Five shot, injured in Pakistan over ludo game dispute

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani policeman was fighting for his life, while four other people were also hospitalised after they were shot at Saturday when they got into a dispute while playing a game of ludo in Faisalabad city, a media report said.

A man opened fire after he lost a bet while playing the game in Faisalabad in Punjab province, the Online news agency reported.

A bullet hit the policeman in the head, and he and the other injured were rushed to a hospital.

The condition of the policeman was serious, hospital authorities said.

Cabinet Div clarifies news item

The Cabinet Division has clarified the news item regarding refusal to provide helicopter to the Chief Minister Punjab, which appeared in the TheNation on Saturday.
It said the 6-Aviation Squadron (ERC) of Cabinet Division devotes its fleet of helicopters exclusively for relief and rescue operations during disasters apart from VVIP’s missions.
It said that during recent floods, the fleet of 6-Aviation Squadron conducted relief and rescue operations of 350 hours in various parts of the country. This included 100 hours with the Government of Punjab and remaining 250 hours in other three provinces, AJ&K and Gilgit-Baltistan, it further said.
The Cabinet Division said that it last provided helicopter of 6-Aviation Squadron to the Chief Minister Punjab from 16th to 17th November, 2010 (Eid Day) for his visit to Rahimyar Khan.
The Cabinet Division termed the news item as unfounded as the it has not declined to provide helicopter to the Chief Minister Punjab.

Finance Ministry yet to approve summary

Even after the lapse of three months, the Ministry of Finance has not yet approved the summary moved by the Ministry of Law and Justice to increase the salaries of attorney general, deputy attorney general and standing counsels by more than 100 per cent.
Sources informed TheNation that the Law Ministry had submitted a draft summary, about three months ago, seeking the Finance Ministry’s permission to increase the salary package for attorney general, deputy attorney general and standing counsels.
They further said that the country had suffered colossal loss in the recent floods, adding that according to the World Bank and Asian Development Bank report on Disaster Need Assessment, Pakistan suffered $10.5 billion loss due to the recent floods.
In that scenario, it had become difficult for the Finance Ministry to give 100 per cent raise in the salaries of the legal counsels, they added.
Sources maintained that the ministry had proposed a salary package amounting to Rs500,000 per month for attorney general, who is presently getting around Rs200,000. Similarly, the deputy attorney general would get a salary package of Rs250,000 who is currently receiving around Rs150,000.
Moreover, the senior official said the salary package for standing counsel and federal counsel is also being doubled. He said the standing counsel would be offered Rs175, 000 whereas the federal counsel would receive Rs100,000 per month under the new proposal. Presently, the official said, the standing counsel gets a package of around Rs75, 000 to Rs100,000 whereas the federal counsel gets an amount of Rs50,000.
A Law Ministry official told that the move was aimed at ‘morale boosting’ for the legal team.
It has been learnt that the Government, due to paucity of funds, did not hire the services of eminent lawyers to defend it in the 18th Amendment before the 17-member larger bench of the Supreme Court.

Pakistan denies receiving new proposals from India

Pakistan Saturday denied 'receiving any new set of proposals from India for the resumption of bilateral dialogue'.

Foreign office spokesman Abdul Basit said he was 'unaware of the new proposals given by India'. Indian foreign secretary Nirupama Rao had said Friday that 'new proposals have been sent to Pakistan to resume the stalled talks between both countries and a response is awaited'.

Basit said that 'Pakistan is eager to resume the process of dialogue but is not willing to do it just for photo-sessions'.

'India has some issues with the bilateral dialogue and is not willing to talk about Kashmir, Siachen and other core issues which is against our stated position,' he observed.

Both countries had agreed to resolve bilateral differences through composite dialogue following the SAARC conference in Islamabad in January 2004.

The pace of the dialogue was slow because India insisted on promoting economic, cultural and visa issues first, pending Kashmir and Siachen issues.

The peace process was jinxed after the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai as India accused Pakistan of exporting terrorism. The thaw in relationship came when Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna visited Islamabad but the joint communique could not be issued because of last minute differences on the respective stances over various issues.

Gas management schedule for IU, CNG stations issued

ISLAMABAD: Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) issued a schedule with regard to the gas load management for industrial units and CNG stations, Geo News reported on Saturday.

According to the SNGPL website, the gas supply will remain suspended from November 22 to 25 for Lahore, Sheikhupura and Sahiwal region under new announced schedule. November 19 to 22 is the gas outage span for Faisalabad, Multan, Islamabad, Gujranwala and Bahawalpur region.

Talking to Geo News, the Gas officials said there may be shortage of 40 to 89 crores cubic feet of gas from November 15 to March 15, adding there could be scarcity of 40 crores cubic feet of gas in November, 60 crores in December, 89 in January, 80 in February and March may face 56 crore cubic feet of gas shortage.

Talking to Geo News, Chairman Supreme Council All Pakistan CNG Association Ghayas Pracha said a decision has been made in view of Eidul Adha hustle that 1926 CNG stations will remain closed on November 23 across Punjab including federal capital.

Legal complexities await Islamabad High Court

ISLAMABAD: A legal and administrative difficulty may arise when the Islamabad High Court (IHC) commences regular functioning on Dec 13 as the Act assented by President Asif Ali Zardari about its establishment is silent about transfer of suits, revisions and appeals pending in the subordinate judiciary of the federal capital though it specifically mentions transfer of matters from the Lahore High Court.

A number of cases were transferred or filed before different civil courts of Islamabad after the July 31, 2009, verdict of the Supreme Court which, while holding the Nov 3, 2007 emergency as unconstitutional, had ordered closure of the Islamabad High Court.

“Since the Constitution (Amendment) Order, 2007 being the President’s Order No 5 of 2007 and the Islamabad High Court (Establishment) Order being President’s Order No 7 of 2007 establishing Islamabad High Court for the Federal Capital Territory, have been declared to be un-constitutional and of no legal effect, therefore, the said Islamabad High Court shall cease to exist forthwith.

All judicial matters pending before the said high court before the passing of this order shall revert/stand transferred to the courts which had jurisdiction in the said matters before the promulgation of afore-mentioned President’s Order No 5 of 2007 and President’s Order No 7 of 2007 promulgated on 14th December, 2007,” the July 31 verdict had said.

Now Act No XVII of 2010 which President Zardari assented on July 29, 2010, and later published in the gazette of Pakistan by the National Assembly on Aug 2, 2010 provides that suits exceeding Rs10 million will be tried by the IHC. But the law does not suggest any thing what to do with the suits pending in civil courts of Islamabad.

Section 9 of the Act that deals with the transfer of proceedings says that all appeals, petitions and other proceedings pending before in the Lahore High Court or in another high court (Rawalpindi bench of the LHC) in relation to Islamabad Capital Territory immediately before the appointed date shall stand transferred to the Islamabad High Court.

“The absence of provision for transfer of cases from subordinate court to newly created IHC indicates lack of deep thinking on the part of the legislative authority,” commented Chaudhry Naseer Ahmed, a senior constitutional expert and an advocate of the Supreme Court.

After the July 31 verdict, the counsel recalled, the subordinate courts in Islamabad started to exercise jurisdiction in all matters.

Now the cases pertaining to Rs10 million or more pending in these courts have to be transferred to the IHC.

The jurisdiction of the defunct IHC was Rs2.5 million but that of the new IHC has been raised to Rs10 million.

As such, the counsel explained, all suits of Rs10 million or more under the new law were to be tried by the IHC.

Thus it is necessary that provisions should be made to transfer suits, appeals and revisions pending in the lower judiciary of Islamabad to the newly established high court.

Quite a few matters of Rs10 million or more were pending in the subordinate judiciary of the federal capital, the counsel said, adding that without a provision for the transfer in the law, either the LHC would have to direct for the transfer of matters to the newly established IHC or the federal government had to remove the difficulty by exercising power under Section 13 of the same Act.

Section 13 of the Act provides for removal of difficulties by explaining that if any difficulty arises in giving effect to any provision of this act within on year of its commencement, the federal government in consultation with the chief justice of the IHC may remove such difficulty.

Disparity between courts
The counsel highlighted another anomaly in the law by stating that while the original jurisdiction of the Sindh High Court is still Rs3 million or more the original jurisdiction of the IHC has been fixed at Rs10 million.

Such a disparity was not understandable, he commented, saying parity in fixing the original jurisdiction of the high court should have been maintained.

“The properties in Karachi are not less expensive than properties in Islamabad and such arbitrariness should not have been shown,” he observed.

Chaudhry Naseer was also not happy with the current building that will house the IHC, saying a proper building on the Constitution Avenue should be provided for the IHC to match its high stature.

For the present, the IHC can be established in the building of the Federal Shariat Court which after losing different types of jurisdiction has left with little work.

The current building of the IHC far away from the Constitution Avenue would not only be derogatory to the new high court but also would cause great inconvenience to lawyers and litigants who would have to traverse long distance in reaching from the high court to the Supreme Court on a daily basis, he said.

Kazmi says Hajis to be compensated

Minister for Religious Affairs, Hamid Saeed Kazmi Saturday said that Hajj arrangements made by Saudi government were excellent and due to its performance this year no untoward incident occurred during Hajj season.
Talking to private TV channels he said, problems were faced by Pak Hajj pilgrims in five ‘Maktabs’ in Mina as the facilities which should have been provided by the contractors, hired by ‘Muasasa’ for South Asia, were not available there. ‘Muasasa’ was misguided by its contractors, he added.
He said, “As we received the information about missing facilities in
Mina, the authorities concerned were contacted and the entire situation was brought into their notice. I myself was involved in this process.
They admitted the fault and ensured that all out efforts would be made to facilitate Pak Haj pilgrims.” He clarified that provision of facilities in Mina was not responsibility of the Saudi government rather it was responsibility of a contractor who had promised to compensate Pak Hajj pilgrims.
He informed that these ‘Maktabs’ had to be shifted to a new place due to unavoidable circumstances. He said the arrangements in newly established five ‘Maktabs’ dedicated to Pakistani Hajj pilgrims could not be finalized in time.
He dispelled the perception that Saudi government talked about compensation issue. The Minister said, “Saudi Arabia is a brotherly country of Pakistan and in my first meeting after reaching there, I had thanked the Saudi government for its generous contribution and financial assistance for Pakistani brothers during recent floods in Pakistan.”
To a question he said, sometimes, media reports a news out of context which creates a different perspective about a matter.
He appreciated the Hajj arrangements on part of Saudi government and hailed its efforts to upgrade facilities for Hajj pilgrims.
He said Saudi government ever expressed positive attitude for Pakistan and brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia are assets for us.

'Munni' becomes a showstopper in Pakistan

Islamabad: There's a play called 'Munni Badnam Hui' that's being used to spice up TV scripts and wedding revellers are dancing feverishly to its tune. The song from the smash Salman Khan hit 'Dabangg' picturised on Malaika Arora has become the rage in Pakistan.

If the Bollywood hero is charming audiences in the superhit film, then so is Malaika, who has almost become a household name here after the song composed by Lalit Pandit.

No wedding or function is considered complete without the song. It also blares from audio systems in cars and music shops while FM radio stations are swarmed with requests to play 'Munni Badnam Hui'.

Comedy king Umar Sharif, who is equally famous in India for his rib-tickling stage performances, returned to the stage this Eid after several years with a play titled 'Munni Badnam Hui' staged in Karachi's arts council theatre.

Sharif himself donned the avatar of 'Munni' in the play and had the audience in fits with his funny lines and situations. The storyline of the play revolved around a household with a 'Munni' who is the cynosure of attention in her locality.

Bushra Ansari, considered an icon on Pakistani television, also penned a play 'Doli ki aaye gi baraat' for Eid. The play revolved around two families, one living in Karachi and the other in Faisalabad, whose kids wanted to marry each other.

The play, aired by Geo TV, was a huge hit and was re-run. But the showstopper was a dholki sequence where both the families danced their hearts out to 'Munni badnaam hui'.

When the star cast of the play sat in the studio on Eid day to narrate the making of the play, they were again asked to perform to the hit tune.

Movie buffs flocked to see 'Dabangg' this Eid.

NATO To Discuss Afghan Exit Strategy At Lisbon

NATO leaders will meet Friday in Portuguese capital Lisbon for a two-day summit to decide on the shift in strategy in Afghanistan, including a time-table for the gradual withdrawal of most of its 150,000 troops from the war-ravaged southwest Asian nation within four years.

The target year for handing over security to Afghan forces (2014) will top the agenda of the meeting.

Also on the agenda will be erecting an anti-ballistic missile shield over Europe to protect NATO members, and underline the importance of co-operation with strategic partners, including Russia, through which NATO wants to broaden its supply routes to Afghanistan.

The 28-member alliance is also expected to commit to bolstering resources for overseas operations, slash the number of command headquarters to make them more easily deployable in conflicts in faraway lands, such as Afghanistan, and unveil a new "strategic concept," NATO's mission statement for the next decade to counter 21st century threats, ranging from cyber strikes to global terrorism.

NATO's exit strategy hinges on its ability to train about 134,000 Afghan police officers and 170,000 soldiers by next October. The process has been hampered by high rates of desertion and a corrupt, unstable and inefficient Afghan government, presently under President Karzai, that is widely seen as incapable of surviving long without foreign military support.

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen admitted Thursday that the alliance committed mistakes on Afghanistan, notably by waiting until last year to start training Afghans.

"We'll make a positive announcement in Lisbon, that the handover is about to begin," he added.
Earlier Monday, U.S. envoy to Afghanistan/Pakistan Richard Holbrooke told reporters in Islamabad that the Lisbon summit would charter the end of the alliance's combat mission.

But the U.S. Defense Department clarified Thursday the exit strategy plan represented an "aspirational goal" rather than a rigid deadline.

Geoff Morrell, the Pentagon's press secretary, said non-Afghan forces might remain in Afghanistan beyond the target date though the U.S. was hopeful that Afghan forces would be able to take the lead for ensuring security to that mountainous and war-ravaged country within four years.

"So, 2014 has been out there for quite some time as an aspirational goal for us to meet in terms of ultimately putting the Afghan security forces in the lead, having primary responsibility for the security of their country," he said.

Morrell's comments echoed that of Mark Sedwill, NATO's civilian representative in Afghanistan, who Wednesday described the 2014 deadline as "realistic but not guaranteed." NATO hopes to switch to a training-and-support role over the four years, but Sedwill warned that inadequate security in some areas could push the target year beyond 2014.

The NATO summit comes in the backdrop of dismay in Washington after Afghan President Hamid Karzai sought a diminished role for American troops in his country.

Karzai specifically called for ending nightime raids of U.S. special forces, the cornerstone of a new military policy devised by General David Petraeus, the supreme commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Ahead of Friday's summit, anti-Nato activists staged demonstrations against its military presence in Afghanistan, with several more expected to join the protests Saturday.

FBR extends sales tax returns submission date

ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has extended the submission date of sales tax (ST) returns to 25th November.

An official of FBR told our sources that the decision was taken while considering the holidays of Eid ul Azha to facilitate the taxpayers.

The submission date of monthly ST returns was 15th November after which it has been extended for 10 more days, an official added.

1200 Indian Sikh pilgrims to celebrate 541st Guru Nanak birth anniversary in Pakistan

About 1200 Indian Sikh pilgrims have left for Pakistan to attend the 541st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the first spiritual leader of the Sikh Community, at Nankana Sahib in Sheikhupura District, even as the Pakistan Government denied visas to 250 Sikh pilgrims.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC) has sent this jatha under the leadership of Sawinder Singh Dogalia.

After attending the main function at Nankana Sahib, the pilgrims will visit other Sikh shrines, including Punja Sahib, Sacha Sauda Sahib, Raori Sahib and Dera Sahib in and around Lahore.

Sham Singh, president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (PSGPC), told ANI recently that the PSGPC has invited pilgrims from around the world to celebrate Guru Nanak's birth anniversary.

This not the first time that Islamabad has denied visas to Indian Sikhs. Last month, 150 Sikh pilgrims who wanted to go Lahore on October 7 to celebrate the birth anniversary of the fourth Sikh Guru, Ram Dass, were denied visas.

Dalmagh Singh, secretary of the SGPC, said the matter would be taken up with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

Dr. Pritpal Singh, convener of the American Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (AGPC), also said he would raise the matter with the authorities in Pakistan.

Around 10,000 Sikh devotees are expected to attend the anniversary celebrations. By Ravinder Singh Robin

Politics over skin collection warned

ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik has warned that if the violence over animal skin collection in Karachi continues the government would impose the ban and take over the system.

The minister noted that the government could give this responsibility to any trust. He was talking to state media here today. `Unfortunately skin collection is also being politicized'.

Physical remand of former DG Hajj extended

ISLAMABAD: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Thursday obtained physical remand of former DG Hajj, Rao Shakil for four more days, our sources reported.

Judicial Magistrate Wajid Hussain Mughal extended his physical remand on the request of FIA officials as other accused involved in the scandal were busy in Hajj operations.

Before the judicial magistrate, Rao Shakil, alleged that the real accused in the scandal was Secretary Religious Affairs Agha Qazalbash. He added that he was being mentally tortured and was not provided the copy of FIR registered against him.

The magistrate granted his physical remand for four more days besides ordered FIA to provide the copy of FIR.

Gas load shedding schedule again changed for CNG sector

Gas load shedding duration is increased to four days per week for industrial sectors in Punjab, a private TV reported on Friday.
Sui Northern Gas officials said that according to new schedule CNG stations of Islamabad and Bhalwalpur region is closed for 24 hours from 6am tomorrow.
Whereas on Tuesday, CNG stations would be closed for 24 hours in Lahore, Sheikhpura, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Multan and Gujranwala region.
Sui Northern Gas officials said that schedule is changed for the convenience of people coming back after Eid holidays. On the other hand, Gas would be closed for industrial sector of Lahore, Sheikhpura and Sahiwal region from 22 to 25 November.
While for Faisalabad, Multan, Islamabad, Gujranwala and Bhawalpur region gas would be shut down from 19 to 22 November.

US-Pakistan political, military relations have improved qualitatively

Defence Secretary Robert Gates has brushed aside suggestions about Pakistan being responsible for the problems U.S. is facing in combating the Taliban in Afghanistan, saying there has been qualitative improvement in Islamabad-Washington ties over the last two years, with both sides deepening understanding of mutual threats.
“I think that the strategic dialogue we’ve had with the leaders of Pakistan ... has really enhanced the quality of the relationship. And I think that there is a growing common understanding of the mutual threats that we face,” he said while answering questions at the Wall Street Journal CEO Council 2010 Meeting.
He also cited cooperative anti-militant efforts by the two countries on both sides of the restive Afghan border.
Gates said the U.S. has no combat troops on the Pakistani side of the Afghan border and believes that Pakistani troops themselves should fight the militants operating on its soil.
The Pentagon leader urged patience when asked whether Pakistan is moving as aggressively against militants as Washington would have liked it to move.
Questioned if he sees the arc of U.S. political and military relationship with Pakistan going upwards or downwards, Secretary Gates replied: “I think it’s going up.”
“You know if you had told me two years ago that Pakistan would have 140,000 troops on its western border fighting Taliban and the various other terrorist groups that are in that area, I would have thought that impossible,” he elaborated.
“Is it as fast as we would like? No. But if you had told me, again, two years ago that they would have occupied (wrested back from militants) Swat and South Waziristan and be going after these people, be working with us and partnering with us as we coordinate on both sides of the border, I’d have thought that was a reach.

Pakistani police involved in rape, rights violations

Islamabad, Nov 18 (IANS) A large number of police officials across Pakistan have been booked for rape and human rights violations in the last three years, says an official report submitted to the interior ministry.

The report submitted by the National Police Bureau to the ministry of interior said that 78 police officials in Sindh province were involved in 91 cases - 61 in 2008, 22 in 2009 and eight till mid 2010.

Though the year 2008 saw 61 cases of rape and human rights violations in Sindh involving 44 police officials, not a single official was sent to prison, Express Tribune reported Wednesday.

The situation was marginally better last year when 22 cases were registered against 31 police officials and of them 11 were sent to jail.

The interior ministry has forwarded the report to the National Assembly. The report doesn’t provide details of the number of years the officials will remain imprisoned.

Sindh was followed by Punjab which has witnessed an increase in the number of cases of rape and serious human rights violations.

Two years back, 23 cases were registered in which 42 police officials were involved and the number of cases increased to 24 in 2009 involving a total of 67 police officials.

Since the beginning of this year, a total of 69 police officials were booked and of them 42 were sent to jail.

While Balochistan too provided a gloomy picture, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan said they had not registered any case of human rights violations against the police during the past three years.

Sacrifice of cattle continues on 2nd day of Eid

ISLAMABAD: Pakistanis are celebrating the second day of Eid with religious zeal and fervor today.

The process of slaughtering of animals began soon after Fajar prayers as in many religious seminaries, shared animals were slaughtered.

After the sacrifice, meat is distributed among the poor, neighbors and relatives. During the process of meat distribution, the old, young and children take great interest and enjoy the ritual.

Eid festivities are being enlivened with slaughtering animals and arranging parties for friends and relatives.

During Eid days, normally the rush of people increases greatly in hotels and restaurants during lunch and dinner.

On the other hand, the district administration is busy disposing animal entrails and spraying anti-germ chemicals.

Pak to arm JF-17 fighters with Chinese missiles

Pakistan will buy Chinese air-to-air SD-10 missiles and avionics to arm its 250 JF-17 Thunder fighter fleet, the country's air force chief has said, amid signs that the French had spurned offer to equip them.

"Islamabad is seeking to deepen military cooperation with Beijing", Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman Chief of the Pakistani Air Force told the 'Global Times' revealing that his country may also opt to acquire other advanced defence missile systems including Chinese Surface to Air Missiles (SAM) systems.

Pakistan has opted to go in for full Chinese armament systems for the jointly developed fighters and Suleman currently on a visit to China told the paper that the advanced active radar and homing middle-range missile developed by China, called the SD-10 will become the standard Beyond Visual Range (BVR) weapon of the JF-17.

"PAF has no plans to install western devices and weapons on the aircraft for the time being", Pakistani Air Force Chief said.

'Global Times' quoting unnamed sources claimed that the French consortium has withdrawn from a reported 1.2 billion euro contract to supply radars and missiles for the first wave of 50 JF-17 fighters, after pressure from India.
French sources had reported that a joint bid had been made by French aeronautic company ATE along with Thales Group and MBDA.

The paper said that Pakistan may also buy upto four batteries of the Chinese SAM missiles.

The Pakistan Air Force Chief is currently on a visit to China to attend the Zhuhai Air Show now underway in southern China, where the JF-17s were a major attraction.

The SD-10 (ShanDian-10) is a radar guided air-to-air missile developed by China in 2002. The Red Air Force has inducted these missiles in 2007 and the ones being supplied to Pakistan would be the missiles first exports.

SD-10 is said to be a variant of Italian Aspide missiles supplied to China in late 80s.

Pakistan Air Force has a big fleet of Chinese made fighters including F-7PGs and A-5s. The medium technology JF-17 or Thunder jets manufactured jointly with China are a new addition to PAF.

Taliban neither Islamic nor Pakistani, but mercenary killers: Malik

ISLAMABAD: The Taliban are neither Islamic nor Pakistani, and the entire nation stands united against terrorism, and will ultimately uproot the menace from the country, Federal Interior Minister Rehman A Malik has said.

Malik called on the bereaved families of the police personnel martyred in the terrorists attack in Police Lines Islamabad, and extended Eid felicitations and encouragement to them, The News reported.

'Not a single day passes in Pakistan when a soldier or a police personnel is not martyred in any terror activity whatsoever,' the federal minister said.

Taliban are mercenary killers; they are neither Islamic nor Pakistani, Malik stressed.

Later on, the interior minister extended Eid congratulations to police personnel and officers.

Eid-al-Adha Mubarak

Eid al-Adha (also known as Bakra Eid) falls 2 months and 10 days after Eid ul-Fitr. Eid al-Adha is one of the two Eids that Muslims celebrate all over the world. On Eid al-Adha, Muslims sacrifice an animal and divide the meat into 3 parts. One is given to the poor, the other is distributed among relatives and the remaining is kept for oneself and one’s family.

Eid al-Adha is a reminder of the story of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) had recurring dreams that he is to sacrifice his son. As a Prophet he knew that dreams were a message from Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) commanded Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son, Hazrat Ismail (AS), on Mount Mina near Makkah. Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), unable to bear the sight, blindfolded himself and carried out the sacrifice. When he took the blindfold off, a ram lay slaughtered on the altar instead of his son.

This is the story of extraordinary obedience of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), who was ready to sacrifice his son on Allah’s command. This is the son that he got after a lot of years with many duas. This story also shows the incredible obedience of Hazrat Ismael (AS). Even after receiving the order of Allah (SWT), Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) could not just drag his son to the altar. He told Hazrat Ismael (AS) about the dreams and surprisingly, Hazrat Ismael (AS) did not have any hesitation. While very young, he was ready to go under the knife to obey the order of Allah (SWT).

This was the level of obedience that both father and son had for Allah (SWT).

Holy Quran: “O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!” So We gave him the good news of a boy, possessing forbearance. And when (his son) was old enough to walk and work with him, (Abraham) said: O my dear son, I see in vision that I offer you in sacrifice: Now see what is your view!” (The son) said: “O my father! Do what you are commanded; if Allah wills, you will find me one practising patience and steadfastness!” So when they both submitted and he threw him down upon his forehead, We called out to him saying: O Ibraheem! You have indeed fulfilled the vision; surely thus do We reward those who do good. Most surely this was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice. And We perpetuated (praise) to him among the later generations. “Peace and salutation to Abraham!” Thus indeed do We reward those who do right. Surely he was one of Our believing servants.

Eid is a day of celebration. Muslims wear new clothes and celebrate the day with vigour. The morning starts of with the Eid prayers and proceeds with visits to friends and relatives. And of course, the slaughter of an animal.

Below are some virtues of sacrificing an animal on Eid al-Adha.

The sacrificed animal shall come on the day of judgment with its horns, hair, and hooves (to be weighed). The sacrifice is accepted before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart (Tirmizi, Ibne Maja).

Hazrat Zaid ibn Arqam (RA) relates that the Beloved Companions (Radiallahu Anhum) asked, “O Rasulullah (SAW), what is Qurbani?” He replied, “It is the Sunnah (practice) of your father Ibrahim (AS).” They asked again, “what benefit do we get from it?” He answered, “A reward for every hair of the sacrificed animal” (Ibne Maja).

When a person slaughters a Qurbani animal, he is forgiven at the fall of the first drop of blood, and verily, the animal shall be brought forward on the day of judgment with its blood, meat, etc, and shall be increased in weight seventy times more than its own weight, and thereafter it will be placed on the scale of deeds.

EID MUBARAK TO EVERYONE  by K.jenious

Govt urged to take special steps

Speakers in a seminar on Tuesday said that the Government needed to take some special measures to curb extremism and terrorism completely.
They said that the measures including complete database of every individual in the country, effective immigration and visa issuance system, strong police system, free education and free and independent judiciary and media were vital to eradicate this menace.
“In the current situation it is vital to introduce a system, which contains complete database of every individual living in Pakistan in order to make possible tracking of individuals after any terrorist activity. Strong database of birth and death could be effectively maintained and kept available to the intelligence and security agencies”, the speakers said during a daylong discussion entitled “Special Measures to Control Terrorism” organised by Individualland Pakistan, a non-governmental organisation.
Gulmina Bilal, Executive Director Individualland Pakistan, presided over the meeting. Zeeshan Khan, Fahad-ul-Hassan, Shaukat Ali Ashraf, Zulfiqar Ahmad, Adnan Zeb, Ahmad Mukhtar, Awais Ali and people form different walks of life participated in the discussion. “Effective immigration, visa issuance and visitors’ tracking system should be developed with the help of latest information technology in order to curb terrorism and extremism completely”, they said.
The speakers suggested that there was a dire need of a strong police system to eradicate crime and terrorists.
The education, training and physical fitness of police force should be achieved on priority basis, they said.
They said that the Government needed to stop influence of politicians in the police system and in this regard the Parliament should pass legislation to immediately curb the involvement politicians in the matters of police.
“Education is the only way to bring awareness among people about the anti-state agenda, therefore, the Government need to allocate funds for the improvement of education ratio in the country. Free schools, health centres and public parks may be built with enormous speed”, they said.

Step to affect package implementation

The teachers community has shown reservations over removal of former Director General, Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) Shaheen Khan and feared that the step will discontinue the implementation process of recently announced package for the teachers. Former DG was replaced by Aurungzeb Rehman, Joint Education Advisor who was appointed as acting DG FDE on Friday by the approval of competent authority.
Talking to this news agency, Representative Federal Government College Teachers Association (FGCTA) Professor Tahir informed that soon after the announcement of package for the teachers, Shaheen Khan was removed from her position without any justification. Shaheen Khan, who was appointed as DG FDE few months back, carried out her intensive efforts in fulfilling the longstanding demand of teachers’ upgradation.
The DG was removed with the involvement of some negative elements so that the announced package could not be implemented in true spirit, he added. All the teachers associations of model and federal government educat-ional institutions have strongly opposed the removal of Shaheen Khan and decided to stage protest after eid, if removal orders are not reversed. The associations have appealed to the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and Federal Minister for Education Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali to reverse the decision and get her back on her previous position.
An official of FDE on the condition of anonymity told this news agency that the removal of Shaheen Khan at this moment may hamper the implementation of the teachers package announced during Shaheen Khan’s tenure.
Although the new DG Aurungzeb Rehman is a competent and polite man but it will be difficult for a new DG to implement and carry forward the vision of Shaheen Khan and “Ultimately, the teachers will have to bear the brunt,” the official said.
Unfortunately, a bureaucrat is appointed in political and an army personnel in a military regime against the post of DG FDE and educationist are rarely given chance to serve at this position, said Prof Javed, a senior lecturer at a Federal Government College.
For the first time, a landmark initiative of upgradation was taken to realise the dream of the teachers but now it seems difficult to make it happen, he said.

Pakistan: Bishop of Islamabad, Asia Bibi case "a disgrace" . A campaign by AsiaNews

Mgr. Rufin Anthony the blasphemy law “must be repealed; it does not fit with 21st century world " Petitions to save Asia Bibi and repeal the blasphemy law in Pakistan, Italy, USA, India, France. Within hours, the AsiaNews site received over 500 signatures. Even cloistered monasteries prayfor Asia ...

Islamabad - "It's really a shame", says Msgr. Rufin Anthony, Catholic bishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi in comments to AsiaNews about the death sentence against Asia Bibi (see photo), the woman convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan's Punjab state. The prelate stresses that the law is abused and manipulated for petty reasons and it is time to repeal it to make Pakistan a modern country.

"In the villages - the bishop says – there is a lot of meanness. I asked a woman about the characteristics of her [Asia Bibi] village. She replied immediately: Malice, envy, apathy and brutality. Here is the full picture. Can this justify the killing of a good person? The answer is no! I think that the blasphemy law should be repealed, is not at all suited to the world of the 21st century".

Already, a year ago, the Justice and Peace Commission in Pakistan had asked for the abolition of the blasphemy law, collecting more than 75 000 signatures from Christians and Muslims. AsiaNews had helped to spread their campaign in Italy and at the European Parliament (see dossier Save Christians and Pakistan from the blasphemy law).

These days, after the ruling against Asia Bibi, many nongovernmental organizations in the country are gathering signatures for the same reason. In a few days more than 40 thousand signatures have invaded government offices calling for the liberation of women.

Aid to the Church in Need has also launched a signature campaign in France and Italy. Other groups in India and the United States have launched campaigns against the blasphemy laws.

AsiaNews launched its campaign yesterday urging its readers to "do something", and in a few hours collected more than 500 signatures from Italy, the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, India, Great Britain, ...

Among the first to sign up, were Fr. Samir Khalil Samir, the famous Egyptian scholar on Islam, Phil Lawler, editor of U.S. Catholic, Kenneth Lewis, president of International Christian News, David Cantagalli, editor. There are also several messages from cloistered monasteries, praying for Bibi Asia and Pakistan.
 

Nine convicted for murder of Pakistan Army's surgeon general

Islamabad, Nov 16  An anti-terrorist court in Rawalpindi Tuesday convicted nine persons of charges of assassinating then surgeon general of Pakistan Army Lt Gen Mushtaq Ahmad Baig in 2008.

The suspected terrorists were arrested from the Dhok Lakhan village of Rawalpindi near Islamabad in 2008. They were carrying over 100 kg of explosive material, pistols, 75 detonators, bombs and other sensitive material.

They were also charged with carrying out terror strikes in Rawalpindi and Lahore, Express TV reported.

The anti-terrorist court, in the initial trial, had acquitted the accused of any charge in May 2010 but the trial re-started after the Punjab government decided to go in appeal. Finally, the court convicted the nine and sentenced them to 10 years each in prison besides a fine of Rs.20,000 each. The court also ordered confiscation of their properties.

Surgeon general of Pakistan Army Lt Gen Mushtaq Baig was killed in a suicide blast that targeted his official vehicle in February 2008 when he was returning from office.

His driver and a security guard also died in the attack that was carried out when the car stopped at a signal in Rawalpindi's busy cantonment area.

Pakistan Army has been involved in a major crackdown against the militants in Pakistan's northwestern areas near Afghanistan. Consequently, the militants have carried out target bombings in urban areas and Mushtaq Baig was the highest-ranking military officer to have been targeted in such attacks.

Oxfam International welcomes financial commitments to help Pakistan’s recovery

LONDON, Nov 16 (APP)-The UK-based international humanitarian organisation-Oxfam-has welcomed the financial commitments made to assist Pakistan’s recovery at the just concluded two-day Pakistan Development Forum in Islamabad.“Although this meeting wasn’t billed as a pledging conference, Oxfam welcomes the financial commitments made to assist with Pakistan’s recovery. These pledges need to be grants that deliver new and substantial humanitarian aid quickly and effectively to the people on the ground who are in desperate need of assistance.
“With winter looming and almost seven million people without shelter, donors must not forget that many parts of Pakistan are still facing a serious emergency even though some areas are moving towards recovery,” Oxfam’s spokesperson said Tuesday.
With regard to tax reform, the organisation welcomed the emphasis on such restructuring especially given that only two per cent of Pakistanis pay tax. However, it noted that this should be a more equitable reform that does not put the burden onto the poorest, those who are least able to pay.
“Any price increase on basic necessities could put post-flood recovery out of reach for the very poor, “ the spokesperson said.
On debt cancellation, the international organization welcomed Pakistan Government’s call to waive off debts. This year Pakistan will spend $2.9 billion on servicing foreign debts, $1 billion more than is being asked for by the UN appeal.
The spokesperson said however the international community and the Government of Pakistan must ensure foreign debt cancellation is spent transparently on the post-flood response, targeting those hit hardest by the floods.
Oxfam also called for land reform which according to it has the potential to reduce inequality, put earning power into the hands of many landless women and end bonded labour.

Islamabad Police arrests Taliban commander

ISLAMABAD  Police claim to have arrested a Taliban commander, Mohammad Rafique, in connection with the attempted bombing of a police station in the city, the capital police told media November 16.

A senior police official told the BBC that the suspect, a close associate of Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud, is from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and wanted to blow up the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) office.

The suspect delivered hefty legal tomes to a police officer at the CIA, but examination showed the books to be full of explosives, police said.

Authorities relied on a facial sketch, drawn up with the help of the books’ recipient, to capture the suspect, police told media.

TTP trains bombers in Orakzai, says arrested Taliban commander

Arrested Taliban Commander Muhammad Rafiq has alleged that some politicians are aiding terrorists because of fear.

Rafiq, who is facing charges of masterminding suicide attack on the Islamabad’s Naval Complex, told his interrogators that suicide bombers are given training in Orakzai Agency.

He revealed that explosive-filled vehicles are also sent from Orakzai Agency under supervision of Mulla Jamshed, Abdul Hanan and Hafiz Saeed.

He further disclosed that banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had a plan to carry out suicide attack at CIA Centre in Islamabad.

Capital police foil terror bid on CIA office

The Federal Capital Police on Monday, foiling a disastrous attack at the office of the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA), have arrested a terrorist and recovered explosive material with a detonator from his bag, police said.

The suspect was trying to sneak into the main office of CIA to blow up the building, official spokesman of the Capital police told our sources. The alleged terrorist was identified as Muhammad Rafique, son of Noor Muhammad, belonging to Jabba, Abdur Rahimkhail, Orakzai Agency.

During the investigation, the suspect told the police that the 15-year-old suicide bomber, who blew himself up last year at the main gate of the Naval Headquarters, was his son Muhammad Hanif and was a student of 7th class in a religious seminary in Chamkani, KPK.

The suspect disclosed identity of his three more aides — Abdullah, Mast Ali and Alyas. He told the police that they were affiliated with a group of Tehrik-e-Taliban, led by Hafiz Saeed. He disclosed that the group had been involved in kidnappings for ransom and had kidnapped many businessmen, including Akhtar, Adil Shah and Haji Sawab, and got millions of rupees ransom against their release.

Police sources told this scribe that the police had arrested four terrorists about two weeks back with the help of intelligence agencies.The sources disclosed that the group of terrorists had a plan to hit President Asif Zardari and PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif. The group was also involved in the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.

Pak won't open any new front against militants in near future: Kayani

Pakistan will not open any new front until it consolidates gains in the areas already recovered from militants, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani reportedly told the US Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Holbrooke.

Buzz up!
According to the Inter Services Public Relations, Holbrooke had called on Kayani at General Headquarters on Monday, and discussed matters of mutual interest.

However, sources revealed that the US envoy discussed a host of issues with the COAS, including military operations against militants in Afghanistan, talks with Afghan Taliban, the forthcoming NATO meeting in Lisbon and regional stability, The Nation reported.

According to the sources, Kayani briefed Holbrooke on his country's efforts against the militants, and made it clear that Pakistan would not open any new front until it consolidated gains in the areas already recovered from the militants, the paper said.

The sources further said that the army chief emphasised the need for a political approach to resolve the Afghan conflict, and opposed the US drone strikes against militants in Pakistan, as they were causing more collateral damage and negatively impacting the efforts against terrorists, the paper added.

Pakistan unrest used for interference

Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani (R) and Pakistan's Minister of Welfare, Population and Women's Rights Firdous Ashiq Awan meet in Tehran on November 16, 2010.

Iran's Parliament (Majlis) Speaker Ali Larijani says foreign powers are using Pakistani terrorist incidents as an excuse to interfere in the region.

"Foreign powers are not after peace and tranquility in the region," IRNA quoted Larijani as saying in a meeting with Pakistan's Minister of Welfare, Population and Women's Rights Firdous Ashiq Awan on Tuesday.

The Majlis speaker reiterated that the countries with historical background and sustainable democracy in the region should contribute to the establishment of peace and tranquility in the area.

The senior Iranian official also expressed his satisfaction with the trend towards expanding cooperation between Iran and Pakistan in a variety of fields, adding that the Islamic Republic has always regarded Pakistan as a sincere and brotherly neighbor and that its policy of enhancing ties with Islamabad in every area will persist.

Pointing to Pakistan's devastating floods that affected millions of lives in the country, Larijani went on to say that the Islamic Republic would spare no efforts to help the displaced and flood-stricken people of Pakistan.

The Pakistani minister, for her part, expressed the gratitude of her nation and government for Iran's humanitarian aid and support of the flood-ravaged people of her country.

"The Pakistani people and government are still in need of Iran's humanitarian aid for the reconstruction of affected regions," she added.

The floods -- the worst in Pakistan's recorded history -- started in the mountainous northern part of the country in July, but spread to the south.

Pakistan biggest victim of international terrorism : US

Pakistan has been the chief victim of international terrorism and curbing militancy is in the South Asian country’s own interest, a senior American official said while also noting that a stable Pakistan is in the interests of both the United States and India. Robert Blake, Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, told a briefing that during his recent visit to India, President Barack Obama highlighted that Washington and New Delhi had shared interest in reducing Pakistan-India tensions.

“I think the president (Obama) was very clear that Pakistan itself has been the chief victim of international terrorism. And so it’s very much in its own interest to crack down on these groups, which increasingly are operating as a syndicate and it’s very difficult to really distinguish between them,” he said.
On the foreign policy side, he said “an important focus was Pakistan” during Obama’s visit.
“The president (Obama) welcomed dialogue between India and Pakistan and highlighted our shared interest in reducing tensions between India and Pakistan, and in a stable and more prosperous Pakistan,” Blake said at the Foreign Press Center.
The diplomat noted that “the president, over the course of his three  days, talked at great length about the importance of Pakistan, about the shared interests that the United States and India have in a stable and prosperous Pakistan, but also of the need for Pakistan to take concrete steps to address the terrorism that is emanating from its soil and to bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks to justice as quickly as possible.”
Blake, in response to a question, said the United States has welcomed the steps that Islamabad has taken thus far in, for example, the Swat Valley and South Waziristan but wants to see progress in places like North Waziristan and against groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Atif Aslam Rocks at GLOW Concerts

Warid Telecom made the launch of its new glow package ‘Raat-Din” more festive with the series of electrifying concerts, featuring Atif Aslam who is also the brand ambassador of Warid GLOW.
These refreshing events proficiently catered the entertainment hungry Pakistani youth like an oasis-in-the-desert with glowing ambience, cool atmosphere and thrilling performances by Atif.
Four events took place in Lahore, Faisalabad and Islamabad with Karachi concert being planned after Eid.
The sensational Atif is amongst the most hip and happening performer-singers in the music industry today. With his soulful style of singing and attitude of a rock star, Atif is a massive draw with youngsters across the subcontinent and around the world. Being Warid GLOW brand ambassador, he won millions of hearts with his ravishing performance at GLOW concerts.
Faisalabad





Islamabad




Lahore








LGS Lahore

Wateen Launches Reconnect and Recharge

Wateen Telecom has announced the launch of a new reconnect and recharge campaign for subscribers who hadn’t recharged their Wateen Internet and Telephony accounts from 31st August, 2010.
Subscribers in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad who now recharge their accounts can stand to win:

• Get one month of line rent absolutely FREE
•  Have their previous dues waived off
• Enter a lucky draw to win an all expense paid trip to Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi*

* Conditions Apply. Ferrari World Lucky Draw applicable for Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad subscribers only. Visit http://go.wateen.net for details
The limited time offer gives the subscribers to win a trip of a lifetime at the world’s largest indoor theme park and ride the world’s fastest roller coaster which reaches speeds of 0-100 in 2 seconds.
At the same time, subscribers in other cities can avail the same offer and stand to win motorbikes and ipods in the lucky draw. Details for the promotion are available at http://go.wateen.net.

See you next year

“Wait, wait, stop!” He mulishly moved on looking back for a bit though. Let me tell you where this all starts. A few days ago I decided to execute one of my extremely outrageous adventures with highly expensive cameras that I borrow from various ‘people I know’ to randomly capture moments in time on the streets of Karachi. So there’s this university called Greenwich in Karachi located just next to seaview where I also happen to study and one fine day, in fact cross that out. One not-so-fine day, as I had been delayed by unnecessary academic entanglements in my non-academic natured life which led to the setting sun growing on me, I set out with none other than my boss’s worthy camera on foot to my home situated in Phase II of DHA which basically turned in to a 71-picture-two-hour-15-minute voyage. The whole itch to initiate this marvelous feat came about from my nagging about the monotony and banality of photography and the lack of fresh observations. So I strolled, hopped, skipped and jumped with an uncovered ready-to-click camera which mind you, one intimidating house guard thought I was looking to sell. Wow, that’s a first. Also, for the first time in my life the arbitrary ‘man on the street’ here and there was asking if I needed a drop somewhere. The fact that I was meandering with my boss’s possession did not bother me at all as I would have probably said the same thing which I do every single morning when I get to work late which is something like, “My dog ate my homework” which obviously doesn’t make any sense to him letting me off the hook.
Let’s take a short break and talk about the much-talked about man in the news called Mr Barack Obama. He made waves across the Asian media, smiled for over a thousand photo calls, did his usual raising of his fingers while saying things like, “I had a dream…”, “The US is…”, “Muslims are…”, “India’s economy….”, “Indonesia is my home….”, “G-20 is….”, and maybe even, “I love Japan because…”. You’ve got to give it to the gentleman. He even seems capable of making the world believe “My dog ate my homework,” and unlike me, he actually owns dogs. But the fact of the matter is he’s back home and the media is talking about everything else but him. I knew it! I knew Katy Perry would make bigger headlines in India than Mr President. In fact, the US news media is still reeling on about the effects of the midterm elections making the Mad Hatters slightly happier with their Tea Party.
My question with Obamania is why was Pakistan sitting like an arms-folded, irate, spoiled and neglected girlfriend when Obama did not visit Pakistan during his Asia tour? Boo hoo, O’ the poor darling was fuming alright, especially behind the “symbolism” hidden in the decision to pick Mumbai’s Taj Hotel for starting the trip. Get real Pakistan! Is this what we need? A knight in shining armour from the US to stop by ‘the white buildings’ in Islamabad to comfort and caress the weeping lass? For God’s sake, yes most people would say he is the most important man in the world, at least temporarily, and his “Pakistan can……” words might touch the wounded hearts but he certainly is no caped crusader, Harry Potter, Frodo Baggins, Neo, or even Maula Jutt. Yes, most of what Mr President said to our neighbor was something like, “India is good……”, striking deals, making businessmen back in the US break out in smiles, and keeping certain political figures happy in both countries while talking about the slightly more ‘hush hush’ sweet talk.
This is really turning out to be a love triangle. I just hope Pakistan doesn’t end up saying, “How dare you cheat behind my back?” I just realised this might end like the Twilight Saga. I say, men of Pakistan (namely Islamabad), get on your feet and think for a moment. We are definitely capable of much better than wishing for a few words of wisdom.
A ‘real man’ that I am, I carried on foot but not before stopping for a few seconds to click. Treading on and on the darkness grew and I searched for light sources to brighten me up and my photos. Around an hour had passed when the infamous fork in the road came and I foolishly decided to take the ‘road not taken.’ It was the Gizri flyover in DHA which is not meant for pedestrians but for fools like me, for you see it had so many fascinating lights. As I walked uphill and clicked, I hummed and whistled the tune of ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai,’ I had to do something to take my mind off the fact that I could be hit by a speeding vehicle any moment which nearly did happen not once but many times. However my boss’s memory card saved some striking moments on and under the bridge and all the other prepositions you can imagine.
Going down the bridge and the rest of the journey home was not as exhilarating as I had already made ‘observations’ en route several times before. And yes, walking is a big part of my life. But the itch to click did not stop even when I ran into some ‘dirty’ policemen frisking ‘innocent’ boys on the street. Of course they could not stop me, I had my ‘on special assignment’ Dick-Tracy-type-of-looking-card dangling and flashing around my neck which I consider ‘the precious ring from Middle Earth.’ But wait, enough of showbiz references. What were we talking about again? Ah yes! The man from the photo waving while saying, “See you next year!”

Suspected US drone strike kills 20 in Pakistan (2nd Roundup)

At least 20 alleged militants were killed and two injured Tuesday in a suspected US drone attack in Pakistan's tribal region near the Afghan border, a security official said.
The airstrike occurred in Banga-e-Dar village of the Ghulam Khan area in North Waziristan, one of seven tribal districts and a known sanctuary of al-Qaeda-linked Islamic militants.
A senior security official said four missiles were fired at a compound and a vehicle.
'We have been informed by our intelligence that 15 people died on the spot while seven were injured. Five of the wounded later succumbed to their injuries,' the official said on condition of anonymity. 'Foreigners are said to have been the target of the attack.'
The term 'foreigner' is often used for Central Asian and Arab fighters associated with al-Qaeda.
The official said the area targeted by the pilotless aircraft is populated by the Mundeekhel tribe, which is believed to have given shelter to Afghan Taliban and al-Qaeda operatives under their custom of hospitality and unity with Muslim brothers.
The information can not be verified independently since the area is inaccessible for journalists and aid workers.
North Waziristan is a stronghold of the Haqqani militant group, which has been involved in cross-border attacks in Afghanistan on NATO-led foreign troops.
The United States has been putting pressure on Pakistan to take action against the group, which is allied with the Taliban.
But Pakistan says it has little resources to engage in a new battle when its 150,000 military and paramilitary troops are fighting Islamist insurgents in other north-western districts.
Pakistan publicly criticizes the drone attacks, saying they sow resentment and increase support for militants, but its intelligence agencies are believed to cooperate in identifying the targets.

Governor Punjab calls on Interior Minister

Governor Punjab Salman Taseer called on Interior Minister A. Rehman Malik on Tuesday and discussed with him current political situation, security and law and order in the country. According to a press release issued here, Governor Punjab gave some suggestions for improving security and law and order in the country. He also appreciated Federal Government’s country-wide campaign for purging different departments of corruption.

Rehman Malik said that the government was sincere in its efforts for improving law and order and utilising all available resources for the purpose.
He said the government would take strict action against those officials who were involved in corruption. He also expressed satisfaction over FIA’s campaign for the elimination of corruption.

President urges nation to help end poverty, exploitation

President Asif Ali Zardari has urged the nation to help end poverty and exploitation and remember their less fortunate brethren on the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. The President in a message on felicitated the Muslims throughout the world and particularly those in Pakistan but asked the countrymen “not to forget those who suffer and endure and are deprived of true joy.” The President said it saddens him that so many of the people are living in despair and misery brought by unemployment, low wages or lack of justice.

“Let us therefore also strive and pray on this day that the deprivations of the people will soon be over and they regain their civil and economic rights.”
The President said the celebrations indeed were a commemoration of the supreme sacrifice offered by Hazrat Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him).
He said the commemoration of Hazrat Ibrahim’s supreme sacrifice was also an occasion for the Muslims throughout the world to affirm unity of action in an imperishable bond of brotherhood.
President Zardari said Eid-ul-Azha symbolises the willingness to sacrifice one’s most prized possession to Allah’s will on one hand and the underlying unity of thought and action of the Muslims on the other.
He said “Eid-ul-Azha should serve to remind us that we have an obligation to our community through which we attain a higher purpose in life. So while we celebrate and rejoice let us also pause and ponder.”
On the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Azha I call upon my countrymen to also remember our less fortunate brethren. We must not forget those who suffer and endure and are deprived of true joy. Let us therefore resolve to end poverty and exploitation wherever we see it.

Saudi Arabia and parts of KP celebrate Eid-ul-Azha Tuesday

Eid ul Azha is being celebrated today in Saudi Arabia and parts of Khybar Pakhtunkhah with full devotion and enthusiasm. According to a private news channel, the Hajjis are completing last rituals of Hajj in Makkah like rami (stoning the devil) and sacrificed their animals (qurbani) to fulfil sunnat- e- Ibrahimi .

They have also shaved their heads off and changed “Ahram” as part of Hajj’s essential rite. After that they will do sa’hi and will return back to Mina.
The Hajjis also offered namaz-i-eid in Masjid- Nabavi.
Bohri community of Karachi is also celebrating eid today with religious fervor and offered Eid prayers in the mosques in this regard.

Terror attack at CIA office in Pak foiled

A terror attack plot at the CIA office in Pakistan was foiled after a man carrying a bag laden with explosives and addressed to a deputy superintendent of police was arrested on Monday when he was about to deliver the parcel.
SSP Alam Khan said that the man arrived at the CIA Centre in Sector I-9/4 and asked the guard at the gate to deliver the parcel to the DSP, the Dawn reported.
When the guard asked him to wait so that he could inform the DSP about the parcel, the man fled after leaving the bag, but police captured him after a brief chase.
The SSP said that during the search, two books- Major Act and Minor Act- containing over 2,000 pages were found in the bag attached with some wires. Bomb disposal personnel were called to defuse the explosives, which were planted in the books by making holes in pages.
A senior officer said that the man, identified as Mohammad Rafique, was a resident of Orakzai Agency, and had been associated with Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam and Jamaatud Dawa in the past.
His son Mohammad Hanif was a suicide bomber who had blown himself up at the gate of Naval Complex on December 2 last year. Two navy officers were killed and 10 others injured in the attack.
DIG Bani Amin said that Rafique was a teacher, but after the demolition of his school by the Tehrik-i-Taliban, he joined TTP's Majlis-i-Shura in Orakzi Agency.
Rafique had masterminded the Naval Complex suicide attack and also played a role in an attack on the UN World Food Programme office.
Another terror suspect, Sepoy Noor Jahan of the Frontier Constabulary, arrested in connection with the WFP attack in March this year had also spoke of Rafique's involvement in the two attacks. (ANI)

Diabetes: An illness that used to only ail the elderly, is now creeping into our children

ISLAMABAD:
Diabetes is something your grandmother gets, not your child, right? Wrong. Experts are alarmed that more and more Pakistani children are showing up at their clinics with an inability to produce insulin, the bodily chemical that helps you process calories.

People with type 1 diabetes, who do not make insulin, can become very ill without insulin shots.

A small unit at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad (PIMS) is treating children with juvenile diabetes.

“The first case we received was in 2008 and today 350 small children are under our supervision,” said PIMS head of paediatrics Dr Gulbin. “The numbers are increasing rapidly.”

Lahore-based child specialist Dr Hamayun Iqbal is also worried. “Because of a lack of proper statistics we are unaware of the exact numbers of children who are suffering diabetes in the country,” he said.

Dr Gulbin of PIMS said that they had even heard reports that children in villages around Rawalpindi and Islamabad had died simply because their parents were clueless about the secret condition. “Poor parents who come from villages far away from city centres have a difficult time managing the treatment because the price of insulin is high,” she said. At least three pharmaceutical brands supply insulin and the cost is about Rs500 for 100 units.

Some of the symptoms that can alert parents are increased thirst and frequent urination, extreme hunger, weight loss, blurred vision or fatigue.

Dr Iqbal said that it is not completely clear what causes type 1 diabetes.

But scientists do know that in such people the body’s immune system that normally fights harmful bacteria and viruses mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing (islet) cells in the pancreas. “Genetics may play a role,” he added, “as can exposure to certain viruses.”

Given that parents aren’t mostly aware of the condition, schools can help spread information.

“We have one student MR, nine years old, who studies in class 4 and has diabetes,” said Col (retd) Syed Javed Shah, the principal of Army Public School, FWO Rawalpindi. “Every teacher and related staff have already been briefed on how to take care of the child. We have an SOP on how to deal with an emergency.”

Paying through the nose

A 2007 study by Karachi’s Aga Khan University Hospital, discovered that 18 per cent of total family income was spent on diabetes care for the poorest people who had a patient in the house. The study was done in six out-patients clinics in Karachi with 345 people. The annual average cost came to Rs11,580 or $197. Medicines accounted for the largest share of direct cost (46%), followed by laboratory investigations (32%).

Less teeth

A 2009 study by experts by the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm and the Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi, found that diabetes has had a strongly negative influence on oral health: diabetic patients have fewer teeth, more plaque, and a higher prevalence of moderate to severe periodontal disease than non-diabetics.

Guess who is more vulnerable?

In a study published in Diabetic Medicine, in 2004, experts from Tufts University in Boston and AKU found that ethnicity needed to be explored. Data from 9,442 individuals over 15 years of age from the National Health Survey of Pakistan (1990-1994) were analysed. The prevalence of diabetes varied, being highest among the Muhajirs (men 5.7%, women 7.9%), then Punjabis (men 4.6%, women 7.2%), Sindhis (men 5.1%, women 4.8%), Pashtuns (men 3.0%, women 3.8%), and lowest among the Baloch (men 2.9%, women 2.6%).

We didn’t ask Pakistan to hike power tariff: IMF

SLAMABAD:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that it has not asked Pakistan to increase electricity tariff as this is something the country has to decide itself. “The IMF has only asked Pakistan to solve the issues related to the energy crisis in consultation with the World Bank and the IMF,” it said.

The IMF authorities have maintained that the introduction of the RGST bill in parliament marks the start of implementation of conditions agreed with the Fund and that they have told the Pakistani officials that the step has strengthened their hand.

They said the IMF review mission will recommend issuing the next tranche to Pakistan in its report. However, presentation of the RGST bill in parliament will not suffice as it will also have to be implemented in order for Islamabad to qualify for the $1.7b loan installment.

A senior IMF official, while talking to Express, rejected the notion that Pakistan was increasing the electricity tariff to fulfill the demands of the Fund. He said the Fund has only asked Islamabad to sit with the two Brettonwood institutions to solve the power sector problems while increase in the electricity tariff was its own issue.

He pointed out that the IMF has no expertise in power sector and whatever is needed to be done is Pakistan’s own decision. He said that IMF only identifies problems in its capacity as a donor.

When approached, finance secretary Salman Siddiqi endorsed the IMF’s standpoint and said that the reformed GST has been presented in parliament and, since under the law a mini bill has to be approved within 14 days, the standing committee of the Senate will present its report in 14 days followed by its expected approval. He said the meeting of the Senate’s standing committee on finance will be held on November 22 and it will review the text of the RGST bill.

Replying to a question he said that if the RGST bill is approved by the parliament before December 5, a staff report can be circulated within the stipulated period of 12 days for the provision of $1.7 b tranche and Pakistan’s case can be presented in the meeting of the executive board of the IMF which is due on December 17.

Govt in a fix over RGST Bill passage

ISLAMABAD - The PPP-led ruling coalition seems to be in a fix to get the IMF sponsored Reformed General Sales Tax(RGST) Bill passed by the apparently divisive Parliament in order to secure $1.6 billion under the IMF’s Standby Loan Agreement Programme.
Well-placed parliamentary sources told TheNation on Sunday that PPP’s two important coalition partners, the MQM and the ANP, were reluctant to budge from their respective positions in the crucial meeting of NA Standing Committee on Finance headed by PPP Central Information Secretary Fouzia Wahab which is expected to meet soon after Eid-ul-Azha.
The committee would discuss and evolve consensus over the proposed RGST Bill, which seeks 15 per cent tax to fulfil the IMF conditions. Sources expected similar opposition from PPP allies in the Senate as well.
They were of the view that PPP’s move actually aimed at evolving the due consensus over the proposed RGST Bill as soon as possible so that it could be presented in the National Assembly during the next session.
However, informed sources were not much optimistic that PPP would be able to get the proposed bill (that many believed would give phenomenal boost to inflation in the country) passed in the given situation in the Parliament.
“It looks an uphill task that the PPP could pass the bill without the support of its coalition partners especially the opposition parties are severely against it”, sources said.
Some of them were of the view that the PPP was not serious in getting the proposed Bill passed and just sought to kill time to secure the badly needed IMF’s sixth tranche to surmount the given economic challenges faced by the country.
Few took serious exception to the statements of some PPP ministers that financial resources to be generated through RGST would be spent to mitigate the sufferings of 20 million flood-affected people.
“This is a cruel joke with the flood victims”, a source told TheNation on anonymity, adding the government had been deferring levying of GST since the Fiscal Budget 2010-2011, and now IMF is reluctant to release the 6th instalment until the PPP-led government fulfils it commitment with regard to imposition of RGST as well as power sector reforms.

LPG prices up by Rs8/kg before Eid

ISLAMABAD – Taking advantage of the Eid ul Azha, the LPG mafia in Pakistan has dropped another inflationary bomb on the helpless consumer by increasing the price of gas by Rs 8 per kg while price of the product in the international market is unchanged.
Marring Eid happiness of the poor people, profiteers and black marketers while actively taking advantage of the rising inflation have upped price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) by Rs 8 per kilogram without any notification by OGRA.
The recent price hike of LPG by the gas mafia will hit domestic consumers directly and would increase their economic burden.
According to LPG Distributors Association, at present after an unjust raise of Rs 8 per kg, the domestic cylinder price has been increased to Rs 100 and price of commercial cylinder has been raised to Rs 400. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir particularly in Muzaffarabad and Federally Administered Tribal Areas, LPG is being sold at Rs 150 per kg.
Chairman LPG Distributors Association, Irfan Khokhar, while criticising this unfair raise in LPG price, has declared it an irrational and unjustified. He categorically termed it an inflation bomb on the poor nation. He informed that after this raise in LPG prices, domestic cylinder would be available at Rs 1730 instead of Rs 1630 in Muzaffarabad, Kashmir and FATA.
He further said that a major raise of Rs 13 per kg was done in Lahore, as now domestic cylinder would be available at Rs 1390 instead of Rs 1294. He also informed that in Murree and Islamabad, this raise would be Rs 130 per kg. As a result, domestic cylinder would be available at Rs 1510. He further said that in Karachi, the domestic cylinder would be sold at Rs 1054.
Strongly criticising the present hike in LPG price, LPG Distributors Association has warned that if Chairman OGRA did not control this price of gas, they would hold a countrywide strike on November 25.

Hajj scam: FIA given three-day remand

ISLAMABAD:
A special court in Islamabad on Sunday gave a three-day extension in physical remand of former director-general Hajj Rao Shakil who is allegedly involved in irregularities to the tune of billions of rupees.

Shakil was brought to the special court by head of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Shujja Naveed Yousufzai. The SIU had sought a seven-day physical remand of the accused but the magistrate did not accept FIA’s plea, giving only three days to the agency to hold the accused.

On Saturday, FIA arrested Rao Shakil and a senior official, Adil Morkar, accusing them of being involved in massive financial irregularities in Hajj affairs.
A senior official of FIA’s Crime Circle said: “The DG Hajj hired more expensive rooms in connivance with junior staff as well as property dealers in Makkah and Madina incurring a loss of Rs1 billion to the national exchequer.”

FIA’s crime circle continued to mount raids to apprehend various officials involved in irregularities in the Hajj ministry.

Meanwhile, the FIA is learnt to have shifted director of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) Abdul Malick, believed to be involved in importing substandard wheat, to Karachi for further investigation.

The TCP director, FIA Director-General Waseem Ahmad said, allegedly imported 230,000 tons of wheat which later was sold at a higher price to millers.

Quake jolts upper parts of country

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s upper areas including Islamabad and Peshawar felt tremors of earthquake at 0551am and 0553am this morning, Geo News reported Monday.

According to Karachi’s Seismic Center, the upper areas of the country including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Swat and Mardan were jolted by earthquake at 0551am.

These tremors were felt also in Parachinar, Khyber Agency, Kurram Agency and Orakzai and Malakand agencies and Afghanistan provinces of Nangarhar, Paktia and Khost.

According to Karachi’s Seismic Monitoring center, the 5.0-magnitude quake had its epicenter 119 kilometers northwest of Peshawar.

Earlier at 0103am, various areas in Chitral and Swat also felt the tremors with magnitude 4 at Richter Scale.

The epicenter was 74 kilometers northeast from Chitral at 10-kilometer depth. The people came out of their houses in panic; however, no report regarding untoward incident was received thus far.

Terror funds come from outside Pakistan: Holbrooke

ISLAMABAD: US Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke has said that his country is working on a transition strategy in Afghanistan by starting a phased withdrawal of its troops from the country in July 2011.

He said the withdrawal process of combat troops from Afghanistan would begin in July next year and would be completed in four years in a phased manner, adding the process of withdrawal was not an exit strategy, but a transition strategy.

Speaking in a roundtable discussion arranged by Radio Pakistan here on Sunday, he said the United States had committed a mistake by abandoning Pakistan and Afghanistan after the Soviet withdrawal from the region in 1989, but it would not repeat the mistake. “We want to return full sovereignty to people and government of Afghanistan.”

He said there would be a summit of Nato countries next week in Lisbon that would be attended by President Barack Obama and President Hamid Karzai. Holbrooke said the US and other countries, including Pakistan, supported the government of President Karzai, and Taliban would have to live with this reality.

He said sources of funding for terrorists and militants came from outside Pakistan and through extortion of Nato supply convoys, adding the funding of terrorism was a serious issue and “we are addressing it”. Holbrooke said he would make announcements at the meeting of the Pakistan Development Forum (PDF) today (Monday) to demonstrate absolute commitment of the US for assistance to Pakistan.

He said the United States had so far provided about half-a-billion assistance to Pakistan so that it could cope with the aftermath of the devastating floods. To a question, he said the PDF meeting was not a pledging session, but the friends of Pakistan would listen to the priorities of the government and discuss plans.

He said 60 percent of $5.3 billion pledges made at the Tokyo meeting of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan had been materialised so far. The US special envoy appreciated the democratic government of Pakistan for initiating the difficult decision to table pieces of legislation in the National Assembly for imposition of the flood tax and Reformed General Sales Tax. He said the world would assist Pakistan in addressing the challenge posed by the floods, but mobilisation of domestic resources would send a positive signal to the outside world that the country was serious in helping itself.

He said Pakistan was one of the most under-taxed countries in the world, and it was the obligation of the rich to contribute from their income to mitigate sufferings of the people in distress.

He said the US had worked to bridge the trust deficit with Pakistan and the leadership of the two countries had personal rapport. Holbrooke said he was personally aware of the enormous sacrifices made by the Pakistan Army in the war against terror in difficult terrains like Waziristan, Swat, Fata, Dir and Buner.

Asked whether the US support to India’s bid to seek the UN Security Council seat will be unhelpful in reducing tension between Pakistan and India, he said the US favoured greater understanding between the two countries.

“The US leadership has repeatedly stated that the two countries should work out their differences. The ability of the United States to talk freely and candidly with both Pakistan and India will help resolve the issues.”

He said Pakistan and Afghanistan would have to cooperate to resolve the issue of terrorism. “If Pakistan wishes to play a role in the process of reconciliation in Afghanistan, it would be welcomed,” he added. To a question, Holbrooke said the operation in North Waziristan would be a tactical decision to be made by the Pakistan Army and the government. “At the moment, Pakistan Army feels that it does not have the resources for the purpose,” he added.

Meanwhile, Richard Holbrooke called on Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh and discussed matters of mutual interest with special focus on the meeting of the Pakistan Development Forum. Holbrooke assured the minister of the US support for the development activities for the uplift of economy and benefit of the people of Pakistan.

Special Eid Security plan devised for Capital

ISLAMABAD, Nov 15 (APP): Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police have finalized a comprehensive security plan for the eve of Eid-ul-Azha and also augmented the security at public places, worship places and other important buildings to thwart any untoward incident. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Kaleem Imam has directed the police to remain on high alert and fully prepared to avert any untoward situation during Eid days.

According to the security plan, more than 2500 policemen would patrol various sectors to check possible house burglaries during Eid holidays.
Senior Superintendent of Police Islamabad Tahir Alam Khan said that there are 609 Masajids and 36 Imambargahs which will be covered by armed guards and policemen during Eid ul Azha prayers.
He said the policemen would also patrol in the various sectors and police in-charges of circles would ensure proper security at the Eid congregations in various locations.
More than 300 policemen would be only deputed for the security at Faisal Mosque on Eid day while walk through gates and scanners would be installed as a pert of security measure.
“Sub-Divisional Police Officers and Station House Officers would be responsible of the security around worship places. They may be provided additional force on their request for the effective patrolling and security at Eid congregations in various sectors,” he maintained.
District Magistrate Islamabad has been also requested to depute Duty Magistrate who will approach CDA and Hospital Authorities for the provision of fire brigade vehicles and Ambulances with their staff.
Interior Ministry has issued special directions to Islamabad police to remain on high alert and fully prepared and vigilant to avert any untoward situation in the capital during Eid days, the sources maintained.
Duty rosters have been prepared by the in-charges of police stations and policemen would patrol in various sectors during day and night timings to check house burglaries and ensure protection to properties during Eid holidays.
The mobile officers and police guard posted at Mosques, Imambargahs, public/picnic places will take notice of the beggars hovering around the premises and will take legal action against them.
Special focus is to ensure safety to properties and stop frequent incidents of theft and car lifting during Eid holidays. As a part of security measures, police pickets would be erected at all important entry and exit points for checking of vehicles.
The mobile patrols and squads of Islamabad Traffic Police would also remain present in markets, shopping plazas and also at prominent points during Eid congregations. Bomb disposal squad will remain available at short notice and all public places, parks, play grounds will be kept under strict vigilance and security cover, the sources maintained.
Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) on special directions of SSP (Traffic) Dr. Moeen Masood has made a special deployment plan and markets as well as shopping areas will be manned by traffic officials to regulate the traffic and ensure planned parking.
Traffic deployment in shopping areas, markets will be augmented while the patrol cars and pairs will patrol in their respective areas to facilitate the general public.

6 bootleggers held; 500 bottles recovered

ISLAMABAD – Officials of Aabpara Police Station have arrested six persons from G-7 Markaz and foiled a bid of bootlegging besides recovering 500 bottles of liquor, 500 empty bottles and 12 gallons along with distillery tools during a raid at a house in the same area.
The prompt action of Station House Office, Khalid Awan and his team comprising Sub-Inspector, Mushtaq, Yasir Waseem, Shahid Ahmed, and Zulfiqar arrested three persons, when they were shifting the liquor in a cab (BRH-176). After the investigation from these persons, it came to know that they were shifting this liquor to G-7.
Police team raided there and nabbed another three persons besides recovering huge amount of liquor and distillery equipment. These six nabbed persons are identified as Liaqat Maseeh s/o Malik Maseeh, Junaid Maseeh s/o Javed Maseeh, Jatan Maseeh s/o Kaka Maseeh, Gulraiz Maseeh, Zeeshan Maseeh s/o Barkat Maseeh, Zeesha Ghori s/o Gulshan Maseeh.
A total of 500 liquor bottles, 500 empty liquor bottles, 12 gallons and distillery equipment were recovered from the raided place and further investigation is under way from the nabbed persons.
Another special police team has been constituted to arrest notorious bootlegger, Gulshan Maseeh, who managed to escape during the raid of police. It may be mentioned that these wine sellers were not only involved in criminal activities of bootlegging but also putting the lives and health of the people at stake through selling poor quality wine.

Seasonal butchers jump into cashing opportunity

ISLAMABAD, Nov 14 (APP): After seeing the lucrative charges of slaughtering the sacrificial animals, a number of seasonal butchers have started to set up their booking stalls in various parts of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.Many labourers, who did not find job due to Eid activities in these days, also adopt this profession for the time being to earn livelihood.Soon after the Eid prayers, they will leave towards the marked areas for slaughtering the animals.

“Even, labourers outside the Rawalpindi and Islamabad reach here to take benefit of this opportunity. Ninety percent non-professionals operate on this event,” butcher Hasnain Shah, who is associated with this profession for the last 10 years, told APP.
He said he himself has hired a group of eight persons from his native area in a bid to slaughter maximum number of animals.
Hasnain said, he was charging Rs. 1200 to 1500 to slaughter a goat or sheep, while Rs. 3000 to 5000 for a cow or bull, according to size of the sacrificial animals.
Hasnain, who claimed to be an expert butcher, said he take one hour time to slaughter a goat of any size and cut it into regular pieces. Besides, its team has the ability to prepare meat of a cow or bull within two-and-a-half hours time.

Pakistan, Afghanistan urged to work jointly for security

Foreign Minister Qureshi says trouble in one country affects the other, stresses united efforts for peace and security in region



A two-day conference titled ‘Pakistan-Afghanistan: Towards Mutual Security, Stability and Trade’ concluded on Saturday with a consensus that Pakistan and Afghanistan should leave the past behind and strive together for a secure and prosperous future of their peoples.



Participants of the conference, organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies in collaboration with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), recommended enhancing cross-border economic opportunities, more interaction between the two civil societies, better border management, ratification of Afghan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement, liberalisation of visa regimes, more educational and cultural contacts and harmonising of tariffs to curb informal trade between the two countries.

Security beefed up in capital

ISLAMABAD, Nov 13 (APP): An emergency meeting of Interior Ministry chaired by Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Saturday decided to further tighten security in the capital. The meeting decided to take further security steps for diplomatic zone and high security zone. It was decided that nobody would enter the high security zone without National Identity Card.
The meeting also decided to tighten surveillance of hostels of all Madaris (Seminaries) and keep record of visitor in guest book.
Checking of heavy vehicles would be further enhanced and no vehicle would be allowed to enter the capital without proper documents, the meeting decided.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik expressed satisfaction over security situation in the capital and appreciated efforts of law enforcement agencies.
He directed the IG Islamabad and Chief Commissioner to leave no stone unturned for the safety of lives and property of citizen.

6 bootleggers held; 500 bottles recovered

ISLAMABAD – Officials of Aabpara Police Station have arrested six persons from G-7 Markaz and foiled a bid of bootlegging besides recovering 500 bottles of liquor, 500 empty bottles and 12 gallons along with distillery tools during a raid at a house in the same area.
The prompt action of Station House Office, Khalid Awan and his team comprising Sub-Inspector, Mushtaq, Yasir Waseem, Shahid Ahmed, and Zulfiqar arrested three persons, when they were shifting the liquor in a cab (BRH-176). After the investigation from these persons, it came to know that they were shifting this liquor to G-7.
Police team raided there and nabbed another three persons besides recovering huge amount of liquor and distillery equipment. These six nabbed persons are identified as Liaqat Maseeh s/o Malik Maseeh, Junaid Maseeh s/o Javed Maseeh, Jatan Maseeh s/o Kaka Maseeh, Gulraiz Maseeh, Zeeshan Maseeh s/o Barkat Maseeh, Zeesha Ghori s/o Gulshan Maseeh.
A total of 500 liquor bottles, 500 empty liquor bottles, 12 gallons and distillery equipment were recovered from the raided place and further investigation is under way from the nabbed persons.
Another special police team has been constituted to arrest notorious bootlegger, Gulshan Maseeh, who managed to escape during the raid of police. It may be mentioned that these wine sellers were not only involved in criminal activities of bootlegging but also putting the lives and health of the people at stake through selling poor quality wine.

Sadequain’s legendary works coming to Islamabad on 25th

ISLAMABAD: Sadequain – the artist, calligrapher, poet and thinker, who passed away at the age of 57 in 1987, is returning back to Islamabad through his monumental and legendary works.

This event is being jointly organised on 25 November (Thursday) by Gallery 6 in collaboration with Sadequain Foundation (SF) based in San Diego, California, USA. Gallery 6 has specially invited SF to launch two new books on Sadequain and exhibit collection of legendary calligraphies and other monumental illustrations and interpretations of poetry by Sadequain. An exhibition of 24 limited edition of oil on canvas giclee prints will also be a part of exhibition at the gallery. These giclee prints have been made in the USA and are high quality reproductions of the Master’s works including those that were painted by Sadequain while living in foreign countries and have never been seen or documented in Pakistan or elsewhere before. These giclee prints will be offered for sale at very reasonable price in pursuance of the Charter of the Foundation. All pieces of artwork offered by the SF are registered and copyright protected by the United States Library of Congress and they carry the Foundation’s seal, serial number and date.

Sadequain was responsible for the renaissance of Islamic Calligraphy in Pakistan by transforming the art of calligraphy into eye-catching pictorial images that translated the meaning of the script for even those who could not read. After Sadequain transformed the art of calligraphy into a mainstream art form, most of the known Pakistani artists have followed Sadequain and calligraphic art has now become a vibrant part of the art scene.

The book The Legend of Sadequain – Renaissance of Calligraphic Art in Pakistan is the first of its kind about Sadequain’s calligraphic art, presents biographical notes and a collection of over 160 calligraphic paintings by the legendary artist, including the picturesque verse, Sura-e-Rehman, referred to as the adornment of Quran.

The second book Mystic Expressions by Sadequain – an odyssey to exaltation with Ghalib, Iqbal, Faiz and Sadequain has illustrations/interpretations of poetry by the artist. The illustrations of Ghalib were done in 1968, of Faiz during the 1970s and 80s and of Iqbal during the 1980s. Sadequain was deeply interested in the issues that have challenged the best minds of the human race - the questions about the mysteries of the universe, meaning of life on our planet and beyond, role of human beings in the universe, freedom and self determination, survival and progress, and the fine line between reason and emotion - even in his poetry he deals with such issues.

The two books to be launched present a rich collection to document the related works of Sadequain.