e-paper pakistantoday 25th march, 2012

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Rs22.00 Vol ii no 267 22 pages islamabad — peshawar edition

Sunday, 25 March, 2012 Jamadi-ul-awal 1, 1433

GUJRANWALA: Locals protest on Saturday against prolonged and unscheduled electricity load shedding in the province. online

Punjab up in arms against power cuts Mall Road traders threaten to go on hunger strike g Businessmen in Sialkot warn govt of civil disobedience, announce complete strike on 27th g Police, protesters clash in Gujranwala

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LAHORE/SIALKOT/ GUJRANWALA

C PMl-n to back ‘big’ SC decision against Gilani: nawaz People justified in staging protests against power outages g

LAHORE StAff RepoRt

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) President Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said his party would back any decision the Supreme Court made in a contempt case against Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani for failing to get graft cases

against President Asif Ali Zardari reopened in Switzerland.

The former PM said the PML-N would back the Supreme Court if it made a “big decision” against Gilani’s government. He was referring to the possible conviction of Gilani in the contempt case that was initiated after the PM failed to approach Swiss authorities to reopen cases of alleged money laundering against Zardari. “If the court makes some big decision in the future, we will make sure it is implemented,” Nawaz told reporters after condoling with Jamaat-e-Islami leader Liaquat Baloch over the death of his mother.

He said that the government had continuously defied the apex court’s orders.

“We will not only follow the Supreme Court orders, but will also stand against those who disrespect them,” Nawaz said.

“People are making plans against Supreme Court orders. This is extremely sad and is not acceptable at all,” he stated.

Gilani has maintained that he cannot act on the apex court’s orders as long as Zardari was in the president’s office, as the constitution provided immunity to the president in Pakistan and abroad.

Continued on page 04

StAff RepoRt/AGeNcieS

ITIZeNS across the Punjab province took to the streets on Saturday against agonisingly power outages that have badly disrupted routine life.

Citizens in all major cities including Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Sheikhupura staged protest demonstrations, demanding the government ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity.

Traders in Lahore blocked The Mall and burnt tyres and chanted slogans against the Lahore electricity Supply Company (LeSCO) for continuously depriving them of electricity. Walton Road, Bund Road and other roads also remained blocked for hours. Violent protests were also held in other parts of the city where protesters carried banners and chanted slogans against PePCO and LeSCO. The traders said load shedding had wreaked havoc with their businesses but LeSCO was least bothered. The traders of The Mall gave a two-day ultimatum to the LeSCO chief to end the prolonged power outages, warning that otherwise they would go on a hunger strike.

Sialkot buSineSSmen: In Sialkot, the business community warned of initiating a civil disobedience movement against the government, just as the GT Road in Gujranwala turned into a battlefield when riot policemen resorted to brute force to disperse thousands of people protesting against long hours of unannounced load shedding in their city.

Addressing a press conference at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry

(SCCI), SCCI President Naeem Anwar Qureshi said traders, industrialists and exporters would observe a complete strike in the city on March 27 to protest the 20 hour-long daily power outages. Qureshi said only 150 megawatts of uninterrupted power supply was needed to save the Sialkot industry from disaster. He said daily 20-hour-long unscheduled and forced load shedding had badly affected 80 percent of the industrial production and exports in Sialkot, as foreign buyers were cancelling their orders placed with Sialkot’s exporters.

Gujranwala: There were clashes between police and protesters in Gujranwala, where desperate locals from all walks of life took to the streets condemning the unannounced load shedding. The agitated mob burnt tyres and blocked the traffic on the main artery. Within no time, heavy contingent of riot police armed with firearms and teargasshell-launchers swooped upon the protesters.

They tear-gassed the protesters and used aerial firing to disperse the crowd. Dozens of protesters were also arrested.

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02 News Today’s

Sunday, 25 March, 2012

ISLAMABAD

NEwS

ptA fails to remove separate cabins from net cafes

opp will join ruling alliance one day, predicts Shujaat

Story on Page 07o

Story on Page 06

cARtooN

Quick look

Ex-PAF chief to head PIA laHore: The federal government has appointed former Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief of Air Staff Rao Qamar Suleman as the new Managing Director of the state-run Pakistan International Airline (PIA), while present PIA MD Nadeem Khan Yousafzai has been posted to his previous position as Civil Aviation Authority director general. The newlyappointed PIA Managing Director Rao Qamar Suleman retired recently from PAF after serving for 32 years. He belongs to Lahore and got initial training from PAF Public School, Sargodha where he belonged to the 17th entry (851 – Sabre House). Thereafter, he joined Pakistan Air Force Academy, Risalpur in 1972 and was commissioned in PAF as a fighter pilot on June 1, 1975 in the 59th GDP Course. The former air chief marshal is a graduate of Flying Instructors’ School, Combat Commanders’ School, PAF Air War College and National Defence College, Islamabad from where he did his Masters in Strategic Studies. StAff RepoRt

Naji, others honoured with civil awards laHore: Journalists Nazir Naji, late Prof Mohammad Waris Mir, Hanif Khalid, Zahid Malik and Hafiz Tahir Khalil were among those who have been conferred national civil awards by the government on Pakistan Day. President Asif Zardari conferred Hilal-i-Imtiaz on Nazir Naji and late Prof Mohammad Waris Mir, while Hanif Khalid, Zahid Malik and Hafiz Tahir Khalil were bestowed with Sitara-iImtiaz. NeWS DeSK

Page 13

Taliban not in Pakistan’s interest: Gen Allen WASHINGTON

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e S U R G e N C e of Taliban and overthrow of the Afghanistan government by them is not in the interest of Pakistan, a top US commander based in the war-torn nation said on Saturday and added that top Pakistan military leadership understands this.

“My guess is that the Pakistani government and Pakistan army chief General Ashfaq Kayani probably very much understand that a Taliban resurgence in Afghanistan and ultimately the overthrow of the Afghan government is not in their interests either,” General John Allen, commander of the US and NATO forces in Afghanistan said.

In an interview to the popular Charlie Rose show on PBS news network, Allen said Pakistan’s interests were not served by a Taliban government ultimately reasserting itself in Kabul

“Taliban have not made any visible effort or public effort to separate themselves from al Qaeda. And if that is in fact the case, then they remain a menace and they remain a menace to the region, not just a menace to the Afghan people and to the Afghan government,” he said.

The top American commander said the safe havens in the federally administered tribal areas were going to be a difficulty for some time to come. Allen said the US was asking Pakistan to do more.

“We would ask them to do more, that’s ultimately a decision that’s going to have to come from continued discussion between our government and theirs, but I believe that I have had good conversations with General Kayani about crossborder coordination, and the potential, even, to have complementary operations on each side of the border where we can leverage each other’s military capabilities,” he said.

Allen expressed hope that Kayani understands the urgency to do something

Fountain House waiting for Shahbaz Sharif, says Firdous LAHORE StAff RepoRt

Information Minister Firdous Ashaq Awan on Saturday said that Fountain House – a facility for mentally challenged people – was waiting for Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and that he would be there soon.

Talking to reporters at Allama Iqbal International Airport, she said that only the parliament had the prerogative to decide on the restoration of NATO supplies, and no individual could take decision on the matter. She said the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) had submitted recommendations on reopening NATO supplies, and the government would discuss the new terms of engagement with the US after the parliament’s decision. Firdous said that only parliament had the prerogative to decide on the restoration of NATO supplies, and no individual could take decision on the matter.

In an apparent reference to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), she said the Mehran Bank scandal had exposed “Ali Baba and forty thieves”. She said the Punjab government had spent huge amounts on the publicity campaign of PML-N leaders by distributing laptops. She said the PML-N

leaders had escaped from the country in 1999 by signing a deal with a military dictator, and that they were now deceiving the masses.

She sad the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)-led government did not have majority, but democracy remained intact in the country and flourished. “The credit goes to the president, prime minister and the allied political parties,” she said.

About the energy crisis, Firdous said

the PPP government had added 1,900 megawatts to the national grid despite inheriting the power crises from the previous regimes. She said the provincial governments were equally responsible to produce electricity after the 18th Amendment.

When asked about the spiralling prices in the country, she blamed the global recession, adding that the government was taking measures to address all issues.

Regarding contempt of court case

against Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, she said the prime minister was a citizen of Pakistan and every Pakistani citizen had the right to fair trial. She said that one does not come across any such precedence where a person shows no-confidence in the bench and the bench is not-reconstituted. “The matter of immunity to the president can be referred to the parliament by the apex court as was done in the judges’ appointment case,” she said.

about it.

“I hope so and we have had conversations and I think we have worked hard to depict that on December 31, 2014 it isn’t the end of the US relationship with Afghanistan or the international relationship with Afghanistan,” he said.

“Part of I believe his comfort with the role of Pakistan in the region is the home, the desire that Afghanistan will remain a stable state, a stable state with constructive relations with Islamabad and with Pakistan, and it’s important then that we have a conversation between Pakistan and the US.” “And that Afghanistan has a conversation with Pakistan that leads us all to the common belief and the common conviction that a stable Afghanistan that is aligned with the US with good constructive relationship with Pakistan is in everyone’s interests, not just the US interest, not just the Afghan interest but with Pakistan and in their interest as well,” Allen said.

Gilani expected to meet Indian PM in Seoul NEW DELHI oNLiNe

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani is expected to meet his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the Second Nuclear Security Summit in South Korea next week, Indian media reported on Saturday.

“While the meeting with President Obama has been finalised, Indian and Pakistani officials are in touch about arranging a meeting between PM Gilani and Dr Singh,” Pakistani government sources told Press Trust of India.

“We expect the meeting between the Indian and Pakistani premiers to go ahead, as considerable progress has been made in the peace process, especially the normalisation of trade ties. A Pakistani judicial commission also visited India recently as part of the probe into the Mumbai attacks,” an Indian source said.

There was no official word on the meetings. Gilani will reach Seoul on Sunday for the two-day summit beginning on March 26.

His meeting with Obama will take place at a time when a joint sitting of the parliament will resume debating new terms of engagement with the US proposed by the Parliamentary Committee on National Security. Official sources said the meeting was expected to focus on these revised terms of engagement.

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Sunday, 25 March, 2012

FoREIGN NEwS

ARtS & ENtERtAINMENt

SPoRtS

News 03 coMMENt

Maoists kidnap indian Mp amid italian hostage talks celebrity magazine Hello! launches pakistan version pakistan no more unpredictable: Misbah

Militarisation of society Our society needs to change its mindset.

Demarcation needed Politics at educational institutes is of no good.

Humayun Gauhar says: As you sow...: America is being haunted by its monsters.

Hashim bin Rashid says: Hop for justice: Mirani dam affectees still await.

Saad Rasool says: Seeds of hope: We need not fret.

Story on Page 23

Story on Page 18

Story on Page 18

Articles on Page 12-13

I am the servant of the poor: Shahbaz g

cM lays foundation stone of Aashiyana Iqbal LAHORE

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StAff RepoRt

UNJAB Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that only elite segment has been benefiting from national resources for the last 64 years that was why the condition of the common and poor people could not be improved.

He said Punjab government had diverted the resources for the welfare of the downtrodden and poor people. He said government of Pakistan Muslim League-N under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif was giving due share to the poor through Aashiyana, laptop, Yellow Cab scheme and Daanish School and other welfare projects.

He said after the success of Aashiyana Quaid, the project of Aashiyana Iqbal had been launched on Burki Road where a new city comprising ten thousand houses would be set up for the common and poor people.

He said the Aashiyana Iqbal project would be completed at the earliest and facilities more than the residential colonies of the elite would be provided there.

The CM said he would continue to serve the poor throughout his life and make Pakistan a true Islamic welfare state. The CM announced that after a degree college, a university will also be set up in Aashiyana Iqbal so that facilities of higher education be made available to the people of the area. He was ad-

dressing the foundation stone laying ceremony of Aashiyana Iqbal on Burki Road. Provincial Ministers Ch Abdul Ghafoor, Haji ehsan-udDin Qureshi, Members National and Provincial Assembly, Punjab Land Development Company chairman and a large number of people were present on the occasion.

Addressing the function, the CM said the government of PML-N had taken an important step towards making the country a welfare state in accordance with the ideals of Quaid-eAzam and Allama Iqbal by providing shelter to the poor and common people through Aashiyana housing schemes in the province.

He said colonies were being established for the ministers and officers till today but no one make any effort to provide shelter to the poor man. He said for the first time in the history of the country, Punjab government was constructing residential colonies equipped with modern facilities for the poor, widows, orphans, hapless and heirs of the martyrs and those facilities have been provided in these colonies which were considered the features of elite’s colonies.

The CM said that early completion of Aashiyana Iqbal would be ensured and he will visit twice a week to review the pace of work there. He said like Aashiyana Quaid, all houses in this scheme would also be allotted through a transparent balloting. He announced that like adjacent localities of Aashiyana Quaid, basic facilities would also be provided to the adjoining localities of Ashiyana Iqbal.

cops join others to gang-rape a college girl SHeikuPura: Five people, including two policemen, allegedly gang-raped a college student in Sheikhupura, police said on Saturday. Police said that the five alleged rapists took the girl, a student of Intermediate first-year, to a house located in the Jandiala neighbourhood of the city, and raped her. The girl was shifted to District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ), where doctors confirmed that she had been gang-raped. The police said that a case had been registered against the culprits, and investigations were being conducted. iNp

QUettA: protesters set tyres on fire to protest against the killing of religious scholar Qari Abdul Basit on Saturday. inP

Religious scholar killed in Quetta QUETTA iNp

Unidentified assailants shot dead a young religious scholar on the busy Kasi Road in Quetta on Saturday.

According to details, Qari Abdul Basit, son of noted religious scholar Maulvi Abdul Samad, was on his way to a mosque from his residence when armed men on a motorbike opened fired on him, killing him instantly.

The gunmen fled after committing the crime. He was shifted to Provincial Sandeman Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival. A number of people reached the hospital for mourning. After legal formalities, the body was handed over to the heirs

for burial.

Later, angry protestors burnt tyres on Kasi Road to protest the killing, blocking the road for vehicular traffic for hours. “It could be an incident of targeted killing and police are investigating,” a local police official said.

JUI-F Quetta President Hafiz Hamdullah condemned the incident and said over 10 religious scholars belonging to the Sunni sect had been killed in the last few months in Quetta alone.

“It seems a powerful group is behind the targeted killings and incidents of kidnapping for ransom in Quetta which is why not a single culprit was brought to book,” he told a private TV channel.

3 killed, 6 injured in Kohlu firing QUETTA App

At least three people, including a tribal leader, were killed and six others, five of them women, injured in an attack in Kohlu district on Saturday. Levies Force sources said unknown gunmen riding bikes opened fire at a vehicle owned by local tribal leader Muhammad Nawaz in Pir Master Tawakli area of Kohlu. Resultantly, three people, including Muhammad Nawaz, Bahdar Shah and Lal Khan were killed on the spot and six others, including Taj Bibi, Jan Bibi, Shari Bibi, Darbi Bib, Murad Bibi and a man Rab Nawaz were wounded. The assailants managed to escape. Law enforcement personnel rushed to the site and cordoned off the entire area to trace the suspects.

Further probe was in progress.

Nawaz and Zardari playing a fixed match: Imran MIANWALI oNLiNe

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has said that Pakistan is in the grip of “two brothers” namely Asif Zardari and Nawaz Sharif, who were playing a fixed match.

Addressing a public rally on Saturday, the cricketlegend turned politician said he was not struggling for any particular area, but fighting a battle for Pakistan in which he was facing “big crocodiles”. He said that unprecedented corruption took place during the last four years. “Neither the people are getting respect nor any loaf of bread,” Imran said, while criticising the present government.“The inflation has broken the people’s back, and the rulers are leading lavish lives at the expense of the poor people. The price of electricity has reached so high that the industries are going to shut down, and even a farmer cannot install a tube well.

People are dying of hunger, while the rulers on the other hand are seeing nothing except their personal interests. All trains have been closed, but only ‘Samjotha express’ is plying,” Imran said in his tirade against the government. He said all the corrupt people together would not be able to prevent the tsunami of the people.

“The PTI would not bow before anyone. It would bring change in Pakistan and turn it into a country which Quaid-e-Azam had envisioned,” Imran said. He said the PTI would provide special relief to the farmers after coming into power.

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Sunday, 25 February, 2012

US still fixated by nuclear terror SEOUL Afp

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isions of a mushroom cloud over a US city may have led America into a dubious war in Iraq, but the threat of nuclear terror has lost none of its power to fixate US leaders and shape foreign policy.

US President Barack Obama put counter proliferation at the center of his political project, earning himself a Nobel Peace Prize, and has worked to secure radioactive material around the globe ever since. He arrives in Seoul for the second Nuclear Security summit on Sunday in the next step in that quest, though the meeting will be overshadowed by nuclear standoffs with Iran and North Korea. Views among scientists differ on whether a terror group like AlQaeda could build and detonate a primitive nuclear bomb on a US city. But no president will take the threat lightly after seeing the impact of mass terrorism wreaked by the September 11 attacks in 2001. Obama said while hosting the first nuclear summit in Washington two years ago that a nuclear strike on a major populated area could change the global security landscape for years to

come. “The ramifications economically, politically and from a security perspective would be devastating,” he said.

Analysts say that Obama’s concern is justified. “What we have seen is increasing evidence of intentions... it is not just Al-Qaeda, it is other organisations as well,” said Sharon Squassoni, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “It is pretty shocking how much material is out there. 1,440 tonnes of highly enriched uranium, 500 tonnes of separated plutonium (which is) weapons ready.” Between 33 and 110 pounds (15 to 50 kilogrammes) of uranium enriched to 90 percent could make a simple nuclear bomb, while 14 pounds (6 kilogrammes) of plutonium would be needed, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Obama’s globe trotting has been pared back to a minimum in election year, but his willingness to fly half way around the world to Seoul points to the severity of the nuclear threat. “You have dozens of nations coming together behind the shared goal of securing nuclear materials around the world, so that they can never fall into the hands of terrorists,” said Ben Rhodes, a deputy national security advisor.Failure, he said, would result in “frankly, ... the gravest

national security threat that the American people could face.” efforts to secure radiological material, in militaries, laboratories or medical establishments are at the center of the broad US agenda with states as diverse as Russia, China, Chile, South Africa, the Ukraine and even ally Canada.

The issue shapes foreign policy — luring Obama into dialogue with leaders like Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, despite his poor State Department report card over abuses of political, judicial and press freedoms.

Nazarbayev has earned a meeting with Obama after his cooperation to help secure highly enriched uranium and plutonium with the help of millions of dollars in US taxpayer money. Analysts say the Obama-led effort to secure nuclear stocks has made progress since the Washington summit — though there is still some way to go.

“I think America is absolutely safer now than it was three years ago,” said Kingston Reif of the Center for Arms Control and Non Proliferation. “Seven countries have removed all their highly enriched uranium. That is material that is no longer capable of being used by terrorists in some kind of nuclear explo-

sive device.” While America works to secure radioactive stockpiles in the former Soviet Union and elsewhere, senior US officials also worry that a state like Iran or North Korea could pass nuclear materials to a radical group.

Obama deploys one argument against Iran that is strikingly similar to one used by his predecessor George W Bush to justify the 2003 invasion of Iraq, on the basis of Saddam Hussein’s never found weapons of mass destruction. “There are risks that an Iranian nuclear weapon could fall into the hands of a terrorist organization,” he told the USIsrael lobby AIPAC recently. The showdowns with Iran and North Korea challenge the case that Obama’s nuclear agenda, rolled out in a soaring speech in Prague in 2009 is a success.

But experts say Obama has made some real progress, with 80 percent of commitments made at the Washington summit fulfilled. He honored a vow to forge a new START treaty with Russia to reduce Cold War nuclear arsenals but is still trying to persuade the Senate to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

Slow headway is being made meanwhile towards an updated Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

2 cops wounded in attack on MQM-H chief’s car Three people, including two policemen, were injured when unidentified gunmen assailed the vehicle of Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) chief Afaq Ahmed on Saturday, police officials said.

They said the MQM-H chief was not present in the vehicle when it was attacked at a petrol pump in the Quaidabad area of Karachi on Saturday morning. The injured policemen were shifted to Jinnah Hospital. A large number of MQM-H workers gathered outside the hospital and demanded the government to take action against the culprits. Afaq Ahmed condemned the incident, saying his enemies wanted to eliminate him.

Nawaz avoided a question about allegations that he had received money from the ISI when the spy agency distributed millions of rupees among politicians to rig the general election in 1990. The PML-N president said the party would make the government accountable at every forum, including the parliament, if it did not implement the Supreme Court orders. The PML-N leader slammed the incumbent government by saying that it was not only the ruling party involved in corruption and other misdeeds, but its coalition partners were also equally responsible. “The coalition parties are supporting the government in this unemployment, inflation and load shedding. All the parties are equally involved in disparaging the Supreme Court,” he said. On the opposition’s call to present new recommendations for the revised national security policy, Nawaz said talks and discussions were underway and the recommendations could only be put forward when finalised. The PML-N chief said the life of the people had become miserable due to prolonged power outages and people’s agitation in this regard was justified. He said the government should at least bother about the country and its people.

He said electricity supply to his residence remained suspended for 20 hours on Friday. He said the prices of petrol increased in international markets but it was the burden of taxes that was making the lives of the people miserable.

Nawaz said the champions of Balochistan were shedding crocodile tears, because they gave their full support to Pervez Musharraf during his operation against Akbar Bugti.

App

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday said Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz chief Nawaz Sharif should refrain from criticising the coalition partners of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). Talking to reporters at a function, the prime minister said he read the statement of Nawaz about the government and its coalition partners.

Gilani said their coalition partners could become allies of the PML-N, as no party would be in a position after the next elections to form a government with a simple majority. He said he respected Nawaz and was expecting that Nawaz would congratulate the democratic government for completing four years with success. “Nawaz never completed four years when he was in government,” Gilani said, adding that, “If the government had failed, it would not have completed its four years.” Nawaz should not talk about disregarding court orders, he said, adding that “we respect courts more than Nawaz Sharif”.

India says nuclear terrorism a ‘continuing concern’ Afp

oNLiNe

FRoM PAGE 1

RAWALPINDI

NEW DELHI

KARACHI

PML-N to back

nawaz should refrain from criticising PPP’s coalition partners: PM

RAWALpiNDi: people eat free food from a stall sponsored for the poor by the punjab government at fawwara chowk. online

India to induct N-submarine in April NEW DELHI oNLiNe

In a major boost to its underwater strike capabilities, India will induct its Russian-origin nuclear-powered submarine ‘Nerpa’ in the first week of April.

‘Nerpa’, which will be rechristened as ‘INS Chakra’, is scheduled to arrive at its home base of Visakhapatnam in the first week of April and is expected to be commissioned formally into the Indian Navy by Defence Minister AK Antony on April 5, PTI reported quoting Defence Ministry officials.

The submarine will be on a 10year lease under a deal expected to be

worth over $920 million, they said.

An Indian crew had set sail with the Akula II class vessel to India at the end of January.

After the ‘INS Chakra’ joins the naval fleet, it would be for the first time in more than two decades that the Indian Navy would have a nuclear attack submarine. This will also propel India in the elite league of six nations operating nuclear submarines.

India is also working on development of indigenous nuclear submarines of the ‘Arihant’ class. The first submarine ‘INS Arihant’ was launched for sea trials recently and is expected to start operational patrols

by the end of this year. The navy will have three submarines of this class by the end of this decade.

India already possesses or is in the process of developing a family of nuclear-capable missiles including the Agni series, Prithvi variants, naval missile Dhanush, and submarinelaunched Sagarika. Meanwhile, the Navy will commission ‘Admiral Gorshkov’ aircraft carrier on the Navy Day on December 4 this year in Russia. The aircraft carrier has been under retrofit for the last over five years at Russian facilities and is expected to reach Indian waters only in mid-2013.

India, which is rapidly expanding its atomic power programme, said Saturday that nuclear terrorism is a “continuing concern” ahead of a summit on atomic safety to be held next week in Seoul. The summit will focus on the threat from nuclear-armed terrorists and follows one in Washington convened by US President Barack Obama in 2010 on the same subject. Nuclear terrorism “remains a continuing concern”, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said as he left for the two-day summit which opens on Monday in the South Korean capital. Coaldependent India is one of the few countries in the world that is seeking to increase its nuclear energy quickly as it aims to overcome a peak overall power shortage of around 12 percent. “I will highlight the high priority we attach to nuclear security, safety and non-proliferation” at the summit, Singh said in a statement, adding it was vital to reassure the public about safety measures. Singh, who will be among leaders or senior officials from 53 nations attending the meeting, said the summit has become “even more important” after the devastating Fukushima accident in Japan last year. India has been caught in the backlash against atomic power caused by the tsunami-led meltdown at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi power plant.

8 militants killed in Khyber Agency jamroD: At least eight militants were killed when explosives stored in their hideout went off on Saturday, security officials said. Officials said the militants had stored explosive material in their hideout in Khyber Agency to make bombs.

However, the explosives went off accidentally and killed the militants present there. Security forces launched a search operation in the area after the blast. online

The 3 candidates for World Bank post WASHINGTON Afp

Since its founding in 1944, Washington has always chosen the head of the World Bank, and has filled the position each time with an American, without opposition. But this year, for the first time two challengers are vying with the US nominee to replace the outgoing Bank president, former US diplomat Robert Zoellick.

Here are tHe tHree: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, nomi-

nated by her own country Nigeria as well as South Africa and Angola, the 57-year-old economist and finance minister has already spent more than two decades in numerous positions at the World Bank. Born into an aristocratic family in southern Nigeria, she studied economics at Harvard and earned a doctorate in regional economics and development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In her most recent position at the Bank, she was managing director under Zoel-

lick, before being drafted by the new Nigerian government to oversee financial reforms.

She is married to a surgeon, Ikemba Iweala, and they have four children. Jose Antonio Ocampo, 59, is a US-trained economist who has served in the Colombian government as well as the United Nations. He has held posts as agriculture minister, planning minister and central bank chairman in Colombia’s government, and was executive secretary of the economic Commission for

Latin America and the Caribbean for six years.

From 2003-2007, he was United Nations under-secretary-general for economic and social affairs. He is currently a professor at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University in New York. Jim Yong Kim, the US nominee, 52, was born in South Korea but grew up in rural Iowa. He studied medicine and anthropology at Harvard and taught medicine in several universities. Between 2003 and

2007, he led a World Health Organization initiative to bring antiretroviral drugs to HIV/AIDS patients in developing countries. A nonprofit he co-founded, Partners in Health, works with impoverished communities everywhere from Haiti to Russia. His current position is president of Dartmouth College, one of the country’s elite Ivy League universities. He is married to Younsook Lim, a pediatrician who has worked with HIV-positive children in Africa.

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Sunday, 25 March, 2012

News 05

CJP terms right to life basic principle of environmental justice BHURBAN

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He constitution of Pakistan does not articulate the issue of environmental protection and preservation in any of its provisions, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said on Saturday.

Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day South Asia Conference on environmental Justice, the chief justice said the superior courts of Pakistan had interpreted ‘right to life’ in Article 9, therefore the right to life was the most basic principle of environmental justice.

He said the protection of environment, socio-economic development, safeguarding human rights and strengthening democratic institutions were the core values of every society.

He said no environmental plans could achieve their objectives without mobilising the public opinion and a wake up call to the stakeholders.

“What is really required from the

concerned authorities of Pakistan is to have an overview of environmental law from all the three perspectives i.e. international, sub-regional and national,” he said. He said the South Asian region was highly vulnerable to extreme climate changes and hydro-meteorological disasters like flash floods, monsoon flooding, tropical cyclones and storm surges.

“Our future generations must not bear the cost of our exploitation and mismanagement of environmental issues; rather we have to mitigate the environmental damage for the survival of the generations to come,” he said.

The CJP said the objective of sustainable development could be achieved through consultation on national policies and sustained commitment on the part of SAARC countries.

He lauded the efforts of ADB and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for conserving the environment and highlighting environmental issues nationally and internationally are highly commendable.

“The role of print and electronic

ZHoB: people participate in a ‘long march’ to Quetta in protest against excessive load shedding on Saturday. inP

SNF merges with PtI g

Imran contacts Mumtaz Bhutto KARACHI iNp

After Nawaz Sharif failed to seal a deal with Sindh National Front (SNF) chief Mumtaz Bhutto, PTI Chairman Imran Khan contacted the latter to talk about SNF’s merger with Pakistan Tehrek-e-Insaaf.

The SNF is considered a nationalist party with influence in various parts of Sindh. “Mumtaz Bhutto has put forward some conditions for merger with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, which were not accepted by the PML-N head,” insiders in both parties revealed.

“The PML-N has to accommodate some of points of SNF’s constitution besides authorising Bhutto to appoint of-

fice-bearers in Sindh. However, the PMLN due to its image as countrywide party rejected to accommodate SNF constitution points into its constitution.”

Mumtaz has constituted a committee of its party members to look into the matter. On the other side, Nawaz has also set up a committee comprising Senator Pervez Rasheed, Mamnoon Hussain, Saleem Zia, Ghaus Ali Shah and Imdad Chandio to continue talks with the nationalist party.

“Try to steal the chance, Imran Khan has contacted Bhutto and reiterated his offer to merge the SNF with the PTI,” the insiders said.

A crucial meeting regarding this matter is likely to be held between Imran and Mumtaz at the end of this month.

media is also laudable, as much of the credit of the relief provided by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in suo motu actions goes to them,” he said.

The chief justice said urbanisation, unplanned and ill-structured constructions, increased industrialisation, poor sewerage systems, illegal brick kilns and crusher machines on privately owned lands, deforestation, damage to wildlife and mountain ranges and particularly the lack of will towards improvement are also some other factors obstructing the development of environmental law.

“This conference needs to consider these aspects and suggest workable mechanism for effective protection of the environment at the Federal and Provincial levels,” he stated.

He said the role of courts in environmental justice was crucial for the reason that when the courts themselves were blind towards the science of ecology, they cannot administer fair justice in this field of law. “Therefore, the role of courts throughout the SAARC region needs to be enhanced,” he said.

JI appeals to ‘patriotic’ forces to stage sit-in on NAto supply routes

LAHORE iNp

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Munawar Hasan has appealed to the masses to stage sit-in on the NATO supply routes, aimed at foiling the government’s efforts, giving a free hand for supplying of ammunition to the US and its allied forces in Afghanistan. While talking to reporters at Mansoora, he said the government’s call to commence parliament session in connection with NATO supply restoration was nothing but a drama to deceive the people. He warned that if parliament passed any resolution to restore the NATO supply line it would be tantamount to committing suicide and the nation would not tolerate it at any cost. He strongly criticised the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and holding it responsible for strengthening the PPP led government. “If PML-N would play genuinely a role of opposition, the Zardari administration would never have been able to complete its tenure,” he maintained. He said the PML-N hijacked the “Go Zardari Go” slogan and sabotaged the movement that rose against the PPP government. He advised the youth of the country to up hold country’s interests supreme to everything and appealed them to play their effective role to bar the plunderers in the upcoming elections. Asked about any political alliance, the JI chief said all political parties had completed their homework with regard to general elections. Replying to another question, he said if the incumbent regime was given an extension for a year, the country would lose everything. “Due to its corruption and ill-framed policies the government has lost all its credibility and people are not willing to give them even a single day to rule,” he added. He said the PPP led government had virtually put the country’s sovereignty and security at risk.

The situation in Balochistan and Sindh is getting worse day by day, he added. He wondered how the government could tackle the situation while it was patronizing the criminals and the extortionists.

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06 News

Sunday, 25 March, 2012

Around 0.3 million Pakistanis affected by tB each year PESHAWAR

Korea visit to boost ties between Islamabad and Seoul: Gilani ISLAMABAD

StAff RepoRt

Around 0.3 million people are affected by tuberculosis (TB) in Pakistan each year, 50,000 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone, and Pakistan stands number six amongst the TB-affected countries.

“TB is curable disease with proper treatment of six to eight months that the government provides free of cost to every person,” said speakers at a press conference at Peshawar Press Club in connection with the World TB Day (March 24). Those who spoke on included Dr Akmal Naveed, director of Association for Community Development, Dr Abdul Latif, senior officer of National TB Control Programme, Dr Shamsul Mulk, director general of Rescue 1122 KP and Kherul Basher. Dr Abdul Latif said if a person felt constant cough, temperature and phlegm for two weeks, he should get himself checked for the disease at a diagnosis centre, saying there were 806 treatment centres and 220 diagnosis centers working in KP province to curb the disease from spreading further. “A patient who has TB carried germs in the spit and if not treated, he can convert the germs to 10 to 15 other healthy persons a year,” he said, adding that the disease was not converted to other people through sharing food or drink. He said if a person began to cure the disease but left the treatment without completing its doses or starts treatment from unskilled doctors, the disease took shape of multi-drug resistance, which was a dangerous form of the disease. He said the government had spent much on the TB Control Programme and provided free of cost medicine to patient and created awareness among the masses about the disease. The speakers said the aim of observing World TB Day was to create awareness and to convey a message to the people about the disease.

Brig Ali requests May 2 commission to record his testimony ISLAMABAD oNLiNe

Brigadier Ali, who is facing court martial proceedings for allegedly having ties with the militant group Hizb-ut-Tehrir, has requested the Abbottabad commission to record his statement on the US invasion at Osama bin Laden’s compound in the garrison city. According to a private TV channel, Brig Ali has requested the commission to record his statement regarding the May 2 operation by US special troops. He said the fall of civilian government after the Kargil incident, and the Abbottabad operation had similarities, and both the incidents had impressed him, a report quoting sources said. Brig Ali stated that all the information was relating to the country’s interest and he wanted to convey it to the people concerned before his death.

P

GNi

R I M e Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday expressed hope that his visit to South Korea would help give political impetus to bilateral relations.

He said this in a meeting with Korean ambassador who called on him. The prime minister would attend the Second Nuclear Security Summit being held in Seoul on March 26-27, where heads of states and governments from major countries are participating. He is likely to meet a number of world leaders and the CeOs of major Korean companies.

“The South Korean companies have a robust investment in Pakistan across a whole spectrum of economic activity,” the prime minister said. He said inspired by South Korea’s unique experience of great economic progress, Pakistan wished to benefit from its best practices to be able to achieve similar developmental trajectory.

Gilani stated that the interaction with South Korean companies would encourage them to enhance their engagement and investment particularly in infrastructure and energy sectors. He said that Pakistan desires to fur-

ther strengthen and expand relations in political, economic, trade and defence fields. “There is immense potential to forge bilateral co-operation in these fields,” an official statement quoted him as saying.

The Korean ambassador reiterated that Korea also look forward to the Gilani’s visit.

He said exchange of delegations at various levels would further cement the existing ties

Govt committed to improving Balochistan security: Malik ISLAMABAD iNp

Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Saturday said the federal government was committed to improving security and resolve the problems of Balochistan.

He said this during a meeting with Balochistan Assembly Deputy Speaker Matiullah Agha, who called on him here Saturday.

Malik said the federal government was

fully assisting the Balochistan government to tackle security-related issues.

He said the government was also taking steps for resolution of problems of the Baloch people, adding that the introduction of Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package was an ample proof in this regard.

Matiullah Agha informed the interior minister about the NADRA and passport related problems in Balochistan. Malik issued on the spot orders regarding problems of NADRA and passport related issues.

Indian Defence ministry gives clean chit to Bikram Singh SrinaGar: The Indian Defence Ministry has given a clean chit to the Indian Army chief-designate, Lt General Bikram Singh, who was involved in a fake encounter in Islamabad district of occupied Kashmir that resulted in the killing of three civilians. A Kashmiri woman, Zaituna, a resident of Machil area of Kupwara district, in a petition filed in the High Court of the occupied territory had said that her son Abdullah Butt was killed in a fake encounter on March 1, 2001, and later branded a foreign militant, Mateen Chacha. The Defence Ministry in its objections to the petition said that the encounter was not fake and allegations leveled in this regard were just an afterthought. oNLiNe

between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Dr Michael Koch, the outgoing German ambassador paid a farewell visit on PM Gilani at the PM’s House on Saturday.

The prime minister said parliament was working on preparing new terms of engagements of the partnership between the US and Pakistan, as for any policy the ownership and support of public was important.

Gilani while congratulating the outgoing German ambassador for his appointment as Special Representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan said Pakistan would continue to provide all support towards peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan. He reiterated Pakistan’s stance to encourage Afghan led and Afghan own reconciliation process The Prime Minister said that he has made an appeal to all factions in Afghanistan on the request of Afghan President for greater reconciliation.

He praised the German Ambassador’s role in fostering bilateral relations. He said Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Germany and would like to transform this relation into strategic partnership.

The prime minister asked the outgoing ambassador to pay his best regards to the German Chancellor. He reiterated invitation to the German Chancellor to visit Pakistan.

opp will join ruling alliance one day, predicts Shujaat

LAHORE iNp

Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain on Saturday predicted that the opposition will stand with the ruling party again one day.

Talking to reporters, Shujaat said that the PML-Q had joined the ruling alliance to save the system. He said the opposition, which is currently chanting antigovernment slogans, will one day come out to support the ruling party. Without elaborating further, he said “Necessity is the mother of invention”. Criticising PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, he sarcastically said he has never talked of issues on national level.

United efforts needed to tackle conspiracies: speakers LAHORE StAff RepoRt

All parties and communities of the Pakistan should get united against the enemy as internal and external conspiracies are being hatched against the country.

Speakers said this on One-day Istehkam-e-Pakistan International Arain Convention while addressing over 600 delegates from Pakistan and about 200 delegates from 32 countries here at Lahore expo Centre auditorium on Saturday.

The speakers included PPP Secretary General Jahangir Badr, PML-Zia chairman Ijaz ul Haq, former British

Parliament member Chaudhry Ghulam Sarwar, Mian Muhamamd Saeed (Deray Walay), Malik Muhammad Akbar, former World Bank advisor Dr Muhammad Afzal and Chaudhry Zulifqar.

Ghulam Sarwar said that corruption was the biggest problem of Pakistan and added that without its eradication, the goal of progress and solidarity could not be achieved.

Jahangir Badr said that community’s support was very important part of the social welfare system. He suggested All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Araiyan to support the government in education, health and social welfare projects.

Ijaz ul Haq said that PPP government had not committed contempt of

the court for the first time. He added that people were waiting for the court’s decision in this case as well as other cases including memo gate scandal and NRO issue.

Other speakers discussed the issues of energy crisis, dearness, unemployment and presented proposals how they could directly or indirectly participate to help resolve these problems.

The central theme of the convention was Istehkam-e-Pakistan aiming at spreading the message of national solidarity through community support keeping in view the recent debate on Balochistan and Karachi issues and other ethnic problems faced by the country.

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Sunday, 25 March, 2012

PtA fails to remove separate cabins from net cafes

ISLAMABAD SALMAN ABBAS

RAWALpiNDi: policemen in uniform and civvies drag a woman during an anti-encroachment drive by the tMA at Katchi Abadi Bhoosa Godam. online

All staff of Koral police station suspended

PM approves additional Rs 4.131b for Zakat fund ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD

GNi

StAff RepoRt

All staff of the of Koral police station, including the SHO, were suspended for their negligence that led to escape of four Afghan nationals charged with car lifting from the lock-up.

In the wee hour of Friday, four alleged car lifters escaped from the lock-up after breaking its window. Following the incident, six policemen who were on night duty in the police station were suspended and taken into custody. An FIR was also registered against them for their negligence.

On Saturday, the Islamabad IGP suspended all 97 police officials, including SHO Sajjad Haider Bukhari. All the suspended officials have been directed to report at the police lines.

It may be recalled here the car lifters who escaped from the lock-up were also booked in a similar case for breaking a lock-up in Rawalpindi. Police sources said that it was yet to be established whether the officials of the police station helped the car lifters to escape or their negligence provided an opportunity to them to escape.

The Koral police brought the said car lifters from Adiala Jail on March 20 to interrogate them in connection with carlifting cases occurring in the limits of koral police station. earlier, they were apprehended by Rawalpindi police for their involvement in lifting six cars and after completing investigations Pindi police sent them to Adiala Jail from where Koral police took them into custody. During investigations, they also confessed that they had lifted three cars in the limits of Koral police station.

On Saturday, two police teams worked for the arrest of the fleeing car lifters, but failed to make any arrest. The wanted car lifters are Nur-ur-Rehman, Jan Agha, Adnan Jan and Shah Wali. No new SHO has so far been appointed.

P

R I M e Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has approved the distribution of an additional amount of Rs 4.131 billion for Zakat fund amongst the provinces and federal areas in accordance with the existing Zakat distribution formula.

The decision has been taken in order to release the

Zakat Fund’s arrears to the provinces/federal areas before the end of the financial year on June 30.

It may be mentioned that due to non agreement of all the provinces the matters was being delayed and they were repeatedly requesting for release of the arrears.

Further the Central Zakat Council in its 83rd meeting dated November 24, 2011, had decided that Zakat funds which were not utilised up to June 30 would be considered as lapsable and liable to be surrendered to the Central Zakat Fund.

The Council of Common Interest considered the matter and decided that Zakat was a provincial subject, and the provincial governments should hold discussion to evolve a mechanism for collection and distribution of Zakat.

It was further decided that the present system of distribution of funds may continue until the formulation of consensual procedure.

It may be mentioned here that in the current financial year, Rs 3,671.582 million from the Zakat Fund have already been released by the federal government to the provinces, and the federal areas in accordance with the existing distribution formula.

Due to the negligence of the authorities concerned, most of the Internet café owners in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have not removed separate cabins from the cafes, giving a safe environment to the students and other people to watch any type of movies. In a horrific incident, a couple of years ago, just because of these partitions, the owner of a net café in Rawalpindi made a video of some couples by installing cameras in separate cabins of his café when they were watching pornographic websites and started blackmailing them. After coming under pressure, three of the girls involved in the scam committed suicide and one was murdered by her father. Learning lesson from the terrible incident, the government banned the construction of separate cabins in the Internet cafes. Still most of the net cafes in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are having separate cabins and most of them are frequently visited by students between the ages of 15 years and 20 years.

“Students often come here to use the Internet and it is up to them whether they use this facility for bad purposes or for their studies,” said Jamal Nasir, an Internet café owner. He admitted that many students were regular customers who came there on a daily basis. Talking to Pakistan Today, some students said they visited Internet clubs to use Facebook or take notes for their studies. On the other hand, a student, Jawad Akhtar, said many of his school fellows rushed to cafes after missing their classes. “Most of my fellows visit cafes primarily to watch pornography,” said the student.

It has been learnt that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Ministry of Information and Technology are the authorities concerned to monitor such cafes and to force their owners to maintain records of all the customers. But unfortunately, the authorities concerned seem reluctant to remove cabins from the net cafes.

Two dacoit gangs busted; 23 outlaws nabbed ISLAMABAD App

The Islamabad police have busted two gangs of dacoits and also arrested 23 outlaws from various areas of the city besides recovering 54 liquor bottles and other looted items as well as weapons from their possession, a police spokesman said on Saturday.

He said that Islamabad IGP Bani Amin Khan has assigned the task to all sub divisional police officers (SDPOs) and station house officers (SHOs) to curb activities of criminals through high vigilance and effective policing.

Following these directions, strict patrolling is being maintained in the city and during last 24 hours, police busted two gangs of dacoits and arrested 23 other outlaws.

According to details, Bhara Kahu po-

lice arrested three dacoits red handed when they were trying to flee after looting Arshad Khan from the area of Mera Baghwal. The Sabzi Mandi police arrested a dacoit, Ayaz, and recovered a 30-bore pistol, gold ornaments and looted items worth Rs 40,000 from his possession.

ASI Nawazish Ali arrested two thieves, Siraj Wali and Awal Gul, while ASI Tipu Sultan nabbed another thief, Saleem, besides recovering stolen items from their possession. The Nilor police station apprehended an accused, Babar Hussain, and recovered a 30-bore pistol from him while Shehzad Town police arrested Tariq in possession of a 30bore pistol.

The Industrial area police also apprehended a thief, Farman.

Sub-Inspector Shaukat Ali from Shehzad Town police stopped a car for checking and recovered eight bottles of

liquor from it. Two car occupants Yasir Mehmud and Qasid Mehmud were also arrested. The Margallah police arrested Aamir and Rehan and recovered two bottles of liquor from them.

On the basis of information provided by these nabbed accused, police raided a house in Sector F-8/3 and arrested Zahoor Hussain, Waheed and Ami, besides recovering 44 liquor bottles from them. Sub-Inspector Saleem Ullah from Women police station arrested 10 persons for their alleged involvement in immoral activities.

The nabbed persons were identified as Khawar Ali, Tanveer Nawaz, Ayesha, Nazia, Ulfat Ashraf, Sumera, Mehr-unNisa, Farah, Asima and Saman. Hashish was also recovered from Khawar Ali and Tanveer Nawaz.

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

tigation is underway.

45 lawbreakerS arreSteD: The Rawalpindi police on Saturday claimed to have arrested 45 outlaws, including 26 gamblers and one suspected dacoit, from various areas of the city, besides seizing 1.675kg of charas, 1.025kg of heroin, 98 bottles of liquor, three 30 bore pistols with three rounds and one dagger from them.

According to a police spokesman, 18 outlaws were held in different raids and drugs, liquor and illegal weapons recovered from their possession.

Meanwhile, the Gungmandi police on a tip-off raided at a gambling den in Mohanpura and arrested 10 gamblers, identified as Inam, ejaz, Ahsan, Irfan, Zeeshan, Sagheer, Bashir, Shahid, Hussain and Ishtiaq, and recovered stake money of Rs 15,850 and five mobile phones.

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08 Islamabad

Sunday, 25 March, 2012

wEAthER uPDAtES

23 °c high 15°c Low

LIGht RAIN

MoNDAy

tuESDAy wEDNESDAy

25°c I 14°c

20°c I 14°c

25°c I 12°c

PRAyER tIMINGS Fajr Sunrise 06:00 07:02

Zuhr 13:30

Asr 16:00

Maghrib Isha on sunset 19:00

cIty DIREctoRy EMERGENcy hELP PoLIcE EMERGENcy AMBuLANcE REScuE hILAL-E-AhMER EDhI FouNDAtIoN BoMB DISPoSAL FIRE BRIGADE cENtRE cIVIL DEFENcE

15 115 1122 9250488 2827844 9270698 16 9262830

RAWALpiNDi: pakistan Bait-ul-Mall chairman Zamurrad Khan with position holders at the prize-distribution ceremony of a private school. online

Fake denTisTs playing wiTh ciTizens’ lives

hoSPItALS MAhRooF INt PIMS PoLy cLINIc cDA ShIFA INtERNAtIoNAL ALI DIStRIct hqS uLtRASoNIc cLINIc hoLy FAMILy

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BLooD BANK PIMS BLooD BANK PoLy cLINIc BLooD BANK

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coMPLAINt wAPDA SuI GAS

111-000-118 1199

RAILwAyS cIty StAtIoN (ENquIRy) RESERVAtIoN RAILwAy PoLIcE

117 9273614 1333

AIRPoRt FLIGht ENquIRy PIA RESERVAtIoN

114 111-786-786

ISLAMABAD

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oNLiNe

He citizens of the capital territory have called for action against the swelling business of fake dentists in all the areas of the city. A streak of quacks is seen doing their business of extracting teeth in the areas of Saidpur village, Jhangi Syedan, Bani Gala, Shahzad Town, Taramri Chowk, Bhara Kahu and other vicinities. They also claim that they can conduct root canal test (RCT).

They are stark illiterate people and even cannot write their names, but are playing with the lives of people. “I got my tooth extracted from one of these quacks but I am now a patient of hepatitis as he had used filthy equipment. He also charged me only Rs 50 less than that of a qualified dentist,” said Noman Gul, a citizen.

“I was walking on a railway road when I spotted a group of these fake dentists sitting alongside the road. I had been feeling pained in my teeth since long, but my financial sources were not allowing me to consult any dentist. I approached one of these quacks; he extracted my teeth and replaced them with artificial ones. But now I am admitted to a hospital as the surgery by fake dentist has made me a patient of hepatitis, said Abid Ali, a labourer. Citizens have demanded of the authorities concerned to launch operation against these quacks forthwith so that innocent people could be saved from them. unreGiStereD nikaH-kHawanS PlunDerinG PeoPle: Unregistered nikah Khawans are working in all the areas of Cantonment Board with impunity and are looting the people by charging hefty fees.

“These nikah-khawans have displayed their name plates at their homes and mosques, but they are not registered with the quarters concerned. They are charging the people more than the fee prescribed by Cantonment Board,” said Tasawar Malik, a resident of Tench Bhatta.

Most of them have primary level of education and cannot fill the nikah forms, but they are

running their business blatantly, said an elderly man, Naeem Khawaja. “We are not sure whether these unregistered nikah-khawans provide the nikah documents to the offices concerned for registration or otherwise,” said Irfan Dammar, a shopkeeper. “They are charging hefty fee, but no one from the authorities concerned is questioning their illegal business,” complained a religious leader, Maulana Mujeebur Rehman. Residents of the cantonment areas have demanded of the authorities concerned to take action against these unregistered nikah-khawans. annual SPrinG FeStival to concluDe toDay: The first Annual Spring Festival 2012 at Lake View Park would conclude on Sunday (today).

The three-day introductory event was organised by Ibex Sports and Leisure Club and I&N Club. Different kinds of activities, including games competitions, art exhibition, family gala, stage performances and musical concerts, were enjoyed by children, youth and families. The Na-

tional College of Arts (NCA) teams from Lahore and Rawalpindi enhanced fascination of art exhibition. Besides, youth from Lahore and Islamabad warmly participated in kite flying and rock wall climbing competitions. A number of local bands from Lahore also participated in the musical concerts. A family gala was also organised for the participants’ families. Activities of funfair, dress designing, corporate stalls and swings for children were also held during the event.

Ibex Club covered more than six acres of land inside the Lake View Park. An official member of the Ibex Club told this news agency that facility of gym, swimming pool and bowling area would be provided for future events. He added that a hall would be constructed to provide roundtable sitting facilities to more than 3,200 persons. He said that similar events would be organised in future and more energetic activities arranged. Moreover, a number of renowned political personalities and civil society members participated in the festival.

INterNAtIoNAl CoNfereNCe

moNster truCk IN IslmAbAD

DAtE: MAR 20 - 22, 2012 VENuE: ISLAMABAD

DAtE: MAR 20 - APR 21, 2012 VENuE: F-9 PARK, ISLAMABAD

DAtE AND tIME: 05:00 PM, wEEKLy EVENt VENuE: thE cENtRE FoR ARtS & cuLtuRE

int’l conference on pakistan´s energy options Pakistan�s Energy options: Availability and Affordability, and the Role of Regional Grids. information package: http://www.scribd.com/doc/78636438/Internationalconference-on-Pakistan%E2%80%99s-Energy-options

Monster truck in Islamabad.

our drumming circle is a (free!) ongoing event and is held every Friday from 5 to 6 p.m. we are having a great time, and want to share the good time with you! our drumming circle has children ...

DrummINg CIrCle

coLLEGES / uNIVERSItIES INtERNAtIoNAL ISLAMIc uNIVERSIty 9260765 BAhRIA uNIVERSIty 9260002 NuML 9257677 quAID-E-AZAM uNIVERSIty 90642098 ARID AGRIcuLtuRE uNIVERSIty 9290151 FJwu 9273235 RIPhA INtERNAtIoNAL uNIVERSIty 111510510 NcA RAwALPINDI 5770423 PuNJAB LAw coLLEGE 4421347

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Sunday, 25 March, 2012

Islamabad 09

iSLAMABAD: picnickers make pictures as they enjoy their weekend at Rawal Lake View point. online

Iqra University students present theses in colourful display ISLAMABAD

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MAHtAB BASHiR

He Iqra University Fashion and Design Department students organised a colourful event on Saturday titled ‘Textile Theses Display 2012’ at the university’s Islamabad campus.

Visitors were fascinated by the commitment of the students as they went through the graduates’ annual textile thesis and projects.

International Heritage and Integration Secretary Faridullah Khan, the chief guest at the occasion inaugurated the Textile Theses Display.

In his inaugural address, he said the Iqra University promoted creativity among the students. He took keen interest in all the projects and appreciated the efforts made by the students. Iqra University Director Sabeena Ibrahim Khan briefed the guests about the efforts of the students and teachers to make the display a successful event. eight of the university’s textile department students displayed different varieties of products.

The event was themed around diverse amalgamation. Iqra faculty members were pleased with the students’ work and said the students had worked hard to display work of international standards.

Roshan Jabeen, a student, said she was inspired by Turkish tiles and Afghani silhouettes and that her products incorporated an ethnic feel.

Sadaf Naeem garnered attention for her work was based on traditional motifs and patterns.

Mariam Nawaz’s work was based on the

theme ‘Disneyland and Folk Toys’.

She highlighted the power of imagination through her work by blending Disney characters with folk toys to create an impression perfect for every child’s imagination.

Noor-ul-Ain’s collection was inspired by traditional Central Asian textiles. The handmade collection also embraced the far-reaching potential of the web, modern screen printing and appliqué work. People from different walks of life visited the Iqra University and admired the skill

and ideas of the young artists.

A visitor applauded the work of the graduates saying that the industry needed cognitive a approach with creativity to satisfy the urge of variation in taste. She added that the Iqra University is successfully striving to produce artistic minds.

The textile thesis display 2012 was a part of the efforts made by the Iqra University to promote the textile industry, which is not only confined to fabric, but has expanded to multi-dimension features of clothing and other hand-made products.

Graffiti spoiling capital’s beauty RAWALPINDI oNLiNe

Intensified wall chalking on all the major walls and buildings in the different areas of the city is eroding its beauty. Political and religious parties’ student federations, palmists, health clinics and other organisations have pasted their posters on walls across the city, causing the roads to loose their identity. Citizens have protested against this practice. A group of college girls said health clinics paste posters of immoral pictures and slogans on the buildings and walls of their college. “I am wandering around since the last two hours, but have been unsuccessful in locating street number 62 as the sign boards are covered with posters,” said Abdul Aziz.

Citizens have demanded of the authorities concerned to take action against the violators. intenSe traFFic jam inconvenienceS PeoPle: Transporters and commuters have protested against the intense traffic mess on the express Highway caused due to a security barrier placed by the Islamabad police. They said traffic jams inconvenience the people.

They added that the express Highway was an importance entrance. The transporters and passengers said they realized the importance of the police barricades but higher authorities needed to take notice of the traffic mess.

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10 Islamabad Suspension of water supply irks residents

Sunday, 25 March, 2012

PNCA celebrates Pakistan Day

RAWALPINDI oNLiNe

The suspension of the water supply to the thickly populated area of Sadiaqabad has evoked strong protests among the residents. A group of residents said water is supplied to the area for two hours after every four days.

“Water-tankers owners charge exorbitant prices. They sell a water tanker at Rs 600 and 700. We cannot afford such high prices,” said a chowkidar working in a private office.

The residents have demanded the authorities concerned to ensure smooth supply of water.

Sale of unhygienic food poses health hazards RAWALPINDI oNLiNe

Commuters have protested against the sale of unhygienic food at a Pir Wadhai bus stand. Due to the negligence of the authorities concerned, the practice of selling substandard foods to passengers has posed health hazards. The food is served in unclean utensils, while the vendors also use contaminated spices to cook food. Commuters have appealed to the authorities concerned to take stern action against the stall holders found selling unhygienic food.

ISLAMABAD

t

MAHtAB BASHiR

He Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) celebrated Pakistan Day by inviting a number of artists from across the country to spread the message of patriotism.

Patriotic songs like ‘Is parcham ke saay tale’ were among the string of colorful programmes of instrumental music, regional songs, skits and Sufi dances presented by the artists.

Hassan Abbas Raza conducted the proceedings. The event kicked off with an instrumental presentation of the Pushto song ‘Pe de vala key oboe gadevadde zeena (many colours of water flow in this river) by renowned Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa instrumentalists Gurzang and Zeeland Khan.

A highlight of the programme was the appearance of a 6-year old girl, who surprised the crowd by dancing flawlessly to the music of Sindhi musical group Marwal Sanwal. Rawalpindibased comedians Imtiaz Ali Kashif and Babar Abbasi enthralled the audience with their humourous satire highlighting the country’s socio-economic and political issues. The National Performing Arts Group students presented renditions of Bulle Shah’s ‘Tere ishq nachaya’, ‘Tere rang rang’ as well as regional dances from all the provinces.

Bano Rahat, a student from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, presented Hafeez Jallandhri’s well known song ‘Mere watan teri jannat mein ain ge ik din’, fol-

lowed by another patriotic song ‘Ay watan ky sajilay jawano’.

Rashid Khan and Hina Shaokat from KPK, Farzana Bahar from Balochistan and Rovaid Iqbal from Gilgit-Baltistan also presented national and regional songs. Javed Niazi vowed the audience with his presentation of the kafi mystic works of the Sufis.

Niazi is the son of Pakistan’s iconic folk singer Tufail Niazi and continues in the style of the master folk-singer.

He also sang ‘Ye watan tumhara hay’, a patriotic song originally sung by Mehdi Hassan. Raza Allan Faqir’s mes-

merised the audience with a Sindhi folk dance. Bashir Baloch, a noted artist from Balochistan, reached the event when half of the audience had already left.

However, his ‘Laila o Laila’ was well appreciated by those still seated.

The crowd waited impatiently for Nadeem Abbas’s performance, but went home disappointed when the artist could not make it to the event. The PNCA National Performing Arts Group concluded the three-hour long programme by performing a ‘dhamaal’ on Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s ‘Dam mustt qalandar’.

Residents express concern over rising street crimes RAWALPINDI oNLiNe

Dhok Kala Kahn and Shamsabad residents have expressed concerns over the rising street crimes incidents in the area. A sense of insecurity prevailed in the area as the police failed to curb the criminal activates. Mobile snatching, robberies, theft and purse snatching incidents are on a rise in the area.

The residents have appealed to the RPO to take stern action against the elements involved in criminal activities. rta launcHeS Drive aGainSt encroacHmentS: The Rawal Town administration has launched an anti encroachments drive and demolished illegal shops at Sixth Road and Rawalpindi Food Street.

In a crackdown against illegal outlets, Rawal Town’s enforcement team demolished stairs built illegally in the Food Street.

The operation was launched under the direction of Rawal Town administrator, Saif Anwar.

RAwALPINDI: Poor people eat free food at a stall sponsored by the Punjab government at Fawwara chowk. online

navTTec chief sacks 28 staffers to appoint favourites ISLAMABAD oNLiNe

National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTeC) Chairman Mumtaz Akhtar Kahloon has terminated the services of at least 28 employees allegedly to accommodate his favourites.

Well-informed sources said that the NAVTTeC executive director terminated the services in the name of downsizing and for accommodating new employees of his choice. The terminated employees duly fulfilled the eligibility criteria for regularization of their jobs.

Sources said that certain members of the NAVTTeC board held a meeting and made certain decisions regarding downsizing of the department as well as framing of new services rules without discussing fate of the employees who already fulfilled the

criteria of regularisation as per the government policy. The Board members, including the provincial secretaries of labour, finance and industries, did not attend the meeting while certain other members from outside the board attended the meeting, which was unlawful and violation of Section 4 of NAVTTeC Act 2011.

Sources told Online that the executive member of NAVTTeC, Tariq Shafi, who himself has been working on deputation from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for last one year, has accommodated his blue-eyed persons in various centres of NAVTTeC while Chairman Mumtaz Akhtar Kahloon also inducted his close relatives as assistant directors in the commission. Officials also revealed that the controlling ministry of NAVTTeC (Ministry of Professional and Technical Training) was never taken into confi-

dence while making such decisions.

It is also pertinent to say that the establishment Division has specifically advised the professional and technical training secretary not to terminate the services of the employees who have completed nine months in contingent-paid services. However, the executive director does not appear to be interested in accepting the decision. Sources said that during the meeting it had also been decided that new recruitments would be made on contract basis, while presently, NAVTTeC is being run by persons belonging to other service groups who join the commission for getting double salaries. Many officers of NAVTTeC, including the executive director, are on deputation from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

When contacted, NAVTTeC Chairman Mumtaz Akhtar Kahloon said the commis-

sion had terminated the jobs of those employees who were working on contract basis.

After expiry of their contracts, they were sacked, he added. He said it had been decided that all the new recruitments in NAVTTeC would be made on contract basis.

Kahloon said that he had not accommodated his close relatives in the department. veHicle bazaar createS PerPetual nuiSance: The city government has failed to impose ban on Rehmanabad Vehicles Bazaar which, residents say, is creating nuisance. Rehmanabad weekly bazaar of cars and other vehicles is creating traffic jams on Murree Road in Chandni Chowk and Rehmanabad. The citizens complained that traffic jam was a routine matter on Murree Road as construction of a flyover at Chandni Chowk is in progress, but the vehicle bazaar had added to this problem. “This

weekly bazaar is held on every Sunday near Chandni Chowk and Rehmanabad and now has become a source of perpetual nuisance for all of us as we cannot pass through the road in our cars, vehicles and on motorcycles due to the sprawling queues of cars, motorcycles and other vehicles there. even pedestrians cannot cross the road,” said Bushra Siraj, a student.

“Due to traffic jams, customers hesitate to come to our shops and we are suffering heavily in terms of our business,” said Zia Shehbazi, a small trader. “Because of this Jumma bazaar, ambulances stand enmeshed in the immense traffic and serious patients lying therein have to undergo agony of this traffic mess,” said Riaz Ahmed, an ambulance driver. Citizens have demanded ban on the vehicle Jumma bazaar at Murree Road till the completion of the Chandni Chowk flyover.

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Sunday, 25 March, 2012

Editor’s mail 11

change: a distant dream Arif Nizami in his recent article "Shifting sands" published on 24 March has rightly concluded that the PM is in no mood to write a letter to the Swiss authorities and it is also true that the PM cannot escape conviction from the contempt case. The fact of the matter is that PM's lawyer has been successful in delaying the case suiting to his convenience and forcing his opinion on judges of the apex court to agree that his client is innocent.

Most of the time he reminds the apex court to follow constitution but at the same time he forgets that the ultimate authority of interpretation of laws and constitutional matters rests with the Supreme Court. He wants the case to be decided according to his wishes and is trying to influence the court through media after each hearing. It is also true that at times remarks of Supreme Court judges during hearing

Freedom March in Karachi of contempt case against PM are interpreted in such a manner that it allows media to speculate the outcome and draw different conclusions.

President Zardari has played his cards safely and intelligently and has outmanoeuvred all his critics as he has been successful in getting majority in the Senate that would be handy if he stands for the second term. On the other hand, the second largest party PML(N), which still lacks a clear line of direction and most of the time is wasting their time shouting at President Zardari, may please the voters but does not deter PPP from their objectives. I would disagree with the writer about PPP’s using victim card because the apex court during the hearing has given a hint that even if the PM is convicted he shall continue as PM, which has given more strength and courage to the PM to openly declare his defiance

of the Supreme court.

PTI has definitely caused tremors in other political parties and especially has unnerved PML(N). Distribution of laptops to students shall prove counterproductive because youth is convinced that there should be a change in the status quo as it has not benefited the country.

The recent scandal of Mehran Bank in which the Sharifs are named, mere denial cannot help and substitute the proofs given by Younas Habib. PPP enjoys better edge against all parties having given jobs to over two lac people and reinstated all sacked employees with backdated benefits.

The writer has raised a valid question that a party which has been in power many a time in the past should feel threatened and insecure by PTI. It is also true that the PTI has not been able to give clear cut policy to the nation except cursing President

Zardari and Nawaz Sharif and claiming to wipe out corruption in 90 days could be termed as dream. But at least there is someone in real opposition instead of friendly opposition.

There can be no two opinions about PTI cutting the vote bank of PML(N), PML(Q) and JUI(F) and ANP as suggested, and that would only benefit PPP to again emerge as the largest party with "jorr torr" Time is running short: all Muslim leagues should forget their differences and unite under one banner to avoid losing their own confirmed seat and taking PTI as their real threat instead of PPP. Imran Khan is a potential threat only to break the vote bank but not a winner.

Until and unless like-minded parties do not unite and come on one platform, change shall remain a distant dream.

MUKHTAR AHMED Karachi

Not safe for journalists Free media in Pakistan is still a new and growing phenomenon but with its burgeoning reach and influence it has succeeded in attracting the youth who are rushing to be a part of this medium. Many leading universities have initiated 'Media Studies' programmes which are swiftly gaining popularity. This indicates a positive approach towards our media, but is it safe to be a journalist in the country? The media is advancing but the freedom granted to it is still limited. Instead of securing the establishment of media and firmly rooting it in the state it is victimised time and again at the hands of pressure groups, political parties and agencies.

Pakistan ranks on 151 on the Press Freedom Index, below even Afghanistan.

With the deteriorating state of press freedom, journalists’ protection not being ensured; it would not come as a surprise to see us falling even more on the index. The history of the press is filled with despairing incidents which decrease the morale of many future journalists. The killing of journalists like Siddiq eido, Mohammad Khan Sasoli, Daniel Pearl, Saleem Shahzad, repeated vitctimisation of channels and shutdown, sources of journalists being questioned; under these circumstances what future does productive journalism and journalists have in Pakistan?

YUMNA RAFI Karachi

Insolent behaviour An old teacher’s legs were broken by an ex-MPA, Aslam Madhiana, for speaking out against him. This insolent behaviour towards a teacher is highly condemnable. The accused was granted interim bail which was later cancelled by the court. The accused absconded from the courtroom but was later on arrested from Lahore. This man should be punished and made an example for others. Teachers are the assets of our nation and provide education and strengthen the future of our nation.

JAVAID BASHIR Lahore

On March 23, “Freedom March” was conducted by Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) headed by Bashir Qureshi that was attended by a large number of people belonging to the province Sindh. As per media reports, they demanded independence from Pakistan.

This is not the first time they have launched such a march. One week back, another political party Jeay Sindh Tahreek (JST) headed by Safdar Sarki also brought out Million March with the same purpose.

The important thing is that the number of participants in such events is tremendously increasing.

All the patriot people must be worried about the causes of such march. In the past, when people of east Pakistan (now Bangladesh) raised protests against their exploitation by West Pakistan (now Pakistan), our rulers and Karachi media both furiously reacted and labelled them “antiPakistan”, “anti-Islam”, “Indian agents” and so on. Now our rulers and people are shedding crocodile tears on independence of Bangladesh but obviously they are not ready to learn any lesson from the past.

Without supporting the intentions of such “Freedom March”, I would like to draw the attention of our federal government and also all members of the parliament irrespective of their political affiliation to set up a commission to look into genuine problems of people of Sindh in order to arrest them, before it is too late.

MOHAMMAD KHAN SIAL Karachi

history is full of lessons

Alarming bells are ringing again March 2012 is to end in about a week from now to make room for new month of April. But alarming bells have already started ringing again. These alarming bells are ringing as the newspapers have started publishing stories about impending increase in petroleum prices. These reports say that POL products are expected to increase by up to Rs 7.68 per litre from April 1.

Anyone who is good at plus and minus business can work out, on the basis of these reports, how much more POL products are going to cost with yet another petrol prices bomb which the federal government is going to throw on the people after few days from now quite mercilessly and ruthlessly in an unabated manner. After the impending increase, petrol will be sold at more Rs 105 per litre thus crossing the “coveted mark” while kerosene oil would just be on the verge of touching 100 mark as it is likely to cost Rs 99.96 per litre. This

means that no segment of the society is going to be spared.

Such a situation calls for some deep thinking by those possessing vehicles like cars and motorcycles because they would be required to pay more for continue to run their vehicles on the roads and also for fetching daily use food items whose prices would quite viciously go up due to higher transportation charges.

All such motorists, particularly those in the private sector, should start looking for some fuel saving methods in the right earnest because they would not like to reduce their travelling for business and other purposes. But they can certainly opt for something which would help them going continuously long distances but still saving on fuel expenses due to reasonably lesser consumption.

MASROOR AHMAD Lahore

When British forces were marching into Oudh after the famous battle of Plassey, the courtiers in the king’s court were busy arguing whether the British army was masculine or feminine. The debate started from a report when someone informed them that the British army was marching towards Oudh.

Similarly, the queen of France in the 18th century advised the minister to tell Parisians to eat cakes, if they can’t find bread.

Learning from history, we should read article 248 of our Constitution, if our kids die of hunger or we have 18 hours load shedding or the train stops at Khanewal on way to Peshawar from Karachi. If that does not serve the purpose, read article 65 C-2 and read it together with article 195.

All issues will be solved within two hours.

When one feels like eating some seasonal fruit, the person should know that Constitution has been amended 18th, 19th and then 20th times. each amendment is worth kilos of fresh oranges and apples. Sometimes, the relatives demand refreshments. I tell them about NFC award and bomb blasts. They just keep quiet after that. But the best part of it is that I do not leave them able to make these silly demands or expectations, when I initiate with them NRO, Memogate, Contempt, Mehrangate, etc. Some of the relatives are very intelligent but I outsmart them by telling interesting stories about Railway, PIA, and Steel Mill, not to forget NLCI, OGDC, Hajj scandal.

Thanks God, I come out the winner, courtesy Zardari/Gilani and Co. AMJAD H MIRZA Lahore

Better meat yield with quail production Quail is an excellent bird for the purpose of meat production and fulfilling nutritional needs. Four close-bred flocks of Japanese quails are being maintained at ART-Centre with the objective of examining possibility of improving their productive and growth potentials. The present research project was conducted to study the productive performance of these close-bred flocks of Japanese quails with different body weight and its effect on subsequent growth of the progeny. A total of 432 adult (12 weeks old) quails, comprising 108 males and 324 females were used.

The experimental quails were maintained under standard management conditions in individual compartments in multi-deck cages equipped with separate nipple drinkers and were fed ad-libitum a quail breeder ration prepared according to NRC standards. The weekly data on productive performance, egg quality and hatching traits were recorded. At the termination of the experiment, two breeder quails from each experimental unit (one from each sex) were randomly

picked up and were slaughtered to record fleshing traits and also for determining proximate composition of breast and thigh meat. Blood samples from each group were analyzed for serum chemistry and macro mineral profile. The eggs from each replicate were separately incubated on fortnightly basis to study progeny growth performance and fleshing traits.

Based on the findings of this study, the following conclusions are made: 1. Parent breeder flock a. effect of close-bred flocks • Imported flock of quails had significantly higher egg production percent, egg weight, feed conversion ratio, shell weight and dressed yield.

• Reproductive tract weight and length and mature ovarian follicle number were higher in imported flock.

• The imported male flock had significantly higher crude protein, dry matter and ash contents in both breast & thigh meat.

• The mean serum glucose, cholesterol and protein concentration in different strains of quails differed

significantly. b. effect of body size • egg production percent, feed conversion ratio, fertility and hatchability percent, reproductive tract weight and length and mature ovarian follicle number were better in the small size parents in comparison to heavy and medium size parents, whereas, better egg weight and egg quality traits were recorded in heavy quail parents. Dressed weight and dressing percentage were higher in heavy female parents than in medium and small size quails.

• Crude protein and ether extract contents in both breast and thigh meat was higher in heavy female parents, whereas, ash content was higher in thigh meat of heavy female quail parents.

• The higher concentrations of serum glucose, total protein, albumin and cholesterol in heavy male quails were detected, whereas, serum urea was higher in medium female parents.

2. Progeny flock a. effect of close-bred flocks • The day-old and subsequent

body weight and weight gain and feed intake were higher in imported than local flocks.

• Dressed weight and dressing percentage were higher in male progeny of imported flock.

• The final return per bird of Rs. 5.64 in local-1 flock was observed to be the highest than in other close-bred flocks having final return of Rs. 5.41, 5.15 and 5.14 in imported, local-3 and local-2 flocks, respectively. b. effect of parent body size: • The progeny secured from heavy male parent had higher hatch weight, body weight, weight gain, feed intake, dressed weight and dressing percentage than those hatched from medium and small male parents, showing more pronounced effect of male parent on progeny growth and on almost all the other parameters.

• The final return per bird of Rs. 5.92 in quails from medium weight parent was higher than that from quail progenies of heavy and small parents having final return of Rs. 5.25 and 4.90, respec-

tively.

In the light of the above research, it is suggested that: • The present study provides useful base line data for the benefit of research workers and the local quail breeders for formulating viable future quail breeding strategies and setting up the quail production standards.

• For the future national quail breeding programs, use of heavy male parents for crossing with small or medium size female parents may be considered for better progeny meat yield and higher egg production in female quail parents.

• Considerable variation in body weight and other carcass characters in our local quail flocks recorded in this study indicate possibility of improving their genetic potential.

• Further research work is needed to improve genetic potential of our local/native quail stocks.

AHMED SULTAN UVAS, Lahore

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 Militarisation of society we need to reorient our mindset

A

cts of terrorism have become a routine in the country. So the militants were least concerned about March 23 being a most important milestone in the struggle for the creation of the country. The TTP killed four FC personnel and kidnapped five, presumably in the hope of exchanging them with some of its activist in the custody of the security agencies.

In the violence ridden Tirah, one group of militants avowedly fighting for the glory of Islam, killed more than half a dozen activists of a rival militant group which claims it is serving Islam better than anyone else. The bomb attack was conducted right inside a mosque.

Pictures, video clips and reports related to March 23 underscore one of the major reasons behind the promotion of the culture of militancy which continues to fray the social fabric of the Pakistani society. A picture published on the front page of this paper on Saturday shows children dressed in military uniform brandishing toy guns. What one had expected was the images of children celebrating the day with joyful gratitude and vowing to compete with the other countries in the pursuit of knowledge. The picture instead indicates an attempt to promote the cult of the gun during a formative period in the child’s growth. Images of the type create and strengthen in the child a sense of living in a beleaguered national security state. A similar perception was created by the threatening gestures at the ceremony of lowering the flag at Wagah border on the evening of Pakistan Day. Besides cultivating extremist tendencies, images of the sort send a negative message of Pakistan abroad. The same day protestors led by Difae Pakistan Council (DPC) called for public defiance if Parliament was to allow the Nato trucks to operate and raised slogans in support of jihad against the US. The unending promotion of a militant mindset indicates why terrorist organisations continue to get fresh volunteers for suicide bombing. It is in the vital interest of the state to promote a culture of tolerance and inculcate the desire to turn Pakistan into a modern welfare state rather than a national security state.

Demarcation needed the PML(N) and the Punjab government

T

his is not the time to weigh the merits of the Punjab government’s scheme of giving laptops to deserving students. If there are arguments against, there are arguments for as well and the representative political government is mandated to make decisions like these. For those who think the programme is extremely costly, if the provincial government prioritises decisions like these at a time the province is in dire fiscal straits, so be it.

What has to be discussed, however, is the ceremony at the Punjab University the other day, the one presided over by PML(N) supremo Nawaz Sharif. Now, yes, he is the party head and, as far as the provincial government goes, his word is the law; all he has to do is pick the phone up and call his younger brother, whose lot would be to comply. But pretences have to be maintained, especially at state educational institutions. At the Punjab varsity, his title in the League hierarchy means nothing in the official scheme of things. The chief minister would have been another story. The governor would have been an even better fit, being the chancellor of the varsity. The prime minister or the president, by the virtue of their constitutional offices, would have been alright. By getting the party head to lord over the ceremony, the government is making the event explicitly political.

Yes, the splurge on laptops is most probably premised on electoral dividends, especially given that the beneficiary demographic is being effortlessly wooed by emerging PTI, but the in-your-face political nature of the event at the university should have been avoided. Is the university's VC more pliant to these transgressions, now that his tenure at the job has been extended by the present government? If these institutions are to become the centre for political activity – and it is reported that the varsity racked up quite a bill to arrange for the ceremony – then who is to stop other political parties to do the same? Through what rules would the university not allow, say, the MQM, the richest political party in the country, to approach the university for holding massive political rallies?

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

Sunday, 25 March, 2012

As you sow…

Dr frankenstein and its monsters

By Humayun Gauhar

S

orry if I sound disjointed but it’s because my back is disjointed. My back is disjointed because of a landing that was disjointed. Because my back is disjointed my thoughts are disjointed. I cannot think straight. I know: some ‘admirers’ will say, “You could never think straight anyway, so what’s there to moan about?”

Returning to Islamabad on a Thai Airways flight from Kuala Lumpur via Bangkok we had such a memorable landing that it did my back in.

I’m proud that my wife screamed the loudest. The plane bounced and veered like an India rubber ball. Probably because Thai Princess Maha was on the flight the pilot overdid it trying to impress her.

The weather was bad, sure, but not so bad as to call for that landing. Thank God for PIA. In the last month I have been to London and back on PIA and KL and back on Thai. It cannot compare to PIA’s smoothness and cuisine. PIA truly is ‘Smooth as Silk’, its food more than edible unlike the swill served on Thai. But when I tell people about the awful landing, they immediately ask, “PIA?” They show not just surprise but disappointment too when I say no, not PIA. We are fond of bitching about anything and everything Pakistani because we suffer from an inferiority complex. I know what PIA’s problems are and why. But we never stop to think that when we elect such leadership we will also get such management. Our pilots are the best in the world to fly under such leadership, even flying some crates instead of planes. Yes, thank God for PIA. Superpowers create monsters that do them greater damage and cause them more grief than anyone else. They often bring superpowers crashing down or cut them down to size. Look at the late USSR and Great Britain become Little Britain, an empire on which the sun would never set. The monsters of today’s sole superpower, and the first global one too, a hyper power no less, are Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, the banking crisis, the financial meltdown, the global economic disaster, climate change, WMD and, worst of all, growing doubts about the continuing efficacy of capitalism

and western electoral systems that go by the name of the creed called ‘democracy’. They seem not just outdated and redundant, having run their course, but also inefficient and destructive. It fits the saying, “As you sow, so shall you reap.”

I was wondering: shouldn’t today’s monsters be called ‘America’ just as Dr Frankenstein’s monster was called ‘Frankenstein’? Frankenstein’s monster caused him much grief. That a superpower’s monsters cause it great grief is of little comfort to those whose lives have been destroyed.

But herein lies the rub: while the damage done to others by a superpower’s monsters is great indeed, that damage is compounded when the superpower’s economy too is damaged because all national economies are dependent on the health of the superpower’s economy.

As to us the Muslims, especially those who claim to be custodians of Islam, the feet of some are either stuck in the cement of the present while others try and move backwards. Those who wish to move forward are few and not knowing where to, they have become adept at aping the West.

There is no Ijtehad or interpretation without violating the immutable fundamentals of Islam to make Muslim societies contemporary and dynamic, yet Islamic. It will take a long time, while Muslim’s own doctrinaire monsters will increase the superpower monsters’ damage. We forget that anything that does not violate the fundamental principles of Islam is fine – the emphasis is on ‘fundamental principles’, not on what some cleric masquerading as scholar divines.

In the process of humankind’s self-destruction, a lot more money and effort will be spent to destabilise important Muslim states. All sorts of weapons will be used – monetary, military, media and our Quislings in the ever-growing Langley Club. There could be more direct military action or indirect by either CIA’s contactors or the NATO gang or America’s Muslim surrogates – most likely a combination. The biggest losers would be the disunited Muslims whose Ka’aba and Qibla have shifted to Washington. Not that the prime global bully will get away: America with its surrogate states will suffer huge economic and political setbacks, the likes of which we haven’t seen for a long time. The world will change once again, but even more hugely than it did after the two Great Wars of the last century.

Power, I’m afraid, will shift once again from West to east, with China at the top of the pile if it can sustain the economic setback that it will invariably suffer due to the global decline, however temporary. It will have to be wary of its social and political stability going awry. That requires great wisdom and a great sense of history along with a great civilisation, all of which China has, but it will be a huge test nevertheless. The rest of the world, particularly what we call the ‘Muslim World’, seriously lacks wisdom and it is anybody’s guess how it will weather the tempest. In the short term,

the biggest gainer could be Russia, not least because Putin is back and it is not energy starved.

2012 and 2013 are going to be seminal years.

America, europe and Japan, already bankrupt and in decline, will get worse. The integrity of the european Union is already under strain. There are signs if talk in european bazaars is anything to go by, which it always is. The good thing is that it will lessen their interference in other countries: they will have neither the time nor the money.

There are always silver linings in the darkest of clouds: the ‘developing’ world will have to stop depending on handouts and become self-reliant. We may see the emergence of a new global currency, but what it will be based on is anybody’s guess.

Not gold, surely. Boy, that would get the greatest gold rush ever.

Of the countries called BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), India is showing signs of fundamental economic weaknesses because its ‘economic miracle’ is based more on services (IT sweatshops) than on an indigenous manufacturing base, like China has created. I’ve been saying this for years but was accused of bias.

Russia, like China, has to beware political setbacks, with Putin and Company still suffering an imperialist hangover.

However, it is the Muslim countries that will suffer the most, some even destroyed, while some of them may change shape. Israel, with all its weapons of mass destruction fuelled by the arrogance of power caused by making the hyper power its mistress could simply get trampled over by the enormity of event, but not before burning much of the Middle east. Didn’t the USSR with much more WMD, but after causing great destruction in our neck of the woods? Israel is the real nuclear flashpoint, not India and Pakistan, Iran or North Korea.

Add a desperate America as a nuclear flashpoint too (remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki?) and you have quite an uncertain world. If they do go mad and attack Iran, which I think is unlikely but cannot be ruled out since self-immolation has become a fashion, it’s over. Lights out. Things will then move very fast but very painfully, and in the dark.

America has wasted so much money in fighting wars against its old monsters – Saddam, the Mujahedeen-turned-Taliban, and fabrication of facts – that it has brought its own and the world’s economy to the brink. It has become so heavily indebted that it leaves most Third World countries in the shade. Its government debt alone is more than the size of its economy; its national debt at least three times as much. Don’t forget Credit Default Swaps on top. America has progressed from Dr Frankenstein to Dr Faustus, but with a difference: it has lost its soul to itself, not to anyone else like we have.

The writer is a political analyst.

He can be contacted at humayun.gauhar786@gmail.com

The humiliated coalition

third eye

By M J Akbar

W

hen a joint family begins to creak at the joints, the neighbourhood wakes up. Gossip time. Domestic quarrels seep through porous walls and become the stuff of public speculation in the teashop. Question of the day: How long will brothers survive under the same roof? Don’t get fooled by looks. The spectator is polite before the patriarch as he pretends to convey, in muted tones, that all is well. Behind his back the mockery is brutal. A political patriarch can survive the people’s anger, however virulent it might become. But no one in power can survive ridicule. Watch out for the knife, but beware the cartoon.

The mortal danger before the second UPA government is not collapse, but acid erosion by caricature.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a national hero three summers ago, is being taunted in SMS space as winner of this year’s Oscar for best acting PM. every image is a reflection of his reputation. A buffoon who suddenly sounds normal wins surprised admiration. Conversely, a hero who slips is judged by the peaks he once conquered. The voter who elected Dr Singh in 2009 because he had scaled Kanchenjunga expected him to reach everest by 2012. Instead he has been told that plans have been altered, and let’s all settle down to enjoy

the swamp because the telecommunications chap ran off with the money and is on holiday in Tihar Jail.

The voter is puzzled by more than one inconsistency. He has delivered, more often than not, a decisive mandate, fooling pundits and surprising politicians. He wants, in exchange, a strong government. Instead, victors behave as if they have been weakened by victory instead of being strengthened by it. This vacillating disease extends beyond the Congress. In Karnataka, the BJP has insulted a historic mandate with a pathetic display of petty-minded, vicious squabbling. In Andhra, the Congress destroyed its opposition, and then destroyed itself: P Chidambaram flipped and then flopped over Telangana; Rajasekhara Reddy died in a tragic crash; and the party imposed an ageing successor who could not retire too soon, followed by a younger man who has just given himself a 400 percent pay hike. Governance died with Rajasekhara Reddy.

Congress has fumbled so ineptly that voters are laughing through their tears. What did Akhilesh Yadav do with his magnificent endorsement? Little could be more symbolic of compromise than putting a jailbird in charge of jails. It is possible that Akhilesh has a sense of humour, but if this is a joke, it is brittle. The voter wants the Akhilesh who refused to give strongman D P Yadav a ticket, rather than the one who smiled while felons took the oath of office.

To be fair, Akhilesh has time. He will be judged by his second Cabinet rather than his first. He has to make adjustments for his inheritance. But he does not have too much time, for Indian democracy has entered its most volatile phase. Weak governance is being punished all over the country. The difference between weak and strong government is uncomplicated. One instance will serve. When DMK blackmailed the Prime Minister over India’s position on the American resolution in the United Nations on atrocities against civilians during the closing stages of the war against LTTe,

Dr Singh had a clear choice between reason and capitulation. He could have sympathised with the DMK’s concerns, and offered to discuss options with his partners in government, but asserted unambiguously that India’s foreign policy could not be held hostage to coalition compulsions. Instead, he became “inclined” towards the DMK’s view.

In a ruminative afterthought later, Dr Singh suggested that his allies in UPA are a headache. But Dr Singh’s ills are not the work of allies; he has been humiliated by his own party, Congress. During the UP election campaign Cabinet ministers bragged that Dr Singh was a dispensable occupant of Rahul Gandhi’s throne. The Prime Minister said nothing. Mrs Sonia Gandhi did nothing. How long would they have survived if they had demanded that Dr Singh should replace Mrs Gandhi as Congress president? If a serpent with a forked tongue stars in the first Bible story, then parricide is the theme of the second. Cain killed his brother Abel: Not a persuasive argument for joint families.

Conflict is a bigger temptation than cooperation.

A coalition does not disappear after a sudden explosion, but weakens through a series of flare-ups searching for conflagration. Political parties, whether Congress in Delhi or BJP in Karnataka, persuade themselves that time and largesse of office will stave off disaster. Delusion is the last refuge of the addict. If those in power do not go to the people once they have lost their moral authority, the people will come for them. No need to check which is more fatal. A foreign friend asked, over lunch the other day, about the Indian government. I assured him that there was an India, but I could not be equally certain that there was an Indian government.

The columnist is editor of The Sunday Guardian, published from Delhi, India on Sunday, published from London and Editorial Director, India Today and Headlines Today.

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Sunday, 25 March, 2012

Hope for justice

Seeds of hope How far we have come

Mirani dam affectees still waiting

comradely musings

By Hashim bin Rashid

W

hen people ask, “why are the Baloch agitated?” one must point them towards the 13,000 affectees of the Mirani dam flood in 2007 that are still to be paid the Rs four billion compensation determined by the Balochistan government.

Last Thursday, a group of 16 affectees of the flood arrived from Turbat and set up a camp opposite the Wapda House at Charing Cross on now protest-prohibited Mall Road in Lahore. No one took notice. Not even the police. A photographer would come, a stray reporter, a cameraman would ponder there sometimes. But sparing a few newspaper publications, mainstream media was uninterested in hearing the real story of suffering in Balochistan. When the affectees had scheduled a press conference at the Lahore Press Club, they were asked to begin the press briefing without electricity, with reporters waiting for tea, and photographers sitting outside… uninterested.

“A Wapda conspiracy,” the affectees termed it. Unhindered they moved to the camp. At the camp, the first day was slow. One TV channel and a couple of clueless photographers came. The routine remained more or less the same and an anchor told them, “There are 15,000 affectees and you could only bring 15.

How do we make the case to cover this?” His addressee retorted, “It is a three-day journey from Turbat to Lahore. Flood affectees cannot leave their daily wage on the chance that the Pakistan government will give them what is their right.”

Thursday, Friday and Saturday were all working days, but there was no sense of recognition from Wapda.

No one had come to meet them and the only ‘journalists’ that came on Sunday asked for a bribe to run the photo of the affectees on their news

agency. One of the affectees cheekily gave them a small amount and told them to make off with this bheek (charity). Finally, on Sunday, Wapda, in its genius (rather ignorance), sent a Sindhi director to meet the ‘indigenous’ protestors and invite them to a meeting. When he announced he was sent because he is a ‘local,’ the retort was: ‘You are Sindhi, we are Baloch!’

The meeting was moved to the room of the Wapda Member (Water), a member of the Mirani dam compensation committee, a high-level 5-member committee created in September 2011 to resolve the dispute over the compensation amount which had yet to meet six months after its creation.

The background: when the Mirani dam project was announced in 2001, locals had resisted and suggested that an 80-foot high dam as per the British design would save upstream lands and prevent them from the threat of a flood from backflows created by the 127-foot high Nespak design. Wapda did not listen.

In 2005, locals sought compensation and re-settlement for houses, date trees, fertile lands and irrigation infrastructure (karez) upto 262 feet above sea level while Wapda continued to argue that there was no need to compensate above 244 feet above sea level. People continued to agitate and the earlier Wapda Member (Water) called on the Balochistan government to control the ‘law and order’ situation (not redress local grievances). In June 2007, a year after the Mirani dam had been opened to much fanfare by ex-dictator General Pervez Musharraf, a cyclone hit the Makran shores and backflows from the Mirani dam flooded regions up to 271.4 feet above sea level, at least 27.4 feet above Wapda’s maximum flooding estimates.

Wapda circulated the myth that the Mirani dam was a success and had withstood a ‘historic flood.’ On the ground, people maintained that the flood of 1998 was at least 5-6 feet higher and drained into the Dasht river delta without much damage.

They argued that the creation of the Mirani dam had completely altered the hydrology of the region and it was a one-of-a-kind flood created because of the dam itself.

After a 3-year struggle, in 2010, the Mekran Commissioner finally

Comment 13

sent a survey report detailing compensation. From the affectees between 244 feet to 264 feet above sea level, it recommended Rs 3.3 billion in compensation. From the affectees between 264 feet and 271.4 fwwt, it recommended Rs 0.7 billion in compensation. A dispute over the amount had been raised by Wapda and two years on, the committee created to finalise the compensation had yet to meet.

It was with this history in mind that they entered the Wapda House. It was a moment of creating temporary peace with one’s tormentors. Peace which broke when a Wapda official asked the Mirani dam affectees to pray for the approval of the grant in a Planning Commission meeting on 22 March to build the Hingol dam in Lasbela. “We will not let you build the dam,” the affectees’ retorted. The meeting resolved that Wapda will ensure that the 5-member committee meets on April 2 but warned that a sub-committee might be created to reevaluate the suggested compensation.

It was only after the meeting that the Terms of Reference sent by Wapda were read (which contest the compensation amount) and the agitated affectees’ decided to sent a delegation to the Planning Commission in Islamabad to demand affectee representation in the April 2 meeting.

The promise of an end to the torment of the Mirani dam victims is yet to have been secured and it is unlikely that April 2 will provide it. Justice, requiring that all those responsible for the flood be taken to task, is a demand that has been given up by the affectees for fear of further delays in receiving compensation.

The same fear does not afflict this writer. The ignorance that produced this man-made flood and the 5-year delay in delivering compensation requires that those responsible be punished. These include the project commissioner, Wapda, project designer, Nespak; and project executer, Descon and the government of Balochistan and government of Pakistan.

Till then the Mirani dam flood affectees’ hope for justice will remain unanswered.

The writer is a member of the Workers Party Pakistan and researches at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. He blogs at voiceamidstsilence.blogspot.com

By Saad Rasool

S

omewhere along the line, in our checkered history of countless trials and tribulations, we have become a nation that thrives on bad news. And let’s be clear – there is plenty of bad news to go around in this country: corrupt governance, impotent opposition, fiscal mismanagement, financial scams, disregard of the law, shortage of electricity and gas, rising unemployment, growing poverty, religious intolerance and multi-headed menace of terrorism. And every day, our print and electronic media scripts these facets into a desolate story of broken nationhood.

While these problems are real and must be highlighted, this rhetoric tends to drownout the voices of positive change whistling in the backdrop. Positivity speaks in signs and whispers – often unnoticeable in the hue and cry of its counterpart. It doesn’t announce itself with an ambulance siren or the voices of children crying. It doesn’t manifest itself in our living rooms as the absence of electricity, nor can it be seen on the streets as a long queue around the petrol pump. But this week, with the 72nd anniversary of the Lahore Resolution, let’s pause for a moment to notice the seeds of hope sown in our society.

One: Perhaps for the first time in over four decades, the elusive ‘youth’ of our country has been jolted from its slumber of political apathy to once again partake in the debate of shaping our national destiny.

The memory of 1960s and 70s – when students flocked to dusty fields across this land, in support of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Mujib-ur-Rehaman – had been lost during the silent

decades of 80s, 90s and 2000s.

Politics had been relegated to being the sole domain of a handful of jagirdaars and generals. And this was manifested in low turnout rates at the polls; sometimes dropping to below 30 percent participation.

All that, however, seems to be slowly changing. Seen most clearly in Imran Khan’s campaign trail, it is not simply Khan’s charisma that has brought our youngsters out on the streets once again, but instead a larger desire to be involved in the political process, which was palpably missing over the past some decades.

And for now, Imran Khan happens to be the only political force without a track record of disappointments.

Two: Political awareness has started to trickle down to the masses, most of whom (if not all) today hold an opinion on the politicians and political parties. Politicians are no longer faceless individuals, known only within their respective constituency. Thanks to the electronic-media revolution, every comment of Sheikh Raheed, every gaffe of Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan and every misstatement of Rana Sanaullah is judged by the rikshaw-drivers and shop-owners all across Pakistan. And irrespective of cash handouts or laptops being distributed by government officials, this political awareness will play a role at the time of casting of the ballots.

Three: All this could not have been possible without the electronic-media revolution.

Justice Brandeis of the US Supreme Court once famously said, “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.” Meaning: shedding light onto something, bringing it out from its darkness into the open where it can be seen and debated, is often sufficient to quarantine the society of its evils. And Pakistani media has performed this function rigorously (sometimes to a fault!).

Four: Our national discourse is slowly shifting to the idea of constitutionalism and fundamental rights. Triggered by the lawyers’ movement in 2007, today (for the first time

in a long time) the words ‘legal’ and ‘constitutional’ have become part of our everyday diction. Whether our judiciary is independent or not, whether it is fulfilling the promise of its restoration or not, are still contentious and unanswered questions. What is not contentious, however, is that the courts have become relevant in our national discourse. And human rights, which had been all but forgotten during the 1980s and 1990s, are making a comeback.

Five: The abovementioned factors combined (awareness, free media and activist courts) have helped break, in part, the myth of bureaucratic power.

Gone are the days when a police constable could manhandle a citizen in city-centre, or some secretariat officer could dole out money and favors, without fear of consequences.

Not that these activities have stopped altogether, but a perpetual sword of media and judiciary hangs over the bureaucratic head now. One misstep, caught on some mobile video that makes it to the 9’o clock news and results in suo motu action, could end bureaucratic careers. Sadly, our khakis are still immune to such reach – as seen in the Rangers’ killing of an innocent boy in Karachi, with no convictions.

But positive change, they say, comes in excruciatingly small increments.

These evolutions in our society are irreversible. Because once you have come out of the cave, crossed the field and seen fire, there is no way to go back into the cave again. And while constructive criticism must continue as a process of national catharsis, let us not forget that despite all odds, what began 72-years ago – as an alliance of farmers and workers, of statesmen and students, of mothers and wives, of men and boys – lives still today as Pakistan.

The writer is a lawyer based in Lahore. He has a Masters in Constitutional Law from Harvard Law School. He can be reached at: saad@post.harvard.edu

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14

Sunday, 25 March, 2012

Madonna's 'MDNA'

sends pop

IN LIMELIGHT coLoMBo: A Sri Lankan model displays a creation by local designer Ram Brothers during a fashion event. AfP

LoS ANGELES: Actors Amandla Stenberg (L) and Alexander Ludwig of Lionsgate's ‘the hunger Games’ pose at an event. AFP

lesson to young guard PARIS

J

Afp

OSTLING for space with younger rivals like Lady Gaga, M a d o n n a brings a grown woman's voice to her new album ‘MDNA’, out on Monday, on which the 53-year-old Queen of Pop evokes the pain of her divorce. Since her last album, the danceflavoured ‘Hard Candy’ in 2008, new faces have crowded into the space long ruled by the Material Girl: Rihanna for sexiness, Lana Del Rey for edgy glamour, and the ever-theatrical Lady Gaga.

So when Madonna announced she was working on a new album, the music world raised a sceptical eyebrow: put frankly, can a woman in her 50s still set the pace in a youth-driven pop world? The first track from the album, ‘Give Me

All Your Luvin’, which Madonna performed at the Superbowl last month, failed to win over the music press. But critics have since given a thumbs up to Madonna's 12th studio album, which leaked on the Internet this week ahead of its release. “Madonna is still very much the Queen of Pop,” wrote the US magazine Billboard. “Nearly 30 years after first hitting the Billboard charts with her debut single 'everybody',

Madonna is still showing the world how it's done.”

Madonna teamed up with a host of carefully chosen collaborators for ‘MDNA’, most notably M.I.A, the British hip-hop star who set tongues wagging at the Superbowl with a brief flip of the middle finger to the cameras. The album -whose title is a play on the nightclub drug MDMA -- is peppered with hedonistic dance tracks, but they share space with highly personal pieces in which Madonna alludes to her 2008 divorce from British director Guy Ritchie. Several tracks -- both gentle ballads and harder hiphop-flavoured pieces -- are odes to her failed marriage.

Hot on the heels of a record-setting Super Bowl halftime show last month, Madonna is set to hopscotch around the globe in support of her new album, in most ambitious world tour ever on May 29.

lindsay uncooperative,

stalls hit-and-run case WASHINGTON AGeNcieS

Los Angeles police are finding it difficult to build a case against Lindsay Lohan over allegations she was involved in a hit-andrun mishap last week, as both the actress and her accuser have refused to cooperate. Lohan allegedly struck him while she was driving her Porsche during early hours of 14 March coming back from The Sayers club. Cops will refer the matter to prosecutors if the alleged victim is un-

cooperative. According to sources, an investigator from an insurance com-

Show respect,

regard to artists: Big B

pany contacted Lindsay’s lawyer and said they were investigating the alleged victim for insurance fraud - allegedly staging car accidents and filing phony claims, a website has reported. Kamal has hired famed lawyer Mark Geragos, who has already made a settlement demand to the ‘Mean Girls’ star. Geragos has said about the allegations that his client was not involved in insurance fraud. The actress will be in court next week for her final probation progress hearing.

MUMBAi: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says it upsets him when he sees people disrespect talent, especially at cultural performances. "I see many a moment when the professionals play at gatherings. they come to exhibit their artistry, not to be a replacement for piped music at a lavish wedding or a party. It is most disrespectful when I see that happening. I cringe," Amitabh wrote on his blog. "I almost feel like reprimanding the guests, but do not. I would rather wish that the artists wind up their instruments and leave. years and years of hard work for this? No that does not impress me," he added. the 69-year-old has urged the public to show "respect and regard" towards artists. "Allow them to sink into their gift and give an opportunity to be a part of that emotion. It has been the most sight for me when I observe the look on the face of these artists, who despite the disinterest shown by the invitees continue to perform, almost in compulsion," he said. "they look for appreciation, search for that one individual that shall show admiration of their craft... but alas... it never comes... circumstances lead them to continue... others with greater self respect and dignity, stop, announce their intent and either get the interest or leave. I would applaud such an occurrence," he said. AGeNcieS

LoS ANGELES: Abbie cornish, Milla Jovovich and Elizabeth Banks attend the Restoration hardware Spring 2012 Launch. AFP

Kareena deserves Shahid not Saif, says Rakhi Sawant NeW DeLHi: Rakhi Sawant has reportedly offered marriage tips to top Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor. the controversy queen apparently said Kareena deserves a better husband, which would be her ex beau Shahid Kapoor and not Saif Ali Khan. “I love Kareena and I am really happy that Kareena will get readymade kids. No, Kareena! you deserve a better husband! you deserve Shahid Khan . . . . .ohoh Kapoor,” Sawant said. “Khan, Kapoor, they’re the same na… I am saying it from the very first day that Shahid Kapoor is the best! he is a bachelor and she (Kareena) is a spinster! you know, I like Saif, but his kids are so old!” she added. AGeNcieS

MUMBAi: hrirhik Roshan has not signed any film with his ‘Krrish’ co-star Priyanka chopra. Sources close to the actor say hrithik is currently focusing on his home productions and rumours about signing a film with Priyanka is baseless. hrithik has always said that he likes to do one film at a time. he wants to give every project the best he can before moving to another. A source said: “only once ‘Krrish 3’ is over will the actor hear other scripts and then decide.” Post the success of ‘ZNMD’ and the super success of ‘Agneepath’, hrithik Roshan is on a high.

Besides being an actor of repute, the superstar is also among the few bankable actors in the industry. his popularity has been growing with each film. According to a recent survey he is now in number two in the top 10 popular actors. AGeNcieS

ISB 25-03-2012_Layout 1 3/25/2012 3:20 AM Page 15

15 Celebrity magazine

launches Pakistan version ISLAMABAD Afp

The celebrity and lifestyle magazine Hello! is to launch its Pakistan edition next month with publishers promising to be "socially responsible" in a country troubled by Taliban insurgency.

Hello! Pakistan will cover all areas of lifestyle, and entertainment from cuisine, culture and the arts to fashion, chief executive officer and publisher Zahraa Saifullah told a news conference. "The publisher and editors imagine their magazine to be a socially responsible and culturally aware family read," she said. The magazine, published in more than 100 countries, is to be edited by Mehvash Amin, a graduate from Pakistan's Punjab University.

"Hello! Pakistan focuses on

combining the best of what the country has to offer along with exclusive international content," she said in a statement. Consulting editor Wajahat Khan said: "The idea is not to celebrate the celebrity but to discover more" in Pakistan. He dismissed the impression that the magazine could have a problem with religious or radical groups, particularly in the country's deeply conservative northwest. "We don't want to encroach upon the rights of anybody. We have to remain within the parameters of Pakistan," he said and added that freedom of expression is allowed under the country's constitution. Islamist militants have killed more than 4,900 people across Pakistan since government troops raided an extremist mosque in Islamabad in July 2007.

Angelina laughs off jokes about camera-friendly leg LOS ANGELES AGeNcieS

While it only took a few days to uncover the mystery behind Gwyneth Paltrow's bizarre Oscar cape, nearly a month passed before someone had the guts to ask Angelina Jolie what in the what was going on with her camera-happy right leg at the 2012 Academy Awards. As expected, Angie laughed off the jokes made about her attention-seeking limb. "I heard something (about the right leg jokes), but I didn't pay any attention. It's as simple as a being a woman picking a dress you like and having a night, and not really thinking about anything else," Jolie told The Huffington Post.

As for the internet memes spawned by the pose (hilariously deemed Jolie-ing), Angie says she has no time to pay attention to that nonsense. "The

people I surround myself with don't really talk about that kind of stuff," she laughs. "I honestly didn't pay attention to it. You know what I mean? I don't watch those TV shows and if I go online and see something about myself, I don't click on it."

Drew Barrymore plans to

Hrithik: marry in summer No film with Priyanka Chopra

LoS ANGeLeS: Drew Barrymore reportedly wants to get married to beau will Kopelman in summer before she gives birth to their baby. the 37-year-old actress - is expecting her first child with fiancé Kopelman and the couple announced their engagement in January 2012. "She wants to marry will fast. Not just because she's pregnant but because she loves him and wants to be married before the baby is born. Drew's checking out dresses that will fit her then," contactmusic quoted a source as telling Life 'n' Style magazine.

Barrymore has admitted that she is enjoying the "stability" of her relationship with will. "It's just the best! we go on group trips and spend holidays together there's a lot of love! And that is really nice and very different from the way I grew up, which was more unstable and inconsistent, with a lot of highs and lows," she said. "It's funny, when I was younger - I used to say I'd hate a flat line that I want the ups and downs, the roller coaster. But I'm actually really enjoying the flat line," she added. AGeNcieS

Adele beats Gaga

to win big at ECHO awards BERLIN

K

ReUteRS

ATY Perry, Sean Paul and Lana Del Ray dominated the stage of Germany's annual eCHO Music Awards in Berlin, where Adele picked up two awards to add to her string of BRIT and Grammy wins.

The British star scooped Album of the Year for ‘21’, as well as Best Female International Artist, fending off competition from Lady Gaga and the late soul singer Amy Winehouse. British band Coldplay won Best International Group, while French star David Guetta picked up Best Club Performer. Bruno Mars beat veteran crooner Chris de Burgh and James Morrison to win Best International Male Artist.

Clad in a silver catsuit, Katy

Perry paraded on stage with her hair died blue and scraped into a ponytail to perform her new single ‘Part of Me’. Lana Del Ray sang ‘Video Games’, but went home empty-handed after Dutch jazz artist Caro emerald won Best International Newcomer, and Gotye ft.

Kimbra claimed Hit of the Year for their song ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’.

Fans criticise Rihanna

for racist pictures LOS ANGELES AGeNcieS

2012 has not gotten off to a great start for Rihanna. She's taken a lot of flack for reuniting with Chris Brown; her music has been slammed in the press and most recently by KISS front-man, Gene Simmons. The latest happened overnight as she released a series of behindthe-scenes pictures from the set of Coldplay's ‘Princess of China’ music video -- a song she's featured on. “Gangsta Goth Geisha,” she Tweeted along with a few pics of her rocking this Asian-aesthetic -- pictures that have fans resurrecting racist accusations. In the light of her Chris Brown collaboration and her inexplicable turn towards the aggressive on Twitter (she basically cyberbullied a teenage girl), Rihanna is no longer getting the benefit of the

doubt from her fans. The comment sections on blogs implied that Rihanna doesn't deserve a free pass anymore because she's no longer in their good graces.

And when your fan base -- the people buying your music, staning for you online and coming out to your concerts -- no longer jump to your defense, you have to wonder if they're going to jump ship when it comes time for her to launch a new album.

This is a very fixable problem, but it seems like Rihanna simply does not care.

MUMBAi: Katrina Kaif's got the blues and it has nothing to with the men in her life. It's the freezing temperature in London that's giving her the chills. Says a source close to the actress, "Last week, the temperature dropped drastically in London. Kat has been shooting with Shah Rukh Khan in the city for yash chopra's film.

She sports a skimpy, sexy look for the film: shorts, skirts and tube tops and the inclement weather put her in a spot.

Fearing for her health, the producers wanted to postpone the shoot for a few days and shoot with SRK instead. She would have none of it. At her insistence, her scenes were shot despite the outfits. She sipped hot ginger tea after every shot." Maybe she should have just called arm candies Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor for some natural warmth? AGeNcieS

‘Hunger Games’ heroine Katniss gets Barbie doll LOS ANGELES ReUteRS

‘Hunger Games’ heroine Katniss everdeen is headed for a Barbie-style makeover. Toymaker Mattel said the feisty teen rebel at the center of ‘The Hunger Games’ young adult book series and movie has inspired a doll for the Barbie Collector line. The Katniss doll is aimed at adult collectors and will be available for sale later this year on BarbieCollector.com and other retail outlets. Katniss, who is 16 in the first book of ‘The Hunger Games’, is played by actress Jennifer Lawrence in the movie, which opened on Friday and is expected to be one of the biggest international box-office hits of 2012. Katniss will join British royals Prince William and his wife Kate in the Barbie Collector line, along with ‘Twilight Saga’ movie characters edward Cullen and Bella Swan.

NN House of exquisite Gifts launches new outlet LAHORE pR

NN House of exquisite Gifts - the first gift packaging company in Pakistan, has achieved another milestone as it announces the opening of its new outlet on March 24 at Guzel, Peshawar. From a private enterprise, NN grew into a retail store with a thriving business in Lahore. It plans to branch out in all the major cities of Pakistan. NN House of exquisite Gifts promotes cottage industry by providing employment opportunities to women and using recycled paper to remain environment friendly. With the company spreading out all over Pakistan, one can hope for the betterment of the underprivileged as well. The Peshawar outlet of NN will provide gift wrappings, birth announcements, engagement announcements, wedding favours and invites, customised gift boxes and baskets, exotic floral baskets and bouquets, cupcakes, cookies and finest Belgian chocolates.

Skimpy does it for Katrina Kaif

ISB 25-03-2012_Layout 1 3/25/2012 3:20 AM Page 16

16 Foreign News

Sunday, 25 March, 2012

Australian govt blow as Labor crushed in queensland SYDNEY Afp

Australia’s fragile ruling Labor coalition government suffered an embarrassing blow on Saturday when the party was crushed by the Liberal Nationals in Queensland elections.

Labor had ruled in the state for 14 years but Premier Anna Bligh was dealt a devastating defeat at the hands of Campbell Newman, a former lord mayor of the Queensland capital Brisbane.

There was a massive swing against the party with the Liberals taking 75 seats to Labor’s six by late Saturday evening.

State broadcaster ABC projected the Liberals would win 77 of the 89 seats in parliament to just eight for Labor when all votes were counted with minor parties claiming the rest. Forty-five were needed for victory. The defeat has compounded the problems for Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Labor which is lagging in national opinion polls and still reeling from a damaging leadership ballot which split the party.

Karzai calls for more education of girls KABUL Afp

Afghan President Hamid Karzai called Saturday on tribal and religious leaders to encourage the education of girls, a right which was denied to them under Taliban rule. Afghanistan’s leader, speaking at a ceremony marking the start of the country’s school year, also urged insurgent groups not to attack teachers and school children, saying that the country could only develop through the spread of education. “Most importantly, I call on the religious scholars and tribal elders who are present today in the ceremony to encourage the education of girls, Karzai said. “To encourage children towards education particularly the education of girls is vital and important.”

Nasheed seeks plebiscite to end Maldivian crisis COLOMBO Afp

Former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed called on Saturday for a referendum to test the legitimacy of the new government which he accused of coming to power in a military coup.

Nasheed, who met Sri Lankan leaders and Colombo-based diplomats in a bid to drum up support for his prodemocracy campaign, said he was ready to face a plebiscite on the legitimacy of his successor. “The referendum question can be framed to determine the legitimacy of the (new) government,” Nasheed told reporters at the end of his overnight visit to Sri Lanka, his first travel abroad after he was replaced on February 7. Nasheed has insisted that he was forced to step down after some 300 soldiers, backed by Salafist Islamic radicals and local businessmen, staged a mutiny that capped three weeks of anti-government protests.

SEouL: South Korean conservative activists burn a banner with an image of North Korea's Kim Jong-un during an anti-North Korea rally on Saturday denouncing North Korea's announcement this week of a planned satellite launch. AFP

Maoists kidnap Indian MP amid Italian hostage talks BHUBANESWAR

M

Afp

AOISTS rebels kidnapped an Indian lawmaker in the eastern state of Orissa early Saturday, police said, a week after the left-wing militants abducted two Italian nationals.

A group of armed men snatched state legislature member Jhina Hikaka, 37, when he was being driven through a hilly area, 450 kilometres (280 miles) from state capital Bhubaneswar, police said.

“The (rebels) stopped Hikaka’s car and took him away.

The rebels left the lawmaker’s car on the spot, stuffing it with their propaganda posters,” police officer Suryamani Pradhan told AFP. Pradhan said the leaflets left in Hikaka’s car listed the same 13 demands set for the release of Italians Paolo Bosusco and Claudio

Colangelo, who were taken hostage last week.

The demands include a ban on tourists visiting tribal areas, an end to the government’s anti-rebel operations and release of jailed Maoist leaders.

Two rebel-appointed negotiators held talks with Orissa government officials until late on Friday on releasing the Italians, and the talks were slated to continue on Saturday, but there was no official word on their progress.

Orissa is one of a string of states where Maoist rebels have been waging a decades-long armed battle to overthrow the government.

The kidnapped politician is a backbench member of Orissa’s ruling right-wing Biju Janata Dal government.

It was not immediately clear if his abduction was by the same branch of the rebels who seized the Italians in another part of the state.

The abduction of the Italians,

who were on an adventure holiday, is believed to be the first kidnapping ever of foreigners by the guerrillas.

In 2010, the insurgents -- who have a presence in over 20 of India’s 29 states -- were blamed for derailing an Indian train, killing at least 80 people.

The insurgency, which began in 1967, feeds off land disputes, police brutality and corruption, and is strongest in the poorest and most deprived areas of India, many of which are rich in natural resources.

The rebels say they are fighting for the rights of neglected tribal people and landless farmers and their ultimate goal is to capture India’s cities and overthrow parliament.

Hostage-taking is a familiar technique of the Maoists, who are based in the forests of central and eastern India, but victims in the past have been mostly policemen or government officials -- some of whom have been executed.

egypt parliament elects panel for new constitution CAIRO Afp

egypt’s Islamist-dominated parliament and senate began meeting on Saturday to elect a panel to draft a new constitution amid calls by liberal groups for protests against Islamist influence over the charter.

The constitution drafted by the 100-member assembly -- half of it legislators and the rest public figures and trade unions -- will replace the one annulled by the ruling military after an uprising ousted president Hosni Mubarak

last year. However, several of the groups that spearheaded the revolt against Mubarak now fear that the Islamists, who swept to victory in parliamentary and senate elections after Mubarak’s downfall, want to exert control over the process.

They have called for marches to the Cairo convention centre where the legislators are gathered.

According to a schedule established by the military, the panel is meant to finish its work before presidential elections, which now seems unlikely ahead of the vote due to be held in May.

Some presidential candidates fear that could leave the new president without constitutionally defined powers, while the dominant Islamist Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) angles to give more powers to a prime minister in the new charter. The Muslim Brotherhood’s party has been pressuring the military to sack the cabinet and appoint a FJP-led government.

At Saturday’s joint session, which began at noon local time (1000 GMT), the lawmakers were each to list 100 members they want appointed to the panel and

then cast their ballots in 14 boxes, parliamentary speaker Saad alKatatni said.

Thirteen of the lawmakers on the panel are senators, and the rest parliamentarians, while the 50 others are split between public figures and representatives of labour syndicates, in which Islamists are heavily involved.

Liberals fear that the Islamists will try to beef up references to Islam in the new constitution. The old charter said that the principles of Islamic law were the source of legislation, a

vague formulation that hardliners in the ultra-conservative Salafi Nur party want clarified in the new constitution.

But the FJP, the political arm of the powerful Muslim Brotherhood, has sought to allay fears that it wants a stricter adherence to Islamic law in the new constitution. In a comment on his Twitter account, Mohamed elBaradei, the former UN nuclear watchdog chief turned egyptian dissident, questioned parliament’s right to form the panel.

“A parliament whose legiti-

macy is in doubt will elect a panel, half of it from parliament, that is not partial to forming a constitution for egypt rather than for the (parliamentary) majority,” he wrote. The independent AlShorouk daily reported that the Cairo administrative court was considering a petition by a legal expert and 17 activists and media personalities against the election of the panel by parliament. The petitioners argue that drafting the constitution, which defines the powers of parliament, should not be left to the legislature.

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Sunday, 25 March, 2012

Foreign News 17

Syria protest hubs hit as envoy arrives in Russia DAMASCUS

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YRIA’S army resumed heavy shelling of the protest hubs of Homs and Hama on Saturday, monitors reported, as international envoy Kofi Annan arrived in Russia in the latest push for peace.

Mortar rounds rained down on the flashpoint central city of Homs and nearby town of Qusayr from early morning, killing at least seven people, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

At least 14 people were reported killed in trouble nationwide on Saturday. Among them were four members of the security forces. In the central province of Hama, the town of Qalaat alMadiq, which the military has been trying to take for two weeks, also came under mortar bombardment and heavy machinegun fire, said the Britain-based monitoring group. Activists reported fierce overnight clashes between troops and mutinous soldiers in and around the capital, after a day of protests under the rallying cry “Damascus, here we come.”

YouTube videos showed a huge night-time demonstration in Kfar Sousa district and others in several parts of Syria’s second city

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Mortar rounds rain down in homs, kill at least seven

SeRMiN: Syrian women and their children flee the violence in the northwestern city of Sermin on Saturday shortly before government security forces continued bombing the city. AFP of Aleppo in the north. The clashes in Damascus province were “very violent” with explosions heard across the region, including districts of the city itself, Mohammed

Deadly protest after Egypt football ban CAIRO

al-Shami, an opposition activist in the capital, told AFP. Security forces shot dead two civilians in the northwestern region of Idlib and another was killed in southern

Daraa province, said the Observatory. It was in Daraa that the revolt against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad first broke out in mid-March last year.

Since then, at least 9,100 people have been killed, according to estimates by monitors.

The regime blames the violence on “armed terrorist groups.”

The latest bloodshed came as UN-Arab League envoy Annan arrived in Moscow to gauge how far Russia is willing to push its key Arab ally after it finally joined a UN call on regime forces to pull back from protest cities. Annan will meet President Dmitry Medvedev and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Sunday.

He will also visit China, the other UN Security Council member resisting global efforts to condemn Assad, on Tuesday and Wednesday, the foreign ministry in Beijing said. He had been expected to head there on Sunday.

The special envoy is carrying with him Assad’s answer to a peace plan under which Syria could begin a “political transition” to a representative government, with no specifically defined role for the Syrian leader. Moscow backed Wednesday’s non-binding Security Council statement in support of the initiative only after making sure it contained no implicit threat of further action should Assad fail to comply.

Washington’s UN ambassador Susan Rice admitted the UN call represented only “a modest step”

France defends operation to catch gunman PARIS

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A boy was shot dead when egyptian forces clashed with football fans protesting against a ban on their club over a stadium riot that killed dozens last month, officials said on Saturday.

Security officials said the boy was 13 years old, and that another 18 Al-Masry football club supporters were injured in the violence that broke out overnight in Port Said. The official Al-Ahram newspaper reported that the boy was shot in the back. By Saturday morning, the protesters had blocked routes into Port Said, witnesses said, creating traffic jams for several kilometres (miles) outside the Mediterranean city.

The protest erupted after the egyptian Football Association banned Al-Masry from playing for two years and cancelled matches at Port Said stadium for three years, the newspaper reported.

Three club officials are among 75 people facing trial over the stadium riot that killed more than 70 fans at the end of a match between Al-Masry and Cairo rivals Al-Ahly on February 2, in one of the sport’s deadliest incidents.

France’s interior minister has launched a robust defence of the police as criticism grows of the operation that ended in the dramatic death of a gunman who killed seven people, three of them children.

Already under pressure over accusations that intelligence failures allowed Mohamed Merah to carry out three deadly attacks before being tracked down, police also face questions over the raid that ended in his death on Thursday.

Merah murdered three Jewish children, a trainee rabbi and three soldiers in three separate gun attacks between March 11 and March 19 in and near the southwestern city of Toulouse, shocking France in the build-up to presidential

mother of french gunman ‘filled with remorse’ toulouSe: The mother of the French gunman who killed seven people including children in a spate of attacks that shocked France is filled with remorse and fears reprisals, her lawyer said Saturday.

Zoulhika Aziri was detained Wednesday and released on Friday night by investigators probing her 23-year-old son Mohamed Merah’s killing spree in southwestern France this month.

Merah himself was killed on Thursday trying to shoot his way out of an apartment following a 32-hour police siege in the city of Toulouse.

He murdered three Jewish children, a trainee rabbi and three soldiers in three separate gun attacks between March 11 and March 19 in and elections.

France’s most wanted man tried to shoot his way out of his apartment after a 32-hour police siege that ended in his death on Thursday.

Speculation is rife over the

near Toulouse, causing deep anguish in France in the build-up to a presidential election.

“Could she have prevented these things, this is what she is asking herself,” lawyer Jean-Yves Gougnaud said, describing Aziri as “wracked with guilt and remorse”.

“She’s angry. She is wondering why her son did this and blames herself somewhat,” Gougnaud told journalists outside the police station where Aziri was held.

Azira is also anxious for her own safety, he said.

“She is afraid of retaliation, that is why she is not going home for the moment.”

Merah’s brother Abdelkader, 29, who is still being detained, has told police he was proud of Mohamed’s actions. Afp

23-year-old’s motives and whether he had any accomplices. He had claimed to be an Al-Qaeda member who killed to avenge Palestinian children and punish France for sending troops to Afghanistan.

Interior Minister Claude Gueant told Saturday’s Le Figaro that Merah was a “terrorist acting alone.”

“It’s the first time that France has been confronted with this particular type of ac-

tion,” he said, dismissing as “irresponsible” criticism of the police and in particular the operation that ended in his death.

“The men who carried out this operation are very great professionals,” he added.

And in a swipe at the government’s political rivals, he said: “The left is always saying that we don’t do enough and, at the same time, refusing all the means that would increase the effectiveness of the police.”

Also Saturday, Merah’s older brother Abdelkader was transferred to Paris along with his girlfriend for questioning by anti-terrorist police, a source close to the investigation said.

Police and prosecutors have said that the 29-year-old is a radical Islamist and that traces of what could be an explosive material had been found in his car.

Afghan roadside bombing kills five: official

tear gas kills two Bahrainis: opp

KANDAHAR Afp

DUBAI Afp

A man and a woman died of asphyxiation caused by tear gas grenades fired by Bahrain’s security forces to disperse protests in Shiite villages, the country’s main opposition group said on Saturday.

Ahmed Abdul Nabi, 31, died after a tear gas grenade landed in his family’s house in the village of Shahrakan, said a statement by Al-Wefaq, citing family members.

The Shiite opposition group said he died due to the “poisoning and asphyxiating gases” used by security forces against Shiite youths, who stage frequent protests against the regime of the Sunni Muslim Al-Khalifa dynasty.

It provided a picture showing a broken window through which the canister is claimed to have entered the house.

Meanwhile, a woman named Abda Ali Abdul Hussein died on Friday after inhaling gases in the village of Jid Hafs, near the Bahraini capital Manama, Wefaq said, again citing family members.

The cause of the deaths could not immediately be confirmed.

towards ending the conflict.

But it came amid growing signs that Moscow was beginning to lose patience with Assad, despite his commitment to massive new Russian arms purchases and the granting of key naval access to the Mediterranean Sea. A top Kremlinlinked lawmaker said Assad should treat the UN statement as “an insistent recommendation” whose implementation would determine the future course of relations between the two countries. “Assad has to take the first step: he must pull the Syrian army out of large cities,” the lower house of parliament’s foreign affairs chief Mikhail Margelov said on Thursday.

“Russia’s future position on the conflict will depend on how successfully (the Syrian government) complies with the provisions spelled out in the Security Council statement,” Margelov said. On Friday, the european Union agreed an assets freeze and travel ban on “Assad’s wife, mother, sister and sister-in-law,” and eight other entourage members, diplomats said. Asma Assad, whose parents live in Britain where she grew up, cannot be barred entry to the country but is not expected “to try to travel to the United Kingdom at the moment,” British Foreign Secretary William Hague said.

PARIS: People take part in a flash mob event organised by the ‘Alliance VItA’ association as part of their tour of France in solidarity with elderly people and against euthanasia on Saturday in front of the Eiffel tower. AFP

At least five people including a former senator were killed on Saturday when a roadside bomb ripped through a pickup truck in the southern Afghan province of Uruzgan, an official said.

Four policemen were among the dead in the blast that struck the Dah Yak area of the province, provincial spokesman Sayed Hamdard told AFP. “A roadside bomb hit a pickup truck in Dah Yak, killing Haji Khairo (a former senator) and four policemen,” he said.

But Gulab Khan, the security chief of the province said the dead included the senator, a tribal elder and two bodyguards.

No one has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

Roadside bomb attacks make up a greater proportion of the violence in the 10-year long stubborn insurgency waged by Taliban militants after their ouster from power by a US-led invasion in 2011.

Afghan government forces are fighting a bloody war against a decade-long, Taliban-led insurgency with the help of around 130,000 international troops stationed in Afghanistan.

ISB 25-03-2012_Layout 1 3/25/2012 3:20 AM Page 18

Sunday, 25 March, 2012

Venus, Nadal, Azarenka advance at Miami Page 21

Pakistan no more unpredictable: Misbah LAHORE

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StAff RepoRt

AKISTAN captain Misbahul-Haq on Saturday said his team has shed the tag of an unpredictable team after winning the Asia Cup win in Bangladesh. Misbah said his team is now one of the most improved sides in world cricket. He argued that in the last one-and-a-half years Pakistan had the highest win percentage among all the Test playing nations. "We are an improving side and I think by winning the Asia Cup we have also shed this tag of being an unpredictable side," he said.

The winning captain congratulated the nation over winning the Asia Cup after 12 years and credited the entire team for the historic victory.

Misbah said that the achievement is a result of team effort where all the members played their role in the most effective manner.

He said that the team should not be criticized over loss, as it is part of game.

He said the nation should support the team in thick and thin.

PCB chief Zaka Ashraf, while talking to the reporters, told that Bangladesh team visit to Pakistan depends on the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) decision, as the board has not given any green signal yet. earlier on Friday, all-rounder

Shahid Afridi reached Karachi and was all praise for the team effort against the Tigers. He said that for T20 battles, the squad needed some changes which he would recommend very soon.

The team members were showered with rose petals on their arrival by a large number of fans. This is Pakistan team’s first victory under the coaching of Dav Whatmore.

Younis Khan, Azhar Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Muhammad Hafeez, Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi landed at Karachi airport around 9:00 pm while Hamad Azam and Umar Akmal landed in Islamabad at 12:00 am.

Misbah, himself a senior batsman who has now been leading Pakistan in all three formats of the game since Shahid Afridi was sacked as ODI captain last year in May, said he was satisfied with the performance of his team in the Asia Cup. "except for that one loss to India where their batsmen really played outstandingly we did well as a team and we performed as a unit which is very satisfying," he added.

Misbah who has been under fire for his captaincy and batting in recent months admitted that it was difficult to digest harsh criticism after every defeat.

"It is not easy to forget the criticism but we are learning to take it in our strides and show our worth by our performances," he said.

There have been calls for Misbah to be removed as captain of the ODI and T20 sides and to induct more new players for these formats of the sport.

But Misbah said he was enjoying leading the side in any format of the game and the Asia Cup victory was a big boost for him and his team.

"It was a hard fought final and I thought Bangladesh played well throughout the competition. They were deserving finalists," he said.

Misbah said that he was satisfied to see everyone in the team was pulling his weight at crucial times which had helped Pakistan cricket lift its stocks.

He pointed out that in the last oneand-a-half years Pakistan had been consistent in Test matches beating all the major sides including New Zealand, Sri Lanka and england and drawing series against South Africa and West Indies .

"Our performances I think speak for themselves and even in limited overs cricket the performances have been steady except for the bad form we faced against england and we have learnt from those defeats," he said.

Misbah said he was well aware of the pressures of leading Pakistan and that is why he kept himself focused on his game.

"I know how important it is for me to perform as a batsman as well and I keep myself focused on my performances as well," he added.

Afridi involved in brawl on return

KARACHI Afp

Pakistan allrounder Shahid Afridi lashed out at fans at Karachi airport after his three-year-old daughter was hurt in a crush of autograph hunters, eye-witnesses and television reports said Friday. The 32-year-old former captain lost his temper and hit fans who had descended on the airport to greet members of the Asia Cup winning national side, apparently after his daughter Ajwa was hurt. "Afridi's reaction was natural as dozens of fans circled him and hurt his daughter. I still love him and he is just like my brother," fan Gul Rehman, who was hit several times by the allrounder, later told media. Television footage showed Afridi, wearing an

orange t-shirt and jeans, striking Rehman and other fans. Afridi later said he did not want to hurt anyone but lost his temper. "There was no security for players and it's usual that fans come and seek autographs but this time they were out of control and hurt my daughter on which I lost my temper," Afridi told reporters.

Afridi and teammates Younis Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Asad Shafiq and Mohammad Hafeez returned home late Friday after Pakistan's two-run win against Bangladesh on Thursday which earned Pakistan its second Asia Cup title. Afridi was declared man-of-the-match for his fiery 32 in Pakistan's 236 and took one wicket in Bangladesh's innings. Captain Misbah-ul Haq and other players were due to return Lahore early Saturday.

Retirement not on my mind: tendulkar

LAhoRE: PcB chief Zaka Ashraf (R) and captain Misbah-ul-haq arrive in Lahore following their team's victory in the Asia cup. AFP

10th West-AsIA bAsebAll CuP

new DelHi: India's batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar has said he isn't ready to hang up his boots yet, amid growing speculation about his future following his long-awaited 100th international century. "I still get goose bumps as I stand with my team-mates when the national anthem is on. I still feel the same passion when I pick up my bat and go out," Tendulkar said in an interview with India's 'Open' magazine. Tendulkar, who set a new record in his glittering two-decade career by completing an unprecedented century of centuries during the recent Asia Cup, said he would quit only when he felt "a little less passion" for the game. "Critics haven't taught me my cricket and they don't know what my body and mind are up to. I can tell you that the day I feel a little less passion when I walk out to bat for India, I'll give up the game. "Critics don't need to tell me to do so. I will come to them and say 'my time is up'. Till then, I'd not bother about these opinions." India's cricket greats, including former captain Kapil Dev, talked about Tendulkar's retirement last month, at least from one-dayers, to prolong his Test career. Dev said that it was time to ponder hard choices for Tendulkar. "Maybe his time has come," Kapil said. "every player has his time. Age is not on his side as it was earlier." But Tendulkar, the world's leading scorer in both Test and one-day cricket, told Open magazine: "Retirement isn't something I am thinking about." When asked whether he thought of quitting one-day cricket after India's World Cup triumph last year, the master batsman said "such a thought had never occurred" to him. Afp

Pakistan get another convincing victory LAHORE StAff RepoRt

A grand slam hit by Umair Bhatti gave Pakistan another convincing 18-0 win in the 10th West-Asia Baseball Cup against Afghanistan at the Punjab Stadium here on Saturday.

Pakistan made an explosive start getting six runs in the first innings as their Arif Senior, Imtiaz Ali, Arshad Khan, Mohammad Asif, Iftikhar Ahmad all contributed one runs each, before Umair Bhatti earned the distinction of grand slam to make 6-0 lead of Pakistan.

In the second innings, Pakistan maintained their offensive game as while Afghanistan were failing to cope with the fine pitching of Pakistani pitchers Hafiz Usman and Ihsanullah, added five runs as Muhammad Arslan, Imtiaz Ali, Arshad, Farooq Khan and Asif all shared the scoring honours.

In the next innings, Pakistan collected five more runs one each through Muhammad Usman, Nasir

Butt, , Asif, Mussadiq Hanif and Imtiaz, who hit the home-run to increase the lead to 16-0.

The Pakistani batters, after establishing a big lead , showed complacency as they added one run each in the 4th and 5th innings. While Usman scored in the fourth innings, Asif made in the 5th innings to seal the fate of the match.

Overall, for Pakistan Asif remained top scorer with four runs, while Imtiaz contributed three runs.

Arshad, Usman added two runs apiece. Iftikhar, Arif senior, Mussadiq Hanif, Nasir Butt, Umair Bhatti (grand slam), Farooq Khan and Arslan chipped in with one run each.Chief guest was Zardasht Shams Cultural Attache embassy Of Islamic Republic Of Afghanistan. Now Sri Lanka will meet Iran on Sunday at 2.00pm.

Syed Shahid Ali Shah, Member International Olympic Committee (Pakistan) and President Punjab Olympic Association will be the chief guest and Iranian Consulate General Mohammad Hossain Bani Asadi will be Guest of Honor.

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Sunday, 25 March, 2012

Pollard leads West Indies to 42-run triumph ScoReBoARD k

Sports 19 Lahore whites, Gulberg Gym qualify for veterans zonal quarters LAHORE

GROS ISLET

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IeRON Pollard smashed a blistering century as West Indies defeated Australia by 42 runs in the fourth one-day international on Friday to take a 2-1 lead in the fivematch series. The 24-year-old Pollard hit eight sixes and five fours in his 70-ball 102 as the West Indies made 294 for seven off 50 overs, their highest score at the picturesque Beausejour Stadium. In reply, Australia, who were dismissed for 252, never recovered from losing five wickets in making 112 by the 21st over despite skipper Shane Watson (28), Peter Forrest (24), George Bailey (25) and Mike Hussey (26) all getting decent starts.

A sixth-wicket partnership of 67 between David Hussey and Matthew Wade kept Australia in the game. But when Wade holed out with an ugly slog off Pollard's medium pace from the last ball of the 34th over, after making a solid 16 to provide David Hussey with valuable support, the game was virtually up for Australia.

Hussey was then clean-bowled by Kemar Roach for 57 off 54 balls, an innings which featured seven fours. His dismissal in the 39th over, with the score on 196 for seven, came just two balls after Brett Lee had been hurt when a wild Roach full toss clattered into his left hand. But Lee valiantly hit back by making a career-best 59, an exciting cameo which featured five fours and five sixes before he ran out of partners.

"Today was just what we've been looking for, when we were sitting down as a batting group and planning," said West Indies skipper Darren Sammy, whose side can claim a first series win over Australia in 17 years if they take Sunday's last match.

South Africa pick three novices to face India JOHANNESBURG Afp

Three uncapped players were on Friday named in the South African squad to face India in a one-off Twenty20 international in Johannesburg on March 30.

Long-serving all-rounder Jacques Kallis is the only player currently in South Africa's Test squad in New Zealand who has been selected.

The match has been billed as a tribute to him. Titans batsman Farhaan Behardien and Cape Cobras wicketkeeper Dane Vilas gained their first call-ups at international level, while Faf du Plessis, a regular member of the oneday international side, will be making his Twenty20 international debut.

The decision to rest the Test players means that AB de Villiers, in his first season as South African one-day and Twenty20 captain, will be missing, together with vice-captain Hashim Amla.

Former captain Johan Botha will lead the side.

"We are leaving all the players out who are involved in the current Test match against New Zealand with the exception of Jacques Kallis, for whom there are special circumstances," said selection convener Andrew Hudson. "They will arrive back home two days before the start of the match, having travelled halfway across the world, and we don't believe they will be in any condition to play an international game of cricket.

"We still have a very strong squad for this important match, including the bulk of the players who won the T20 international series in New Zealand."

South African squad: Johan Botha (capt), Farhaan Behardien, Faf du Plessis, Colin Ingram, Jacques Kallis, Richard Levi, Albie Morkel, Justin Ontong, Wayne Parnell, Rusty Theron, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Morne van Wyk (wkt), Dane Vilas (wkt).

WeSt iNDieS 37 J. charles c Lee b Doherty A. Barath c Wade b McKay 41 11 M. Samuels c Wade b Lee 25 Darren Bravo c D. Hussey b Watson Dwayne Bravo lbw b Doherty 0 102 K. pollard c M. Hussey b Lee 34 A. Russell c Bailey b Watson 31 D. Sammy not out 0 c. Baugh not out 13 extras (lb3, w10) total (seven wickets; 50 overs) 294 Did not bat: S. Narine, K. Roach fall of wickets 1-56 (Barath), 2-83 (Samuels), 3-106 (charles), 4-106 (Darren Bravo), 5-146 (Dwayne Bravo), 6-240 (Russell), 7-278 (pollard) Bowling: Lee 10-0-72-2 (2w), Hilfenhaus 10-1-43-0 (5w), McKay 10-1-43-0 (2w), Watson 10-0-55-2 (1w), Doherty 10-164-2 AUStRALiA S. Watson c Roach b Sammy 28 1 D. Warner c Narine b Dwayne Bravo 24 p. forrest c charles b Sammy 25 G. Bailey c Baugh b Russell M. Hussey c Baugh b Russell 26 57 D. Hussey b Roach 16 M. Wade c Russell b pollard B. Lee c sub b Roach 59 2 c. McKay c pollard b Dwayne Bravo 1 X. Doherty c Sammy b Narine B. Hilfenhaus not out 0 13 extras (lb1, w11, nb2) 252 total (all out; 46.3 overs) fall of wickets 1-3 (Warner), 2-56 (Watson), 3-62 (forrest), 4111 (Bailey), 5-112 (Mike Hussey), 6-179 (Wade), 7-196 (David Hussey), 8-235 (McKay), 9-250 (Doherty), 10-252 (Lee) Bowling: Roach 9.3-0-74-2 (1nb, 3w), Dwayne Bravo 6-0-472 (5w), Narine 10-0-21-1 (1w), Sammy 9-0-42-2 (1nb), Russell 7-0-34-2 (1w), Samuels 3-0-17-0 (1w), pollard 2-0-16-1 toss: Australia Result: West indies won by 42 runs Series: West indies lead 2-1; one match tied fifth match: Gros islet, Sunday Umpires: Gregory Brathwaite (WiS) and Shavir tarapore (iND) tV umpire: Kumar Dharmasena (SRi) Match referee: Andy pycroft (ZiM) Reserve umpire: peter Nero (WiS)

Lahore Whites beat Sargodha Veteran by 61 runs and Gulberg Gymkhana beat Jhang Veteran by 34 runs and qualified for the zonal quarter-finals of the 14th National Veteran Senior Cricket Cup on Saturday.

ScoReS: At Race course Park Ground, Lahore whites scored 253/6 after 25 overs. Ghaffar Kazmi 97, Mohtasham Rasheed 78, Pervez Ghori 49 & Asim Sheikh 12 runs. Muhammad hussain 2/22, Ejaz Mehmood 1/45, Muhammad Arshad 1/45 & haidar Butt 1/53 wickets. In reply Sargodha Veteran 192/6 after 25 overs. haidar Butt 59, Majeed Asghar 43, Muhammad hasnain 41 & Amir Malik 28 runs. Asim Sheikh 3/26, Saleem Malik 1/31, Ghaffar Kazmi 1/27 & Shahid Meer 1/20 wickets. Muhammad Kaleem, Ansar Mehmood umpire & Syed Najam-ul-saeed was the scorer.

In the second match at old campus cricket Ground, Gulberg Gymkhana batting made 269/5 in 30 overs. Asif Mehmood 100, Afzal Munir 62, Khalid Mehmood 23, Manzoor Ilahi 39 runs not out & Javeed hafeez 20 runs not out. Sohail Sheikh 3/47, Ramzan Khan 1/37 & tariq Ahmad 1/49 wickets. In reply Jhang Veteran 235 all out after 28.5 overs. Sohail Sheikh 104, Shameem Shah 58 & tahir Mughal 24 runs. Faisal Mehmood 3/49, Afzal Munir 2/52, Azhar hussain 2/20, Manzoor Ilahi 1/31 & Javeed hafeez 1/36 wickets.

Shakil wins Lahore-Sahiwal cycle Race LAHORE StAff RepoRt

SAINt LucIA: west Indies cricketer Kieron Pollard (L) fist bumps with west Indies captain warren Sammy (R) as Pollard scores the century against Australia. AFP

South Africa defy weather to build solid total WELLINGTON Afp

South Africa made light of the grim weather as they cruised to 246-2 on the second day of the weather-affected third and final Test against New Zealand on Saturday.

Alviro Peterson, who struggled for runs in the first two Tests, found the Basin Reserve pitch in Wellington to his liking as he moved to 96 not out and closed in on his third Test century,

while JP Duminy was on 76.

The pair had put on 140 for the third wicket when bad light stopped play for the second consecutive day with only 79 of a possible 180 overs bowled in the first two days.

South Africa, who already have an unbeatable 1-0 lead in the three-Test series, were clearly intent on batting their way to an imposing total with the aim of dismissing New Zealand cheaply and enforcing the follow on.

The tourists resumed the second

day at 136-2 and put on 110 runs without loss in the 37 overs available after rain wiped out the morning session.

The New Zealand bowlers have been unable to benefit from the favourable fierce wind, overcast skies and a greentinged wicket and the fielders were incapable of taking the few chances on offer as the batsmen dominated.

Petersen offered two edges through the vacant third slip position but Martin Guptill, diving from second slip, was unable to grasp either one.

ScoReBoARD

wELLINGtoN: Alviro Petersen (L) and Jean-Paul Duminy of South Africa walk from the field because of bad light on day two of the third and final test match. AFP

South Africa 1st innings G. Smith c van Wyk b Bracewell 5 A. petersen not out 96 H. Amla c van Wyk b Gillespie 63 Jp Duminy not out 76 extras (b 2, w 2, nb 2) 6 total (2 wickets; 79 overs) 246 to bat: AB de Villiers, J. Rudolph, M. Boucher, D. Steyn, V. philander, M. Morkel, M. de Lange fall of wickets: 1-13 (Smith), 2-106 (Amla) Bowling: Martin 15-3-49-0, Bracewell 17-3-46-1 (1w), Gillespie 20-4-68-1 (1nb, 1w), Vettori 20-6-49-0, Brownlie 2-0-20-0, Williamson 5-0-12-0 toss: New Zealand Series: South Africa lead the three-match series 1-0 Umpires: Aleem Dar (pAK), Richard Kettleborough (eNG) tV umpire: Billy Doctrove (WiS) Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRi).

Mohamamd Shakil of Punjab won the Lahore to Sahiwal International Cycle Race organized by the Pakistan Cycle Federation to mark the Pakistan Day. Shakil covered the distance in five hours and 12.2 seconds while Sameer Ali ad Hashmat of Afghanistan secured the second and third positions in the event participated by around 45 cyclists.

DCO Sahiwal Zulfiqar Guman distributed Rs 100,000 among the winners.

JK IV ahead of all in National Bridge LAHORE StAff RepoRt

After completion of four rounds at the National Bridge Championship 2012, endorsed by Kayseria Lawn, in progress at the Lahore Gymkhana, the team JK IV leads with a gross victory points (VP) score of 88.

JK IV comprises of six international players Javed Khalid, Saeed Akhtar, Masood Mazhar, Tahir Abbas, Fehmina Hussain and Shauq Hussain.

They have won all their matches, beating Marathon 20-10, Century Insurance 21-9 and Chandna 25-1. Marathon with 74 VP's is lying 2nd, followed by Sabres and Preemptors at 60 VP's. engineers are at 6th position with 53 VP's. At the bottom are Chandna with 41 VP's.

The round robin phase will end today (Sunday, March 25). The top 4 teams will then enter the knock out stage and play the semi-finals and finals on 26. The finals between the top two teams will be played on March 27.

England, Sri Lanka seek Test redemption GALLE Afp

Top-ranked england play Sri Lanka in a two-Test series from Monday with both teams looking to prove a point after recent setbacks in the traditional five-day game. england's status as the world's number one Test side took a big hit when they crashed to an embarrassing 3-0 series whitewash to Pakistan in the United Arab emirates in January-February.

Sri Lanka, currently ranked sixth after being number two just a few years ago, are still searching for ways to win

Test matches without their retired world record holder Muttiah Muralitharan. The failure of Andrew Strauss-led england to adjust to spin-friendly wickets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi raised questions about their ability to win away from the seaming conditions at home.

Sri Lanka will offer little respite for the tourists, whose challenge to master the slow, turning wickets will be compounded by the oppressive heat and humidity prevailing on the island. "It's unbelievable, make no bones about that," batting star Kevin Pietersen said of the stifling weather. "It's not the spinners we

have to worry about, it's the heat.

"The heat is the biggest threat to us.

I am trying to conserve a lot of energy, not run around like a crazy fool." england have not won a series in Sri Lanka since 2001, when Nasser Hussain's men fought back after losing the first Test to win the remaining two matches for a creditable 2-1 scoreline. The tourists drew a blank on their last two visits to Sri Lanka, in 2003 and 2007, as the hosts won both three-Test series by 1-0 margins. Strauss' men have begun the current tour well by winning both practice matches in the capital Colombo, the

first by an innings and 15 runs and the second after chasing down a target of 359 in 60.4 overs. All the top-order batsmen, barring Ian Bell, have got among the runs with Strauss, opening partner Alastair Cook and number three Jonathan Trott hitting centuries. The badly out-of-form Bell has managed just 25 runs in three innings on the tour so far, while Ravi Bopara will be considered only as a specialist batsman after a side strain prevented him from bowling.

Sri Lanka's recent poor form will encourage england as they attempt to stamp their authority in the short series.

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Sunday, 25 March, 2012

A controversy and a triumph SportS thiS Week ALI AKBAR

C

ONTROVeRSY dogged the Pakistan Davis Cup team on its campaign against Lebanon recently.

According to news reports and insider information, the ITF has written a harsh letter to the Pakistan Tennis Federation regarding certain actions of the Pakistan Davis Captain following the conclusion of the tie.

The tie had been extended to Monday because of bad weather and the Pakistani management had refused to pay the hotel bill for the extra day. This apparently led to an altercation between the Lebanese management and Rasheed Malik, the Pakistan non-playing captain. The Lebanese complained to the ITF which saw enough substance in the charge to issue the letter.

All this is embarrassing, to say the least.

Tennis is an elitist sport and instances such as these are rare, especially in this day and age of instant communications.

The PTF president Kaleem Imam has been posted overseas, something unavoidable, but he has been active in tennis affairs, coming home every few weeks. What is harder to explain is the behaviour of the PTF management in Lebanon and at PTF's home office in Islamabad. It needs to be stated that this PTF management in Lebanon has had a chequered history, yet PTF continues to persist with the same tried and tested and found wanting faces. There was a particular incident in India which was extremely serious but was covered up by Dilawar Abbas and Khalid Khokhar because they only played favorites and victimised opponents and their children. It is good to see that the PTF has taken a firm stand and replaced the nonplaying captain with Mohammad Khalid a mature and non controversial man.

Bangladesh came within one swing of the bat of defeating Pakistan in the final of the Asia Cup. This performance was no flash in

the pan. They had trounced New Zealand 40 some time back and defeated Sri Lanka and India on their way to the finals. It is quite obvious that after years of defeats and tribulations, the Bengal Tigers have reached critical mass. Now they no longer panic when within sight of victory. Their batsmen are compact, solid and reliable and they bowl and field with commitment. The only question mark about Bangladesh is their ability to win away from home, in Tests as well as ODIs. Now that they have the self belief, these performances won't be long in coming. Welcome Bangladesh, you are, at long last, true members of the Test cricket community.

Pakistan deserve all the credit for defending an eminently gettable total. The spinners kept them in the match and it was an inspirational decision of Misbah to give the final over to Aizaz Cheema, who had earlier caught some stick. Cheema responded

The kings of Asia

A review of the Asia Cup, with an eye on the performance and future prospects of the four participants

ALL BASeS CoVereD KUNWAR KHULDUNE SHAHID

W

HeN the fate of being crowned the monarchs of a continent rests on the final delivery of the last over of a cricket match, you know that particular moment gives both terms, ‘humdinger’ and ‘nerve-racking’, a whole new meaning. Also, given that the two sides contesting the nail-biting finale were the lesser fancied teams out of the four participants – if the numbers posted by the bookies before the tournament are anything to do by – the significance of those dying moments became all the more humongous. Plus, since the home side was one of those vying for continental supremacy, with the ‘winner takes all’ cliché bulging out of each of those six balls of the Aizaz Cheema over, one could cut the tension in the atmosphere, in and around, the Sher-e-Bangal Stadium with a knife. In the end it was Cheema who had the command over his nerves, and pulled out as good a final over under pressure as you would see to script Pakistan’s second Asian Cup triumph in their history.

SRI LANKAN SURRENDER At the start of the tournament it was arguably the Sri Lankans who were the favourites to lift the Asia Cup, following their

exploits Down Under where they gave the number one side in the world a veritable jolt on their home turf. However, with a grand total of zero points in three matches, and also being the only side to be bulldozed by a bonus point margin, Sri Lanka were a good many light years away from even qualifying as their pale shadow. Their batting came to the plate intermittently, with the Holy Trinity of Mahela Jayawardene, Kumara Sangakara and Tilekaratne Dilshan producing a mixed bag at best. even the Lasith Malinga led bowling attack was run of the mill; and Malinga himself was regularly dispatched to all the proverbial corners of the park. After an impressive showing in Australia, the Asia Cup capitulation has come as a jolt for the Lankans ahead of england’s visit, but there is no need to clatter the alarm bells. They need to get the tournament out of their system and focus on an england side that is vulnerable in the sub-continental conditions – especially in the jurisdiction of tests.

LOPSIDED INDIA The time it took Sachin Tendulkar to finally score that coveted hundredth ton, meant that the monkey that had stationed itself on the maestro, had grown old enough to have grandchildren by the time it was finally thrown off his back against Bangladesh. even so, there’s a strong case against this monkey-throwing procrasti-

like a thoroughbred, saving the game for his team, when Bangladesh were a boundary away from the title. This over could have been a make or break for Cheema, what with our fickle and knee jerk selection philosophy.

Had he not saved the day, he could possibly have been consigned to the scrap heap. Misbah’s brave decision was a winner in more ways than one.

Roger Federer seldom ceases to amaze us. Well past his halcyon days of 2004-8, this was yet another new and improved Federer who swept the field at the BNP Paribas Masters in Indian Wells.

On display was a counter to Rafael Nadal’s ferocious topspin forehand. In the past, Federer would stay well behind the baseline and loop the backhand back, which would then set up for Nadal’s forehand winner.

At the BNP, Federer refused to retreat from the baseline, taking the backhand early,

nation being a major reason in the Indian side being dumped out of the tournament.

The ages Tendulkar took in traversing the nervous nineties and the seemingly endless eighties against Bangladesh, eventually proved to be the difference between India scoring well in excess of 320 and being restricted for 290. A score of around 330 would’ve given even this new-look Bangladeshi batting powerhouse an intimidating precipitous mountain to climb.

And of course had India not come second best in that particular match, they would’ve had been in the final, and would’ve pretty much had fancied their chances against anyone.

All the same, the great man taking his time to reach the milestone might not have had been that big an issue, had the Indian bowling not proven itself to be as menacing as a butterfly in a tranquil spring morning, again. Sans Zaheer Khan India’s bowling borders on a charity ensemble, and their bowling in the powerplays and the last 10 overs is cinch of scoring spree. The disparity between the batting and bowling lineups of India is so gigantic, that it’s almost as if two different sides take to the field in each innings. India need to track down some bowling talent, and fast, or else their dominance even in the sub-continent would fade away eventually; with the struggles away from home being well-documented.

India have easily the most daunting batting TNT in the sport, and in Virat Kohli they have arguably the best young batsman in the limited-overs format. Kohli’s 183 against Pakistan, which made a mockery of the mammoth 329 posted by Pakistan, was one of the greatest ODI innings of all-time.

It’s one thing scoring a huge century in ODIs but a completely different prospect doing it in a stiff run-chase in a clutch game against the archenemy. The Indians would need to produce quality bowlers to complement their flamboyant batting contingent, if they want to plan ahead for a successful showing in Australia 2015.

BANGLADESH COME OF AGE My word has the Bangladesh Premier League worked wonders for the Bengali Tigers! How a team, that for ages has been the punching bag for all the test playing nations and even as recently as December allowed Pakistan to roll them over in second gear, managed to conjure up such a blockbuster showing like a bolt from the blue is beyond words. Playing with quality international stars and dealing with the pressure cooker scenarios day in day out

giving Nadal no time or space to hit his patented forehand winners. The effect was startling, with Federer cruising effortlessly past his nemesis to tie him for the most Masters titles with 19.

If ever there were any doubts about Federer’s claim to the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), they were dispelled considerably. The Tennis Channel in a survey conducted with the aid of independent experts, voted Federer as the greatest player of all time. Federer edged Rod Laver for the top spot. Rounding out the top 10 were Steffi Graf in third, followed by Martina Navratilova, Pete Sampras, Rafael Nadal, Bjorn Borg, Margaret Court, Chris evert and Billie Jean King.

Missing from the top 10 were past greats like Bill Tilden, Helen Moody, Henri Lacoste or ellsworth Vines, Pancho Gonzalez or Lew Hoad. The ranking seems heavily weighted towards players from the modern age. This is understandable because the standard of tennis has improved out of sight from the 1930s and 40s. It needs to be emphasised that all these players from the past were champions and would have successfully adapted their game to compete against the modern players.

Aisam Qureshi and Jean Julien Roger won their first round match at the Sony Masters in Miami. They had lost early at Indian Wells and are not ranked high enough to be seeded in major events. This means that they will have to face top teams in the early rounds, something they may have trouble overcoming. This is a crossroads in Aisam’s doubles career. With his current partner, he will struggle against the top teams, playing close matches without many positive results. Should he get a better partner or rejoin with Rohan Bopanna he would be a contender for the major championships. Perhaps his best chance of winning a major might be the mixed doubles, where he is very effective against the girls, with his interceptions at the net.

Aisam has had a good career and is showing little sign of slowing down.

has completely rejuvenated a team that has long been dubbed as the Tigers but have only recently learned to roar… and how! In players like Tamim Iqbal – who scored four half-centuries on the trot – and Nasser Hussain they have two of the most dexterous ODI batsmen, especially in the sub-continent and should be the batting cornerstones for Bangladeshi success for the time to come.

Shakib-al-Hasan – the man of the tournament – is easily one of the best cricketers in the world right now. And with his economical spin bowling, being coupled with explosive batting, he is an archetypal modern day limited-overs cricketer.

Watching him bat, and pulverise some of the most extolled bowlers in world cricket, is an exhilarating sight and expect the youngsters in Bangladesh to queue up in their quest of being the next Shakib-alHasan. Mushfiq-ur-Rahim proved himself to be a commanding leader, a competent wicket-keeper, with a few dynamites to offer in the lower order as well. Bangladesh have a formidable spinner in Abdur Razzak, and all they lack is a genuine speedster; with the only paceman of noteworthy speed Shahadat Hossain being as accurate as an AK47 being controlled by a blind man. It was his wayward final over that allowed Pakistan to take their total up to 236, which might just have proved to be the difference in the end.

Anyway, there’s no denying that Bangladesh have finally come of age, and you’d have to be a stone-hearted, dead from the inside sculpt of numbness to not feel for their emotions after the final.

Cricket was already big in Bangladesh, but their groundbreaking run in the Asia Cup would absolutely blow the lid off the cricket following for a country finally managing to progress towards the centre, after having spent ages prowling around the periphery of cricketing fulfillment.

PAKISTAN PREVAILS One would feel that winning your second ever Asia Cup after 12 long years would shush the critics and satisfy the fans, but that’s not how we function here in Pakistan unfortunately. There are still murmurs in the background of an overhaul, and the fans – although ostensibly in ecstasy in the aftermath of the final – have qualms over the performance not having had been ‘vintage Pakistan’. We seem to be forgetting that in major international tournaments there is nothing more important than the final result; and for a team that has just

been crowned the monarchs of Asia – the continent wherein the previous World Cup traced its finalists from – a complete revamp might not be what the doctor – or anyone with half a cricketing brain, for that matter – would want to order.

Granted there are a few creases that need to be ironed for us to rubberstamp our authority as being a permanent fixture in the upper echelons of world cricket, but we have overcame one of those creases during the tournament – arguably the most significant one for the last decade or so. Nasir Jamshed has quite possibly solved Pakistan’s opening conundrum and Hammad Azam has showcased enough to suggest that he might have what it takes to being that lower order finisher that we lack without Abdul Razzaq, with the added quality of medium-pace as well – which our allround prodigy will have to work upon.

Barring half a mediocre showing in the second half against India, Pakistan were easily the best – albeit not the most flamboyant – side in the tournament. Our bowling, again, apart from the India match, was the principal protagonist of our success, and Cheema’s impressive spell in the final has vindicated his presence amongst possibly the most daunting bowling repertoire in the game. The middle order batting had its moments – some of them quite remarkable as well – but the likes of Younus Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq are still under the scrutiny gun apropos their longevity and their near and long-term future. Umar Akmal is still in stuck in that no man’s land between ‘promising talent’ and ‘established batsman’ as the entire nation collectively awaits the completion of this protracted transition.

Misbah’s captaincy has also been questioned, for some bizarrely inexplicable reason, despite winning the biggest trophy in Asian cricket. There are murmurs of Misbah being relieved of his captaincy in the limited-overs format with Hafeez, and Shahid Afridi being peddled as replacements. While such a manoeuvre, after a successful conquest, makes absolutely no sense to this scribe at all, it might stop Afridi from beating up fans at airports and might make him feel better after having not been “feeling well” off-late.

It is too early to gauge Dav Whatmore’s impact on the team just yet, the yardsticks should come out after the Sri Lanka tour in May. Pakistan have a couple of plans to draw out their long-term line of action, with a special eye on that tour and the T20 World Cup in September.

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Sunday, 25 March, 2012

Sports 21 WATCH IT LIVE ESPN Sports Center 07:30PM

ZtBL thrash hEc to take women cricket crown ISLAMABAD StAff RepoRt

ZTBL thrashed HeC by 181 runs in the final to take the 7th National Women Cricket Championship-2012 crown at the Diamond Ground, Islamabad. Put into bat, ZTBL piled up 331 for five in 50 overs, thanks to an 88 balls 104 from Nain Abdi that helped her team amass such a big total. Sana Mir, Qanita Jalil and Bismah Maroof hit half centuries to consolidate their team’s position. In reply HeC was bundled out for 150 runs. Sukhan Fiaz was their only batswomen who reached the double figure. Sana Mir – ZTBL was declared the best batswoman and player of the tournament while Nain Abdi – ZTBL was best fielder, Madhiya Rajput – Lahore, best wicketkeeper and elizbeth Khan – Lahore, best bowler ScoReS: ZtBL 331-5 in 50 overs: (Nain Abdi 104 88 balls, 10x4s, 3x6, Sana Mir 69, qanita Jalil 64, Bismah Maroof 71, Sukhan Fiaz 2-71) hEc 150 in 36.3 overs: (Sukhan Fiaz 28 not out, Mariam hassan Shah 4-21, Bismah Maroof 2-21) Player of the match: Nain Abdi - ZtBL, Result: ZtBL won by 181 runs. toss won by: hEc and elected to field first; umpires: Samera Aftab & Afia Amin, Match Referee: tanveer Afzal, official Scorer: Shakeel Ahmed.

KEY BISCAYNE: Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Santiago Giraldo of Columbia during the Sony Ericsson Open. AfP

Venus, nadal, Azarenka advance at Miami MIAMI Afp

Venus Williams, in only her second WTA match after a long illness layoff, upset world number three Petra Kvitova on Friday to reach the third round of the WTA and ATP Miami hardcourt tournament.

World number two Rafael Nadal cruised in his opener and women's top seed Victoria Azarenka stretched her win streak to 24 matches at the $9.6 million event, but seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Williams stole the show.

"It's definitely a big step forward," Williams said after her 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 win.

"To win these matches definitely a lot of it is mental, to get out there and believe you're going to win and execute. "How I'm going to do, I never really know, so it's great to have a win like this. It's definitely satisfying." Williams withdrew from last year's US Open with the auto-immune disorder Sjogren's syndrome, an illness that saps energy and causes joint pain. Her first tournament match since then was a first-round triumph on Wednesday. That put Williams up against Czech third seed Kvitova, who

fought to reach a third set only to be overpowered by Williams after two hours and 18 minutes. "I was just trying to win the match. I didn't even think about that it was six-love until like long after the match was over," Williams said. Kvitova was impressed with how well Williams played after seven months away in booking a thirdround match-up with Canadian wildcard

Aleksandra Wozniak, who defeated Romania's Monica Niculescu 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

"She played very well after a long time.

She looks very ready, very fit," Kvitova said.

"The third set was really cruel for me. I knew what I had to do, but if I don't return very well it's tough to play against her."

Williams said she was playing with new enthusiasm. "I'm pretty pumped out there.

Like literally I have nothing to lose," she said. "every shot is a victory and a blessing so I'm just going for it. Hopefully I have a new lease on life. I just want to feel good enough to play." Spanish second seed Nadal began his quest for a first-ever Miami title by ousting Colombia's Santiago Giraldo 6-2, 6-0 in 69 minutes, saying it was not as easy a victory as he made it seem.

It’s a day of Murad at Royal Palm Golf LAHORE StAff RepoRt

In the two rounds Royal Palm Annual Golf Championship in progress at the character-loaded Royal Palm Golf Course, the star of the occasion at the end of the first round was Sardar Murad who showed composure and class by performing like a champion.

Never straying from the fairways, Murad hit accuracy-oriented tee shots and making phenomenal putts that fetched him a good looking score of gross 71, one under par. All through the first round the pars came with consistent regularity nine of them virtually coming in a sequence on holes 2 to 11 with the exception of the 5th hole which he birdied.

Thereafter there was again a pause from the par blitz, with a break

on the 12th hole which was birdied.

Another pause on the 14th hole was not too likeable as it turned out to be a disaster, the double bogie slightly offsetting the excellence in play. This double bogie however did not upset his victory march as he parred the closing holes, the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th. A wonderful end to a day’s effort and the first round score of gross 71, making him a front-runner.

Other strong contenders in the race for the champions crown are Mohsen Zafar and Omer Salamat.

Mohsen too had a great day, the champions touch very visible during the first round. Fourteen pars, two birdies were the outstanding features of his round of gross 73, the negative ones being a bogie on the 1st hole and a double bogie on the 3rd hole. Mohsen seeks to put up a

strong challenge in the final round on Sunday and make a real match of it against Sardar Murad and Omer.

As for Omer Salamat, he played steady golf, his round of gross 75 studded with 13 pars, one birdie and four rather disappointing bogies which put him a little away from the leader. Amongst the other performers in gross section Amir Mehmood is at 77, followed by Abbas Ali Khan at 78 and the defending champion Shahid Abbas Awan at 81. The battle is on for supremacy.

In the contest for Captains Cup, right up front is Max Babri more well-known for his counselling sessions with the cricket team and now applying the temperament counselling on his own game. Taking full advantage of his 16 handicap, he played well-enough to end the first

round with a match winners score of net 67, five under par and as Max said: "I owe this score to some phenomenal putts, with all the six to seven footers falling into the hole at the touch of my putting stroke." In this net category too Sardar Murad is looking good with a score of net 67, followed by Mohsen at net 68, Dr.Nasrullah at net 70, Hamid Sharif at net 71, Tajjamal Hussain at net 71, Abbas Ali at net 71 and Amir Mehmood at net 72.

In this championship two girls Nushmiya Sukhera and Kashifa Zafar managed to create history by competing against the men competitors and teeing of from the men’s tee. This certainly requires courage and they enjoyed competing against better players. This championship will conclude on Sunday.

Faisal takes important decision in AFc EXco moot LAHORE StAff RepoRt

Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, President Pakistan Football Federation and member AFC executive Committee attended the AFC executive Committee (eXCO) meeting in AFC House, Kuala Lumpur.

He is the first Pakistani who has been elected to the prestigious body which deals with important administrative mattes and promotion programme for the development of football in Asia.

The AFC eXCO is responsible for ratifying and approving the decisions of the AFC Standing Committees. The AFC eXCO met for the first time for this year and deliberated upon several important issues and took crucial decisions for the development of Asian football.

The AFC eXCO approved the proposal for change of name of the AID-27 Monitoring Committee to AFC Financial Assistants Programme (AFAP) to bring in lines with FIFA aid programme. The AFC eXCO also approved enhancement in AFAP annual grant to members Associations.

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SeveN SolDIerS, 22 mIlItANtS kIlleD IN ClASheS Four troops killed in ‘sting operation’ in South waziristan Agency g three soldiers die in militant attack on checkpost in orakzai Agency

hours, officials said Saturday.

Security forces carried out a search operation in South Waziristan region and killed 12 militants, a military official said.

He said the operation was launched early Saturday in Shin Warsak area near the region’s main town of Wana following a tip off from intelligence sources that some militants were hiding in the area. “During an exchange of fire 12 militants were killed and four soldiers embraced martyrdom,” he said. Another official in Peshawar, the main city in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province confirmed the clash, saying “the sting operation is now over.” The Pakistani military in 2009 carried out a sweeping offensive into parts of South Waziristan in order to disable the headquarters of the country’s main Taliban

g

PESHAWAR Afp

A

T least seven soldiers and 22 militants died in clashes between troops and militants in the restive northwestern tribal belt over the past 24

faction. Many of the Taliban commanders and their footsoldiers are believed to have fled into the neighbouring district of North Waziristan, where Pakistan has so far resisted American pressure for a similar offensive. The search operation in South Waziristan follows an increase in militant bomb attacks in the northwest. earlier three soldiers and more than 10 militants were killed after dozens of Taliban militants stormed a check post in a tribal region near the Afghan border overnight. The attack took place at a check post in Khadizai area on the outskirts of Kalaya, the main town in the lawless Orakzai district, a senior military officer said. Independent confirmation of the death toll was not immediately possible as the lawless tribal region is barred for journalists.

NATO chopper intrudes into Khyber Agency BARA iNp

A NATO helicopter once again violated Pakistani airspace in Khyber Agency near border with Afghanistan on Saturday, creating panic in the area.

Sources said the helicopter entered from Torkham side, and remained in the Pakistani airspace for 10 minutes before returning to Afghanistan.

The low-flying chopper created panic among the tribesmen living along the Pak-Afghan border.

This latest violation of Pakistani

airspace by NATO forces comes a couple of days after a parliamentary committee, tasked to prepare recommendations to review terms of engagements with the US, put its recommendations before the joint sitting of the parliament.

Pakistan stopped supplies to NATO forces in Afghanistan after NATO/ISAF aircraft attacked Pakistani border posts at Salala in Kurram Agency in the last week of November, 2011, and killed 24 troops. The parliamentary committee has demanded US apology over the incident as a precondition to revive engagement in the war on terror.

Zardari for closer Pak-tajik cooperation DUSHANBE App

iSLAMABAD: opposition Leader in National Assembly chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Jamiat Ulema-e-islam chief fazlur Rehman hold hands to show solidarity during a meeting of the joint opposition on Saturday. online

Haqqani declines to appear before memo commission

Shia lawyer, son gunned down in Karachi

ISLAMABAD oNLiNe

KARACHI oNLiNe

Former president of the Malir Bar, Salahuddin Haider Jafri and his son Ali Raza were killed in an ambush on Saturday.

According to police, Salahuddin left home for work with his son when unidentified gunmen opened fire on his vehicle near Azadi Chowk in Landhi, leaving them injured. Both succumbed to their wounds on way to the hospital. Their bodies were shifted to Jinnah Hospital for medical formalities. Later, Rangers and police launched a search operation to arrest the culprits. A large number of lawyers rushed to the hospital.

Police said the victims belonged to the minority Shia community, and termed the incident a targeted killing. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

In reaction, lawyers announced a boycott of court proceedings and demanded an immediate arrest of the culprits. The Shia Ulema Council also condemned the killing and announced three-day mourning. Sindh Home Minister Manzoor Wasan has taken notice of the double murder and sought a report from Sindh IG Police.

Former ambassador to the US, Husain Haqqani on Saturday declined to appear before the “memogate” commission mandated by the Supreme Court to probe the memo scandal. Husain Haqqani’s counsel Sajid Tanoli said his client had threats to his life in Pakistan, hence, he could not appear before the commission at Islamabad High Court (IHC) in Pakistan.

Haqqani submitted an application with the apex court, requesting the commission to record his statement through video conferencing, just as the statement of AmericanPakistani businessman Mansoor Ijaz was earlier recorded, according to Tanoli. Haqqani’s other lawyer, Zahid Bukhari said his client had earlier appealed to the memo commission to record his statement via video link, but the commission asked him to refer it to the Supreme Court. “If a person who writes against Pakistan can get his statements recorded via video link, then Haqqani can do it as well,” re-

In the post 2014 geo-strategic scenario, it is important that Pakistan and Tajikistan develop closer cooperation in all fields, particularly in the areas of defence, security and intelligence after drawdown of foreign forces from Afghanistan, President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday said on Saturday.

He proposed that the interior ministers should meet regularly and more often for this purpose. The proposal was mooted and instantly accepted by Tajikistan President emomali Rahmon during a meeting between the two leaders soon after President Zardari arrived from Islamabad on a two day visit to this Central Asian state which is separated from Pakistan only by a narrow strip of few kilometers in Wakhan in Afghanistan.

It was decided that modalities for the meetings between the interior ministers would be worked out during the current visit. President’s spokesman Farhatullah Babar said soon after arrival, the president drove straight to inaugurate the National Bank branch in Dushanbe describing it as step to further cement business and trade relations before holding a one on one and a delegation level meeting with President Rahmon. The delegation level meeting was attended by Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Tajikistan Amjad Hussain B Sial, Farhatullah Babar, Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jillani, Senator Abbas Khan and other senior officials of the Foreign Office.

During the delegation level talks, the Tajik president was assisted by Tajik ministers and senior officials. Babar said Zardari also proposed regular consultations led by the Foreign

Offices and composed of relevant ministries and agencies to prepare plans for the evolving scenario as a result of the drawdown of foreign forces from Afghanistan. He said stable Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan, Tajikistan and the entire region and that regional solutions must be found to regional issues. He said that Pakistan supported Afghan-led reconciliation process for bringing stability in Afghanistan. The president also called for removing impediments in developing closer economic cooperation by improving air, road and rail connectivity and stepped up people to people contacts and tourism.

marked Bukhari. “We will act according to the Supreme Court’s decision.” Haqqani, who is currently in London, has been summoned by the memo commission on March 26. The commission had allowed Haqqani to travel abroad on the condition that he will come back to Pakistan within four days of his summon.

opp to present joint stance on PCnS recommendations ISLAMABAD AGeNcieS

The opposition parties in the National Assembly have decided to present a joint stance based on their consensus on the recommendations forwarded by the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) regarding the restoration of NATO supplies and the US-Pakistan ties.

Opposition leaders got together at the residence of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman in Lahore on Saturday for a joint meeting. Speaking to the media, Fazl said the opposition parties would try to ensure that the parliament’s

resolutions were actually implemented.

“The parliament will form a policy based on consensus regarding Pak-US relations,” he said. “We also need to be assured that the resolution drafted during the All Parties’ Conference should be implemented,” he added. The meeting was attended by Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Opposition Leader in the Senate Ishaq Dar, central leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Likeminded Saleem Saifullah, Pakistan People’s Party-Sherpao (PPP-S) chief Aftab Sherpao, among others.

Nisar, who was talking to reporters alongside Fazl, said that it had been agreed

in the joint parliamentary session that a strategy would be set based on consensus.

The resolution on restoring NATO supplies should be unanimously passed by the parliament,” he added. “We will not allow the parliamentary session to be hijacked in any way,” he said. The government will have to “persuade the opposition on the parliament’s decisions,” he added.

Debate on FinDinGS: The parliament will resume its joint session on the resumption of NATO supplies and Pakistan-US ties on Monday after a five-day hiatus, following which a debate on the PCNS recommendations and findings will formally commence.

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

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