E-paper PakistanToday ISB 9th December, 2011

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‘Zardari was elected for five years, why should he resign?’

Virender Sehwag outclasses Tendulkar with double ton

‘No second chance’ if euro summit fails, says Sarkozy

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rs15.00 Vol ii no 162 22 Pages islamabad — Peshawar edition

pakistantoday.com.pk

Friday, 9 December, 2011 Muharram-ul-Haram 13, 1433

NATO raid pre-planned, no trust in probe

Zardari ‘stable’, US optimistic ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

National security committee asks govt for details of agreements made with US and NATO g

ISLAMABAD

T

STAFF REPORT

He army said on Thursday Pakistan did not become part of NATO’s enquiry into its deadly air strike in Mohmand Agency last month because it did not expect any tangible results from the probe and doubted it would be transparent, as the Parliamentary Committee on National Security sought from the government details of the agreements and assurances, verbal or written, made with the US and NATO so as to formulate its recommendations for parliament vis-à-vis new terms of engagement on cooperation in the war on terror.

Military sources told Pakistan Today no tangible results were expected from the NATO probe into the strikes since nothing of consequence had emerged from earlier investigations into such cross-border attacks by US and allied forces. They said Pakistan had also decided to increase the number of border posts that coordinated activities with the US and allied forces in Afghanistan.

“The number of border coordination posts jointly operated by Pakistani, Afghan and NATO forces along the border with Afghanistan will be increased from four to five,” a source said.

STRIKE PRE-PLANNED: Meanwhile, Director General Military Operations Major General Ashfaq Nadeem said the NATO air strike was pre-planned. Briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Defence, which met with Senator Javed Ashraf Qazi in the chair on Thursday, Gen Nadeem said after the attack on Salala checkpost it was wrongly conveyed to the Pakistani side that the Volcano checkpost had been attacked. “When the company commander rushed to the checkpost, he saw that NATO helicopters had returned after destroying the two checkposts,” he said. The bunkers were specifically targeted and destroyed, he added. Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Committee on National Security headed by Senator Raza Rabbani told ContinueD on Page 04

QUETTA: A man looks at burning NATO supply oil tankers at a terminal following an attack by gunmen. AFP | Story on Page 24

SC upholds previous NRO verdict, orders implementation The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday issued the detailed verdict in the review case of National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO). The 31-page detailed verdict drafted by Justice Tassadaq Hussain Jilani said the federal counsel was heard but he failed to give arguments to build the case and the parliament did not validate the NRO. Dismissing the government’s pleas to review the NRO verdict, the Supreme Court in its detailed verdict ordered the government to immediately implement its ruling in letter and spirit. The detailed verdict bears signatures of all the 17 judges comprising the full court that heard the case.

DetaileD story | Page 04

As rumours gripped the country about the political fate of President Asif Ali Zardari on the second consecutive day, presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar said on Thursday that the president had been moved from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to his room, as the Telegraph reported that the president had suffered a minor heart attack.

“According to his personal physician, President Zardari was moved a short while ago from the ICU to the normal hospital room, where he is resting to recuperate,” said Babar.

A health bulletin issued by the physician said: “The president is stable, comfortable and is resting. Initial tests and investigations have been within normal range while further tests will be carried out.” Meanwhile, a

Shaukat Javed rejects report Former Punjab IG Shaukat Javed has strongly rejected contents of a news report appearing in Pakistan Today accusing him of planning to manipulate the next provincial elections for the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N). In a statement, Mr Javed said that he had held no meeting with either any PML-N leader or the additional inspector general of the Special Branch in the last one year. He said further that no person had ever accused him of being involved in rigging the last general elections. “During my service, I earned a reputation of sound integrity and impartiality in political matters,” Mr Javed said in his statement.

Reuters report said Zardari was being administered antibiotics to treat a fever. Information Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said President Zardari would be back among the people of the country soon. Asked whether the president would address the joint session of parliament, the minister said Zardari would do so after the finalisation of recommendations by the Parliamentary Committee ContinueD on Page 04

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02 News Today’s

Friday, 9 December, 2011

ISlAmABAD

NewS

wORlD VIew

Civil society asks US to tender apology

‘Change has started in FATA’

In Pakistan, the US continues to make errors

Story on Page 06

Story on Page 10

Quick Look

Story on Page 15

17 militants killed in Orakzai, Kurram operations PESHAWAR STAFF REPORT

17 alleged militants were killed and their hideouts destroyed in retaliatory action by security forces at Central Kurram and Orakzai Agencies on Thursday.

The militant attacks in both tribal agencies resulted in a soldiers’ death and injuries to three others. Officials informed that early on Thursday morning dozens of militants attacked security forces check posts at Joogi area in central Kurram Agency. Two security forces personnel were injured. However, security forces launched retaliatory action against militants through helicopters. Officials claimed three militant hideouts were destroyed and 10 militants were killed. On the other hand, officials said a soldier was killed in a militant’s attack in Upper Orakzai Agency. Security forces relatiated and killed seven militants. No independent verification of the casualties would be made due to lack of access in both tribal agencies. Meanwhile, Bannu police claimed the arrest of 17 notorious criminals, including one hard-core militant, during a search operation on Thursday.

SC moved to clear president’s name in memo petition LAHORE STAFF REPORT

A civil miscellaneous application was filed in the Supreme Court’s Lahore Registry for an early hearing of the petition on the constitutional immunity to President Asif Ali Zardari against criminal proceedings.

The application was filed by Barrister Zafarullah.

He contended that the president enjoyed complete immunity from criminal proceedings under Article 248 of the constitution and it was unlawful to proceed against him in court of law. He requested the court to decide the immunity matter pending since 2009 before taking up the the “memogate”pleas.

SC directs VC to decide on fourth extension in 10 days ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Hearing a suo motu case pertaining to fourth extension in the tenure of Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood Khan, the Supreme Court on Thursday directed the VC to decide himself within 10 days what he had to do, otherwise the court would decide the case on merit and he would have to return the salaries and other perks he withdrew illegally. When the VC appeared inperson before a two-member Supreme Court bench of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and Justice Tariq Parvez and started arguments, the court directed him to decide about his fate within 10-days and inform the court. Attorney General Maulvi Anwarul Haq and acting Punjab Advocate General Muhammad Hanif Khattana appeared before the court on notice.

Border coordination officers recalled for discussions: ISPR ISLAMABAD ONlINE

The Pakistan Army has said that border coordination officers, posted along the Afghan border for coordination with NATO forces in Afghanistan, have been recalled for consultations to improve coordination with foreign forces in the neighbouring country. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Athar Abbas told Online on Thursday that some people were called in for “consultations” on how to improve coordination with NATO/ISAF so that incidents such as that November 26 could be avoided in future. He said the impression was wrong that all forces along the Afghan borders were pulled back.

TO THE US EMBASSY: Protesters attempt to cross barbed wires to reach the US Embassy during an anti-US and NATO rally at Parade Avenue in Islamabad. INP

Unification Bloc may abandon Sharifs for PTI

‘Zardari was elected for 5-years, why should he resign?’

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

LAHORE YASIR HABIB

I

T seems that the beleaguered Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is about to suffer another political blow as the Unification Bloc – the PML-Quaid’s breakaway faction in Punjab which was loyal to the Sharifs, now seems eager to join the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI). After Shah Mehmood Qureshi joined the PTI and other political giants are expected to swap the Unification Bloc for Imran Khan’s party, the Sharifs have started to have sleepless nights.

Lobbyists within the bloc have begun to flex their muscles to join the PTI to share the political windfalls likely to fall in Khan’s lap in the near future. They have started organizing marathon meetings to convince bloc members to abandon the Sharifs, “who never reciprocate their selfless love for the PML-N” and think about joining Khan’s army to secure their political careers. Most of the bloc

members, who had been dormant and had grievances with the Punjab government, have been in close contact with one another since mid November and it seems that they are trying to hash out a strategy in the light of the country’s changing political landscape.

“People as individuals and in groups have also expressed their feelings to Unification Bloc head Dr Tahir Ali Javed of quitting the PML-N and joining the PTI and a final decision is taking shape fast and will be ready to be announced soon,” a senior bloc member told Pakistan Today. He said one of the major reasons behind the move was the frosty attitude of both the Sharif brothers.

“We stayed loyal to the Sharifs during the governor’s rule and proved our unshaken belief in them. But, in reply, Nawaz refused to bless us with PML-N tickets in the upcoming elections,” he said.

“It is a bitter reality that the PML-N does not think of the Unification Bloc as a friend. Contrary to the promise, the reconciliation process could not be initiated be-

tween the members of the bloc and the PML-N even at the district level,” he said. “We also resigned from 11 posts of chairmen of standing committees and three slots of political assistants in the Punjab Assembly for the cause of the PML-N. However, the Sharifs kept us at an arm’s length,” another member of bloc said.

The Unification Bloc head admitted that the bloc members had conveyed to him that they were mulling joining the PTI. “They have also asked me about what I think as they are seriously weighing their options,” he added.

He also admitted that most of the bloc members had frayed ties with the PML-N due to the Punjab government’s “unfriendly treatment” meted out to them.

However, he said so far the situation was under control as a majority of the bloc’s members were still loyal to the PML-N. “We believe that changing a political party once and again may backfire,” Javed said. He said a decision regarding joining the PTI would be taken when the time came.

Pakistan Muslim LeagueQuaid (PML-Q) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain on Thursday said the parliament elected President Asif Ali Zardari for five years and he will not quit his office.

Talking to media after visiting ailing Tableeghi Jamaat chief Abdul Wahab at Lahore’s Services Hospital, Shujaat said Zardari had gone abroad for medical treatment and will return home after his recovery. Ch Shujaat said opponents should wait till the end of his tenure as president. He said the memogate was a fraud orchestrated by a man with vested interests. He also said no important PML-Q members were switching alliances and the likeminded group were looking to other parities after being disappointed from PML-Q. Shujaat also said no parlays with PMLN was on the cards and if it was to be called, the PML-Q would consult media before deciding.

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Friday, 9 December, 2011

ARTS & eNTeRTAINmeNT

FOReIgN NewS

SPORTS

News 03 COmmeNT

Eilat bombing mastermind killed in Gaza strike Court asks police to book Vidya for obscenity Younus warns B’desh to get ready for spin onslaught

Cornered in: Some navel-gazing is in order.

A baptism of fire?: Not an easy road ahead for Bilawal.

Agha Akbar says: He ain’t going nowhere: The president with nine lives.

Ali Aftab Saeed says: We kiss and we make up!: The US and Pakistan’s sordid affair.

Qudssia Akhlaque says: Confusion, yet again: The PPP is not free from blame.

Story on Page 19

Story on Page 17

Story on Page 20

Articles on Page 12-13

‘Unity on redrafting terms of engaging NATO’ g

Firdous says govt committed to conducting transparent memo enquiry ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

I

NFORMATION Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan on Thursday said the military and civilian leadership of the country were on the same page vis-à-vis a new plan of action for future terms of engagement with NATO and US forces in the war on terrorism and no pressure could hamper the government’s resolve in this regard. “every country has to see its own interests. We have our own interests and all decisions will be taken in the national interest. The matter of framing the proposals for future terms of engagements is with the Parliamentary Committee on National Security. Once the proposals are drafted, they will be brought before the joint session of parliament which will decide the way forward for the government and we will follow the same,” she said when asked whether the US president was pressurising Pakistan to resume NATO supplies.

Asked whether the government was making efforts to put the memo controversy under the carpet, the minister said the government was not making any such effort and the government was committed to conducting fair and transparent enquiry into the matter. She said after the issue emerged, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani summoned ambassador Hussain Haqqani and asked him to resign. “Since the matter is with the Supreme Court, it will decide the matter.

Bin laden was not at Qaeda helm before raid WASHINGToN: Documents found in the Pakistani home where Osama bin Laden was killed in May show the al Qaeda leader no longer had any role in operations, a US expert who reviewed the evidence said Wednesday. The expert, who asked not to be named, said the 200 pieces of evidence - notebooks, files, computers and USB drives - recovered by the US commandos who staged the raid in which he died, showed “it had been quite a while since he was involved in the day-to-day management of the organisation.”

“The writings we recovered are mostly general position papers, along the lines of ‘We must continue to attack the US’ or ‘Can the Somali Shebab be trusted?’” the source said. “In one small blue notebook from February 2010, he wonders if one member should be promoted, who should be named to replace another killed in a drone raid. But nothing about operational management of the organisation,” the source added. About a third of the items confiscated were about personal family matters including efforts by one of his wives to find a husband for one of their daughters, the source added. AFP

Haqqani’s name was put on the exit Control List (eCL) in line with the SC orders.

No one else respects the SC more than the government,” she said, indicating a Uturn of the government against the PPP’s previous stance taken by PPP leader Dr Babar Awan, Khurshid Shah and Qamar Zaman Kaira around a week ago in defiance of the court’s verdict.

Asked whether the government would submit its response with the court on the “memogate” issue, the minister said the court had sought a response from the federation of Pakistan and the government would submit a unified response after taking all stakeholders on board.

She said the cabinet had been briefed by Military Operations Director General Major General Ishfaq Nadeem Ahmed on facts and figures regarding

the NATO strike on checkposts in Mohmand Agency. She said the military operations DG also answered ministers’ questions.

She said the cabinet decided to expedite institutional reforms and restructuring of major public enterprises and address the energy crisis on a priority basis. “In view of the urgency to improving performance of the power sector, PIA, Pakistan Railways and Pakistan Steel Mills, the prime minister has directed to hold cabinet meetings every week instead of every fortnight,” she said.

She said Gilani directed the authorities to ensure uninterrupted gas supply to domestic consumers and evolve a gassharing formula in consultation with other stakeholders like industrial, commercial and CNG sectors. The information minister said the cabinet also approved two-hour load shedding in cities and four-hour load shedding in rural areas to meet the energy shortage in winter but the prime minister directed to take all power sector stakeholders into confidence on the decision. “The cabinet decided to charge every consumer of electricity and asked to ensure refund of GST on electricity bills. After dissolution of PePCO, the government is pursuing a policy of transparency and merit for deployment of chief executive officer (CeOs) of distribution companies,” she said. The minister reiterated the government’s resolve to recover the defaulted amount in the power sector and said so far the Water and Power Ministry had recovered over Rs 2 billion.

124 Pakistanis are in Indian jails NEW DELHI: A total of 124 Pakistanis are in various Indian jails for their involvement in “unwanted” activities and three of them have been sentenced to death, Indian media reported on Thursday. Informing the Upper House of parliament, Indian Minister of State for Home Affairs Jitendra Singh said the repatriation of Pakistani nationals was covered under the Protocol on Consular Access and whenever they, including those considered terrorists, were arrested for their involvement in any anti-India activity, the Pakistan government was officially intimated about their arrest through diplomatic channel.

He said the Indian government then arranged for provision of consular access to these Pakistani nationals and the arrangement was made in central jails.

“Once the Pakistani government confirms the national-

ity of these nationals, they are repatriated to Pakistan after completion of their sentences under Indian judicial process,” Singh said.

In response to another question, the government said NGOs based in foreign countries, particularly those which provided a safe haven to terrorists acting against India, were considered a potential source of terrorist funding.

A number of foreign charitable trusts and NGOs have been identified by the United Nations for their alleged role in financing of terrorist organisations.

“No such organisations or their front organisations are given permission to receive foreign contribution under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010,” Singh said, adding that the existing statutory and legal structure provided adequate provisions to deal with such outfits. ONlINE

lHC seeks reply from Imran Khan, politicians on assets LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Justice Khalid Mahmood Khan of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday sought comments from Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and other politicians in a petition seeking details of their assets.

The court issued orders to the respondents to file comments duly supported by their affidavits. Among other respondents are Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PMLN) President Nawaz Sharif, National People’s Party leader Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, Moeen Qureshi and former prime minister late Benazir Bhutto. Justice Khan ordered the politicians to submit their comments within 15 days and adjourned the hearing till January 10, 2012.

The court issued this order on a petition filed by Barrister Javed Iqbal Jafree who said in his petition that a LHC bench had ordered the freezing of assets owned by former prime minister Benazir Bhutto (late) and her husband Asif Ali Zardari, now president.

However, he said, after military coup in 1999 his petition was transferred to another judge who, without disposing off the case, directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to hold investigation into the matter. However, the investigation was never completed, he added.

Barrister Jafree submitted that the proceedings on his petition should be restored and the NAB should be directed to complete the investigation. The LHC is also holding proceedings on restoration of the petition.

The petitioner prayed that the respondents be directed to provide a verified list of their worldwide assets. He also prayed the court for direction that under which law the politicians had sent money to foreign countries. He submitted that Nawaz Sharif had transferred three billion dollars mostly to UK where his two sons had acquired precious property. Barrister Jaffrey further alleged that Prime Minister Gillani had spent about Rs 500 million from public funds on his houses in Multan and Lahore.

winter vacations to start from Dec 24 ISLAMABAD: Winter vacations will begin from December 24 in all the government and private educational institutions throughout Punjab. The 9-day vacation will end on January 1. ONlINE

SC to resume ‘memogate’ hearing on 19th ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJ) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry with consent of other judges has fixed December 19 as the date for resumption of hearing in memo case by the nine-member SC bench. Notice has also been issued to the Attorney General for Pakistan. earlier on December 1, the ninemember SC bench headed by the CJ had obtained the consent of former FIA director general Tariq Khosa to work as the head of the commission formed to probe the ‘memogate’ issue.

However, Khosa later refused to lead

the probe.

The SC registrar placed the matter with the CJ, who directed him to circulate the note about Khosa’s inability to all bench judges.

All the judges then agreed to hear the case on December 19.

SC ADmoNISHES AG foR ISSuING ‘mEmoGATE’ CASE CLARIfICATIoN: Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Thursday admonished Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Maulvi Anwarul Haq for issuing clarification in the media that he had appeared before the nine-member Supreme Court bench in the “memogate” case on court notice and did not

represent the federation.

During the hearing of a suo motu case pertaining to torture on a 15-yearold boy by police, the CJ told the AG that being the chief law officer of the country, he represented the whole federation, thus he could not be asked in every case that whether the government had permitted him to represent it or not.

The CJ said the AG’s appearance in any case would be a representation of the government and there was no need to issue him notice in every case.

He further asked the AG that if a matter was critical, his appearance before the bench was binding.

“If you want the court to ask you to

get permission from the government for your appearance in every case, the court has no objection, but your (AGP) office will be disgraced by it,” the CJ said.

In his clarification issued to media, the AG had said that he had appeared before the nine-member larger bench in terms of Order XXVII-A of Civil Procedure Code, 1908 as principal law office of the court in response to a notice served on him.

He had issued the clarification after some TV talk shows had stated that the federation was represented by the AG, whereas PPP leaders and ministers had contended that the federation was not heard by the court.

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04 News

Friday, 9 December, 2011

Rumours still abound in federal capital ISLAMABAD RANA QAISAR

While the health bulletin issued by President Asif Ali Zardari’s personal physician Col Salman gave a message of hope saying that the president was stable, comfortable and was resting after initial tests and investigations had been within normal range and further tests would be carried out, rumour-mongers in the federal capital continued to have a field day on Thursday suspecting the claims of the

president’s close aides that he would return soon.

“He (the president) has resigned,” was the rumour that remained on top of everything, leaving many to speculate whether he would come back or stay abroad for the rest of his five-year term on medical grounds.

The argument to support the president’s strategy if there was any – to leave the country at a time when the political scene is heating up, the opposition turning against him in and outside parliament and the Supreme

Court also warming up to take the NRO and the memo issues to the “logical” end – is that he would not resign or give in, rather he would brave the situation that seemingly appears to cost him his presidency.

In this case, the option is to stay in Dubai on the pretext of ill-health with his handpicked Farooq H Naik, the Senate chairman, officiating in his absence as acting president - the constitution does not specify a time period beyond which a person cannot hold the office of the

head of state because of ill health. The choice remains with the president whether to resign or not, though there are other constitutional provisions available to remove him. “He will not resign,” a very confident friend of the president, who knows him for ages, said.

But what his close aides here say – of course they cannot give the exact date because they don’t know what exactly the tests indicated and what the doctors prescribed – is that he will return; a political but at the

same time an imprecise argument. Certainly, they cannot say that he will not return. The development in Dubai was that the president had been shifted from the ICU to a normal hospital room where he was said to be resting to recuperate.

This is a positive sign. What the medical tests, which are, as we are told, yet to be carried out, will indicate remains to be seen.

An official statement on Wednesday said the president would remain under observation for some time.

Stop the blame game ContinueD FroM Page 1

ISlAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s sons Abdul Qadir Gilani, MPA, and Ali Musa Gilani, who will be contesting the by-election from NA-148 vacated by Shah Mahmood Qureshi, call on PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday.

SC upholds previous verdict on NRO, orders implementation ISLAmABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday issued the detailed verdict in the review case of National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO). The 31-page detailed verdict drafted by Justice Tassadaq Hussain Jilani said the federal counsel was heard but he failed to give arguments to build the case and the parliament did not validate the NRO. Dismissing the government’s pleas to review the NRO verdict, the Supreme Court in its detailed verdict ordered the government to immediately implement its ruling in letter and spirit. The detailed verdict bears signatures of all the 17 judges comprising the full court that heard the case. “It may be observed that this court is seized with the matter relating to review of the judgment dated 16.12.2009 in pursuance whereof, the National Reconciliation Ordinance, 2007 was declared void ab initio, being ultra vires and violative of certain articles of the Constitution, therefore, to be deemed non est from the day of its promulgation,” says the judgment. It adds: “However, after hearing the learned counsel for the petitioner from 21st to 24th of November, 2011 at length and having gone through the documents as well as considering all the aspects of the case relating to the Review Petition filed under Article 188 of the Constitution to review the judgment dated 16.12.2009, we are of the considered opinion that no case is made out for the review of the said judgment. Resultantly, the Review Petition and CMA No 5144/2011 are dismissed with no order as to costs. The concerned authorities are hereby directed to comply with the judgment dated 16.12.2009 in letter and spirit without any further delay.”The detailed judgment upheld Supreme Court’s verdict on NRO of December 16, 2009 and declared NRO void ab initio being ultra vires and in violation of various constitutional provisions including articles 4, 8, 25, 62(f), 63(i) (p), 89, 175 and 227. STAFF REPORT

Zardari ‘stable’ ContinueD FroM Page 1 on National Security. Asked why the government did not come up with a clear stance on the president’s health, the minister said there was a forum for queries on any issue. “The Information Ministry deals with matters about the president and the prime minister. The presidential spokesman is the right person for queries about the president. Contradictions and chaos are triggered when irrelevant ministers are contacted as everyone wants to add something, which results in contradictions and rumours,” she added.

No REASoN To SPECuLATE: Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Thursday the United States had no reason to speculate about President Zardari’s medical condition and expected him to be able to return to work in full health. Clinton

was responding to reporters when asked about the possibility that Zardari might not just be in Dubai for health reasons, but in the process of being pushed out for political reasons. “We have no reason to speculate about that,” she told a news conference.

GILANI: Separately, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani telephoned Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif to thank him on his own and on behalf of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his kind words and prayers for the swift recovery of President Zardari. Gilani also told the federal cabinet that President Zardari was in stable condition and he had spoken to him on Wednesday night. He said that the president was reluctant to go to Dubai for medical treatment but he was persuaded after consultations.

To a question about the present status of Pak-US relations, he said Pakistan had bilateral relations with the US and under instructions from the cabinet and the DCC, those relations were being reviewed.

Basit avoided answering questions about the health of President Asif Ali Zardari and his departure for Dubai for treatment.

He said Pakistan boycotted the Bonn Conference on Afghanistan following the NATO attack. “However, it does not mean that Pakistan is dissociated with the peace process of Afghanistan,” he added.

He said future relations of Pakistan with NATO depended on the decision of the foreign

policy review in that regard.

“Pakistan is still committed to playing an important role in the peace and stability of Afghanistan along with the international community,” he said.

He said further that the decision to boycott the Bonn Conference was based on the larger national interest but Pakistan would continue with its efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

On negotiations on the issue of Osama bin Laden’s family to be handed over to Saudi Arabia and whether Saudi Arabia had contacted Pakistan formally, he said: “Not to my knowledge.”

Responding to a query on reports about Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai pleading guilty to charges

of accepting funds from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), he said: “Yes, we have seen the reports. We are still awaiting details of his reported confession from our embassy in Washington DC. At this stage, I therefore would refrain from commenting on this development.”

Answering a question about the Australian government’s decision to export uranium to India, Basit said: “We did take up this matter with the Australian government. As you all know, Pakistan has always tried for a non-discriminatory regime for cooperation in civilian nuclear technology.

You also know that Pakistan is an energy deficient country and our energy needs have been multiplying.

Understandably, a cardiac patient needs to be kept under observation and again no one knows how long he will be advised to stay in Dubai under the observation of his doctors. The hope, however, here is that he will get well soon and return to resume his responsibilities.

Nonetheless, his detractors do not give him the benefit of ill-health. They see something deeper than what meets the eye. Their take is that there is a blessing in disguise and the president would use this opportunity

in his political interest and he would stay abroad to wait for the dust to settle.

Bilawal Zardari’s meeting with Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani is being seen in the context of a conspiracy theory that President Zardari has decided to stay away and he has launched his son in politics. It was for the first time on Wednesday that Bilawal had co-chaired with the prime minister a meeting of PPP with a select group in attendance. Whatever, the things will start getting clear soon.

Pakistan disagrees with linking US aid to gay rights ISLAmABAD: The Foreign Office dropped a clear hint on Thursday about Pakistan’s disagreement with the United States over its policy to link future US aid to any country with the protection of gay rights. A reporter drew the attention of Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit here at his weekly press briefing to a statement at the recent UN Human Rights Council meeting by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in which she said gay rights were human rights and in future US aid would be linked with ensuring them. Basit was told that the UN reported that representatives of about 47 missions were present there and nobody walked out and there was standing ovation for Clin-

ton. He was asked if Pakistan’s policy had changed on the issue and if he thought gay rights were human rights?

“This issue has been coming up at different international forums. Recently, I remember at the Perth Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, a delegation did propose some language on gay rights for the Perth communiqué, and I remember several countries including Pakistan did not support the language for inclusion in the Perth document,” said Abdul Basit. “We are of the view that these are sensitive issues and sometimes they directly clash with peoples’ and counties’ cultural and religious ethos,” he said further. STAFF REPORT

NATO raid pre-planned, no trust in probe

Capital police arrest 5 ‘terrorists’

ContinueD FroM Page 1 the government to provide details of the agreements and assurances, either verbal or written, made with the United States and NATO for it to formulate recommendations for parliament with regards to new terms of engagement on counter-terrorism cooperation.

“The committee has decided to summon the officials of the Foreign Office and Defence Ministry in its next meeting to be held on December 13 so as to apprise it about the agreements and assurances given to the US and NATO, either verbal or written, before it formulates recommendations for parliament,” Rabbani told reporters as the committee met here at Parliament House. He said the Defence

Ministry would also be asked to give its input on the agreements and assurances.

Rabbani said the committee took up two issues in the meeting, the NATO attack on Pakistani checkposts and the memo issue. He said the committee had decided to summon all concerned who, in any way, could help the committee in reaching the facts. “After the committee discusses all the facts in light of the agreements and assurances given by the Pakistani government to US and NATO, it would formulate its recommendations for parliament to be discussed in the joint session,” he said.

However, he added that parliament could discuss and review the recommendations. He said the basic direction in the recommendations

would remain the same as was provided in the parliamentary resolutions on the subject. To a question, Rabbani said it was up to the government whether to table the recommendations in the joint session to be addressed by the president or to summon a separate session for the purpose.

On the memo issue, Rabbani said the committee had chalked out a work plan on how to proceed in this regard. A committee member, on condition of anonymity, told Pakistan Today that the committee had decided to take up the NATO attack first and the issue of the memo would be taken up later. The committee decided that all the evidence on the memogate scandal would be collected first and

then all the witnesses would be summoned, said the member.

RABBANI BRIEfS: Senator Rabbani also called on Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani here at PM’s House on Thursday and briefed him and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the decisions taken by the committee. Rabbani briefed the prime minister about the cooperation required from various ministries of the federal government. A source said Rabbani also discussed how the committee would deal with the memo controversy, since the Supreme Court had already taken up the matter.

Pakistan’s Ambassadordesignate to the US Sherry Rehman was also present at the meeting.

ISLAmABAD: The Capital City Police on Thursday night foiled a terrorism attempt in Islamabad after arresting five alleged terrorists, who were involved in various terrorist activities in Swat and other areas of the country.

According to sources, the police conducted a raid on a tipoff at Pindorian, within the Shahzad Town Police Station precincts and arrested five terrorists. The arrested persons have been identified as Dilaram Khan, Ali, Rasul Khan, Nadir Khan and Idrees Khan. They belong to Swat and were allegedly involved in various terrorist activities, the police sources said. Inspector General Police (IGP) Binyamin confirmed the arrest of five terrorists, adding that further investigation was underway. STAFF REPORT

Zardari sent questionnaire on Abbottabad raid: Iqbal ContinueD FroM Page 1 Justice (r) Iqbal said that the commission had completed investigations with Osama’s family and had asked the government to repatriate them under the law of the land. Responding to a question about threats to the commission, he admitted that the members of the commission had occasionally received threats “but we are ready to sacrifice our lives for the national interest”.

He said the commission’s report would also point out lapses of any security organisation, if any, irrespective of its power and influence. The commission chairman once again appealed to all segments of society to come forward if they had any knowledge about the incident and their names and the information so provided would

remain confidential. He also said the commission intended to meet ministers, parliamentary committees and, if necessary, the highest officials of the land to ascertain the truth.

He said the purpose of meeting eminent and relevant persons was to benefit from their views and suggestions with regard to the scope and content of the commission’s report.

“These meetings will be conducted confidentially to encourage the invitees to speak and advise with the utmost candour and with maximum specificity instead of confining themselves to general statements,” he said.

He said the report of the commission would cover the domestic, the bilateral Pakistan-US, and international context in which the inci-

dent of May 2 occurred. “It will detail internal and external developments in the run-up to the incident.

These include the sequence of events from the commencement of Operation Neptune Spear to its completion and exit of its operational personnel from Pakistani territory, the precise conduct of the US raiding and assassination operation at the OBL compound, and assess the responses of all Pakistani civil, intelligence and military institutions and personnel concerned, including their leadership,” he added.

The chairman said the commission’s report would seek to provide answers or informed and best possible surmises with regard to a whole range of outstanding questions. “These include

whether Osama was present and killed in Abbottabad, any ground level support that might have been available to him while in Pakistan, explanations and their evaluation with regard to the failure to detect his presence and especially in Abbottabad. It will also include whether or not any prior information was shared with Pakistani authorities regarding the raid to minimise casualties and the risk of military escalation and whether or not any ground support was available to the invading US kill mission. It will examine why the US opted for a unilateral mission in view of the fact that Pakistan had rendered very significant cooperation in the apprehension of very senior al Qaeda operatives prior to the incident,” he

added.

He said the commission’s report would also contain lessons, findings and recommendations to avert any future repetition of such humiliating and outrageous incidents.

“In the light of its findings and analyses the commission will make a series of specific recommendations for securing the future of Pakistan,” Justice (r) Iqbal said.

He assured that the report would be comprehensive, specific and relevant to the challenges confronting the country. To a question about whether the commission would recommend penalties for those found guilty, he said the commission would pinpoint things and it would be for the government to take action.

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Friday, 9 December, 2011

Afghan food gains big market share

PAge 08

Rawal lake treatment plant project stalled ISLAMABAD

C

ASMA KUNDI

APITAL Development Authority (CDA) has failed to initiate the instalment of treatment plants in the Rawal Lake catchment areas to control water contamination. Usmania and Company was hired for the project, but not given permission to start work though more than a year has passed since the submission of the project’s feasibility report and design.

Last year the Supreme Court of Pakistan took suo motu notice of water contamination in the Rawal Lake and directed the CDA, environment Protection Agency (ePA) and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) to take imme-

diate measures to stop sewage discharge into the Rawal Lake. Following the notice, the CDA planned to install treatment plants in the catchment areas to treat the sewage water contaminating the Rawal Lake, but lack of ownership has stalled the project.

Usmania and Company’s head of the project, Ahtisham, told Pakistan Today, “We did not get any approval on the prefeasibility report. We have also submitted the feasibility and design report, but the CDA has yet to approve the project.” He said the company could start working on the project if they got the approval of CDA, but the authority was paying no attention to the issue. Talking about the feasibility report, he said, “We have identified areas in which four treatment plants in upper catchments area of Rawal

Lake will be installed.”

An ePA official, requesting not to be named, told Pakistan Today there was no coordination among the relevant departments of CDA, ICT and ePA. The ePA was not aware of the reasons behind CDA’s delaying the project as the latter had not invited ePA to a meeting regarding the issue, he said. ePA had made an inspection visit to the area and was disappointed by the efforts made by CDA to stop the lake’s contamination.

When Pakistan Today contacted CDA, no one was available to comment. CDA Director environment Sajjad Ali Shah advised this scribe to contact CDA Director General Design Saeed Ullah Bangash who referred the matter to planning committee member Tahir Shamshad.

ICT Assistant Commissioner Nauman Yousaf said, “I do not know about the delay in the approval of the feasibility report as we are working on a different component of this project. I am also not aware whether CDA has included Bara Kahu (catchments area of Rawal Lake) in their feasibility report or not.” He said ICT was dealing with the residential sewage treatment in the catchments area for which they had identified Madina Town and Bhara Kahu for construction of the sewage pits.

An environmental expert said heavy rains and water flow had lowered pollution levels in catchment streams, but without rains and lesser water flow the pollution level would increase.

He said CDA had taken temporary steps like the construction of separate

tanks to stop the flow of contaminated water into the lake and had asked the inhabitants of the area to construct separate in-house tanks. Due to the lack of interest of the departments concerned, people started throwing solid waste into those tanks.

It is important to mention here that the waste and sewage of the villages of Bara Kahu, Malpur, Bani Gala and Noorpur Shahan situated close to the Rawal Lake is adversely affecting the quality of water in the Rawal Lake. This includes dumping of untreated sewerage and solid waste in water channels by 170 poultry farms in the catchment area.

Authorities say soakage pits are a temporary solution and treatment plants need to be installed to control water pollution.

ISlAMABAD: PPP activists pray for President Zardari’s health at the party secretariat. STAFF PhOTO

FIA unearths Rs 714 million ‘Mutual cooperation a must for SAARC states’ embezzlement in TPP ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

In a major development, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has discovered misappropriation of funds worth Rs 714 million in the first phase of the ‘Tawana Pakistan Project’ (TPP).

The Special Investigation Unit of FIA has also demanded complete expenditure details from Pakistan Baitul Mal (PBM) of the first TPP phase from September 2002 to June 2005.

A source told Pakistan Today that FIA also asked PBM to provide details about Rs 1.247 billion earned. “The PBM was also asked to provide detail of allowances of Ministry of Social Welfare former secretary Preveen Qader Agha, former PBM managing director Muhammad Sarfraz, PBM Director Iftikhar Ahmad and the names and

designations of the officers posted in the TPP cell,” he said.

The source said the TPP started in September 2002 and PBM was one of the implementation partners of the project. In September 2002, the government transferred Rs 1.247 billion to PBM for the implementation of the project to address poor nutritional status and school enrolment of primary school-aged girls. “The core strategy was to create an environment for empowering village women to take collective decisions,” he said.

It is learnt that during the first phase of the TPP federal minister for Women Development, Social Welfare and Special education was Dr Attiya Inayatullah. Later former federal minister for Social Welfare and Special education Zubaida Jalal suspended the operation of the project in June 2005 and directed PBM to hand over the TPP

project to the Ministry of Social Welfare director general Irfan Ullah. The PBM only transferred Rs 571 million to Social Welfare ministry while showing no record of the remaining amount of Rs 671 million.

The source said that PBM was working as an implementation partner with TTP for the provision of fresh cooked meals to schoolchildren. Rs 1.247 billion were given to PBM for the provision of fresh food for 31 high poverty districts on daily basis. Similarly, it was also assigned the task to provide micro nutrients for these areas twice a week. He also said the FIA had completed the major part of the investigation of the second phase of the TPP project and had transferred it to the National Accountability Bureau on the directives of the Public Accounts Committee.

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Speakers at a seminar on Thursday said in order to save themselves from exploitation by the foreign countries, the SAARC member states needed cooperation for moving forward, adding that good relations between Pakistan and India were essential to boost the economy in South Asia.

The event was organised by the South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA) to commemorate the SAARC Declaration at a local hotel. Several dignitaries, government functionaries and senior journalists participated in the seminar, which was aimed at creating regional cooperation between the South Asian countries.

Speakers were of the view that the SAARC Declaration had played an important role in creating cooperation among the south Asian countries, but India and Pakistan would have to transform the conflicting relations into cooperation for a peaceful region.

Speaking on the occasion, Lt General (r) Talat said the SAARC countries should not allow security challenges to overshadow trade between

the regional countries. He asserted that the PakIndia relations had a greater impact on the trade between the regional countries.

He said it was in the interest of Pakistan to create positive relations with India, adding that if the country wanted to get rid of the terrorism it would have to remove all the sore issues with rival country. “It is vital in the context of our own survival to maintain our cooperation with India,” he said. “But we are not sincere to each other; we do not want to share intelligence with each other and these are the main issues which should be resolved at once,” he stressed.

The speakers said the desire of promoting peace, stability and progress in the region could only be realised through strict adherence to the principles of United Nations Charter and nonalignment, while respecting sovereign equality, territorial integrity, national independence, nonuse of force, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states and peaceful settlement of all disputes would contribute significantly to national and collective self-reliance.

SAFMA Sectary General Imtiaz Alam said the south Asian countries should create maximum scholarships for the SAARC students.

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06 Islamabad

Friday, 9 December, 2011

Promoting art anD culture

PNCA plans 18-day National Drama Festival from 12th ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

In order to say goodbye to the year 2011 on a high note in connection with the promotion of theatre drama in the country, the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) has scheduled ‘National Drama Festival2011’ from December 12 to 29 at its auditorium.

The 18-day festival will comprise 22 stage plays from different art production houses from across the country. The event will kick off with ‘Aakhri Shikaar’ written by Ghulam Hassan Hasni and directed

by Batin Farooqi for ‘GilgitBaltistan Art promoters’ (Islamabad) on December 12.

The other stage plays to be showcased include ‘Diwana Bakaare-Khwesh Hoshiyar’ written by Rafi Pir and directed by Malik Aslam from Azad Theatre Lahore on December 13, ‘Shadi ho to aisi’ written and directed by Syed Saleem Afandi of Stage Artistes Welfare Society

Rawalpindi on December 14, ‘Jallad’ written and directed by William Pervez of Pattan Lok Natak Rawalpindi on December 15, ‘Wat Nakhray’ written and directed by Chaudhry Mehmood of Rohi Rung Welfare Society DG Khan on December 16, ‘Bandhan’ written by ZA Zulfi and directed by Tahir Siddiqui of Islamabad Art Promoters on December 17, ‘Raasta’ written by Pervaiz John and directed by Saeed Anwar from The entertainers Rawalpindi on December 17 and ‘Dunia ki beti ranjeeda hay’ written and directed by Ishtiak Atish of Chanar Arts Council Muzaffarabad and ‘Sultan-e-Hind written and directed by Javed Bhatti of Aaina Theatre Islamabad on December 18.

Programme also include ‘Saanp’ written and directed by Javed Babar of JB Productions, Peshawar will be staged on December 19, ‘Teri jaan ki qasam’ written and directed by Asma Butt of Dolphin Communications Rawalpindi on December 20, ‘ChandBibi.com’ written by Ishaq

PAFROA to meet tomorrow ISLAmABAD: PAF Retired Officers’ Association (PAFROA), Rawalpindi/Islamabad chapter, is holding its monthly meeting at 3:30pm on December 10 at Air Headquarters Officers’ Mess in the capital. All members and their families are cordially invited and are requested to intimate about their attendance to the secretary (Wing Commander (retd) Rehman Malik, on phone No 9525811, 9280376. The PAF retired officers who are desirous of becoming members of the association are also cordially invited. STAFF REPORT

Nazish and directed by Aslam Rana from Aslam Rana Productions Rawalpindi on December 21, ‘Shehr-e-Napursaan’ written and directed by AD Baloch of Sangat Theatre Quetta on December 22, ‘Insha Ka Intizar’ written and directed by Anwar Jaffri from Tehrike-Niswan Karachi on December 23, ‘Aisa kion hota hay’ written by M Sharif and directed by Razia Malik of Dream International Welfare Society Lahore on December 24 and ‘Ishq’ written by Muhammad Farhan Mughal and directed by Ziauddin Zia of Friends Productions, Islamabad on December 24.

Two stage plays titled ‘Pani Pani Ray’ and ‘Zameen Maa Hy’ from Art and Reality Productions Islamabad and Ali Kazim Golden Productions Skardu will be staged on December 25.

A stage play ‘Gathri’ written by Muhammad Aslam Mughal and directed by Afzaal Latifi of evergreen Theatre Rawalpindi on December 26, ‘Hum Aik Hain’ written and di-

rected by Riffat Ali Qaisar of Bhutto Shaheed Cultural Forum Rawalpindi on December 27 and ‘Amreeka Chalo’ written by Shahid Mehmood Nadeem and directed by Madiha Gohar of Ajoka Theatre Lahore will be staged on December 28 while the festival will conclude with drama ‘Khawab Biktay Nahi’ written by Farheen Chaudhry and directed by Sabir Khan from Super Vision Communication Rawalpindi on December 29.

PNCA Director General (DG) Tauqir Nasir told this scribe that the tradition of theatre went back to 8,000 years in the subcontinent and Indus Valley civilisation promoted the arts like drama, music and dance as a way of expressing emotions.

“It was an opportunity for the youth to explore the concepts and styles of traditional and contemporary stage artists while most of these dramas were relevant to the society in terms of entertainment, education and other factors,” the DG added.

workshop at QAU on medicinal plants ISLAmABAD: Pakistan is the 8th leading country in producing medicinal plants and export products worth $ 6 million annually. It has a very rich resource of herbs and has almost 6,000 different types of vascular plants.

This was stated by Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) ViceChancellor Prof Dr Masoom Yasinzai while addressing a three-day international workshop on ‘Medicinal Plants: Conservation and Sustainable Use’ here on Thursday at QAU. The workshop was organised by the QAU Department of Biotechnology, in collaboration with Pakistan Botanical Society to discuss scientific research and explore ways to establish links with the bio-industry.

Higher education Commission (HeC) Chairperson Dr Javed Laghari addressed the inaugural ceremony and said the use of herbal medicine continues to increase rapidly across the world. “We need to team up for capitalising on this great science and focus on the value addition of herbal plants. We have the potential to become the world leader in this sector,” said Dr Laghari.

He said HeC will continue to support research in plant sciences especially in medicinal plants. Prof Dr Masoom Yasinzai said use of bio-medicine is on the rise even in developed countries. “In the US some 60 million people use 175 plants native to North America, collected from the wild in large quantities for commercial markets,” he said, adding that the survey had revealed the increasing trend of recommending herbal medicines as alternate health treatments. “The more we use medicinal herbs on commercial scale, the greater responsibility we have that they should come from sustainable sources and do not become extinct. Our laboratory scientists need to continue and enhance their efforts in developing new technologies for tissue culture and plants cell culture systems which undoubtedly represent a potential source of valuable medicinal compounds,” he said. STAFF REPORT

DemoS againSt nato attack

Civil society asks US to tender apology g

Presents a memorandum to American embassy demanding immediate pardon ISLAMABAD

H

STAFF REPORT

UNDReDS of people from various walks of life on Thursday held a rally against the NATO for the attack on Pakistani soldiers in Mohmand Agency, which resulted in the martyrdom of 24 troops.

A large number of traders, lawyers, transporters, students, employees of CDA and civil society activists participated in the rally, which started form Faisal Flyover and culminated in front of the Parliament House.

The protesters chanted slogans against the United States, NATO forces and the government for, what they said, its foreign policy failure.

While holding national flags, they expressed their unconditional support to the army.

The protestors said they were ready to give any kind of sacrifice to defend their soil against any American aggression.

Addressing the protesters, Joint Action Committee Chairman Munawar Mughal asked the rulers to cut the NATO supply line permanently and reiterated the demand of forcing foreign forces to evacuate Shamsi, Shahbaz and other airbases.

Terming the NATO air strike as the worst breach of country’s sovereignty, he said the attack could have been averted if the government had responded strongly to such violations in the past and come out of the ranks of the US allies. Condemning the government policy towards the US, he said, “No aid from America but only trade on the basis of equality with them.” He said it was a high time for Pakistan to say ‘no’ to every kind of cooperation with the US and demanded the military leadership to give a befitting response to any attack on the country’s sovereignty.

Representatives of traders, transporters and lawyers including Haroon-ur-Rasheed, Tikka Khan, Azeem Bajwa, Ajmal Baloch, Salahuddin Awan and others also spoke. They expressed the resolve that they were united together to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty against any aggression.

The protestors asked America to stop drone attacks and warned of its consequences. They said temporary measures by the government would serve no purpose, adding that it must announce permanent disassociation from the war against terror. They asked the government to

safeguard national interests instead of taking care of interests of external powers.

The Joint Action Committee unanimously passed a memorandum addressing US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter. In the document, they strongly condemned the NATO forces attack. “It’s not less than proclamation of war lodged by the USA-led NATO forces on a nation and country,” the memorandum said.

“We the Pakistanis have given lot of sacrifices in war on terrorism,” it said, adding that Pakistan’s economy had also been destroyed in the process.

“We also consider drone attacks as an attack on our sovereignty, since thousands of innocent Pakistanis have been martyred in these attacks.”

“These attacks are no more acceptable to the

nation,” they remarked, adding, “We extend full support to Pakistan Army and the decisions taken by the army to defend the frontiers of Pakistan.”

The memorandum stated that the lawyers and all the other segments of the society demanded the US-led NATO forces and their respective countries to tender apology for the attack on Pakistan soil and loss of its soldiers.

Later, the protestors tried to march towards the US embassy to register their protest but they were stopped by the security forces when they reached the Diplomatic enclave.

The security forces only allowed Munawar Mughal, Chaudhry Ashraf and Chaudhry Yaseen to record their charter of demand to the embassy representatives.

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Friday, 9 December, 2011

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Students pledge to work against gender abuse ISLAMABAD

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STAFF REPORT

He Ideas for Life Trust in collaboration with the Plan International organised on Thursday an interactive session with college and university students of the city and youth at large to raise awareness about violence against women in the society.

In this regard, two plays by theatre groups called Bedari (Awakening) and 100 Quarters were the

highlight of the evening.

On the occasion, the male youngsters also pledged they would never commit nor tolerate any kind of violence against women, said a press release issued here on Thursday.

The event “Real men don’t hit Women” marked the finale of the 16-day activism for ending violence against women. During the 16 days, a number of activities were held at Quaid-i-Azam University, NUML, Iqra University, NUST and Bahria University.

More than 2,000 students of these

universities made the pledge they would respect women and solve all problems through understanding and mutual sharing.

The event started with young men from various institutions bearing candles. One by one, they came to the stage and each of the boys made his own pledge reflecting he had lit the candle in memory of the women victims of various social ills. One of the boys said, “I have lit the candle for all the victims of domestic violence.”

Another said, “My heart goes out to

the victims of acid throwing.” “I have lit the candle in memory of the unborn baby girls who were not wanted by their parents,” said another boy.

All those candle bearers devoted their candles to women who suffered abuse and lost their life to the false notion of men’s honour.

The performance by Bedari theatrical group focused on domestic violence.

“Qanoon Hona Chaheeda” was the title of the play they presented on the occasion.

It was the story of Sabran Bibi who was beaten daily by her husband. Fed up by

Police nab 14 outlaws, seize 13 firearms and contrabands ISLAmABAD:The capital police claimed on Thursday to have apprehended 14 outlaws from various areas of the city for their alleged involvement in different crime cases.

The police also sized 13 firearms, liquor, drugs and looted items from those arrested in different raids, said a police spokesman here. He said that on the special orders of SSP Muhammad Yousuf Malik, the capital police had launched a massive campaign to curb activities of anti-social elements and apprehended 14 outlaws only on Thursday. He said sub-inspectors Muhammad Afzal and Ameer Umar along with ASI Muhammad Iqbal from Golra police nabbed eight culprits.

They were identified later on as Qazi Amin, Faryad, Zameen Zeb, Noor Ahmad, Muhammad Tariq, Habib Ullah, Muhammad Afzal, BazedKhan.

The policemen also recovered 13 pistols, 30-bore each, two 12-bore guns and looted items worth thousands of rupees from them. Meanwhile, the spokesman said, Sub-Inspector Arshad Ali from Shehzad Town police station recovered a 30 borepistol and 180 grams of heroin from culprits named Badshah Khan and Muhammad Masood respectively.

Separately; ASI Abdul Hafiz from the CIA police recovered a 12-bore carbine with 3 live rounds from a suspect named Ghazanfar Ali during a routine patrol. In yet another raid, ASI Aurangzeb of Sihala police station recovered two bottles of liquor from an alleged bootlegger named Sunny.

Meanwhile, an alleged thief identified as Roshan Ali was apprehended with looted items worth Rs 50,000. In another police rain, SI Muhammad Abbas of Koral police arrested a culprit Bashir Ahmad and recovered 30-bore pistol with one live round and 15 grams of heroin. The police booked the arrested suspects and started investigation. STAFF REPORT

ITP helped 4,400 distressed road users in one year ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP), during the current year, provided help to around 4,401 distressed road users whose vehicles had been broken down on various roads of the city or they had faced other problems such as running out petrol or fuel or CNG gas, said an ITP spokesman here on Thursday.

He said the ITP help unit, which had been working round-the-clock in different shifts provided assistance to a large number of road users.

He quoted Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Dr Moeen Masood as saying that the ITP officers and jawans had been working to facilitate road users and provide them help in case of any emergency on roads.

He said the road users, facing any problem, could call at 1915, the help unit’s contact number, so that they could be provided immediate assistance.

He maintained that the policing was a service-providing job and every possible effort was being made to maintain a close liaison with the people.

He said the ITP help unit helped repair 2,675 broken down vehicles, helped change 256 deflated wheels, pushed another 333 vehicles and provided tow service to 78.

SSP Dr Moeen Masood has lauded the services of the ITP officials and told them to continue serving the fellow citizens.

HeC seeks Rs 8b from Finance ministry ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

ISlAMABAD: An vendor sells traditional stools at F-7. SAjjAD ALI QUReShI

‘No national security at the cost of human security’ g

Speakers at a seminar question sagacity of Pakistan’s security-centric paradigm ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Pakistan cannot and will not able to achieve its national security at the cost of human security. It has tried to realise this dream from the last sixty years, but unfortunately ended up losing the both.

Against this backdrop, the prevailing state of affairs in Pakistan suggests that the challenges to our security and sovereignty are getting more and more serious and adverse with the passage of time.

These views were expressed by different speakers at a two-day international seminar entitled “Securing a Frontline State: Alternative Views on Peace and Conflict in Pakistan”. The even was jointly organised by Heinrich Boll Stiftung, Pakistan, and Centre for Research and Security Studies, Islamabad, in the media partnership of local english daily.

In his keynote address, Dr Yunas Samad of Bradford University, UK said

the daily insult, one day her two young kids decided to go to police station to file a complaint against their father.

There they were told to go back as police did not intervene in the affairs of a household. Finally, the community living in that area decided to launch a movement for enactment of laws to curb violence against women.

In the play “Revolution” by 100 Quarters, the story revolves around a family in which the head of the family is constantly nagged by his father and friends to discipline his wife by beating her.

that national security in Pakistan had become subservient to the idea of military security, at the cost of other dimensions of security. Delineating upon the Pakistani path towards becoming a military security state, he emphasised that it was primarily because of our “Indiacentric” approach from the outset.

Alluding to a souring fact, he underlined: “Pakistan is rapidly isolating itself in the world due to its reliance over militant policy to achieve its national interests.

The roots of adoption of militant as s tool of state policy lie in the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in 1980s” he asserted. He said the US was “getting wary of Pakistan due to latter’s links with militants” and it would be difficult for Pakistan to be at loggerhead with a super power. He also observed that Pakistani position in Islamic world was also problematic, for the Arab states which were at the crossroads in the backdrop of “Arab Spring” thought the Pakistanis were crazy people and extremists, and they were apprehensive of them.

He said they were even wary of large number expatriates living in those states.

He suggested that the need for re-evaluation and re-orientation of our national security policy was overwhelming and the state must have more civilian input in its geo-political strategies.

Dissecting the militant ideology and discourse, he said that militancy emerged as social movements in the world and they were becoming independent in terms of finances and recruitments. He illustrated that militants in a society, would only promote intolerance and bigotry. Referring to a sobering factor behind the recent surge in militancy in Pakistan, he proclaimed: “American presence has become magnet for radicalisation and it has blurred boundaries among different militant organizations working in the region.” He proposed that Pakistan should come out of “the hole” and position itself prudently in emerging regional order. “Pakistan should use its links with militants as tool of soft power

and enable US withdrawal from Afghanistan”, he suggested. Linking the rise of violence with the underlying factors of poor governance, illiteracy, unemployment in Pakistan, he underscored that use of violence for achieving power, self-esteem and sometimes civic facilities had become order of the day and normal state of affairs in Pakistan. explaining different kinds of causes of insecurity in Pakistan, Dr Abid Suleri, the SDPI executive director, said the developmental challenges in Pakistan were chronic and endemic. He lamented that Pakistan in its history, never tried people-centric paradigm, rather security paradigm always overtook the former. He observed: “State security cannot be achieved without addressing human security.” He said that decades’ long negligence in terms of human security is playing out today in our streets and cities in the form of ubiquitous violence: urban violence inKarachi and ethnonationalist movement in Balochistan is case in point.

The Higher education Commission (HeC) has sought Rs 8 billion from the Ministry of Finance as supplementary grant for public sector universities which are facing an acute shortage of funds for running these universities, said HeC executive Director Sohil Naqvi on Thursday.

He said the Finance Ministry officials were cooperating with HeC and it was expected they would release sufficient funds for the universities.

It may be mentioned here that the vice chancellors of public sector universities have been demanding supplementary grants for the last six months. On September 14 more than 70 vice chancellors, while addressing a press conference in Islamabad, said due to shortage of funds the universities were on the brink of financial collapse. It is relevant to note here that the government had not raised the salaries of the universities employees, despite pledges made last year and in the current year.

Last year, the government announced 50 percent increase in the salaries of the universities’ employees but had halted that raise saying it was a one-time increase.

The employees are also not being paid the15 percent increase pledged by the government in the current year’s financial budget.

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08 Islamabad Afghan food gains 19High°C big market share 08°C Friday, 9 December, 2011

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KASHIF ABBASI

HOUGH the volume of Afghan refugees in Islamabad has been considerably reduced from thousands to hundreds as majority of them has returned to their country but those living in the federal capital and running Afghan restaurants are offering mouth-watering dishes and locals prefer delicious cuisines over other continental food.

Afghani food outlets in the city are offering services with a distinctive spices and taste. Their dishes are generally mild to moderately spicy mostly including gourmet rice, meat and fresh vegetables.

Syed Mursaleen Afghani, who runs a restaurant at Sector G/9, said after a massive repatriation of Afghan refugees in mid 90s, his business had faced some financial crisis but he was now satisfied with the response of local customers.

“More and more local are becoming my customers and 90 percent of our customers are Pakistani citizens.”

There are two main Afghani restaurants in the city, which are being run by Afghani nationals - Khyber Restaurant in Sector G/9 and Kabli

Restaurant at Jinnah Super Market.

During a visit to the restaurants, it was noticed that Kabli Palao and Afghani beef tikkas with sheep fat were most favourite dishes of locals.

“I prefer Afghani palao and beef tikkas as they have different taste,” said Ayesha Khan, a customer at Khyber Restaurant.

Kabli Palao is the most popular dish of Afghanistan - steamed rice with chops of raisins and carrot.

Ayesha, a mother of two, said Afghani foods were less spices than the Pakistani food and that was reason she always preferred to visit Afghani food outlets. “Kabli palao and beef tikkas are our favourite dishes,” said Ayesha’s five-year-old daughter Neelam.

The owner of Khyber Restaurant, Mursaleen, said that only Afghan nationals could prepare Afghani foods. “There are a number of restaurants in the city, which offers Afghani foods prepared by non-Afghans but they failed to attract customers,” Mursaleen noted.

He said after Kabli Paulao, Afghani tikka was the most favourite dish of the customers.

It is mostly served with nann and sometimes with rice. Afghani Tikka is less species than the Pakistani tikkas.

There are number of other dishes including

akcent live in iSlamabaD

lamb kabab, Afghani kabab, lamb chops, ribs, kofta, qourma, mantu and shorma. Afghani qourma is also very popular among Pakistani people. It is made with fried onions, meat, fruits or vegetables.

Similarly, mantu steamed dumplings fattened with minced onion beef is also among wanted items.

While writing on Afghan dishes, how Afghani rooti or naan (bread) can be ignored.

Usually, Afghans consume two types of breads, which are locally called nann and rooti. Afghani naan is made of wheat and is thin, long and oval shaped, while Afghani rooti is long, which attract customers.

Haji Ghulam Nabi, who works at Kabli Restaurant at Jinnah Super Market, says Afghani rooti is a hotcake for the local customers and its sale is on the rise due to cheap rates and extra ordinary size.

He claimed that one Afghani rooti, being sold at Rs 12, was enough for two men.

In winter season, the said restaurants are also offering Afghani soup. Another Afghan national Ali Raza, who runs a small shop at F8 Markaz, offers Kabli Paulo mixed with beans at cheap rates as compared to the rates of other mentioned hotels. That is one of reason customers always throng Ali’s shop.

an illuStration of PakiStan

caPoeira iSltown

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

DATe: TUeSDAy DeC 27, 2011 6:00 Pm VeNUe: ISlAmABAD

DATe: NOV 29 - DeC 25, 2011 VeNUe: ISlAmABAD

The band is set to visit Pakistan once again, this time to It's capital. Performing smashing hits like "That's my Name", "my Passion", "Stay with me" & the new track " Feelings on Fire " they are sure to set the stage ablaze and make you sway.

Do you have a passion for photography?

Are you the one whose click could change how we see things? what about using your passion for a greater cause?

If yeS is the answer here’s your chance!

DATe AND TIme: eVeRy FRIDAy 6:30-7:30Pm VeNUe: KHAAS ART gAlleRy ISlAmABAD Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dancing, ritual combat & music in a unique synthesis of self defense and rhythm.

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Friday, 9 December, 2011

GEPCO workers threaten to shut down power g

CBA gujranwala gives govt Dec 14 deadline to reverse privitisation measures, fire private sector employees GUJRANWALA STAFF REPORT

G

UJRANWALA electric Power Company (GePCO) workers on Thursday threatened to stop the power supply by closing the grid station against the privatization of Pakistan electric Power Company (PePCO) and the appointments of private sector employs in GePCO in a huge demonstration held at GePCO headquarters in Gujranwala.

Thousands of workers staged a protest in front of GePCO office and marched to Sailkoti Gate to demonstrate against the privatization of the PePCO. CBA (Collective Bargaining Agents) Gujranwala chapter Chairman talking to Pakistan Today said the government was appointing unprofessional people from the private sector as chief executives in GePCO to pave the way for privatization. He said that

we strongly condemn the policy of privatization and will strive till the last drop of our blood to stop the privatization of GePCO. He said the incompe-

tent government had, instead of solving the issues, set out to destroy national institutions like PIA and steel mill and now PePCO. He maintained

Jail reforms need to be implemented g

News 09

Denial of conjugal rights granted by FSC causing rise of male-male relationships in jails

ISLAMABAD TAHIR NIAZ

Non-implementation of jail reforms and overcrowding, clubbed with drugs, is leading to a rise in immoral activities in jails across the country.

According to a report on the country’s jails, non-implementation of jail reforms has not only led to an increase in the crime rate, but it has also led to immoral activities in jails.

The jail reforms include separation between criminals of mild-natured crimes and hardcore criminals in jails, besides improving the condition of jail inmates that could ensure that jails act as a reformation centre instead of criminal institutions. According to the report, it was also recommended in the reforms that social personalities would frequently visit jails to help turn the criminals into law-abiding citizens, but it was not implemented.

The recommendations of the Federal Shariat Court have also not been implemented in letter and spirit, the report added. The Shariat Court had recommended the government make arrangements for conjugal visits of spouses of inmates. A conjugal visit is a scheduled extended visit during which an inmate of a prison is permitted to spend several hours or days in private, usually with a legal spouse.

While the parties may engage in sexual acts, the generally recognised basis for permitting such a visit is to preserve family bonds and increase the chances of success for a prisoner’s eventual return to life outside prison. So far, such arrangements have been made at the Central Jail in Karachi and Peshawar, but other prisons

across the country lack the facility.

The report pointed out that the facility is meant only for the influential prisoners and ordinary prisoners are denied the facility on one pretext or the other.

Rather, the facility has become a minting machine for prison officials, the report added.

In some cases, a jail inmate is allowed to spend time with his spouse in the office of jail high-ups. The quality of food and health facilities at the prisons, especially for women, including availability of gynaecologists, was also under question.

The alarming aspect of the report is that non-implementation of jail reforms has also led to sexual relationship between male inmates. Jails of Sindh are leading the numbers on the activity, while Punjab is placed second.

Prisoners involved in petty crimes usually belong to poor families and don’t have the power and resources to get bail. Subsequently, they gang up with hardcore criminals in jails that subsequently leads to increased crime rate. According to the report, there are 32 jails in Punjab, 21 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 17 in Sindh, six in AJK and three in Northern Areas in which around 90,000 prisoners are housed, much more than capacity.

Overcrowding is one of the main issues that need to be addressed, as it creates problems like drug addiction, miserable food conditions, limited availability of space and spreading of various diseases of the skin, hepatitis and TB. A few months ago, Prime Minister Gilani asked the authorities concerned to prepare recommendations for jail reforms, adding that the focus should be improvement in the condition of jail inmates and jails should act as a reformation centre instead of producing criminals. However, nothing substantial has been worked out so far to bring a change in jails, which are without doubt contributing to criminal activities in and outside prison.

SC seeks fresh report on police torture of teenager ISLAmABAD: Disposing a suo motu case pertaining to torture on a 15-year-old boy

by Lahore Sabzazar police, the Supreme Court directed the Punjab inspector general of police to submit the inquiry report

by DIG (Investigation) Maj (r) Mubashirullah with the SC registrar within two weeks. A two-member Supreme Court bench of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and Justice Tariq Parvez expressed dissatisfaction over the perform-

ance of Punjab Police, observing it had failed to protect the lives and property of the citizens.

Appearing on notice, Punjab IG Javed Iqbal and acting Punjab advocate general Muhammad Hanif Khattana informed the court that no police torture on the teenager was proved in the inquiry report.

Khattana said he had investigated the matter personally but no torture had been proven. STAFF REPORT

that instead of ensuring the provision of funds to existing power plants, they spent billion of rupees on futile projects like rental power plants to earn huge commissions. He said that the appointments of private sector people in PePCO should be stopped immediately. He said, “GePCO engineers are with us and we will shut down the power supply if our demands are not met till 14th of this month.”

Pakistan Trade Union Defense Campaign (PTUDC) Central executive Adam Pal said privatization will leave thousands of workers unemployed and allow an unchecked hike in power prices. He said a lesson should be learnt from the failure of the privatization of Karachi electric Supply Company. He added that PTUDC and workers from all the other institutions like PTCL and other institutions welcomed the strike call and would extend their support.

‘extremists’ within reach of Pakistan nukes: gingrich

WASHINGToN: Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich said on Wednesday that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal was at risk of being seized by “extremists” who had probably infiltrated Islamabad’s military. “My guess is that they have well over 100 nuclear weapons and that the Pakistani military is so penetrated by extremist elements you have no idea if one morning, they are going to lose three or four of them. I mean just have them stolen,” Gingrich told CNN’s Situation Room programme. Gingrich, a veteran Republican who has surged in recent weeks to the top of the pack of contenders vying to unseat Democratic President Barack Obama, also derided Pakistan’s claims that officials did not know Osama bin Laden had been hiding there for years before elite US forces found and killed him in May. “The Pakistani military was capable of protecting bin Laden for six years,” in Abbottabad, Gingrich said. AFP

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10 News

Friday, 9 December, 2011

Teacher shot dead, unidentified people demolish house PESHAWAR STAFF REPORT

Unidentified armed persons killed a school teacher in Shangair, Jamrud Tehsil, while in a separate incident an under-construction house was demolished by unidentified persons in Khuga Khel, Landi Kotal Tehsil on Thursday.

According to sources, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Khyber Agency Coordinator Zarteef Afridi was going to a government school to teach when he was intercepted and shot to death by unidentified armed persons. The assailants escaped from the scene, while the local administration officials reached the scene upon receiving information and took the body into custody. In another incident, some unidentified men demolished an under-construction house of a tribesman by planting explosives in the premises in Khuga Khel, Landi Kotal Tehsil on Thursday. According to sources, a bomb went off at the Sefat Gul house at 1:50 am. Four rooms and the veranda of the house were caved in as a result of the explosion.

MIRRORED IN THE wATER: The GoldenTemple of Amristar is seen lit up and reflected in the adjoining pond. NADeeM IjAZ

‘Change has started in FATA’ g

Kausar promises to set up high-level committee to oversee FATA reform PESHAWAR STAFF REPORT

K

HYBeR Pakhtunkhwa Governor Barrister Masood Kausar on Thursday said change in FATA has started and the process will continue without impediments. Talking to a Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) FATA delegation at Governor’s House, Kausar said, “The implementation of FCR reforms is being monitored and action will be taken against political officials who fail to implement it.”

The delegation, headed by MNA Akhunzada Chatan and PPP FATA Chairman Malik Waris Khan, expressed reservations over the implementation process and slow pace of development despite the allocation of a huge resources

for the task. They complained the political administration was non-cooperative behavior about streamlining political activities in some tribal areas.

In response, Kausar said the government had introduced FATA reform to give relief to the tribal population against the inhumane FCR and would ensure that the people get the relief. He added that the Political Parties Order had been extended to FATA to promote a democratic culture in FATA. He promised to set up a high-level committee comprising elected representatives and political figures to oversee the FATA reforms implementation process.

South Waziristan Agency MNA Maulana Abdul Malik also called on Kausar. Meanwhile, talking to a Muttahida Qabael Party delegation under

chairman Malik Habib Orakzai, Kausar reiterated the commitment to promoting the political process in tribal areas.

NEW PESHAWAR CoRPS CommANDER CALLS oN KP GovERNoR: Newly-appointed Peshawar Corps Commander Lt General Khalid Rabbani had a courtesy call on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Barrister Masood Kausar at the Governor’s House on Thursday. He remained with the governor for some time and discussed matters of mutual interest. Presiding over a ceremony of affiliation of Kohat Institute of Medical Sciences to Khyber Medical University at Governor’s House earlier, Barrister Masood Kausar said improvement in quality of education was the best way to improve the living standard of the people.

govt can’t survive anymore: Imran LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has said the government could not survive further as the state’s conditions were going from bad to worse by the day.

Talking to reporters at Allama Iqbal Airport, Lahore, on Thursday, he said the country needed transparent elections monitored by an independent judiciary.

Saying free and fair election in the country was a must, the PTI chief demanded a fair interim government before election.

He said rigging in polls would resulted in further degradation of the situation.

To a question, Imran said the authorities had yet to permit his party to hold public meeting in Karachi, but efforts were underway to get the permission.

He said it seemed difficult that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government would complete its tenure.

Imran said at least 45 percent votes in the 2008 electoral rolls were fake and warned that the country’s situation might worsen if the upcoming elections were rigged.

Spotlight on the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi g

Tracing the history of the sectarian murderers from Pakistan blamed for the attack on Afghan Shias ISLAMABAD AFP

Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, the Pakistani terror group blamed for deadly attacks on Shias in Afghanistan this week, has forged ties to al Qaeda and the Taliban in a murderous campaign to wage sectarian warfare.

Since its inception in 1996 by a religious fanatic from the Deobandi school of thought, which considers Shias apostates, the faction has claimed to have killed thousands of Shias in bombings and shootings across Pakistan.

It takes its name from Maulana Haq Nawaz Jhangvi, the founder of terror group Sipah-e-Sahaba from which leader Riaz Basra broke, and preaches indiscriminate violence to make Pakistan a purely Sunni Muslim state.

A suicide attack tore through a crowd of worshippers in Kabul on Tuesday as they marked the holy day of Ashura, killing 55 people, as a second blast in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif left four more dead.

There has been no confirmation of a purported claim from Lashkar-e-Jhangvi splinter al-Alami, but Kabul blamed the group for Tuesday’s massacre, unprecedented in targeting such an important religious holiday in Afghanistan.

Lashkar-e-Jhangvi is not thought to

have struck in Afghanistan before.

“We will pursue this issue with Pakistan and its government very seriously,” said Afghan President Hamid Karzai, threatening to ratchet up tensions with Islamabad which are already frayed over accusations of sponsoring violence.

Afghan officials say the motive was to inflame a 10-year Taliban insurgency and drastically increase violence by importing Pakistan and Iraq-style sectarian conflict as NATO combat troops prepare to leave by the end of 2014. A substantial rise in sectarian unrest could also draw arch US foe Iran deeper into Afghanistan, threatening to whip up proxy wars.

The Taliban denied involvement, but in a cauldron of violence where Islamist terror groups are interlinked and have overlapping allegiances, experts say it would have been impossible for Pakistani killers to have acted alone. As with al Qaeda, the Taliban and Islamist groups the world over, Lashkar-eJhangvi was born from the ashes of the 1980s Afghan war against the Soviet Union, which was sponsored by the CIA, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The group’s leaders were veterans of that conflict and its ranks populated by graduates of Pakistani madrassas packed off to terror training camps in the mountains on the Afghan-Pakistani border or in Pakistan’s

southern Punjab.

It developed close ties to al Qaeda and the Taliban, which ruled in Kabul from 1996 until the 2001 US-led invasion.

Although there are reported ties with Pakistani intelligence, the state formally banned the group in 2001 and there have been numerous crackdowns with arrests and killings of known Jhangvi operatives over the last 20 years.

Islamabad has asked Afghanistan to provide proof that Jhangvi militants were responsible for Tuesday’s attack, but it is understood that Afghan officials do not have any hard evidence.One official said the bomber was a Pakistani from Kurram, part of Pakistan’s militant-infested lawless border region with Afghanistan, and a specific flashpoint for sectarian unrest.

But as long as doubts persist over the al-Alami claim, it remains unclear how exactly the group could have carried out the attack.

“The question is, how credible is the claim? Some Taliban groups can do the same as they share school of thought with LJ,” said Pakistani-based security analyst Hasan Askari. Militancy expert Rahimullah Yusufzai also doubted the claim, saying that the splinter group’s capacity is very limited even in Pakistan, which has seen a recent decline in attacks linked to its own bloody

Taliban insurgency.

“There is one possibility that this group may have support of al Qaeda, Tehreek-eTaliban Pakistan or some of the rogue elements inside Afghanistan,” Yusufzai.

Jhangvi’s founder Basra has been dead for a number of years. Reports differ on whether he was killed in an explosion or a shootout with security forces.

A senior Pakistani security official said

Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and other extremist groups are “hand in glove with the Taliban”.

“But they cannot carry out such an attack on their own. This would have surely been a Taliban-connected operation,” he told AFP. “Al-Alami are basically the Punjabi Taliban, who were involved in the attack on (army) GHQ (general headquarters) two years ago,” he added.

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Friday, 9 December, 2011

Editor’s mail 11

who played a double game?

Recently, a crispy article ‘Calling Pakistan’s boycott bluff’ by Jennifer Rowland appeared in the Foreign Policy magazine, a piece holding intruded perceptions. To Jennifer the killings of 24 Pakistani soldiers proved as a ‘face-saving bluff’ on the part of the country’s security establishment.

A ‘bluff’, which allows the military to dictate its terms to the United States, provides a strong stance against Americans by avoiding the Bonn Conference, gives an opportunity for Pakistan’s army to muzzle the chattering mouths accusing them of wilful neglect in missing bin Laden’s presence in the garrison town of Abbottabad and grant a chance for pur-

suing a double game in fighting some militants in the tribal region of the country while giving others safe haven.

The way Ms Jennifer has analysed the incident, the atrocious attack seems more as an American ‘blunder’ than any other bluff, if it offers Pakistan that much ways to make a move.

Nevertheless it is neither an American blunder nor providing Pakistan a face-saving benefit; it is plainly a calculated move of the US. As it was a deliberate attack, obviously the after-effects will be a result of plan as well. If US would have sought Pakistan to be present at Bonn Conference it must have apologised to Pakistan for killing 24 soldiers. On the

Sharifs’ political survival contrary, the US’ denial to make an apology cornered Pakistan’s standing in international community while it didn’t affect the ‘money-collection’ purpose of Bonn Conference. Hence the ‘bluff’ was well-designed.

As far as the incident of 2 May is concerned, the facts about the episode are still dubious and after the Memogate issue it’s quite perceptible that the incident was essentially materialised to defame Pakistan Army and its intelligence agency.

Hence, the prior incident itself was a double game and so is the recent one.

Pakistan Army is not playing double game in fighting the militants, its sacri-

fices in this so-called war on terror are well-known to the world and even at the time of Nato attacks, ISI had given specific information to Isaf about reports of 40 or so terrorists planning to mount an attack in the Salala region or trying to slip farther inside Pakistan.

What good Nato attacks did to these militants, puts a big question mark on its own credibility. Slanting statements cannot crack the certainty. Things are greatly messed up and Pakistani nation is in a sheer need to watch and understand scenario carefully before digesting the biased views by western media.

MOMINA ASHIER Islamabad

Colonial education system Our education system has never kept equality since we became independent; it followed a British implemented system as well as the local education system which we call matric system. The main issue with this inequality is that the one who goes to the British implemented system (O-A levels) feels himself to be far more superior than those going to the matric system.

The message is that we have to copy the ways of the superior colonialists to make progress in life. So it’s only obvious that our role models naturally become western, whether they are sportsmen, movie idols or pop stars.

Today our english-language schools produce Desi-Americans though they have never been abroad.

We should have got rid of this system a long time ago. In other colonial countries, like Singapore, India and Malaysia, they set up a unified core syllabus for the whole country. In Pakistan, the government allowed this unjust system to perpetuate.

Students educated in these schools have great advantages over the less privileged children since most of the job opportunities in prestigious civil services go to the people who can speak english well. They feel Urdu as a backward language, but they find it cool if that Urdu is mixed with some english words.

The education system also affects our dressing, living and behaviour. A simple solution to this problem is that the education system should maintain equality and follow the system established in Singapore, India and Malaysia.

QURAT-UL-AIN FARRUKH Karachi

Veena’s shameful act I don’t know why some of our actors, like Veena Malik, are crossing all the limits just to get a few pennies. There are certain limits which must be drawn by the people visiting aboard even for their personal projects and the respect and dignity of the country and nation should be kept at the top.

One is amazed what Veena wants to achieve through these cheap and dirty measures. She has surpassed some of the politicians as well who never bother about the interest of the nation. Veena has not only let down the people of her country but has defamed a secret agency.

DR HASNAT NABI Islamabad

The respect factor It is a fact, as strange as it may sound, that we have lost appeal and respect for elders in our society. The youth is busy in their education, sports activities, internet, and mobile phones.

They like to sit in front of a PC or TV instead of talking to a real person who may even help them in the ways of the world. Their mind is more inquisitive and they are far more adventurous than the older lot but nothing matches experience. Most of the older generation feels being shunned out of their lively lives which is having a rather negative impact on them. A respectful life is what they expect after chipping in their share to the society.

We should respect our elders because they are the real source who give us a meaningful advices for our living.

HINA KHAWAJA Karachi

The Memogate Pakistan is seriously facing a leadership crisis. Our so-called leaders have forgotten all ethics and morality in running state affairs. They can do anything to save their government from collapse. What is amazing is that 180 million people of Pakistan are with them. I think they are living in a fool’s paradise. The recent development of Memogate is a clear example of poor governance and lack of patriotism within the leadership. All the government machinery is busy nowadays in formulating strategies to save their party co-chairman from going to jail, if proven guilty.

The myth of the US aid As per a report, the White House said last Friday that it may veto a Senate bill for blocking aid to Pakistan until Islamabad takes aggressive steps to curb the use of roadside bombs that kill American soldiers in Afghanistan. There is always a drumbeat that a huge amount is given as aid but Pakistan is not doing enough, is playing double game, is supporting terrorists and American taxpayers’ money is not free for all etc.

Similarly, our media in the race of breaking news broadcasts these reports without verifying. Moreover, mistrust among the institutions also gives wind to this type of propaganda.

Once again the American media, their lawmakers and think tanks are active after the brutal killing of 24 Pakistani soldiers in a Nato attack. Gen Jones’ statement that Pakistan is moving on the path of self-destruction and any Mumbai type attack on India will have grave consequences is not out of context. The pressure tactic is being used to subdue the Pakistanis.

We made a grave mistake by joining the USA club after independence. India extended the hand of friendship to Soviets and they proved to be the real allweather friends whereas we were always being deceived and ditched at all the forums by the US. Sanctions are imposed every now and then and no efforts or help is given by the American to the people of Pakistan. They didn’t established even a single mega project for the welfare of the people and only less than $500m given out of $3bn under Kerry-Lugar Act, whereas the USSR gave us our steel mill. They never gave us aid; whatever is given is taken back in shape of consultancy charges,

One thing is clear that the government of the day is involved in this scandal as it can be seen from their party workers’ frustrations and panic. If they are not involved in this scandal, they could have sued the newspaper and Mr Mansoor Ijaz for this treacherous scam against their government.

Why are they not doing it? The PPP is caught up in a trap knitted by themselves. They cannot play games forever. I think their days are numbered as they are in deep waters now.

ASMA AHSAN Islamabad

payment of the weapons and services charges. In the last ten years, America paid only $8bn in Coalition Support Fund, and more than $6bn are outstanding since last one and half year.

Pakistan has already expended this amount from its meagre resources. On the other hand, more than $10 billion per month are being spent in Afghanistan by the US. The losses of Pakistan in this war on terror are more than $70 billion but still it is we who are blamed. We need to put everything in black and white and reconsider what we gained and what we lost with the friendship with the Americans.

If more than 60 percent of Americans and 70 percent Pakistanis think that we are enemies, not friends, something is wrong somewhere then and leaders of both countries should think upon it.

SHAHID ZAHUR Rawalpindi

Falling education standard education means training for life.

The main aim of education is threefold – physical, mental, and moral development of human personality. We find a constant fall in the standard of education.

There are various reasons behind the problem. everyone is equally responsible, the government, teachers, parents and students.

The government is indifferent to the problems. The changing governments in the country have failed to assess the real causes of educational deterioration. The education administration is slack, corrupt and rather helpless against the student community. There are no proper checks on the functioning of the educational institutions. Accountability is missing at all levels.

The parents are equally responsible for the falling standard. Home plays the most important role in shaping the thinking and character of children and youth.

In fact, a mother’s lap is the first school for a child. Parents are over indulgent with their children. They are allowed to do as they please. Lack of proper upbringing of children is a main cause of poor discipline. Parents have no strict control on youth.

The teachers, in general, are the product of our corrupt society. The primary schools are the nurseries of the nation. But our primary teachers are the least qualified and lowest paid. How can they raise good crop?

At college and university level, very few teachers are devoted and dedicated.

It’s a common complaint that teachers do not take classes regularly; they come late and leave the classes before time. The heads are rather helpless before the political appointees. The greatest responsibility for these ills falls on the student community in general. Absenteeism, irregularity, unpunctuality and indiscipline are common practices. The government is sleeping or ineffective. Not acquirement of knowledge but easy papers and fake degrees are the aim of education for them. Peace that is a must for learning is missing. examinations have become more a test of unfair means and dishonesty than of attainment and proficiency.

KAINAT ABDUL MAJEED Karachi

Pensioners strike “Two millions strike in Britain over pension charges.” Welcome to the third world, sirs.

Z A KAZMI Karachi

During the hearing of Nawaz Sharif’s petition on Memogate in Supreme Court, he said that he had no confidence in the parliament. Therefore, he has requested the Supreme Court to form a commission to investigate the Memogate scandal. I would ask Nawaz Sharif that if he has no confidence in the parliament then why his party MNAs have not resigned from the parliament? If he wants early election, he should ask his party members to resign from the National Assembly and Punjab Assembly.

He should not forget that his brother, the chief minister of Punjab, and he himself, are not willing to let go of the CM chair. There are a number of issues that directly concern the people, such as high influence and energy crisis. Why is Nawaz Sharif not presenting the solution to these problems? Is it not his responsibility to present alternative solutions to such problems on which the government has failed due to its faulty policies?

Imran Khan has posed a new challenge to Nawaz Sharif for his political survival. It is now 30 years since Nawaz Sharif has been in politics, out of which he was twice the prime minister. Had he been able to put the country on the right track? every thoughtful Pakistani knows that the establishment is the most powerful and real decision-maker of our country’s destiny. Why has he not been able to understand this reality while he was patronised by General Zia-ul-Haq to become first the chief minister of Punjab and then prime minister of Pakistan?

I would like to ask what good governance Shahbaz Sharif, who was chanting “Go Zardari Go” at the Lahore rally on 28 October, has delivered to the people of Punjab?

In fact, he is ruling 65 percent of the country’s population. Has he made Punjab any more welfare province? Has he been able to reform the police force? Has he improved education and health standards in the Punjab? Has he been able to control inflation?

S T HUSSAIN Lahore

media ethics in Pakistan A vicious propaganda is being carried out on the media against President Zardari in the wake of his departure to Dubai for a routine medical check-up. It seems that many Dr Goebbles are present in our era with the same irrational approach. They are using this platform for hate-mongering.

There is a freedom of expression in the country, as our Constitution states in Article 19 that “every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall be freedom of the Press, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of Court, [commission of] or incitement to an offence.” But this doesn’t mean that certain elements shape some incidents according to their own interests, setting aside national interest. There should be a proper check and balance on it. The propaganda which has been spread on the social media following Foreign Policy magazine’s report “President Zardari suddenly leaves Pakistan — is he on the way out?”, is totally speculative as has been officially denied by the president office.

Media is a major player in shaping public opinion and public perceptions. It has the power to change the public opinion and this power can be used for good purposes. This newfound power of media is now being used by political actors to set agenda of their choice, influence public opinion or to create good or bad sentiments in people’s minds regarding any segment of polity.

If we believe that we need media cooperation to shape, direct and protect Pakistan’s current national interests, then we need to engage this important stakeholder from a new pitch. There is a need to set up a self-regulatory non-governmental media ethics commission, like those in the UK and other countries, to monitor senseless reporting and ensure implementation of code of ethics for media in Pakistan.

HAFIZ MUHAMMAD IRFAN Islamabad

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 should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively.

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12 Comment Cornered in As usual

O

ur current phase of tensions with the outside world is going to get worse before it gets better.

For starters, the attack on the Ashura mourners in Kabul have led to fingers being pointed to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and because of that, yes, the Pakistani deep state itself. Then there is the case of the alleged Kashmiri ISI spy in the US, Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, who has confessed in a Virginia court of his crime. Foreign countries paying huge sums to lobbyists is nothing out of the norm (AIPAC, anyone?) but the slightest of hiccups at moments like these can amount to much turbulence.

Regarding Pakistan, there are, roughly, two schools of thought in American policy circles. The usual hawks-anddoves pair. These schools, in an even rougher classification, fit into the defence and state departments.

The latter wants US policy to ease up; the former wants increased proactive military engagement. But before things come to the pass of any increased military confrontation, an example of which is the Salala incident in the Mohmand agency, there is the issue of aid. In this regard, the task of the pro-Pakistan lobby is a little tough in these times of grave financial constraints. It is also a thankless job, with US legislators being surprised when they passed a bill (Kerry-Luger) that would fork out $7.5 billion to the Pakistani government, only to be met by outrage on the streets and airwaves of Pakistan. Such an attitude then feeds into the rhetoric of the American right. To quote a particularly candid John McCain, if Pakistan has chosen “to embrace terror and back the Haqqani network”, it should do so “without subsidies from the US taxpayer.”

It is in these times of tumult that certain quarters are demanding greater swagger from both our government and armed forces. An insistence of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Discretion is the better part of valour. The people of Pakistan deserve better than this.

A baptism of fire?

For Bilawal, many obstacles ahead

W

hile the PPP core committee has decided to shift the public focus from Memogate, contradictory statements regarding Zardari’s sudden departure for Dubai have given birth to still another controversy. On Tuesday, the presidential spokesman had categorically stated that the visit was pre-scheduled, that Zardari had traveled to Dubai to see his children and undergo medical tests linked to a previously diagnosed cardiovascular condition. The suggestion was that the president’s visit was not dictated by any unusual heart related episode on Monday night. Later, a PM house spokesman said the doctors were yet to determine whether the president's condition was due to an adverse reaction to the medication he was taking or a development related to his pre-existing cardiac condition which suggested that the visit might have been necessitated by a heart-related episode in Islamabad. A day later, Dr Asim Hussain reiterated the earlier stand that the president’s medical test was according to schedule. He made a new revelation, however, that it was upon arrival in Dubai when President Zardari’s health deteriorated. What is needed to do dispel the rumours that create uncertainty is a statement from the doctors treating the president.

The PPP core committee meeting was co-chaired by Gilani and Bilawal Bhutto. The latter was tasked by Zardari to help Gilani in sorting out party affairs. This was in keeping with the PPP culture which requires a Bhutto family member to arbitrate between party leaders as none considers another, whatever his position in the party hierarchy, in any way superior to himself.

This explains why Zardari was content with cochairmanship of the party, conceding the chair to Bilawal Bhutto who was still an undergraduate at Oxford. Bilawal’s presence ensured that the core committee meeting had smooth sailing.

This may not be the case for long though in case President Zardari was not to return soon. A number of highly divisive issues have to be settled in days to come.

These include the allotment of party tickets for the March Senate elections. The issue of a local bodies system acceptable to both the PPP workers and MQM cannot continue to hang fire for long either. Bilawal will soon find that he is required to go through a baptism of fire.

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

Friday, 9 December, 2011

he ain’t going nowhere! love him or hate him

Jottings

By Agha Akbar

e

ven if you are an unabashed critic of the man, you have to grant him one thing, even if grudgingly: Asif Zardari has been one really agonising thorn in many a side these last four years or so. Post-Benazir Bhutto, not many would have given the PPP and Asif Zardari, reverse the order if you want to, much of a chance of hanging on to power for as long as it and he has. Come to think of it, the party has already surpassed the PPP’s longest stint in office in the 1990s.

The extreme dislike, even hatred, that Zardari evokes in so many power centres – the establishment, the judiciary and the opposition combined, not to mention a very large part of the media – is almost visceral.

Or so it seems.

It is moot whether the grin plastered across his face riles his opponents more or being outdone by him time after time. But in the last few years he has definitely infuriated people, by mostly being one up on them and fending off attacks with the facility of a born survivor.

With Memogate in full swing, the powersthat-be in fits, and the Supreme Court ordering the establishment of a commission (according to a newspaper report, called ‘a full blast judgment’ smacking of ‘unfairness’ by the ex-SCBA president Asma Jahangir) on Nawaz Sharif’s plea, the time it seemed was ripe to throw the target out of the saddle.

And when Asif Zardari boarded a flight to Dubai with reports of a heart attack and talk of a physical impairment in the air, the only two words that could have stirred up such emotion among his antagonists were ‘soft coup’. Foreign Policy magazine provided

these, and the rumour mongers had the fodder. To them, the man they all loved to hate, was gone – hopefully for good.

There was talk of the strong-willed, almost stubborn-minded, Zardari no longer having the nerve to tackle the all-out, relentless and no-holds-barred onslaught from multiple fronts and had thrown in the towel. The circumstances just seemed right. Babar Awan’s press conference after the aforementioned Supreme Court decision, evoking the metaphor of martyrdom and the PPP’s willingness to embrace it yet again, also hinted that the decisive blow was nigh.

The elation was unalloyed and unconcealed, reflected in Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s demeanour on the box, as if power was coming to him on a platter at a brisk pace, and Ahsan Iqbal’s many tweets. A sampling: “180 million Pakistanis are praying for the heart fail of Mr Zardari’s government” and “Zardari’s government is a health risk for Pakistan”.

But after so many inspired forecasts by an army (pun not intended) of pundits – it indeed has been a non-stop litany of rumour-mongering and Zardari bashing from the day the PPP government stepped into office but to no avail – has he finally gone? The picture slowly emerging from Dubai suggests anything but that. He is keeping himself busy; between checkups, he’s meeting important people and taking calls – hardly the routine of someone who was about to cash in his chips, and promising a return home within the next few days.

One will know shortly, and for sure, if his sojourn in Dubai is extended or not.

One thing though is as obvious as anything could be. Zardari is not without his faults, but a quitter he is not. Not by a long shot. He didn’t buckle under when in the 1990s one Nawaz Sharif goon in the guise of a police office threatened to slit his throat in a prison cell. He didn’t compromise during his long years of incarceration. And he has shown exceptional pugnacity since Benazir Bhutto’s tragic demise. To see the back of him, his opponents need to bury him. Nothing short of that would do.

The pressure brought to bear on Zardari, (“the noose around his neck”, to borrow from a quote in Foreign Policy), by powers-that-be may have weighed heavily on his mind. And after all he does have a history of cardiac issues. And he may have wanted medical advice that he could trust. But in all probability this might have been a sort of tactical retreat – just

to withdraw from the fray, to assess, regroup, weigh options and come back recharged with the counter punch, to continue his tilt at the presidency. And what nicer place for a cool R&R than the safe and familiar environs of the VVIP wing at Dubai’s American Hospital?

Take a dispassionate look at the situation.

Zardari’s opponents may deceive themselves that the deck is now stacked against him, that things are coming to a head with the oppositions now gelling well with the judiciary, and the security establishment having cause to be furious at its undercutting exposed through Memogate. To them, this might be the time to go for the jugular. That is why they were gunning for Zardari with such vengeance.

But from Zardari’s viewpoint, all is not lost, by no means. With his allies not ditching him, he still has the numbers on his side. That is why only ultra-constitutional means can chuck him out, and that is why the dubious tactic of a soft coup or a change foisted from within the PPP minus Zardari is being discussed as a possibility.

For Zardari, there is incentive enough in toughing it out and riding out this tempest.

With only three months to go between now and March 2012, the PPP is virtually on the home run for the critical Senate elections. The current sound and fury is the last throw of the dice by the opposition – and if it doesn’t pan out as it wanted it to, after all its endeavours it would cut a sorry figure in the public mind, making Zardari’s stock soar.

Another factor that is supportive of Zardari is the situation in Afghanistan and the fact that the acrimony with the US that has put the army in a spot from where it could tamper with the current political dispensation only at the risk of further unsettling the domestic front. Not something that a halfway decent strategist in the vicinity of Rawalpindi would suggest.

It seemed to have happened eons ago, but the talk show host who accredits himself with so more investigative stories than everyone else put together, not just in this country but the entire universe, it would seem, in his frustration remarked with words to the effect, that “to evict Zardari from the president house you’ll have to send him packing in an ambulance”. In poor taste, and professionally pathetic, but not off the mark by much, you’d say.

The writer is Sports and Magazines Editor, Pakistan Today.

We kiss and we make up!

The bad Pak-US romance

By Ali Aftab Saeed

T

he US is here in Afghanistan till at least 2014. If (for the sake of argument) Pakistan’s blocking of the NATO supplies is anything more than a clever gimmick, the US will need a long-term alternative route. The Russian route is not just uneconomical but some American circles believe that it is also fraught with dangerous implications for the long-term strategic interests of the US. Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan might not let arsenals pass through anyway. Thus with no feasible alternate route, the sordid romance of Pakistan and the US will definitely rekindle, though on a ‘give-more’ basis.

After the incident of 26th November, we suddenly are on the negotiating table with the US again. A lot of Pakistanis believed that we sold our services to the US for peanuts; a chance has come up to revise the price tag – this time

on our terms (Who’s the daddy now, eh?). The US isn’t a dumb blonde either; of course it will try to push the figures down one way or the other. All you need is one Mullah Omar popping out of the Pak domain and there goes our army back into their garrisons.

The chief just declared ‘suspending’ the chain of command in the event of another breach of sovereignty, proving that the army will settle for nothing less than a renewal of terms.

Meanwhile, the whole nation is cheering Kayani’s new attitude towards the US. But since the two can’t remain divorced for too long (who is to blame when the deal is in dollars and the prospects are in the form of a share in the next Afghan government!), they will soon kiss and make up. The question is who will face all the insults for this volte-face. The government, of course.

2014 happens to be the election year in Afghanistan as well.

There is a growing demand on the part of the stakeholders to shift from a presidential form of government to the parliamentary system. If this happens, whether party based on non-party based, the parliament will end up being a mosaic of fragmented constituencies. The now somewhat curbed Taliban will then attain a freer hand in their constituency and that too democratically.

This is a bleak picture for the

US. The US’s effort to mollify the Taliban by negotiations in the absence of Pakistan has already fallen flat on its face. Whether the US likes it or not, Pakistan and the Taliban are the biggest stakeholders in this whole scenario, and the twain has to be taken on board, together, and soon. The two are here to stay long after the US is gone. The delusion of strengthening the Afghan National Army with an aim to neutralize either has to end now.

The US’s self-proclaimed objective is nation-building in Afghanistan, but this of course is pure propaganda. If they were serious in building a nation, they would have done it back in 2001 before they destroyed it altogether. For this reason, the stake holders – including President Hamid Karzai – don’t really trust America. The American track record of not looking back once they vacate a destroyed war zone doesn’t help either.

The US has declared that they will continue to fund the Afghan economy, which presently consists of $17 billion, out of which 90% is foreign-funded. The Afghan army laps up $5-6 billion out of this!

The US is aware of the fact that the day they leave, tens of thousands of young Afghans who are working for the western military bases and embassies will also lose their jobs, adding even more to the already considerable Afghan troubles.

Ultimately, all sorts of negotiations will have to take place via Pakistan. They have to. The Bonn Conference wasn’t fruitful for the same reason. As evident, Obama has regretted the loss of the slain Pakistani soldiers. The US has even created a commission to review this fiasco and to bring the culprits to justice. PM Gilani has shown a willingness to have workable relations with the US right after Kayani’s order to dismiss the chain of command. Since the foreign policy is in the hands of the establishment, the message to US that the army is willing to play ball if the conditions are right is loud and clear. The conditions of course include money, rules of operation between the two militaries, the shares in Afghanistan, etc.

In the near future, however, it is unlikely the US will go for the non-violent strategy. The NATO supply will resume through Pakistan, and the war on terror will also continue for the time being.

And you will see that the politicians who were vociferously deploring this war only a few days back will then rest their vocal chords just like they did on the Kashmir policy till the establishment feels the need to raise the bar for auctioning their services again.

The writer is a member of the band Beygairat Brigade that has recently released the single Aaloo Anday.

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Friday, 9 December, 2011

Comment 13

Confusion, yet again

The Mohmand tragedy

when the president is away, the rumourmongers will play

what next?

Cross Currents

By Qudssia Akhlaque

S

o there we go again! Pakistan seems to be a particularly blessed country where there is seldom the proverbial "dull moment." Political scandals and conspiracy theories are in abundance invariably with clamour of some foreign factor at play.

We are in a state of confusion once again and panic buttons are on. Uncertainty looms large with soothsayers proclaiming President Asif Ali Zardari's endgame. Doing the rounds are speculations, rumours, and screaming headlines that the next 24 to 48 hours are crucial for the country, hinting that some major change is in the offing on the political landscape. That 'the party is over' and time for a change of guard or some new set-up of sorts has come.

While facts are being feverishly weaved with fiction from various ends, the reality continues to be blurred by wishful thinking. All lobbies seem to be at work overtime giving spins to the real story to suit their respective interests and biases. In Pakistan where there seems to be a particularly rich appetite for conspiracies, rumours and talkshows, the angles get wider and more complex. Hysterical conclusions are drawn on the basis of mere hearsay and speculations. The electronic media's compulsion of ‘Breaking News’ and improving channel ratings add more sensation, anxiety and uncertainty.

While there may be other political reasons for the sensational comments on President Asif Ali Zardari's ostensibly sudden departure for medical treatment in Dubai, the Government

of Pakistan and the ruling Pakistan People's Party themselves have to take the primary blame for generating a plethora of speculations.

As has been the hallmark of this government, it is inconsistent in its statements and stance about the president's departure.

It has not spoken with one voice and each government representative has a different version that naturally raises questions and hence suspicions. The government itself seems to have politicised the whole matter and created confusion upon confusion. Perhaps by design to keep everyone guessing or its inability to handle complex situations or its knack to make a hash out of an issue. Press releases issued by official quarters are often an eye-

impending Abbottabad Commission Report on the May 2 US commando action that killed Osama Bin Laden and stories of President Zardari being under tremendous stress and pressure make this inevitable. More so the initial 'silence' from the presidency which was followed by a string of contradictory statements emanating from the government and ruling party circles.

Then with the likes of the evervociferous PPP leader Babar Awan giving veiled threats to those contemplating violation of Article 6 of the constitution indicate that not all is well in the power corridors. And when this happens and in absence of any clear-cut, credible statement on an important development the signal sent out is that there is

while there may be other political reasons for the sensational comments on President Zardari's ostensibly sudden departure, the Government of Pakistan and the ruling PPP themselves have to take the primary blame for generating a plethora of speculations. wash to hoodwink the public – an attempt to camouflage reality with generalities and non-issues.

At a time when the focus of the entire nation is on the question of the president's unexpected departure to Dubai, the impression being given by the government is that it is business as usual. So we were told that at a meeting cochaired by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Bilawal Bhutto on Wednesday at the PM house where Bilawal and many PPP stalwarts looked lost and visibly unnerved, the question of creation of a Seraiki Province was discussed!

While going abroad for a normal medical checkup has been a routine matter for Pakistani political leaders, it is the timing of President Zardari's departure that has led to a tsunami of speculations and rumours.

Naturally against the backdrop of the Supreme Court decision on the NRO, the apex court moved on the memo scandal, the

something to hide. This has been a standard pattern whenever something important happens in the country.

The government’s handling of issues is clumsy and often marked by denial, ambiguity, conflicting statements and halftruths. It is about time the government and the PPP recognise that there is a cost attached to loose-talking, perhaps more than the cost attached to loose deliveries in a cricket match!

Does the government suffer only from lack of coordination or from self-destructive and selfdefeating incompetence?

The writer is a senior journalist and has been a diplomatic correspondent for leading dailies. She was an Alfred Friendly Press Fellow at The Chicago Tribune in the US and a Press Fellow at Wolfson College, Cambridge, UK. She can be reached via email at qudssia@hotmail.com

By Shaukat Umer

I

t might not be out of place to suggest that the unprovoked attacks on our border posts by NATO gunships are amongst several symptoms of the broader disconnect between Pakistani and American perspectives on the Afghan endgame. The equation is rendered more complicated by the existence of a subterranean disconnect between the US military high command and the civilian authorities. Reportedly Ambassador Munter’s proposal for a formal apology by President Obama, backed by the State Department, was overruled by the Pentagon forcing the President’s hand who is understandably averse to being exposed to charges of appeasement in an election year.

Reports to the effect that the generals in Washington remain convinced of the feasibility of military resolution of the Afghan conflict continue to surface. The seeming contradictions in Hillary Clinton’s public statements reflect this dichotomy. During the past few months, her pronouncements have attempted to cater to the hard line outlook of the military and the more conciliatory approach of the diplomats .Some regional specialists, including former State Department official Vali Nasr, have analysed the attacks in the context of the military trying to shape the Administration’s agenda in Afghanistan. Nasr has depicted the situation as the proverbial tail wagging the dog. We need to remain alive to this possibility in fashioning our long-term response to the Mohmand catastrophe.

It is essential that we should not allow anger to determine

our perspective on our future interaction with the international community So far our response has been proportionate to the recent provocations, Mohmand being the latest. The decision to suspend NATO shipments, vacation of the Shamsi Airbase, retaliation in self-defence and boycott of the Bonn Conference are unexceptionable given the growing intensity of the provocations, starting with the Raymond Davis affair. For the first time since 9/11 Pakistan has injected some balance in what was largely seen as an unequal if not a one-sided partnership in a loosely defined cause. How are we going to proceed from here?

Those propagating that the issue be formally tabled before the Security Council are clearly unfamiliar with its operational mechanics. examples abound of how the Council abdicated its responsibilities even in instances of outright aggression.

Two cases would suffice: the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the US-led occupation of Iraq.

In both instances, the Secretary General of the UN had declared these actions illegal yet the Security Council did nothing because the offending states wielded veto powers. The attack on the Mohmand posts, clearly unwarranted, would run against three vetoes, US, UK and France. In fact, the initiative would most likely be killed in the informal consultative stage which precedes formal debate in the Council. What will Pakistan gain from this? The dissemination of our concerns to all UN members as a Security Council document was practical and feasible. Going beyond that would be counter-productive.

Some quarters have suggested that Pakistan should not have boycotted the Bonn conference. Again, it must be remembered that such high-profile and propagandaladen events are not an effective means of resolving complex international issues. In fact, the Declarations adopted at these moots are agreed to in advance and no real negotiations occur during the event itself. Our participation would have been largely symbolic and in any case

our views on the recent events are widely known. Their articulation at the Conference would not have yielded any additional impact. The message that our absence conveyed would be far more pertinent in driving home the point that Pakistan is no longer willing to be taken for granted.

The key point now is how Pakistan uses its current position in exploring a balanced and durable solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. Pakistan and the US now need to engage in a sustained diplomatic process to ensure conceptual clarity on key aspects of the Afghan end game. This engagement should first agree on the minimum precept that military solution is no longer feasible and that at some approximate future date, on the realization of certain conditions i.e. Taliban agreement to join the peace process in right earnest, hostilities from both sides will have to cease. This should be followed by understandings on the character and composition of the future Afghan government, the question of continued US military presence in Afghanistan post 2014 and the level and quantum of Indian involvement in Afghan security beyond that date, amongst others.

Both countries would need to approach these vexing issues with an open mind. Pakistan would need to appreciate that the US has legitimate strategic and economic interests in this region while the latter must try to understand that whatever happens in Afghanistan has a direct and immediate bearing on our security and stability. A middle ground would need to be located which enables enmeshing of the legitimate concerns of both parties and their respective Afghan allies.

These understandings should then be moved outwards to elicit the support of other regional states and the wider community of nations.

The writer is Pakistan’s former Ambassador to the United Nations and European Union.

He can be contacted at shaukatumer@hotmail.com

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14 Foreign News

Friday, 9 December, 2011

NATO, Russia fail to defuse missile defence row g

Putin harks back to Cold war 20 years on, denounces US, warns protesters Defiant Russian opposition vows mass protest g

BRUSSELS/MOSCOW

N

AFP

ATO and Russia failed to resolve a rift over a european missile shield on Thursday but agreed to press on with negotiations aimed at reaching a cooperation deal.

“On missile defence, we do not agree yet,” NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said after talks between foreign ministers of the military alliance and Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. “But we all agreed that it is important to keep on trying, to keep on talking, and to keep on listening to each other’s concerns,” he told a news conference.

Seeking to assuage Russian concerns after Moscow threatened to deploy missiles near eU borders, Rasmussen reiterated that NATO allies “do not consider Russia an enemy”.

NATO renewed its invitation to co-

operate with Russia on the defence systems “so that they can see with their own eyes that it’s not directed against Russia,” he added. Moscow wants NATO to provide a legally-binding document stating that the missile system is not pointed at Russia, but the transatlantic alliance says it has made enough statements to that effect.

“We want to have clear guarantees that the missile defence capabilities will not be targeted against our strategic capability,” Lavrov told a news conference after the talks. Moscow also suggests that both sides operate a joint missile shield, but NATO insists on keeping two separate systems with the former Cold War foes sharing data.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Thursday accused the United States of stirring up controversy over Russia’s polls and warned those protesting the result they would be punished if they broke the law.

After three days of protests against

election results the opposition says were rigged, Putin said the authorities should enter into dialogue with the opposition. But he accused some of its leaders of acting selfishly.

“If somebody breaks the law then the security forces must implement the law with full legal means,” Putin said in his first public comments on the demonstrations. Russia’s opposition has vowed to stage a mass protest in Moscow at the weekend to contest the results of elections, despite the arrest of around 1,000 people in previous demonstrations. Putin said that “if people act in accordance with the law, they should be given the opportunity to express themselves, and we should not limit these civil rights.”

But he lashed out at US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who he said had criticised Sunday’s elections before even reading the reports of international monitors. The US criticism “had set the tone for some people inside the country

and given a signal,” Putin said.

“They heard the signal and with the support of the US State Department started active work. By apparent coincidence, Putin’s comments came on the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Belovezh accords when the leaders Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine decided on December 8, 1991 that the USSR no longer existed as a state.

In the run-up to the election, Putin had already accused the West of funding Russian NGOs with the aim of questioning the validity of the elections.

Putin also said there should be dialogue between the regime and the opposition.

Around 1,000 people have been arrested in three days of demonstrations protesting what they say was mass fraud in Sunday’s polls. Over 20,000 people have pledged on a Facebook page called “for honest elections” to attend the protest on Saturday afternoon on Revolution Square, just metres from the Kremlin walls.

egypt’s army, Islamists clash over constitution

‘No second chance’ if euro summit fails: Sarkozy MARSEILLE AFP

French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned Thursday that europe was facing an unprecedented risk from its debt woes and said a crucial eU summit was the last chance to solve the crisis.“Never has europe been so necessary and never has it been in so much danger... Never has the risk of europe’s explosion been so great,” Sarkozy said in a speech in Marseille ahead of the summit’s start later Thursday.

“We must act straight away. The longer we wait to take this decision, the more it will cost and the less effective it will be,” he told a meeting of european conservative parties. “If we don’t have an agreement on Friday, we will not have a second chance,” Sarkozy said. France and Germany were working Thursday to drum up support for their plan to save the eurozone, which would amend eU treaties to include legal or constitutional limits on deficits and automatic penalties for eurozone nations that overspend. Sarkozy warned that if all 27 members of the european Union were not willing to sign up to treaty changes, the 17 states of the eurozone could go ahead on their own. eurozone leaders have said noneuro countries could be excluded from the new agreement if they make too many demands during the summit, such as Britain’s call for it to receive “safeguards” for its financial services industry.

US denies seeking to ‘contain’ China

CAIRO

BEIJING/ SHANGHAI

AFP

AFP

egypt’s biggest political group the Muslim Brotherhood clashed with the country’s army leaders on Thursday, accusing them of trying to “marginalise” parliament over the writing of a new constitution.

Mohammed el-Baltagui, one of the leaders of the Brotherhood’s political party, said the movement planned to pull out of a contact group with the army leaders who have been in power since the toppling of Hosni Mubarak in February. “We consider that any attempt to marginalise the parliament or to reduce its prerogatives in favour of any other unelected entity is a move to bypass the will of the people,” he said. On Wednesday, in comments to a small group of foreign journalists, a member of the ruling junta said the army would have a final say over those appointed to write a new constitution next year. “This is the first stage in our democracy,” Major General Mukhtar al-Mulla was quoted as saying by The Guardian newspaper. “This is not out of mistrust of the parliament,” he added. The Brotherhood, which emerged as the biggest winner in the first stage of the just-concluded parliamentary elections, wants the assembly to oversee the constitution writing process. Analysts had forecast a fierce power struggle between the new civilian political powers that have emerged since the fall of Mubarak and the ruling army generals.

Moves by Washington to strengthen military ties in the Pacific are not aimed at containing China, a senior US defence official said Thursday, after holding talks with her Chinese counterpart. US Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Michele Flournoy said she had sought to assure China’s Ma Xiaotian over moves including the deployment of US Marines in Australia.

“We assured General Ma and his delegation that the US does not seek to contain China, we do not view China as an adversary, but these posture changes were first and foremost about strengthening our alliance with Australia,” she told reporters in Beijing. Wednesday’s talks marked the first high-level meeting of US and Chinese defence officials since Washington angered Beijing in September by announcing an arms deal with Taiwan.

HuNDREDS STRIKE IN LATEST CHINA LABouR PRoTEST: Hundreds of workers protested for a fifth straight day on Thursday at a Japanese plant in southern China, a company official said, in the latest labour unrest in the country’s manufacturing hub. Nearly 1,000 workers have downed tools since Sunday at disk drive maker Hailiang Storage Products Co, blocking the entrance and accusing bosses of “bullying” Chinese workers, state media and a rights group said.

letter bomb to Deutsche Bank CeO ‘operational’ FRANKFURT AFP

A letter bomb sent to Deutsche Bank chief Josef Ackermann was ‘operational’ and could have exploded, German state police said Thursday after the envelope was intercepted. “Preliminary investigations show it is an operational letter bomb,” police in Hesse, the western state where Deutsche Bank’s Frankfurt headquarters is located, said in a statement. The envelope addressed to the Swiss-born Ackermann, CeO of Germany’s biggest bank, arrived at Deutsche Bank’s mailroom on Wednesday.

The letter had raised suspicion at the mailroom and was x-rayed, after which the police were alerted, the statement said.

“Local police, working together with specialists from the Hesse state crime office, defused the explosive,” it said.

NAmIe: Japan's Self Defense Force soldiers collect fallen leaves from a gutter as they started a decontamination mission west of the stricken nuclear power plant on Thursday. Hundreds of troops cleaned up local government offices to prepare operational bases for full-fledged cleanup which will start next year. AFP

US Republicans urge covert ops against Iran, Syria WASHINGTON AFP

Republican US presidential candidates have redoubled their public calls for “covert” operations against Iran and Syria, including sabotage, assassination and aid to opposition forces.

Former House speaker Newt Gingrich, who has led the calls for secret war, told a gathering of party activists on Wednesday he would use “covert capability” to bring about “regime replacement” in Tehran.

“They only have one very, very large refinery. I would be focused on how to covertly sabotage it every day,” he told the Republican Jewish Coalition, a group highly critical of President Barack Obama’s handling of ties to Israel.

Gingrich said US policy towards Syria must be to “replace” President Bashar al-Assad and “do everything we

can, indirectly and covertly — but without American forces — to help” the opposition topple his government.

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, who recently lost to Gingrich the mantle of front-runner for the party’s nomination to take on Obama in November 2012, called for Washington to secretly help dissidents in Iran.

“We should also have covert and overt activities to encourage voices of dissent within the country. Ultimately regime change is what’s going to be necessary in that setting,” he told the group.

One of their long-shot rivals, former senator Rick Santorum, told the same audience he hoped US assets were behind a recent deadly explosion at a missile base in Iran and vowed to put the world on notice of secret US operations.

“We need to say very clearly that we will be conducting covert activity to do

everything we can to stop their nuclear program. And that means using covert activity like may have occurred at the missile site,” he said.

“We need to be very clear: Any foreign scientists working in Iran on this nuclear program will be termed an enemy combatant and will be subject — like any other enemy combatant, like Osama bin Laden — to being taken out by the United States government as a threat to this country,” he said.

Gingrich proposed at a November 12 debate that Washington kill Iranian scientists and disrupt Tehran’s suspect nuclear program — “all of it covertly, all of it deniable.”

In that same forum, Santorum said the United States must do “whatever it takes to make sure” Iran does not develop a nuclear program — then wondered whether Washington may already be heavily involved in doing just that.

“There have been scientists turning up dead in Russia and in Iran. There have been computer viruses. There have been problems at their facility. I hope that the United States has been involved with that,” he said.

“I hope that we have been doing everything we can, covertly, to make sure that that program doesn’t proceed,” he said.

The pronouncements of the Republican presidential hopefuls have raised eyebrows among some career national security officials.

“The chances of success go down dramatically when you tell the world that is the major tool in your foreign policy bag of tricks,” one former senior official in Republican president George W. Bush’s White House said.

The official said Bush’s team “took a lot of heat for keeping secrets.”

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Friday, 9 December, 2011

Foreign News 15

Syrians to launch civil disobedience campaign g

‘Terrorists’ blow up Syrian oil pipeline Regime forces kill seven in Homs Arab taskforce on Syria to meet Saturday g

DAMASCUS/ NICOSIA

S

AFP

YRIAN activists on Thursday launched a campaign of civil disobedience to pile pressure on President Bashar al-Assad, after he drew a stinging rebuke from the US for denying he ordered a deadly crackdown. Local human rights groups said more than 100 people have been killed in Syria since the weekend, and the UN estimates at least 4,000 have died since March when anti-regime protests erupted.

But in a rare interview with Western media, President Assad questioned the UN toll and denied ordering the killing of protesters, saying only a “crazy person” would do so.

Washington said Assad’s remarks showed he was disconnected from reality or himself “crazy,” as he comes under mounting global pressure, with Arab nations and Turkey joining the West in pursuing sanctions against his regime.

Despite the rhetoric, the Local Coordination Committees activist network reported on Thursday that Assad’s forces used bombs and “heavy and indiscriminate gunfire” in Damascus and northwestern Idlib province. The LCC, which organises anti-regime protests on the ground in Syria, appealed for citizens to mobilise for a “dignity strike ... which will lead to the sudden death of this tyrant regime.”

The campaign would “snowball... and grow each day of the

g

revolution to reach every home and anyone who wants to live delighted and dignified in his/her country,” said an LCC statement received in Nicosia.

It urged citizens to begin the action on Sunday — the first day

of the working week in Syria — starting with sit-ins at work, and the closure of shops and universities, before the shutdown of transportation networks and a general public sector strike.

“The Syrian revolution is... a

renaissance against slavery; a scream at the face of humiliation started from the first day as demonstrators cried ‘Syrians are not to be humiliated.’

“The echo of this scream will not vanish till it reaches all ears,”

read the statement, adding the strike was “the first step in an overall civil disobedience” campaign which will overthrow the regime.

Meanwhile, Syrian security forces on Thursday killed at least seven civilians including a woman

HOmS: Demonstrators protesting against Syria's President Bashar al-Assad’s recent comments march through the streets on Thursday.. ReUTeRS

yemenis protest against regime loyalists in new cabinet SANAA AFP

Tens of thousands of Yemenis marched in the streets of the Yemeni capital on Thursday, chanting “no partnership with murderers,” in reference to former regime loyalists that have been appointed to the newly formed unity government. Yemen’s Prime-Minister designate Mohammed Basindawa announced the new government Wednesday, with half the cabinet posts entrusted to members of President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s ruling party, and the other half to the opposition.

“Basindawa, they cannot be trusted,” chanted the protesters as they marched through the streets of Sanaa, whole swaths of which have been devastated by months of fighting between anti-government and pro-Saleh forces. “No partnership with the murderers,” they yelled. The protesters, thousands of whom camped out in Change Square — the epicentre of the pro-democracy movement that has rocked the country since January — have endured the brunt of a brutal government crackdown on dissent. The protesters, most of them youth activists, have also expressed dismay with the formal opposition for signing the Gulf Cooperation Council plan which promises Saleh immunity from prosecution for alleged crimes committed against Yemenis since the uprising. The new government will be formally sworn in on Saturday, according to a statement from the official news agency SABA, and will carry out its duties for a period of three months, after which early elections will be held and Vice President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi is expected to take over the presidency. Until then, Saleh remains honorary president, and most units are still under the command of Saleh’s sons and nephews.

in an assault on the restive central city of Homs, activists said.

The deaths occurred as the security forces used sniper fire and “arbitrary” shelling during raids on three districts of the city, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Meanwhile, armed “terrorists” have blown up an oil pipeline west of the flashpoint Syrian city of Homs, which transports crude ioil to the (central) city’s refinery from east Syria, the official SANA news agency reported on Thursday. “An armed terrorist group targeted in a sabotage operation the pipeline of Tal al-Shor, west of Homs,” Syria’s third-largest city, SANA said.

It gave no cause for the blast.

The explosion is the third reported attack on energy infrastructure since the outbreak of an unprecedented protest movement against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad in mid-March.

Moreover, Iraq will hold talks with Syria to implement an Arab League initiative to send observers to monitor the country’s unrest, the group’s chief and Baghdad’s foreign minister said on Thursday.

Arab League ministers will meet this weekend to mull a response to Syria which wants the bloc to lift sanctions as its price to allow observers to monitor deadly unrest, an Arab diplomat said Thursday.

A taskforce chaired by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem Al-Thani and comprising the foreign ministers of Algeria, egypt, Oman and Sudan will gather in Doha with Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi.

Virtual embassy an admission of error by US: Iran TEHRAN AFP

The establishment by the United States of an Internet-based ‘virtual embassy’ for Iranians is an admission it should not have cut ties with the Islamic republic, the foreign ministry said Thursday.

The initiative will also fail in its intended aim of bringing Washington’s message to the Iranian people, ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said in a statement published on the state

television website.

The establishment of the “virtual embassy” amounts to “an admission by the US government that it made a big mistake in cutting ties (with Iran) and turning its back on the Iranian nation,” the statement said.

The United States opened the Internet-only “embassy” on Tuesday, saying it wanted to reach out to Iranians despite the absence of official ties, and vowed to break through the Islamic regime’s “electronic curtain.”

Access to the website was blocked

in Iran hours after its launch, and instead showed a message in Farsi saying: “In accordance with computer crime laws, access to this website is not possible.”

Mehmanparast said in the statement the US government would do better to “seek to alter its approach and attitude” towards Iran “in an honest manner.”

The message Iranians have received from the US in the past three decades, he said, was “sanctions, support for (anti-Iran) terrorist groups, all-out but

unsuccessful confrontation with Iran’s technological development, and spreading baseless accusations against Iran.”

The “virtual embassy” website offers US policy statements in english and Farsi, gives information on US visas, and provides news from the USfunded Voice of America.

In a welcome video message on the website, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton voiced hope that the platform would provide a way for Americans and Iranians to communicate “openly and without fear.”

US denies delaying global climate deal DURBAN REUTERS

The United States denied on Thursday it was trying to delay a new global climate deal until 2020, saying it supported an eU proposal that aims to chart a path to a more ambitious pact to fight climate change.

Delegates from almost 200 countries have until Friday to decide whether to commit to signing up to an internationally binding climate deal by 2015 at the latest.

Some countries and pressure groups say the United States is trying to delay the start of a legally binding deal until after 2020, because of deep splits between Democrats and Republicans in the US Congress and because environmental curbs are seen as a vote loser ahead of US presidential elections next year.

“It is completely off base to suggest the US is proposing it will delay action to 2020,” US climate envoy Todd Stern told reporters.

“The eU has called for a roadmap (to a future deal). We support that,” he said.

The european Union is pushing to complete talks for a global deal that would bind all major polluters to cut emissions by 2015. But even if that were agreed, such a pact would likely only come into force five years later.

The United States said earlier this week it supported a discussion that would lead to an emission cut deal, even one that was legally binding, but would not commit itself to set dates or a set outcome.

The two biggest issues for negotiators in Durban are finding a way of updating the Kyoto Protocol, the only global pact that enforces carbon cuts, and finding the necessary cash to help poor countries tackle climate change.

China, the United States and India, the world’s top three carbon emitters, are not bound by Kyoto’s emissions targets.

Eilat bombing mastermind killed in Gaza strike: Israel GAZA: An Israeli air strike on a car killed at least two Hamas militants and wounded two others on a crowded Gaza street on Thursday, the Israeli army and local medical officials said, proclaiming that one of them had planned a deadly bombing in eilat in 2007. Hamas radio identified the dead as brothers essam Al-Batsh and Sobhi Al-Batsh, from the Hamas armed wing. Hundreds of Palestinians crowded around the charred remains of the car, which was hit in the early afternoon on a main urban thoroughfare. In Tel Aviv, an Israeli military spokeswoman confirmed an air strike had been carried out. She said the two men killed in the incident had been planning an attack on Israeli civilians and soldiers along Israel’s border with egypt’s Sinai peninsula. REUTERS

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16

Friday, 9 December, 2011

Pakistani lawyer’s

IN LIMELIGHT

petition against

Veena

rejected ISLAMABAD

A

STAFF REPORT

Pakistani court Thursday rejected a lawyer’s petition asking it to direct authorities to file charges of obscenity and sedition against actor Veena Malik and confiscate her passport over a controversy around her nude pictures in an Indian magazine. Salimullah Khan had filed the petition against Malik in the Islamabad High Court. He contended that she should be tried under provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code for obscene acts, sedition, defamation and wearing clothes and using equipment used by Pakistani military personnel. Rejecting his petition, the court said it could not take any action as the photos had been published in

another country. Khan had earlier told the court that Malik did a naked photo shoot for FHM India magazine. The nude picture was printed on the cover of the magazine and other photos were featured on the e-edition of FHM India, he said. Malik has denied doing a nude photo shoot for the magazine, saying the pictures were “morphed”. The actor and the magazine have threatened to take legal action against each other. Khan contended in his petition that Malik`s conduct was “controversial and shameful for everybody in Pakistan” and that she had trampled “all standards of Islamic cultures and morality”. He asked the court to order Malik to come back to Pakistan, and to direct authorities to confiscate her passport. Malik’s passport is “state property” and the government could confiscate it under the law, he claimed.

BlACKPOOl: The finishing touches are put to a wax figure of lady gaga wearing a dress made from cling film designed

by Adnan Bayatt in a Christmas grotto at madame Tussauds.

Jeetendra all praises for Ali Zafar NEW DELHI AGENCIES

Who knew that amongst the current lot of actors, Jeetendra would like Ali Zafar the most? A source present at a recent event says, “The two actors were present at an event. Suddenly while chatting with him, the senior actor pulled the young man’s cheeks and told him that he really likes the way he works. It was an affectionate gesture which left Ali moved. But what he found more touching was when Jeetu added that he had liked the Pakistani actor in ‘Tere Bin Laden’ and ‘Mere Brother ki Dulhan’ and feels that Zafar has the potential in him to make it big.” We wonder what Jeetu’s son Tusshar Kapoor has to say about that.

Amitabh

No space in Mumbai

tweets

Priyanka a lesson

MUMBAI: A recent Priyanka Chopra-Amitabh Bachchan incident in Twitter have taught a lesson to all the Bollywood stars who are very much used to tweeting. Recently Amitabh Bachchan rebukes Priyanka Chopra for using the word ‘F’. Priyanka didn’t use the word herself, she retweeted Singer Rihanna’s tweet that was “F*** I look like

MArrAkEch: Lea Drucker arrives at the 11th Marrakech International Film Festival.

mUmBAI: Abhishek Bachchan poses with his pair of customised Salvatore Ferragamo shoes.

ho? I look like yes and ya look like no”. So, Priyanka tweets “RT @rihanna F*** I look like ho? I look like yes and ya look like no”. After reading Priyanka’s tweet, Big B writes “@priyankachopra Arre, retweet bhi padha jaata hai ..mujhse poocho, main bhugat chuka hoon !! But chill .. love to you and take care!”.

Priyanka immediately apologised to Amitabh: “pheeeewwww! Ok sir! Sabak seekh liya.. Bhaad mein jaaye Rihanna aur uske tweets! love u 2 and have a good day @SrBachchan”.

AGENCIES

to shoot

Shahid-Priyanka qawwali

MUMBAI: Director Kunal Kohli needed ample space to put up a set for the next schedule of his film, but he couldn`t find it here so had to scurry to madh Island to build his set. “I needed to create pre-partition Punjab in 1910 and couldn’t shoot in actual Punjab because the topography has changed completely. So we decided to put up a vast set. But none of the studios in mumbai had space! So my art director munish Sappal, who is a Punjab expert after ‘Pinjar’ and ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’, finally built it on madh Island,” said Kohli, who had earlier directed ‘Hum Tum’ and ‘Fanaa’. On the set, choreographer Chinni Prakash is set to shoot a qawwali where Shahid Kapoor and Priyanaka Chopra will battle it out over that thing called love. “The qawwali, written

by Prasoon Joshi and composed by Sajid-wajid, is a hell-raiser. Both Shahid and Priyanka, though thorough professionals, are apparently bracing themselves for doing an ‘Aashiqana qawwali’ in full public view, replete with references to boys with roving eyes and girls making eyes.” AGENCIES

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17 Court asks police to book Cleric bans women Vidya Balan for obscenity from touching bananas, cucumbers

HyDERABAD

DUBAI: Anil Kapoor, director Brad Bird, Tom Cruise, actress Paula Patton and actor Simon Pegg arrive at the opening ceremony of the Dubai International Film Festival where their film ‘mission: Impossible - ghost Protocol’ will premiere.

TOKyO: google vice president Bradley Horowitz smiles with Japanese all-girl pop group AKB48 members Atsuko maeda, mariko Shinoda and Aki Takajo as they announce plans to expand their reach to the greater Asian market via google+.

C

AGENCIES

Tom Cruise undisputed Kristen, Robert ‘most

star of Dubai film festival bankable’ in hollywood LOS ANGELES AGENCIES

DUBAI AGENCIES

mUmBAI: Salman Khan poses next to an Audio Q7 german luxury car gifted for the success of ‘Bodyguard’.

‘Mastani’ Aishwarya

to romance ‘Bajirao’ Shah Rukh MUMBAI: If rumours are to be believed, Aishwarya Rai will star opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Sanjay leela Bhansali’s next.

Ash is keen to get back to work post her delivery and has given her nod to Sanjay’s film. The filmmaker recently went to visit Ash and her baby and also narrated the script. Buzz has it that Bhansali is all set to revive his dream project ‘Bajirao mastani’ with Ash and SRK in the lead. Initially when Bhansali had announced the project in 2003, Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai were supposed to play the main leads but now it seems Sanjay has decided to cast his ‘Devdas’ hero. If things go according to plan then SRKAishwarya would be seen together on screen almost after a decade.

Their last film was ‘Devdas’.

Apparently, Bhansali has already spoken to Shah Rukh Khan about the project, and the superstar has shown keen interest. ZEENEwS

NEW DELHI: An unnamed Islamic cleric based in europe has issued a ban on women touching fruits and vegetables resembling the male sexual organ to avoid “sexual thoughts”. The egyptian news website Bikya Masr on Wednesday quoted the cleric whose diktat featured in an article on elSenousa, a religious publication. The cleric has said that women should not even get close to bananas or cucumbers. “If women wish to eat these food items, a third party, preferably a male related to them such as their a father or husband, should cut the items into small pieces and serve,” the cleric dictated. According to the cleric, bananas and cucumbers “resemble the male organ” and therefore could arouse women or “make them think of sex”. The cleric also added carrots and zucchini to the list of forbidden foods for women. The news about this latest diktat against women went viral on the web with liberal Muslims feeling enraged and embarrassed. Repression of women in ultraconservative Islamic societies has been an intense subject of debate throughout the world. AGENCIES

ONTROVeRSIeS continue to dog ‘The Dirty Picture’ with a city court directing police to book actress Vidya Balan for posing for indecent photographs on the film posters and promos. Nampally criminal courts ordered the Nallakunta police station in the city to book a criminal case against the Bollywood star. The court passed the orders on a petition filed by an advocate SK Azad. The judge asked police to book the actress under relevant sections of Indian Penal Code and also under Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

Police was also asked to take action against public display of posters and promotional advertisements of the controversial movie. The petitioner said the posters and hoardings of the film were spoiling the minds of the people and causing harm to the society. There have been protests by anti-obscenity activists in parts of Hyderabad and other towns in the state during last two days.

Actor Tom Cruise was the undisputed star on the red carpet at the opening of the Dubai Film Festival, sharing the limelight with Bollywood stars and the widow of late Palestinian president Yasser Arafat. Cruise attended the screening of his latest release, ‘Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol’, which was filmed in Dubai and includes a dramatic scene where the US actor climbs the sides of the world’s tallest building, Burj

Khalifa, which stands 828 metres high.

Dozens of adoring fans stormed the red carpet on Cruise’s arrival at the opening event Wednesday night with Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, trying to catch a glimpse of the world famous star.

The film, the fourth in a series, was partly financed by Dubai, which is working to establish itself as global destination for film production. Also on the red carpet was Arafat’s widow Suha, who is to introduce a documentary film on the late Palestinian leader, ‘The Price of Kings: Yasser Arafat’.

A poll conducted by Forbes magazine declared that Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson are two of the most bankable actors in Hollywood.

Forbes.com posted a ranking of Hollywood movie stars on Tuesday, who earned the studios the most money compared with amounts they are paid. The top actors, perhaps not surprisingly, starred in major Hollywood flicks that earned hundreds of millions at box offices. Stewart ranked no 1 on the list of Hollywood’s Best Actors for the Buck.

Pattinson was no 3. Remove the pair from a blockbuster franchise like ‘Twilight’, and the financial picture changes dramatically, which is why Pattinson’s average is lower than Stewart’s. According to the magazine, Pattinson scored lower because he has been busier, working on dramas like ‘Water for elephants’ and ‘Remember Me’ which did not do very well at the box offices. Stewart, 21, had only one big flop, ‘The Runaways,’ between her most recent ‘Twilight’ flicks. Ranked between the two ‘Twilight’ lovers was actress Anne Hathaway.

‘Harry Potter’ star Daniel Radcliffe was no 4 and ‘Transformers’ leading man Shia LaBeouf rounded out the top 5.

Vivek won’t

I confide

in Anushka,

says Ranveer

MUMBAI: while he may be playing a ladies’ man in his upcoming film, actor Ranveer Singh maintains that he is just the opposite in real life. For starters, the mumbai lad denies that he is in a relationship with his co-star Anushka Sharma and insists they are just “good friends”. “She is my senior and she taught me how to be spontaneous and chill out. I confide in her and talk to her about every single thing. Now that I know her well enough as an actor, I can read even the smallest thing on her face and tell what she’s going to say next,” says Ranveer. And though there is much speculation about Ranveer’s relationship with his ‘lootera’ co-star Sonakshi Sinha, he dismisses the reports as mere gossip. “So far, I have only met Sonakshi on a few occasions - for a photo shoot, at an awards function and for the promotion of our new film ‘lootera’. During all those meetings, I found her to be very cool and calm. we complement each others’ attitudes - I am hyper and have this neurotic energy, and she is cool as a cucumber,” he says. AGENCIES

apologise

MUMBAI: Vivek Oberoi’s one silly mistake not only jeopardised his career but also took away the girl of his dreams while earning him the wrath of one of the most formidable Khans of Bollywood. Over the years, Vivek repeatedly apologised to Salman at various public functions and award nights but to no avail. As of now, Vivek’s career is getting back on track as the actor has couple of plum projects in his kitty. Buzz has it that Vivek has made his mind that he will not apologise to Salman anymore. Vivek hosted a press conference in 2003 where he accused Salman of alleged messages and harassment over his then girlfriend, Aishwarya Rai. ZEENEwS

to Salman again

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Friday, 9 December, 2011

Rooney three-match ban reduced to two Page 23

Pakistan gear up for BD Tests

CHITTAgONg: Pakistani cricketer Umar gul (2nd R) plays frisbee with teammates during a training session at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. AFP month, have already asserted their su- ing Inzamam-ul-Haq’s match-winning unCHITTAGONG

P

AFP

AKISTAN will begin their first Test series in Bangladesh for almost a decade in Chittagong on Friday determined to extend their 100 percent winning record against the hosts. The tourists, who beat Sri Lanka in all formats of the game in the United Arab emirates last

premacy over Bangladesh by making a 3-0 clean sweep of the one-day series.

Pakistan played their lone Test series in Bangladesh in January 2002, winning both matches in Dhaka and Chittagong by an innings under the captaincy of Waqar Younis. Pakistan have won all of their six Tests against Bangladesh since 2001, the closest match being in Multan in 2003 when they triumphed by one wicket follow-

beaten century. The tourists, now led by reliable batsman Misbah-ul-Haq, were not seriously tested in the one-dayers against the hosts after putting in impressive performances with both bat and ball.

But senior Pakistani batsman Younis Khan said Thursday he expected a tough fight from Bangladesh in the Tests.

“When we play Tests we expect a Testlevel competition,” he said. “They struggled

in the limited-overs matches, but Test cricket is a different ball game. “If they stick to their goals, they will give us tough competition. It will not be easy for us since Bangladesh are playing in home conditions.” Bangladesh strengthened their brittle batting by including former captain and middle-order batsman Mohammad Ashraful in the 15-man squad.

Ashraful, with 2,418 runs in 56 Tests, will look to justify his recall after being dropped for the home series against the West Indies in October-November. “During the one-dayers, our fielders and bowlers did a good job, so it’s time our batsmen put up a good performance,” said Bangladesh’s top-order batsman Shahriar Nafees. “The focus now is on the Test series. We want to come back strongly and play our best cricket.”

Bangladesh will rely on their spin attack led by Shakib Al Hasan and elias Sunny to keep pressure on the Pakistani batting line-up at the traditionally spinfriendly venue in Chittagong. Shakib is the key all-rounder in the side with 1,421 runs and 89 wickets in 24 Tests, while Sunny made an impressive seven-wicket Test debut at this venue against the West Indies two months ago. Bangladesh will seek to improve their dismal run since gaining Test status in 2000, losing 61 of their 71 matches, winning just three with seven drawn. The second and final Test will be played in Dhaka from December 17.

Bangladesh (from): Mushfiqur Rahim (capt), Mohammad Mahmudullah, Tamim Iqbal, Shahriar Nafees, Mohammad Ashraful, Shakib Al Hasan, Naeem Islam, Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Nazmul Hossain, elias Sunny, Shahadat Hossain, Suhrawadi Shuvo, Robiul Islam, Mohammed Nazimuddin. Pakistan (from): Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Taufeeq Umar, Imran Farhat, Younis Khan, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Shoaib Malik, Adnan Akmal, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Mohammad Talha, Aizaz Cheema, Mohammad Khalil.

Younus warns B’desh to get ready for spin onslaught CHITTAGONG REUTERS

Batsman Younus Khan warned Bangladesh to get ready to face yet another onslaught from Pakistan’s feared spinning attack as the teams got ready for the two-test series that begins in Chittagong on Friday.

Bangladesh struggled to put up any form of defence during the recent one-dayers, with Pakistan spinners taking all 10 wickets in the final ODI to help the visitors to a 3-0 series sweep. Younus said Bangladesh could expect more of the same treatment in the tests and, when asked if the hosts had any chance of stretching the contest into a fifth day, he said: “Nobody knows, only God knows how long they will survive. “The spinners we have at

the moment all are top grade, especially Abdur Rehman is a top performer. “He played excellent in the last few series. He was not getting a chance in the one-day side because of other spinners. But he got a chance last match and played very well.” Mohammad Hafeez, Rehman, Saeed Ajmal and Shoaib Malik sent Bangladesh into a spin during that third one-dayer earlier this week, with the hosts losing their last nine wickets for 50 runs. Younus said such performances would be a big boost for Pakistan. “Another good thing is all the spinners are in good form.

Bowlers win you test matches. In this context we can say we have some match-winning bowlers,” he said. The seamers bowled only three overs for Pakistan in the final one-dayer as they defended a modest 177-run total to post their 22nd consecutive ODI win against Bangladesh.

PCB confident over Bangladesh team’s tour LAHORE STAFF REPORT

The Pakistan Cricket Board is confident that the security plan it presented to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will convince them to tour the country. PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf will meet his Bangladesh counterpart Mustafa Kamal at the Asian Cricket Council meeting in Singapore next week and in Bangladesh after that. If the PCB is successful, it would mark the return of international cricket to Pakistan following the attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore in March 2009. Talks of a possible Bangladesh tour of Pakistan could be the result of the deal between the PCB and BCB in choosing the next ICC vice-president. The nomination rests with the two countries and Pakistan is reportedly ready to concede its right for an expected tour by Bangladesh in 2012.

Cummins told to prioritise Tests over IPl HOBART AFP

Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke and predecessor Steve Waugh Thursday urged rising teenage pace star Pat Cummins to prioritise Test cricket over the lucrative Indian Premier League. Cummins, 18, who is sidelined for at least six weeks with a bone stress heel injury, wants to play in the IPL, but there are concerns the youngster may overtax his body at a crucial stage of his physical development. The youngster’s manager Neil Maxwell has confirmed Cummins intends to nominate for the lucrative IPL auction ahead of next April’s tournament. But Clarke said he wants his Test players to “prioritise” representing their country ahead of the IPL and Champions League tournaments. “The one thing I love about IPL is that every individual has the opportunity of making their own choice,” Clarke told reporters ahead of Australia’s second Test against New Zealand in Hobart. “But I think a player needs to work out where his body is at and then make that decision at the time of going into the IPL. “There’s a lot of cricket and I just don’t want to see players not prioritising international cricket. “every player who plays for Australia, that is first and foremost and Test cricket being the pinnacle of that. Then if your body can handle you playing IPL or Champions League then that’s up to the individual.”

Pakistan end losing streak with Korea hammering AUCKLAND AFP

Pakistan thumped South Korea 6-2 to post their first win of the Champions Trophy on Thursday. Pakistan came from behind to snap a three-game losing streak at the last major men's tournament before the London Olympics, with captain Muhammad Imran and Abdul Khan both notching a brace.

Imran proved the inspiration for a Pakistan fightback after Lee Nam-Yong's seventh minute goal gave Korea the lead, with the skipper converting a penalty corner after 15 minutes to put the Green Shirts on the board. Khan followed up with a field goal one minute later and from there Pakistan looked assured, holding their nerve when Korea equalised and sealing the win with a four-goal burst in the final 10 minutes.

Imran said Pakistan, making their first appearance at the tournament since 2007, had finally put together a consistent performance after patchy displays in the opening rounds, including a 6-1 loss to defending champions Australia. "For the whole match we played very well," he said. Manager Khawaja Junaid was pleased with the way

his team bounced back from the confidencesapping loss to the Kookaburras. He said that the Green Shirts, whose early losses mean they are out of medal contention in Auckland, still lagged behind the world's top teams but the gap was closing. "I think that was the turning point for our team," he said.

"We played with organisational structure and discipline. We made less emotional mistakes, less (emphasis on) individual play. I think that's the way to improve. "It's still a long way to the Olympics and, taking a realistic approach, we know we're still behind the top teams, but we're working hard." The win keeps alive Pakistan's hopes of securing fifth place in the eight-nation event, which would guarantee a spot at next year's competition in Argentina.

AuSTRALIA IN CHAmPIoNS TRoPHy fINAL: Australia powered into the final of the Champions Trophy on Thursday, with Spain defeating New Zealand in the championship pool to keep alive their chances of meeting the Australians.

The Kookaburras lived up to their world number one ranking, firing home three second-half goals to defeat the Netherlands 4-2 in Pool C and earn the

right to chase a record fourth straight title in Sunday’s final. In Pool D, Pakistan came from behind to thump South Korea 6-2. Spain edged past hosts New Zealand 3-2 to take pole position in the race to meet Australia in the final, thanks to a David Alegre goal four minutes from time. The victory leaves Spain in a strong position ahead of the final round of Pool C matches, but are still likely to need a win against The Netherlands on Saturday if they are to book their place in Sunday’s final. In the other Pool D match Germany overcame Britain 2-1, thanks to a lastminute penalty conversion from captain Jan-Marco Montag.

ReSUlTS FROm mATCHDAy FOUR OF THe meN'S CHAmPIONS TROPHy FIelD HOCKey TOURNAmeNT ON THURSDAy:

POOl C Australia 4 (Ciriello 29; gohdes 50, 61; Dwyer 64) Netherlands 2 (Bakker 47; Verga 69), Spain 3 (Alegre R. 32; Tubau 42; Alegre D. 66) New Zealand 2 (Hayward 16; Hilton 36)

POOl D Pakistan 6 (Imran 15, 69; Khan 16, 61; Ahmed w. 63; Rasool 63) South Korea 2 (lee N-y 7; Nam 27), germany 2 (Zwicker 4; montag 70) great Britain 1 (Kirkham 22).

AUCKlAND: Shakeel Abbasi (l) of Pakistan competes with young Jin Kim (R) of South Korea. AFP

ISB 09-12-2011_Layout 1 12/9/2011 1:55 AM Page 19

Friday, 9 December, 2011

Sports 19

INDORE

SCOREBOARD

AFP

IReNDeR Sehwag smashed the highest score in one-day cricket on Thursday as India flattened the West Indies by 153 runs to take a decisive 3-1 lead in the five-match series. Sehwag hammered a scintillating 219 off 149 balls to lift India to their best one-day total of 418-5, before the West Indies were bowled out for 265 in the fourth international. Debutant leg-spinner Rahul Sharma picked up three wickets in his first three overs as the tourists were outplayed despite a defiant 96 from wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin.

Ramdin put on 64 for the last wicket with Sunil Narine (27 not out) before he was caught in the deep attempting to score his maiden oneday century. Sehwag plundered 25 boundaries and seven sixes during his 149-ball blitz, joining compatriot Sachin Tendulkar as the only batsmen in history to score double-centuries in the 50-over format. Sehwag moved past Tendulkar’s 200 not out -- against South Africa in Gwalior last year -- in the 44th over when, on 197, he cut Andre Russell to the point fence.

He was finally dismissed in the 47th over when he was caught in the deep off Kieron Pollard and was clapped off the field by the entire West Indies team and some 30,000 jubilant home fans. Sehwag’s blistering knock helped India surpass their previous highest one-day total of 414-7 against Sri Lanka in Rajkot in 2009. It was Sehwag’s 15th three-figure knock in one-day cricket and the first since making 175 against Bangladesh in the opening match of the World Cup in Dhaka in February this year. Sehwag, who is captaining India in the series in the absence of the rested Mahendra Singh Dhoni, had managed just 46 runs in the previous three matches. But he found the right conditions on the run-laden pitch at the Holkar stadium in Indore to strike form ahead of the Test series in Australia starting later this month. Sehwag, who

V

WHAT THE

gReaTS Say

"I am very happy for Viru. It is even more satisfying that an Indian has broken my record."

Sachin, the only other batsman to have hit an ODI double-ton to date "Well I did watch some of that innings by Viru... Brilliant striking!! congrats on your 219...

That's child abuse! [As] The Mask would say, Smoking!"

Chris Gayle on Twitter

stats corner S. PERvEz QAISER

"If you are a cricket fan, please switch your TV's on right now and watch a genius bat... Sehwag destroying the WI... World record coming..."

Kevin Pietersen on Twitter

Virender Sehwag slammed the highest score ever in the history of limited overs international cricket by making 219 off 149 balls with 25 fours and seven sixes.

Sachin Tendulkar who made an unbeaten 200 off 147 deliveries with 25 boundaries and three sixes against South Africa at Captain Roop Singh Satdium, gwalior, on February 24, 2010, held the previous record. Virender Sehwag's 219 was the third highest score in limited overs cricket (list A matches)

"Wow, Test match tomorrow but am still up watching Virender Sehwag score, hopefully, 200.

Unreal, and he does [get the] highest ever. Well done mate."

David Warner on Twitter "When Viv richards retired I thought it was end of entertainment. But then came Sehwag, the king of entertainment! Long live the king!!"

Ramiz Raja on Twitter

HigHest individual scores in limited overs cricket Batsman Alistair Brown (Surrey) Graeme Pollock (Eastern Province) Virender Sehwag (India) Mohammed Ali (Pak Customs) Alvin Kallicharran (Warwickshire)

opponent Glamorgan Border West Indies DHA Oxfordshire

venue The Oval East London Indore Sialkot Birmingham

date 19-06-2002 19-10-1974 08-12-2011 04-04-2005 04-07-1984

Quaid-e-Azam Golf gets underway LAHORE The Quaid-e-Azam Open Golf Championship comes in a valued addition for the professional golfers of the country to show their extraordinary skills. The honour of holding the event in the name of the Father of the Nation goes to Lahore Gymkhana.

Shezan International Limited has come forward with a three years lucrative deal for the holding of the event. A deal of three year is confirmed so that there won’t be any break in the holding of the prestigious activity.

On the opening day of the championship, subsidiary games were held among senior professionals, senior amateurs and veterans of the game while over the next three days (December 9 to 11), golf of quality is expected to be played among about 85 professionals, around 100 amateurs and 10 ladies while the top net professionals will be shortlisted to 40 for the final day round.

“A total of Rs one million, which is on stake, will be distributed among these 40 golfers with the winner getting Rs 146,000,” said Amer Mahmood, captain Lahore Gymkhana, in a

l. Simmons c Patel b Jadeja 36 K. Powell run out 7 M. Samuels b Rahul Sharma 33 11 D. Hyatt b Rahul Sharma 96 D. Ramdin c Rohit Sharma b Raina 3 K. Pollard b Rahul Sharma A. Russell st Patel b Raina 29 2 D. Sammy c Mithun b Ashwin R. Rampaul c sub (Tiwary) b Jadeja 10 K. Roach c and b Jadeja 7 S. Narine not out 27 4 EXTRAS: (lb2, w2) 265 TOTAl (all out, 49.2 overs) Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Powell), 2-63 (Simmons), 3-81 (Samuels), 4-90 (Hyatt), 5-100 (Pollard), 6-140 (Russell), 7-145 (Sammy), 8-168 (Rampaul), 9-201 (Roach), 10-265 (Ramdin).

BOwlING: Vinay 4-0-34-0, Ashwin 10-0-59-1 (w1), Jadeja 10-2-34-3, Mithun 4-0-37-0 (w1), Rahul Sharma 10-0-43-3, Raina 6.2-0-17-2, Rohit Sharma 5-0-39-0 RESUlT: India won by 153 runs, take 3-1 lead in five-match series, TOSS: India, UMPIRES: Tony Hill (NZl) and S. Ravi (IND), TV UMPIRE: Sudhir Asnani (IND), MATCH REFEREE: David Boon (AUS)

was dropped on 170 by West Indies captain Darren Sammy in the covers, put on 176 for the first wicket with Gautam Gambhir (67) and 140 for the second with Suresh Raina (55). Left-hander Gambhir, who had scored 16 runs in the series, broke the shackles to hit 11 boundaries in his run-a-ball innings during the rollicking opening stand. The West Indies suffered a blow before the start when star batsman Darren Bravo was ruled out of the must-win game due to a hamstring strain. Bravo was replaced by Kieran Powell. The final match will be played in Chennai on Sunday.

after Alistair Brown's 268 for Surrey against glamorgan at The Oval on June 19,2002 and graeme Pollock's unbeaten 222 for eastern Province against Border at east london on October 19,1974. The hard hitting batsman from Delhi also equalled Sachin Tendulkar's record of most fours in an innings in limited overs international cricket with 25 fours. He also hit the same number of fours during his unbeaten 200-run against South Africa at gwalior on February 24, 2010.

Sehwag scored 142 runs through boundaries, fours and sixes during his knock.

Only Shane watson made more runs through boundaries in one dayers. The

Australian scored 150 runs through boundaries during his unbeaten knock of 185 against Bangladesh at Dhaka on April 11, 2011. He smashed 15 fours and same number of sixes in this innings.

India recorded their highest ever score in one-day internationals by making 418 for five in 50 overs. It was joint fourth highest ever total in limited overs international cricket. India's previous highest was 414 for seven in 50 overs against Sri lanka at Rajkot on December 15, 2009 while their previous highest against west Indies was 341 for three in 50 overs at Vadodara on January 31, 2007. n

HigHest individual scores in one daYers

"Sehwag, the greatest slaughterer of bowling since IVA richards."

Derek Pringle, cricket writer

STAFF REPORT

wEST INDIES:

Sehwag outclasses Tendulkar

"I say it again! I never saw Sir Viv bat but I've seen Sehwag bat!

What a player, 219 in a one day game is next to impossible!"

Yuvraj Singh on Twitter

runs 268 222* 219 207 206

INDIA: 67 G. Gambhir run out 219 V. Sehwag c sub (Martin) b Pollard 55 S. Raina run out 10 R. Jadeja c Rampaul b Russell 27 Rohit Sharma b Roach V. Kohli not out 23 P. Patel not out 3 EXTRAS: (lb1, w13) 14 418 TOTAl (for five wickets, 50 overs) Fall of wickets: 1-176 (Gambhir), 2-316 (Raina), 3-341 (Jadeja), 4-376 (Sehwag), 5-393 (Rohit Sharma).

BOwlING: Roach 10-0-88-1, Rampaul 9-0-66-0 (w6), Russell 7-0-63-1 (w2), Narine 6-0-46-0 (w2), Sammy 3-0-30-0 (w1), Pollard 7-0-65-1 (w2), Samuels 8-0-59-0

press conference.

In was the effort of Mohammad Sharif Janjua, Marketing Consultant Shezan and Khawaja Imran Zubair, Convenor Golf, otherwise it was an option lying unattended for a long time.

Apart from this, Pakistan Open and Punjab Open are among the events for professionals while Governor’s Cup National Championship and regular weekly and monthly events are features of the golf calendar.

“We have kept the event open to make it a grand championship, which itself is a hard task to organize,” said he. “Lahore Gymkhana has manicured its course to make it tough for the participants who will go out for an 18 hole daily routine for a total of 72 holes,” he added.

There are 55 bunkers, 6 water hazards and out-of-bounds on 8 holes which add to the challenge and test of the champions ability and force them to strategize and plan their shots.

Wasim Mahmood, Director Marketing Shezan and Khawaja Pervaiz Saeed, Tournament Director were also present during the press conference.

Khawaja Pervaiz stated although the field is open but it is going to be

tough for even the fittest professionals like Muhammad Shabbir, Matloob Ahmed, Munir, Shahid Javed Khan, Tariq, Imdad Hussain, Baloch, Mohammad Siddique, Yousaf and Afsar Ali. As for the young and upcoming professionals, the names of Aadil Jehangir and Shafique Masih stand out and their performances will be under focus.

Notable amongst the amateurs participating in this championship are Ahmed Zafar (Isb), Mohammad Rehman (RP), Nadeem Abbas (Sargodha), Maj Khushal (Abbotabad), Ghazanfar Mehmood (Rwp), Khalid Mehmood (Rwp), Robin Bagh (Sargodha), Wazir Ali (Gym) and Raheel Ikram (Gujranwala).

Kh Imran stated that a request was forwarded to Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani to be the guest of honour of the prize distribution ceremony.

Wasim Mahmood stated that Shezan management was glad to promote healthy activity and they were proud to be associated with a championship that was named after the Father of The Nation and hoped to continue support of this event in years to come.

runs 219 200* 194* 194 189* 189 188* 186* 185* 183* 183

Batsman Virender Sehwag (India) Sachin Tendulkar (India) Charles Coventry (Zimbabwe) Saeed Anwar (Pakistan) Vivian Richards (West Indies) Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) Gary Kirsten (S Africa) Sachin Tendulkar (India) Shane Watson (Australia) MS Dhoni (India) Sourav Ganguly (India)

opponent West Indies South Africa Bangladesh India England India UAE N Zealand Bangladesh Sri Lanka Sri Lanka

venue Indore Gwalior Bulawayo Chennai Manchester Sharjah Rawalpindi Hyderabad Dhaka Jaipur Taunton

date 08-12-2011 24-02-2010 16-08-2009 21-05-1997 31-05-1984 29-10-2000 16-02-1996 08-11-1999 11-04-2011 31-10-2005 26-05-1999

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20 Sports Pakistan lead table in SA Karate C’ship

Friday, 9 December, 2011

chITTAGONG: Pakistani cricketers warm up during a training session.

AFP

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Pakistan finished at the top of the table in the 1st South Asian Karate Championship held in New Delhi, India. The inaugural edition of the championship was participated by Nepal, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Pakistan karate team won seven gold, four silver and four bronze medals and stood first in the championship.

National coaches Shah Muhammad and Khalid Noor who prepared the players to such a height. Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the championship, President Pakistan Karate Federation Muhammad Jahangir has been elected as General Secretary of South Asian Karate Federation in general body meeting of the South Asian Karate Federation.

Chief Referee of Pakistan Karate Federation Nasim Qureshi has been nominated member referee council of the South Asian Karate Federation. The players who won medals are: Benish Akbar won two gold and a bronze in 50 Kg Team Kumite and Team Kata, Uzma Asghar had gold silver and a bronze in 55 kg Team Kumite and Team Kata; Kulsoom Hazara took two gold and the same number of bronze in 68 Kg Team Kumite, Individual Kata and Team Kata, Qurat-ul-Ain had gold in Team Kumite, Benish Khan took silver in 68 Kg, Hina Azeem claimed bronze in 61 Kg, Muhammad Kashif two golds in 55 Kg Team Kumite, Mohsin Hazara grabbed Team Kumite gold, Saadi Abbas Jalbani two golds in 67 Kg Team Kumite, Imtiaz Ali gold in Team Kumite, Muhammad Ramzan gold in 84 kg Team Kumite, Baz Muhammad two golds and a silver in 84 Kg Team Kumite and Team Kata, Abdul Khaliq Silver in Team Kata, Jawad Silver in Team Kata and Ali Mehmood bronze in 50 Kg. S NO TEAMS G S B 1 PAKISTAN 7 4 4 2 SRI lANKA 6 4 7 3 INDIA 3 5 9 4 AFgHANISTAN 3 1 4 5 BANglADeSH 0 5 6 6 NePAl 0 0 3

HBl, ZTBl on top in Quaid Trophy LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Habib Bank made solid progress on the opening day of the round 10 Division I Quaid-i-Azam Trophy match here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday. By the close of play, HBL were at 241 for eight against WAPDA and the credit of the score went to Shan Masood, Ahmed Shahzad and Aftab Khan while Zulfiqar Baber and Imran Khan did their best to apply breaks on HBL score by taking four and three wickets respectively. Meanwhile, ZTBL made the same advancement in the score as did HBL at the LCCA. By the close of play, ZTBL was at 239 for seven against National Bank.

Sharjeel, Yasir, Haris Sohail and Shahid Yousuf made the total worth fighting but the real impact on their batting line up was made by Wahab Riaz who was sidelined from the national team in suspicion of spot-fixing. He took six wickets for 72.

SCORES: Habib Bank 241-8 in 63 overs (Shan masood 39, 143 balls, 2 x4s, Ahmed Shahzad 58, 47 balls, 9 x4s, 2 x6s, Aftab khan 63*, 79 balls, 9 x4s, Zulfiqar Baber 4-91, Imran Khan 3-54) v wAPDA, Toss: wAPDA. Umpires: Riazuddin & Akbar Khan; Referee: Aziz-ur-Rehman; Scorer: Azhar Hussain.

At lCCA ground, lahore. ZTBl 239-7 in 64 overs ( Sharjeel Khan 46, 40 balls, yasir Hameed 53, 99 balls, 9 x4s, Haris Sohail 59, 128 balls, 8 x4s, Shahid yousuf 37, 66 balls, wahab Riaz 6-72) v National Bank Toss: National Bank; Umpires: Saleem Badar & Kaukab Butt; Referee: muhammad Anees; Scorer: Abdul Hameed.

AFRIDI BATS FOR MOHSIN KHAN kArAchI: Pakistan’s star all-rounder Shahid Afridi ignited another likely storm Wednesday when he said Mohsin Hasan Khan was doing a fabulous job as head coach and he should continue but the final decision was up to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Shahid Afridi was talking to reporters at Karachi Airport on Wednesday night after returning from Bangladesh after playing a successful One Day Internationals series against the home team. It is important to mention here that PCB’s sources claimed

that PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf is keen to appoint a full-time foreigner coach for national team, but now Afridi’s statement in the favor of Mohsin Khan can land him in yet another controversy. Afridi, while supporting Mohsin Khan, said that he knew the PCB was keen on appointing a foreign coach for the national team.

Shahid Afridi said, “Pakistan team needs Moshin Khan as he is too supportive and during his coaching Pakistani team has shown immense improvement”. He added: “Mohsin not

only supports the team but also backs captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Pakistan cricket team needs such type of coach”. Content with his performance, Shahid Afridi said, “I am very happy with my performance, it was just because of prayers of people and my family while media also supported me at my crunch time, but I still find room for improvement in my batting”.

Afridi said that he always enjoys a lot performing under pressure. “I never play for records rather my focus is always on team’s victory. Whenever my

Amir Khan could be Muslim ‘ambassador,’ says promoter WASHINGTON AFP

Britain’s Amir Khan, a talented world boxing champion on an eight-fight win streak, could also play an important role in combating anti-Muslim prejudice, according to his US promoter. “He has the character and the background to unite the cultures very well,” said Golden Boy Promotions chief executive officer Richard Schaefer.

“He has what it takes to be that ambassador, to unify countries and people.” Khan, 26-1 with 18 knockouts, will defend his World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation light-welterweight titles in Washington on Saturday against hometown hero Lamont Peterson, 29-1-1 with 15 knockouts. Khan, who turns 25 on Thursday, took the gamble of fighting in his rival’s hometown after a visit to the US capital in September as a special guest of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. During that visit, the englishman of Pakistani heritage took part in a dinner paying tribute to Muslim athletes to celebrate eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. “It was a big thing to be invited by the secretary of state,” Khan said. “It was a tremendous honor when you think of how many Muslims there are in the world and how many big sports stars there are. “It was an opportunity to send out some good messages, for people to respect who we are. I’ve never been shy of speaking about my religion.” Schaefer and Golden Boy boss Oscar de la Hoya are pushing Khan to the next level in boxing, with a likely rise to the welterweight division in 2012 setting up a potential showdown with unbeaten US star Floyd Mayweather. But Schaefer would not be surprised to see Khan follow the path of Filipino star Manny Pacquiao, a member of Congress in his homeland who has aspirations of one day serving as president. “He might not be like Manny, running for president, but I think he has a tremendous future in politics as well,” Schaefer said. “That (Clinton’s invitation) shows he is being recognized at the highest level to be such an ambassador.” Khan, who took a lightweight silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, works alongside Pacquiao at times in trainer Freddie Roach’s Los Angeles gymnasium. But so far, he says the political urge has not hit him.

“I’m a normal guy. I’m going to stay away from politics,” Khan said. “There is a lot of stuff happening in the Middle east and Pakistan, but I don’t want to get into it too much.

“I like helping people, doing charitable work, making things better.” Khan has given to charity, helping raise $125,000 for “Islam Help” in September to bring food, water and medicine to needy areas in drought-stricken east Africa.

team wins matches because of my performance I feel proud”. The world’s top all-rounder was of the view that wickets in Bangladesh outsmarted expectations which is why Pakistan faced difficulties in the last match but the spin bowling attack did amazing job. Talking about the upcoming series against England, Shahid Afridi said, “England in UAE will be the real challenge for Pakistan. Pakistan team is doing great but matches against England, India and Australia are always tough task”. STAFF REPORT

Russian boxer Simakov dies after KO defeat MOSCOW REUTERS

Light heavyweight Roman Simakov, who was carried from the ring on a stretcher after being knocked out in a WBC Asian Boxing Council title fight Monday, has died, the Russian federation (RBF) said. The 27year-old had brain surgery after being rushed to hospital in the Ural city of Yekaterinburg but never regained consciousness and died Thursday. “I can only say that the investigation into his death is taking place,” RBF official Igor Maruzov was quoted as saying by local media. Simakov was knocked down in the sixth round by Russian compatriot Sergei Kovalev but got up and was able to continue before receiving numerous blows to the head in the seventh when he was knocked out. “My aim was to outbox Simakov, not necessarily knock him out,” Kovalev was quoted as saying by Russian media Thursday. “But after the fourth round, I had noticed something was wrong with Simakov. My last punch was not as powerful as the one I had hit just before that.” It was Simakov’s first knockout defeat and only his second loss in 21 fights during his professional career.

Dublin included in Olympic relay route LAUSANNE AFP

The London Olympic Games torch relay will include Dublin in its route the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Thursday a gesture which would have been unthinkable a few years ago. Gilbert Felli, Olympic Games executive Director, said that it would be a one day event and take place on June 6 and added that there were no concerns over possible repeats of the disturbances that affected the Beijing Torch Relay in several cities on the Int’l route.

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Friday, 9 December, 2011

Sports 21 wAtch It LIve TEN SPORTS SAFF Championship Semi Finals 2:20PM

NEO CRICKET Australia v New Zealand Test 2 Day 1 4:30AM

NEO CRICKET Bangladesh v Pakistan Test 1 Day 1 8:30AM

mcIlroy’s strong start heaps pressure on Donald

National women’s Hockey from today LAHORE STAFF REPORT

The 27th National Women’s Hockey Championship will start from December 9 the National Hockey Stadium.

Railway announced their team with Rashid Butt being the manager of the team. Chief coach will be Naeem Alam and Mushtaq Ahmed Tiwana as coach.

The training camp of Railway women’s hockey team is in progress at Railway Stadium.

The players of the teams are: Imrana Sattar (goalkeeper), Sadia Saeeda, Mareena Anwar, Usma Naz, Asma Ashraf, Zakia Nawaz, Raqia, Asifa Zafar, Sehresh, Asifa Nisar, Sanna, Aqsa Bashir, Hina Kanwal, Myra Sabir, Shukria Rasheed, Kalsoom, Iram Hassan and Rehana Kousar.

Saeed Iqbal Khan said that Railway won the title 13 times and runners-up seven times.

Rooney’s three-match ban reduced to two NyON AFP

england striker Wayne Rooney’s ban for euro 2012 has been reduced from three matches to two following his appeal to european football governing body UeFA here on Thursday. Rooney will now be available for england’s third Group D game, against joint hosts Ukraine, but will miss the first two fixtures against France and Sweden for kicking out at Miodrag Dzudovic in the final qualifier in Montenegro in October.

A ban for the third match has been suspended for four years and the 26year-old has also agreed to do some coaching in the community with a UeFA project. Rooney travelled to Nyon for the appeal after Manchester United’s shock Champions League exit

at FC Basel on Wednesday night, along with england manager Fabio Capello. england managing director Adrian

Bevington said: “It is a positive outcome, Wayne and Fabio are both very pleased. Wayne will now head back to Manchester, they are both very satisfied that they have had a fair hearing.

“Wayne always made it clear he accepted it was a red card offence and we are very pleased with the outcome.

“We arrived with the possibility of Wayne Rooney missing the entire group phase so to have him available for the final group game against Ukraine is a positive result for us and Wayne Rooney as well.” Rooney himself had described his action as “stupid” and Dzudovic sent a statement to UeFA on the Manchester United striker’s behalf. Rooney’s absence for the France and Sweden games will nevertheless be a blow for england as he has scored scored 28 goals in 73 selections for the national side.

DUBAI AFP

Rory McIlroy did his chances of becoming the new european number one no harm as five birdies in the last six holes saw him finish the opening round of the Dubai World Championship two shots behind leader Peter Hanson. The Ulsterman, who needs to win the $7.5 million tournament to go on top of the Race to Dubai in his fascinating charge on runaway leader Luke Donald, made a double bogey on his second hole, but finished the day at six-under par 66. That took him to third place after the first round, with only Swede Hanson, who matched the course record of 64, and the 1999 British Open champion Paul Lawrie of Scotland, who made full use of benign early morning conditions with a sevenunder par 65, ahead of him.

New Zealand look to atone, Australia building for India HOBART REUTERS

A week, as former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson once quipped, is a long time in politics, though New Zealand captain Ross Taylor and his young team have also discovered that it also applies to Test cricket.

Before the first Test against Australia, Taylor's side were brimful of confidence amid expectations in New Zealand they could win their first match across the Tasman Sea in 26 years, and first Test against Australia since 1993. Four days later they had slunk out of the Gabba after a ninewicket defeat against an Australian bowling attack that included two pace bowlers making their Test debuts and an off-spinner in his sixth Test who had never set foot on the storied Brisbane ground.

Poor catching, sloppy bowling and a second innings batting collapse in the face of a fiery morning spell from debutant James Pattinson led to a players-only meeting this

week where "harsh words were exchanged", according to pace bowler Tim Southee.

Taylor said they were now looking to ensure there would be no repeat at Bellerive Oval when the second and final Test gets underway in Hobart on Friday. "We're trying to keep it as upbeat as possible," Taylor told reporters on Thursday. "Obviously we were very disappointed with the performance we put in, for the fans back home, and everyone's hurting. "As a unit, bowlers bowled well in patches, we've just got to be a bit more consistent. And as a batting unit we need to be able to leave outside the off stump and let them bowl at us.

"A lot of the deliveries that the Australians did bowl weren't hitting the stumps when they got us out. So, me included, just (need to) play a lot tighter than we did in Brisbane." The New Zealand batting lineup is likely to remain unchanged, with coach John Wright saying earlier in the week that the top six would be given a chance to atone for Brisbane.

HOBART: New Zealand cricketer martin guptill (l) dives to take a catch as teammates Reece young (C) and Ross Taylor (R) look on. AFP

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Friday, 9 December, 2011

Blame game will affect bilateral ties, Pakistan tells Afghanistan g

22

Pakistan cannot afford another martial law

FO spokesman says Pakistani envoys’ conference next week to discuss NATO attack ISLAMABAD

e

SHAIQ HUSSAIN

XPReSSING anger over Afghanistan’s demand for stern action against banned militant group Lashkar-eJhangvi (LJ), which Kabul has blamed for recent deadly suicide attacks against Shia mourners in the country, Pakistan on Thursday asked its western neighbour to stop the “blame game” as it was harmful to bilateral ties and counterterrorism cooperation.

“It is high time to get out of the blame game as such and to move forward in the spirit of cooperation. Publicly accusing Pakistan of unfounded events and things do create problems at some stage,” Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit told reporters at his weekly press briefing.

He said Pakistan would like to have a relationship that was free of recrimination and blame games. He was asked about Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s statements concerning terrorist attack on an Ashura procession in Afghanistan, with the questioner saying there had been similar accusations against Pakistan in the past.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the reprehensible crime which resulted in the loss of 60 precious lives.

We express our deepest condolences to the brotherly people of Afghanistan,” Basit replied. “extremism and terrorism, as you all know, are a common scourge and a global phenomenon. All of us should join hands in order to defeat these menaces. We have seen President Karzai’s reported remarks regarding a banned organisation. We would encourage Kabul to share evidence,

if any, with us through official channels.

The people of Pakistan are committed to fighting against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he added.

Another Pakistani official, on condition of anonymity, said that LJ had been banned by Pakistan a long while ago and the militant body was responsible for killing of hundreds of Pakistanis. “Linking LJ to Pakistan and demanding action on our part against it is absurd,” he said.

ENvoyS’ CoNfERENCE: In his opening statement earlier, the Foreign Office spokesman said an important envoys’ conference of Pakistan’s ambassadors and high commissioners would be held here in Islamabad on December 12 and 13 to review the situation following the NATO/ISAF attacks on Pakistani checkposts in Mohmand Agency.

“The envoys conference will deliberate

on different aspects of the foreign policy of Pakistan,” he said. Pakistan had been pursuing a scrupulous foreign policy aimed at having better relations with all countries on an equal basis and under the charter of the United Nations to ensure peace, security and stability in the region, he added.

However, he said that foreign policy as a whole was not being changed but relations with NATO and US following the attack were being reviewed as directed by the federal cabinet and Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC).

When asked what reviewing the relationship with NATO and the US meant and also what were Pakistan’s demands from the US in order to reset the relationship, he said: “You will find out when the time comes.”

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Zardari sent questionnaire on Abbottabad raid: Iqbal

34 NATO fuel trucks destroyed in Quetta attack QUETTA AFP

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Up to 34 trucks were destroyed in a rocket attack on Thursday on a NATO trucking terminal in Quetta supplying troops in neighbouring Afghanistan, police said.

A number of oil tankers and goods trucks were parked in the temporary terminal after the government shut down supply lines for NATO forces in anger at a deadly cross-border air strike which killed 24 Pakistani soldiers. Senior police official Malik Arshad told AFP that unknown gunmen fired bullets and a rocket at the NATO oil tankers and the ensuing blaze engulfed 34 vehicles. “We do not know about any casualties yet because the blaze is so huge,” Arshad said. “First the fire started in two oil tankers and the fuel started leaking which spread the fire to other vehicles,” Arshad said.

“Fire brigade and emergency services were called in immediately after the attack,” he said. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

Taliban and al Qaeda-linked militants frequently launch attacks on NATO supply vehicles in the northwest and southwest regions of Pakistan, which border landlocked Afghanistan.

Most supplies and equipment required by foreign forces in Afghanistan are usually shipped through Pakistan, although US troops increasingly use alternative routes through Central Asia.

NATO has launched an investigation into the raid last month in which 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed.

The lethal November 26 air strike has brought the fragile Pakistani-US alliance to a fresh low.

Pakistan sealed its Afghan border to NATO supply convoys, boycotted this week’s Bonn conference on the future of Afghanistan and ordered US personnel to vacate an air base reportedly used by CIA drones.

Commission chairman says investigation will be completed by end of December, up to govt to decide whether or not to make it public ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Announcing that the Abbottabad Commission would complete its investigation by the end of December, the commission’s chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal said on Thursday that the investigative body had sent a questionnaire President Asif Ali Zardari regarding the May 2 covert US strike.

“We have addressed a questionnaire to Asif Ali Zardari as co-chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) for getting answers on important questions… if he claims immunity from being answerable before the commission, the commission will look into it,” Justice (r) Iqbal said in a press conference, which was apparently held to dispel ‘objections’ over the speed of the commission’s working.

He said the commission had also asked leaders of various political parties including Nawaz Sharif, Asfandyar Wali, Altaf Hussain, Imran Khan and others to present their points of view on the May 2 incident before the commission. He said the commission had summoned Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani to get answers on the issuance of a large number of visas to US citizens.

“We will ask him under which law the visas were issued to US citizens… we cannot investigate the memo issue but the commission will definitely look into those matters of the memo which revolve around the May 2 incident,” he added.

When a reporter asked Justice (r) Iqbal to confirm that the man killed in the May 2 operation was Osama bin Laden, he said: “If I tell this what would be left to share in the report?”

He said all offices were equal before the commission and the commission

under its mandate could summon anyone to question. He said the commission would complete its investigation by the end of December 2011 and then compile report at the earliest. “We will also recommend the government to publish the enquiry report… but making the enquiry report public does not fall under the purview of the commission,” he added.

Replying to another question he said US authorities had also been contacted to share information they collected from the Abbottabad compound but they said the material was in Arabic and it would take at least six months to translate it into any other language.

Dispelling the impression created by a

few circles about the speed of the commission, he said the commission held 20 session and recorded statements of around 100 witnesses in the last five months.

“It was a huge task with numerous dimensions… we found new facts as we moved forward opening new dimensions in the case,” he said. “We are also questioning foreigners as the commission summoned head of Save the Children… the commission is also examining the operations of various foreign NGOs in the country,” he added. The commission was also examining the presence of the CIA in Pakistan, he said.

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Published by Arif Nizami for Nawa Media Corporation (Pvt) Ltd. Printed by Ghulam Akbar, AA & NHT Group, Plot 24, Shalimar Road, Lilly Market, Soan Garden, Islamabad.

LAHORE STAFF R EPO RT

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif on Thursday urged the nation to say no to martial law as Pakistan was not in a position to afford another one given the critical circumstances besieging the country on both internal and external fronts.

“People should not welcome martial law and the PML-N will keep playing its role in fostering democracy, strengthening institutions and national integrity,” Nawaz told a delegation of senior journalists, columnists, editor and writers including Munnoo Bhai, Arif Nizami, Anwar Qadwai, Mujeebur Rehman Shami, Sohail Waraich, Rehmat Ali Razi, Bedar Bakhat, Abdul Qadir and Khawar Naeem Hashmi at Attaul Haq Qasmi’s residence on Thursday.

Nawaz prayed for the prompt recovery of President Asif Ali Zardari who was under treatment in Dubai, saying Pakistan always topped when it came to spreading disinformation around the world.

He commended the government on suspending the NATO supply lines, getting Shamsi Airbase vacated and declining to attend the Bonn Conference in reaction to a NATO attack on army checkposts.

Nawaz said the NATO was an attack on Pakistan’s sovereignty, adding that such brazen violence should never be repeated. “Pakistan is an ally of the US and Washington should respect its sovereignty,” he added. However, he added that supply to NATO should not be allowed to resume unless NATO apologised.

To a query, Nawaz justified his step of moving the Supreme Court on the memo scandal saying the move would help expose those responsible for the controversy.

The PML-N chief said the government had lost credibility to rule the country due to rampant corruption, lawlessness, inflation and crisis, reiterating that the PML-N’s movement against the government was for the fortification of democracy.