Cardiff, better known in sporting terms for having the home ground of the Wales rugby union team at the nearby Millennium Stadium, has staged a cricket Test.But Pietersen said he hoped England could tap into the local enthusiasm for sport saying it would be akin to the backing the British and Irish Lions rugby side got during their tour of South Africa, which ended last weekend.“We played here against South Africa (in a One-day International) last year. The boys have seen how much support the Lions have got in South Africa for those Test matches. The support here for us is going to be similar.“We are looking to put on a really positive performance for the Welsh public, we know how sports mad they are.” Australia arrived in Britain without a clutch of retired senior players but Pietersen said the fact Ricky Ponting’s new-look side had won a Test series in South Africa earlier this year was proof that they would not be pushovers.“Any team that loses (Shane) Warne, (Glenn McGrath), (Matthew) Hayden, (Justin) Langer, (Adam) Gilchrist, Damien Martyn, are not going to be as strong because those guys are as close to legends of the game as you can possibly get.”

PPP CEC vows to democratize Constitution; repeal of 17th Amendment and 58-2(B)

ISLAMABAD, Jul 6 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday said that the Pakistan Peoples Party will rid the Constitution of all undemocratic clauses in consultation with other political forces and “change the repressive system that had spawned terrorism, militancy and dictatorship in the country”. He said this while addressing the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the party which met in the Presidency today. The meeting was attended by members of the Central Executive Committee including the Prime Minister. Bakhtawar Zardari Bhutto, the daughter of Co-Chairman and President Asif Ali Zardari also attended the meeting as a special invitee. President,s Spokesperson former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the meeting was the 5th in the series of the CEC meetings held in the Presidency during the last 10 months. The meeting lasted for over 5 hours during which the current political situation and the proposed Constitutional amendments were discussed, he said. President Zardari said that the PPP will redeem its pledge to democratize the Constitution. Some others may have other agendas but the PPP is clear about its commitment to democratic principles and will fulfil it, he added. The President said that there was a need to undo the 17th Amendment and 58-2(B) and reform the Constitution in the light of Charter of Democracy. After the marathon discussion the CEC adopted a number of resolutions. The party reiterated the resolve to continue the fight against militancy to its logical end, besides reiterating commitment to reform the Constitution and make it democratic, federal and parliamentary in character, the Spokesperson said. He added that one of the resolutions said that at present the most serious threat to Pakistan emanated from within rather than from without and called for addressing the internal security threats to the country urgently. Following are the Resolutions adopted at the CEC:- “The CEC of the PPP reiterates its resolve to continue the fight against militancy till its logical end. “We must win this war, we will. The CEC pays tributes to the members of defence forces and law enforcing agencies for valiantly fighting and for their sacrifices in the war against extremists and militants. “The CEC also pays homage to the internally displaced persons for the sacrifices rendered by them and vows to take all measures necessary for their safe and honourable return to their homes at the earliest. “The meeting reiterates commitment of the party to reform the Constitution, in consultation with all political parties, and make it truly democratic, federal and parliamentary in character. “The 17th Amendment and Article 58-2(B) will be undone and the Constitution amended in the light of Charter of Democracy (CoD). “The CEC resolves to pursue the policy of national reconciliation with a view to collectively finding a solution to the country’s myriad problems. “The issues and problems confronting the nation are so complex and varied that no one party or institution can solve them effectively. A resolution of our problems requires collective national effort backed by all political forces and state institutions. Hence the need for pursuing the policy of broad based national reconciliation. “While mindful of the external threats and expressing determination to meet them the party believes that at present the most urgent and serious threat to the country was from within. “It therefore calls for addressing the issues of internal security threats in the right earnest and on priority basis. “The CEC has noted that the difficult economic decisions taken by the government have started showing results. “It salutes the people of Pakistan for enduring the impact of difficult economic decisions and expresses the hope that very soon the corner will be turned around and complete economic recovery achieved. “The CEC resolves to overcome the problem of unemployment by generating greater economic activity through public private partnership and the building of Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs). The process of reinstatement of employees sacked after the removal of PPP government in 1996 will be expedited. The CEC notes with appreciation that 5th July has been termed as “a sad day in the Constitutional history of Pakistan” by the Judicial Conference held at the forum of Law and Justice Commission. “The CEC of PPP reposes complete faith and trust in the leadership of Co-Chairman, President Asif Ali Zardari. “It also reposes full confidence in the policies of the government”. Addressing the meeting Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that the water issue between the provinces will be resolved in accordance with 1991 water accord. He said that the Council of Common Interest will also be constituted shortly in accordance with the Constitution.

Pakistan win hockey test series against England

LONDON: Pakistan hockey team has defeated England convincingly in the second test mach here by 3-2 goals, thus bagging the three-match test series by 2-0 on Friday, Geo news said.In the thirteenth minute of the first half, Waqas Shareef scored first goal from Pakistan while Muhammad Imran, scoring second goal from Pakistan in the twenty-fifth minute of the first half, got Pakistan 2-0 lead.The team gradually lost grip on the match in the second half but in the fifty-fifth minute of the match, Hafeez Khan made the third goal from Pakistan however, English team, coming back into the game, had managed to score two goals thirteen minutes before the final whistle of the match.Consequently, Pakistan hockey thrashed England by 3-2 in the second test match, winning the test series by 2-0.

Obama says grew up listening to Michael Jackson

WASHINGTON: The King of Pop had a fan in the White House as President Barack Obama described himself as a longtime follower of Michael Jackson, the legendary performer who died June 25 at age 50."I grew up on his music — still have all his stuff on my iPod," Obama said in a media interview Thursday, adding that Jackson "will go down in history as one of our greatest entertainers."At the time of his death, the pop icon was preparing a series of comeback concerts to overcome years of sexual scandal and financial calamity — a troubled history the president acknowledged without naming specifics."I think that his brilliance as a performer also was paired with a tragic and, in many ways, sad personal life," Obama said.He expressed pleasure that the public is celebrating Jackson for his talents, instead of dwelling on his personal tragedies."I'm glad to see that he is being remembered primarily for the great joy that he brought to a lot of people through his extraordinary gifts as an entertainer."The president said he didn't see any controversy in the fact that he did not issue a formal public statement upon Jackson's death, and said he was unaware of any dissatisfaction in the black community with his response."I know a lot of people in the black community," Obama said. "I haven't heard that."Obama added that Thursday's interview was the first time he had been asked about Jackson's death.

Cabinet reshuffle soon: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday said the military operation against militants would end much before the people expected, and the federal cabinet would be reshuffled in a way that right job is assigned to the right man.“During a meeting today, the Army chief informed me that the operation was progressing well and would come to its logical conclusion soon,” he said in an interaction with the electronic media here on Wednesday.The prime minister hinted that the nation would soon hear good news about the end of the operation and return of the internally displaced persons to their homes. Gilani also hinted at a cabinet reshuffle, saying that after assessing the performance of his ministers for the last 15 months, now the right man would be assigned the right job. According to sources, at least six ministers would be axed while many would see a portfolio change.Replying to a question about the operation in Waziristan, he said traces of all terrorist incidents lead to Baitullah Mehsud and action had to be taken to eliminate terrorists. About the debate on creating new provinces, the prime minister said the country could not afford creation of new federating units at a time when it needed political and economic stability.He said the president had conveyed to the Punjab chief minister through a senior provincial minister that the government wanted harmony and conciliation. He said the government would now focus on Balochistan and resolve its problems by taking all the stakeholders on board. He said that constitutional as well as other issues facing the province would be resolved. Meetings of the CCI and NFC would soon be convened, he added.He told a questioner that Pakistan wanted resumption of the composite dialogue and the confidence-building measures with India to resolve disputes between the two neighbouring countries. About the power shortage, Gilani said the issue of loadshedding was thoroughly debated in the cabinet meeting on Wednesday and a cabinet committee had been constituted to look into the issue. The committee held its first meeting on Wednesday and would further discuss the issue in its meeting on Thursday (today), he added.APP adds: Gilani told media persons here at the PM House that the government was committed to undertaking and completing the rehabilitation and reconstruction process in a transparent manner through the involvement of all the stakeholders.He said the government wanted to ensure transparency in the relief and rehabilitation of the IDPs. Gilani said the military operation, which was launched after the writ of government was challenged, was not a permanent solution and “we have to find a durable solution.”Later, during the question-answer session, the prime minister said that now there was a growing realisation among the US and the world at large that Pakistan was fighting the war on terror for its own sake.“Now they realise that we mean business. We are not mercenaries. The whole world is going to benefit by winning the war and the international community should come and support us.” To a question about relations with Saudi Arabia, he said Pakistan continues to enjoy fraternal ties with the brotherly Muslim country.He said there had been high-level contacts with the Saudi leadership during which the king expressed his warm sentiments for Pakistan and its people.He said that the issue of Saudi oil facility for Pakistan would also be taken up with the Saudi officials.

Pakistan struggle in drawn match

Thursday, July 02, 2009COLOMBO: With little chance of an out-and-out result and rain threatening to mar proceedings, SLC XI captain Thilina Kandamby gave Pakistan their best shot at a win in the tour game, declaring at 137 for 2 and setting the visitors a tempting target of 83. However, a mini-collapse which saw Pakistan lose 4 for 29 put an end to the possibility of an outright result. The Pakistanis would no doubt have their team strategy in place ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, with Fawad Alam looking in good touch and Salman Butt's welcome return to form. With both Mohammad Yousuf and Abdul Razzaq failing to impress, Fawad's success gives Younis Khan a good selection dilemma. The third and final day began with Fawad continuing from where he left off the previous day. Confident strokeplay helped him bring up his half-century in quick time. Suraj Mohamed, who had picked up two catches and taken two crucial wickets on the second day, dismissed overnight batsman Faisal Iqbal in the sixth over of the day and removed Kamran Akmal three balls later. He then caught Razzaq to give Farveez Maharoof his first wicket of the match as Pakistan slid to 322 for 8. But Pakistan rode Fawad's superb innings, comprising six boundaries, to go past SLC XI's total and declared 55 runs ahead. Openers Upul Tharanga and Tharanga Parnavitana ensured a steady start for SLC XI, putting on 66. But the introduction of spin yielded immediate results with Saeed Ajmal getting Upul caught behind. But Paranivitana held firm after missing out in the first innings, stringing together a 56-run partnership with wicketkeeper Kaushal Silva. Paranavitana though, was dismissed just short of his fifty, falling to Danish Kaneria before the heavens opened up, and Kandamby spiced up the game.Score board Sri Lanka XI won tossSri Lanka Cricket XI 1st innings 345-5 dec (H D R L Thirimanne 116, C K Kapugedera 115; Abdul Rauf 2-62) Pakistan 1st innings 400-8 dec (Khurram Manzoor 83, Fawad Alam 83, Salman Butt 82; M M M Suraj 4-120, M Pushpakumara 3-100)Sri Lanka Cricket XI 2nd inningsW U Tharanga c Kamran Akmal b Saeed Ajmal 44N T Paranavitana c M Yousuf b Kaneria 48†J K Silva not out 34R G M J M Rupasinghe not out 9Extras (nb2) 2Total (2 wickets dec; 37.4 overs) 137Did not bat: *S H T Kandamby, C K Kapugedera, H D R L Thirimanne, M Pushpakumara, M F Maharoof, C R D Fernando, M M M Suraj, A N P R Fernando, T A M SiriwardanaFall: 1-66, 2-122Bowling: Mohammad Aamer 8-1-31-0; Abdur Rauf 5-1-16-0 (1nb); Abdul Razzaq 5-2-10-0 (1nb); Younis Khan 1-0-2-0; Saeed Ajmal 9-0-41-1Pakistanis 2nd innings (target: 83 runs)Khurram Manzoor c Pushpakumara b Maharoof 7Salman Butt retired hurt 22Mohammad Yousuf c Suraj b Kapugedera 6Misbah-ul-Haq not out 6†Kamran Akmal b Kapugedera 6Abdul Razzaq not out 5Extras (lb1, nb1) 2Total (4 wickets; 18 overs) 54Did not bat: Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Aamir, Danish Kaneria, Faisal Iqbal, Abdur Rauf, *Younis Khan, Fawad AlamFall: 1-18, 2-32, 3-37, 4-47Bowling: Fernando 4-0-13-0; Maharoof 4-1-10-1 (1nb); Fernando 3-0-19-0; Kapugedera 5-1-6-2; Siriwardana 2-0-5-0Umpires: L E Hannibal and R D Kottahachchi. Match referee: U Warnapura

Military offensive continues in Malakand Division

MALAKAND: The Rah-e-Rast military operation against militants is continued in Malakand Division while the relaxation in curfew from morning to early evening in some parts of Swat and Lower Dir has been announced on Thursday.According to sources, the security forces carried out operations in tehsil Kabl, Shah Derai, Adenzai tehsil, Chatpat and Ranial areas of Lower Dir during which the militants hideouts were pounded and their houses were torched.Meanwhile in Upper Dir, Tribal Lashkar and militants’ clashes resulted in the death of two tribesmen while four were injured, sources concluded.

Mangla repairs to take two months, at least

LAHORE: The Monday’s short-circuiting of 10 turbines at the Mangla Hydro Power Station will take at least two months for repair, The News has learnt.The entire power plant came to a grinding halt after the mishap, which, the sources revealed, was the result of Mangla managers’ attempt to push the worn-out system beyond limits, taking the total generation to 1,150 MW against the normal 1,000 MW. The original ‘oil-filled’ cables, having outlived their utility, could not survive the extra load, leading to the disaster. The Wapda had already awarded the tender for the replacement of these underground oil-filled cables. These cables, joining the turbines with the national grid, had a lifespan of 30 years and should have been replaced till 1997. The sources said initially the cables of two turbines heated up due to overloading, leading to spark in one of the turbines, which turned into a full-blown fire. The sources also said that the Wapda authorities were repeatedly informed by the officials of the Mangla Dam project to replace these cables to avoid any future setback, but the hierarchy gave a deaf ear to these requests.The issue of replacing the oil-filled cables, the sources revealed, was taken up some two years ago, and finally the Wapda considered two companies — M/s SGWI and Excel Technological Services (ETS) — to award the contract in February 2008. The contract was finally awarded to ETS in February 2009. Ironically, the work on the project was yet to begin.The total length of the tunnel, having all the cables, is one kilometre. Managing Director Pepco Tahir Basharat Cheema has said “we are going to lay the overhead cable, which would hasten the recovery process and save time”. But experts say it would take around 3-4 months even if the cables were installed overhead. It was also learnt there was no local expertise available in the country so the expertise had to be called from abroad. Sources in the Wapda claimed the authority did not have the power cable in hand and planning to import it from Saudi Arabia. According to a former member Wapda, if the cables in any of the turbine in a power station get overloaded, there exist certain instruments called ‘Protection Relays’, which should be operated right after an emergency occurs. He said these relays were battery-operated and it is possible that the batteries were not charged or the ‘Protection Relays’ were out of work altogether. The News made a number of calls to get the version of Wapda Chairman Shakil Durrani and other officials but no one attended the calls. The story of CD’s evaluation of foreign gifts