e-paper pakistantoday 04th april, 2012

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Bilawal seeks SC apology over Zulfikar Bhutto’s judicial murder PAGE | 22

Pakistan will not arrest Suu Kyi’s party ‘wins Jamaatud Dawa 43 seats’ in founder Hafiz Saeed Myanmar elections PAGE | 22

PAGE |17

Rs15.00 Vol ii no 277 22 pages islamabad — peshawar edition

Wednesday, 4 april, 2012 Jamadi-ul-awal 11, 1433

13 killed in sectarian violence in Gilgit, Chilas g

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Curfew imposed in Gilgit after 5 people killed in firing, hand grenade attack on protest rally Eight passengers taken off buses in Chilas and shot dead in cold blood GILGIT

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T least 13 people were killed and more than 50 injured in Gilgit and Chilas on Tuesday in violence being attributed to sectarian tensions in the country’s far north, officials said.

At least five people were killed and around 50 injured after unidentified persons threw a hand grenade and opened fire on a protest rally in Gilgit. Sunni leaders had called the strike in the Gari Bagh area of Gilgit over the arrest of one of their leaders for his alleged involve-

GILGIT: Police stand guard as people protest against sectarian killings in Gilgit and Chilas on Tuesday. inp ment in a sectarian attack on a funeral in February that left 18 dead.

“The unknown gunmen opened fire on a group of Sunnis while they were appealing to people to shut their shops in response to the strike call,” senior local police official Ali Sher told AFP. A curfew was imposed in the city after the incident to bring the situation under control, he said.

In the bloody incident in nearby Chilas town, gunmen opened fire and killed eight passengers. According to of-

ficial sources, the passengers were taken off buses and were then killed. Six buses were also set ablaze. In the February sectarian violence in the region, gunmen disguised in military fatigues had hauled 18 Shia Muslim men off buses and shot them dead in cold blood in the northern district of Kohistan, which neighbours the Swat valley, a former Taliban stronghold.

Continued on page 04

SC warns of asking ‘someone else’ to implement orders QUETTA sTaff rePorT

Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Tuesday expressed strong resentment over the non-implementation of apex court’s orders, warning that the court should not be forced to call “someone else” for action on the verdicts.

“If the court verdicts are implemented, the law and order would have been different in Karachi,” the chief justice remarked while hearing petitions about law and order, kidnapping for ransom and missing persons at the Quetta Registry on Tuesday. The three-member bench

hearing the petitions included Justice Khilji Arif Hussain and Justice Tariq Parvez.

He said armed men were moving freely in the vehicles of Balochistan ministers without any check and questioned why the ministers involved in kidnapping for ransom were not being arrested. He said what message was being sent from Balochistan to the outside world when dead bodies are being found and people being kidnapped.

The CJ said it was surprising that when a dictator comes there was peace and stability but this was not the case during democracy.

Continued on page 04

pOL prices slashed, to be reviewed fortnightly ISLAMABAD sTaff rePorT

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on Tuesday announced a nominal reduction in the recent hike in prices of petroleum products. According to a notification, the price of petrol has been decreased by Rs 2.32 per litre to Rs 103.36. Earlier; the rate of petrol was increased by Rs 8.02 to Rs 105.08.

However, after a partial slash, the total increase in petrol price stands at Rs 5.70 per litre. According to the notification, price of

kerosene oil had been reduced by Rs 1.74 and high speed diesel by Rs 1.16 per liter.

Meanwhile, Minister for Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain said petroleum prices would be reviewed after every 15 days for which a summary had been sent to the ECC. Dr Asim Hussain said prices of petroleum products would be completely deregulated. At the primitive stage, prices would be set after 15 days, then after 7 days and ultimately, it would be set on a daily basis.

Continued on page 04

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02 News Today’s

Wednesday, 4 April, 2012

ISlAmABAd

neWS

ZaB gave voice to masses: Bukhari

Hafiz saeed demands proof after Us bounty

Story on Page 07

Story on Page 05

CArToon

Quick Look

Saudis behead Pakistani heroin smuggler RIYADH afP

Saudi Arabia beheaded a Pakistani man on Tuesday after he was convicted of smuggling a “large amount” of heroin into the kingdom, the interior ministry said. “Salim Shah Sayed Shah, a Pakistani, was accused of smuggling a large amount of the heroin drug into the kingdom,” said an interior ministry statement carried by state news agency SPA, adding that he was executed in the holy city of Mecca. On Sunday, the interior ministry said that the kingdom had arrested 681 people over the past four months allegedly involved in trafficking of drugs worth around $460 million. The ultra-conservative Muslim kingdom applies the death penalty for a wide range of offences, including rape, apostasy, armed robbery and drug trafficking as well as murder. Shah’s execution brings the number of beheadings in the kingdom so far this year to 16, according to an AFP tally based on official reports. Human rights group Amnesty International said Saudi Arabia executed 79 people in 2011.

SC cancels Shahzain Bugti’s bail in weapons case

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Zardari, Gilani pay tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto g

Say PPP founder sacrificed life to ensure basic rights to people GARHI KHUDA BUKSH

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RESIDENT Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said Zulfikar Ali Bhutto sacrificed his life for the country and to ensure the provision of basic rights to the people.

President Zardari said this in his message on the 33rd death anniversary of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to be observed today (Wednesday).

President Asif Ali Zardari also visited Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Baksh on Tuesday.

He also laid a floral wreath and offered ‘Fateha’.

He was accompanied by the PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Rehman Malik and former Senate chairman Farooq H Naek.

He also visited the graves of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Begum Nusrat Bhutto, Shaheed Murtaza Bhutto and Shaheed Shahnawaz Bhutto, laid floral wreaths and offered ‘Fateh’.

In his message, President Zardari said:

“Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto awakened the people, gave them hope and made them realise that they were the fountainhead of all political power.”

The PPP co-chairman said it was because of this realisation among the people that dictatorship has not been able to take root in the country despite the repeated subversions of democracy.

He said that this was one of Shaheed Bhutto’s greatest achievements.

President Zardari said it was reassuring that the democratic constitution Shaheed Bhutto gave has survived attempts at subversion and has been purged of the distortions inserted into it by successive dictators.

Meanwhile, talking to reporters after visiting the grave of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the prime minister said: “As workers of the Pakistan People’s Party, it is our duty to promote the mission of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.”

Do recent arrests warrant Warren’s recovery?

CIA arrests two who kidnapped Warren Weinstein on Talibans’ instructions g

QUETTA InP

The Supreme Court on Tuesday cancelled the bail of Shahzain Bugti and his 26 guards in an illegal arms case. Provincial President Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) Shahzain Bugti has been facing a case of keeping illegal weapons and was on bail from the Balochistan High Court (BHC). A larger bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry heard a case at the Supreme Court’s Quetta registry against Shahzain Bugti. After hearing the arguments, the court cancelled Shahzain and his 26 guards’ bail. Frontier Constabulary had arrested Shahzain Bugti after a huge quantity of arms and ammunitions was recovered from one of his convoy’s car. The seized arms include 43 unlicensed Kalashnikovs, six RPGs, two rocket launchers, 70,000 rounds, two RR Guns and several IEDs.

LAHORE saLaHUDIn safDar

In a major breakthrough, Organised Crime Investigation Agency arrested two suspects involved in kidnapping of American national Warren Weinstein from Lahore on Tuesday.

Moreover, the security officials are now sure that kidnapped US citizen is in the custody of Taliban.

The arrested suspects also belong to North Waziristan and had come to Lahore to assist the kidnapping. The duo, identified as Imran and Saif, were arrested from a hideout in Thokar Niaz Baig area. Weinstein, American citizen and former USAID worker, was kidnapped from his residence in Model Town in August last year. He had been living in Pakistan for seven years. Police has earlier interrogated his security guards and had released them later. Four months later, Al Qaeda had claimed the responsibility and Aiman Alzwahri had issued a video message, “By the grace of Allah, we, on our part, have cap-

tured the American Jew Warren Weinstein. He will not return to his family, by the will of Allah, until our demands are met, which include the release of Aafia Siddique, [Sheikh] Omar Abdul Rehman, the family of [Sheikh] Osama bin Laden, and every single person arrested on allegations of links with Al Qaeda and Taliban.”

The investigations had paced up after new CIA SP Malik Liaqat had assumed charge. During the course of investigations, it was revealed that Weinstein had been kidnapped on directives of Al Qaeda. Sources claimed that the purpose behind the kidnapping of the US national was to generate fund for Taliban and also to bargain a deal for release of terrorists in custody of security agencies. Some unconfirmed sources give another story also that Weinstein was a Jew and an undercover agent on a covert mission in Pakistan. However this claim could not be confirmed from independent sources. Now that it has been asserted that Weinstein was in the custody of the Taliban, it could not be said for sure if he would be recovered from Pakistan or not.

Prime Minister Gillani said the PPP leadership, especially Benazir Bhutto, her mother Nusrat Bhutto and her brothers, embraced martyrdom to promote democracy in the country. Gilani stated that the present government is to be credited with the restoration of the 1973 constitution to its original form.

He added that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto made great contributions to the country as he initiated the nuclear programme to strengthen its defence.

Gilani, while referring to the 2010 and 2012 Nuclear Security Summits he attended, said the PPP government was to be lauded as its prime minister was invited to the two summits that recognised Pakistan’s nuclear capability and legitimised its nuclear power plan. About the Supreme Court’s decision to give a death sentence to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the prime minister said it was a judicial murder. He said some of the judges, who were members of the bench, said that they had decided on the verdict under pressure.

He hoped that the Supreme Court will give its verdict in the Zulfikar Ali Bhutto reference at the earliest.

pCnS’ meeting continues despite pML-n’s boycott ISLAMABAD sTaff rePorT

Although the PML-N continued its boycott of the PCNS proceedings for a second consecutive day on Tuesday, the committee continued its deliberations on recommendations for devising new terms of engagements with the US and NATO forces.

The PML-N had boycotted the PCNS due to the massive fuel price hike. PCNS Chairman Senator Raza Rabbani told journalists that the government had implemented to some extent parliamentary resolutions but failed to project the implementation on resolutions passed by parliament. He said that reservations raised by the PML-N on some recommendations should be removed through consensus with other political parties. Rabbani brushed away the impression

that the PCNS was making new recommendations on new terms of engagements with the US and NATO forces and said that deliberations were being made only on those clauses against which some political parties had expressed reservations.

The PPP deputy secretary general said that the discussion of the committee was making progress in a positive manner and the committee would not disappoint the nation. Rabbani also rejected views of by PML-N members and said that price hike was an administrative measure while the committee was working on recommendations of parliament, which was being represented by all political parties. He said that PCNS members should join proceedings of the committee, as the fuel price hike was an administrative issue.

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Wednesday, 4 April, 2012

foreIgn neWS

ArTS & enTerTAInmenT

SPorTS

france to seek terror charges against 13 Islamists If not with amitabh Bachchan, Veena won’t marry Jayawardene bails out sri Lanka

News 03 CommenT Looking beyond the nose Both sides need to be realistic

Don’t let them get away ….and other musings

Dr Hasan askari rizvi says: Nukes and their security: Pakistan’s are safe

ali aftab saeed says: If the ISI were to stop…: Ke khushi se mar na jaate, agar aetbaar hota

Kuldip nayar says: On peace with India: Wanted by (almost) all

Story on Page 17

Story on Page 14

Story on Page 18

Articles on Page 12-13

ZAB’s 33rd deAth AnniversAry todAy: The 33rd death anniversary of former PM and PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto is being observed with reverence and

passion at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh today (Wednesday). Convoys and rallies of PPP workers from all over the country have reached Garhi Khuda Baksh. The PPP expects tens of thousands of party workers and loyalists to pay their respect to their leaders at the mausoleum of the Bhuttos. On the occasion, 6,000 policemen and 1,000 Rangers personnel, women police, traffic police along with bomb disposal squad and commandos have reached Garhi Khuda Bakhsh. Several reception camps have been set up at Larkana and different roots, corners towards Garhi Khuda Bakhsh and Naudero to accommodate leaders and workers from all four provinces, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. InP

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04 News

Wednesday, 4 April, 2012

US envoy heads to Pakistan amid relations review WASHINGTON

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top US diplomat will head this week to Pakistan to promote cooperation between the war partners as the parliament in Islamabad reviews the troubled relationship, the State Department has said.

Deputy Secretary of State Tom Nides will visit Islamabad on Wednesday as parliament winds up its debate on recommendations for the US-Pakistan relationship, which has been rocked by multiple crises for months.

The trip comes amid a gradual resumption of dialogue, including President Barack Obama’s meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on March 27 on the sidelines of

a nuclear security summit in Seoul. “We look forward to continuing discussions with the government of Pakistan on matters of mutual concern, such as security; peace and stability in Afghanistan; and economic development,” a State Department statement said. “As President Obama said before his meeting with Prime Minister Gilani, we respect the work of the parliament and believe it is important for us to have candid dialogue to work through these issues going forward,” it said.

US lawmakers voiced fury in May last year when US forces killed the world’s most-wanted man Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, which had received $18 billion in aid for cooperation since the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Pakistan in turn questioned the relationship and closed its Afghan border to

NATO supplies in November after an air strike killed 24 Pakistani soldiers. Obama voiced regret for the deaths but stopped short of apologizing.

Pakistan’s parliament is debating a series of recommendations before a potential reopening of the border, including demands for a US apology, an end to drone strikes deep into Pakistani territory and taxes on NATO convoys.

Nides, who is heading to Pakistan after a stop in Jordan, will meet senior officials including Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, the State Department said. General James Mattis, the head of US Central Command, and General John Allen, the US commander of NATO troops in Afghanistan, visited Pakistan last month in the first such trip since the border incident.

MULTan: People burn their electricity bills during a demonstration against load shedding and price hike on Tuesday. OnLinE

Pol prices

Continued fRom page 1

Sources said the Finance Ministry had opposed setting of petroleum products prices after 15 days. They informed that oil refineries had asked to revise prices after every 15 days. Since hike in petroleum products prices, the PPP led government was under severe pressure from allies and opposition parties along with strike threats from traders and transporters across the country for rever-

sal of the increase. Seeing no other option, the government has finally bowed down slightly to the demands of all this evening and slashed prices of three main petroleum products by Rs 1.16 to Rs 2.32 per liter.

After the reduction, the petrol price has come down to Rs 103.68 per liter, kerosene oil Rs 100.19 and high speed diesel at Rs 107.16 per liter. The reduction in petroleum products prices, announced today, will be implemented from April 5, said the government notification issued this day.

SC warns Continued fRom page 1 He remarked that people kidnapped were sent to Waziristan and police remained ignorant. He said people had been forced to migrate from the province.

He said it was the prime responsibility of the provincial government to ensure law and order but it too failed to do so. He ques-

tioned what the law enforcing institutions were doing when a Hindu girl was kidnapped from the house of a minister?

At the beginning of the proceedings, Balochistan Advocate General Amanullah Kanrani presented the performance report of provincial police for three years. The chief justice re-

one soldier killed, 2 injured in miranshah MirAnshAh: One soldier was killed and two injured in a roadside bombing near Amin checkpost here on Tuesday.

Official sources said that a security convoy was travelling to Dattakhel tehsil in North Waziristan Agency when it was struck by a roadside bomb, killing one soldier and injuring two others. Security forces cordoned off the entire area and started search to nab the culprits but no arrests were made. InP jected the report and remarked that between 2008 and 2011, 204 dead bodies were recovered and 80 persons were kidnapped during this period.

Justice Iftikhar said the situation was getting difficult in Balochistan as people were being killed and the writ of the government was nowhere to be seen.

When the advocate general pointed out that targeted killing had been controlled by 90 percent, the

TaLoQan: an afghan girl walks with a group of burqa-clad women on a street in the capital of Takhar province on Tuesday. AFP

Contractual officer embezzles Rs 500m from Benazir Bhutto park?

KARACHI afTaB CHanna

While the Supreme Court had clearly instructed the authorities not to appoint any official on contract basis in government departments, a contractual employee in the Parks and Horticulture Department of the Karachi Municipal Corporation (defunct CDGK) has embezzled at least Rs 500 million from Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Park, Boat Basin.

In 2008, the defunct CDGK had strated construction work on Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Park located near Boat Basin within the limits of Clifton. And former city mayor Syed Mustafa Kamal had appointed Liaquat Ali Khan Kaimkhani as the director general of parks and the whole execution of the park was undertaken under the supervision of the DG, well-placed sources told Pakistan Today.

Initially, the estimated cost of a 150-acre scattered

park was projected at Rs 870 million, however, the amount was revised by the Parks Department and the total cost of the park stood at Rs 1.5 billion.

Interestingly, there existed a huge park already on the same location with the name of Boat Basin Park.

However, the city administration had chalked out a plan to convert the park as Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Park for which the federal government, under the special directive of President Asif Ali Zardari released the funds without any hindrances, sources added.

The already established Boat Basin Park had all the facilities that any park required and the only thing needed was to renovate and rehabilitate the park. Besides, the park had a small jetty for boating, while other facilities such as a board walk, a jogging track, a stone path, stone canopies and food courts.

After the park was made operational, the Sindh’s en-

quiries and anti-corruption department had received a number of complaints against the use of sub-standard material in the construction of Benazir Bhutto Park and massive corruption. And, finally a complaint No 56/2012 was lodged by the anti corruption department this year with an aim to investigation the corruption, they said. In February 2012, the anti-corruption officials headed by Director Javed Baloch raided the office of Parks DG Liaquat Ali Khan Kaimkhani and seized all record related to the tendering of park construction and other stuff.

The investigation officer (IO) of the case, Sajjad Ali Khan, told Pakistan Today that the case was under investigation and initial findings suggested that corruption of more than Rs 500 million was made in the construction of the park.

The Boat Basin Park, already on the ground, had almost all the facilities the

park used to have, however, the spending of such a huge amount left doubts.

Ceding a little information, the IO said he could not share the complete information, however, he said there was massive corruption such as dumping of more than Rs 100 million sand in the park, purchasing of a Neem tree for Rs 60,000 against its actual rate of Rs 500 to 800.

Besides, this a number of bogus and fake entries were included in the park which were being under investigation.

“Yes, the director-general Parks is holding the seat without any legal status. Infact, the contract of Kaimkhani expired in 2010, however, he is sitting and running the department illegally. All the inquiries and actions would be stopped when a phone call from Governor House is received,” a senior official of the Local Government Department told Pakistan Today, seeking anonymity.

Gilani, FC iG narrowly escape disaster 13 killed ISLAMABAD Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, several of his cabinet ministers as well as the inspector general of the Frontier Constabulary (FC), Maj Gen Nadir Zeb, narrowly escaped a disaster when their aircraft made emergency landings in two separate incidents on Tuesday.

According to officials, a special aircraft carrying PM Gi-

lani and several federal ministers made an emergency landing shortly after taking off from an airbase in Rawalpindi. The aircraft was bound for Sukkur to participate in special events being held to mark the death anniversary of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

The aircraft returned to Chaklala airbase shortly after taking off and made an emergency landing after developing some technical problems. According

to officials, a technical fault occurred in the left engine of the plane after three minutes of taking off. The exact nature of the technical problems could not be immediately ascertained, they said. In a separate incident, General Nadir Zeb and several other military personnel had a narrow escape when a military helicopter made an emergency landing after developing technical problems in Ghalanai, Mohmand Agency.

chief justice remarked that it should not be even one percent.

He said he himself heard that the provincial home minister saying that provincial ministers were involved in kidnappings for ransom.

The chief justice also sought a report from the Balochistan IG about the burning of a house of Gondal Khan in Pat Feeder area near Dera Bugti. He directed the IG to investigate who was behind the burning of

the house.

The chief justice ordered that the statement of the provincial home minister be made part of the record of the Balochistan Security Situation Case.

He said no one was above the law and those ministers who were being mentioned should be taken into police custody.

The chief justice showed his displeasure towards the law enforcement authorities for not acting on the court’s

orders to address the Karachi issue. “The targeted killing would have been halted if the court’s orders were followed,” the chief justice added.

He said steps were not taken to de-weaponise the city as directed by the apex court. The increasing influence of the political parties in the law enforcement agencies had not been addressed and no-go areas still existed across Karachi, he added.

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Continued fRom page 1 A local intelligence official confirmed Tuesday’s attack and said a hand grenade had also been used. “But we still don’t know who the attackers were,” he said. “What we can say at the moment is that tensions have been mounting high between Shia and Sunni population in the area for the last many weeks.” Gilgit is the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan and is popular with mountaineers as a gateway to the Karakoram and Himalayan mountain ranges. Human rights groups have heavily criticised the Pakistani government for failing to crack down on sectarian violence between the country’s majority Sunni and minority Shia communities that has killed thousands.

Despite the announcement of curfew, rival sects continued firing at each other, while the government warned residents to stay indoors or be shot dead. The ISPR said the Pakistan Army had been called in Gilgit to control the law and order.

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Wednesday, 4 April, 2012

News 05 Pakistan under pressure after US bounty on Saeed, says India NEW DELHI onLIne

India on Tuesday welcomed the US bounty of $10 million for Hafiz Saeed’s arrest and said the announcement sent a strong signal to Islamabad as well as Laskhar-e-Tayyaba members and patrons. “India welcomes the US notification under the Rewards for Justice Programme,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said. This US announcement “reflects the commitment of India and the US to bring perpetrators of the Mumbai terrorist attacks to justice and continuing efforts to combat terrorism,” Akbaruddin said. “It sends a strong signal to the LeT as also its members and patrons that the international community remains united in combating terrorism,” he added. The US announcement of the reward for capture or information leading to Saeed’s capture came from US Under Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who conveyed the same to Indian Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai Monday. The US also announced a $3 million bounty on Saeed’s brother-in-law Hafiz Abdul Rehman Makki.

KaraCHI: Indian fishermen arrive at a police station following their arrest by the Maritime security agency (Msa) on Tuesday. aFp

Hafiz Saeed demands proof after US bounty LAHORE

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A F I Z Saeed, leader of Laskhar-e-Tayyaba group blamed for the 2008 attacks on Mumbai, has demanded proof after the US announced a $10 million bounty on his head.

In an interview to Al Jazeera, Saeed said the US move was prompted by the fact that he had been organising rallies against the reopening of supply lines through Pakistan to NATO forces in Afghanistan.

“We are not hiding in caves for bounties to be set on finding us. I think

the US is frustrated because we are taking out countrywide protests against the resumption of NATO supplies and drone strikes,” Saeed said.

“I believe either the US has very little knowledge and is basing its decisions on wrong information being provided by India or they are just frustrated.”

Wendy Sherman, the US undersecretary of state, on a visit to India, said a $3m bounty had also been announced for Abul Rehman Makki, the brother-inlaw of Saeed.

Rewards for Justice, a programme sponsored by the US State Department, announced the cash reward for the 62year old Saeed on its website.

“Saeed is suspected of mastermind-

ing numerous terrorist attacks, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 166 people, including six American citizens,” the page said.

Ajmal Kasab, the only surviving gunman involved in the three-day rampage in November 2008, has been sentenced to death by an Indian court.

Kasab reportedly accused Saeed of organising the attack, which involved 10 gunmen, nine of whom were killed during the shootout.

Laskhar-e-Tayyaba, designated as a terrorist organisation by the US in December 2001, is accused by India of carrying out several attacks, including the one on Mumbai.

India welcomed the move as a reflection of India and US’s commitment “to bring perpetrators of the Mumbai terrorist attacks” to justice.

“The bounty sends a strong signal to Laskhar-e-Tayyaba as also its members and patrons that the international community remains united in combating terrorism,” Syed Akbaruddin, spokesman for India’s Ministry of External Affairs said.

The bounty on Saeed, same as the Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar, is only second to Ayman al Zawahiri, who succeeded Osama bin Laden as the al Qaeda chief. Zawahiri has $25m bounty on his head. Saeed is the fifth Pakistani national on the list.

Pakistan arrests 23 Indian fishermen, seizes 4 boats KARACHI nnI

Pakistani authorities have arrested 23 Indian fishermen and seized four boats for allegedly violating the country’s maritime boundary, officials said on Tuesday. The fishermen were detained by the Maritime Security Agency (MSA) during routine patrolling, a spokesman for the agency said. He said the Indian fishermen and their boats were apprehended for entering deep inside Pakistani waters for approximately 70 nautical miles. The spokesman said that the Indian fishermen had been warned by the Pakistani Maritime Authority, but they “ignored” the warning. Pakistani officials insist that the Indian fishermen allegedly continued to intrude into the country’s marine-rich Indus delta region regardless of the livelihood of local fishermen. The MSA handed over the fishermen to police in Karachi for further investigation. They will appear in a local court later on Tuesday.

India and Pakistan routinely arrest fishermen on charges of entering each other’s waters as the two nuclear rivals have not yet determined their maritime boundaries despite series of talks on the issue.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, still a source of inspiration FARzANA RAjA The name of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the first elected Prime Minister of Pakistan and founding father of the Pakistan Peoples Party, is and will always remain an icon of struggle for the rights of people. The courageous leader scarified his life to protect the rights of Pakistani nation and to make Pakistan a modern progressive democracy. That is the reason that the great Quaid-e-Awam will live in the hearts and minds of the people of Pakistan forever.

The enemies of Shaheed Bhutto were actually the enemy of Pakistan and its people as they were aware that the process of progress and development ushered by his democratic government would be unstoppable under his dynamic leadership. The social and economic well being of the people was the focal point of the policies of Shaheed Bhutto. The slogan of ‘roti, kapra aur makan’ is very much reflective of his economic agenda, which is not only quite relevant today but will also remain so in future as well.

While marking 33rd “Youm-e-Shaha-

dat” of the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, every democracy loving Pakistani rightly owes it to Shaheed Bhutto for living in a democratic Pakistan, free from tyrannical rule of undemocratic and oppressive forces. April 4, 1979 was indeed a black day when the judicial murder of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was committed on the behest of the then dictator Zia ul Haq. The forces of darkness succeeded to eliminate the most popular leader of the people for his ‘crime’ of giving voice to poor people of Pakistan and for his promise to rid the downtrodden masses of the country of the bane of poverty.

Shaheed Bhutto wanted to make the defense of the country stronger and for this it was his democratic regime that gave Pakistan its nuclear programme. Besides, to strengthen the economy of the country, various futures oriented projects including Pakistan Steel Mills and Heavy Mechanical Complex were initiated by ZAB government on urgent basis.

Shaheed Quaid-e-Awam instilled a new zeal and vigor in the people of Pakistan at a time when their hopes were diminishing and their dreams were getting

shattered as a result of various internal and external factors. These were the difficult hours in the history of the country when the courageous people of Pakistan, as a result of follies of their short-sighted rulers, were haplessly facing looming threats to social, political and geographical integrity of the country.

In the face of all these challenges, it was the unmatched wisdom of Shaheed leader who dealt with these challenges in most befitting and efficient manner. He prescribed greater national harmony as the only solution to keep the social, political and geographical integrity intact and protected.

Shaheed Quaid-e-Awam gave a gift of unanimous Constitution to nation to infuse a sense of national harmony and integrity. Besides, he initiated mega developmental projects including Steel Mills and Kamra Aeronautical Complex aiming to revitalize the ailing economy of the country and to lay down the future economic roadmap of the country.

Quaid-e-Awam always exhibited phenomenal love and affection for the poor and downtrodden of the country. This

fact is quite evident from the fact that he took numerous revolutionary pro-poor steps in short span of time during his democratic tenure. The main thrust of the policies of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the manifesto of his party was to uplift the lives of socially and economically deprived segments of society.

In this connection, he promised to the deprived segments of society of the basic amenities of life. Considering education a key to bring about a real economic revolution, new educational institutes and Polytechnic institutions were established and upgraded by his democratic government. Besides, scholarships for the students were increased aiming to promote higher education among the bright and diligent students of Pakistan.

Throughout his democratic regime, Shaheed Quaid-e-Awam strived hard to strengthen institutions, correct the economy and improve the living standard of the people. It’s indeed a coincidence that the present democratic government which is the heir of Bhutto’s legacy, is confronting with similar daunting tasks

of correcting the ailing economy as well as to develop, strengthen and safeguard democratic institutions.

Being the heir of the legacy of Shaheed ZAB, today, the democratic government under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, is focused on to serve poor and destitute of society. The PPP led Federal Government took courageous steps soon after its inception to alleviate the economic troubles and hardships of the masses. This agenda is in the pursuance the guiding principles of Quaid-eAwam as well as the vision of his great daughter, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.

The initiation of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is the part of the same legacy. It is first ever comprehensive social protection net which is expanding by every passing day despite various economic woes of our national economy. The programme has recently extended its life insurance facility to millions of new beneficiary families registered with BISP, which is an unprecedented step in the entire South Asia.

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06 News

Wednesday, 4 April, 2012

Afghan fm in Qatar for talks on Taliban DOHA afP

Afghanistan’s foreign minister, on a twoday visit to Qatar, said on Tuesday that reconciliation talks with the Taliban must be restricted to Afghan participation only. Peace negotiations with the Taliban must be “between Afghans” while Washington and Doha can help by “providing the appropriate environment for success,” said Zalmai Rassoul after talks with Qatari officials.

The Taliban have been leading an insurgency against President Hamid Karzai’s government for more than a decade and peace talks have so far been slow and complicated. Qatar’s minister of state for foreign affairs, Khaled alAttiyah, after a meeting with Rassoul, said the gas-rich kingdom was “moving towards the opening of a (Taliban) political office to reactivate dialogue between all sides.” Rassoul also met with the emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa AlThani, on the first visit by a senior Afghan government minister since the Taliban announced in January that they were to open an office in Doha to hold talks with the US. The Afghan minister was not due to meet any Taliban representatives on his trip because their Doha office has not yet been opened, the foreign ministry in Kabul said on Monday. The Afghan government has repeatedly said it has been in negotiations with the Taliban, despite denials from the insurgent group.

Husband cuts off ex-wife’s nose MANSEHRA nnI

A man cut off his wife’s nose on Tuesday over allegations of illicit relations with another man. The incident occurred in Shankyari area where the man entered into his ex-wife Saima’s home and cut her nose off. He also tortured her body parts with a sharp knife and fled. Saima, mother of four, was taken to Mansehra Hospital for treatment. Police registered a case and started investigation. Saima said that her husband used to torture her frequently due to which she divorced him six months ago.

PesHaWar: female supporters of the Pakistan Muslim League-nawaz protest against inflation and the hike in petroleum prices. STaFF phOTO

Pak judiciary Independence known world over: Egyptian CJ ISLAMABAD

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GYPTIAN Chief Justice Justice Mohamed Hossam Elddin El Gheriany said on Tuesday that his meeting with Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani was the ‘crowning glory’ of his visit, adding that he was pleased to observe that judiciary was functioning independently and was known to be so the world over.

He made these remarks while meeting Gilani at the PM’s House.

Gheriany extended deep gratitude for providing him an opportunity to closely study the judicial system of Pakistan. The PM welcomed the distinguished guests to their second home,

Pakistan, adding that Pakistanis greatly value their deep-rooted and long-standing friendly relations between the two countries which were based on Islamic brotherhood and commonality of interests. The PM said that Egypt was home to one of the ‘richest ancient civilizations’ of the world. Jamia Al-Azhar has greatly benefited scholars of Muslim countries, as a centre of excellence in all disciplines, especially in Islamic teachings and research, Gilani said.

He said that holding of successful parliamentary elections and framing of the new constitution would surely be reflective of the political maturity of the people in accordance with their aspirations. The PM said that the constitution explicitly envisages that sovereignty be-

longs to God and authority is to be exercised through elected representatives of Pakistanis. The laws pertaining to Qisas and Diyat, Freedom of Information, Law of Evidence, and many other laws have been enacted as per directions of Federal Shariat Court as well as Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court, Gilani said.

The PM asked the CJ to convey his best wishes to the PM of Egypt. The CJ apprised Gilani that the new constitution of Egypt would ensure independence of judiciary, as the new constitution would reflect aspirations of the people because it would be framed by elected representatives of the people. Egyptian Ambassador to Pakistan Said Mohammad El-Said Hindam invited the PM to visit Egypt.

Pml-n holds protest against load shedding KASUR sTaff rePorT

The PML-N on Tuesday held a protest against load shedding, inflation and fuel price hike at Main Ferozpur Road. Small groups of people gathered at Steel Bagh Chowk and reached Main Ferozpur Road to start the protest. Led by MNA Sheikh Waseem Akhtar, MPA Naeem Safdar Ansari, youth wing leader Tanveer Ahmed Khan, Mudasar Nawaz and Imtiaz Ahmed, the protesters blocked the road for more than three hours. They burnt tyres and raised slogans against President Asif Ali Zardari. Speakers said that the PPP-led government was looting Pakistan from both hands because it was the last year of their power and wanted to collect maximum money for the next general elections. They said that the easiest way to make money for Zardari was to increase fuel prices but it had destroyed the country’s economy.

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Wednesday, 4 April, 2012

firdous hails Saudi minister’s visit to Pak ISLAMABAD aPP

raWaLPInDI: Local residents and traders try to remove a concrete block from Benazir Bhutto road during a protest against a closed U-turn near naz Cinema stop. inp

ZAB gave voice to masses: Bukhari ISLAMABAD

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ENATE Chairman Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari Tuesday said the credit of giving voice, empowering people and their enhanced participation in politics must go to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

In a statement he said the enhanced political acumen of the downtrodden was the result of struggle and sacrifice of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had served the country immensely.

He gifted the country consensus constitution of 1973. Pakistan Steel Mills, Nuclear programme, Heavy Mechanical Complex Taxila, Bukhari said.

Country’s labours, students and farmers are enjoying the fruit of democracy due to the efforts and sacrifices rendered by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and his party, he said.

ZAB also played significant role in enhancing country’s role at international level and strengthening federation. He equipped Pakistan army with latest ammunition. The philosophy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto is supreme in today’s world and its implementation would ensure national cohesion and unity, he added.

Bhutto A victiM of unfAir triAl, terMs PPP hr cell: On the eve of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s 33rd death anniversary, the office-bearers of the PPP Human Rights Cell have termed his trial as unfair, and his execution a judicial murder. In a statement issued here by PPP central secretariat on Tuesday, Central Coordinator of PPP Human Rights cell Dr. Nafisa Shah, Secretary General Sheikh Mansur and members Shahjahan Sarfaraz, Rubina Qaimkhani, Dr. Zile Huma and Shazia Tehmas have hailed President Asif Ali Zardari’s decision to send the ZAB reference under Article 189 to the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

“Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had planned to approach the courts for vindication of the great democratic leader, and by doing so, the President has not only followed her footsteps but also he responded to the will of the people of Pakistan,” they maintained.

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto gave the people of this country rights, in the form of the

Constitution of 1973, they said and added that Bhutto Shaheed was denied of his fundamental right of a fair trail.

“It was a glaring case of an unfair trial, where at every step, justice was denied,” said the Central Coordinator Dr. Nafisa Shah. “We hope that the revising of the case is not made victim of delay and also hope that this historical wrong would be corrected by the courts, not only to redeem Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, but the justice system of this country.

This nation needs good news, and this would certainly be one - and would lead to strengthening of democracy,” She added. The PPP HR Cell members further recalled that the courts have been used historically to validate the suspensions of law and by doing so, made all acts of omission of the dictators legally valid, and more importantly exposed the people to abuse of their fundamental rights. “Now, as the courts are independent, the people expect justice for the great leader,” noted the members, and decided to visit the Court regularly, once the hearing of ZAB case resumes. sPeciAl ProgrAMMes on ZAB’s AnniversAry: All FM and Mediumwave channels of Radio Pakistan will broadcast special programmes on Wednesday to mark the 33rd death anniversary of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

All stations of FM-101 will broadcast excerpts from the speeches of Shaheed Bhutto and special songs commemorating the great leader throughout the day besides other programmes.

Radio Pakistan’s English Channel Planet FM-94 and current affairs channel “National Broadcasting Service” have also arranged special transmissions on the occasion. The special prayers ceremony will be broadcast live from Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Larkana. Radio Pakistan will also put on air live the speeches of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani after the prayers ceremony.

The views/impression of intellectuals and journalists, including Dr Mehdi Hassan, Munnoo Bhai, Prof Dr Hassan Askari Rizvi, Sohail Warraich, Altaf Qureshi, Masood Ashar, Munazza Hashmi, famous film actor Mustafa Qureshi about Shaheed Bhutto will also be broadcast, Maqbool Elahi Malik, Wu-

dood Qureshi, C R Shamsi and politicians like Law Minister Maulana Bakhsh Chandio, Jehangir Badr, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Mehrin Anwar Raja, Begum Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Rahim Dad Khan, Malik Hakmeen Khan and others will also be broadcast in various chunks.

Radio Pakistan will also broadcast a special “mushaera” to pay homage to the great leader. The poets include Hamayat Ali Shaer, Prof Sehar Ansari, Naqqash Kazmi, Shahida Hassan, Fatima Hassan, Sabir Wasim, and Pirzada Qasim immediately after news at 7:00 pm. sPeciAl Ptv MArAthon on ZAB AnniversAry: Pakistan Tele-

vision Corporation will telecast Special Marathon Transmission (Aaj Bhi Bhutto Zinda Hai) on anniversary of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on April 4.

The special transmission will start from 8.30 a.m. and will continue till mid night. According to a press release, the special programmes include Bhutto Meri Nazar Men,Bhutto Ney Kaha,Geet Tere Naam,Special documentaries,Mizaar-e-Quaid-eAwam,Deewana,Bhutto Shanasi,Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to Bhuttoism,Katl Ki Raat,Muqadma Bhutto and Special telematic play Kar-eKakkak Hait.

Preparations finalised to observe ZAB’s 33rd anniversary ISLAMABAD aPP

The preparations have been finalised to observe the 33rd death anniversary of the founder of Pakistan People’s Party Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on Wednesday with reverence and solemnity. Addressing a press conference, Parliamentary Secretary for Cabinet, Establishment Division, Member National Assembly Farhat Khan said various caravans from across the country have already left for Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to pay tributes to their martyred leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Various functions have been organized to pay rich tributes to ZA Bhutto with the renewed pledge to continue Bhutto’s mission of the progress and prosperity. Responding to a question, she said the government was striving hard to provide relief to the people. She cited the achievements of ZA Bhutto including the initiation of land reforms, empowerment of masses, promulgation of 1973 constitution etc. The present government is following the foot steps of their leader and took concrete steps to reduce poverty in the country, she said adding, Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) was aimed at serving the poor and providing solace to them.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Tuesday that first-ever visit of Saudi Minister for Culture and Information Dr Abdul Aziz bin Mohiuddin Al-Khoja to Pakistan would be helpful in formulating a joint media strategy to promote true image of Islam in the world. She said this talking to media after receiving the Saudi Culture and information minister at the Islamabad airport. The Saudi Minister for Culture and Information arrived here on Tuesday for a three-day official visit on the invitation of his Pakistani counterpart Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan.

She said that the visit will go a long way not only in understanding each other’s culture but would further help strengthen bilateral relations. Dr Firdous said that the two countries would continue to work jointly on every platform for the harmony, unity and progress of Muslims as their peoples were tied in the eternal bond of friendship, trust and brotherhood. The minister said that exchanges in the fields of media and culture would be increased so that both the countries should be able to learn from each other’s best practices. She said that there was great scope for joint production between Pakistan Television and Saudi Television. Similarly, she said that Radio Pakistan and Saudi Radio and Pakistani official news agency APP and Saudi national news agency can also increase cooperation.

BB murder case hearing adjourned until 10th RAWALPINDI aPP

The Anti-Terrorist Court (ATC) adjourned the hearing on Tuesday of the Benazir Bhutto murder case till April 10.

The case was adjourned due to the illness of the judge. The statements of around 15 witnesses have already been recorded by the court so far. Former Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Saud Aziz and SP Khurram Shahzad were to be presented before the court.

Commuters facing problems due to absence of bus stops ISLAMABAD aPP

The commuters are facing problems in federal capital due to absence of proper bus stops particularly on Islamabad Highway. Hundreds of commuters use local transport for traveling in the city, but observed the commuters are waiting on the roadside facing harsh weather conditions and putting their life on risk.

The commuters were of the view that the civic body yet to install over-head bridges on the main crossing points particularly Zero Point Interchange.

Muhammad Ali, a commuter waiting at Zero Point bus stop said that he always waiting on footpath or the roadside for transport due to absence of proper bus stop. He said in the forthcoming summer season and after monsoon rains it will be difficult for commuters to wait in the scorching heat without sheds and protect them from the downpour.

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IsLaMaBaD: an attractive eye-catching night view of fasial Mosque from Pir sohawa. inp phOTO

Journalists are more vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases ISLAMABAD

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NHEALTHY diets and physical inactivity are the key risk factors for the major non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and diabetes in media people.

Shifa International Hospital Consultant Cardiologist Dr Saeedullah Shah told APP on Tuesday that due to the work load, media people are more vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and advised them to adopt healthier life-styles to prevent such diseases.

He said the major causes of cardiovascular disease are tobacco use, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet and use of alcohol.

He stated that routine walks and exercise reduces the chances of morbidity, disability and premature mortality due to CVDs. He advised media people to get regular check-ups from medical consultants besides conducting tests related to heart diseases, including blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol level tests.

Dr Saeedullah Shah recommended media people to achieve an energy balance and a healthy

weight, limit energy intake from total fats and shift fat consumption, away from saturated fats to unsaturated fats and towards the elimination of trans-fatty acids.

He also advised them to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables, and legumes, whole grains and nuts, limit the intake of free sugars, limit salt consumption from all sources and ensure that salt is iodised.

He said cardiovascular disease is caused by disorders of the heart and blood vessels, and includes coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, raised blood pressure, peripheral artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease and heart failure.

He said smoking cessation is the most effective intervention for patients with CVDs. He added that many people die each year due to cardiovascular diseases and a substantial number of these deaths can be attributed to tobacco smoking, which increases the risk of dying from coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease two to three fold.

He said the risk increases with age and is greater for women than men.

In contrast, cardiac events fall 50 percent in people who stop

smoking and the risk of CVDs, including acute myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral vascular disease, also decreases significantly after stopping smoking, he added.

Dr Saeedullah Shah said: “Those who do not stop smoking after coronary revascularisation also have a two-fold higher risk of re-infarction and death.”

He stated that continuing to smoke after myocardial infarction or coronary revascularisation can have serious clinical consequences.

Even eight years after myocardial infarction, the mortality of postmyocardial infarction patients who continue to smoke is double that of quitters. crAcked, filthy And neglected Bus stoPs in twin cities: Commuters face problems in the sizzling heat, unexpected rain and harsh winds, as many bus stops in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi do not have sheds or seating arrangements to protect them from the heat and rain.

In the federal capital, the Karachi Company, Abpara, Golra, Pirwadhai, Railways Station, Saddar, Naz Cinema, Rehmanabad, Shamsabad bus stops, among others are without shelters.

However, some bus stops at the Committee Chowk, 6th Road, Dou-

ble Road, Faizabad and near the airport have small sheds but lack proper seating arrangements.

The sheds, which have cement benches, are filthy.

A few bus stations that have sheds are in a dilapidated condition.

In some of these sheds, vendors have displayed their wares, leaving no room for commuters to sit.

During the rains, these stops get flooded with filthy water as there is no proper drainage system and commuters have no option but to take shelter close to shops along the road.

Many commuters risk their lives while racing to the bus stops.

"It is very difficult to wait for public transport in the scorching heat or rain," said Chudhry Shahid, a commuter at the Karachi company bus stop.

He said the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the City District Government should build shelters for the commuters.

Ghulam Abbas, a passenger of Golra Sharif, said the government imposed heavy taxes on people but did not provide any facilities in return.

Nosheen Akbar, a schoolteacher, said it is very difficult for women to wait for public transport in the heat or rain.

InstrumentAl ecstAsy concert V

monster truck In IslmABAD

dATe And TIme: APr 06, 2012, 6:30 Pm VenUe: KUCH KHAAS (ISlAmABAd)

dATe: mAr 20 - APr 21, 2012 VenUe: f-9 PArK, ISlAmABAd

dATe And TIme: 05:00 Pm, WeeKly eVenT VenUe: THe CenTre for ArTS & CUlTUre

featuring instrument: Shehnai and naqqāra. In the Indian subcontinent one of the most famous instruments whose presence is particularly essential on any auspicious occasion is the Shehnai. The sound of the Shehnai is thought to create and maintain a sense of auspiciousness and sanctity and, as a result, it is widely used during traditional marriages, processions, and religious ceremonies.

monster truck in Islamabad.

our drumming circle is a (free!) ongoing event and is held every friday from 5 to 6 p.m.

We are having a great time, and want to share the good time with you! our drumming circle has children ...

DrummIng cIrcle

CollegeS / UnIVerSITIeS InTernATIonAl ISlAmIC UnIVerSITy 9260765 BAHrIA UnIVerSITy 9260002 nUml 9257677 QUAId-e-AZAm UnIVerSITy 90642098 ArId AgrICUlTUre UnIVerSITy 9290151 fJWU 9273235 rIPHA InTernATIonAl UnIVerSITy 111510510 nCA rAWAlPIndI 5770423 PUnJAB lAW College 4421347

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FDE to ensure timely delivery of textbooks ISLAMABAD

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HE Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) received 58 titles of textbooks out of 74 and started the process of delivering books to the schools and colleges.

Talking to APP, Director Model Colleges, Tariq Masood said the National Book Foundation (NBF), the book publishing authority will deliver remaining 16 titles soon so that the students can start their study in time.

He said the directorate will ensure timely delivery of the books this year and the students will get their books soon after reopening of the institutes on April 13, which are closed for spring break.

FDE has placed the order of textbooks to NBF during the month of Feb-

ruary to save the students from any inconvenience.

The parents are feared that the students may not get the textbooks timely as it happened last year. NBF, Secretary Aftab Soomro said that printing of books is underway and textbooks of only two or three subjects are yet to be printed.

NBF is responsible to provide books to the FDE run institutes as well as schools being run under the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA).

22 lAwBreAkers Arrested: Rawalpindi Police on Tuesday claimed to have arrested 22 outlaws in special crackdowns conducted against lawbreakers and recovered drugs, liquor and illegal weapons from them.

According to Police spokesman, Police seized 16,325 grams charas, 97 bot-

tles of liquor, four pistols 30 bor with 17 rounds, one gun 12 bor with two rounds, one dagger, 1755 kites with 27 string rolls and fireworks items from them.

The outlaws apprehended in different raids have been sent behind the bars, he said adding, separate cases have been registered against all the accused while further investigation is underway. dAcoit gAng Busted: Islamabad Police have arrested 11 outlaws from various areas of the city and recovered 34 wine bottles, four 30 bore pistols, one dagger and looted items worth Rs 180,000 from their possession, police said on Tuesday.

On a tip off Shehzad town police raided at the hideout of dacoits and arrested four persons in possession of three 30 bore pistol and one dagger from their possession.

The nabbed dacoits were identified as

education key to poverty alleviation: mushahid ISLAMABAD aPP

Pakistan Muslim League Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q) Secretary General Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed on Tuesday said that education for all is the key to Pakistan’s progress and removal of poverty. He said this while addressing as chief guest at the annual function of a special children school House of Light. Senator Mushahid Hussain said that educational initiatives of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan through Aligarh Muslim University which educated generations of Muslims through modern educational means, there would have been no Pakistan Movement and no independent state of Pakistan. He said that education does not just mean getting degrees or diplomas, it also means inculcating the right values of vision and he lauded the vision of the House of Light which says, ‘Education should result in tolerance’. Criticizing the current value system in Pakistan where people with big houses and big cars were respected while those whose vision was high and had lofty ideals but no bank balance were not given due respect. He appreciated the fact that the House of Light was providing free education services to the children of the poorest section of society. Senator Mushaid Hussain lauded this educational initiative as reflecting the self-starter citizens activism and positive philanthropic approach of middle class Pakistanis who had launched this initiative without any help from the government or any big investor but was running it through contribution on a self help basis.

Saudi Arabia to recruit Pakistani doctors this month: oeC ISLAMABAD aPP

Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) Managing Director Saeed Ahmed Shaikh said the Health Ministry of Saudi Arabia would send a delegation to recruit Pakistani medical doctors and paramedics in the current month.

Talking to APP on Tuesday, Saeed Ahmed Sheikh said that the delegation would visit Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad to recruit medical experts for various categories and for all professional levels. Earlier the delegation during the month of January 2012 selected around 300 doctors from Pakistan through OEC and over 80 has already left Pakistan and cases of about around same number under process. Saeed Ahmed Shaikh further informed that there is also a great number of recruited doctors who are reported to be unwilling to join service due to various reasons. Moreover, to a response to a recent demand from Ministry of Defense, for Doctors, CV’s of over 215 doctors have been sent to Ministry of Defence and we anticipate having sizeable selection from them as well.

With regards to the Korea, the Managing Director informed that over 260 Contacts have been received from Korean employers and around 150 workers have been dispatched since January 2012. The OEC is also processing applications for Engineers for Korean employers to be posted in Middle East and gulf countries and number of application have been received by it. MD, OEC also highlighted the need for creating awareness for general public to beware of illegal agents misguiding innocent people for securing employment of Korea. He said that the Korean recruitment under EPS system is purely transparent and people should not be misguided.

PSf to hold science caravan islAMABAd: The Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) will hold Science caravan in the federal capital, in the second week of April, to develop the skills of students to think and solve every day problems by application of science and technology in their daily life. Science Caravans are meant for organising Mobile Science Exhibitions for the students General Public Science Caravan is a specially designed truck which carries a consignment of scientific and technological concepts displayed through simple exhibits, colorful diagrams and photographs, specimens along with their write-ups, inflatable Planetarium system and working models on various subjects. aPP

Asar Ali s/o Nazir Hussain, Waqar Hussain s/o Naseer Hussain, Shujaat Hussain s/o Makhdoom Hussain, Qadeer s/o Banaras and they confessed to commit several dacoities in various areas of the city. Shalimar police nabbed two thieves Abdul Aleem and Saleem besides recovering stolen items worth Rs 1,80,000 from them.

Aabpara police apprehended a bottlegger Azeem and recovered 25 wine bottles from him while an accused Khuram Shehzad was arrested for having one wine bottle by Margallah police.

Margallah police apprehended a thief Arsalan in possession of stolen items and one 30 bore pistol while another bootlegger Sajid Khan was arrested by ASI Aurangzeb from Sihala police for having eight wine bottles.

Cases have been registered against these nabbed persons and further inves-

tigation is underway from them.

Pide seMinAr todAy: The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) will organise a seminar here on Wednesday.

The topic of the seminar is “Cost Efficiency for Service Delivery through Public-Public, Public-Community and Public-Private Partnership Models: A Case Study of Small Industries Development Board (SIDB), KP,” said a news release of the institute issued here Tuesday.

Those scheduled to speak on the occasion include Syed Akhter Hussain Shah, Managing Director, Small Industries Development Board, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Syed Tariq Shah, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, QAU, and Mahmood Khalid, Research Economist, PIDE, Islamabad, the release said.

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Cultural complex begets complexities for CDA ISLAMABAD

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HE cash-strapped Capital Development Authority is facing catch-22 situation to decide the fate of Rs 1.1 billion cultural complex project that had been lying unaccomplished since last three years.

The Authority had launched the project in 2007 and was to be completed last year but the financial crunch impeded the construction activity leaving the CDA between hard and a rock place. No construction activity could take place since 2009. Recently, the project faced another blow as the contractor moved to the court

for seeking nullification of the contract as the CDA could not resume construction activity. The Islamabad High Court had sought from the CDA complete report as why work on the project could not be restored. According to a CDA official, the Authority has already submitted reply in the court defending its position as why they cannot relieve the contractor. He said though the contractor had been awaiting restoration of the construction activity; however as per law he cannot retract the agreement.

He observed the contractor seemed to be on winning position as he owed Rs 120 million mobilization advance to the CDA that was paid to him before launch of the construction activity.

On the other hand, the contractor has around Rs 40 million payable by the CDA against the construction work. The project was designed by M/s Associated Consulting Engineers and the CDA had hired M/s Builders Associates to execute the project within four-year stipulated time.

As per design, the Complex is spread over an area of over 25 acres of land located in Shakarparian.

He said the contractor is resistant to nullify the agreement, but the official was hopeful that the contractor would get no relief in this regard because under contract law, he is bound to continue working with the CDA till completion of the project.

“We too are on fault but two wrongs don’t make a right,” the CDA official com-

mented.

He said the CDA has already spent Rs 400 million on the project. The civic body was mulling to restore the construction activity but any improvement in organization’s financial health is awaited.

He said some identical projects have also been developed in the vicinity like Pak-China Friendship Centre, Art and Craft Village, Open Air Theatre and Convention Centre having features similar to the under-construction Complex.

The official said as the CDA was in process to make Pak-China friendship Centre and Art and Craft Village as selfreliant, the Complex may lose its scope.

It is because all of these projects feature conference hall, exhibition

area, and ample space for events like musical concert or public gathering.

The CDA is now undecided as whether to spend more amount on the project or make already completed structures functional. As per layout plan, the Complex would have a 3,500-seated auditorium, an amphitheatre, piazza, conference hall and mosque.

Besides, two modern cinemas have also been designed in the cinema-less federal capital, restaurants and a gazebo.

The official said the only solution is to engage the private sector to complete the project. He said the structures of cinemas and open air theatre are almost complete, and the CDA can earn huge revenue by running them through private sector.

lok Virsa to hold annual lok mela from 6th ISLAMABAD aPP

IsLaMaBaD: Girls busy packing easter gifts to be distributed among less privileged children by Youth Peace Club. inp

HeC trains 28 faculty members ISLAMABAD aPP

As many as 28 faculty members from 23 public sector universities from across the country are attending 18th master trainers-faculty professional development programme (MT-FPDP) of the Higher Education Commission which started here on Tuesday.

The two-month long programme is being arranged by the Learning Innovation Division of HEC and benefitted 496 faculty members from MT-FPDP in 17 batches so far.

The training programme, specifically designed for in-service teachers, will cover 12 core modules and additional sessions on different important social topics.

The main objective of the programme is to enhance the teaching abilities of the participants to ensure quality education which is entirely dependent on the quality of teachers. The programme caters to participants of both natural and social sciences.

Member (Operation and Planning) HEC, Dr Nasser Ali Khan was the chief guest in the opening ceremony. He explained the valuable contribution of HEC for professional development of the university faculty. He said that the quality of cascading of learning will develop impact of the training.

Easter cheques distributed among Christians ISLAMABAD aPP

Minister of State for National Harmony Akram Masih Gill and Senator Mushahid Hussain, Secretary General of PML (Q), here Tuesday distributed cheques of Rs 5,000 each among 150 members of the Christian community on the occasion of Easter.

The grant was given to the deserving members for celebrating the religious festival of Christians in a befitting manner. Speaking on the occasion,

Akram Masih Gill said that festivals of minorities are celebrated officially by the government throughout the year to follow the true ethical values and in this regard, the upcoming festival of Easter will also be celebrated at higher level.

“Government is committed for uplift of minorities socially by their economic empowerment and removing discriminatory actions against the nonMuslims aimed at providing them with equal opportunities of development,” he said. He mentioned the steps taken by the government for the minorities in

Pakistan including reservation of 4 seats for minorities in Senate, 5 percent quota in government jobs and August 11 declared as minority day.

Mushahid Hussain said that PML(Q) always stood for the rights of minorities and announced scholarships for the deserving students of minorities.

The religious festivals of minorities are celebrated regularly at party level, he added. Members of Christian community including political leaders were present on the occasion.

Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage) will hold its annual Lok Mela from April 6 to 15 for presenting glimpses of rural Pakistan. The event is being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of National Heritage and Integration to revive endangered folk arts, crafts and music as well as to promote and safeguard traditional practitioners associated with Pakistan’s folk heritage. “It will serve to disseminate the dynamic creativity of our countryside and give rural folk a pride in their identity,” said Lok Virsa Executive Director, Khalid Javaid on Tuesday. The 10-day festival mainly focuses on provincial harmony and national integration, while highlighting the contribution of the people in building the future of the country. Hundreds of master artisans, folk artists, rural musicians and folk dancers from all over Pakistan, including remote and farflung regions, will participate in the festival, bringing with them their creativity in arts, crafts and innovation and win recognition for their talent at the national level. “This unique event has become a symbol of the federation’s recognition of our rich cultural diversity and active participation of the people of Pakistan”, Khalid Javaid said.

The festival will feature artisans-atwork exhibition, specially designed pavilions depicting culture and traditions of all provinces including Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK, silk route pavilion, exotic craft bazaar, stalls by non-governmental organisations, folk song and dance performances, musical concerts, special attractions for children and families.

The event will be a depiction of rural Pakistan for 10 consecutive days.

All federating units and regions on one platform will give a message of unity among the entire nation, Lok Virsa’s chief said.

Art show raises funds for Saidpur village potter ISLAMABAD aPP

A group of nine established artists displayed their collection of art pieces Tuesday to raise charity funds for the family of Rahimdad, a famous potter from the Saidpur Village.

Mashkoor Raza, Anjum Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Zia Zaidi, Riffat Khattak, Arjumand Awan, Rasheed Khan, Saba Hussain and Indian Artist Madhubani exhibited 33 paintings of mixed media works. According to the artists, after many decades of contribution to keep the craft of pottery alive, Rahimdad died in difficult circumstances and that the exhibition was a small effort to make his family comfortable before they could

create a source of income.

Mashkoor Raza has displayed the work on figurative abstract.

Creating transparency with parts of basic forms of square, circle, triangle on his canvases, he captures abstracting images of women and horses. He is inspired by the solar eclipse and paints moon and eclipses sun in the paintings.

Anjum Ayub is a print maker, deeply attracted and moved by the concerns of the soul and uses different techniques to create a sanctuary for the soul. Arjumand Awan expresses his creativity through different media and fields like Fine Arts, Decoration and Film making.

He depicts various aspects of life including social, political and personal.

Abrar Ahmed is a popular artist from

Karachi. He maintains his creative innovation while maintaining his skillful and fine lines, spontaneous details and rich, jewellike colours. His subject focuses on women adorned with jewellery in an attempt to show dissatisfaction of the soul, despite the wealthy and luxury modern living.

Abrar’s work carries a world within stirring a reflection of Gandhara images, pictures Indian miniature paintings and Bengal art.

Zia Zaidi’s work is expression of non-physical experience about love and life, believing in inner truth and guidance while Riffat Khattak captures landscapes and views in surroundings with the medium of water colour. elderly PeoPle need More exercise: Older adults have to exer-

cise more than younger adults in order to maintain their muscle mass.

To examine how much exercise was needed to maintain or increase muscle mass, size and strength in adults aged 20 to 35 years and ages 60 to 75, researchers from Melourn University, Australia assigned all participants three sets of resistance training exercises (leg press, knee extensions and squats) three times a week, BBC health reported.

In the 32-week second phase, participants were divided into three groups: some were assigned to stop resistance training altogether, some were told to reduce training to one day a week, and others were asked to cut down training to one day and one set of resistance exercises a week.

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Wednesday, 04 April, 2012

Editor’s mail 11

A neglected risk

City of lights?

Overloaded vehicles are prevalent throughout the third world but the Asian countries do seem to push the overloading a little further than most. Most of the trucks are piled high with both cargo and people. Most of the local people in these situations do it as there is just no other option available to them and there’s just no other way for these people to get around.

Overloading a vehicle, whether a goods vehicle, Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV), or car, is illegal and carries severe penalties for drivers and operators. The responsibility for ensuring that a vehicle is not overloaded rests with both the driver and the vehicle operator.

Furthermore, anyone else who causes or permits overloading is also committing an offence and the drivers may also face a charge of dangerous driving, with a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

If overloading results in someone being killed, the driver and operator may face

imprisonment for manslaughter or death by dangerous driving. Additionally, no motor vehicle or trailer must be used for any purpose for which it is unsuited as to cause or be likely to cause danger or nuisance to any person. Overloading a vehicle isn't difficult, and it's not always the case that drivers are aware of the fact that their vehicles are as such.

However, it is an offence under the Road Traffic Act and carries a maximum penalty which could be as a result of overloading in connection with an axle (or axles), the gross vehicle weight or the train weight of the vehicle. What is need to be done is that the traffic controllers should have a ‘safety culture’ in place that ensures that the drivers understand weight legislation and a simple guide to load capacity and weight distribution should be available in every vehicle.

The drivers should immediately report concerns that a vehicle is illegally overloaded to their manager, who should

investigate all concerns straightaway to prevent overloading.

Overloading convictions may be taken into account by the Traffic Commissioner who may decide to take action against the license holder. It should be remembered that when applying for an operator licence the authorities must be satisfied that the applicant has made acceptable arrangements to avoid overloading.

Problems can occur when loading at customers premises where (through human error) the weight of the consignment note is incorrect. Equally so, it may be the case that a client (or agent) merely wants the whole consignment to be loaded and doesn't consider the weight implications that may follow. Whatever the case, a policy of vigilance must be foremost at all times.

Overloading vehicles do not only increase the pressure on the suspension and other vehicle components but makes

it much more difficult to steer the vehicle safely in challenging road conditions. The overloaded vehicle will not only put the driver at risk, but also passengers and other road users.

Furthermore, overloaded vehicles can cause the tyres to overheat and wear rapidly which increases the chance of premature, dangerous and expensive failure or blow-outs or in other case, brakes have to work harder because the vehicle is heavier due to overloading. Brakes overheat and lose their effectiveness to stop the car.

Therefore, by overloading the vehicle, one will incur higher maintenance costs to the vehicle such as tyres, brakes, shock absorbers and higher fuel consumption.

With the amount of deaths happening due to road accidents, it is only a matter of time before the authorities do something there too.

ZOHRA TAIYEB Karachi

Child labour Children are the most precious gift of Allah and the future of any nation.

Any nation that wants to be a developed one in the future should try its best to facilitate its children. Child labour is a serious crime all over the world. The number of child labourers in Pakistan is from 8 to 10 million.

According to a survey of the Federal Bureau of Statistics, 3.8 million children of age group of 5-14 years are working in Pakistan out of a total of 40 million children.

Some 50 percent of these economically active children are in the age group of 5 to 9 years. Out of these 3.8 million children, 2.7 million are working in the agricultural sector. Two million and four hundred thousand (73 percent) of them are boys.

The government of Pakistan has made primary education compulsory for everyone but we all know that action speaks louder than words. The government should supply free books to the government schools and should bring government schools comparative to private schools so that education equality becomes standard.

The government should take notice of child labour as well and take some strict action against those responsible so that the future of Pakistan could be saved.

FARYAL RASHEED Karachi send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan fax: +92-42-36298302 e-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

It would be appreciated if letters were addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively.

The latest violence and the situation in Karachi would make even the most optimistic amongst us think that the city has been amid sea of blood.

In the last few days over 30 people have been killed. The gangs are blamed by most of the politicians for this but the question is: are they really some gangs or the same versions of our corrupted political parties?

Let us just say that gangs are involved, but then again it’s a bitter fact that in Karachi every powerful gang has an even more powerful political party providing them support. Is there no one left who can take actions against these gangs and parties?

The three main political parties in Karachi – the MQM, the ANP and the PPP – need to put their grievances aside for the sake of the city. The sad truth is that violence is just ruining our city. Many other solutions have been suggested that are likely to beget further violence.

Bringing in the army or giving orders to shoot to kill right away to the forces, will only make a mess and create more anger and hate. It’s the duty of those who have been elected and taken oaths for the prosperity of Pakistan and its citizens to bring to an end this violence. We do not want blood anymore.

MEHREEN FAROOQ Karachi

Acid attack victims

Who cares?

The passive attitude of the general public on every increase in gas, electricity and fuel prices has encouraged the government to be bold in squeezing the common man beyond all limits. The latest whopping increase in the prices of petroleum products has jolted even the middle class of the society. Its trickle-down effect on the common man is going to be disastrous which our rulers have not realised. The rulers’ attitude towards the poor class is dangerously deplorable. The man in the street is now very aware that our rulers are all free loaders and the price hike does not pinch them. They are living a royal life with huge bank balances and properties both in Pakistan and abroad from the looted money.

Whenever there is an increase in fuel and energy rates, there is momentary reaction, a few protests marches and

a few statements/threats by the opposition leaders and then everything subsides as if they have reconciled with the government's policies. The rulers continue to bulldoze their way and are looking forward to have another term of 5 years with programmes like Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Waseela-i-Haq, laptop distribution etc and giving Nishani-i-Imtiaz, Hilal-i-Imtiaz etc to all the sycophants ruling junta.There was a loot sale of these awards on this 23 March at the Presidency. I wonder what extraordinary work they had done for the country except that they have shown very poor governance in the history of the country and caused massive corruption in all the departments!May God help this country!

MUHAMMAD AZHAR KHWAJA Lahore

Every year in Pakistan, about 100 cases of acid throwing are reported to the police.

Although media has been showing reports and highlighting those cases, unfortunately no one is doing any effort to remedy acid attack victims. They are left on their own. Many acid attack victims are traumatised physically, psychologically and socially. Women who have survived acid attacks have great difficulty in finding work and if unmarried, as many victims tend to be, they have very little chance of ever getting married.

Recently, Pakistani journalist and documentary maker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy documented these women in her documentary, Saving Face. She has made a great effort in raising awareness about this issue.

She has given a message through her documentary that an acid attacked woman also has the same right to live a happy and normal life as anyone else.

Victims of such violence are entitled to equal protection and enforcement of the law and the government should create an independent mechanism in each province to monitor and oversee police treatment of women victims of violence.

KARAR ALI Karachi

The vitiated trial of Zulfikar ali Bhutto

By Fakhar zaman

I

t is a pity that the trial of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in the appellate courts, which should always be above mistrust and suspicion, had to earn the accusation of a biased and prejudicial trial from neutral observers because the courts had succumbed to unseemly pressure from the military dictator, General Ziaul Haq. In ordinary circumstances, such a trial would have been vitiated and could have caused disqualification of the judges who sat on the two benches.

It is indeed significant that the prime minister, who was named by the presiding judge as the “principal accused”, was not directly charged with murder but was arraigned for conspiracy to kill a man who is still alive.

It is in this perspective that some persons, who have the good name of the country at heart, have been suggesting from time to time a retrial of the case against the late prime minister by the High Court and the Supreme Court in order to

“restore the majesty of the law and the dignity of the superior judiciary in Pakistan”. The real culprit responsible for impairing the image of the judiciary was General Ziaul Haq, Chief Martial Law Administrator, assisted by the two Chief Justices, Mushtaq Hussain and Anwar-ul-Haq, who lent him their noble judicial position in bringing the conspiracy against the prime minister to fruition.

Article 212-A was made part of the Constitution through Presidential Order 21 of 1979 which contemplated the setting up of military courts precluding the superior judiciary from entertaining any applications in respect of matters to which the jurisdiction of the military courts extended. It was with the inspiration provided by this conduct of the CMLA that the trial and appellate courts presided over by Maulvi Mushtaq Hussain and Anwar-ul-Haq had secured the elimination of an elected prime minister whom the military junta considered its arch-foe.

A Division Bench of the Lahore High Court was already inquiring into a private complaint of Ahmed Raza Kasuri about the same incident. The bench was also

seized of the bail matter. An incomplete challan was, meanwhile, submitted in the court of a magistrate of Lahore which was immediately forwarded to the Sessions Court.

The apprehensions of the petitioner about the partiality of Justice Mushtaq Hussain were substantiated when the latter transferred the incomplete challan from the lower court to the High Court on the same day when Mr Bhutto was enlarged on bail by a Division Bench presided over by Mr Justice Samdani. And on the same day, as acting Chief Justice he passed an order constituting a special bench of five judges, presided over by himself, for the trial of the challan case. The withdrawal of the matter from the lower court to the High Court was decided without hearing the accused or his counsel, and only confirmed the bias.

The way, the whole issue was being treated is evident from what Mushtaq Hussain told a German diplomat who had posed a query about the transfer of the case. He had said, “Because no other judge would be able to control the accused.”

Professor F C Crone of Copenhagen, who had followed the proceedings of the case, commented in the journal, Asiaweek of May 5, 1978 that the trial could not, by any standard, be characterised as fair. It appears, he had written, that the coup generals see Bhutto’s death – his judicial murder – as a logical necessity of removing a dangerous political enemy.

Some other factors that vitiated the trial and displayed bias and partiality, bordering on virtual hostility towards the principal accused, had also been highlighted and indicated by a number of writers.

During and before the trial, General Zia had publicly declared that Z A Bhutto was a murderer and would not escape punishment.

No notice was taken by the trial court of this prejudiced statement.

Both the Chief Justices had also spoken to foreign pressmen projecting their “efforts” to ensure a fair trial. Such observations are never made anywhere in the world when a matter is sub judice, for it is presumed that a superior court takes no sides.

Defence counsel received rather rough treatment in open

court, smacking of prejudice and one-sidedness. The Chief Justice would personally rebuke them if they said anything which did not please him and his concept of a “fair trial”. The accused prime minister would be sent out of court room frequently when he made counter remarks in response to the utterances of the presiding judge, and the proceedings would continue in his absence.

Despite repeated applications by the accused charging the court with bias, the transfer of the case to another court was not allowed.

Also, though he had been released on bail by another bench of the same High Court, he was arrested under a martial law order and produced before the full bench without getting the order of the High Court rescinded. On top of this the statutory period of 30 days for filing an appeal was reduced to mere seven days. Benefit of doubt was given to the prosecution on numerous occasions instead of allowing it in favour of the accused, which is the normal judicial practice.

Significantly, former Chief Justice of Pakistan Dr Nasim Hassan Shah who was a member of the

Supreme Court Bench which had finally confirmed death sentence had later on conceded that Bhutto could have escaped the gallows and his death sentence reduced easily. In his opinion, there was a strong case for it and he had asked Yahya Bakhtiar to argue it. But the counsel did not argue it perhaps for the reason that he was seeking a clear acquittal. But the court could not act sou motu to save him from capital punishment. It could not be more loyal than the king, the judge had said.

Dr Nasim Hassan Shah had volunteered these contentions in a startling interview to daily Jang (August 23, 1996).

He had further hinted that both General Ziaul Haq and Maulvi Mushtaq Hussain had fears that Bhutto’s survival could be risky for them, so he should better be eliminated first and no chances taken.

“I am sorry it had to be done, had to be done.” A belated remorse by the judge. And, now what had to be done is to be undone.

The writer is a central leader of PPP

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12 Comment looking beyond the nose Both sides need to be realistic

T

he US military leadership failed to realise the grievous implications of the Salala attack that killed 25 Pakistani troops. It should have known that an elected government could not be as pliant as a military regime and that too when every political party in Pakistan was calibrating its reactions with an eye on the forthcoming elections. The PPP leadership agreed to be led by the army and took steps that it is finding hard to retrace. Instead of convening a joint session of parliament for debate, the government hastily announced a ban on the Nato supplies and ordered the evacuation of Shamsi airbase.

Washington has at last realised that the loss of the Pakistani route is hurting the US-led Nato troops. It now wants an urgent resumption of the Nato traffic. But would Obama agree to major concessions to Pakistan when he is himself facing elections? In Pakistan, both the government and the PML(N) realise now that the country cannot afford to fight the existential threat of terrorism alone nor can it cope with the economic and security implications of hostile relations with the US and Nato countries. Meanwhile, so much anti-US propaganda has been launched by organisations like Difa-ePakistan Council at the behest of powerful circles that, despite wanting an early solution of the matter, political parties fear strong public reaction in case they allow the reopening of the Nato supply routes. The army, too, has finally realised that a way out has to be found. It is, however, unwilling to tell the parliament that it is vital to withdraw the ban imposed on Nato traffic. Instead, it wants the political parties to reach a consensus over the issue. With an otherwise flexible JUI(F) adamant on not allowing the Nato traffic and the PML(N) unwilling to side with the government, a consensus cannot simply be reached.

The bounty announced for Hafiz Saeed and one of his lieutenants amounts to putting a squeeze on Pakistan. That this is being done four years after the Mumbai terror attacks and at this particular juncture strengthens the view. Any action taken to neutralise the cleric by Pakistan or the US would push another militant group to join others already wreaking havoc in Pakistan. The US and Pakistan’s political leadership need to look beyond their immediate interests.

don’t let them get away ….and other musings

I

t didn’t come as much of a surprise. Since its very inception in 2006, the Rental Power Projects had a shady connotation to them. This element of shadiness became much more pronounced in public discourse during the term of the incumbent government. The NAB’s request to place some of the key players in the RPP deal on the Exit Control List simply vindicates the detractors’ point of view.

Does it confirm those suspicions, though? Like paratroopers without a chute on, the “investigative” reporting community in the country have a predilection for jumping to conclusions. Let us reread the verdict here. Is there a “smoking gun” for corruption just yet? Financial and procedural irregularities there have been many and those need to be dealt with in the spirit of the law. But there needs be clarity in what is known so far. A media gone berserk and a public gone testy don’t make for rational, thoughtful investigations that go into the heart of the matter. Many simply get in the way of the stampede; consider former finance minister Shaukat Tarin, who is also to be on the ECL, even though he smelled wrongdoing earlier on, conducted an audit and exercised the extent of his ambit as finance minister to undo the damage.

So far, NAB has asked for this list of people to be put on the ECL, nothing more. Earlier, the Supreme Court had ordered for the RPP deals to be scrapped, on basis of irregularities. It is the duty of the court to arrive to a conclusion, not the media.

While the court should work diligently to recover the public’s money and, indeed, punish those involved in corruption, there also needs to be an eye on principles here.

The government’s strategy: instead of trying to overcome the problem of circular debt, it opted to go for a stop-gap arrangement and got power plants on rent. Even the most spirited supporters of the government felt queasy defending this strategy. But the job of the judiciary is not to zero in on bad decisions. It is to identify where there has been corruption or, as it had dutifully done till now, to identify procedural irregularities.

It is not the job of the judiciary to question the merits of a sitting government’s decisions. Its job is only to question their legality. Political governments are mandated to make bad decisions. This would take a little while to get used to in our orphaned republic where the gods of democracy have been unkind. This - not a cruel dictator - is the true test of an honest judiciary.

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36298305-10 Fax: 042-36298302 Karachi – Ph: 021-34330811-3 Fax: 021-34330900 Islamabad – Ph: 051-2287414-6 Fax: 051-2287417 Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

Wednesday, 04 April, 2012

nukes and their security Pakistan’s are safe

P

akistan is one of seven declared nuclear weapons states. It did not acquire this capability for international status, prestige or belligerent designs. Pakistan’s nuclear weapons programme is India-focused; meant for securing itself against a bigger military adversary. Had India not exploded nuclear devices on May 11 and 13, 1998, Pakistan would not have gone for nuclear explosions two weeks later. It would have preferred to continue with the policy of nuclear ambiguity: no nuclear weapons despite having the capability to make them.

The induction of nuclear weapons in South Asia in May 1998 following the initiative of India enabled Pakistan to neutralise India’s superiority in conventional weapons to a great extent. Therefore, nuclear weapons are integral to Pakistan’s security system.

Nuclear weapons are not meant for use because they cause devastating havoc; there is no winner of a nuclear war. However, these are meant to deter the adversary from engaging in conventional military adventurism.

If nuclear weapons provide military security, these bestow a major responsibility on nuclear weapons states. These weapons have to be protected against two kinds of major threats. First, nuclear weapons face the threat of unauthorised and accidental use or their use due to misinformation or miscalculation. Second, nuclear weapons, fissile material and radioactive substance can be stolen from nuclear installations, storage and in transit from one place to another. Their security may also threatened by terrorist and extremist groups that may attack a nuclear installation or take control of nuclear weapons, fissile material or radioactive substance.

It may be difficult for terrorist groups to takeover nuclear weapons and they may not be able to make a nuclear bomb if they take control of fissile mateBy Dr Hasan Askari Rizvi rial. However, a terrorist attack on nuclear installation or if they take control of fissile or radioactive material, it gives them a psychological advantage.

They can use the control of fissile or radioactive substances to blackmail the target state, attempt to move the nuclear materials out of that state to target others or make what is called the dirty bomb for use in urban centres.

The question of safety and security of nuclear weapons, fissile material and radioactive substance has always been a major concern of the international community. This issue attracted much attention after the break-up of the Soviet Union in December 1991 and emergence of independent republics in Central Asia.

Some of these republics had Soviet nuclear installations and material. Their accounting and security

became a major concern of Russia and major western countries. There were reports of instances of smuggling of radioactive material from Russia and Central Asia. Another concern pertained to those nuclear scientists that lost their jobs due to disintegration of the Soviet Union.

The concern about safety and security of nuclear material acquired much salience after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, especially when, in October 2001, Osama bin Laden expressed strong interest in nuclear weapons in an interview with a Pakistani journalist.

The most commonly expressed fear is that extremist and terrorist groups may acquire ex-Soviet material. Pakistan faced a massive propaganda campaign with reference to the alleged vulnerability of its nuclear installations and material to extremist access or attack because extremist Islamic groups were located in Afghanistan and Pakistan. There was some propaganda against Pakistan with reference to Dr A Q Khan’s personal efforts to supply nuclear technology through an underground network in the pre-2001 period.

Nuclear security threats can be addressed by a host of measures that include an effective command and control, personnel reliability programme, technical and professional know-how and skills and human and technological security arrangements. The international community adopted cooperative measures and resource mobilisation to cope with these challenges.

Pakistan has given the highest importance to safety and security of nuclear material of all kinds and nuclear installations by setting up an effective Command and Control System in 2000. With an effective National Command Authority (NCA) and Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) and updating of technological and professional control with the help of friendly countries, Pakistan has a reliable nuclear security system. During the last couple of years, Pakistan has also introduced legislation and administrative measures to control export of nuclear related material.

A study of terrorist threats to nuclear material and installations in India and Pakistan undertaken in the U.S. in 2002 (Published in February 2003) concluded that there was minimal, if any, threat of a successful terrorist attack on nuclear installations or these groups taking over nu-

clear installation or material.

Since April 2010, the international community is giving greater attention to safety and security of nuclear materials.

On the US initiative, first global nuclear security summit was held in Washington DC in April 2010. The second global nuclear security summit was held in Seoul, South Korea on March 26-27, 2012.

In both summit conferences, Pakistan was represented by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani. The most noteworthy feature of the Seoul Summit was that no chief delegate targeted Pakistan for criticism on nuclear related issues. Rather, there was much appreciation of Pakistan’s effort to work with the international community for securing nuclear material and installations against terrorist threat or unauthorised use.

While highlighting the need of strengthening the IAEA for ensuring nuclear safety and security against the backdrop of the Fukushima reactors incident (2011), Pakistan emphasised the need of each country’s sovereign decision to adopt specific measures for safety and security.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Yousaf Raza Gilani, highlighted the steps taken

by Pakistan for securing its nuclear materials and installations. He informed the Summit Conference that Pakistan would soon be installing nuclear detectors, called Special Nuclear Material Portals, on its international border points of entry and exit to detect movement of radioactive material. He declared that “nuclear materials must never fall into the hands of terrorists.”

The PM informed that conference that Pakistan carried out “comprehensive stress tests” of its nuclear power plants after the Fukushima reactor accident. It may be mentioned here that Pakistan has established a Centre of Excellence for conducting special courses on nuclear security, physical protection and personal reliability and related matters. This training will soon be open non-Pakistanis.

Pakistan recognises that, in addition to technological updating of the nuclear programme along with it delivery system, nuclear deterrence cannot be effective without a strong command and control and institution of security and safety measures for nuclear materials and control of their export and import.

The writer is an independent political and defence analyst.

regional Press

Peace: a pre-req for development Daily Pashtun Post

T

he province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has long been suffering from the scourge of terrorism. The acts of terrorism have not only taken many thousands of lives and resulted in great material loss by damaging countless private property and public infrastructure but they have also ensured that no investor, whether local or foreign, is willing to invest in the region due to the security climate and pervasive terrorism.

The incumbent provincial government though has made attempts to restore peace to the region by calling upon a traditional tribal jirga. But it has not been shown any significant support by the central government in this regard. Consequently, these efforts have not bore much fruit and the intensity of terrorism has increased in certain areas.

The chief minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti has said time and again that the provincial government is taking substantive steps for the restoration of peace and has given priority to the completion of many developmental projects across the province. With the completion of these projects, the masses would be better facilitated in various aspects of life than before.

The CM said his government is not unaware of the problems of the masses and is mindful of addressing the same through pursuing various developmental projects.

But it cannot be denied that all these efforts for development are doomed to fail until the menace of terrorism and militancy is uprooted and peace is restored to the province. No development project can help the masses if these problems persist.

– Translated from the original Pashto by Abdur Rauf Khattak

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Wednesday, 04 April, 2012

if the iSi were to stop…

Ke khushi se mar na jaate, agar aetbaar hota

By Ali Aftab Saeed

G

eneral Zaheerul Islam, the newly appointed DG ISI, solemnly assures us that the political wing of ISI has been closed down, stopping army’s meddling in politics once and for all. I earnestly hope he is a man of his word, because according to the perception of the layman, jumping from K2 and getting up as if nothing happened is more plausible than separating the army from politics. The whole concept seems a bit too good to be true, just like your dream girl, who is way out of your league, just knocking on your front door with an inviting smile on her lips. Let’s imagine for a minute the reaction inside the house if that happens, that is, she knocks, as in, actually.

Let’s take a camera inside the house to check out the reaction: Oh, look there sits Altaf Hussain in an armchair after joining PPP for the sake of national interest, reminiscing about those bygone days when his party members used to baffle PPP representatives by unleashing hard-core Urdu on them. He sighs when he remembers those times when the MQM used to get inconsolably distressed over petrol price hikes during, coincidentally, every non-army government.

Let’s now pan the camera to Nawaz Sharif, who is in the next room jumping on his bed out of sheer joy for having successfully retained an anti-establishment face. He is overjoyed that finally one of his own strategies has worked.

However, Shahbaz Sharif, who is on the other single-bed, is weeping like a little girl, asking the jumping Sharif what was the whole point of their good

cop-bad cop strategy, his daring late hour sneaks out to army officials and his borrowed slogans to hang the sitting president when the military was going to be reduced to a non-political, homoeopathic-harmless figure like this. He feels betrayed that bare mian saab has enhanced his own reputation at the cost of chhote mian saab’s, when the latter’s only fault was that he was following to a T another of the elder’s inspired strategies.

The PPP, by way of creating a new enemy to kill its boredom, has collectively started believing in Zionist conspiracy theories. It turns out that there is a handy byproduct as well. Babar Awan and Faisal Raza Abidi, master tacticians, have already figured out what to do when PPP is blamed for corruption, incompetence, and bad governance once ISI is no more there to point their fingers at: lay it at the door of Zionists and the yehudi lobby in general.

Imran Khan’s predicament is the most precarious of all – with the notable exception of Sheikh Rasheed’s. Hearing the knock, Khan slips in the bathroom and is knocked out cold.

Everybody is trying to bring him back to consciousness.

“Wake up Imran…” “You never needed these crutches.”

“You are the only hope.” “The civilian establishment is still on your side.” “You will win by a landslide.” “Play like a tiger.”

Imran comes to consciousness. He is looking better now.

He collects himself. He sits up, looks around, takes a deep breath, and boycotts the next elections. Sheikh Rasheed commits suicide by hanging from the fan; his suicide note saying he wishes to be buried with his wig on.

I am still in the process of storyboarding the next scenes of this film (suggestions from readers are also welcome).

While you munch on your popcorn during the interval, I would like you to contemplate on two very interesting occurrences: A Pakistani court on

Monday convicted Osama bin Laden’s three widows and two of his grown-up daughters of illegal residency, sentencing them to 45 days’ detention and ordering their deportation. It will take all of those 45 days (and probably more) to prepare the paperwork for their legal departure considering their perplexing and mysterious entry and stay, I fear. OBL and co. continue to be an unalloyed disaster for the region long after he is gone. In terms of foreign exchange, even Raymond Davis was better than this bunch – at least he gave jizya for his expatriation. The OBL family is paying ten thousand (cash) each and is walking scot-free!

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan is very excited about the prospects of re-opening of the NATO supply line because that means they get to kill more people. They have threatened, after the joint meeting between the parliamentarians and the military establishment, that if Pakistan allows the NATO supplies to resume, they will target the parliamentarians in retaliation. While it is a win-win situation for the TTP, the parliamentarians are finding themselves caught between a rock and a hard place. Never mind the “this-nation-can-eatgrass” slogans – which are never in short supply – the sad fact is that our economy can’t survive if the US barges in sanctions on us, because that will be the end of our debt rescheduling.

But even if we are to survive sanctions, can our military live without the US? I guess you know the answer to this. I am also confident you know who ultimately decides these things one way or the other (hint: it’s not the parliamentarians). So the parliamentarians are facing threats for something they have absolutely no power to decide.

Needless to say, having to make the “choice” is killing them (pun intended).

The writer is a member of the band Beygairat Brigade.

Comment 13

On peace with india Wanted by (almost) all

Border Crossings

By Kuldip Nayar

P

akistan has changed in some ways since my last visit one year ago. Terrorism is absent from most parts of the country. Punjab has not experienced even a single incident in the last 15 months or so. Above all, terrorism is no more a topic in any discussion. I did not see any armed security person on the streets of Lahore. Still people do feel uneasy and even insecure, but appear to have reconciled to the circumstances and the conditions.

In the same way, the Taliban do not figure in the daily discourse as was the case last year.

No doubt, they are there and it is contended that the Pakistani army does not go after them as much as it does in the case of the Taliban in Afghanistan. It is apparent that fanaticism is not thriving any more, although an appeal in the name of religion has not lessened in effect. The maulvi is still a bugbear for all, more so to the liberals who seem to have toned down their voice of dissent.

Sensing that the establishment is not with them, the rightist forces have arrayed themselves on a platform, Council of Defence (Difa-e-Pakistan), to pounce upon those who dare to think of peace and harmony. Leaders include Hafiz Saeed who is connected with the terror attacks on Mumbai and the India-baiter Hameed Gul, former ISI chief.

They fear that Islamabad may even make up with their top enemies, America and India.

However pernicious their hate campaign, there is a genuine desire among the people to have good relations with India. Despite all pressures, the common man on both sides has nourished good feelings towards one another. Yet

I have never seen before the surge for friendship which exists today in Pakistan.

Elderly persons have a feeling that if the hatchet between India and Pakistan is not buried in their lifetime, it might not happen after they are gone because the youth is indifferent. However, I found many young girls and boys keenly interested in India and want to interact with their counterparts.

But their main problem is the visa which is “impossible” to get.

Trade with India is awaited with abated breath, not only because it would give a break to the deteriorating economy of Pakistan but also because it would provide an opportunity to have contact with India. The bonds of common culture, common traditions and common ethos are convincing more and more Pakistanis that their long-term interests lie with India, not with the Islamic world which the rightist forces are trying to sell all the time. This, however, is not the case with the media which I found too involved in domestic happenings like our newspapers and television channels.

A few businessmen told me that the extremists have already begun threatening them of dire consequences if they were entering into any trade relationship with India. Most significant is the news that cantonments have their walls full of slogans against India written in chalk. (Chalking is the common practice to spread an idea).

No doubt, the general perception is that the army is strong. But I did not find it throwing its weight about as happened even in General Musharraf’s time. The military seems to have realised that a takeover would not be easy this time. The political parties are daggers drawn but they have let it be known that martial law is out of the question.

Nawaz Sharif told me that they would all stand by the Asif Ali Zardari government if there was any attempt by the army to push it out. I believe that Zardari has got such a message from Sharif who wants the army to be like the one in America or India.

I think the killing of Osamabin Laden at his house in Abbot-

tabad was a watershed for the army. People’s confidence in it has been greatly hit. They find it “too flabby and too close” to America. A story openly told is that President Zardari had a meeting of top army officials including General Parvez Kayani and some senior ministers to find out how far Islamabad could go to push America for having killed some Pakistani soldiers. The army top brass is said to have indicated that it could not withstand the pressure of Washington. Although the US drone attacks are criticised, the people admit in private that, but for the drone attacks, Pakistan would not have got rid of Taliban leaders like Osama and Mullah Omar.

No doubt, the anti-American feeling is stronger than it was last year. But this is primarily because of Washington’s pro-Kabul policy.

Islamabad still wants Afghanistan as it strategic depth and it is irritated over Washington’s policy to make Kabul strong. That the latter is close to New Delhi aggravates the situation. Kayani is no friend of India but he does not see any purpose in wearing his antiDelhi feelings on his sleeves. He finds America pressing him relentlessly to give up hostility towards India. Kayani realises that if Pakistan wants to get the military wherewithal he has to favour steps to lessen the distance with India. The decision to extend the status of ‘Most Favoured Nation’ to India had his nod. What he probably does not realise is that the peace lobby in Pakistan has expanded beyond his estimate.

Nawaz Sharif has no hesitation in saying that he won against Benazir Bhutto in 1991 on the plank of peace with India. He proposes to raise the same issue in the next election in 2013. Some elements in the ruling Pakistan People’s Party too see the point. It is not, however, surprising to find the emerging Imran Khan not following suit. Maybe, the army, his biggest supporter, still wants to reap some dividends by not settling problems with India once and for all.

The writer is a senior Indian journalist.

ISB 04-04-2012_Layout 1 4/4/2012 1:33 AM Page 14

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Wednesday, 4 April, 2012

IN LIMELIGHT

If not with Amitabh Bachchan,

3

Veena won’t marry NEWS DESK HE latest piece of news from the controversial Pakistani actress Veena Malik seems like a snippet straight out of The Land of Absurdity. The actress who forayed into, and soon became a household name in the country with her stint in reality TV

T

show ‘Bigg Boss’, has now voiced her elaborate wishes regarding her marriage.

When Veena Malik was recently asked about her opinion on the cult blockbuster ‘Sholay’, the actress did a great job of articulating her feelings for Amitabh Bachchan. Bachchan, whose performance as Jai in the movie is now an act revered and worshipped by actors in Bollywood and beyond, has no inkling about Malik’s emotions. Veena was heard saying: “I would love to work with the legend Amitabh Bachchan. In fact he is my idol.

I have grown watching his films and will marry someone like him only.”Also, according to the controversy queen, a ‘great female oriented film’ is in store for her sometime soon. And along with her, ace Bollywood legend Dharmendra-aka Veeru of ‘Sholay’-will be seen in the movie. The film has tentatively been named ‘Rajni Ki Lag Gayi’, and has already set many tongues rolling as to whether Rajinikanth too is a part of the film or not. Veena Malik and spice are intertwined with each other. And this time around, she hasn’t spared even Big B. If Veena has her way, she would want Amitabh Bachchan to be among her suitors on her televised ‘Swayamvar’. And in case she isn’t able to turn her wish into the truth, we hope Malik finds her dream Bachchan soon.

5

2

5

Dolmen Mall inaugurates Sunday is a Funday series KARACHI neWs DesK

Dolmen Mall Tariq Road and Dolmen Mall Hyderi recently hosted a grand and well-attended Sunday Brunch, inaugurating their Sunday is a Funday series. The Sunday brunch was hosted at the Dolmen Mall Tariq Road food court, possibly the largest and most extensive food court in the country. The brunch was an activityoriented event with unique games for children such as a real time simulation of Angry Birds where visitors could send Angry Birds hurtling toward a platform.

“The idea of this brunch is to make Sunday afternoons an exciting and entertaining time for families here at Dolmen Mall, Tariq Road and Dolmen Mall Hyderi ,” said Marketing Manager at Dolmen Mall. The brunch was attended by various Karachites with their friends and families who were eager to spend time together and enjoy. A huge variety of cuisine was available at the food court. “I

Kareena’s round trip costs IPL a whopping

20 lakhs

think this is a great idea,” said Mrs. Rabia Jamael, 38, who had come to the brunch with her two children. “My children are super excited because there is so much to do here.” Besides the activities arranged

by Dolmen Mall, the massive Sindbad situated near the food court was also open for families. Other activities such as face painting, caricature making and tarot cards, were also in full vogue. Shahista Wahidi, the morning show host was a special celebrity guest at the event and played games with visitors, signed autographs and held an impromptu singing competition. “I am really having fun,” said Shahista Wahidi, beaming at the crowd gathered around her. “I think this is a great initiative of Dolmen Mall and I plan to come back also with my friends and family to enjoy this brunch.” The first Sunday brunch was just the start of a long series of activities at Dolmen Mall Tariq Road and Dolmen Mall Hyderi has planned around Sunday afternoons, to make brunch time a fun time at the mall.

MUMBaI: In spite of ‘Agent Vinod’ getting a lukewarm response at the Box office, the film’s leading lady, Kareena Kapoor is much in demand. So much so that the organisers of IPl opening ceremony are going out of their way to ensure that ms. Kapoor gets to attend the show in Chennai.

Bebo has been shooting for a commercial in Bangkok for the past few days and has only a few hours to spare for IPl. As the shoot is not yet over, Bebo is required to be Bangkok after her performance at the opening ceremony. Speaking to a daily, a source said, “So the organisers have decided to arrange for a chartered flight for her, which will fly her from Bangkok to Chennai. And then she will board the same flight to return to Bangkok to wrap the ad shoot.” Bebo’s round trip is costing the organisers a whooping rs 20 lakhs.

But since the organisers are keen on getting her on stage, they perhaps don’t mind spending that much money. Along with Kareena, a bevy of stars including Amitabh Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Salman Khan and pop icon Katy Perry performed at the IPl opening ceremony. aGenCIes

1 2

neW YorK: Jake gyllenhaal at the benefit ‘A Celebration of Paul newman's dream’. REuTERS

6

neW YorK: Tina fey speaks during a Celebration of Paul newman's dream to Benefit the Seriousfun Children's network. aFp

3

MUMBaI: Akshay Kumar during the launch of the trailer of his forthcoming film 'rowdy rathore'. aFp

4

MUMBaI: Sonakshi Sinha smiles during the launch of the trailer of her forthcoming film 'rowdy rathore'. aFp

5

sInGaPore: Cast members, Shazahn Padamsee, Asin, Jacqueline fernandez, Zarine Khan and John Abraham attend a news conference before the world premiere of their film, ‘Housefull 2: The dirty dozen’. REuTERS

6

KaraCHI: dolmen mall recently hosted a Sunday Brunch to inaugurate their Sunday is a funday series. pR

Is Priyanka Chopra being targeted

by star wives?

MUMBaI: Beseiged by nasty rumours and a whisper campaign, Priyanka Chopra has decided to immerse herself in work and focus on her forthcoming music album. But while the 29-yearold Pee Cee has opted for a dignified silence in the face of nasty media whispers, friends of the actress claim that her calm facade is just that. Juggling work, her father's illness, and these rumours have taken a toll on the star.

In particular she is upset and flummoxed by the campaign unleashed by a powerful producer-director who can make and break careers in Bollywood. "At a recent party while he was feeding her cupcakes, she heard rumours of him bitching her out-all this is very hurtful," said a close associate of the actress. The associate-cum-friend believes that a powerful clique of star wives is behind this spate of anti-Priyanka stories. The actress, who along with Vidya Balan has often been seen as Bollywood's go-to girl for meaty writer-backed roles, has confided to her friends that whatever is happening to her could be a function of the way the maledominated industry operates. But she refuses to let it affect her work. As for her version of the events, Priyanka has said she would only talk about her work and the music album. However, her protective friends were more forthcoming. "ever since she was nine years old Priyanka has been in awe of Shah rukh Khan. But now she is scared to even utter his name in public, no matter how innocent or professional the context." aGenCIes

MUMBaI: Actress Katrina Kaif is on a roll. However, the girl is asking for more. After her spate of successful item numbers, Katrina Kaif, who was a part of the original ‘dabangg’ movie, now wants to be part of the sequel too, or so it is heard.

While the shooting of ‘dabangg 2’ is in full progress currently, Katrina Kaif, doesn't mind even a walk-on role in the sequel.

But it's more another 'item number' that she is egging for. Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan spent a considerable time together shooting for ‘ek Tha Tiger’, recently, and Katrina, it is being said, has managed to communicate to Salman her eagerness to be part of the ‘dabangg’ sequel. Well, we don't know in what capacity the actress will be seen in this one, but seen she will be, if sources are to be believed.

So much for a special appearance for Salman's special girl. aGenCIes

ISB 04-04-2012_Layout 1 4/4/2012 1:34 AM Page 15

15 Adele confirms promises

1

Pranksters sign Sheen for 'The Artist' sequel

new music in 2012 london: Adele has told a french radio station she will have a new single out by the end of the year, but her next album will take "a good two years" to record. the news will fuel speculation that the artist will record the theme tune to the latest Bond movie, ‘skyfall’. she has been the bookmakers' favourite since last year, but no official announcement has been made. the singer added she needed to find time to write the follow-up to her hit record, ‘21’. "if i didn't write my own songs, i'd be out next week with a new album," she said. "i have to take time and live a little bit. there were a good two years between my first and second albums, so it'll be the same this time." Adele added that she was not worried about recreating the success of ‘21’, which has now sold more than 20 million copies around the world. "i don't think i'll feel the pressure for the next album to be as big as the last one because i know that's not really possible," she said. "what's happened with this album is very rare anyway." she said her ideal duet partner would be the late etta James but she would also like to sing with Beyonce. Adele's second 21 recently overtook Pink floyd's ‘the dark side of the Moon’ in the list of best-selling uk albums. the singer from north london has enjoyed a stellar year with two Brit awards and six grammy awards to her name. BBC

4

Daniel Craig to open Kate Winslet ribs Olympics as James Bond LONDON CBs

James Bond's latest assignment: Opening the Olympic Games. Daniel Craig has reportedly agreed to shoot an introduction for the London 2012 games as 007, following a personal invitation from Queen Elizabeth II. According to Britain's The Sun, Craig, director Danny Boyle (‘Slumdog Millionaire,’ ‘Trainspotting’) and a film crew were given "unprecedented access" to the monarch's private rooms during the shoot. In the short film, titled ‘The Arrival,’ Bond reportedly arrives at Buckingham Palace to get his instructions before being taken by helicopter to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, East London, where he will parachute into the arena. The tabloid reports that the 85year-old queen may make a cameo in the short, but the palace is keeping the details

Katrina Kaif wants to be part of

‘Dabangg 2’

under wraps. ‘The Arrival’ will be reportedly shown inside the Olympic stadium and to viewers at home when the London games kick off on July 27. The collaboration is significant for both the monarch and the fictional British superspy - 2012 is the year of the queen's Diamond Jubilee (marking her 60 years on the throne) and also the 50th anniversary of the James Bond films.

Leonardo DiCaprio LONDON aGenCIes

The ship may have sunk, but their careers have done anything but. Fifteen years after ‘Titanic's phenomenal successthose 11 Oscars, those gazillion bucks-Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio are at the top of the fame game, amassing nine Oscar nominations and one win between them. One thing that hasn't changed, though, is their bawdy sense of humour with each otherWinslet has often said DiCaprio is like a brother to her, and she once famously told Vanity Fair, "To me, he's just smelly, farty Leo." That wicked sense of humour was on full display when the actress recently looked back on their fateful pairing 15 years ago and took stock of the, ahem, hefty things he's done since. "We do look very different, we're older," Winslet said while guesting on a show as reported by the Daily Mail. "Leo's 37, I'm 36-were 21 and 22 when we made that film. You know, he's fatter now-I'm thinner. It's true though!" Gotta give it to Winslet, the lady knows how to

Salman’s ‘friendly’

appearance for Preity MUMBaI: Salman Khan and Preity Zinta are buddies who will always be there for each other. While Preity danced to the ‘Happening’ song in Khan's home production ‘main Aurr mrs Khanna’ (2009) for free, Salman has agreed to be part of Preity's first home production, ‘Ishkq In Paris’. Khan has agreed to do a song and a scene in the film.

Says a source, “Although Salman has an extremely busy schedule shooting for ‘dabangg 2’, brand endorsements and show commitments, he always makes time for friends. After Preity returned from shooting her film in Paris last week, she went to meet Salman. She was keen that he be a part of her first film and was pleasantly surprised when the actor agreed." The source adds that the economics behind the deal was never an issue. "He is doing it as an emotional gesture. Preity plans to ensure that the song becomes THe song of the year. Khan's scene and song will be shot in April at a grand set in one of the local studios." Preity confirms, "Salman has agreed to be a part of ‘Ishkq In Paris’, but to know what he will be doing, you have to watch the film. His role has been woven into the script very nicely. We are very excited to have Salman on board. He's always supported me and I love him with all my heart!" aGenCIes

milk a good laugh. The ribbing is all the more hilarious-and ironic-given that, early in her career, Winslet was constantly scrutinised and picked apart for her gorgeously zaftig figure. DiCaprio wasn't the only victim of her playful jabs, however: The actress also poked fun at herself. While describing the experience of re-watching ‘Titanic’ recently-in 3-D, no less-she quipped: "The second my face came on I was like, 'Oh my God, make it stop, switch it off, somebody make it stop, is that what we looked like? Oh my God, look what I looked like and look what Leo looks like!'"

Hey, the weight jokes may fly fast and furious, but at least you can't accuse Winslet of lacking a big fat sense of humour.

WasHInGTon: Jennifer Aniston’s secret half-brother Alex John Aniston is reportedly a ‘scruffy punk’ who leads a nomadic life. The ‘friends” star shares the same father as 22year-old, who unlike his elder sister favours a nomadic existence as a “boho surfer”. going by the name of AJ, he is said to split his time between Santa Cruz in California and Alaska. “He had a mattress in the back of his van, always had the same pair of pants with 20 patches on it and only had three shirts,” Contactmusic quoted friend Samantha robles, who works as a body piercer at Chimera Tattoo Studio, as telling Australian magazine new Idea. “He just hung out in his van on the beach, and would come in all sandy,” she said. “Santa Cruz has a large population of transient punk kids, usually travelling north,” her boyfriend mateo said. The reported college drop-out had attended his 43year-old sister’s premiere for ‘Along Came Polly’ when he was 14, but has otherwise managed to stay out of spotlight. However, former neighbour rich Koslowski claims his identity was well known in Santa Cruz because he was spotted with his famous father John Aniston. “I figured out who he was when one day I saw the dad turn up. I had friends out back and AJ and John were going through the garbage can. I talked to them briefly,” he said. aGenCIes

MONTREAL afP

Quebec pranksters revealed that they convinced actor Charlie Sheen to star in a sequel to the Oscar-winning silent film ‘The Artist’. Marc-Antoine Audette, a Montreal radio personality, pretended to be the film's award-winning actor Jean Dujardin in a telephone call to Sheen, once television's highest-paid actor. He told Sheen in an exaggerated French accent that he wanted to make a comedy with him to raise money for a foundation against dictators. Sheen congratulated Dujardin on his Oscar win. "Thank you for considering me, that's very sweet," he also said, accepting the offer despite at times being unable to understand what the caller was saying. The two Montreal pranksters have also snared Bill Gates, Britney Spears, Paul McCartney, even Sarah Palin during the 2008 US election, in their gags.

‘Woman in Black’ film sequel announced

LONDON BBC

‘The Woman In Black’ is to get a sequel, after the first instalment became the highest-grossing British horror film of the past 20 years. ‘The Woman in Black: Angels of Death’ takes place 40 years on from the spooky events of the first movie. That one, starring Daniel Radcliffe, has made £75m worldwide so far.

The movie will be adapted from a story by author Susan Hill which follows a couple encountering the haunted Eel Marsh House. ‘The Woman in Black’, which was directed by James Watkins and adapted by Kick-Ass screenwriter Jane Goldman, sat at the number one spot at the UK box office for three weeks.

Jennifer Aniston’s

secret ‘scruffy’ half-brother revealed

ISB 04-04-2012_Layout 1 4/4/2012 1:34 AM Page 16

16 Foreign News

Wednesday, 4 April, 2012

Syria steps up assault as UN moves to send monitors DAMASCUS

F

afP

IERCE clashes erupted Tuesday as Syria’s regime sent reinforcements into rebel areas despite a peace pledge, and the UN said it would rush an advance team to Damascus to negotiate a monitoring mission.

The surge in violence comes a day after the UN Security Council was told by peace envoy Kofi Annan that President Bashar al-Assad had given assurances he would “immediately” start pulling back his forces and complete a military withdrawal from urban areas by April 10.

Red Cross chief Jakob Kellenberger meanwhile was in

Damascus holding talks with Syrian officials aimed at securing a daily two-hour humanitarian ceasefire — a condition set out in Annan’s sixpoint peace plan.

Monitors said heavy fighting Tuesday engulfed opposition strongholds in the southern region of Daraa, the northwestern Idlib province and near the capital.

Dozens of armoured personnel carriers arrived in Dael, a town in Daraa province where the uprising against Assad began in March 2011, as well as in Zabadani, a bastion of the rebellion near Lebanon.

Dael activist Sayyed Mahmud told AFP the situation was extremely tense in the town.

“They burned down 14 houses yesterday. They are arresting people and have sent in troop

reinforcements,” he said.

“As part of the regime’s campaign to starve the people, troops are raiding homes, destroying food stocks and equipment. They go into bakeries and destroy the dough. There are 15-hour power cuts a day.”

In Idlib, which borders Turkey, fighting was taking place on the outskirts of Taftanaz, where two civilians and one soldier were killed amid heavy machinegun fire and shelling, said the Observatory.

“Four civilians have been wounded and several homes torched,” it added. “Rebels managed to disable a troop carrier and have killed or wounded a number of government troops.”

In Damascus province, clashes were reported in the towns of

Douma and in Zabadani, where the army was carrying out arrest raids.

The Observatory has charged that the army is torching and looting rebel houses across Syria in a campaign that could amount to crimes against humanity.

In Geneva, a spokesman for Annan said the office of the UNArab League envoy expected a “UN advance team on the deployment of monitors to arrive in Syria in the next 48 hours.”

In a briefing Monday to the Security Council, Annan sought a broad mandate for the monitoring mission as he reported “no progress” on reaching a ceasefire, according to diplomats.

The Security Council was also told that it could take at least two months to get a full mission of about

250 observers into Syria if a ceasefire is declared, one diplomat said.

Syria’s UN envoy, Bashar Jaafari, confirmed the April 10 date had been agreed “by common accord” between Annan and his government.

Opposition figure Riyad Turk on Tuesday urged support for Anan’s plan as he called for a national dialogue while insisting, however, that Assad must first step down.

“A political solution... must first and foremost start with the president giving up power, and launching a national dialogue that does not exclude any political component of the Syrian people, including regime members whose hands were not stained by blood,” he said in a statement to AFP.

Six killed in attack at afghan police post KABUL afP

PHnoM PenH: Performers carry flags of asean member countries during a ceremony marking the 45th anniversary of the association of southeast asian nations (asean) and its 20th summit on Tuesday. aFp

moscow market fire kills 17 migrant workers MOSCOW afP

Seventeen Central Asian migrant workers died Tuesday when a night-time fire engulfed a Moscow market warehouse that had been stocked to the ceiling with cots and turned into a makeshift home. “According to preliminary information, they were migrant workers. Their identities and ages are being verified,” the Russian emergencies ministry said in a statement. Rescue officials said the migrants came from the impoverished nation of Tajikistan and possibly a few of the other neighbouring exSoviet states. Numerous Moscow markets employ cheap labourers from the region without giving them proper housing or pay — a practice the authorities largely turn a blind eye to in exchange for the payment of bribes. The deadly accident struck only hours after spectacular flames flared from the top floors of an under-construction skyscraper that Russia hopes will be Europe’s tallest once it reaches its full height of 360 metres (1,180 feet). No one was injured in Monday night’s Federation Tower blaze. But officials warned after battling the fire for more than three hours that the city was becoming dangerously lax about its safety standards. Tuesday’s fire broke out at the Kachalovsky market on the southern outskirts of the city where many Muscovites shop for housing supplies.

Emergency workers described nightmarish living conditions with workers sleeping on hard cots that were stacked on top of each other in rows of four without any direct access to the outside. The workers “lived in a metal annex that was equipped with a space heater”, an unnamed law enforcement official told the Interfax news agency.

Russia calls uS funding of democracy a ‘problem’ MOSCOW afP

Russia said Tuesday that continued US funding of groups supporting the spread of democracy in the country was turning into a problem in advance of Vladimir Putin’s return for a third Kremlin term.

Putin has repeatedly accused Washington of using the programme to bankroll the mass street protests that first rose against his 12-year domination of Russia three months ago — a charge that US officials firmly deny.

But Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow continued to raise the issue “repeatedly” with US officials and had still not received a clear assurance

about the funding’s ultimate aimes.

“This activity is reaching a scale that is turning into a problem in our relations,” Ryabkov said in an interview with the Interfax news agency.

“We really are concerned that Washington is funding certain groups and movements in Russia” opposed to Putin’s rule.

Pro-democracy groups in Russia complained of fierce intimidation from the authorities during Putin’s 2000-2008 presidency.

They claimed to enjoy broader freedoms under President Dmitry Medvedev and voiced immediate fears about their future upon Putin’s September announcement that he intended to return to the Kremlin for a newly

extended six-year term.

The ex-KGB agent used one of his first major campaign speeches to accuse Washington of funding the nascent opposition movement — a charge other Russian officials and media outlets began repeating in subsequent weeks.

The claims led to a probe into the activities of the Western-funded Russian election monitoring group Golos and the watchdog’s eventual expulsion from its Moscow premises.

Ryabkov said US President Barack Obama had recently earmarked $50 million in new funding for Russian non-governmental organisations involved in various opposition work.

“The scale of this activity is fairly significant,” said Ryabkov.

Six people including four Afghan policemen were poisoned and shot dead at a post in the southern province of Helmand, police said Tuesday, with the Taliban claiming responsibility. The deaths come days after a policeman in the eastern province of Paktika poisoned and then shot dead nine of his colleagues while they slept. Helmand police chief Ahmad Nabi Elham said: “Last evening in Nahri Sarraj district in a police post, four police and two guests were first poisoned and then killed.

“Three police are missing,” along with a vehicle and some weapons, he added. “We don’t know if the three missing are involved in the poisoning or if the militants have taken them away. The investigation is ongoing.” Police at the scene later clashed with insurgents, leaving two militants dead, he said. Contacted by AFP, Taliban spokesman Yusuf Ahmadi said they had killed 10 police in an attack on the post.

The insurgents, who have been fighting the Western-backed government of President Hamid Karzai for more than a decade, regularly exaggerate their claims. Killings

by Afghan security personnel of their local and foreign colleagues have ramped up tensions between the allies even as NATOled forces prepare to pull out of Afghanistan by the end of 2014.

Turkey generals go on trial, 32 years after coup ANKARA afP

Turkey’s 94-year-old former president Kenan Evren is due to go on trial on Wednesday to answer for his leading role in the country’s last coup, more than three decades after he seized power. Evren and his co-conspirator Tahsin Sahinkaya, 86, will try to justify their decision to oust the civilian government on September 12, 1980, and establish a brutal military regime which was accused of widespread human rights abuses.

The pair are in poor health and they could end up being cross-examined in their hospital beds rather than appearing in the dock at an Ankara high court. The military, which has long seen itself as the guarantor of secularism in Turkey, has staged three coups — in 1960, 1971 and 1980 — as well pressuring an Islamist-rooted government to relinquish power in 1997. But the 1980 coup was the bloodiest of them all. Hundreds of thousands of people were arrested, about 250,000 were charged, 50 were executed, dozens more died of torture and tens of thousands were exiled. Evren and Sahinkaya are the only members of the military junta that seized power in 1980 who are still alive and their trial is seen as another episode in the current government’s campaign against the once untouchable top brass.

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Wednesday, 4 April, 2012

Foreign News 17

Yemeni forces kill 38 Qaeda suspects: official ADEN afP

Yemen’s armed forces killed 38 suspected members of Al-Qaeda in two days of air raids and shelling of their hideouts in the country’s south, an official said Tuesday. “Thirty-eight members of Al-Qaeda were killed in shelling and air strikes that targetted their positions in Huroor throughout the past 48 hours,” said the official who spoke from the nearby AlQaeda stronghold of Jaar. The town of Huroor lies on the crossroads between the provinces of Lahij and Abyan, where the terror network has a strong presence. An army officer on ground told AFP that US forces backed the Yemeni military operation. “The Al-Qaeda militants withdrew from Mallah,” in Lahij, where they took over an army post on Saturday, “following shelling and air raids by the Yemeni air force with US help,” he said, without elaborating. On Saturday, at least 28 soldiers and 12 militants were killed in clashes that broke out in Lahij when the insurgents tried to take over several army posts.

5 injured when plane hits Florida supermarket MIAMI

rafaH: Palestinian boys hold a poster of children reading ‘rescue Gaza’ as another flashes the victory sign near the southern Gaza strip’s rafah border crossing with egypt on Tuesday during a protest against the electricity crisis. aFp

Suu Kyi party ‘wins 43 seats’ in Myanmar polls

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Five people were injured, three of them seriously, when a small, twin-engine airplane crashed onto a busy supermarket in central Florida Monday night, police said. “The crash happened about 7:20 pm (2320 GMT) less than two miles west of DeLand Municipal Airport, where the plane had just taken off,” DeLand Police Sergeant Chris Estes told reporters. The seriously injured included two passengers on the airplane and a third person on the ground who suffered severe burns. They were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center. All of the injured people on the ground were customers of a Publix supermarket, a chain of stores found throughout Florida, Estes said.

BSkyB confirms resignation of James Murdoch as chairman LONDON afP

James Murdoch has resigned as chairman of British satellite TV giant BSkyB, saying he did not want his association with a tabloid phone-hacking scandal to damage the company, it announced Tuesday. “I am aware that my role as chairman could become a lightning rod for BSkyB and I believe that my resignation will help to ensure that there is no false conflation with events at a separate organisation,” Murdoch said in his resignation statement to the board.

iran ex-president urges better ties with Saudi arabia TEHRAN afP

Iran should forge better ties with regional rival Saudi Arabia to counter Western sanctions on Iranian oil, a former president who now chairs an advisory body to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged on Tuesday. “If we had good relations with Saudi Arabia, would the West have been able to impose sanctions (on Iran’s oil)?”, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani asked in the latest issue of the International Studies Journal, a threemonthly Iranian publication. “Only Saudi Arabia could fill the void left by Iran. (All they need do is) produce oil within their OPEC quota, and then no one would be able to harass us,” he said.

YANGON afP

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EMOCRACY champion Aung San Suu Kyi’s party won almost all the seats it contested in Myanmar elections, becoming the main opposition force in the national parliament, official results showed Tuesday.

The veteran dissident’s National League for Democracy stormed to victory in 43 of the 44 constituencies where it fielded candidates in Sunday’s polls, according to an election commission announcement on state television. The landslide win in the by-elections gave Suu Kyi her first-ever seat in parliament, although it will not threaten the comfortable majority of the militarybacked Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). The Nobel laureate

said in her victory speech on Monday that she hoped the vote would mark a “new era” for the nation after decades of repressive junta rule, but appealed for political unity and urged her supporters not to gloat.

The NLD won 37 seats in the 440seat lower house, along with four in the upper house and two in the regional chambers, the results showed. One quarter of the seats are reserved for unelected military officials. The NLD lost one seat in eastern Shan state to the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party, which has strong support among ethnic minorities.

The USDP took just one seat, in a constituency in northwest Sagaing where the NLD candidate was disqualified from standing. Suu Kyi’s election to political office marks the latest sweeping change

in the country formerly known as Burma after decades of outright military rule ended last year. Myanmar’s quasi-civilian government has surprised even its critics over the past year with a string of reforms such as releasing hundreds of political prisoners and welcoming the opposition back into mainstream politics.

Observers say the regime needs Suu Kyi in parliament to bolster the legitimacy of its political system and spur an easing of Western sanctions. President Thein Sein hailed the polls as a success.

“The election was held successfully,” the former general said in brief remarks to reporters on the sidelines of a meeting with fellow leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Phnom Penh. The ASEAN leaders called for all Western sanctions against Myanmar to be lifted in light of the vote.

France to seek terror charges against 13 Islamists

asian leaders call for lifting of Myanmar sanctions PhnoM Penh: Asian leaders Tuesday called for Western sanctions against Myanmar to be lifted after its historic polls, as they held summit talks also dominated by North Korea and maritime disputes with China. The call came amid international praise for Myanmar’s byelections on Sunday which gave democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel laureate and former political prisoner, a seat in parliament for the first time. Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) “call for the lifting of all sanctions on Myanmar”, Cambodian Secretary of State Kao Kim Hourn told reporters on the sidelines of the bloc’s summit in Phnom Penh. aFp

Seven killed in shooting at uS religious college OAKLAND

PARIS

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Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said Tuesday he would seek terror charges against 13 of the 19 alleged Islamic militants arrested on Friday, some of whom are accused of plotting kidnappings. Top prosecutor Molins alleged that some of those arrested had been planning to abduct an investigating magistrate but that they had not begun to carry out their plan.

Three of those arrested have already been freed without charge. The Islamists, some of whom are members of a suspected extremist group called Forsane Alizza that was banned last month, are accused of “being part of a criminal gang connected to a terrorist enterprise,” Molins said. Around 10 weapons were seized during the arrests, he added. The prosecutor will ask for nine of the suspects to be detained and four freed on bail, he said, adding that the kidnapping plan had been mentioned during a meeting in Lyon in September. The decision to arrest the suspects was taken “as various elements became connected”, Molins said, including their physical training and calls for jihad. “All of that incited the instructing magistrates not to take risks, there’s enough elements to go find them,” he said. “All indications confirm the leading and

Police arrest a man in Coueron, western france, last week, one of several raids across the country. FiLE phOTO coordinating role of the ‘emir’” of Forsane Alizza, Mohamed Achamlane, who was transferred to Paris on Monday, Molins said. The head of France’s Central Directorate for Domestic Intelligence, Bernard Squarcini, said on Saturday those arrested were involved in “war-like training, linked to violent religious indoctrination” and paintball games.

The alleged militants were netted in anti-terrorist swoops in different French cities a week after selfconfessed Al-Qaeda militant Mohamed

Merah was shot dead following his killing spree in which he murdered seven people. The French opposition has criticised the presence of television news cameras during the arrests as the images could be seen to bolster the chances of right-wing President Nicolas Sarkozy’s re-election later this month. France on Monday announced the expulsion of five radical Islamic preachers — an Algerian, a Malian, a Saudi, a Turk and a Tunisian — as part of a crackdown in the wake of the Merah killings.

Seven people were killed and three injured Monday when a gunman went on a shooting rampage at a private California religious college near San Francisco, police said. The suspect — a local ethnic Korean resident who surrendered soon after the attacks — stood up in a classroom at Oikos University in East Oakland and shot one person at point blank range in the chest, then sprayed the room with bullets, a witness recounted.

The gunman, described as looking “crazy,” then allegedly went on a shooting spree through the Christian college, where victims were found in a number of locations when officers arrived after being alerted by a string of 911 calls. Police did not immediately say what type of firearm the shooter used, or if he used multiple weapons. Some 35 people were in or near the building at the time. Of those, 10 were hit and five were pronounced dead at the scene. Two others died later in hospital.

Survivors were later found hiding in locked classrooms and offices. “There are seven (families) now that are having to deal with this horrendous act,” Oakland City Council president Larry Reid told CNN. “Our police department right now is doing their work and trying to understand what in fact was his motive to come and take the lives of seven individuals, and then also to leave three individuals wounded,” he said.

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Wednesday, 4 april, 2012

Tiger, rory pace power-packed masters field Page 20

Jayawardene bails out Sri Lanka COLOMBO

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KIPPER Mahela Jayawardene cracked his second century in consecutive matches to pull Sri Lanka out of trouble in the second and final Test against England in Colombo on Tuesday.

Jayawardene followed his matchwinning 180 in the first Test in Galle with a classy 105 after seamer James Anderson had reduced the hosts to 30 for three within the first hour at P. Sara Oval.

Thilan Samaraweera (54) added 124 for the fourth wicket with his captain as Sri Lanka recovered to post 238 for six by stumps on the opening day in a remarkable re-run of the Galle Test.

Sri Lanka had slumped to 15-3 in the first four overs of the match at Galle, before Jayawardene and Samaraweera rescued the hosts by putting on a half-century partnership.

A sell-out crowd of 5,000, mostly travelling English fans, applauded warmly when Jayawardene reached his 31st Test century with a single off left-arm spinner Samit Patel after tea.

The 34-year-old struck 11 fours and a six in his eighth hundred against England before he was trapped leg-before by off-spinner Graeme Swann with a sharp, turning delivery.

England, whose 75-run defeat at Galle followed a 3-0 rout by Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates earlier in the year, need a win to level the series and retain their number one ranking.

Andrew Strauss' men will slip to second spot behind South Africa if they lose or draw the match.

Angelo Mathews, returning to the side after missing the first Test with a calf injury, was unbeaten on 41 after adding 62 runs for the fifth wicket with his skipper.

Samaraweera said the sluggish pitch hampered shot-making.

"This is not a typical Oval wicket which had true bounce," he said.

"This time the ball is not coming on to the bat, it's not easy to score runs.

ColomBo: Sri lanka's captain mahela Jayawardene celebrates after scoring a century (100 runs) during the first day of the second and final Test match. aFp "We have probably lost one extra wicket, but hopefully we can get to 300 and put England under pressure."

Anderson struck in his third over when he forced Tillakaratne Dilshan to edge a catch to wicket-keeper Matt Prior after the previous two balls had been driven for boundaries.

Kumar Sangakkara was dismissed first ball for the second match in a row when he was snapped up by Strauss in the slips, the England captain taking the catch at second attempt.

Jayawardene once again prevented a hat-trick, as he had done in

BD not to visit Pakistan without ICC support LAHORE

ColomBo: england cricketer James Anderson makes an unsuccessful appeal during the first day of the second and final Test match at the P. Sara oval Stadium. aFp

Galle, and went on to master the England attack on a dry wicket that is expected to crumble in the later stages of the match.

Lahiru Thirimanne padded up to a straight ball from Anderson and was given out leg-before by umpire Bruce Oxenford, a decision upheld by the third umpire after the batsman asked for a review.

Steven Finn, who joined Anderson and Tim Bresnan in a three-man seam attack, said England will be satisfied by the day's play.

"We have had a pretty good day," said Finn, who turns 23 on Wednesday. "It was a day of attrition.

Jayawardene played really well and kept us at bay for a fair while, but it's pretty even at the end of the day.

"You have to wait for batsmen to make mistakes. I think every bowler did that. We've played the patient game and we have to do it again tomorrow." Finn said Anderson's bowling stood out after a hard day's work in the field.

"Jimmy is an exceptional bowler and he showed that again with three early wickets and being consistent throughout the day," he said. "He is someone that I've looked up to and hopefully I can keep learning from him."

Tendulkar quits as ipL Mumbai captain

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NEW DELHI

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has reiterated its stance of visiting Pakistan only if the International Cricket Council extends its full support. Reports further said that the BCB has also declined to discuss the matter in a recent meeting of the board of directors.

The Pakistan Cricket Board invited Bangladesh for a tour in April, in exchange for adding their support for the nomination of BCB’s chief executive Mustafa Kamal as president of the ICC. The BCB expressed interest in the idea and sent a delegation (which included Kamal) to assess the security situation in the country, which approved the arrangements.

However, the series came into doubt following the ICC’s refusal to sent neutral match officials to the country (once again, due to the security risk) despite agreeing to grant the tour official recognition. This led the BCB to express hesitation, throwing the proposed tour into doubt.

The recent board meeting was supposed to clarify the status of the tour, but the matter did not come under discussion, with the board maintaining their stance and stressing that they would not go ahead with the tour without the ICC’s backing.

The tour was part of the PCB’s plan to start hosting foreign cricket teams for sporting events again, after the terrorist attack on the visiting Sri Lankan squad in 2009 brought international cricket in the country to a deadlock. In addition to the BCB, the Pakistan board approached the BCCI for a bilateral series with India, which also did not materialize. Currently, the board is in talks with Kentbased club Lashings, as well as contemplating the idea of assembling a World XI to play in Pakistan. The launch of the Pakistan Premier League (based on the model of the neighbouring BPL and IPL) is also under consideration.

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Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday stepped down as Mumbai Indians skipper on the eve of the Indian Premier League (IPL), saying he needed a "break from the responsibility of captaincy".

The batting superstar, who led Mumbai in all of the previous four editions of the IPL, will be replaced by off-spinner Harbhajan Singh as captain in the Twenty20 tournament that starts on Wednesday. "The Mumbai Indians is more than a team. It is like a family to me. At this point of time, I feel I need a break from the responsibility of captaincy," Tendulkar, who turns 39 this month, said in a statement.

Tendulkar, who smashed an unprecedented 100th international century during the Asia Cup in Dhaka last month, said the new captain would have his "wholehearted support".

"After due consideration, I discussed my intention to hand over the captaincy of the team to Harbhajan Singh," he said. Tendulkar, who has brushed aside any speculation about his retirement, holds four batting world records -most runs and centuries in Tests and one-day internationals. Mumbai, who lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the play-off last year, will clash with defending champions Chennai Super Kings in their opening match in Chennai on Wednesday.

Harbhajan said he was looking forward to leading the team. "Mumbai Indians is a great team with explosive talent and promising youngsters," said Harbhajan. "I am committed to do the very best and look forward to leading the team to play to its full potential during the season." Harbhajan is not new to captaincy, having already led the Mumbai Indians to the Twenty20 Champions League triumph last year.

sCoreBoarD sri Lanka 1st innings: L. Thirimanne lbw b anderson 8 T. Dilshan c Prior b anderson 14 K. sangakkara c strauss b anderson 0 M. Jayawardene lbw b swann 105 T. samaraweera lbw b Bresnan 54 a. Mathews not out 41 P. Jayawardene c Prior b finn 7 s. randiv not out 5 extras: (b4) 4 Total (for six wickets, 90 overs) 238 fall of wickets: 1-21 (Dilshan), 2-21 (sangakkara), 3-30 (Thirimanne), 4-154 (samaraweera), 5-216 (M. Jayawardene), 6-227 (P. Jayawardene).

Bowling: anderson 17-2-52-3, finn 18-3-43-1, Bresnan 15-2-321, Patel 16-3-32-0, swann 22-2-71-1, Pietersen 2-0-4-0.

Toss: sri Lanka Umpires: asad rauf (PaK) and Bruce oxenford (aUs) TV umpire: rod Tucker (aUs) Match referee: Javagal srinath (InD)

essex deny wrongdoing over Westfield LONDON afP

English county Essex insisted Tuesday they had taken the correct action in the case of corrupt former seamer Mervyn Westfield following court room accusations they had "turned a blind eye".

In February, the 23-year-old Westfield became the first county cricketer in England to be prosecuted for spot-fixing and was jailed for four months. Westfield was convicted on one count of accepting or obtaining a corrupt payment to bowl in a way that would allow the scoring of runs.

In February, London's Old Bailey was told Westfield was paid £6,000 ($9,585) to bowl so that a specific number of runs would be chalked up in the first over of a match between Durham and Essex in September 2009. It was claimed Westfield was "targeted" by team-mate Danish Kaneria, the Pakistan leg-spinner, whom the court was told set up the deal. Kaneria had earlier been released without charge by police.

Westfield's case came to light after another Essex player, Tony Palladino, went back to his flat in September 2009, where the bowler showed him "the most money he had ever seen".

But, during sentencing, lawyer Mark Milliken-Smith told the court Essex players and coaches "turned a blind eye" to corruption as he tried to seek a more lenient jail term for Westfield.

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Wednesday, 4 April, 2012

Khawar Shah gets PboA performance award LAHORE sTaff rePorT

The Pujab Olympics Association has on Tuesday announced performance awards for the provincial sports association.

According to Idris Haider Khawaja, Secretary PbOA, Syed Shahid Ali, President PbOA intends to give performance award to the affiliated provincial sports associations who will organize their respective sports events on international level and invite foreign teams for participation.

The first performance award has been announced and will be given to Khawar Shah, President Punjab Baseball Association and Secretary Pakistan Federation Baseball on holding the 10th West Asia Baseball Cup 2012 at Lahore from March 23 to 28 in which the foreign teams from Iran, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Pakistan participated.

The Pakistan team won gold medal and showed best performance. He has already received presidential award for the development of baseball in Asia.

olympic aims unchanged, vows injury-hit Cancellara BASEL afP

Swiss champion Fabian Cancellara said Tuesday that his build-up to the London Olympics would continue unchanged despite having undergone surgery for a four-part fracture of his right collarbone.

The Olympic time-trial champion sustained the injury in a fall during last weekend's Tour of Flanders classic, which was won by Belgium's Tom Boonen for a record-equalling third time.

RadioShack-Nissan team doctor Andreas Goesele explained that a "more natural" clavicle pin had been used to put the bone together during surgery rather than using a plate and screws.

"The pin will be removed once the fracture is completely healed, at the very earliest in six weeks' time. But this is really a small routine operation," Goesele said, adding that Cancellara would in theory be fit enough to train on an ergometer.

Cancellara said: "I'm happy that the surgery went so well but I'm still in pain. I'm going to rest a couple of days, maybe even a week, and then resume training.

"I had two major goals this season: the classics and the Olympics. The spring campaign is unfortunately over for me now. Because I had planned a break after the classics anyway, my build-up towards London will not change.

Poland lacks foreign hooligan list for euro WARSAW afP

Euro 2012 host Poland lacks a database of foreign hooligans banned from stadiums in their homelands, raising the risk of trouble at the looming tournament, monitors warned on Tuesday.

Poland's National Audit Chamber (NIK) said the issue was a cause for concern just two months before the 16-nation European football championships, cohosted with neighbouring Ukraine, kicks off in the capital Warsaw.

"There's no functioning list in Poland of individuals hit by stadium bans abroad, because the police have been too slow in setting it up," said NIK chief Jacek Jezierski. "To date, there haven't been any agreements with foreign partners and there aren't any legal norms for this," he explained, as the NIK launched a report on security preparations.

"This could hamper police efforts to ensure security at Euro 2012, both inside the stadiums and out," he warned.

Much of Poland's pre-Euro 2012 focus has been on home-grown hooligans, whose hardcore is officially estimated at up to 5,000 in this nation of 38 million.

Sports 19

Lucky seven as Gamba end drought SINGAPORE

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ORMER winners Gamba Osaka finally won their first game of the season at the seventh attempt Tuesday as Japanese clubs ran riot in the AFC Champions League.

Gamba, who had gone six J-League and Champions League games without a win and dumped their coach last week, were aided by two second-half penalties as they overcame Uzbekistan's Bunyodkor 3-1 in Group E. Later fellow J-Leaguers Nagoya Grampus stormed to the top of Group G at the halfway stage with an emphatic 30 away win over China's Tianjin Teda.

South Korea's Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, the 2010 champions, were held 1-1 by Australia's Central Coast Mariners and Pohang Steelers caught Adelaide United at the top of Group E courtesy of an own goal in their 1-0 win.

Gamba had halted a five-match losing streak with a 1-1 domestic draw at the weekend, and they continued their revival under club legend Masanobu Matsunami with a convincing win at home. Captain and Japan international Yasuhito Endo put the 2008 champions ahead with a scorching strike on 14 minutes and Brazilian striker Rafinha made the game safe with his double from the spot.

Uzbekistan's Anvarjon Soliev scored a late consolation for the visitors on 88 minutes. "This is our first win and I am delighted," said Matsunami. "The players have had to adapt to change and were under pressure but they tried to play Gamba's style until the end.

"It was not just the players on the

goSford: Central Coast mariner Patricius Zwaanswijk (r) clashes with young Sun (l) from Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma during the AfC Champions league match. aFp pitch, though, all the club staff deserves credit." Gamba remain bottom of Group E on goal difference but just three points shy of 2009 champions Pohang and Adelaide, the 2008 runners-up, who have six points each at the top.

Adelaide were left to curse a matchdeciding howler by goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic, who fumbled a free-kick into

the path of Kim Dae-Ho on 68 minutes.

Kim's strike came off defender Bruce Djite and was adjudged an own goal.

Meanwhile Nagoya scored once in the first half and twice in the second to seize sole leadership of Group G, leapfrogging Seongnam and Central Coast Mariners after their stalemate in Gosford.

Jungo Fujimoto gave Nagoya the

Medina Garrigues advances at Charleston CHARLESTON afP

Spain's Anabel Medina Garrigues defeated qualifier Melanie Oudin 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 Monday as the main draw action got underway at the WTA Tour's Charleston tournament.

Medina Garrigues, who at No. 10 was the top seed competing, advances to the second round of the clay court event where she will face Australia's Anastasia Rodionova who beat qualifier Melanie Czink 6-2, 2-6, 6-1.

Clay court specialist Medina Garrigues has won 10 WTA titles on the surface - more than any other active player.

Medina Garrigues finished with one ace, one double fault and won 62 percent of her first serve points in the two hour, 29 minute match.

Former US Open quarter-finalist Oudin had two double faults and won 54 percent of her second-serve points.

Unseeded Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak outlasted American 11th seed Christina McHale 7-5, 5-7, 6-4 in a two hour, 48 minute marathon match.

Wozniak, a former world No. 21, fired three aces and won 70 percent of her first-serve points.

In other matches Monday, No.14 seed Polona Hercog cruised past Japanese veteran Kimiko Date-Krumm 6-4, 63; Argentine up-and-comer Paula Ormaechea surprised No. 15 seed Chanelle Scheepers 6-1, 1-6, 6-4; and No.16 seed Jarmila Gajdosova lost to Swiss qualifier Stefanie Voegele 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.

Former winner Serena Williams begins play Tuesday against Elena Vesnina of Russia, who beat Canada's Stephanie Dubois 7-6 (12/10), 7-5.

Monfils out of frAnce-usA dAvis cuP tie: Gael Monfils has pulled out of France's Davis Cup quarterfinal clash against the United States and will be replaced by Gilles Simon, the French tennis federation (FFT) said on Monday.

The 25-year-old Monfils, who had been picked alongside Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Michael Llodra and Julien Benneteau, for the tie on the Monte Carlo clay courts starting Friday, has a side strain.

Monfils, ranked 14th in the world, pulled up during training on Sunday. Ultrasound and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans revealed that he had torn his left internal oblique muscle, the federation added.

The player has been told to rest for two weeks.

Amar Cables beat Gulberg Gym in Veterans Cricket LAHORE sTaff rePorT

Amar Cables beat Gulberg Gymkhana by 3 wickets and qualified for the regional pre-quarter final of the 14th National Veteran Senior Cricket Cup here at the Ali Garh Cricket Ground.

Gulberg Gymkhana scored 230/7 after 30 overs. Asif Mehmood 49, Khalid Mehmood 26, Manzoor Ilahi 20, Afzal Munir 21, Muhammad Zubair 18 and Muhammad Amir 64 runs not out. Jahangir Khan 2/30, Tariq Rasheed 1/35, Tariq Hussain Raju 1/41 & Munir Shah 1/46 wickets.

In reply Amar Cables 231/7 after 29.5 overs. Amir Manzoor 44, Aziz-urrehman 23, Zahid Umar 65, Shahid Mansoor 28, Amer Ilyas Butt 32 runs not out & Munir Shah 18 runs not out.

Nazir Hussain 4/32, Javeed Hafeez 1/40, Muhammad Zubair 1/30 & Afzal Munir 1/19 wickets. Ahsan Raza, Shozab Raza Umpire, Zahoor Alam & Qasim Shafique was the scorer. Later chief guest President Young Model Cricket Club Shafqat Butt have the man of the match award to Zahid Umer. Amer Ilyas Butt was also present on the occasion.

lAHore: Chief guest President young model Cricket Club Shafqat Butt gives the man of the match award to Zahid Umer while Amer Ilyas Butt was also present on the occasion.

lead on 24 minutes before Keiji Tamada lashed in a superb strike on 49 minutes as he chested down a high cross and drilled it home on the bounce. Tianjin went close through Chen Tao's rising volley but Kensuke Nagai ended any doubt about the outcome when he broke forward and coolly slotted Nagoya's third, 17 minutes from time.

Australia's indigenous marathon project finds its legs SYDNEY afP

Running a marathon was not something Nat Heath had thought about -- until he heard about a pioneering project to find Australia's Aboriginal long-distance star and something clicked.

The tall and lanky 26-year-old knew that indigenous people were dying at too young an age, and the programme appealed to his desire to contribute in some small way to improving the appalling state of Aboriginal health.

"I just find in our communities diabetes is becoming the norm and we need to change that," Heath told AFP, shortly after completing a 5-kilometre (3-mile) run around a Sydney park in under 20 minutes.

Heath was one of about 50 young people attending try-outs around the country in the hope of becoming chosen for the Indigenous Marathon Project.

Founded by former world champion marathon runner Rob de Castella, the programme scouts for talent around the country, from cities to remote outback and desert communities, to select runners to train for the New York City marathon.

It coaches them for the race, with the hope that running one of the world's most famous marathons changes the lives of the those involved and helps promote healthy lifestyles in indigenous communities, many of which are mired in poverty and disadvantage.

"I think whoever gets in will obviously do a great job of promoting health in our communities," Heath said.

"If I'm the lucky one, that's great. But I think it's just a great project that is doing something about Aboriginal health."

De Castella, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist and a 1983 world champion, said he was excited by the impact of the programme which began some three years ago.

"It's really starting to resonate," he told AFP, adding that inmates at a juvenile detention centre in Western Australia had been so inspired after seeing four indigenous men finish the 2010 New York race, they staged their own.

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20 Sports

Wednesday, 4 April, 2012

Punjab, Sargodha, frontier, lUmS in women soccer semis ISLAMABAD sTaff rePorT

Punjab, Sargodha, Frontier Women, Peshawar and LUMS universities attain victories in the All Pakistan Intervarsity Women's Football Championship 201112 being played at Islamabad.

In the first match of the last day of Preliminary round Frontier, Women University outclassed LCW University by 2-0. Sadia Rauf & Salma secured one goal each. Karachi University beat Sargodha University by 1-0. Farha Tayyaba the only goal scorer.

Defending Champion Punjab defeated Islamia University Bhawalpur by 7-1.

Zaiba Manzoor 3 goals, Sobia 2 goals, Aliya & Bushra 1 goal each.

Punjab, Sargodha, Frontier and LUMS have qualified for the semi finals which will be held on 5th April 2012 at 0800 hrs and 0930 hrs respectively.

AfC U-14 Boys football festival set to open ISLAMABAD sTaff rePorTer

Dr. Fazal-ur-Rehman, President Islamabad Football Association said Tuesday that the arrangements have been finalized to stage the AFC Under-14 Boys Football Festival 2012 here at Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex.

He said that the “C” Certificate Coaching Course was going on at the Jinnah Hall, which would be closed on April 15.

“Iranian Murtaza Moses is the course instructor while John Wittle is the project director. Our 10 people are participating the course, “he added.

Dr Fazal further said that the other arrangements for holding the international fixture in the benefiting manners had been finalized and the different committees also constituted and shred the duties among them. ”Seven countries including Pakistan will take part in the youth football festival of Asian Football Confederation (AFC), “he said.

“The participating teams will arrive in Islamabad on April 9, 2012 while the competitions will be commenced from April 11, 2012 with a colorful opening ceremony. However, the chief guest will be finalized yet. Manager meeting will be taken place at the venue a day before starting the event, “he maintained.

He said that the closing ceremony would be held on April 15, 2012 and all six visiting team would fly back their respective hometown on April 16. “We will provide all the facilities to foreign team during the AFC Under-14 Football Festival according to international demands, “he said.

Afc c-certificAte coAching course Begins: The PFF Vision 2022, which the Pakistan Football Federation unveiled on June 21, 2008 PFF Congress, will take Pakistan to new height, feels PFF’s Director Development & Competition Wing Cmdr ® Pervaiz Saeed Mir. This ambitious plan will create pavement to PFF in earning berth in top 15 Asian teams as well earning ticket to the World Cup, Olympics and FIFA agelimit competitions in coming decades.

But all the coaches had work as a motivated team to make it a reality,” he added while addressing the opening ceremony of AFC C-Certificate Football Coaching Course at Islamabad’s Jinnah Sports Complex on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, PFF's President Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat in his message urged the coaches to acquire technical know-how and work with dedication for the promotion and development of football in the country.

He emphasised that the coaches must develop the ability to watch and analyse the strength and weaknesses of the players while selecting national or regional teams. “I hope this course will hone the skill of the coaches,” he added.

"It's now easier than ever to become a qualified football coach. By getting on the coaching ladder, individuals have the opportunity to progress through various AFC Coaching qualifications while constantly enhancing their skills and knowledge," said AFC Instructor Morteza Mohases from Iran.

ISlAmABAd: Women footballers in action during the All Pakistan Intervarsity football Championship 2011-12.

Tiger, Rory pace power-packed field AUGUSTA

T

afP

IGER Woods and Rory McIlroy command most of the attention leading into Thursday's start of the 76th Masters, but there will be 95 other golfers trying to win the champion's green jacket, too. World No. 7 Woods, the highest-ranked Masters winner, snapped a 2 1/2-year win drought by taking the Arnold Palmer Invitational two weeks ago, showing the form that brought him 14 career major titles, four off Jack Nicklaus's record.

"Fine tuning here and there, making the adjustments, that’s a good sign for Augusta," Woods said. "I understand how to play Augusta National and it's just a matter of executing the game plan."

Second-ranked McIlroy, a Northern Ireland prodigy who won last month's Honda Classic to seize the top ranking for two weeks, won his first major crown at last year's

US Open after a back-nine Sunday collapse cost him the Masters. "I've always been a pretty confident guy, but I've got a lot more belief in myself now when I'm going down the stretch," McIlroy said. "I definitely don't doubt myself as much as I used to."

Either Woods, 36, or McIlroy, 22, is featured on covers of the latest golf magazines, both of them drawn in boxing gloves for one publication. They are not the whole show at Augusta National this week, but they are the headliners.

"If we want to win this tournament, we have to beat Rory and Tiger," said 2006 US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy of Australia, who shared fourth last year. "I don't think they are the whole show but you have to beat them to win." Aussie Jason Day, who shared second last year with countryman Adam Scott, sees the excitement of a possible Woods-McIlroy showdown as a benefit to golf, but he wouldn't be surprised to see someone else win the title on Sunday. "It's going to be pretty exciting with Tiger just winning recently and how Rory has been playing this year,"

Day said. "There are a bunch of guys this year that have really stepped up and played great. Hopefully we can have another exciting finish like we did last year.

"Any player like Rory or Phil (Mickelson) or Tiger that goes ahead and wins this week, it would be great for the game of golf. "But I'm going to do my best to try to stop them." South African legend Gary Player, a three-time Masters champion who has made a record 52 starts at Augusta National, likes Rory McIlroy to win the Masters.

"I have to favor Rory McIlory this year," Player wrote in a Laureus website blog. "Last year he was playing so well and was leading and had that collapse in the final round with an 80. "I think Rory has a little revenge in his heart for the golf course. The way he recovered from that upset at the US Open a couple of months later showed what maturity he has."

Player expects a strong performance from Woods in the wake of his first triumph since the sex scandal that destroyed his iconic image and his marriage.

day sees a major winner in eye of the Tiger

AUgUSTA: Tiger Woods reacts after a shot during a practice round prior to the start of the 2012 masters Tournament at Augusta national golf Club. aFp

AugustA: Tiger Woods has the same look in his eyes that Rory McIlroy had last year when winning the US Open, according to Jason Day, who settled for second place last year at the Masters and US Open.

And with Woods coming into the 76th Masters off his first US PGA victory in 2 1/2 years, the stage could be set this week at Augusta National for Woods to win his 15th major title and capture his first Major since the 2008 US Open.

"It's Tiger: 14 majors. He can get that back in a heartbeat, especially around here with the crowds," Day said. "They are on his side. If he's playing good, you'll definitely hear it. And it's kind of chilling if you do hear it." Day, who dreams of becoming the first Australian to win the Masters, spoke to Woods on the driving range last month at Doral and caught a glimpse of the intensity that made Woods a golfing legend. "I could tell that there was nothing else that he wanted to do more than win and play well," Day said. "I wasn't surprised. I said to my caddie, 'He's going to win pretty soon.' Surprising enough, he won a couple of weeks later.

"And I could just see it in his eyes that he was going to do it. That's just how it is. It was like when I was watching Rory last year at the US Open. I just knew he was going to win because it just looked different.

"It just seemed like Tiger, he was comfortable, but he had that look in his eye that he was going to do it

pretty soon, and it happened."

Woods won his 72nd career US PGA crown at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, his first triumph since the eruption of his now infamous sex scandal and the completion of a comeback after an injury-nagged 2011 campaign.

"Obviously with what's happened in the past over the last few years, it kind of got away from him a little bit," Day said. "You can see that competitive spirit coming back to Tiger, especially after the win at Bay Hill. "Tiger has had his troubles but he certainly has been working hard. It seems like before when he was really dominating, golf was the only thing that he was focusing on. The only thing he wanted to do was win and dominate.

"You can just tell when someone wants it enough. If you have the talent and you work hard enough, sooner or later, it's going to come. Tiger has dominated the game of golf for a long, long time, so it was just only a matter of time."

Day shared second with countryman Adam Scott last year, losing to the four-birdie finish of South African Charl Schwartzel. Scott, whose caddie is former Woods caddie Steve Williams, likes Woods' chances this week as well.

"I think certainly Tiger has got to be in the mix," Scott said. "He's playing well and he has won four times here. He knows what he's doing." afP

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Wednesday, 4 April, 2012

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Kitajima, Tateishi, Kato qualify for Olympics

watch it Live TEN SPORTS 2nd test: Sri Lanka vs England 09:15AM

Pff calls 30 U-22 footballers for camp training LAHORE sTaff rePorT

ToKyo: Kosuke Kitajima (r) of Japan leads other swimmers in the men's 100m breaststroke final of the national Swimming Championships, qualification races for the london olympics. aFp TOKYO

J PCf reschedules Women Cycling LAHORE sTaff rePorT

The Pakistan Cycling Federation on Tuesday rescheduled of the 10th Women National Cycling Championship which was to be held on April 23 to 25.

Idris Haider Khawaja, Secretary General PCF said that the Championship notified from April 23 to 25 at Lahore has been rescheduled and will now be held from May 1 to 3 keeping in view the examinations of F.A/B.A of the girls participants which are taking place during these days. All the affiliated Units of the federation have been directed to start training according to the fresh date of the holding of the event. The participating teams would reach Lahore on April 30.

nBP national ranking Tennis from today KARACHI sTaff rePorT

The formal opening of the NBP Open National Junior Tennis Championship will be held today here at the Karachi Club at 5.30 pm.

However, on Tuesday qualifying round matches were played while round matches will start after the formal opening, Results: Under -16 Qualifying: Shabbir Muhammad beat M Ameer hamza 6-3, 6-0 Under -14 Qualifying Round 1: Abdul Rehman beat Mustafa Admani 6-0,6-3; Under -14 Qualifying Round 2: Dawood Admani beat Umar Admani 6-2,6-4; saad M Ali beat Ajay Kumar 5-1,6-1.

Under -12 Qualifying Round 1: Daniyal beat ahmed Ahmadani 8-0; Abdullah Imran beat Zubair Raza 8-6; Hammad Gul beat Waqas 8-6; Saifullah Imran beat Abdullah 8-0; jay kumar beat kalash 8-5; umer Admani beat burhauddin 8-3.

afP

APAN'S two-time double Olympic champion Kosuke Kitajima on Tuesday secured his fourth appearance in the Games, winning his qualifying race at the national swimming championships in Tokyo.

The 29-year-old set a new national record of 58.90 seconds, beating his own previous best of 58.91 to win the men's 100-metre breaststroke ahead of

Ryo Tateishi in 59.60 and Akihiro Yamaguchi in 1:00.66.

Tateishi also qualified for the London Olympics.

"I have a special feeling this time," said Kitajima, adding that he had qualified with a "different feeling" than on the three previous occasions.

"Last year, I was very disappointed with my poor performance in the 100 metres, but I never gave up in the 100 metres this time. Younger swimmers have fired me up.

"I gained a lot of confidence as I

bettered my personal best time, but it's not enough to compete against the top swimmers in the world. I'll do my best to improve further," he added.

Yuka Kato also set a new national record of 57.77 to win the women's 100-metre butterfly and qualify for the Olympics.

"I was calm and composed. I'm happy about it," said the 25-year-old.

Nao Kobayashi narrowly missed the ticket to London, finishing second in 58.61, followed by Tomoyo Fukuda who was third in 58.88.

Sir Syed Varsity win Red Bull Cricket, to take part in a Sri Lanka tourney KARACHI sTaff rePorT

Sir Syed University, Karachi defeated Punjab University, Lahore by 6 wickets to win the first-ever, Red Bull Campus Cricket tournament.

Punjab University scored 153 for 8 wickets and in reply Sir Syed University reached the target of 154 in the 19th over for the loss of only 4 wickets. Ali Mehar was declared the Man of the Match for his all-round performance by scoring 53 runs off 34 balls and took one wicket.

The tournament featured 22 university teams from Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. By becoming the winner of the Red Bull Campus Cricket Pakistan, Sir Syed University will now be competing in an international event against teams from India and Sri Lanka. The competition will be held in Sri Lanka in April.

KArAHI: former Pakistan captain moin Khan gives the award to Sir Syed University team member.

The Pakistan Football Federation has called 30 probables for the Pakistan U22 training camp at the City School Football Ground, Gulberg Lahore from April 3 to 12 for AFC U22 Asian Cup2013 Qualifier Round.

The Qualifying round will be held on June 23 to July 3. Pakistan has been placed in Group B with Saudi Arabia, Syria, Kyrgyzstan, Palestine and Sri Lanka.

The camp trainees: Muzammil Hussain (GK), Saqib Hanif (GK), Tanveer Mumtaz (GK), Jahangir (GK), Manzoor Ahmed (DF), Faisal Iqbal (DF), Mohammad Osman (DF), Naveed Ahmed (DF), Shahram Babar (DF), Ahsan Ullah (DF), Bilal Butt (DF), Abdul Salam (DF), Saddam Hussain (MF), Muhammad Adil (MF), Mohasin Ali (MF), Kaleem Ullah (MF), Mahmood Khan (MF), Imran Ali Khan (MF), Sher Muhammad (MF), Junaid Qadir (MF), Osman Zulqarnain (MF), Bilawal-ur-Rehman (MF), Waleed Nadeem (MF), Abdul Salam (FW), Muhammad (FW), Mansoor Khan (FW), Usama Haleem (FW), Saeed Sarwar (FW), Malik Muhammad Haman Ali (FW) and Zakir Lashari (FW).

The officials of training camp are Milosavljevic Zavisa (Head Coach), Gohar Zaman (Assistant Manager/Assistant Coach), Nasir Ismail (Assistant Coach), Aslam Khan (Goalkeeper Coach) and Dr. Kamran Mehdi (Physio).

IBm boss could be first female Augusta member AugustA: The male-only membership of Augusta National Golf Club is a topic of conversation once again as the 76th Masters prepares to tee off on Thursday at the famed course.

Nine years after a protest by women's groups outside the gates of Augusta National during the tournament, the focus is on IBM chief executive officer Virginia Rometty and whether or not she will become the club's first woman.

IBM is among the sponsors of the Masters and for nearly 30 years, IBM chief executives have been granted membership at the exclusive organization, a private club that is not required to induct women.

The question is set to arise again on Wednesday when Augusta National chairman Billy Payne, the key figure behind Atlanta hosting the 1996 Olympics, speaks with reporters on the eve of the year's first major championship. afP

British face pre-Olympic gold test Down Under MELBOURNE afP

The Olympic gold-winning credentials of track superpowers Great Britain faces a crucial test this week when traditional rivals Australia host the 2012 world championships.

Held over five, action-packed days at the Hisense Arena, the event will serve as a pre-London tune-up for most and a crucial stepping stone on the way to Olympic qualification for others.

By Sunday, there should be little room for doubt concerning Olympic selection. For those already assured of a place, what needs done to win Olmypic gold in five months time will remain the biggest concern.

Given their resounding success at the 2008 Olympics when they won seven of 10 track gold medals, most would expect Britain to be strutting towards their home Games in five months time.

However changes to the Olympic programme -- the men and women now compete in the same five events and only one competitor is allowed per event -- as well as efforts by rival teams to close the competitive gap mean Britain are no longer assured an easy ride.

Australia claimed only one medal, a sprint silver thanks to Anna Meares, in Beijing but are now confident of challenging in most of the 10 Olympic events.

"I don't think I'm being unrealistic in saying that we're in the hunt in most of the Olympic events," Australia's high performance director Kevin Tabotta said recently.

On Wednesday the Australian men's team pursuit are expected to duel with Olympic champions and world record holders Britain as they aim for their third world title since Beijing.

Australia set a winning time of 3min 54.615sec, just outside the world record

of 3:53.314, to beat Britain at the World Cup last month -- a defeat that Britain are desperate to avenge, preferably in London.

"We will go to Melbourne to win, or at least to close the gap," said Britain's start man Ed Clancy after Great Britain finished in 3:56.330 In the women's team sprint, the twolap power event which will make its Olympic debut, Meares and partner Kaarle McCulloch are widely expected to come up against British duo Victoria Pendleton and Jess Varnish.

In London last month Meares and McCulloch beat their own world record, before it was then eclipsed by Pendleton and Varnish as the Brits took a surprise gold. While Britain and Australia are expected to stake claims for medals in the women's team pursuit and omnium, other nations will be among the reckoning for the men's and women's sprint events of the sprint, keirin and team

sprint.

Despite being a four-time Olympic champion and the reigning champion in the sprint, keirin and team sprint Sir Chris Hoy is duelling with England's Jason Kenny for the sole sprint spot for London. The Scot underlined his Olympic ambitions in London last month when he won the sprint and keirin titles and took silver in the team sprint, but despite that success his place is not guaranteed.

"Obviously selection hasn't been finalised for the British team yet so I'm looking forward to putting in another good performance, hopefully in the sprint, keirin and team sprint and try and stake my claim for selection," said Hoy. As well as from Kenny, Hoy is expected to meet stiff opposition from Frenchman Gregory Bauge, Australian Shane Perkins and a strong German team that also has eyes on the three-man sprint title.

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Wednesday, 4 April, 2012

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Pakistan will not arrest Hafiz saeed ISLAMABAD

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sHaIQ HUssaIn

AKISTAN will not arrest Hafiz Saeed, the founder of Jamaatud-Dawa (JuD), despite the United States putting his name on the list of ‘most wanted terrorists’ and announcing a reward of $10 million for him. The United States has also announced a reward of $2 million for another senior leader of JuD, Hafiz Abdur Rehman Makki.

India has welcomed the US decision saying it had proven its position that Hafiz Saeed and his organization were involved in Mumbai attacks of November 2008 and

other acts of terror. However, Pakistani authorities are unlikely to take any action against the JuD leaders unless they are given what they call sound evidence against Hafiz Saeed and his other aides’ involvement in terrorism. There was no formal reaction in Islamabad to the US decision, but a senior Pakistani official seeking anonymity said, “We cannot arrest our nationals on the basis of hearsay and to please India. If India and US have any undeniable evidence which can stand the scrutiny of a judicial process then they should share with us.”

Earlier, Interior Minister Rehman Malik told a private news channel that the government of Pakistan had not received

any communication from US on Hafiz Saeed through formal diplomatic channels so he would not comment on this issue.

The official, who requested not to be named, however, said, “Putting a bounty on the two people, in our judgment, is an exercise in utter futility and nothing more than becoming hostage to India’s machinations.” Meanwhile talking to Pakistan Today, JuD spokesman Yahya Mujahid said, “The US authorities have done this because they are angry and frustrated over strong public reaction to drone strikes and the likely reopening of NATO supply lines in Pakistan on the call of JUD.” He said, “The whole world knows that Hafiz Saeed and Abdur Rehman Makki are not hiding

in caves and they are rather popular leaders of Pakistan. They are busy in welfare activities for the people of this country.”

He said, “JuD will not come under any pressure and such cowardly acts could not deter it from fighting for what it believes is right thing to do.” A diplomatic source said that the US decision to announce bounty on Hafiz Saeed could make the job of Pakistani government further difficult which is facing resistance inside the parliament and also on the roads outside against the likely reopening of NATO supplies. “This act by the United States is likely to harm further the stained ties between Islamabad and Washington,” he said, wishing not to be named.

Three killed in latest Karachi violence Sindh govt decides to launch indiscriminate action against criminals g arms licenses temporarily cancelled g hRCp says 300 killed in Karachi in 2012’s first three months g

KARACHI aGenCIes

KaraCHI: normalcy returns to violence-infested Lyari after the deployment of frontier Corps personnel in the area on Tuesday. OnLinE

Two more hazara Shias killed in Quetta QuettA: Two more members of the Hazara Shia community fell prey to sectarian killing in Quetta on Tuesday night. The banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed responsibility for the killing.

According to police officials, unidentified armed assailants riding a motorcycle opened indiscriminate fire on two different shops on Meconghy Road in the city centre.

As a result, two people of the Hazara community were killed. The assailants fled unhindered. Police rushed to the site soon after the incident and moved the injured to a nearby hospital where doctors declared them dead. The deceased were identified as Ali Akbar and Ali Raza. Gawalmandi Station House Officer (SHO) Shaukat Jadoon was placed under suspension for showing negligence in duty when the incident occurred, however no one has been arrested in this connection.

Meanwhile, Ali Sher Haideri, spokesman of defunct Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed responsibility for the killing. STaFF REpORT

Bilawal seeks SC apology over ZaB judicial murder NAUDERO InP

PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday called upon the Supreme Court to tender apology for hanging his party’s late chairman Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. During his address at the central executive meeting of the PPP, he said that the SC should also announce its review verdict on ZAB case. Bilawal said Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (ZAB) reference pending in the court provided a golden opportunity for the apex court to right the wrongs of the past. “Let’s hope the court doesn’t repeat double standards,” he said in his English speech. | He opined that all terrorists should be hanged after a proper trial. Without referring to the SC call of writing Swiss letter, Bilawal said the elected prime minister of Pakistan would not violate the constitution of Pakistan and he would not violate Vienna conventions. “No one will be allowed to have a trial of the corpses of martyrs,” he added. He also demanded that the apex court also needed to revisit its verdict on the Mukhtaran Mai’s case. The PPP executive committee meeting also expressed its concern over the delay in pending issue of ZAB case before the Supreme Court. The meeting was chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari. The meeting expressed its complete confidence in leadership of Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani. The participants also lauded Zardari’s fifth address to the parliament.

Three people were killed across Karachi in the latest spate of violence in the country’s financial capital, as the Sindh government’s coalition, the PPP, MQM and ANP, on Tuesday decided to launch indiscriminate action against lawbreakers across the province.

The decision was made in a meeting held at the Governor’s House jointly chaired by Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Interior Minister Rehman Malik. The meeting also took cognisance of the need of keeping close contacts among partners and leaders and agreed to reactivate the coordination committee. The participants agreed that all efforts be undertaken to ensure law and order in the economic hub of the country and those involved in criminals be brought to book without any consideration of their political affiliations.

The ANP expressed reservations over conducting operations at their offices, including Bacha Khan Markaz. Talking to reporters, Ebad thanked Qaim and Malik for their efforts to bring all parties at one table to resolve the issues. Some forces were trying to reap benefits of law and order and “it is our duty to foil such nefarious designs”, he added. Malik said President Asif Ali Zardari ordered stern action against criminals and added that action would be indiscriminate as the three parties had the same stance against criminals.

The Sindh government also cancelled dozens of arms licenses and permits after a number of incidents of terrorism in Karachi.

In the light of interior minister’s directives, the provincial government cancelled arms licenses and permits on a temporary basis.

Also on Tuesday, Karachi police claimed to have arrested four target killers and recovered arms and ammunition from them in SITE area of the city. The culprits were involved in the murder of at least eight people, including two police officials.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said ethnic, sectarian and politically-linked violence in the country’s financial capital had killed at least 300 people so far this year.

Parts of the Arabian Sea port city have become battlegrounds in the last week, with authorities unable to prevent spiralling violence blamed on activists from political parties representing competing ethnic groups.

“About 300 people have been the victims of violent shootings in the last three months,” Zohra Yusuf, chairwoman of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), told AFP. The HRCP previously said 1,715 people were killed last year in sudden flare-ups of violence in the city, which is Pakistan’s most populous.

“The figures compiled by our staff and the death toll for the last three months confirmed by the police shows the number of victims of violence was not less than 300,” Yusuf said.

Much of the violence has been blamed on tensions between supporters of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), rooted in the Urdu-speaking majority, and the Awami National Party (ANP), which represents ethnic Pashtun migrants.

toP BrAss oF 14 rPPs PlAceD on ecl ISLAMABAD sTaff rePorT

In pursuance of the Supreme Court’s verdict, the federal government has placed the names of 14 senior management officials of rental power companies on the Exit Control List (ECL), including a close aide of President Asif Ali Zardari, Iqbal Z Ahmed. According to an official handout of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the names of chief executive officers (CEOs) of rental power projects (RPPs) as well as the owners of

power companies have been placed on ECL. These include Muhammad Anwar Khan, CEO Techno-E-Power; Muhammad Rafiq Butt CEO M/s Young Gen; Muhammad Jamil Arain, CEO M/s Karkey; Ghulam Mustafa Tunio, CEO M/s Gulf Rental; Tariq Nazir CEO M/s Walters Power; Gulzar Muhammad CEO M/s Alstome Power Rental; Abid Ali CE M/s Techno-E-Power; Habib Ullah Khan CE M/s Young Gen; Iqbal Z Ahmad Principal Officer M/s Pakistan Power; Orhan Remzi Karadeniz Chairman M/s Karkay; Haseeb Ahmad Khan CEO

M/s Gulf Rental; Shah Faisal CEO M/s Reshma Power; Muhammad Nasarullah Baig Principal Officer M/s Walters Power; and Naeem Shafique Country Manager M/s General Electric Power. Notices under NAO (National Accountability Ordinance) have been issued to four companies which are to refund the down payment along with the mark up. These include Techno–E Power, Walters Power Naudero-I, Karkey Rental Power and Gulf Power Project. These companies have been directed to deposit the money within three days.

Published by Arif Nizami for Nawa Media Corporation (Pvt) Ltd at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad.

Editor: Arif Nizami, Executive Editor: Sarmad Bashir, Resident Editor: Rana Qaisar